Machine for welding profiled elements made of plastic material

Abstract

The machine (1) comprises at least one main welding device (3) of a first profiled member (4) and of a second profiled member (5), the at least one first profiled member (4) and the at least one second profiled member (5) extending along their respective longitudinal direction and each having at least one end portion to be welded area (6), the main welding device (3) comprising: - main holding means (18, 19) of the profiled members (4, 5); - main heating means (20) adapted to heat the end portion to be welded areas (6); - main displacement means (21) of the main holding means (18, 19) adapted to displace the profiled members (4, 5) between a mutual spaced apart position and a mutual approaching position; wherein the main heating means (20) comprise two heating plates (27), each of the two heating plates (27) being placeable in contact with a respective end portion to be welded area (6) and arranged substantially parallel to each other at a predefined distance to define a free volume (V) located therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a machine for welding profile components made of plastic material. Background Technology

[0002] In the construction industry, the machine is known for producing windows / doors made of plastic materials (especially PVC).

[0003] These windows and doors consist of a series of profile components made of plastic material, typically formed by extrusion or similar techniques. They are welded together to form a frame to obtain the door or window, with a central panel made of glass or other material inside the frame.

[0004] The profile components extend along the corresponding longitudinal direction and each has at least one end area to be welded.

[0005] The area to be welded is the surface of the profile component, through which the profile component itself is welded to another profile component.

[0006] The end area to be welded is transverse to the relevant longitudinal direction and is obtained by cutting the profile member at one end in a direction that is usually inclined at a 45° angle relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0007] Known types of machines include multiple welding devices adapted to process and weld the areas of profile components to be welded together.

[0008] Specifically, known types of machines do indeed have a support base, and the welding device can move on the support base according to the size of the profile component and the position of the area to be welded defined on the profile component.

[0009] Generally, known welding apparatus includes:

[0010] - A holding device suitable for holding profile components in which the areas to be welded face each other;

[0011] - A heating device, movable to be placed between areas to be welded and to heat them until the plastic material is at least partially melted; and

[0012] - The moving device of the holding device is adapted to move the profile members in a way that brings them closer together so that the heated areas to be welded come into contact with each other.

[0013] In this way, the partially melted areas to be welded come into close contact with each other, and the plastic material hardens again after cooling, thus holding the profile components together.

[0014] Therefore, it is easy to understand that these operations must be performed extremely quickly to optimize the welding process and give windows and doors valuable aesthetic effects.

[0015] In fact, excessive cooling of the plastic material before it is joined to be welded can affect the effectiveness of the welding operation and even the aesthetics of windows and doors.

[0016] WO2017072660A1 describes the first known type of machine for welding profile components made of plastic material.

[0017] Specifically, the machine described in WO2017072660A1 can be used to manufacture windows and doors that have a central panel directly from the machine itself, and in addition to the welding device, the machine also includes a device for assembling the central panel.

[0018] Windows and doors are made by welding profile components together and inserting a central panel between them.

[0019] In detail, the apparatus for assembling the central panel includes a support for the central panel placed between the welding devices, such that the central panel itself is surrounded by profile members during welding.

[0020] In such a machine, the heating device consists of a heating plate of the type belonging to resistance plates, which moves relative to the profile component.

[0021] These machines are easy to improve.

[0022] In fact, the presence of a central panel on the profile component is an obstacle to the movement of the heating plate, preventing the heating plate from fully positioning itself between the end areas to be welded.

[0023] To perform the welding operation correctly, the central panel is positioned between the profile components after the areas to be welded at the heated ends. However, while this process is very quick, it can cause the plastic material to cool excessively, posing the aforementioned risks to the effectiveness of the weld and the aesthetic appearance of the window / door.

[0024] This will slow down the welding process and cause the aforementioned problems.

[0025] To this end, the machine described in WO2017072660A1 further describes the possibility of using a heating plate having a chamfer that is at least partially complementary to the cross-section of the central panel and can be positioned to surround the central panel itself.

[0026] In this way, the central panel can be placed between the profile components during the heating phase, thereby further reducing welding time.

[0027] However, the chamfer must be custom-made according to the size of the central panel, so the heating plate needs to be replaced for each type of work.

[0028] The second type of machine, of which the known type is used, can be used to produce windows / doors with beams.

[0029] In this case, the machine includes a main welding unit and an intermediate welding unit, the main welding unit having a heating plate and being adapted to weld a plurality of peripheral profile members together to manufacture a frame, and the intermediate welding unit being adapted to weld at least one transverse profile member to a peripheral profile member.

[0030] However, this type of machine also has some drawbacks.

[0031] In fact, the intermediate welding device has a heating unit that is shaped to fit the inner side of the surrounding profile component, which defines the intermediate welding area.

[0032] It should be noted that, in fact, while the end areas to be welded are located on a generally flat surface, the middle areas to be welded are located on an extremely irregular surface with grooves and protrusions, the depth of which varies depending on the type of profile component.

[0033] For this reason, heating units are typically large in size so that they can effectively contact the lateral and peripheral profile members regardless of their dimensions.

[0034] The size of the heating unit also affects the geometry of the main welding assembly, and specifically results in the corresponding spacing between the end welding areas of the peripheral profile components that must be heated simultaneously.

[0035] Therefore, the heating plate of the main welding device should be made thicker, such as to allow the end of the area to be welded to contact.

[0036] Compared to the additional components of the main welding unit, this will result in an increase in overall size. In addition, the increased size of the heating plate means that it is more difficult to reach the required temperature, consume more energy to maintain it at that temperature, and require a longer cooling time.

[0037] In addition to extending the operation time, this possible solution also involves a significant increase in the overall size of the main welding unit, thus significantly increasing the overall size of the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0038] The main objective of this invention is to design a machine for welding profile components made of plastic material, which allows for a reduction in the time required to manufacture windows / doors (especially complex windows / doors) that already have a central panel produced by the machine and / or have one or more transverse profile components.

[0039] Another object of the present invention is to design a machine for welding profile components made of plastic material, the machine being small in size and simple in structure.

[0040] Another object of the present invention is to design a machine for welding profile components made of plastic materials, which allows for overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art and providing an affordable solution within the scope of simplicity, rationality, ease and effectiveness of use.

