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(11) | EP 3 552 786 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | MACHINE AND METHOD FOR MACHINING AN EDGE OF A WORKPIECE |
| (57) Described is a machine (1) for machining at least one edge (E) of a panel (P) positioned
parallel to a plane (X-Y) identified by a first direction (X) and a second direction
(Y), said machine (1) comprising: a cutting member (5) for cutting said at least one
edge (E) of said panel (P); a detecting device (8) for detecting, in use, the shape
of said panel (P) whilst said detecting device (8) rolls on said panel (P), wherein
said detecting device (8) is idly rotatable about a rotation axis (Y1) parallel to
said second direction (Y) and connected with said cutting member (5); a braking system
(9) for braking the rotation of said detecting device (8), said braking system comprising
a first friction element (10) and a second friction element (11) positioned, respectively,
above and below a plane parallel to said plane (X-Y) and passing through said rotation
axis (Y1) and configured for producing friction when touched by said detecting device
(8); and a movement system for moving said detecting device (8) between at least one
first position, where said detecting device (8) is in contact with said panel (P)
while said cutting member (5) cuts said at least one edge (E), and at least one second
position, where said detecting device (8) is in contact with said first friction element
(10) or said second friction element (11), such that the rotation of said detecting
device (8) decelerates due to friction between said detecting device (8) and said
first friction element (10) or said second friction element (11) when said detecting
device (8) moves from said at least one first position to said at least one second
position.
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[0002] More in detail, the invention relates to a machine for machining, or more precisely, cutting at least one edge of a panel, such as, for example, a panel made of wood or other material, on the basis of the shape of the panel.
[0003] There are prior art machines for edging wooden panels, designed for the application of edging elements on the side faces of the panels and the machining of the edging elements on the basis of the shape of the panels to be machined.
[0004] In order to allow the machining of the edging elements on the basis of the shape of the panels, the machines are equipped with special devices, so-called "copying devices", for detecting the shape of the panels to be machined.
[0005] However, the prior art copying devices have various disadvantages and drawbacks, such as, for example, the high risk of damaging the surfaces of the panels during the machining due to the friction produced by the excessive rotation of the copying devices on the panels to be machined.
[0006] In light of the above, the aim of the invention is therefore to provide a machine for machining an edge of a panel which does not ruin or damage the surfaces of the panels during the machining of the relative edges.
[0007] Another aim of the invention is to provide a machine for machining an edge of a panel which is particularly efficient and high performing.
[0008] A further aim of the invention is to provide a machine for machining an edge of a panel which allows excellent results in terms of quality and precision to be obtained during use.
[0009] Another aim of the invention is to provide a machine for machining an edge of a panel which has a reduced structural complexity.
[0010] Another aim of the invention is to provide a machine for machining an edge of a panel which has particularly reduced execution times.
[0011] The specific object of this invention is therefore a machine for machining at least one edge of a panel positioned parallel to a plane identified by a first direction and a second direction, said machine comprising: a cutting member for cutting said at least one edge of said panel; a detecting device for detecting, in use, the shape of said panel whilst said detecting device rolls on said panel, wherein said detecting device is idly rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to said second direction and connected with said cutting member; a braking system for braking the rotation of said detecting device, said braking system comprising a first friction element and a second friction element positioned, respectively, above and below a plane parallel to said plane and passing through said rotation axis and configured for producing friction when touched by said detecting device; and a movement system for moving said detecting device between at least one first position, where said detecting device is in contact with said panel while said cutting member cuts said at least one edge, and at least one second position, where said detecting device is in contact with said first friction element or said second friction element, such that the rotation of said detecting device decelerates due to friction between said detecting device and said first friction element or said second friction element when said detecting device moves from said at least one first position to said at least one second position.
[0012] Further according to the invention, said first friction element and said second friction element can be elongated elements.
[0013] Preferably according to the invention, said first friction element and said second friction element are parallel.
[0014] Advantageously according to the invention, said first friction element and said second friction element can each have a friction surface which has a substantially planar shape facing towards said detecting device.
