Machines for welding plastic profiles

Abstract

The machine (1) comprises: - at least one lateral welding device (3) provided with a lateral heating plate (13) suitable for heating a main profile (5) and a corresponding lateral profile (6); and - at least one intermediate welding device (4) provided with an intermediate heating plate (18) suitable for heating the main profile (5) and a corresponding transverse profile (7); wherein the main profile (5) comprises a pair of intermediate regions (19) to be welded and the transverse profile (7 ... The main profile (7) comprises a pair of transverse areas (21) to be welded; wherein at least one of the main profile (5) or the transverse profile (7) comprises a groove (43) formed on the peripheral edge of the relevant area (19, 21) to be welded; and wherein the intermediate welding device (4) comprises at least one receiving element (50, 51) suitable for abutting on the at least one groove (43) to define a receiving compartment (52) for the weld bead.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a machine for welding plastic profile parts. Background Art

[0002] More in detail, the present invention relates to a welding machine provided with three or more welding devices connected in series for the realization of windows / doors made of plastic material, in particular PVC.

[0003] These windows / doors consist of a series of profile pieces made of plastic material, usually formed by extrusion or similar techniques. These are welded together to form a frame-shaped frame in which a central panel of glass or other material can be placed.

[0004] For some types of windows and doors, especially if they are large and / or for design and aesthetic reasons, it may be necessary to construct a frame-shaped frame with one or more crossbars. As described below, the purpose is to make the finished window / door more stable and strong and / or to achieve different door / window designs and / or to divide the door / window into a fixed / closable part and a movable / openable part.

[0005] In order to optimize the machining times of these windows / doors, machines for welding plastic profiles are known which have three or more welding devices arranged in line, capable of welding simultaneously a main profile and three or more secondary profiles.

[0006] The secondary profile is divided into two lateral profiles, which together with the main profile define the outer frame of the window / door, and one or more transverse profiles, which create the inner frame of the window / door itself.

[0007] For this purpose, a cut is then made at each end of the main profile piece to define a corresponding zone to be welded, preferably inclined at 45° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main profile piece itself, and similarly, a cut is made at each end of the lateral profile pieces to define a corresponding zone to be welded at 45°.

[0008] The main profile is further shaped, for example by cutting, to define two welded areas in the middle. These areas are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the profile and abut one another, forming a concave portion. Conversely, the transverse profile is cut at the ends to define two adjacent welded areas, forming convex portions that complement the aforementioned concave portions.

[0009] Welding machines of known type are provided with lateral welding devices responsible for welding the lateral profiles to the main profile, and with intermediate welding devices responsible for welding the transverse profiles to the main profile.

[0010] In particular, machines of the known type have a support on which the welding device can be moved according to the dimensions of the main profile and the position of the areas to be welded defined thereon.

[0011] The welding devices are placed side by side and connected to each other in a straight line and define a working area extending in a longitudinal direction. They can be moved relative to each other along this longitudinal direction.

[0012] In particular, the lateral welding devices and the intermediate welding device can be moved by moving towards / away from each other in order to position themselves at the location of the respective to-be-welded region of the main profile.

[0013] Furthermore, the welding device is provided with holding elements for the profile parts, which can be moved towards one another in order to bring the individual regions to be welded into contact.

[0014] The welding of the primary profile part to the secondary profile part is performed by heating and melting the areas to be welded using suitable resistance plates and then pressing the areas to be welded against each other to form the weld area.

[0015] For this purpose, the intermediate welding device is expediently provided with a "V"-shaped heating plate to heat simultaneously the concave part of the main profile piece and the convex part of the transverse profile piece.

[0016] The above-described machine for welding profiles can be used both for the simple construction of peripheral frames and for the construction of frames with cross members.

[0017] For the construction of peripheral frames, only the lateral welding devices are used, or alternatively, one of the lateral welding devices or the intermediate welding device is conveniently adjusted to allow welding of the ends of the profiles cut at 45°. Conversely, for the construction of frames with crossbeams, both the lateral welding devices and the intermediate welding devices are used.

[0018] However, welding machines of known type do have some disadvantages.

[0019] In fact, for the construction of the peripheral frame, a certain welding device is not used and can clutter the working area by interfering with the movement of the profile parts.

[0020] Furthermore, particularly in the case of small main profiles, the intermediate welding device can become an obstacle to access to the lateral welding devices, thereby preventing the correct processing of the window / door.

[0021] Another disadvantage of the machines for welding profiles of known type occurs in the construction of frames with crossbeams. It requires the correct positioning of the intermediate welding device relative to the recess formed on the main profile.

[0022] In fact, extremely precise positioning of the intermediate welding means relative to the recess of the main profile, and simultaneously of the transverse profile relative thereto, is crucial to ensure that the weld is effective and strong.

[0023] Incorrect positioning can lead to major defects in the welding of the transverse profiles, which can affect the overall processing of the window / door.

[0024] Finally, machines of the known type must be inconveniently combined with finishing machines suitable for removing the weld beads formed during the fusion of the profiled parts.

[0025] In fact, in the welding area of ​​the profile part, the excess molten material partially escapes and protrudes from the visible surface of the profile part to form a weld bead.

[0026] For this reason, in order to give the finished window / door an attractive aesthetic appearance, the profile pieces must be transferred after welding to a finishing machine for a weld bead removal operation.

[0027] This process of removing the weld bead can significantly impact the cost and time of window / door construction and can be very complex to perform, especially in the presence of rounded corners and / or curved surfaces, with the risk of causing damage and / or aesthetic defects at the point where the weld area is located.

[0028] In this respect, patent application WO 2013 / 132406 A1 partially addresses this drawback and, in fact, describes a welding device provided with a removal device suitable for forming a groove on the peripheral edge of the area to be welded so that, during welding of the profile, the weld bead extends towards the inside of the profile and is not visible on the visible surface of the window / door.

[0029] The device described in WO 2013 / 132406 A1 is also provided with a pressing device which achieves a surface finish of the window / door at the point where the welding area of ​​the profile piece is located.

[0030] In particular, these pressing means are intended to abut in the groove and form a receiving compartment for the welding bead, preventing the welding bead from coming out of the receiving compartment itself.

[0031] However, the device described above is applied to the welding of peripheral frame corners and is susceptible to further upgrading with the aim of adapting the removal and pressing devices described above to apply them to intermediate welding devices for transverse profiles. Summary of the Invention

[0032] The main object of the present invention is to provide a machine for welding plastic profiles that is able to eliminate the need to transfer the welded profiles to other machines suitable for removing the weld beads.

[0033] Based on this technical aim, one object of the present invention is to avoid finishing operations on the weld zone after removal of the weld bead.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for welding plastic profiles that is particularly versatile and allows the welding operations to be carried out in a practical and easy manner, regardless of the length dimensions of the main profiles.

[0035] A further object of the present invention is to provide a machine for welding plastic profiles that is easily adaptable to the shape of the main profile and, in particular, to the position of its recesses.

[0036] In this respect, an object of the present invention is also to provide a machine for welding plastic profiles, in which the transverse profile can be positioned correctly at the point where the recess defined in the main profile is located.