[0041] The above objective is achieved by the machine of the present invention, which has the characteristics of claim 1, for welding profile components made of plastic material. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a machine for welding profile components made of plastic material, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of indicative, but not limiting, example, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a machine for welding profile components according to the present invention, the machine being used to produce windows / doors that already have transverse profile components or have central panels respectively emerging from the machine;

[0044] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of a machine for welding profile components according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the machine according to the present invention;

[0046] Figures 5 to 12 This is a view of the main welding apparatus according to the present invention;

[0047] Figures 13 to 14 This is a view of the intermediate welding apparatus according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Refer to these figures for details. Figure 1 generally indicates a machine used for welding profile components made of plastic material.

[0049] Machine 1 can be used to weld profile components made of plastic materials, preferably PVC, for the production of windows / doors.

[0050] However, it cannot be ruled out that the profile component may be made of a heat-sealable plastic material different from PVC and / or a plastic material carrying reinforcement, such as in fibrous form, like glass fiber. Similarly, embodiments in which the profile component is partly made of plastic material and partly made of different materials may be ruled out, in a manner similar to some known types of profile components, such as having a canopy, outer cover, or inner core made of metal, wood, or similar materials.

[0051] Specifically, according to Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 14In the first embodiment shown, machine 1 is designed to weld at least two peripheral profile members 4, 5 of the frame to be formed into a window or door together with one or more transverse profile members 8.

[0052] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated schematically, wherein machine 1 is designed to weld at least two peripheral profile members 4, 5 together with the central panel G.

[0053] The machine 1 for welding plastic profile components includes at least one main welding device 3 adapted to weld at least two peripheral profile components 4, 5 together.

[0054] Peripheral profile components 4 and 5 will form the frame of the window / door.

[0055] The first profile component 4 and the second profile component 5 extend along their respective longitudinal directions and each has at least one end welding area 6.

[0056] In the context of this disclosure, the term "area to be welded" refers to the surface of a profile member through which the profile member itself is joined to another profile member by welding, according to a method which will be described in more detail later in this disclosure. The end area to be welded 6 is transverse to the relevant longitudinal direction and is obtained by cutting a peripheral profile member at one end.

[0057] Each peripheral profile component 4, 5 includes two end welding areas 6, which are adapted to be welded to the corresponding end welding areas 6 of two adjacent peripheral profile components 4, 5.

[0058] Appropriately, the end welding area 6 is tilted at an angle between 10° and 80° relative to the longitudinal direction of the profile member.

[0059] Preferably, the end area to be welded 6 is tilted at an angle of approximately 45°.

[0060] Machine 1 includes multiple main welding devices 3 suitable for forming the frame of a window or door.

[0061] In the present case, machine 1 is designed to produce rectangular windows or doors and includes four main welding devices 3 suitable for welding two first profile members 4 and two second profile members 5 together.

[0062] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a machine 1 that also includes at least one intermediate welding device 7, which is adapted to weld the first profile member 4 to the transverse profile member 8.

[0063] More specifically, the machine 1 includes a plurality of intermediate welding devices 7; in this case, the machine 1 includes four intermediate welding devices 7 adapted to weld two transverse profile members 8 to a first profile member 4.

[0064] However, embodiments in which machine 1 includes a different number of intermediate welding devices 7 cannot be ruled out.

[0065] The transverse profile member 8 includes at least one transverse weldable area 9 formed at the relevant end, the at least one transverse weldable area 9 being intended for welding at the intermediate weldable area 10 of the first profile member 4.

[0066] The transverse weldable area 9 is obtained by "end milling," that is, by cutting the transverse profile member 8 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the relevant longitudinal direction and subsequently shaping it to be substantially complementary to the intermediate weldable area 10. Meanwhile, the intermediate weldable area 10 is the surface of the first profile member 4, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and is defined in the middle position between the end weldable areas 6, and is welded to the transverse weldable area 9 without any cutting operation.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of machine 1, which includes only the main welding device 3. Such an embodiment makes it possible to manufacture windows / doors having a central panel G originating from machine 1.

[0068] According to the invention, the main welding device 3 includes two heating plates 27, each of which can be positioned to contact the corresponding end area to be welded (6) and arranged substantially parallel to each other at a predefined distance to define the free volume between them.

[0069] Each of the heating plates 27 is of the resistance plate type, and once placed in contact with the relevant end of the welding area 6, it causes at least a partial melting of the plastic material.

[0070] The spaced arrangement of the heating plates 27 allows for a reduction in the thickness of the heating plates themselves while effectively heating the profile members 4 and 5 simultaneously, even when they are further spaced apart. This arrangement thus allows for easy fabrication of the first profile member 4 and the second profile member 5, even if they need to be kept at a greater distance from each other, for example, in windows or doors providing a means of assembling one or more transverse profile members 8. Figure 1 In the case of, or when the central panel G is placed near profile members 4 and 5 during the heating phase ( Figure 2 Furthermore, in the latter case, a portion of the free volume V can be used to partially accommodate the central panel G, thereby allowing for a reduction in the distance between profile components and further accelerating the welding operation.

[0071] In the remainder of this disclosure, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 14 The first embodiment of the present invention is described in detail, wherein the machine 1 includes a main welding device 3 and an intermediate welding device 7.

[0072] refer to Figure 3 Machine 1 includes at least one support base 2 of welding devices 3 and 7.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, welding devices 3 and 7 are arranged in two groups, 101 and 102, on the support base 2.

[0074] Each group 101, 102 includes two main welding devices 3 and two intermediate welding devices 7 placed side by side between them.

[0075] The space defined between the welding devices 3 and 7 in each group 101 and 102 defines the holding and processing area of ​​the first profile component 4.

[0076] The two groups 101 and 102 are arranged in use such that welding devices 3 and 7 face each other.

[0077] The holding and processing area of ​​the second profile member 5 is defined in the volume defined between the corresponding main welding devices 3 in the two groups 101 and 102, while the holding area defines the length of the transverse profile member 8 between the corresponding intermediate welding devices 7 in the two groups 101 and 102.

[0078] Welding devices 3 and 7 are movable to each other so as to position themselves at the corresponding areas to be welded, 6, 9, and 10.