[0015] Conveniently according to the invention, said moving system can be configured to move, in use, said detecting device around said panel.
[0016] Further according to the invention, said machine can comprise a second moving system to move, in use, said panel along an advancing direction in the space comprised between said first friction element and said second friction element.
[0017] Preferably according to the invention, said first friction element and said second friction element are parallel to said advancing direction.
[0018] An object of the invention is also a method for machining at least one edge of a panel by means of a machine as indicated above, said method comprising the steps of: providing a machine as indicated above; moving said detecting device in said at one first position; rolling said detecting device on said panel such that said cutting member cuts said at least one edge of said panel; and moving said detecting device in said at least a second position such that the rotation of said detecting device decelerates due to friction between said detecting device and said first friction element or said second friction element.
[0019] Further according to the invention, said method can comprise the steps of: moving said detecting device on a first zone of said panel; rolling said detecting device on a first surface of said panel, such that said cutting member cuts a first portion of said at least one edge adjacent to said first surface of said panel; moving said detecting device on said second friction element such that the rotation of said detecting device decelerates due to friction between said detecting device and said second friction element; moving said detecting device on a second zone of said panel; rolling said detecting device on a second surface of said panel, opposite to said first surface, such that said cutting member cuts a second portion of said at least an edge adjacent to said second surface of said panel; and moving said detecting device on said first friction element such that the rotation of said detecting device decelerates due to friction between said detecting device and said first friction element.
[0020] Conveniently according to the invention, said method can comprise moving said panel along an advancing direction in the space comprised between said first friction element and said second friction element.
[0021] The invention is now described, by way of example and without limiting the scope of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of it, in which:
Figure 1 shows a machine for edging panels incorporating a device for machining the edges of panels;
Figure 2 shows a portion of the machine shown in Figure 1 showing a device for machining the edges of panels;
Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 2 engaged on a panel;
Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the device shown in Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a side view of the device of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is an exploded view of a panel and a portion of machine comprising the device shown in Figures 4 and 5, during a first type of machining on an edge of a panel;
Figure 7 is cross section view of a panel and a portion of machine comprising the device shown in Figures 4 and 5, during a the same machining step shown in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is an exploded view of a panel and a portion of machine comprising the device shown in Figures 4 and 5, during a second type of machining on an edge of a panel;
Figure 9 is cross section view of a panel and a portion of machine comprising the device shown in Figures 4 and 5, during a the same machining step shown in Figure 8;
Figure 10 shows a unit of the machine shown in Figure 1 in which there is also the device of Figures 4 and 5;
Figures 11-20 are side views which show different operational steps relative to the machining of the edges of a panel;
Figures 21 and 22 are two axonometric views of a panel on which is applied an edge element not yet machined;
Figure 23 is an axonometric view of a panel incorporating an edge element subjected to a first type of machining, called end trimming;
Figure 24 is a detailed view relative to Figure 23;
Figure 25 is an axonometric view of a panel incorporating an edge element subjected to a second type of machining which comprises the end trimming and the rounding of the edges of the panel; and
Figure 26 is a detailed view relative to Figure 25.
[0022] The similar parts will be indicated in the various drawings with the same numerical references.
[0023] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a machine for edging wooden panels, such as, for example, panels made of wooden chipboard.
[0024] In particular, the above-mentioned machine 1 comprises a supporting surface 2 which extends along a first axis X, above which there is a roller 3, that is to say, a series of rollers alongside each other.
[0025] The supporting surface 2 and the roller 3 are positioned at a distance such that the interposing, between them, of a panel P arranged horizontally, that is, parallel to plane identified by the first axis X and by a second axis Y at right angles to said first axis X.
[0026] The machine 1 also comprises a movement system to allow the feeding of the panel along the supporting surface 2, along an advancing direction A parallel to the above-mentioned first axis X.
[0027] The machine 1 comprises various operational systems and units positioned, in line, to the side of the supporting plane 2 and the roller 3, including a system for applying and gluing an edge element E flexible on a side face F of the panel P and, downstream of this, a system for end trimming the edge element comprising a working device 4 which comprises, in turn, a cutting tool 5 with a rotary operation about an axis of rotation Y1 parallel to the above-mentioned second axis Y and a copying device, that is to say, a device for detecting the exact profile of the panel P during the machining.