[0037] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for welding plastic profiles that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art described above with a solution that is simple, rational, easy, effective to use, affordable and of compact dimensions.

[0038] This object is achieved by a machine according to the invention for welding plastic profile parts, which has the features of claim 1 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of an embodiment of a machine for welding profiled parts, which is a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment and is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a machine for welding plastic profiles according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 is a detailed axonometric view of a lateral welding device according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 is a detailed axonometric view of an intermediate welding device according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 is a side schematic diagram of a machine for welding plastic profiles according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5-14 is a detailed axonometric view of an intermediate welding device according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 15-17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of components of an intermediate welding device according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 18-21The operating stages of the intermediate welding device according to the invention are schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] With particular reference to these drawings, reference numeral 1 generally designates a machine for welding plastic profiles.

[0048] The machine 1 can be used to weld profile pieces 5, 6, 7 made of plastic material, preferably PVC, for the construction of windows / doors.

[0049] However, it cannot be excluded that the profile elements 5, 6, 7 are made of a heat-sealable plastic material other than PVC and / or a plastic material loaded with reinforcements, for example in the form of fibers, such as glass fibers, etc. It cannot be excluded that the profile elements 5, 6, 7 are partly made of plastic and partly of a different material, in a manner similar to some well-known materials, for example with a roof, an outer covering, or an inner core made of metal, wood, etc.

[0050] The machine 1 for welding plastic profiles comprises at least one support base 2 extending in a first direction X, at least one lateral welding device 3 and at least one intermediate welding device 4 connected to the support base 2 .

[0051] In particular, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the machine 1 comprises two lateral welding devices 3 .

[0052] The lateral welding device 3 is adapted to weld the main profile 5 to the corresponding lateral profile 6, thus forming the peripheral frame of the window / door.

[0053] On the other hand, the intermediate welding device 4 is suitable for welding the main profile piece 5 to the transverse profile piece 7 .

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the machine 1 comprises a plurality of intermediate welding devices 4 suitable for welding a corresponding number of transverse profiles 7 to the main profile 5; the intermediate welding devices 4 are identical to one another and, for the sake of simplicity, in the following discussion we will refer to only one intermediate welding device 4 and to only one transverse profile 7, the description of the intermediate welding device 4 and the associated transverse profile 7 also being applicable to the others.

[0055] A total volume is defined between the lateral welding devices 3 .

[0056] The main profile 5 is positioned in a working area extending in a first direction X within the overall volume.

[0057] For the purposes of this description, the term "total volume" refers to the processing area of ​​the profiles 5, 6, 7 and is composed of the volume occupied by the lateral welding devices 3 and the space defined between them.

[0058] Each lateral welding device 3 comprises at least one lateral frame 8 associated with the support base 2 and a lateral machining assembly 9 associated with the lateral frame 8 for machining the main profile 5 and the lateral profile 6 .

[0059] The lateral machining assembly 9 comprises a holding device for the lateral profile 10 .

[0060] The holding device for the lateral profile 10 is of the vise type operated by a piston-cylinder.

[0061] The lateral machining assembly 9 further comprises a lateral retaining device 11 for the main profile part 5 .

[0062] The lateral holding device 11 is of the vise type operated by a piston cylinder.

[0063] The lateral welding device 3 comprises lateral displacement means 12 of the lateral holding means 11 for moving the main profile 5 between at least one position remote from the lateral profile 6 and at least one position closer to the lateral profile 6. The main profile 5 and the lateral profile 6 are welded together, as will be better described below.

[0064] The lateral displacement device 12 enables a precise and accurate movement of the main profile 5 relative to the lateral profile 6 .

[0065] The lateral welding device 3 is provided with at least one lateral heating plate 13 adapted to heat at least the main profile 5 and the corresponding lateral profile 6 .

[0066] The lateral heating plate 13 is mounted on the lateral processing assembly 9 and is a flat resistance plate type.

[0067] The lateral heating plates 13 are adapted to melt the plastic material of at least part of the profiles 5, 6, which are then joined and pressed together so that the molten plastic material is in contact.

[0068] After cooling, the plastic material hardens and fixes the joined profile parts together.

[0069] For this purpose, the profile pieces 5 , 6 are provided at their respective ends with regions to be welded.

[0070] In the context of the present discussion, the term "area to be welded" refers to the surface of the profile which is obtained by cutting the profile itself along a corresponding oblique direction.

[0071] Suitably, the region to be welded is inclined at an angle of between 10° and 80° relative to the longitudinal extension of the profile part.

[0072] Preferably, the area to be welded is inclined substantially at 45°.

[0073] The main profile piece 5 comprises two end regions 14 to be welded, obtained by cutting the ends, suitable for being welded to corresponding end regions 14 to be welded of the lateral profile pieces 6 .

[0074] Conveniently, the lateral welding device 3 is provided with lateral removal means 15 for forming a groove on the peripheral edge of the end zone 14 to be welded.

[0075] In particular, the groove affects the peripheral edge of the visible face of the profile pieces 5 , 6 .

[0076] For the purposes of this discussion, the term "visible surface" refers to the surface of the profile that is intended to remain visible after the window / door is assembled.

[0077] In practice, when the frame is mounted on a wall, the visible surface is that surface of the profile that faces towards the inside or outside of the wall.

[0078] The groove has the function of partially reducing the length of the visible surface. Like this, after the profile piece is welded, the weld bead extends to the inside of the profile piece 5,6, so is not visible on the visible surface of the window / door.

[0079] For the purposes of this discussion, the term "weld bead" refers to the portion of excess molten plastic material which is compressed during the joining of the profile pieces and which may protrude relative to the visible face of the profile pieces themselves.

[0080] As a result, after welding the profile parts 5 , 6 , the visible surface of a profile part perfectly matches the corresponding visible surface of an adjacent profile part.

[0081] The lateral removal means 15 also have the function of removing a thin layer of plastic material sufficient to make the end region 14 to be welded smooth and level.

[0082] In other words, the lateral removal means 15 are not only used to form the shape of the groove, but are also absolutely necessary for leveling the walls and correcting any cutting errors.

[0083] Without this flattening function, the end region 14 to be welded would be too irregular and therefore unweldable.

[0084] It should also be noted that, when the profiles 5, 6 are already mounted on the lateral holding means 11 and respectively on the holding means of the lateral profile 10, the flattening of the grooves and the end regions 14 to be welded is carried out by the lateral removal means 15 of the lateral welding device 3. The end regions 14 to be welded are connected and melted together without removing the profiles 5, 6 from the respective holding means 11, 10.

[0085] In other words, the machining of the profiles 5 , 6 on the respective holding devices 11 , 10 takes place only once and the lateral welding device 3 is able to perform all the steps required for machining without the profiles 5 , 6 having to be prepared and / or machined on other machines.

[0086] This particular feature, and the considerable speed of execution ensured thereby, makes it possible to avoid welding errors due to incorrect assembly of the profiles 5 , 6 on the respective holding devices 11 , 10 .