[0079] More specifically, the support base 2 includes a resting structure 11 intended to be placed on the ground and extending in the displacement direction T, and two support structures 12, 13 associated with the resting structure 11 and movable relative to each other in the displacement direction T, each of the two support structures 12, 13 supporting each of the groups 101, 102 of the welding devices 3, 7.

[0080] Specifically, the support base 2 includes a first support structure 12 that extends along a first moving direction M1 substantially perpendicular to the displacement direction T and supports the first group 101, and a second support structure 13 that extends along a second moving direction M2 substantially parallel to the first moving direction M1 and supports the second group 102.

[0081] More specifically, the first support structure 12 is fixed relative to the resting structure 11 and arranged at one end thereto.

[0082] The second support structure 13 can move along the displacement direction T.

[0083] For this purpose, the machine 1 includes a moving device placed between the second support structure 13 and the resting structure 11, which is of a type known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0084] Therefore, the second support structure 13 can move closer to / away from the first support structure 12 to move the second group 102 closer to / away from the first group 101 in order to match the dimensions of the second profile member 5 and the transverse profile member 8.

[0085] Then the welding devices 3 and 7 of each group 101 and 102 can move relative to each other along the relevant moving directions M1 and M2 to place themselves at the corresponding welding areas 6 and 10 of the first profile component 4.

[0086] Therefore, the machine 1 includes a moving device placed between the welding devices 3, 7 and the corresponding support structures 12, 13, which is of a type known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in the figure, both main welding devices 3 move along the corresponding support structures 12 and 13.

[0088] However, it cannot be ruled out that one of the main welding devices 3 is fixed while the other moves relative to it, depending on the length of the first profile member 4.

[0089] Each main welding device 3 includes at least one main frame 14 associated with the support base 2 and a main welding assembly 15 associated with the main frame 14, the main welding assembly 15 being used to process the associated first profile member 4 and the associated second profile member 5.

[0090] More specifically, the main frame 14 is movably associated with the relevant support structures 12 and 13 along the relevant movement directions M1 and M2.

[0091] Similarly, each intermediate welding device 7 includes at least one intermediate frame 16 associated with the support base 2 and an intermediate welding assembly 17 associated with the intermediate frame 16, the intermediate welding assembly 17 being used to process the associated first profile member 4 and the associated transverse profile member 8.

[0092] More specifically, the intermediate frame 16 is movably associated with the relevant support structures 12 and 13 along the relevant movement directions M1 and M2.

[0093] The intermediate welding apparatus 7 will be described in more detail later in this disclosure.

[0094] The main welding assembly 15 includes:

[0095] - Main holding devices 18 and 19 are suitable for holding profile components 4 and 5 with their end welding areas 6 facing each other;

[0096] - Main heating device 20, adapted to heat the end area to be welded 6; and

[0097] - The main displacement device 21 of the main holding devices 18 and 19 is adapted to displace the profile components 4 and 5 between mutually spaced positions and mutually close positions, in which the heated end welding areas 6 are joined together.

[0098] Profile components 4 and 5 are arranged perpendicularly to each other on the main welding assembly 15, and the end areas to be welded 6 are basically parallel to each other.

[0099] The main retaining devices 18 and 19 include a first retaining device 18 for the first profile member 4 and a second retaining device 19 for the second profile member 5.

[0100] Each of the main retaining devices 18, 19 includes at least one resting surface 22 of the basic level of the associated profile members 4, 5 and at least one clamping assembly 23 adapted to retain and fix the profile members 4, 5 to the associated resting surface 22.

[0101] The clamping assembly 23 is of the type of vise operated vertically by a piston cylinder and is adapted to press the profile members 4, 5 onto the resting surface 22.

[0102] Each of the main retaining devices 18, 19 further includes at least one generally vertical adjacent surface 24 of the associated profile member 4, 5 and a retaining assembly 25 adapted to retain the profile member 4, 5 in contact with the associated adjacent surface 24.

[0103] The retaining component 25 is of the hook type, which is movable to intercept the profile components 4, 5 and pull them toward the adjacent surface 24.

[0104] After being fixed by the main holding devices 18 and 19, the profile components 4 and 5 are moved to perform welding operations by the main displacement device 21.

[0105] The main holding devices 18 and 19 are actually associated with the main displacement device 21.

[0106] Specifically, the main displacement device 21 allows the profile components 4 and 5 to move precisely and accurately along the relevant displacement direction S.

[0107] The directions of the displacements S are basically perpendicular to each other.

[0108] The main displacement device 21 includes a guide device 26 associated with the main frame 14, which extends along the relevant displacement direction S and slides to support the main holding devices 18, 19.

[0109] The main displacement device 21 also includes an actuator device, which is not shown in detail in the figure, and is adapted to move the main holding devices 18 and 19 synchronously along the relevant displacement direction S.

[0110] Actuator devices are of a type known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0111] As disclosed above, the main welding assembly 15 also includes a main heating device 20.

[0112] The main heating device 20 is adapted to at least partially melt the plastic material of the profile components 4 and 5.

[0113] The main heating device 20 includes a heating plate 27. For example... Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the heating plate 27 is arranged substantially parallel to the reference plane F.

[0114] refer to Figure 4 The reference plane F is tilted at 45° relative to the movement directions M1, M2 and displacement direction T.

[0115] Furthermore, the reference plane F is tilted at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the displacement direction S.

[0116] The heating plate 27 is basically parallel to the end area to be welded 6.

[0117] The welding operation is carried out with the help of the main displacement device 21, which first has the function of bringing the end areas to be welded 6 into contact with the heating plate 27 to melt the plastic material, the so-called "heating position", and then bringing the partially melted end areas to be welded 6 into contact with each other and pressing them together to join the molten plastic material. Once cooled, the molten plastic material hardens and joins the profile components 4 and 5 together.

[0118] The heating plates 27 can be moved together as a whole to arrange themselves in contact with the end area to be welded 6.

[0119] Conveniently, the main heating device 20 includes a moving system 28, 29 for the heating plate 27 located between an initial position and a working position, in which the heating plate 27 is moved away from the end welding area 6, and in the working position, the heating plate 27 is placed between the end welding areas 6.

