APPARATUS FOR WORKING AND/OR TREATING AN EDGE REGION OF A WORKPIECE

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for working and/or treating an edge region (206a, 206b, 206c) of workpieces (200a, 200b, 200c). The apparatus (100) comprises conveying means (12) configured to receive and transport workpieces (200a, 200b, 200c) along an advancement path (AD), and one or more operating units (14) arranged along the advancement path (AD) in turn configured to carry out a working and/or a treatment on the edge region (206a, 206b, 206c). Specifically, the apparatus (100) further comprises a plurality of pressure contact units (16) arranged in succession to each other along the advancement path (AD) and each comprising at least one rolling contact element (26) and an automatic adjustment device (28) configured to move the respective pressure contact units (16) so as to press the workpieces (200a, 200b, 200c) on the conveying means (12) by means of said at least one rolling contact element (26).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous working and/or treatment of at least one portion of an edge region of workpieces to be processed having a panel-like shape, such as panels, boards, cabinet doors, doors and the like, which are preferably formed with wood, wood-like material, or other material, in particular for the furniture industry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Apparatuses for working and/or treating an edge region of workpieces, such as panels, boards, cabinet doors, doors and the like, which are preferably formed with wood, wood-like material, or other material, in particular for the furniture industry, are known in the state of the art. Said apparatuses may provide for various types of constructions based on the working and/or treatment intended to be carried out at the edge region of the workpieces to be processed.

[0003] For example, edge-banding apparatuses (edge-banding machines) for applying and gluing strip-like elements on the edges of the workpieces to be processed, such as panels, boards, cabinet doors, doors and the like, formed with wood, wood-like material, or other material, in particular for the furniture industry, are known in the state of the art. Patent documents EP2527108 and EP2251165 disclose examples of apparatuses which are configured to carry out the edge-banding of panels formed with wood, wood-like material, or other material, in particular for the furniture industry.

[0004] Typically, said apparatuses comprise a conveyor belt which is configured to receive and transport - sequentially to each other - a plurality of panels on an advancement path along which there are arranged one or more operating units in turn configured to carry out a working and/or a treatment at the edge region of each of the panels.

[0005] Said operating units may provide for various types of constructions based on the working and/or treatment intended to be carried out.

[0006] For example, the apparatuses described in EP2527108 and EP2251165 comprise edge-banding devices, such as operating units, which are adapted to apply a strip-like element, preferably plastic or made of wood, on the edge of panels so as to line the latter.

[0007] Alternatively, said apparatuses may be provided with further types of operating units which are adapted to operate at the edge region of the panel. Such further types of operating units may for example comprise a device for milling the edge, a device for applying a liquid product at the edge (such as glue, "primer", coating, protection agent or the like), a heating device, a cleaning or abrasion device, a sanding device, a polishing device, or the like.

[0008] Possibly, said apparatuses may be provided with a combination of operating units of different type, for example a combination of a milling device, and edge-banding device, and a polishing device, which are arranged in succession along the advancement path.

[0009] In particular, said apparatuses are further provided with a pressing element (or retaining element) longitudinally extending above the conveyor belt at the working zone where the operating units act. The pressing element is adapted to keep the panels pressed against the conveyor belt during the working carried out by means of the operating units.

[0010] In this state, the panels are stably kept on the conveyor belt during the transportation, so as to ensure a reliable working and/or treatment of the edge region by means of said operating units.

[0011] Although the conventional apparatuses for working and/or treating an edge region of a panel operate appropriately in most cases and have been subject of development in recent years so as to increase the working speed, they however have drawbacks which need to be resolved.

[0012] As a matter of fact, conventional apparatuses having the construction described above require the sequential supply, that is one after the other, of panels which substantially have the same thickness.

[0013] Therefore, a regular movement of the panels and, as a result, a regular productivity of the apparatus can be maintained using the conveyor belt.

[0014] However, there generally arises the need to process a plurality of panels having different thicknesses with respect to each other due to the production needs which provide for assembling various components having different thicknesses to form a finished product, such as a piece of furniture.

[0015] In order to overcome this drawback, one can appropriately plan the supply of a plurality of panels into the apparatus in advance. In particular, one can divide the plurality of panels into groups having the same thickness, and supply these groups of panels sequentially, providing for a step for manually adjusting the pressing element when the group of panels changes.

[0016] However, in this state, the productivity of the apparatus is reduced given that there arises the need to provide for a substantially machine downtime time interval for adjusting the pressing element, and for completing the working and/or treatment of a previous group of panels before supplying the subsequent group of panels. Therefore, the productivity and operating regularity of the apparatus decrease disadvantageously.

[0017] Furthermore, in this state, the apparatus cannot offer versatility of use in the light of possible needs for working varieties of panels of different thicknesses, or in the light of possible changes in production planning.

[0018] Possibly, there may be provided for a plurality of mutually distinct and independent apparatuses, each of which is set for working and/or treating a specific group of panels having the same thickness.

[0019] However, in this condition, one has to expect an unwanted increase in cost of the entire production line which, furthermore, shall inevitably occupy an extensive area in the production plant.

[0020] As a result, there arises the need to provide a solution that overcomes at least one of the drawbacks described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The task of the present invention is to provide an apparatus adapted to effectively and reliably carry out the working and/or treatment of an edge region of a sequence of workpieces to be processed having different thicknesses with respect to each other.