[0087] In fact, if the end regions 14 to be welded are flattened on a different machine and then mounted on the lateral welding device 3 to be welded, there is a risk of poor welding of the profiles 5, 6. This is because the end regions 14 to be welded may not be perfectly aligned and parallel.

[0088] The lateral removal device 15 is mounted on the lateral machining assembly 9 and comprises a pair of milling tools 16 arranged on opposite sides of a special support element.

[0089] In particular, the milling tool 16 is positioned such that the grooves on both profiles 5 , 6 are formed simultaneously.

[0090] In more detail, the milling tool 16 is arranged facing the respective end region 14 to be welded and rotates about an operating axis substantially orthogonal thereto.

[0091] The operating axis is approximately horizontal and inclined at approximately 45° relative to the longitudinal direction of the main profile 5 and the lateral profile 6 .

[0092] The lateral removal device 15 is expediently provided with a suction device adapted to remove by suction the plastic chips which are formed during the removal operation.

[0093] At least one of the lateral welding devices 3 is movable along the first direction X on the support 2 in order to position itself at the point of the main profile 5 at which the corresponding end region 14 to be welded is located.

[0094] Conveniently, the machine 1 comprises at least one first sliding guide 17 . This first sliding guide 17 is associated with the support 2 , extends in the first direction X, and on which at least one lateral welding device 3 is slidingly mounted.

[0095] The first sliding guide 17 comprises a set of guide rails, and the lateral welding device 3 sliding along the first direction X is associated therewith via the lateral frame 8 .

[0096] The total volume thus varies depending on the relative position of the lateral welding devices 3 on the support 2 .

[0097] The movement of one of the lateral welding devices 3 along the first sliding guide 17 allows correct positioning of the lateral welding device 3 , which is based on the measurement of the actual length of the main profile 5 .

[0098] The lateral profile piece 6 is positioned at the point where the corresponding lateral welding device 3 is located so that the end region 14 to be welded faces the end region 14 to be welded of the main profile piece 5 for subsequent welding.

[0099] In such Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, only one of the lateral welding devices 3 is movable in the first direction X, while the other is fixed to the support 2. However, alternative embodiments of the invention are not excluded in which both lateral welding devices 3 are slidable on the first sliding rail 17.

[0100] The intermediate welding device 4 is provided with at least one intermediate heating plate 18 , which is “V”-shaped and suitable for heating at least the main profile piece 5 and the corresponding transverse profile piece 7 .

[0101] The intermediate heating plate 18 is adapted to at least partially melt the plastic material of the profiles 5, 7 and then join and press the profiles 5, 7 together so that the molten plastic material is in contact. After cooling, the plastic material hardens and fixes the profiles together.

[0102] In practice, the main profile 5 comprises at least a pair of intermediate zones 19 to be welded, which abut one another to form a “V”-shaped recess 20, and the transverse profile 7 comprises, at at least one end, a pair of transverse zones 21 to be welded, which abut one another to form a “V”-shaped projection 22 substantially complementary to the recess 20.

[0103] The intermediate welding device 4 can be moved along a first direction X on the support 2 in order to position itself at the corresponding intermediate region 19 of the main profile 5 to be welded.

[0104] Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises at least one second sliding guide 23 . This second sliding guide 23 is associated with the support 2 , extends along the first direction X, and on which the intermediate welding device 4 is slidingly mounted.

[0105] The second sliding rail 23 is separate and distinct from the first sliding rail 17 .

[0106] In particular, the second sliding guide 23 comprises a guide rail set which is not the guide rail set of the first sliding guide 17 .

[0107] The second sliding guide 23 allows the intermediate welding device 4 to be moved on the support 2 for the entire longitudinal extension of the support itself, so as not to obstruct the lateral welding devices 3 .

[0108] The intermediate welding device 4 includes at least one intermediate frame 24 , which is connected to the support base 2 and can slide along the first direction X.

[0109] In particular, the middle frame 24 is movably slidably associated with the second sliding rail 23 .

[0110] The intermediate welding device 4 comprises at least one intermediate processing assembly 25 for processing the main profile 5 and the transverse profile 7 , which is associated with an intermediate frame 24 and is provided with an intermediate heating plate 18 .

[0111] The intermediate welding device 4 also comprises a transverse profile retaining device 26 , which is associated with the intermediate frame 24 .

[0112] The properties of the intermediate processing assembly 25 and the transverse profile member holding device 26 will be described in detail later in this description.

[0113] Advantageously, the intermediate machining assembly 25 and the transverse profile piece holding device 26 are arranged on opposite sides of the first sliding guide 17 .

[0114] The intermediate frame 24 comprises at least one connecting portion 24 a between the intermediate machining assembly 25 and the transverse profile retaining device 26 , this connecting portion 24 a being situated below the first sliding guide 17 .

[0115] The connecting portion 24 a serves to hold the intermediate processing assembly 25 and the transverse profile member holding device 26 together when the intermediate frame 24 moves along the second sliding guide rail 23 so that they can be positioned simultaneously relative to the support base 2 .

[0116] The machine 1 comprises means 27, 31 for moving the intermediate welding device 4 between an operating position, in which the intermediate welding device 4 is placed between the transverse welding devices 3 within the overall volume, and an initial position, in which the intermediate welding device 4 is placed outside the overall volume. Figure 4 )

[0117] In fact, the machine 1 can also be used for the simple realization of doors and windows without transoms.

[0118] In fact, when it is not necessary to weld the transverse profile piece 7 to the main profile piece 5 , the intermediate welding device 4 can be moved away from the working area in order to avoid interfering with the lateral welding devices 3 during the corresponding welding operation.

[0119] This is particularly advantageous, in particular when the main profile 5 is relatively small, so that the central welding device 4 becomes an obstacle to the correct positioning of the lateral welding devices 3 .

[0120] In the initial position, the intermediate welding device 4 is movable in the first direction X for the entire extension of the second sliding guide 23 .

[0121] In contrast, in the operating position, the central welding device 4 can be moved along the second sliding guides 23 between the lateral welding devices 3 .

[0122] like Figure 1 The configuration shown, for example, has two intermediate welding devices 4 located between the lateral welding devices 3, close to one end of the sliding guides 17 and 23, while another intermediate welding device 4 is parked close to the other end of the sliding guides 17 and 23, in order to form a window / door with only two crossbars; however, it is easy to understand that, thanks to the movement devices 27, 31, the machine 1 can adopt other configurations, for example:

[0123] - all three intermediate welding devices 4 are arranged between the transverse welding devices 3 in the operating position, thereby forming a window / door with three transverse beams;

[0124] - an intermediate welding device 4 is arranged between the lateral welding devices 3 in the operating position, and the two intermediate welding devices 4 are parked at one end close to the sliding guides 17 and 23. This makes it possible to form a window / door with two transverse beams;

[0125] - All three intermediate welding devices 4 are parked at one end close to the sliding rails 17 and 23 to form a window / door without a transom.

[0126] The movement means 27 , 31 comprise a first movement assembly 27 relative to the intermediate machining assembly 25 of the intermediate frame 24 .

[0127] The first moving assembly 27 allows the intermediate processing assembly 25 to move along a second direction Y substantially perpendicular to the first direction X between an operating position and an initial position.

