Apparatus and method for processing sheet material

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for processing sheets (200), the apparatus comprising moving means (111, 112) configured to move at least one sheet (200) at a time in an advancing direction (F); and at least one processing unit (113) comprising a processing head (123) on which at least one processing tool (125) and a stabilizer device (10) are mounted, the stabilizer device (10) having a first clamping member (11) and a second clamping member (12) opposite each other, which reciprocate along a clamping and releasing axis (Z1) to clamp and release the sheet (200) therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing sheets made of glass or other glass-substitute materials for use in the residential and commercial building sectors.

[0002] The present invention can be applied to the production of glass sheets, such as, but not limited to: insulating glass, glass curtain walls and railings; the furniture industry, such as furniture parts, shower cubicles, etc.; the transportation industry, such as windows or front windshields of cars, buses, trucks and trains; and the marine industry, such as fences, etc.

[0003] The invention also relates to a related processing method. Background Art

[0004] Equipment for processing pre-cut glass sheets of various shapes (rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, etc.) and then further processing (usually removing material) to produce finished or semi-finished products is well known.

[0005] An example of such an apparatus for processing sheet material is described in document EP 3170622 A1.

[0006] The known apparatus generally comprises one or more sheet material moving units in the advancing direction, and at least one fixed processing unit having an angularly orientable processing head movable in the processing direction. The processing head has one or more processing tools configured to perform peripheral grinding, drilling, milling or other work generally requiring the removal of material.

[0007] The processing head is associated with a stabilizer device configured to be temporarily coupled to the peripheral edge of the glass sheet near the processing tool in order to stabilize the position of the sheet and avoid vibrations that could render the work worthless, rendering the finished or semi-finished product obtained unusable.

[0008] Such stabilizer devices generally include a pair of jaws on which idle rollers or other holding elements are mounted. The jaws are arranged so that the rollers "grip" the sheet in correspondence with the peripheral edges of the sheet.

[0009] At least one of the jaws has an opening and closing movement relative to the other jaw so as to be able to hold the sheet and, since they are mounted on the processing head, can be oriented together at an angle to follow the contour of the sheet corresponding to its edges during processing.

[0010] This solution works well for glass sheets that are close to rectangular sheets. In fact, if the shape of the sheet deviates from that of a rectangular sheet and / or has sharp vertices or rounded corners, the rollers of the stabilizer device will not be able to hold the sheet properly, as they will deviate from the contour of the sheet and will not be able to make contact with it, and will then have to be reinserted to re-establish contact.

[0011] This means that, corresponding to these vertices, the finished product is of poor quality in the following aspects: dimensional tolerances are not met; surface roughness is average or unacceptable; the nanotechnology coating on the sheet surface is damaged; and sometimes the sheet breaks during processing, especially in the case of thinner thicknesses.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to improve an apparatus and method for processing sheet materials to overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0013] To this end, there is a need to solve the technical problem of effectively holding sheets having non-rectangular shapes (especially near sharp or rounded vertices, but not limited thereto) during peripheral edge processing.

[0014] One of the objects of the present invention is therefore to realize a device for processing sheets, in particular made of glass, which allows processing sheets of any shape in a precise, rapid and reliable manner.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to realize a sheet material processing device for optimally holding the sheet material, which device not only takes into account the shape of the sheet material itself, but also takes into account the wear of the processing tools.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to develop a method capable of processing sheets of any shape in a fast, stable and reliable manner, thus providing a high-quality finished product.

[0017] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages. Summary of the invention

[0018] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0019] In accordance with the above-mentioned purpose, and in order to solve the above-mentioned disclosed technical problems in a new and original way while achieving significant advantages over the prior art, the device for processing sheets, especially made of glass, according to the present invention comprises: a moving device, which is configured to move at least one sheet at a time in a forward direction; and at least one processing unit, each processing unit comprising a processing head movable along a processing axis, on which is mounted at least one processing tool and a stabilizer device, the stabilizer device having a first clamping member and a second clamping member opposite to each other, which reciprocate along a clamping and releasing axis to clamp and release the sheet between them, wherein the processing head can be selectively rotated to orient the clamping members at an angle.

[0020] The term "reciprocably movable" means that at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member is movable relative to the other clamping member to clamp and release the sheet therebetween.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first clamping member and the second clamping member are configured to be selectively moved in an integral manner at least along a first adjustment axis different from the clamping and releasing axis to be placed in a position or state of fully clamping the sheet.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the machining head is selectively movable along its own machining axis. The first adjustment axis is distinct and independent from the machining axis.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the first adjustment axis is orthogonal to the clamping and releasing axis.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second clamping members are configured to selectively move in an integral manner while also moving along a second adjustment axis different from the clamping and releasing axis and the first adjustment axis.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the second adjustment axis is orthogonal to the clamping and releasing axis and to the first adjustment axis.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the first adjustment axis and the second adjustment axis, together with the clamping and releasing axes, form a set of three mutually orthogonal coordinated axes.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the stabilizer device comprises a first adjustment actuator and a second adjustment actuator different therefrom, which are configured to move the first clamping member and the second clamping member along the first adjustment axis and along the second adjustment axis, respectively.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the device includes a central control unit, which is configured to control the mobile device, the processing head and the stabilizer device in a combined manner, in order to control the correct positioning of the first clamping member and the second clamping member relative to the peripheral edge of the sheet (depending on the shape of the sheet) and relative to the processing tool (depending on the wear condition of the tool).