[0022] In the context of the task outlined above, an object of the present invention relates to an apparatus adapted to improve or provide an alternative with respect to the conventional apparatuses for working and/or treating an edge region of workpieces to be processed.

[0023] A further object relates to an apparatus which envisages a construction adapted to provide a regular movement of the workpieces to be processed through the working zone corresponding to the operating units.

[0024] A further object relates to an apparatus which envisages a construction adapted to prevent the surfaces of the workpieces to be processed from being damaged.

[0025] A further object relates to an apparatus which envisages a construction adapted to provide a high productivity.

[0026] A further object relates to an apparatus which envisages a construction adapted to provide versatility of use.

[0027] A further object relates to an apparatus which envisages a construction adapted to provide ease of use.

[0028] A further object relates to an apparatus which envisages a compact construction.

[0029] A further object relates to an apparatus which envisages a construction that is simple to manufacture.

[0030] A further object relates to an apparatus whose construction allows extensive design options.

[0031] The aforementioned tasks and objects as well as others which will be more apparent hereinafter in the description, are achieved through an apparatus for working and/or treating an edge region of workpieces to be processed having a panel-like shape, as defined in the independent claim. Further details are defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] The further features and advantages of the apparatus for working and/or treating an edge region of workpieces having a panel-like shape, according to the present invention, will become more apparent in the following description relating to preferred embodiments provided purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

• Fig. 1 is a first schematic perspective view of a plurality of workpieces to be processed having a panel-like shape,
• Fig. 2 is a second schematic perspective view of the plurality of workpieces to be processed of Fig. 1,
• Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus for working and/or treating at least one portion of an edge region of workpieces to be processed having a panel-like shape, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention,
• Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 3, in which some pressure contact units have been omitted,
• Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, in a first operating condition,
• Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 5, in a second operating condition,
• Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, in a third operating condition,
• Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus for working and/or treating an edge region of workpieces to be processed having a panel-like shape, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which some pressure contact units have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In the description below, terms such as "above", "below", "high", "low", "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "vertical" and the like, relate to an apparatus and the components thereof according to the present invention in the standard use configuration, as shown in the attached figures.

[0034] Figs. 1 and 2 show an exemplifying plurality of workpieces which are adapted to be processed and/or treated using an apparatus 100 according to the present invention (this example shows three workpieces to be processed).

[0035] The three exemplifying workpieces to be processed are a first workpiece 200a, a second workpiece 200b, and a third workpiece 200c. Each of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces has a substantially rectangular panel-like shape, and it is provided with two main surfaces which are opposite and substantially preferably parallel. The two opposite main surfaces are connected to each other by an edge region and, furthermore, they are spaced by a respective thickness.

[0036] In particular, in the example of Figs. 1 and 2, the first workpiece to be processed 200a provides for respective and opposite first main surface 202a and second main surface 204a, which are preferably substantially rectangular and parallel to each other. The respective first main surface 202a and second main surface 204a are connected by a first edge region 206a and, furthermore, they are spaced by a thickness Da.

[0037] The second workpiece to be processed 200b provides for respective and opposite first main surface 202b and second main surface 204b, which are preferably substantially rectangular and parallel to each other. The respective first main surface 202b and second main surface 204b are connected by a second edge region 206b and, furthermore, they are spaced by a second thickness Db.

[0038] The third workpiece to be processed 200c provides for respective and opposite first main surface 202c and second main surface 204c, which are preferably substantially rectangular and parallel to each other. The respective first main surface 202c and second main surface 204c are connected by a third edge region 206c and, furthermore, they are spaced by a third thickness Dc.

[0039] Preferably, the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces provide for respective first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses, which are different from each other (that is the distances between the respective two main surfaces are different from each other).

[0040] With reference to Figs. 3 to 7, shown is a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus 100 for working and/or treating at least one portion of the first 206a, second 206b and third 206c edge region, of each of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c plurality of workpieces to be processed.

[0041] The apparatus 100 comprises a frame structure 10 which is adapted to support conveying means 12, one or more operating units 14, and a plurality of pressure contact units 16.

[0042] The frame structure 10, possibly supported by a plurality of feet, rests on a floor or lying surface of a room in which the apparatus 100 is placed.

[0043] Preferably, the frame structure 10 is defined by a single frame-body 10 which is adapted to support the conveying means 12, said one or more operating units 14, and the plurality of pressure contact units 16. Advantageously, in this state the apparatus 100 provides for a construction that is compact and simple to design.

[0044] The conveying means 12 are configured to receive above, that is from the top, a first main surface, 202a, 202b, 202c, of the respective first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, arranged in sequence. Furthermore, the conveying means 12 are configured to transport, that is move, the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed on a substantially horizontal plane HP along an advancement path AD from an inlet zone IZ toward the outlet zone OZ through a working zone WZ (in the figures the advancement direction is indicated by a thick arrow).

[0045] Along the advancement path AD, and in particular at the working zone WZ, each of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed is subjected - preferably sequentially - to one or more working and/or treatment operations by said one or more operating units 14, as better explained below.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the conveying means 12 comprise a conveyor belt element 18 loop-wound around a drive pulley 20 and a driven pulley 22. The drive pulley 20 may be actuated by an actuation system 24 comprising a motor. However, the conveying means 12 may provide for further types of constructions adapted for the transportation of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, along the advancement path AD.