[0128] In more detail, the second direction Y is substantially horizontal.

[0129] Conveniently, the first moving assembly 27 comprises horizontal slides 29 , 30 for moving the intermediate machining assembly 25 in the second direction Y.

[0130] The horizontal slides 29 , 30 allow the intermediate machining assembly 25 to be moved to the front, towards the overall volume, or to the rear, away from the overall volume, to position itself in the operating position or in the initial position, respectively.

[0131] In particular, the intermediate tooling assembly 25 includes a support structure 28 associated with the intermediate frame 24 .

[0132] The supporting structure 28 is slidingly associated with the intermediate frame 24 by means of horizontal sliding means 29 , 30 .

[0133] The horizontal sliding arrangement 29 , 30 comprises a motor unit 29 provided with a worm gear drive shaft 30 .

[0134] Furthermore, the displacement device 27 , 31 comprises a second displacement assembly 31 relative to the transverse profile holder 26 of the intermediate frame 24 .

[0135] The second movement assembly 31 allows the transverse profile-piece retaining device 26 to be moved along a third direction Z, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction X, between an operating position and an initial position.

[0136] In more detail, the third direction Z is substantially vertical.

[0137] Essentially, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are orthogonal to each other and define a Cartesian space.

[0138] The second movement assembly 31 comprises a vertical slide 32 for moving the transverse profile member retaining device 26 along the third direction Z.

[0139] The vertical slide 32 includes at least one linear actuator with a pneumatic cylinder.

[0140] The transverse profile member retaining device 26 can then be moved upwards or downwards to be positioned in the operating position or the initial position, respectively.

[0141] In order to carry out the welding operation of the transverse profile piece 7 , an intermediate welding device 4 is positioned so as to be arranged within the entire volume.

[0142] The intermediate processing assembly 25 is then moved horizontally towards the working area, while the transverse profile holding device 26 slides vertically upwards.

[0143] In the operating position, the intermediate welding device 4 can be moved further in the first direction X in order to position itself at the point of the main profile 5 where the intermediate region 19 to be welded is located.

[0144] Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises detection means 33 of the recess 20 for positioning the intermediate welding device 4 in the first direction X relative to the recess 20 .

[0145] The detection device 33 allows the intermediate welding device 4 to be positioned correctly and extremely precisely, so that the processing and subsequent welding of the profile parts 5 , 7 is accurate and efficient.

[0146] The detection means 33 conveniently comprise at least one light emitter 34. This light emitter is mounted on the intermediate welding device 4 and is suitable for projecting a light beam 35 onto the recess 20, illuminating its surface.

[0147] A light emitter 34 may be associated with the intermediate processing assembly 25 .

[0148] In this case, the light emitter 34 can, for example, be arranged above the main profile piece 5 and direct the light beam 35 from top to bottom towards the visible face of the main profile piece itself.

[0149] Alternatively, a light emitter 34 may be associated with the transverse profile member retaining device 26 .

[0150] In this case, the light emitter 34 can, for example, be placed next to the main profile piece 5 and direct the light beam 35 essentially horizontally towards the side of the main profile piece itself.

[0151] For the purposes of this discussion, the term "side" refers to the surface of the transverse profile member opposite the visible surface.

[0152] In particular, in this particular case, the side surface is the transverse surface that participates in the cutting during the realization of the intermediate zone 19 to be welded, which is therefore provided with the recess 20 .

[0153] The light beam 35 is selected from the following list, including: a point beam, a line beam.

[0154] In the case of a point beam, the light emitter 34 projects a single beam of light into space which strikes the main profile 5 at a single point.

[0155] In the case of a line beam, the light emitter 34 projects a series of light rays into space which strike the main profile 5 along a line.

[0156] The light emitter 34 is configured to emit a light beam 35 in a vertical projection plane P, which is substantially orthogonal to the first direction X.

[0157] In other words, the light emitter 34 is arranged and directed to emit a light beam 35 so as to intersect the main profile 5 and project a luminous marking 35a (dot or line) on its surface which indicates the position of the intermediate welding device 4 relative to the main profile 5.

[0158] Thus, by moving the intermediate welding device 4 along the first direction X, a kind of "scanning" of the main profile 5 and the recess 20 is performed. Figure 7 )

[0159] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light emitter 34 is a laser pointer device.

[0160] The correct positioning of the intermediate welding device 4 is therefore based on the operator's visual detection of the luminous marking 35 a which is formed when the aiming light beam 35 intersects the main profile 5 .

[0161] In practice, the operator slides the intermediate welding device 4 in the first direction X until the light beam 35 accurately hits the apex of the recess 20. In this position, the intermediate welding device 4 is aligned with the recess 20 and its sliding in the first direction X is stopped by the operator using the parking brake (not shown).

[0162] Alternatively, the light emitter 34 is a laser distance measuring device provided with means for sensing the distance to a portion of the recess 20 illuminated by the light beam 35 .

[0163] The distance sensing device is able to determine the distance of the surface of the main profile 5 relative to a reference system on the intermediate welding device 4 and thus determine the position of the intermediate welding device 4 relative to the recess 20 .

[0164] The laser distance measuring device is operatively connected to a display device that detects the distance.

[0165] The distance display device shows the operator a numerical value representing the measured distance via a graphical interface.

[0166] In more detail, the laser distance measuring device can detect and transmit to the display device an approximate value for the width measurement of the visible surface of the main profile part 5 or for the depth measurement of the side of the main profile part 5, depending on whether the laser distance measuring device is installed on the intermediate processing component 25 or on the transverse profile part holding device 26, respectively.

[0167] Essentially, if the light beam 35 is emitted towards the visible face of the main profile 5 , the distance sensing device detects a value which decreases as the parts of the recesses 20 move closer, where the intermediate areas 19 to be welded join (ie the apex of the recesses 20 ).

[0168] After detecting the portion of the recess 20 in which the intermediate region to be welded 19 engages, the movement of the intermediate welding device 4 in the first direction X is again interrupted by a parking brake (not shown in the figures).

[0169] During the “scanning” of the main profile part 5 and the intervention of the detection device 33 , the main profile part 5 is held stationary by the lateral holding devices 11 of the lateral welding device 3 .

[0170] Conveniently, the intermediate welding device 4 is also provided with means allowing blocking of the main profile 5 and means comprising intermediate retaining means 36 .

[0171] The intermediate holding device 36 is mounted on the support structure 28 of the intermediate processing assembly 25 .

[0172] The intermediate holding device 36 is a vise type by vertically operating a piston cylinder.

[0173] The intermediate welding device 4 further comprises an intermediate displacement device 37 of the intermediate holding device 36 for moving the main profile 5 between at least one position moved away from the transverse profile 7 and at least one position moved close to the transverse profile 7, wherein the intermediate region 19 to be welded and the transverse region 21 to be welded are joined together.

[0174] The intermediate displacement means 37 allow a precise and accurate movement of the main profile 5 relative to the transverse profile 7 .

[0175] The intermediate displacement device 37 coincides with the first moving component 27 of the above-mentioned moving devices 27 and 31.