[0120] After being positioned in the working position, the main displacement device 21 moves the profile components 4 and 5 to the heating position, where the end of the welding area 6 contacts the relevant heating plate 27.

[0121] The moving systems 28 and 29 include at least one forward moving unit 28, which is adapted to move the heating plate 27 along a working direction L that is substantially horizontal between the initial position and the working position.

[0122] More specifically, the forward moving unit 28 is adapted to move the heating plate 27 along the working direction L between the working position and the position retracted relative to the profile members 4, 5, so as to avoid cluttering the working area and allow for further processing operations.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown, the forward moving unit 28 includes:

[0124] -At least one support frame 30 for the heating plate 27;

[0125] - At least one guide component 31 extends along the working direction L and slides to support the support frame 30; and

[0126] - At least one actuator assembly 32, associated with the support frame 30 and adapted to move the heating plate 27 along the working direction L.

[0127] The work direction L is at the basic level.

[0128] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the actuator assembly 32 includes a motor unit 33 associated with the main frame 14 and a hinged arm 34 disposed between the motor unit 33 and the support frame 30.

[0129] The motor device 33 is of the type of electric motor and is adapted to be equipped with a hinge arm 34 for rotation. The movement of the hinge arm 34 causes the support frame 30 to slide, and thus causes the heating plate 27 to slide along the working direction L.

[0130] The actuator assembly 32 is of the type of controlled axis movement system and allows for minute movements of the support frame 30.

[0131] However, it cannot be ruled out that actuator assembly 32 belongs to a different type.

[0132] The moving systems 28 and 29 include at least one sliding component 29 adapted to move the heating plate 27 along a generally vertical conveying direction C between the initial position and the working position.

[0133] Basically, the sliding component 29 has the function of moving the heating plate 27 further away from the working area when not needed.

[0134] Sliding component 29 includes:

[0135] - At least one retaining structure 35 supports the guiding component 31;

[0136] - At least one guide unit 36, associated with the main frame 14, extends along the transport direction C and supports the retaining structure 35 in a sliding manner.

[0137] - At least one actuation unit 37, associated with the holding structure 35 and adapted to move the heating plate 27 along the conveying direction C.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment, the actuation unit 37 is of the type of fluid-operated cylinder placed between the main frame 14 and the holding structure 35. Figure 8 ).

[0139] In fact, the guide component 31 is mounted on the retaining structure 35, and the heating plate 27 slides on the retaining structure itself along the working direction L.

[0140] Conveniently, the main welding assembly 15 also includes a removal device 38 for creating a groove on the periphery of the end welding area 6 and... Figure 9 It is shown in detail in the text.

[0141] Grooving has a particular impact on the visible periphery of profile components 4 and 5.

[0142] In the context of this disclosure, the term "visible surface" refers to a substantially flat surface of a profile member that is intended to be substantially parallel to the placement surface of a window / door made of the profile member itself and to remain visible after the window / door has been assembled. In practice, when a window / door is mounted on a wall, the visible surface is the inner or outer surface of the profile member facing the wall.

[0143] The groove has the function of partially reducing the length of the visible surface so that after welding the profile components, the weld bead extends toward the inside of the profile components 4, 5, and is therefore not visible on the visible surface of the window / door.

[0144] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "weld bead" refers to a portion of the profile member that is compressed during the joining of the profile members and may cause excessive molten plastic material to protrude relative to the face of the profile member itself. Therefore, the weld bead involves the entire peripheral edge of the end region 6 to be welded.

[0145] Thanks to the grooves, after profile components 4 and 5 are welded together, their visible surfaces match each other perfectly.

[0146] In addition, the removal device 38 has the function of removing part of the material constituting the profile members 4 and 5 on the surface and / or inside, so as to allow for optimal welding.

[0147] For example, the removal device 38 is also adapted to remove a thin layer of plastic material sufficient to flatten and level the end area to be welded 6.

[0148] In other words, the removal device 38 is not only used to shape the groove, but is also absolutely essential for balancing and correcting any cutting errors.

[0149] Without such leveling, the end area to be welded 6 would be too irregular to be welded.

[0150] It should also be noted that when the profile components 4 and 5 have been installed on the main retaining devices 18 and 19, the trenching and leveling of the end welding areas 6 are carried out by the removal device 38; the end welding areas 6 are connected and melted together without the need to remove the profile components 4 and 5 from the main retaining devices 18 and 19.

[0151] In other words, the processing of profile components 4 and 5 on the main holding devices 18 and 19 occurs only once, and the main welding assembly 15 can perform all the steps of the processing plan, without the profile components 4 and 5 needing to be prepared and / or processed on other machines.

[0152] In addition to ensuring significant execution speed, this feature also allows for the avoidance of welding errors caused by improper assembly of profile components 4, 5 on the main retaining devices 18, 19.

[0153] In fact, if the trenching and / or leveling are performed on different machines and the profile components 4 and 5 are installed on the main welding device 3 at a later welding time, there is a risk that the end areas to be welded 6 will be positioned in a way that is not fully facing and parallel, thus affecting the welding of the profile components themselves.

[0154] However, alternative embodiments of the invention cannot be excluded, wherein machine 1 does not have removal device 38 and the groove making and / or leveling of profile members 4, 5 is performed on a separate milling machine before the profile members themselves are placed on machine 1.

[0155] The removal device 38 is mounted on the main welding assembly 15 and includes a pair of milling tools 39, which are arranged to face the respective end areas to be welded 6 and are rotatable about the relevant axis of rotation.

[0156] The axis of rotation is basically horizontal and perpendicular to the reference plane F.

[0157] In other words, the axis of rotation is approximately 45° inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the first profile member 4 and the second profile member 5 and is substantially perpendicular to the end welding area 6.

[0158] Specifically, the milling tool 39 is positioned to simultaneously create grooves on the two profile components 4 and 5.

[0159] Removal device 38 includes:

[0160] - At least one tool assembly 40 supports the rotation of the milling tool 39; and

[0161] The positioning system 41 of the tool assembly 40 is adapted to position the milling tools 39 at the end of the welding area 6 and move them in these areas to remove plastic material.

[0162] More specifically, the tool assembly 40 includes an electric motor adapted to set the milling tool 39 to rotate about a rotation axis.