[0047] Preferably, the conveying means 12 comprise a single conveyor belt element 18 which is adapted to continuously transport the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces, sequentially along the advancement path AD from the inlet zone IZ toward the outlet zone OZ through the working zone WZ. Advantageously, in this condition the apparatus 100 provides for a construction that is compact and simple to design.

[0048] Said one or more operating units 14 are arranged along the advancement path AD and they are configured to carry out - at the working zone WZ - a working and/or a treatment on at least one portion of the first 206a, second 206b and third 206c edge regions, of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed.

[0049] Preferably, said one or more operating units 14 are arranged in succession to each other along the advancement path AD at the working zone WZ, and in a lateral position with respect to the conveying means 12.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the apparatus 100 provides for three milling units 14, such as operating units 14. In particular, the milling units 14 of the present embodiment may provide for any known construction and, typically, each comprises a driven milling head with, for example, rotary or vertical movement.

[0051] However, the number, the type and the construction of the operating units 14 is not limited to the subject matter of the description with reference to the description above and to Figs. 3 to 7, as better explained below.

[0052] According to the present invention, the apparatus 100 further comprises a plurality of pressure contact units 16. The pressure contact units 16 are arranged in succession to each other, that is one after the other, along the advancement path AD at the working zone WZ. The pressure contact units 16 are further arranged above the conveying means 12, that is they are arranged above the latter. In other words, the pressure contact units 16 are arranged at a height, along a vertical direction which is orthogonal to the plane HP, which is greater than that of the height of conveying means 12 with respect to the lying surfaces of the apparatus 100.

[0053] In particular, each pressure contact units 16 comprises at least one rolling contact element 26 and an automatic adjustment device 28.

[0054] Said at least one rolling contact element 26 is arranged at the lower part of the respective pressure contact unit 16, and it is adapted to interact by means of at least-partially-rolling contact with the second main surface, 204a, 204b, 204c, of said two main surfaces of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed.

[0055] In the present invention, the expression "at least-partially-rolling contact" includes both a fully rolling contact and a partially rolling and sliding contact. Therefore, the expression "at least-partially-rolling contact" excludes a fully sliding contact.

[0056] In other words, the rolling contact element 26 is adapted to interact by contact and to roll on the second main surface, 204a, 204b, 204c, of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, when the latter move by means of conveying means 12 with respect to the corresponding pressure contact unit 16 along the advancement path AD.

[0057] Furthermore, said at least one rolling contact element 26 provides for a rotation axis which is substantially orthogonal to the advancement path AD and parallel to the plane HP.

[0058] In the present embodiment, each pressure contact unit 16 comprises five rollers 26 preferably idle, such as five rolling contact elements 26. However, the number and type of rolling contact elements 26 is not limited to the subject matter of the description with reference to the description above and Figs. 3 to 7.

[0059] For example, said at least one rolling contact element 26 may be one or more rollers, one or more wheels, when or more belts, one or more conveyor belts, or the like, and possible combinations thereof. However, it is clear that said at least one rolling contact element 26 may provide for further types of constructions adapted to interact by means of at least-partially-rolling contact with the second main surface 204a, 204b, 204c, of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, when the latter move by conveying means 12 with respect to the corresponding pressure contact unit 16 along the advancement path AD.

[0060] Said automatic adjustment device 28 is configured to move the respective pressure contact unit 16 preferably parallel to a vertical direction VD, orthogonal to said plane HP, so as to press the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed on the conveying means 12 by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26. In other words, the automatic adjustment device 28 of a respective pressure contact unit 16 is configured to move the latter, irrespective of the other pressure contact units 16, preferably parallel to the vertical direction VD so as to press, at the respective portion of the working zone WZ, on the conveying means 12, the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26 during transportation.

[0061] Preferably, the automatic adjustment device 28 comprises an actuator unit 30 associated with movement drive means 32 which are configured to move the respective pressure contact unit 16 parallel to the vertical direction VD, preferably in a given position. The actuator unit 30 may be an electric motor or another known type of actuator device, and the movement drive means 32 may be a combination of a screw shaft and a nut-like element, or a pinion-rack assembly, or other known movement drive devices.

[0062] However, it is clear that the automatic adjustment device 28 may provide for further types of constructions which are adapted to move the respective pressure contact unit 16 preferably parallel to the vertical direction VD, so as to press the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed on the conveying means 12 by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26, as better explained below.

[0063] In this state, during the advancement along the advancement path AD of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, the latter may be kept pressed against the conveying means 12 by means of said plurality of pressure contact units 16 through the respective rolling contact elements 26.

[0064] In particular, with this construction, each pressure contact unit 16 may exert a downward thrust, preferably parallel to the vertical direction VD, with a predetermined pressure on the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, when the latter are in the working zone WZ in a position along the advancement path AD which corresponds to the pressure contact unit 16 (i.e. in a position substantially below the pressure contact unit 16 and interposed between the latter and the conveying means 12 when seen along a vertical direction which is orthogonal to the plane HP).