[0176] In other words, the first movement assembly 27 moves the hidden intermediate machining assembly 25 between the operating position and the initial position and also makes it possible to move the main profile 5 closer to and further away from the transverse profile 7 in use.

[0177] The intermediate displacement means 37 are operatively connected to the lateral displacement means 12 to allow a coordinated movement of the main profile elements 5 .

[0178] For this purpose, the machine 1 comprises connection means, not shown in detail, between the intermediate displacement means 37 and the lateral displacement means 12. In particular, the connection means are of the electrical type.

[0179] However, it is not excluded that the connection means are of different types.

[0180] In fact, during operation of the machine 1 , the transverse profile 7 and the lateral profile 6 remain stationary, while the main profile 5 moves so as to bring the areas 14 , 19 , 21 to be welded closer to or further away from each other.

[0181] The transverse profile 7 is positioned on the intermediate welding device 4 so that the projection 22 faces the recess 20 .

[0182] In particular, the transverse profile 7 is held in position by transverse profile holding means 26 .

[0183] The transverse profile retaining device 26 comprises a vise provided with two jaws 38 which are movable relative to each other in order to intercept the transverse profile 7 .

[0184] Conveniently, the opening and closing movement of the jaws 38 is performed along a horizontal direction parallel to the first direction X.

[0185] Advantageously, the transverse profile retaining means 26 comprise at least one centering device 39 of the transverse profile 7 relative to the vertical reference plane R of the intermediate welding device 4 .

[0186] The vertical reference plane R coincides with the vertical projection plane P of the light emitter 34 .

[0187] In this case, the centering means 39 comprise a self-centering double rack system associated with the clamping jaws 38 .

[0188] Essentially, each of the two jaws 38 is associated with a rack 40 , and the two racks 40 are arranged so that their respective teeth face one another.

[0189] The two racks 40 are connected and moved by a gear 41 which is located between the two racks and is associated with both of them.

[0190] When the gear 41 is set in rotation, the rack 40 moves in the opposite direction and the jaws 38 move away from or closer to the vertical reference plane R at the same time.

[0191] The self-centering vise allows positioning and holding the transverse profile 7 so that the apex of the protrusion 22 lies on a vertical reference plane R: since the vertical reference plane R coincides with the vertical projection plane P of the light emitter, aligning the light beam 35 to the apex of the recess 20 also means aligning the recess 20 of the main profile 5 and the protrusion 22 of the transverse profile 7 with each other.

[0192] The intermediate machining assembly 25 comprises an intermediate removal device 42 for forming at least one groove 43 on at least one peripheral edge of the intermediate zone 19 to be welded and / or of the lateral zone 21 to be welded.

[0193] The intermediate removal device 42 is suitable for removing parts of the plastic material from the profile pieces 5 , 7 at the points where the areas 19 , 21 to be welded are located.

[0194] In particular, the groove 43 is formed on the visible face of the profiles 5, 7 and defines the concave portion 20 and the convex portion 22 along the peripheral edges of the areas to be welded 19, 21. As can be seen, the groove 43 is substantially V-shaped.

[0195] The center removal device 42 is intended to partially reduce the extension of the visible surface so that due to the welding of the profiles 5, 7, the weld extends towards the inside of the profiles 5, 7 and is therefore not visible on the visible surface of the window / door, thereby giving the window / door itself a pleasing aesthetic effect.

[0196] Like the lateral removal devices 15 , the intermediate removal devices 42 also have the function of removing a thin layer of plastic material sufficient to flatten and level the regions 19 and 21 to be welded of the respective profiles 5 , 7 .

[0197] It is worth emphasizing that the groove 43 and the flattened areas 19 and 21 to be welded are achieved by the intermediate removal device 42 of the intermediate welding device 4 when the profiles 5 and 7 are already mounted on the intermediate holding device 36 and the transverse profile holding device 26, respectively. The areas 19 and 21 to be welded are connected and melted together without removing the profiles 5 and 7 from the respective holding devices 36 and 26.

[0198] In other words, the machining of the profiles 5 , 7 on the respective holding devices 36 , 26 takes place only once, and the intermediate welding device 4 can perform all steps required for machining without the profiles 5 , 7 having to be prepared and / or machined on further machines.

[0199] This particular feature, and the relatively fast execution speed ensured thereby, allow welding errors to be avoided due to incorrect assembly of the profiles 5 , 7 on the respective holding devices 36 , 26 .

[0200] In fact, if the areas to be welded 19, 21 are leveled on different machines and then mounted on the intermediate welding device 4 to be welded, there is a risk of poor welding of the profiles 5, 7. This is because the areas to be welded 19, 21 may not be completely opposite and parallel.

[0201] However, alternative embodiments of the invention cannot be excluded in which the machine 1 is not provided with the lateral removal device 15 and / or the intermediate removal device 42 and the groove forming and / or profile leveling is performed on a separate milling machine before the profile is placed on the machine 1 .

[0202] The center removal device 42 comprises at least one milling tool 16 rotatable about a working axis A substantially parallel to the center region 19 to be welded and / or to the transverse regions 21 to be welded.

[0203] The working axis A is essentially perpendicular to the plane in which the profiles 5 , 7 are placed.

[0204] Advantageously, the working axis A is substantially vertical.

[0205] The vertical arrangement of the milling tool 16 is in fact more advantageous than the center removal device 42, since the center region 19 to be welded and the lateral regions 21 to be welded define a narrow working space and it is difficult to insert and move a machining tool therein which is capable of properly removing the plastic material.

[0206] Thus, the arrangement of the milling tool 16 along the vertical working axis A allows the groove 43 to be formed accurately and easily.

[0207] However, further embodiments cannot be excluded in which the working axis A is horizontal but parallel to the area to be welded A, or it is inclined but parallel to the areas to be welded 19 , 21 , or it is transverse to the areas to be welded 19 , 21 .

[0208] The midi removal device 42 comprises at least one holding frame 44 and at least one tool set 45 associated with the holding frame 44. The holding frame 44 is movably associated with the support structure 28.

[0209] The tool set 45 comprises the above-mentioned milling tool 16 and is directed towards at least one face of at least one of the main profile 5 or the transverse profile 7 to form the groove 43 .

[0210] The tool set 45 further comprises a suction unit 46 adapted to suction plastic material residues produced during the formation of the grooves 43 .

[0211] The suction unit 46 comprises a suction opening 46 a which is defined at the point where the milling tool 16 is located, through which the plastic residue is conveyed to the recovery container.

[0212] In more detail, the milling tool 16 is arranged by the suction opening 46 a towards the areas 19 , 21 to be welded.

[0213] The suction unit 46 comprises a series of brush elements 47 arranged radially around the suction opening 46a and adapted to facilitate the collection of debris and more efficient removal of plastic material residues.

[0214] Advantageously, the mid-removal device 42 comprises a pair of tool sets 45 , each of which can be placed facing a respective visible face of at least one of the main profile 5 or the transverse profile 7 .

[0215] The tool sets 45 are arranged above and below the profile parts 5 , 7 relative to their placement plane, so that the upper visible surface and the lower visible surface are processed respectively.