[0163] During removal, tool assembly 40 is placed between the end areas to be welded 6.

[0164] The tool assembly 40 also includes a suction unit 42 adapted to suction out any plastic material residue generated during the removal of the plastic material.

[0165] The suction unit 42 includes a suction port defined at the milling tool 39 through which residues of plastic material are conveyed to a recycling container.

[0166] Furthermore, for this purpose, the milling tool 39 has a helical configuration to convey the removed chips toward the suction port and facilitate their removal. However, it cannot be ruled out that the milling tool 39 may have a different configuration.

[0167] More specifically, the milling tool 39 is arranged to face the end area to be welded 6 through the suction port.

[0168] The suction unit 42 also includes a plurality of brush elements arranged radially around the suction port.

[0169] During removal, the brush element contacts the solderable area 6 at the end and allows for the efficient removal of plastic residue from these areas, thereby facilitating the suction of the plastic residue.

[0170] The positioning system 41 includes at least one support frame 43 that is movably associated with the main frame 14 and supports the tool assembly 40.

[0171] The positioning system 41 includes a pair of guide rails 44 associated with the retaining frame 43, which extend along a generally horizontal positioning direction P and slide to support the tool assembly 40.

[0172] The positioning system 41 also includes a first drive component 45 adapted to move the tool assembly 40 along the positioning direction P.

[0173] The first drive assembly 45 includes a first motor device 46 and a first worm shaft 47 extending along the positioning direction P.

[0174] The first worm shaft 47 engages with the first threaded wheel associated with the tool assembly 40.

[0175] The rotation of the first worm shaft 47 causes the tool assembly 40 to move along the positioning direction P.

[0176] Furthermore, the retaining frame 43 is also associated with the guide unit 36 ​​in a sliding manner.

[0177] Therefore, frame 43 can also move along the conveying direction C.

[0178] Positioning system 41 includes a second drive component 48 adapted to move tool assembly 40 along the conveying direction C, such as Figure 7 Shown in more detail.

[0179] The second drive assembly 48 includes a second motor device 49 extending along the transmission direction C and a second worm shaft 50.

[0180] The second worm shaft 50 engages with the second threaded wheel 51 associated with the retaining frame 43.

[0181] The rotation of the second worm shaft 50 causes the retaining frame 43 to move, and thus causes the tool assembly 40 to move along the conveying direction C.

[0182] In this way, the milling tool 39 can be positioned very precisely in the reference plane F to perform the removal of plastic material.

[0183] Furthermore, it should be noted that this particular expedient method of mounting the main heating device 20 and the removal device 38 on the same guide unit 36 ​​allows for a significant reduction in the overall size of the main welding device 3, thereby limiting its components.

[0184] The main welding assembly 15 also includes a receiving device 52 adapted to abut the end region 6 to receive the weld bead.

[0185] More specifically, the receiving device 52 is adapted to receive weld beads that protrude relative to the outer surfaces of the visible surfaces and profile members 4, 5.

[0186] In the context of this disclosure, the term "side" refers to the surface of a profile member that is intended to be substantially perpendicular to the placement surface of a window / door made from the profile member itself.

[0187] Basically, in the case of window / door sashes, the inner side of the profile member is designed to cut off the central panel (e.g., glass panel) of the sash, while the outer side is designed to define the outer perimeter of the sash and abut against the frame of the window / door (when closed) fixed to the wall.

[0188] On the other hand, in the case of windows / doors, the inner side of the profile member is designed to abut against the window or door (when closed), while the outer peripheral side is designed to face the wall to which the frame is fixed.

[0189] The receiving device 52 includes:

[0190] - A pair of receptacles 53, adapted to receive weld beads protruding from the visible surfaces of the profile members 4, 5; and

[0191] - At least one receiving element 54 is adapted to receive weld beads protruding from the outer side of the profile members 4, 5.

[0192] Specifically, the accommodating body 53 is arranged to face each other from opposite sides (above and below) relative to the placement surfaces of the profile members 4 and 5, and can move close to each other to abut against the relevant visible surface of the profile member itself at the end welding area 6.

[0193] The container 53 is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0194] On the other hand, the receiving element 54 is adapted to be adjacent to the outer side of the profile members 4 and 5 at the end welding area 6.

[0195] Specifically, the receiving element 54 is V-shaped and is designed to contact the outer surfaces of the profile members 4 and 5 after they are joined together.

[0196] An example of housing element 54 is further described in WO 2017 / 009779 A1.

[0197] Advantageously, as Figure 6 As shown, the housing element 54 is placed between the heating plates 27.

[0198] This solution allows for the use of the space between the heating plates 27 and reduces the size of the main welding device 3.

[0199] The receiving element 54 is capable of moving along a generally horizontal operating direction W between an initial position and an operating position, in which the receiving element 54 is moved away from the profile elements 4, 5 and is at least partially placed within the free volume V, and in the operating position the receiving element 54 is moved closer to the profile members 4, 5 to include the weld bead and is placed outside the free volume V.

[0200] The particular expedient method of arranging the housing element 54 at least partially within the free volume V is particularly advantageous because, in addition to reducing the overall size of the main welding apparatus 3, it also speeds up the housing operation of the weld bead.

[0201] In fact, once the plastic material is heated to at least partially melt, the end areas 6 to be welded must immediately come into contact with each other to avoid undesirable cooling 4, 5 of the molten plastic material before the joining profile components. At the same time, the receiving device 52 must be adjacent to the end areas 6 to be welded to accommodate the weld bead.

[0202] Therefore, it is obvious that these operations must be performed quickly to ensure that the final window / door is sturdy and has a valuable aesthetic effect.

[0203] The arrangement of the housing element 54 in the free volume V facilitates the movement of various components and welding operations.

[0204] The main welding assembly 15 includes at least one movable unit 55 that houses the element 54 between an initial position and an operating position, the unit being arranged at least partially within the free volume V.

[0205] Figure 10 A movable unit 55 having a receiving element 54 in an operating position is shown.

[0206] The moving unit 55 includes:

[0207] - At least one retainer 56 that accommodates the element 54 extends along the operating direction W.