[0065] Advantageously, this condition allows to supply the apparatus 100 with any desired sequence of first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces, irrespective of the respective values of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses, and at the same time it is possible to ensure an effective and reliable working and/or treatment of the respective first 206a, second 206b and third 206c edge regions.

[0066] In other words, using the same apparatus 100, advantageously allows to effectively and reliably work and/or treat any desired sequence of first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces, irrespective of the order with which the latter are supplied and irrespective of the respective values of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses.

[0067] Lastly, the apparatus 100 according to the present invention provides broad versatility of use given that it can be supplied with any desired sequence, possibly random, of first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces, as regards the variety of thickness and/or supply order, while at the same time ensuring an effective and reliable working and/or treatment of the respective first 206a, second 206b and third 206c edge regions.

[0068] As a matter of fact, according to the construction of the apparatus 100 of the present invention, each pressure contact unit 16 is adapted to move, irrespective of the others, preferably parallel to the vertical direction VD depending on the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, so as to keep the latter pressed during the advancement thereof by means of conveying means 12. Therefore, advantageously, during transportation the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces are stably kept on the conveying means 12, therefore ensuring a precise working and/or a precise treatment of the respective first 206a, second 206b and third 206c edge region, by the plurality of operating units 14.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises control and command means 34.

[0070] The control and command means 34, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a computer, and the like, are configured to manage components described above and, furthermore, they are operatively in communication (that is connected) with storage means, such as a hard disk or the like (not shown in the figures). In particular, the control and command means 34 and the storage means are adapted to store and run control and command programs for the operation of the components of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention, and in particular the movement of the pressure contact units 16.

[0071] Possibly, the apparatus 100 provides for an input/output interface system (not numbered in the figures) which is connected to the control and command means 34 and to the storage means. The interface system is configured to allow to enter (input) data, process parameters, programs or the like, by an external operator, and to display or transmit (output) data, process parameters or the like. The interface system may for example comprise a keypad and a display, a touch-screen display, or further similar devices.

[0072] The control and command means 34 are operatively in communication (that is connected) with each pressure contact unit 16, i.e. with the respective automatic adjustment devices 28 (the connections are schematised with dotted lines in the figures).

[0073] In particular, the control and command means 34 are configured to control and command - by means of the automatic adjustment device 28 - each pressure contact unit 16 so that the latter is adapted to move, preferably in a given position with respect to the conveying means 12, substantially parallel to the vertical direction VD on the basis of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and/or on the basis of the position of the latter along the advancement path AD so as to press it against said conveying means 12 by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26. In other words, the control and command means 34 are configured to control and command the movement of each pressure contact unit 16, by means of the automatic adjustment devices 28, along a direction preferably parallel to the vertical direction VD so as to press the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed on the conveying means 12 through the respective rolling contact elements 26 during the advancement along the advancement path AD.

[0074] This condition allows to preliminarily enter - into the storage means (placed in communication with the control and command means 34) - working information which is used by the apparatus 100 to carry out a coordinated movement of the plurality of pressure contact units 16 by means of the respective automatic adjustment devices 28 during the advancement of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed along the advancement path AD by the conveying means 12.

[0075] Said working information preferably comprises the value, that is the measurement, of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of each first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed. Optionally, said working information may additionally or alternatively comprise further types of information, such as other geometric characteristics of each workpiece to be processed (for example the size of each piece along the advancement direction AD), the distance between two consecutive workpieces to be processed, and the sequential order with which they are supplied into the apparatus 100. In particular, it should be observed that the position of each first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces along the advancement path AD, that is along the working zone WZ, may be obtained from working parameters, such as the advancement speed by the conveying means 12 and/or by an encoder device associated with the actuation system 24, or with the conveying means 12.

[0076] Advantageously, this condition allows to supply the apparatus 100 with any desired sequence of first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, irrespective of the respective values of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses, and at the same time it is possible to ensure an effective and reliable working and/or treatment of the respective first 206a, second 206b and third 206c edge regions.

[0077] In a more preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises first detection means 36, or inlet detection means 36, and/or second detection means 38, or path detection means 38.

[0078] In this embodiment, the control and command means 34 are operatively placed in communication (that is connected) with the first detection means 36 (in the figures the connection is schematised with a thin dashed line). In particular, the control and command means 34 are configured to control and command the operation of the first detection means 36.

[0079] The first detection means 36 are preferably arranged upstream of the working zone WZ of the advancement path AD.

[0080] The first detection means 36 are configured to measure or acquire the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of each of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, preferably upstream of the plurality of pressure contact units 16, that is upstream of the working zone WZ.

[0081] Optionally, the first detection means 36 are configured to acquire, additionally or alternatively to the thickness, even further types of information such as other geometric characteristics of the workpieces to be processed (for example the size of the workpiece along the advancement direction AD), and/or the distance between two consecutive workpieces to be processed.

[0082] The first detection means 36 comprise one or more systems adapted to measure the thickness of workpieces to be processed when inserted into the apparatus 100, and/or other geometric characteristics, and/or the distance between two consecutive workpieces to be processed, as mentioned above. Therefore, said first detection means 36 may comprise optical (optoelectronic) measurement devices of the thickness, such as for example a video camera, a combination of a sensor device and a lighting device at any wavelength (laser, LED, or the like), or other optical or optoelectronic systems of the known type. Alternatively, said first detection means 36 may comprise means for mechanically measuring the thickness, such as for example mechanical probe devices which - through a contact element (usually a wheel) - follow the profile of the workpieces during the advancement of the apparatus 100, or other mechanical systems of the known type.