[0216] Each tool set 45 includes a milling tool 16 .

[0217] The milling tools 16 are aligned along the same working axis A and are arranged on opposite sides of the placement plane of the profile parts 5 , 7 .

[0218] However, it cannot be excluded that the milling tool 16 can be mounted differently on the intermediate machining assembly 25 .

[0219] In contrast to the supporting structure 28 , the midi removal device 42 also comprises a movement system 48 holding the frame 44 .

[0220] The movement system 48 allows the tool set 45 to be moved relative to the visible surface of the profile parts 5 , 7 in order to form the groove 43 .

[0221] The motion system 48 includes at least one set of controlled axes 49 mounted on the support structure 28 .

[0222] For the purposes of this discussion, the term "controlled axis" refers to a numerical control system that allows the tool set 45 to move along a predefined axis with controlled displacements in millimeters or micrometers.

[0223] The set of controlled axes 49 is movable along a first axis X′ substantially parallel to the first direction X, a second axis Y′ substantially perpendicular to the first axis X′, and a third axis Z′ substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes X′, Y′.

[0224] In particular, the second axis Y′ is substantially horizontal and parallel to the second direction Y, and the third axis Z′ is substantially vertical and parallel to the third direction Z.

[0225] The movement system 48 allows the holding frame 44 and therefore the tool set 45 to be moved in space in order to move the milling tool 16 along the visible surface of the profile parts 5 , 7 .

[0226] As mentioned above, the intermediate welding device 4 comprises an intermediate heating plate 18 which is “V”-shaped and is used to melt and heat at least the main profile 5 and the corresponding transverse profile 7 .

[0227] The intermediate heating plate 18 is of a resistance plate type and is integrally formed.

[0228] However, it cannot be excluded that the intermediate heating plate 18 may be composed of a plurality of heating elements which are interconnected so as to define a "V" shape.

[0229] The intermediate heating plate 18 is mounted on a holding frame 44 of the intermediate removal device 42 and can be moved relative thereto in order to position itself between the intermediate region 19 to be welded and the transverse regions 21 to be welded.

[0230] The intermediate heating plate 18 can be moved between:

[0231] an activated state, in which it is located between the main profile 5 and the transverse profile 7 in order to heat and melt at least part of the intermediate zone 19 to be welded and the transverse zones 21 to be welded; and

[0232] An initial state, in which it is moved away from the main profile 5 and the transverse profile 7 .

[0233] The intermediate heating plate 18 can be moved relative to the holding frame 44 between an activated state and an initial state by means of a pneumatic cylinder.

[0234] However, other embodiments in which the intermediate heating plate 18 is moved in a different manner cannot be excluded.

[0235] In the activated state, the intermediate heating plate 18 can be moved closer to the transverse profile 7 and closer to the transverse region 21 to be welded of the transverse profile 7. The transverse profile 7 is blocked by the transverse profile holding device 26.

[0236] At the same time, the main profile 5 approaches the intermediate heating plate 18 through the lateral movement device 12 and the intermediate movement device 37 , and its forward movement speed is substantially twice that of the movement speed of the intermediate heating plate 18 approaching the transverse profile 7 .

[0237] To this end, since the intermediate holding device 36 and the intermediate heating plate 18 are mounted on the same support structure 28, the intermediate holding device 36 is moved along the second direction Y by the intermediate displacement device 37, approaching the transverse profile member holding device 26, while the intermediate heating plate 18 is moved along the second axis Y' by the movement system 48 away from the transverse profile member holding device 26.

[0238] In this way, the concave portion 20 and the convex portion 22 are in contact with the opposite surfaces of the intermediate heating plate 18 at the same time.

[0239] After the plastic material has melted, the intermediate heating plate 18 returns to its original state to allow the main profile 5 to be joined to the transverse profile 7 .

[0240] The intermediate welding device 4 further comprises at least one housing element 50 , 51 adapted to abut on the groove 43 so as to define a housing compartment 52 for the weld bead.

[0241] The housing elements 50 , 51 are intended to be positioned on the visible face of the profiled elements 5 , 7 , at the point where the groove 43 is located.

[0242] In more detail, when the profiles 5 , 7 are joined to achieve welding, the respective grooves 43 are juxtaposed to one another and define a cavity intended to be filled with the molten plastic material.

[0243] When the receiving element 50 , 51 is positioned on the visible face of the profile part 5 , 7 , it closes the cavity, thereby defining the receiving compartment 52 and preventing molten plastic material from escaping therefrom.

[0244] As mentioned above, the groove 43 is substantially V-shaped, which is made along the peripheral edges of the recess 20 and the projection 22. Therefore, the receiving compartment 52 obtained by joining the profiles 5, 7 is also substantially V-shaped.

[0245] More specifically, the receiving compartment 52 includes at least two straight portions arranged transversely to each other.

[0246] The two straight portions are arranged relative to each other to form an angle of approximately 90°.

[0247] Furthermore, the receiving compartment 52 includes at least one curved portion located between the straight portions.

[0248] In practice, the groove 43 is made by the milling tool 16 , substantially cylindrical, with a milling radius F, and by rotating it around the working axis A. It results in the removal of a circular type of plastic material.

[0249] The effect of this rounding removal is more pronounced at the vertices of the recesses 20 and protrusions 22 of the respective profiles 5, 7. Thus, the passage of the milling tool 16 over these areas rounds the vertices of the recesses 20 and protrusions 22 and the corresponding grooves 43.

[0250] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving elements 50 , 51 are substantially “V”-shaped and comprise two receiving portions 58 arranged at substantially 90° to each other so as to overlap the groove 43 .

[0251] However, it cannot be excluded that the housing elements 50 , 51 have a different shape and consist, for example, of a rectangular plate (or other shape) of these dimensions in order to completely cover the groove 43 .

[0252] Accommodation elements 50 , 51 are associated with the intermediate processing assembly 25 .

[0253] The receiving elements 50 , 51 are movable along an approaching / distancing movement direction D between an operating position, which is a position approaching the at least one groove 43 , and an initial position, which is a position moved away from the at least one groove 43 .

[0254] In the embodiment shown, the approach / distancing direction D is substantially vertical. However, it cannot be excluded that the approach / distancing direction D can also be oriented according to a different axis (e.g. horizontally), but always in such a way that the receiving elements 50 , 51 overlap the groove 43 .

[0255] Conveniently, the intermediate welding device 4 comprises at least one displacement assembly 53 suitable for moving the housing elements 50 , 51 along an approaching / advancing movement direction D between an operating position and a home position.

[0256] Advantageously, the intermediate welding device 4 comprises at least a pair of housing elements 50 , 51 arranged on opposite sides of the plane in which the profiles 5 , 7 are placed and each facing a respective visible face of the main profile and of the transverse profile 7 .

[0257] The receiving elements 50 , 51 are aligned and movable in the same vertical direction of the approaching / moving away direction D.

[0258] In this way, the receiving elements 50 , 51 are able to receive the welding beads in the receiving compartments 52 on both visible surfaces of the window / door.