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively include: at least one corresponding supporting element and at least one corresponding contact element, which is wheel-shaped and attached to its supporting element in a rotatable manner, wherein the contact element has an outer coating made of an elastically deformable material.

[0030] According to a variant, the contact element may be defined or consist of a hydrodynamically supported wheel or skateboard, balls on a ball carrier, track rolling elements or other similar or assimilable elements.

[0031] The invention also relates to a method for processing a sheet material, comprising:

[0032] - a moving step, wherein the sheet is advanced in the advancing direction towards the processing head by means of a moving device:

[0033] - a step of identifying said peripheral edge, aimed at correctly positioning said sheet relative to said machining tool mounted on said machining head;

[0034] - a preliminary adjustment step, in which the first and second clamping members mounted on the processing head are initially in a state of being spaced apart from each other and subsequently brought into a clamping state together with the sheet, moving at least one of the clamping members relative to the other along a clamping and releasing axis;

[0035] - a machining step, wherein the machining tool machines the peripheral edge;

[0036] - an orienting step, wherein the machining head is rotated according to an orientation angle so as to orient the first and second clamping members angularly relative to the peripheral edge, at least in the case where the machining tool has to remove material corresponding to or near a vertex of the peripheral edge.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the method provides a further adjustment step, wherein the first and second clamping members are selectively moved in an integral manner to their fully clamped positions on the sheet along at least a first adjustment axis different from the clamping and release axis.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, in the further adjustment step, the first and second clamping members are also selectively moved in an integral manner along a second adjustment axis different from the clamping and releasing axis and the first adjustment axis.

[0039] The movement of the clamping members in the two adjustment directions, if necessary in combination with their angular orientation, enables them to always clamp on the sheet at an optimal distance from the peripheral edge of the sheet and the tool.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, the adjustment of the positions of the first clamping member and the second clamping member along the first adjustment axis and the second adjustment axis occurs "On the Fly" and the sheet is always clamped therebetween.

[0041] According to another aspect of the invention, the positions of the first and second clamping members can be adjusted by a central control unit according to the position of the processing tool relative to the peripheral edge of the sheet and according to feedback of the wear of the processing tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for processing a sheet material according to the present invention;

[0044] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the machining unit viewed from one side of the machining plane;

[0045] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the processing head visible in FIG.

[0046] - Figure 4-6 The stabilizer device is shown in top view, side view and front view respectively;

[0047] - Figures 7A-7C schematically illustrate the processing of the vertices of a triangular sheet;

[0048] - Figure 8 Shown for management Figure 1 Functional diagram of the control system of the device shown.

[0049] We must expressly point out that the words and terms used in this specification, as well as the illustrations described in the accompanying drawings, have the sole purpose of better illustrating and explaining the present invention and their function is to provide a non-limiting example of the present invention, as the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0050] To facilitate understanding, where possible, the same reference numerals have been used to designate the same elements common to the figures. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] refer to Figure 1 , shows an apparatus 100 according to the present invention, which is configured to perform a grinding operation on a sheet 200 made of, for example (but not limited to), glass. The same apparatus 100, if equipped with different tools, can also perform drilling, milling or other processing operations in the mechanical glass processing industry.

[0052] More generally, these sheets 200 may be made of a brittle material having glass-like properties.

[0053] Each sheet 200 has a first side or front surface 210 , an opposite second side or rear surface 211 , and a peripheral edge 212 having a thickness T.

[0054] The side surfaces 210 and 211 are substantially flat and may be rectangular, circular, elliptical, curved, trapezoidal, polygonal, or a combination thereof.

[0055] In the case of a triangular sheet, the peripheral edge 212 may be defined by a front side 212A', an opposing rear side 212B', and an underside 212C'.

[0056] Each sheet 200 may also be monolithic, i.e. made of a single monolithic glass panel, or may be laminated, i.e. if it is composed of two monolithic glass panels, a film (e.g. a film made of a plastic material) is sandwiched between them. In this case, the thickness T of the monolithic sheet 200 may be between about 3 mm and about 20 mm; the total thickness T of the laminated sheet 200 may be between about 6 mm and about 30 mm.

[0057] The sides 210, 211 of the sheet 200 may further have a nanotechnology coating that has the ability to reflect infrared rays to improve winter insulation or reflect solar radiation to improve summer insulation.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the device 100 includes a feeding section A, at which one or more sheets 200 to be processed are provided to the device 100 manually or through other devices arranged upstream; and a discharging section B, at which the processed sheets 200 are discharged from the device 100 to other devices arranged downstream.

[0059] The apparatus 100 comprises a processing plane P on which one of the two opposite sides 210, 211 of the sheet 200 lies. The orientation of the sheet 200 on the processing plane P may depend on the type of sheet 200, the presence or absence of a surface coating, etc. Typically, the rear side 211 of the sheet 200 is placed on the processing plane P.