[0083] In this embodiment, the control and command means 34 are configured to control and command - by the respective automatic adjustment device 28 - each pressure contact unit 16 so that the latter is adapted to move, preferably in a given position with respect to the conveying means 12, substantially parallel to the vertical direction VD for example on the basis of the measurement of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and/or on the basis of the position of the latter along the advancement path AD so as to press it against said conveying means 12 by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26.

[0084] Advantageously, in this state the apparatus 100 is easy to use given that there is avoided a preliminary, difficult and unreliable step for entering working information (such as thickness values measured previously, for example manually) which, instead, with this construction is directly automatically acquired by the apparatus 100.

[0085] Furthermore, advantageously, the movement of each pressure contact unit 16 towards the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and the pressure exerted on the latter is precise and reliable even in the event of thickness variance with respect to the nominal values. As a matter of fact, with this construction, the apparatus 100 directly measures the actual value of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of each first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and the movement of each pressure contact unit 16 is preferably adjusted on the basis of such measured thickness value.

[0086] Optionally, the apparatus 100 comprises second detection means 38 preferably additionally to the first detection means 36, or alternatively to the latter.

[0087] In this embodiment, the control and command means 34 are operatively in communication (that is connected) with the second detection means 38 (in the figures the connection is schematised with a solid line). In particular, the control and command means 34 are configured to control and command the operation of the second detection means 38.

[0088] Preferably, in the present embodiment, each of the second detection means 38 is associated with a respective pressure contact unit 16. In particular, each of the second detection means 38 is arranged substantially upstream of the respective pressure contact unit 16.

[0089] In a first variant of this embodiment, the second detection means 38 provide for an operation similar to that of the first detection means 36 described above and, therefore, they are for example configured to measure or acquire the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, upstream of each pressure contact unit 16.

[0090] Advantageously, in this state there is provided for an even more precise and reliable movement of the pressure contact units 16 towards the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, on the basis of their first Da, second Db, and third Dc thickness values and/or on the basis of their position along the advancement path AD.

[0091] In a second variant of this embodiment, the second detection means 38, such as sensor devices, photocells or the like, are configured to measure and/or acquire and/or determine the actual position of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, along the advancement path AD, that is along the working zone WZ.

[0092] In this second variant, the control and command means 34 are configured to control and command - by the automatic adjustment device 28 - each pressure contact unit 16 so that the latter is adapted to move, preferably in a given position with respect to the conveying means 12, substantially parallel to the vertical direction VD on the basis of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and/or on the basis of the actual position of the latter along the advancement path AD so as to press it against said conveying means 12 by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26.

[0093] Advantageously, in this state there is provided for an even more precise and reliable movement of the pressure contact units 16 towards the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, on the basis of their first Da, second Db, and third Dc thickness values and/or of their actual position along the advancement path AD.

[0094] In a further preferred embodiment, the control and command means 34 are operatively in communication (that is connected) with each operating unit 14 (in the figures the connection is schematised with a dashed bold line).

[0095] In this embodiment, the control and command means 34 are configured to control and command the operation of each operating unit 14 depending on the type of unit and operating parameters provided for. In particular, the control and command means 34 are configured to control and command the operation of each operating unit 14 preferably on the basis of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and/or on the basis of the position of the latter along the advancement path AD.

[0096] Advantageously, this condition allows to ensure an effective and reliable working and/or treatment of the respective first 206a, second 206b and third 206c edge regions of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, suitably adjusting the operation of each operating unit 14 on the basis of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses.

[0097] In a further preferred embodiment, the control and command means 34 are operatively in communication (that is connected) with the conveying means 12, and in particular with the actuation system 24 (the connection is not schematised in the figures).

[0098] In this embodiment, the control and command means 34 are configured to control and command the operation of the conveying means 12, and in particular of the actuation system 24, so as to adjust the transportation speed of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and coherently coordinate the movement of the plurality of pressure contact units 16 through the respective automatic adjustment devices 28.

[0099] Advantageously, this condition allows to widely vary the process parameters, such as for example the transportation speed, at any time, while ensuring the effective and reliable working and/or treatment of the first 206a, second 206b and third 206c edge regions of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed.

[0100] With reference to Figs. 3 and 5 to 7, below is the description of the operation of the apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] First and foremost, particularly with reference to Fig. 3, there is provided an apparatus 100 according to the present invention, as described above.

[0102] Subsequently, particularly with reference to Fig. 5, there is supplied a first workpiece to be processed 200a in the apparatus 100. The first workpiece to be processed 200a is arranged at the inlet zone IZ on the conveying means 12 so that the latter receive - at the top, that is above them - the first main surface 202a thereof. The conveying means 12 transport the first workpiece to be processed 200a along the advancement path AD towards the working zone WZ.

[0103] Preferably, the first detection means 36 measure the first thickness Da of the first workpiece to be processed 200a.

[0104] During the advancement of the first workpiece to be processed 200a in the working zone WZ, each pressure contact unit 16 is lifted and/or lowered by means of the respective automatic adjustment device 28 (irrespective of the other pressure contact units 16) preferably in a given position along a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD so as to press the first workpiece to be processed 200a on the conveying means 12 through the respective rolling contact elements 26 which act on the second main surface 204a.