[0028] The cutting tool 5 has a circular extension and a plurality of shaped blades 7, positioned equidistant to each other around the periphery of the tool.
[0029] The blades of the above-mentioned plurality of blades 7 are preferably four in number and arranged at 90° from each other.
[0030] More specifically, each blade 7 is formed by an outer rectilinear section 7a, substantially parallel to said axis of rotation Y1, and a inner curved section 7b curved in a substantially radial direction.
[0031] In a position adjacent to each blade 7 a groove 7' is formed, that is, a recess, to allow, in use, the discharge of machining waste during rotation of the cutting member 5.
[0032] The copying device comprises, on the other hand, a rolling roller 8 mounted in an idle fashion on the cutting member 5 and a contact element 6 on which is fitted a spring acting such as to constantly push against the panel P, during machining, along the above-mentioned second axis Y.
[0033] The above-mentioned cutting tool 5 is also movable with respect to the contact element 6 along said second axis Y.
[0035] More specifically, the roller 8 and the contact element 6 carry out the function of determining the exact position of the panel P along, respectively, the third axis Z and the second axis Y.
[0036] In the machine 1 there is also a dedicated movement system for moving the working device 4 on a plane defined by the first axis X and by a third axis Z at right angles to the first axis X and to the second axis Y, independently from the movement of the panel P.
[0037] The same movement system just mentioned also allows the working device 4 to be moved along the second axis towards or away from the panel P.
[0038] The machine 1 comprises a control system 9 for limiting the rotation of the copying device during the various machining steps on the panel P.
[0039] The control system 9 comprises, in a position above and below the zone for passage of the panel P, an upper rectilinear support element 10 and a lower rectilinear support element 11, both oriented parallel to the first axis X of the panel P.
[0040] In particular, the above-mentioned upper support element 10 is movable along the third axis Z, and the lower support element 11 is movable along said first axis X independently from the movement of the working device 4 along the same axis.
[0041] The machine 1 also comprises a contact element 12 for feeling, that is to say, detecting, the exact position of the panel P during predetermined working steps, such as to act as a spatial reference for operation of the working device 4.
[0042] The contact element 12 is positioned below the zone of passage of the panel P e movable along the first axis X integral with the upper support element 10 and the lower support element 11.
[0043] With respect the upper support element 10 and the lower support element 11, the above-mentioned contact element 12 is, on the other hand, movable, along the third axis Z, between a raised operating position and a lowered rest position.
[0044] In the machine 1 there is also, downstream of the zone of action of the working device 4, a final trimming system (not illustrated) for cutting, that is to say, removing, the portions of the edge element E protruding from the face of the panel P, remaining from the machining by means of the above-mentioned working device 4.
[0045] More specifically, the final trimming system comprises two rotary cutting tools, with a fixed position, arranged facing each other at a reciprocal distance substantially equal to the height of the panel P, such that when the latter is passed through the space between said two rotary cutting tools, the protruding portions, upper and lower, of the edge element E are cut flush with the panel P.
[0046] After inserting the unworked panel P, that is, free of edge elements on the respective sides, in the machine 1, it is passed, by means of the above-mentioned movement system, in the zone of passage between the supporting surface 2 and the overlying roller 3 from a feed zone to a pickup zone.
[0047] Along the path from the feeding zone to the pickup zone the panel P is advanced along the advancing direction A at a constant speed and subjected, during the movement, to a series of successive machining operations.
[0048] Initially, a flexible edge element E is applied, by gluing, on the side face F of the panel P facing the machine 1 fed in a continuous fashion and cut to size after having been glued to the face.
[0049] In particular, the edge element E is dimensioned and cut such as to protrude both from the upper 13 and lower 14 faces and from the front 15 and rear 16 faces (see figures 21 and 22).
[0050] Subsequently, when the same panel P reaches the zone of action of the working device 4, the contact element 12 rises until making contact with the front face 15 of the panel P.