[0259] However, it cannot be excluded that the receiving elements 50 , 51 are arranged in a different manner on the intermediate processing assembly 25 .

[0260] Conveniently, the intermediate welding device 4 comprises a plurality of receiving elements 50, 51, which are arranged on the same side as the placement plane of the profile members 5, 7 and face only one visible side of the main profile member 5 and the transverse profile member 7.

[0261] The receiving elements 50 , 51 are side by side and can be moved along various vertical directions D of approaching / advancing movement.

[0262] The specific “V” shape of the housing elements 50 , 51 allows reducing the overall dimensions of the housing elements themselves on the intermediate machining assembly 25 and avoids obstructing the movement of other movable parts.

[0263] In the embodiment shown in the figures, in particular the first receiving element 50 and the second receiving element 51 are arranged on the same part of the placement plane of the profile parts 5 , 7 .

[0264] In more detail, Figures 1 to 14 In the embodiment of the present invention shown, the intermediate welding device 4 includes a pair of first accommodating elements 50, one of which is arranged above the placement plane of the profile members 5, 7, and the other is arranged below the placement plane of the profile members 5, 7, and a pair of second accommodating elements 51, one of which is arranged above the placement plane of the profile members 5, 7, and the other is arranged below the placement plane of the profile members 5, 7.

[0265] Conveniently, the first receiving element 50 is provided with a contact surface 50 a comprising at least one protrusion 54 adapted to fit at least partially within the receiving compartment 52 .

[0266] The protrusion 54 is generally V-shaped and includes at least two straight portions 54a disposed transversely to each other.

[0267] In particular, the straight portions 54a are arranged to form an angle of approximately 90° with each other.

[0268] Each straight portion 54 a is adapted to fit within a corresponding straight portion of the receiving compartment 52 .

[0269] The protrusion 54 further includes at least one curved portion 54b located between the straight portions 54a.

[0270] The curved portion 54 b is adapted to fit within the curved portion of the receiving compartment 52 .

[0271] In the present case, the curved portion 54b has an arc shape.

[0272] The curved portion 54 b is provided with a curvature radius C that is substantially equal to or greater than the milling radius F of the milling tool 16 described above.

[0273] On the other hand, the second accommodation element 51 is provided with a finishing surface 51 a adapted for surface finishing at the point where the accommodation compartment 52 is located.

[0274] exist Figures 1 to 16 In the embodiment shown in Figures 21 and 22, the finished surface 51a is substantially flat.

[0275] In the context of this discussion, the expression "substantially flat" means that the finished surface 51a lies on a single plane, but, depending on the type of profile, it may have roughness or veining features that complement those present in the profile itself. In this way, the pressure of the second containment element 51 on the molten plastic material maintains the aesthetic effect of the profiles 5, 7 unchanged.

[0276] refer to Figures 1 to 15 18 to 21 , each of the housing elements 50 , 51 is formed in one piece from a rigid material of the hard plastic type.

[0277] On the other hand, Figure 16 and 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the second receiving element 51 is made by assembling various components. In practice, it comprises at least one plate-like element 55 and at least one flexible element 56. The plate-like element 55 defines a finished surface 51a, is made of a hard material, and is adapted to abut against the recess 43. The flexible element 56 supports the plate-like element 55 and is made of a soft material.

[0278] The plate-like element 55 consists of a thin plate, for example made of metal or a hard plastic material, which has a reduced thickness and is therefore elastic and adaptable to the surface of the profile parts 5 , 7 .

[0279] On the other hand, the flexible element 56 is, for example, a layer made of rubber or including a spring-like elastomer.

[0280] Figure 17 An embodiment of the second receiving element 51 is shown wherein the finished surface 51 a comprises an embossed finishing portion 57 which is substantially “V” shaped and adapted to fit at least partially within the receiving compartment 52 .

[0281] The embossed finishing 57 has a substantially oval cross section and has the function of producing a special aesthetic effect in the welding area of ​​the profiles 5 , 7 and in particular allowing the “V” shape of the profile itself to be embossed.

[0282] Conveniently, similar to the protrusion 54 of the first receiving element 50, the embossed finishing portion 57 comprises at least two straight finishing portions and at least one curvilinear finishing portion, the curvilinear finishing portion being located between the straight finishing portions.

[0283] However, it cannot be excluded that the embossed finishing portion 57 may have a different shape.

[0284] The operation of the present invention is as follows.

[0285] Initially, based on the actual length dimension of the main profile 5 , one of the lateral welding devices 3 is moved on the support 2 along the first sliding guide 17 , thereby defining the total volume.

[0286] The central welding device 4 of the machine 1 is positioned outside the overall volume defined by the lateral welding devices 3 .

[0287] Depending on the type of machining to be performed, a certain number of intermediate welding devices 4 is placed within the total volume. This number is equal to the number of transverse profiles 7 to be welded to the main profile 5.

[0288] For the sake of simplicity, the operation of the machine 1 will be described for the case where only one transverse profile piece 7 is to be welded to the main profile piece 5 .

[0289] In this case, only one intermediate welding device 4 is brought into the overall volume, while the others remain parked and unused.

[0290] For this purpose, the intermediate processing assembly 25 of the intermediate welding device 4 to be used is moved in the second direction Y into an initial position by means of the horizontal sliding devices 29 , 30 .

[0291] At the same time, the transverse profile member holding device 26 is brought to the initial position along the third direction Z by the vertical sliding device 32. Figure 4 and 5 )

[0292] The intermediate welding device 4 can now be moved on the support 2 in the first direction X for the entire extension of the second sliding guide 23 .

[0293] The middle welding device 4 is positioned on the support base 2 so that the middle frame 24 is located between the lateral welding devices 3 .

[0294] The intermediate machining assembly 25 and the transverse profile-holding device 26 are then moved into the operating position within the overall volume.

[0295] The main profile 5 is positioned in the operating area so that the end region 14 to be welded is positioned at the point where the lateral welding device 3 is located.

[0296] The middle welding device 4 moves again along the first direction X on the second sliding guide rail 23 to position itself at the location where the middle area 19 to be welded is located. Figure 6 )

[0297] Thanks to the light emitter 34, a scan of the main profile 5 can be performed to detect the portion of the recess 20 in which the intermediate region 19 to be welded is joined. Figure 7 )

[0298] After the intermediate welding device 4 has been correctly positioned, its parking brake is activated to prevent further sliding along the second sliding guide 23 , and the intermediate holding device 36 is activated to hold the main profile 5 stationary relative to the intermediate welding device 4 .

[0299] The lateral profiles 6 and the transverse profiles 7 are positioned on the respective welding devices 3 , 4 and are held stationary by respective holding devices 10 , 26 .

[0300] In particular, the transverse profile 7 is held by the centering device 39 so that the transverse region 21 to be welded faces the middle region 19 to be welded. Figure 8 )

[0301] In this case, the removal means 15 , 42 form a groove 43 which is formed at the point where the visible surface of the respective profile 5 , 6 , 7 is located.

[0302] In more detail, the lateral removal means 15 operate simultaneously on the visible face of the main profile 5 and on the visible face of the respective lateral profile 6 to define grooves 43 above and below the plane of rest of the profiles 5 , 6 .