[0105] Preferably, the control and command means 34 control and command each pressure contact unit 16 so that the latter is adapted to move, preferably in a given position with respect to the conveying means 12, along a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD on the basis of the first thickness Da of the first workpiece to be processed 200a and/or of its position along the advancement path AD.

[0106] Preferably, the second detection means 38 acquire the position of the first workpiece to be processed 200a along the advancement path AD, and in particular in the working zone WZ.

[0107] Subsequently, particularly with reference to Fig. 6, there is supplied a second workpiece to be processed 200b in the apparatus 100. The second workpiece to be processed 200b is arranged at the inlet zone IZ on the conveying means 12 so that the latter receive - at the top, that is above them - the first main surface 202b thereof. The conveying means 12 transport the second workpiece to be processed 200b along the advancement path AD towards the working zone WZ, similarly to the description outlined above.

[0108] Preferably, the first detection means 36 measure the second thickness Da of the second workpiece to be processed 200b.

[0109] During the advancement of the first workpiece to be processed 200a and of the second workpiece to be processed 200b in the working zone WZ, each pressure contact unit 16 is lifted and/or lowered by means of the respective automatic adjustment device 28 (irrespective of the other pressure contact units 16) preferably in a given position along a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD so as to press the first workpiece to be processed 200a and the second workpiece to be processed 200b on the conveying means 12 through the respective rolling contact elements 26 which act on the second main surfaces, 204a and 204b.

[0110] Preferably, the control and command means 34 control and command each pressure contact unit 16 so that the latter is adapted to move, preferably in a given position with respect to the conveying means 12, along a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD on the basis of the first thickness Da and on the second thickness Db of the first 200a and second 200b workpieces to be processed, and/or of their respective position along the advancement path AD.

[0111] Preferably, the second detection means 38 acquire the position of the first workpiece to be processed 200a and of the second workpiece to be processed 200b along the advancement path AD, and in particular in the working zone WZ.

[0112] Subsequently, particularly with reference to Fig. 7, there is supplied a third workpiece to be processed 200c in the apparatus 100. The third workpiece to be processed 200c is arranged at the inlet zone IZ on the conveying means 12 so that the latter receive - at the top, that is above them - the first main surface 202c thereof. The conveying means 12 transport third workpiece to be processed 200c along the advancement path AD towards the working zone WZ, similarly to the description outlined above.

[0113] Preferably, the first detection means 36 measure the third thickness Dc of the third workpiece to be processed 200c.

[0114] During the advancement of the first workpiece to be processed 200a, of the second workpiece to be processed 200b and of the third workpiece to be processed 200c in the working zone WZ, each pressure contact unit 16 is lifted and/or lowered by means of the respective automatic adjustment device 28 (irrespective of the other pressure contact units 16) preferably in a given position along a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD so as to press the first workpiece to be processed 200a, the second workpiece to be processed 200b and the third workpiece to be processed 200c on the conveying means 12 through the respective rolling contact elements 26 which act on the second main surfaces, 204a, 204b and 204c.

[0115] Preferably, the control and command means 34 control and command each pressure contact unit 16 so that the latter is adapted to move, preferably in a given position with respect to the conveying means 12, along a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD on the basis of the first thickness Da, on the second thickness Db, and on the third thickness Dc of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and/or of their respective position along the advancement path AD.

[0116] Preferably, the second detection means 38 acquire the position of the first workpiece to be processed 200a, of the second workpiece to be processed 200b, and of the third workpiece to be processed 200c along the advancement path AD, and in particular in the working zone WZ.

[0117] It is clear that the present invention can be obtained through other embodiments, without departing from the scope claimed.

[0118] Described below are further embodiments of the present invention which provide for modifications relating to some elements of the apparatus 100. Therefore, the elements that are substantially unchanged and which serve the same functions will not be described again and the same reference numerals will be used.

[0119] Fig. 8 shows an apparatus 100 according to a second preferred embodiment in which some pressure contact units 16 are omitted, similarly to the description outlined above in Fig. 5 of the first embodiment.

[0120] In particular, in this second preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 is substantially identical to the apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, except for the type of operating units 14 used.

[0121] As a matter of fact, in this embodiment, the apparatus 100 provides for a milling unit, an edge-banding unit and a cleaning unit (the latter for example comprising a roller made of felt) as operating units 14. This allows to carry out - in succession - various types of working and/or treatment operations on at least one portion of the first 206a, second 206b and third 206c edge regions of the plurality of first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed.

[0122] However, it is clear that the number, type and construction of the operating units 14 is not limited to the subject matter of the description with reference to the two embodiments described above and to Figs. 3 to 8. Preferably, each of said one or more operating units 14 includes a device selected from the group comprising a milling device, an edge-banding device, a device for applying a liquid product (for example a coating device), a heating device, a cleaning or abrasion device, a sanding device, a polishing device, and the like, or the combinations thereof.