[0208] - At least one guide system 561 is connected to the support frame 30 and slides to support the retainer 56.

[0209] - At least one actuating device 57, associated with the retainer 56 and adapted to move the receiving element 54 in the operating direction W.

[0210] The retainer 56 has an elongated structure, extends along the operating direction, and is movably associated with the guide system 561.

[0211] The receiving element 54 is associated with one end of the retainer 56.

[0212] Furthermore, the actuation device 57 is placed between the retainer 56 and the support frame 30.

[0213] Preferably, the actuating device 57 is of the cylinder type.

[0214] After being placed in the operating position, the receiving element 54 must be able to overcome the force exerted by the molten plastic material that is crushed during the engagement of the profile members 4 and 5.

[0215] Therefore, the receiving element 54 is brought to the operating position by the actuation device 57 and then pressed onto the profile members 4 and 5 by the actuator assembly 32.

[0216] Therefore, actuator assembly 32 is also adapted to move receiving element 54 along the operating direction W to apply pressure to profile members 4, 5.

[0217] For this purpose, the moving unit 55 includes a clamping system 58 for receiving the element 54 in the operating position.

[0218] exist Figure 11 The clamping system 58, shown in detail, prevents the actuating device 57 from retracting due to the pressure applied by the weld bead, and causes the receiving element 54 to be subjected to a nearly constant pressure.

[0219] This force is ensured by the forward movement of the actuator assembly 32, which can be conveniently generated in micrometers via the numerically controlled axis.

[0220] Clamping system 58 includes:

[0221] - At least one slot 59 is defined on the retainer 56 at the opposite end of the receiving element 54;

[0222] - At least one retaining pin 60 is movably associated with the support frame 30, movable to engage with the slot 59 and prevent the retainer 56 from sliding on the guide system 561.

[0223] More specifically, the retaining pin 60 can move in the clamping direction B, which is transverse to the operating direction W.

[0224] The clamping system 58 also includes an actuator cylinder 61 adapted to move the retaining pin 60 along the clamping direction B.

[0225] Actuator cylinder 61, for example, belongs to the type of cylinder.

[0226] Conveniently, the main welding assembly 15 includes a main cooling device 62, which is associated with the support frame 30 and adapted to cool the free volume V and reduce overheating of the component.

[0227] Figure 12 The main cooling device 62 shown has the function of maintaining a reduced temperature within the free volume V and preventing overheating of components arranged therein.

[0228] Specifically, the main cooling unit 62 allows the operator to easily handle such components, for example, to allow for replacement or maintenance work.

[0229] In addition, the main cooling device 62 ensures that the heat emitted from the heating plate 27 does not damage the components of the main welding assembly 15 (such as the housing element 54 and associated moving unit 55) or the components of the profile components 4, 5.

[0230] The main cooling unit 62 includes:

[0231] - At least one cooling housing 63, associated with one of the heating plates 27 within the free volume V and defining an inner tube 63a; and

[0232] - At least one suction component 64 is fluid-operatedly connected to the cooling housing 63 and adapted to draw air through the inner tube 63a.

[0233] Specifically, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the main cooling device 62 includes a pair of cooling housings 63, each associated with a corresponding heating plate 27 and defining a corresponding inner tube 63a.

[0234] The suction component 64 is a type of cooling fan.

[0235] As described above, machine 1 includes an intermediate welding device 7.

[0236] like Figure 13 and 14 As shown, each intermediate welding device 7 includes at least one intermediate frame 16 associated with the support base 2 and an intermediate welding assembly 17 associated with the intermediate frame 16, the intermediate welding assembly 17 being used to process the associated first profile member 4 and the associated transverse profile member 8.

[0237] Intermediate welding assembly 17 includes:

[0238] - Intermediate holding devices 65a, 65b are adapted to hold the first profile member 4 and the transverse profile member 8 respectively so that the intermediate welding area 10 and the transverse welding area 9 face each other;

[0239] - An intermediate heating device 66, suitable for heating the transverse welding area 9 and the intermediate welding area 10; and

[0240] - The intermediate displacement device 67 of the intermediate holding devices 65a and 65b is adapted to displace the profile members 4 and 8 between a removed position and an approach position, in which the heated areas 9 and 10 to be welded join each other.

[0241] The intermediate retaining devices 65a and 65b include a retaining device for the first profile member 65a and a retaining device for the transverse profile member 65b.

[0242] Each of the intermediate holding devices 65a and 65b includes at least one resting base 68 for the associated basic level profile members 4 and 8 and at least one vise unit 69 adapted to hold and secure the profile members 4 and 8 to the associated resting base 68.

[0243] The vise unit 69 is a type of vertically operating vise and is suitable for pressing profile components 4 and 8 onto the support base 68.

[0244] The retaining device of the first profile member 65a also includes at least one generally vertical stop surface 70 on which the first profile member 4 is placed in contact.

[0245] After being secured by intermediate holding devices 65a and 65b, the first profile member 4 can be moved relative to the transverse profile member 8 to perform welding operations via intermediate displacement device 67.

[0246] The retaining device of the first profile component 4 is actually associated with the intermediate displacement device 67.

[0247] Specifically, the intermediate displacement device 67 is adapted to move the first profile member 4 along the sliding direction D so as to bring it closer to / away from the transverse profile member 8.

[0248] The intermediate displacement device 67 includes a first sliding guide 71 associated with a holding device of the first profile member 4, the first sliding guide 71 extending along the sliding direction D and movably associated with the intermediate frame 16 in a sliding manner.

[0249] The intermediate displacement device 67 also includes at least one first intermediate actuator 72 of the type of electric cylinder, which is adapted to move the holding device of the first profile member 4 in the sliding direction D.

[0250] The intermediate displacement device 67 can also be operatively connected to the main displacement device 21 to allow coordinated movement of the first profile member 4.

[0251] Therefore, machine 1 includes a connecting device located between intermediate displacement device 67 and main displacement device 21, which is not shown in detail in the figure. Specifically, the connecting device is of the electrical type. However, it cannot be ruled out that the connecting device is of a different type.

[0252] The intermediate heating device 66 is suitable for at least partially melting the plastic material of the profile components 4 and 8.