[0303] On the other hand, the center removal device 42 is moved by a set of controlled axes 49 in such a way that one of the tool groups 45 first operates on the visible face of the main profile 5 and the visible face of the transverse profile 7, above the placement plane. Then, the other tool group 45 operates on the corresponding visible face, below the placement plane of the profiles 5, 7. Figure 10 and 11 )

[0304] Subsequently, the lateral heating plates 13 and the intermediate heating plates 18 are moved in the operating state to the respective areas 14 , 19 , 21 to be welded in order to position themselves between the profiles 5 , 6 , 7 .

[0305] The lateral displacement means 12 and the intermediate displacement means 37 move the main profile 5 towards the lateral profiles 6 and towards the transverse profile 7 in order to approach and contact the heating plates 13 , 18 .

[0306] At the same time, the heating plates 13, 18 move to contact the areas to be welded 14, 19, 21 ( Figure 12 ).

[0307] After the plastic material has melted, in the initial state, the heating plates 13 , 18 are moved apart to allow the main profile 5 to approach the lateral profiles 6 and the transverse profile 7 .

[0308] The profiles 5, 6, 7 are joined and the receiving elements 50, 51 are moved to abut the receiving compartment 52 ( Figure 13 ).

[0309] In this regard, according to a possible sequence of sub-phases, when the profiles 5, 7 are juxtaposed to one another, the first receiving element 50 abuts the recess 43 both above and below the resting surface of the profile 5, the projection 54 being located in the associated receiving compartment 52. Figure 18 As shown, the receiving compartment 52 thus formed is essentially free of molten plastic material. Subsequently, during the relative approach of the profiles 5, 7, the weld bead produced extends in the center of the receiving compartment 52 and comes into contact with the projection 54, which deflects it towards the side wall 52 ( Figure 19 ).

[0310] However, it cannot be excluded that the above-mentioned stages may be carried out in a different manner. For example, according to an alternative sequence of sub-stages not shown in detail in the figures, initially the profiles 5, 7 are approached to produce the weld bead, and then the first receiving element 50 is positioned at the point where the groove 43 is located so as to define a receiving compartment 52 filled with molten plastic material.

[0311] Subsequently, the first receiving element 50 is spaced apart from the profiles 5, 7 ( Figure 20 ) and the second receiving element 51 is moved to bring the finished surface 51a into contact with the visible face of the profile pieces 5, 7 at the point where the groove 43 is located. In this position, the finished surface 51a flattens the visible face of the profile pieces 5, 7 and contains any pressure from the weld bead towards the visible face. In practice, at this stage, the profile pieces 5, 7 continue to be brought together and the molten plastic material continues to form until the receiving compartment 52 is completely filled ( Figure 21 ).

[0312] However, the possibility of using only one of the first receiving element 50 or the second receiving element 51 cannot be excluded.

[0313] Figures 18 to 21 All of the sub-stages shown in FIG. 5 are performed rapidly in such a manner as to prevent the molten material from solidifying before the receiving compartment 52 is completely filled.

[0314] It has been established in practice that the described invention achieves the intended objects and in particular emphasizes the fact that the machine for welding plastic profiles makes it possible to eliminate the need to transfer the welded profiles to other machines suitable for removing the weld beads.

[0315] Furthermore, machines for welding plastic profiles can avoid finishing work in the weld area after removing the weld bead.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for welding plastic profiles, characterized in that The machine (1) comprises: - at least one support (2) extending along a first direction (X); - at least one lateral welding device (3) associated with said support seat (2) and provided with at least one lateral heating plate (13) suitable for heating at least one main profile (5) and a corresponding lateral profile (6); and - at least one intermediate welding device (4) associated with the support seat (2) and provided with at least one intermediate heating plate (18) shaped in a "V" shape and suitable for heating at least the main profile (5) and the corresponding transverse profile (7); wherein the main profile (5) comprises at least a pair of intermediate regions (19) to be welded, which are adjacent to each other to form a V-shaped recess (20), and the transverse profile (7) comprises at least one end a pair of transverse regions (21) to be welded, which are adjacent to each other to form a V-shaped projection (22), said V-shaped projection being complementary to said V-shaped recess (20); wherein at least one of the main profile (5) or the transverse profile (7) comprises at least one groove (43), the groove (43) being formed on the peripheral edges of the middle region (19) to be welded and the transverse region (21) to be welded, respectively; and wherein the intermediate welding device (4) comprises at least one receiving element (50, 51) adapted to abut on the at least one groove (43) to define at least one receiving compartment (52) for the weld bead, and The accommodating element (50) is provided with a contact surface (50a), the contact surface (50a) comprising at least one protrusion (54), the protrusion (54) being adapted to be at least partially fitted in the accommodating compartment (52), the protrusion (54) being V-shaped and comprising at least two straight portions (54a) arranged transversely to each other, the accommodating compartment (52) being V-shaped and comprising at least two straight portions arranged transversely to each other, wherein each of the straight portions (54a) is adapted to be fitted in a respective straight portion of the accommodating compartment (52).

2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the at least one housing element (50, 51) is movable along an approaching / distancing movement (D) between an operating position in which it is moved closer to the at least one recess (43) and an initial position in which it is moved away from the at least one recess (43); and The intermediate welding device (4) comprises at least one displacement assembly (53) adapted to move the housing element (50, 51) between the operating position and the initial position along the direction of the approaching / distancing movement (D).

3. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The protrusion (54) includes at least one curved portion (54b) located between the straight portions (54a), and the accommodating compartment (52) includes at least one curved portion located between the straight portions, and the curved portion (54b) is suitable for being assembled in the curved portion of the accommodating compartment (52).

4. The machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The at least one groove (43) is made by at least one milling tool (16) having a milling radius (F), and the curved portion (54b) has a curvature radius (C) equal to or greater than the milling radius (F).

5. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The receiving element (51) is provided with a finishing surface (51a) adapted for surface finishing at the point where the receiving compartment (52) is located.

6. The machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The accommodating element (51) comprises: - at least one plate-like element (55) defining said finished surface (51a), made of a hard material and adapted to abut said groove (43); and - At least one flexible element (56) supporting said plate-like element (55) and made of soft material.

7. Machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The finished surface (51a) is flat.

8. Machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The finished surface (51a) includes an embossed finished portion (57) that is "V" shaped and adapted to fit at least partially within the receiving compartment (52).

9. The machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The embossed finishing portion (57) includes at least two straight finishing portions and at least one curved finishing portion, wherein the curved finishing portion is located between the straight finishing portions.

10. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The intermediate welding device (4) comprises at least one pair of accommodating elements (50, 51), which are arranged relative to the placement plane of the profile members (5, 7), wherein each of the accommodating elements (50, 51) faces the respective exposed surfaces of the main profile member (5) and the transverse profile member (7).

11. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The intermediate welding device (4) comprises a plurality of the accommodating elements (50, 51), which are arranged from the same side of the placement plane of the profiles (5, 7) and face one of the exposed surfaces of the main profile (5) and the exposed surface of the transverse profile (7).

Images