[0123] Furthermore, said operating units 14 may provide for any suitable construction or configuration. Possibly, each operating unit 14 may comprise a respective movement assembly adapted to adjust the orientation and/or the position thereof with respect to the conveying means 12, or with respect to the workpieces to be processed, depending on a desired operating adjustment to obtain said working and/or said treatment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control and command means 34 may be configured to control and command the operation of each operating unit 14 so as to possibly adjust the orientation and/or position thereof with respect to the conveying means 12, or with respect to the workpieces to be processed for example on the basis of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and/or on the basis of the position of the latter along the advancement path AD. Alternatively or additionally, the control and command means 34 may be configured to control and command the operation of each operating unit 14 so as to adjust the operating parameters thereof, such as speed, amount of movement and the like depending on the type of unit, on the basis of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and/or on the basis of the position of the latter along the advancement path AD. For example, should the operating unit 14 be a milling or sanding device, the control and command means 34 may be configured to control and command the operating parameters thereof so as to adjust the speed and/or amount of movement on the basis of the first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, and/or on the basis of the position of the latter along the advancement path AD.

[0124] Furthermore, in the description above said automatic adjustment device 28 comprises an actuator unit 30 associated with movement drive means 32 which are configured to move the respective pressure contact unit 16 preferably in a given position along a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD. In particular, as mentioned above, the actuator unit 30 may be an electric motor or another known type of actuator device, and the movement drive means 32 may be a combination of a screw shaft and a nut-like element, or a pinion-rack assembly.

[0125] However, this selection shall not be deemed as limiting, and said automatic adjustment device 28 may provide for further constructions adapted to move the respective pressure contact unit 16 preferably parallel to the vertical direction VD so as to press the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed on the conveying means 12 by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26.

[0126] For example, said automatic adjustment device 28 may provide for a plunger assembly configured to lift and/or lower (that is move) the respective pressure contact unit 16 preferably parallel to the vertical direction VD, so as to press the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed on the conveying means 12 by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26. In this case, the plunger assembly is preferably configured to be lowered bringing said at least one rolling contact element 26 in contact with the second main surface 204a, 204b, 204c of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, until it exerts a downward thrust, substantially parallel to the vertical direction VD, with a predetermined pressure. In this case, the position along the vertical direction to which the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed are pressed is not given in advance or deduced from measured thicknesses but, instead, it is obtained automatically based on said predetermined pressure, possibly measured using appropriate measuring devices.

[0127] In this case, the control and command means 34, placed in communication with each pressure contact unit 16, are configured to control and command the latter by means of the respective automatic adjustment device 28, that is the plunger assembly, so as to press first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed on the conveying means 12 by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26 with a predetermined pressure.

[0128] Furthermore, in the description above, the second detection means 38 are defined by a plurality of sensor devices, photocells or the like, each associated with a respective pressure contact unit 16 and arranged upstream of the respective pressure contact unit 16. However, this selection shall not be deemed as limiting, and the second detection means 38 may provide for any suitable number, arrangement and type for measuring and/or acquiring and/or determining the actual position of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed along the advancement path AD, or along the working zone WZ.

[0129] For example, in a further embodiment, the second detection means 38 may be defined by a single optical detection system, such as for example a video camera configured to measure and/or acquire and/or determine the actual position of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed along the advancement path AD, or along the working zone WZ.

[0130] Alternatively, in a still further embodiment, the second detection means 38 may be defined by a detection device, such as an encoder device preferably of the rotary type, associated with the actuation system 24, i.e. with the conveying means 12, so as to determine the actual position of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed along the advancement path AD, or along the working zone WZ. In other words, preferably on the basis of the detection carried out by the first detection means 36 or by further detection means, which indicate a first position of the workpieces to be processed, and on the measurement provided by the encoder device, one can determine, that is calculate or deduce, the actual position of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed along the advancement path AD, or along the working zone WZ.

[0131] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the size of each pressure contact unit 16 along the advancement direction AD may be suitably selected on the basis of the typical dimensions of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed, so as to be able to arrange two consecutive workpieces close to each other along the advancement direction AD, and therefore increase the productivity of the apparatus 100. For example, for the furniture industry in which workpieces to be processed typically provide for a dimension along the advancement direction AD smaller than 5 m, each pressure contact unit 16 preferably provides for a dimension along the advancement direction AD smaller than 2 m, more preferably comprised between 0.05 m and 1 m, even more preferably comprised between 0.1 m and 0.5 m. In this state, the apparatus 100 is more versatile given that it can be supplied with a broad variety of workpieces to be processed.

[0132] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the automatic adjustment device 28 is configured to move the respective pressure contact unit 16 along a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD (orthogonal to said plane HP) so as to press the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed on the conveying means 12 by means of said at least one rolling contact element 26. However, there may be provided for further embodiments in which the automatic adjustment device 28 is configured to move the respective pressure contact unit 16 along a direction or trajectory at least partially parallel to the vertical direction VD, that is along a direction or trajectory having a component parallel to the vertical direction VD, such as for example a diagonal movement with respect to the plane HP.

[0133] In the light of the above it is clear that significant results have been achieved, overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art, allowing to provide an apparatus 100 adapted to effectively and reliably carry out the working and/or treatment of an edge region of a sequence of workpieces to be processed having different thicknesses with respect to each other.

[0134] In particular, the apparatus 100 provides for a construction adapted to provide a regular movement along the advancement path AD, and in particular passing through the working zone WZ of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed having various first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses.