[0253] The intermediate heating device 66 includes at least one heating unit 73 adapted to heat the intermediate welding area 10 and the transverse welding area 9.

[0254] The heating unit 73 is shaped to fit the inner side of the first profile member 4.

[0255] In this regard, it should be noted that the sides of profile components are often irregular and have protrusions and grooves designed to ensure optimal sealing of finished windows / doors.

[0256] Therefore, the heating unit 73 includes:

[0257] -At least one resistance heating element 77; and

[0258] - At least one removable cover 78a, 78b is arranged to surround the heating body 77 and is shaped to adapt to the configuration of the first profile member 4 and the transverse profile member 8.

[0259] The covers 78a and 78b are made to effectively contact the areas 9 and 10 to be welded. Specifically, the covers 78a and 78b have a structure that is complementary to the structure of the inner surface of the first profile member 4.

[0260] More specifically, the covers 78a and 78b consist of two half-shells 78a and 78b, each adapted to contact the corresponding areas to be welded 9 and 10.

[0261] However, it cannot be ruled out that the covers 78a and 78b may be made into a single piece.

[0262] The heating unit 73 is adapted to at least partially melt the plastic material of the profile components 4 and 8, and then join and press the profile components 4 and 8 together so that the molten plastic material is in contact. After cooling, the plastic material hardens and keeps the profile components joined together.

[0263] The heating unit 73 is mounted on the intermediate frame 16 and is movable relative to the intermediate frame to position itself between the intermediate welding area 10 and the transverse welding area 9.

[0264] The heating unit 73 can move between the following two states:

[0265] - In the active state, the heating unit 73 is located between the first profile member 4 and the transverse profile member 8 to at least partially heat and melt the areas 9 and 10 to be welded; and

[0266] -In the initial state, the heating unit 73 is moved away from the first profile member 4 and the transverse profile member 8 to allow the engagement of the profile members themselves.

[0267] More specifically, in the initial state, the heating unit 73 is arranged below the intermediate holding devices 65a, 65b.

[0268] Specifically, in the initial state, the heating unit 73 is arranged under the support base 68.

[0269] The heating unit 73 can be moved between an active state and an initial state relative to the intermediate frame 16 via a vertically operable cylinder. However, other embodiments in which the heating unit 73 can be moved by different types of devices cannot be ruled out.

[0270] Therefore, the heating unit 73 can move along the heating direction R, which is substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction D.

[0271] In the active state, the heating unit 73 can move further along the sliding direction D to approach the transverse profile member 8 and match the transverse welding area 9 of the transverse profile member 8 that is blocked by the holding device of the transverse profile member 65b.

[0272] For this purpose, the intermediate welding device 17 has an auxiliary displacement device 74 including a second sliding guide 75 associated with the intermediate heating device 66, the second sliding guide 75 extending along the sliding direction D and being movably associated with the intermediate frame 16 in a sliding manner.

[0273] The auxiliary displacement device 74 also includes at least a second intermediate actuator 76 of the type of electric cylinder, which is adapted to move the intermediate heating device 66 in the sliding direction D.

[0274] Conveniently, the intermediate displacement device 67 and the auxiliary displacement device 74 are adapted to position and move the first profile member 4 and the heating unit 73 at adjustable speeds according to the processing stage to be performed.

[0275] Advantageously, the intermediate welding assembly 17 also includes an intermediate cooling device 79, which is adapted to cool the intermediate holding devices 65a, 65b by overheating caused by the heating unit 73.

[0276] Intercooling device 79 includes:

[0277] - At least one cooling shell 80, defining an inner tube and shaped to cover the heating unit 73 in its initial state; and

[0278] - Suction device 81, which is fluid-operatedly connected to cooling housing 80 and adapted to draw air through inner tube.

[0279] In this way, when the heating unit 73 is not in use, it is housed within the cooling housing 80, which allows the temperature to be maintained below the support base 68.

[0280] Conveniently, the intermediate cooling device 79 can be moved parallel to the sliding direction D by the linear actuator 82 to position the cooling shell 80 to cover the heating unit 73.

[0281] The operation of this invention is as follows.

[0282] Initially, welding devices 3 and 7 move on the relevant support structures 12 and 13 according to the lengths of the first profile member 4 and the second profile member 5.

[0283] Each first profile component 4 and each second profile component 5 are placed in the relevant working area so as to position the end welding area 6 at the main welding device 3.

[0284] The intermediate welding device 7 moves along the relevant moving directions M1 and M2 to place itself in the intermediate welding area 10.

[0285] At this time, the transverse profile component 8 is positioned at the intermediate welding device 7 so that the transverse welding area 9 faces the intermediate welding area 10.

[0286] Therefore, profile components 4, 5, and 8 are held in place by corresponding retaining devices 18, 19, 65a, and 65b.

[0287] At this point, the removal device 38 flattens the end area to be welded 6 and creates grooves at the visible surfaces of the profile components 4 and 5.

[0288] Subsequently, the heating plates 27 move from their working position toward the end welding area 6 to position themselves between the first profile member and the second profile member 5.

[0289] At the same time, the main displacement device 21 moves the first profile component 4 and the second profile component 5 closer to each other so that the end welding area 6 comes into contact with the heating plate 27.

[0290] Similarly, the heating unit 73 is made active to position itself between the first profile member 4 and the transverse profile member 8, and the intermediate displacement device 67 and the auxiliary displacement device 74 move the first profile member 4 and the heating unit 73 toward the transverse profile member 8 respectively, so that the intermediate welding area 10 and the transverse welding area 9 come into contact with the heating unit itself.

[0291] After the plastic material melts, the heating plate 27 and the heating unit 73 are moved away from each other to allow the second profile member 5 and the transverse profile member 8 to approach the first profile member 4.

[0292] The receiving device 52 is moved to abut the visible surfaces and sides of the first profile member 4 and the second profile member 5 to receive the weld bead.

[0293] In this sense, the accommodating body 53 is adjacent to the visible surfaces of the profile members 4 and 5 above and below the placement surface of the profile members themselves, while the accommodating element 54 is adjacent to the outer surface.

[0294] After being brought to the operating position, the receiving element 54 is blocked by the clamping system 58 and moved by the actuator assembly 32 in the working direction L to apply pressure to the profile members 4, 5 to offset the weld bead.