[0051] Meanwhile, the roller 8 of the copying device moves from a position resting on the upper support element 10 (see Figure 11) downwards until coming into contact with the upper face 13 of the panel P moving the contact element 6 in abutment with the edge element E, such as to allow the cutting member 5, already operational, to cut an upper part of the edge element E flush with the upper face 13 (see figure 12).
[0052] The work device 4 advances with respect to the panel P and then downwards (see Figure 13) so that the contact element 6 constantly adheres to the edge element E and the roller 8 first on the upper face 13 and them on the lower face 15, allowing, in this way, the cutting of the portion of the edge element E protruding from the front face 15, flush with the latter.
[0053] During the cutting of the portion of the edge element E protruding from the front face 15, the contact element 12 moves to the lower rest position.
[0054] Once the front protruding part of the edge element E has been trimmed, the work device 4 withdraws for a short section in the opposite direction to the advancing direction A in such a way as to cut a short side section of the portion of the edge element E protruding from the lower face 14 of the panel P (see Figure 14), before lowering until the roller 8 is brought into contact with the underlying lower supporting element 11 (see Figure 15).
[0055] The friction produced by the contact between the lower support element 11 and the roller 8 determines the stopping of the rotation of the latter.
[0056] At this point, both the work device 4 and the control system 9 stop in position, stopping their transfer, until they are passed by the panel P constantly advancing along the advancing direction A (see Figure 16).
[0057] After the contact element 12 has raised until making contact with the rear face 16 of the panel P, the work device 4 moves upwards moving the roller 8 into contact with the lower face 14 of the panel P allowing the cutting, by the cutting member 5, of a rear section of the portion of the edge element E protruding from the lower face 14 (see Figure 17).
[0058] Once the panel P has completely passed the work device 4, the latter rises upwards so that the roller 8 adheres to the rear face 16 of the panel P and the contact element 6 adheres to the edge element E (see Figure 18), in such a way that the cutting member 5 cuts the portion of the edge element E protruding from the rear face 16.
[0059] During the cutting of the above-mentioned portion of the edge element E protruding from the front face 16, the contact element 12 returns to the respective lower rest position.
[0060] After trimming the portion of the edge element E protruding from the rear face 16, the work device 4 advances with respect to the panel P along the advancing direction A, keeping the roller 8 adhering to the upper face 13 and in this way allowing the cutting, by the cutting member 5, of a rear section of the portion of the edge element E protruding from the same upper face 13 (see Figure 19).
[0061] At the end of the work cycle described above the work device 4 until the roller 8 of the copying device makes contact with the overlying upper supporting element 10 (see figure 20).
[0062] Also in this case, as mentioned above, the friction produced by the contact between the lower support element 10 and the roller 8 determines the stopping of the rotation of the same roller 8.
[0063] The braking function exerted by the upper supporting element 10 and lower supporting element 11 on the roller 8 of the copying device prevents the latter from reaching a rotation sped which is too high which could damage the surface of the upper 13 and lower 14 faces of the panel P.
[0064] Upon completion of the work cycle described above, the edge element E has a protruding extra upper portion and a protruding extra lower portion from, respectively, the upper face 13 and the lower face 14 of the panel P (see figure 20).
[0065] Following the machining by means of the work device 4, the panel P is conveyed towards the above-mentioned final trimming system, where the upper and lower extra portions of the edge element E are removed.
[0066] The work cycle describe above, in which the work device 4 rotates about the edge element E applied to the panel P, allows different appearances to be achieved on the edge element E according to the position assigned to the cutting tool 5, along the second axis Y, by the relative movement system.
[0067] If the cutting member 5 is arranged in a withdrawn position along said second axis Y with respect to the contact element 6 abutted with the edge element E, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, only the outer rectilinear section 7a of the blades 7 is engaged on the edge element E determining the straight cutting flush with the upper 13, front 15, lower 14 and rear 16 faces of the panel P (see Figures 23 and 24) during the various machining steps described above.