[0135] As a matter of fact, the conveying means 12 may operate at a desired and regular transportation speed, irrespective of the thickness and the order with which the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed are supplied, given that the latter are stably kept on the conveying means 12 along the advancement path AD, and in particular in the working zone WZ, through the coordinated movement and the subsequent pressure exerted by each pressure contact unit 16.

[0136] As a result, the apparatus 100 provides for a construction adapted to provide high productivity.

[0137] Furthermore, the apparatus 100 provides for a construction adapted to prevent the surfaces of the first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed from being damaged given that the pressure contact units 16 are configured to move preferably in a given position parallel to the vertical direction VD so as to exert a pressure depending on the respective first Da, second Db, and third Dc thicknesses, which can be selected in advance so as to avoid unwanted damaging. Possibly, selecting the type of material of the rolling contact elements 26 allows to further reduce the likelihood of damaging.

[0138] Furthermore, the apparatus 100 provides for a construction adapted to provide versatility of use given that any desired sequence of first 200a, second 200b and third 200c workpieces to be processed can be effectively and reliably worked and/or treated, irrespective of the order with which the latter are supplied and irrespective of the respective first Da, second Db, and third Dc thickness values. Therefore, the planning of the production through the apparatus 100 is versatile. Furthermore, for the same reason, the apparatus 100 is easy to use for operators.

[0139] Lastly, the apparatus 100 provides for a construction that is compact and easy to manufacture advantageously offering extensive design options.

[0140] Naturally, the materials and equipment used to implement the present invention, as well as the shape and size of the individual components, may be the most appropriate depending on the specific requirements.

Claims

1. Apparatus (100) for working and/or treating at least a portion of an edge region (206a, 206b, 206c) of at least one workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) having a panel-like shape provided with two main surfaces (202a, 204a; 202b, 204b; 202c, 204c) opposite to each other and spaced by a respective thickness (Da, Db, Dc),

said apparatus (100) comprising:

a. conveying means (12) configured to receive the first main surface (202a, 202b, 202c) of said two main surfaces of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) and to transport the latter along an advancement path (AD) through a working zone (WZ),

b. one or more operating units (14) arranged along said advancement path (AD) and configured to carry out at said working zone (WZ) a working and/or a treatment on at least a portion of said edge region (206a , 206b, 206c) of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c),

characterised in that

further comprises a plurality of pressure contact units (16) arranged in succession to each other along said advancement path (AD) at said working zone (WZ), wherein each of said plurality of pressure contact units (16) comprises:

c. at least one rolling contact element (26) adapted to interact by means of at least-partially-rolling contact with the second main surface (204a, 204b, 204c) of said two main surfaces of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c), and

d. an automatic adjustment device (28) configured to move the respective said pressure contact unit (16) so as to press said workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) on said conveying means (12) by means of said at least one rolling contact element (26).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, further comprising control and command means (34) in communication with each of said plurality of pressure contact units (16), and
said control and command means (34) being configured to control and command by means of the respective automatic adjustment device (28) each pressure contact unit (16) so as the latter is adapted to move with respect to said conveying means (12) on the basis of a position of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) along said advancement path (AD).

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising control and command means (34) in communication with each of said plurality of pressure contact units (16), and
said control and command means (34) being configured to control and command by means of the respective automatic adjustment device (28) each pressure contact unit (16) so as the latter is adapted to move with respect to said conveying means (12) on the basis of said thickness (Da, Db, Dc) of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c).

4. The apparatus (100) according to any of claims 2 or 3, further comprising first detection means (36) in communication with said control and command means (34), said first detection means (36) being configured to measure said thickness (Da, Db, Dc) of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c).

5. The apparatus (100) according to any of claims 2 to 4, further comprising second detection means (38) in communication with said control and command means (34), said second detection means (38) being configured to measure and/or acquire and/or deduce a position of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) along said advancement path (AD).

6. The apparatus (100) according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein said control and command means (34) are configured to control and command said one or more operating units (14) on the basis of said thickness (Da, Db, Dc) of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) and/or on the basis of a position of the latter along said advancement path (AD).

7. The apparatus (100) according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein said control and command means (34) are configured to control and command said one or more operating units (14) so as to adjust orientation and/or position of the latter with respect to said conveying means (12) on the basis of said thickness (Da, Db, Dc) of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) and/or on the basis of a position of the latter along said advancement path (AD).

8. The apparatus (100) according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein said control and command means (34) are configured to control and command said one or more operating units (14) so as to adjust operating parameters of the latter on the basis of said thickness (Da, Db, Dc) of the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) and/or on the basis of a position of the latter along said advancement path (AD).

9. The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of said one or more operating units (14) includes a device selected from the group comprising milling device, edge-banding device, device for applying a liquid product, heating device, cleaning or abrasion device, sanding device, polishing device, or combinations thereof.

10. The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first detection means (36) comprise an optical thickness measuring device, or a mechanical thickness measuring device, or combinations thereof.

11. The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said automatic adjustment device (28) is configured to move the respective pressure contact unit (16) so as to press the workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) on said conveying means (12) with a predetermined pressure.

12. The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said automatic adjustment device (28) is configured to move the respective pressure contact unit (16) in a given position so as to press said workpiece (200a, 200b, 200c) on said conveying means (12).

Drawing