[0295] All of the above stages are performed quickly and promptly to prevent the molten material from solidifying before profile components 4, 5, and 8 are fully joined.

[0296] In practice, it has been determined that the described invention achieves its intended purpose, and it is particularly important to note that the machine according to the invention for welding profile components made of plastic material allows for a reduction in the time associated with the production of windows and doors (especially complex windows and doors) that already have a central panel from the machine and / or have one or more transverse profile components.

[0297] In addition, this machine is characterized by its extremely small size and simple structure.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for welding profile components made of plastic material, comprising: -At least one support base (2); - At least one main welding device (3) for at least one first profile member (4) and at least one second profile member (5), the at least one first profile member (4) and the at least one second profile member (5) extending along their respective longitudinal directions and each having at least one end weldable area (6), the at least one end weldable area (6) being inclined at an angle between 10° and 80° relative to the respective longitudinal direction, the main welding device (3) comprising: - At least one main frame (14) is associated with the support base (2); - Main holding device (18, 19), adapted to hold the profile member (4, 5) with the end welding areas (6) facing each other; - Main heating device (20), associated with the main frame (14) and adapted to heat the end welding area (6); - The main displacement device (21) of the main holding device (18, 19) is adapted to displace the profile members (4, 5) between mutually spaced positions and mutually close positions, in which the heated end welding areas (6) are joined together; The main heating device (20) is characterized in that it comprises two heating plates (27), each of which can be positioned to contact the corresponding end area to be welded (6) and arranged substantially parallel to each other at a predefined distance to define the free volume (V) between them.

2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main heating device (20) includes a moving system (28, 29) for the heating plate (27) between an initial position and a working position, wherein the heating plate (27) is moved away from the end welding area (6) in the initial position and the heating plate (27) is placed between the end welding areas (6) in the working position.

3. The machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving system (28, 29) includes at least one forward moving unit (28), which is adapted to move the heating plate (27) along a substantially horizontal working direction (L) between the initial position and the working position and includes: - At least one support frame (30) of the heating plate (27); - At least one guide component (31) extends along the working direction (L) and slidably supports the support frame (30); and - At least one actuator assembly (32) is associated with the support frame (30) and adapted to move the heating plate (27) along the working direction (L).

4. The machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The moving system (28, 29) includes at least one sliding component (29), which is adapted to move the heating plate (27) along a substantially vertical conveying direction (C) between the initial position and the working position and includes: - At least one retaining structure (35) supports the guiding component (31); - At least one guide unit (36) associated with the main frame (14), the at least one guide unit (36) extending along the conveying direction (C) and slidingly supporting the holding structure (35). - At least one actuation unit (37) is associated with the holding structure (35) and adapted to move the heating plate (27) along the conveying direction (C).

5. The machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main welding apparatus (3) includes at least one receiving element (54) located between the heating plates (27) and adapted to abut at least one peripheral edge of the end area to be welded (6) to contain a weld bead.

6. The machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The receiving element (54) is movable along a generally horizontal operating direction (W) between an initial position and an operating position, in which the receiving element (54) is moved away from the profile members (4, 5) and is at least partially placed within the free volume (V), in which the receiving element (54) contacts the profile members (4, 5) to contain the weld bead and is placed outside the free volume (V).

7. The machine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main welding apparatus (3) includes at least one moving unit (55) of the receiving element (54) located between the initial position and the operating position, the at least one moving unit (55) being arranged at least partially within the free volume (V).

8. The machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The moving unit (55) includes: - At least one retainer (56) of the receiving element (54) extends along the operating direction (W); - At least one guiding system (561) supports the retainer (56) in a sliding manner. - At least one actuating device (57) is associated with the retainer (56) and adapted to move the receiving element (54) along the operating direction (W).

9. The machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The guiding system (561) is associated with the support frame (30), and the actuator assembly (32) is also adapted to move the receiving element (54) in the operating direction (W) to apply pressure to the profile members (4, 5).

10. The machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The moving unit (55) includes a clamping system (58) adapted to hold the receiving element (54) in the operating position.

11. The machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The clamping system (58) includes: - At least one slot (59) is defined on the retainer (56) at one end opposite to the receiving element (54); - At least one retaining pin (60) is movably associated with the support frame (30), the at least one retaining pin (60) being movable to engage the slot (59) and prevent the retainer (56) from sliding on the guide system (561).

12. The machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main welding device (3) includes a main cooling device (62) associated with the support frame (30) and adapted to cool the free volume (V).

13. The machine (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The main cooling device (62) includes: - At least one cooling housing (63), associated with one of the heating plates (27) defining the free volume (V) and defining an inner tube (63a); and - At least one suction component (64) is fluid-operatedly connected to the cooling housing (63) and adapted to draw air through the inner tube (63a).

14. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The machine (1) includes at least one intermediate welding device (7) adapted to weld the first profile member (4) to the transverse profile member (8), the at least one intermediate welding device (7) having at least one intermediate welding area (10) and one transverse welding area (9), the intermediate welding device (7) comprising: - At least one intermediate frame (16) is associated with the support base (2); - Intermediate holding devices (65a, 65b) are adapted to hold the profile components (4, 8) with the areas to be welded (9, 10) facing each other; - At least one heating unit (73), adapted to heat the areas to be welded (9, 10) and comprising: - At least one resistance heating element (77); and - At least one removable cover (78a, 78b) is arranged to wrap around the heating element (77) and is shaped to fit the first profile member (4) and the transverse profile member (8); - The intermediate displacement device (67) of the intermediate holding device (65a, 65b) is adapted to displace the profile members (4, 8) relative to each other between a removed position and an approach position, in which the heated areas to be welded (9, 10) are joined together.

15. The machine (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The heating unit (73) is capable of moving between the following two states: - In an active state, the heating unit (73) is located between the first profile member (4) and the transverse profile member (8) to at least partially heat and melt the areas to be welded (9, 10); and -Initial state, wherein the heating unit (73) is moved away from the first profile member (4) and the transverse profile member (8) to allow the engagement of the profile members themselves; In the initial state, the heating unit (73) is arranged below the intermediate holding device (65a, 65b).

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