[0068] If, on the other hand, the cutting member 5 is arranged in an advanced position along said second axis Y with respect to the contact element 6 abutted with the edge element E, that is to say, closer to the panel P, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, both the inner curved section 7b and a part of the outer rectilinear section 7a of the blades 7 are engaged on the edge element E determining a rounded cut, that is to say, bevelled, as shown in Figures 25 and 26.
[0069] The work cycle described above can, clearly, be repeated according to the number of faces of the panel P to be edged, changing the orientation of the panel P at each work cycle.
[0070] As may be seen from the above description, the control system described allows the machining operations planned on the edge of the panel to be performed effectively without the risk of damaging it.
[0071] This invention is described by way of example only, without limiting the scope of application, according to its preferred embodiments, but it shall be understood that the invention may be modified and/or adapted by experts in the field without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept, as defined in the claims herein.
1. A machine (1) for machining at least one edge (E) of a panel (P) which is placed parallel
to a plane (X-Y) defined by a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y), said
machine (1) comprising:
a cutting member (5) for cutting said at least one edge (E) of said panel (P);
a detecting device (8) for detecting, in use, the shape of said panel (P) while said detecting device (8) rolls on said panel (P), wherein said detecting device (8) is idly rotatable about a rotation axis (Y1) which is parallel to said second direction (Y) and connected with said cutting member (5);
a braking system (9) to brake the rotation of said detecting device (8), said braking system comprising a first friction element (10) and a second friction element (11) which are respectively placed above and below a plane which is parallel to said plane (X-Y) and passes through said rotation axis (Y1) and configured to provide friction when touched by said detecting device (8); and
a moving system for moving said detecting device (8) between at least one first position, where said detecting device (8) is in contact with said panel (P) while said cutting member (5) cuts said at least one edge (E), and at least one second position, where said detecting device (8) is in contact with said first friction element (10) or said second friction element (11), such that the rotation of said detecting device (8) decelerates due to friction between said detecting device (8) and said first friction element (10) or said second friction element (11) when said detecting device (8) moves from said at least one first position to said at least one second position.
2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first friction element (10) and said second friction element (11) are elongated
elements.
3. The machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said first friction element (10) and said second friction element (11) are parallel.
4. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first friction element (10) and said second friction element (11) each have
a friction surface which has a substantially planar shape and faces said detecting
device (8).
5. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said moving system is configured to move, in use, said detecting device (8) around
said panel (P).
6. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second moving system to move, in use, said panel (P) along an advancing
direction (A) in the space comprised between said first friction element (10) and
said second friction element (11).
7. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said first friction element (10) and said second friction element (11) are oriented
parallel to said advancing direction (A).
8. A method for machining at least one edge (E) of a panel (P) by a machine (1) according
to any one of the preceding claims, said process comprising the steps of:
providing a machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims;
moving said detecting device (8) to said at least one first position;
rolling said detecting device (8) on said panel (P) such that said cutting member (5) cuts said at least one edge (E) of said panel (P); and
moving said detecting device (8) to said at least one second position such that the rotation of said detecting device (8) decelerates due to friction between said detecting device (8) and said first friction element (10) or said second friction element (11).
9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:
moving said detecting device (8) to a first area of said panel (P);
rolling said detecting device (8) on a first surface of said panel (P) such that said cutting member (5) cuts a first portion of said at least one edge (E) which is adjacent to said first surface of said panel (P);
moving said detecting device (8) to said second friction element (11) such that the rotation of said detecting device (8) decelerates due to friction between said detecting device (8) and said second friction element (11);
moving said detecting device (8) to a second area of said panel (P);
rolling said detecting device (8) on a second surface of said panel (P) which is opposite to said first surface, such that said cutting member (5) cuts a second portion of said at least one edge (E) which is adjacent to said second surface of said panel (P); and
moving said detecting device (8) to said first friction element (10) such that the rotation of said detecting device (8) decelerates due to friction between said detecting device (8) and said first friction element (10).
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises moving said panel (P) along an advancing direction (A) in the space
comprised between said first friction element (10) and said second friction element
(11).