[0060] The processing plane P is delimited by a support wall 114 consisting of a plurality of rows of idle wheels 115 extending from an infeed section A to an outfeed section B, and against which the sheet 200 rests, for example, with its rear side 211 .

[0061] Said machining plane P is substantially vertical, in particular slightly inclined at an angle, for example about 6 degrees, relative to a generally vertical plane. According to a variant embodiment, the machining plane P may be horizontal or have any inclination relative to the support plane.

[0062] The device 100 comprises a first moving unit 111 configured to move one or more of the above-mentioned sheets 200 along the advancing direction F on the processing plane P, supporting it and dragging it downward, i.e., relative to the lower side 212C′ of the peripheral edge 212. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the forward direction F extends from the feed section A to the discharge section B.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the first moving unit 111 includes a feed conveyor 117 extending from the feed section A to the middle section C between the feed section A and the discharge section B; and a discharge conveyor 118 extending from the middle section C to the discharge section B.

[0064] Each conveyor 117, 118 is provided with a plurality of rollers 119, 120 driven by respective first motors M1 and second motors M2. The rollers 119, 120 form a support plane at the top for supporting the sheet 200 placed thereon by the lower side 212C'. As an alternative to the rollers 119, 120, the conveyors 117, 118 may include belts, tapes, mats or similar or assimilable moving devices.

[0065] The device 100 also includes a second moving unit 112, which together with the first moving unit 111 constitutes a universal moving device, which is configured to move the sheet 200 on the processing plane P along the forward direction F, that is, to drag it laterally relative to its first side 210 (i.e., the front surface) or more advantageously relative to its second side 211 (i.e., the rear surface).

[0066] The second moving unit 112 extends continuously from the feed section A to the discharge section B, and includes one or more brackets 121 driven by a third motor M3 and sliding on a transverse guide rail 126 .

[0067] Each bracket 121 is provided with a suction cup 122, which is connected to a pneumatic control circuit for controlling the holding of the sheet 200 when pressed down and controlling the release of the sheet 200 when pressed up. The suction cup 122 is configured to hold the side surfaces 210, 211 of the sheet 200, advantageously the rear surface 211 of the sheet 200.

[0068] The first and second moving units 111 , 112 can be activated simultaneously to coordinate the movement of the same sheet 200 , or can be activated independently.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the movement of the sheet 200 may occur in a coordinated and synchronized manner by the first moving unit 111 and by the second moving unit 112, or may occur independently by one or the other of the moving units 111, 112. For example, the first moving unit 111 may be used for the step of transferring the sheet 200 from the feed section A to the discharge section B, while the second moving unit 112 may be used for advancing the sheet 200 during processing.

[0070] The device 100 further comprises at least one processing unit 113, which is arranged corresponding to the middle section C between the feeding section A and the discharging section B.

[0071] The processing unit 113 has a vertical or inclined structure substantially parallel to the processing plane P.

[0072] The machining unit 113 includes a machining head 123 and a guide rail 124 which is formed along a machining axis Y and along which the machining head 123 is slidable.

[0073] The guide rail 124 ends below the support plane defined by the rollers 119 , 120 , so that the processing head 123 can also reach the underside 212C′ of the peripheral edge 212 of the sheet 200 .

[0074] The movement of the machining head 123 along the machining axis Y is controlled by a fourth motor M4 .

[0075] The machining unit 113 comprises a machining tool 125 associated with a machining head 123. The machining tool 125 is keyed to a spindle associated with the machining head 123 in a manner known per se, and its rotation is controlled by a fifth motor M5. The fifth motor M5 can be adjusted by a frequency converter to change the rotation speed of the machining tool 125 as required.

[0076] In addition to being able to rotate, the machining tool 125 is movable relative to the machining head 123 along an adjustment axis Z transverse to the machining axis Y and orthogonal to the machining plane P. The adjustment axis Z coincides with the axis of rotation of the machining tool 125. The movement of the machining tool 125 can be configured together with a translation of a spindle to which the machining tool 125 is keyed along its axis of rotation.

[0077] Whether the adjustment movement of the machining tool 125 takes place in "real time" or before machining begins, is controlled by the sixth motor M6.

[0078] In the embodiment described herein, the machining tool 125 is a grinding wheel, which may include a plurality of abrasive discs bonded to the same shaft. Such abrasive discs may vary in thickness range or composition characteristics, suitable for obtaining a desired surface finish and profile at the peripheral edge 212 of the sheet 200.

[0079] The movement of the machining tool 125 along the adjustment axis Z enables both operation along the entire thickness T of the sheet 200 and the alternation of different parts of the machining tool 125 (ie the abrasive disc mentioned above).

[0080] The machining unit 113 further comprises a stabilizer device 10 associated with the machining head 123, which is configured to hold the sheet 200 corresponding to its peripheral edge 212 when close to the machining tool 125. The stabilizer device 10 is particularly configured to stabilize the position of the sheet 200 and prevent vibrations when being machined by the machining tool 125.

[0081] refer to Figure 2-3 As shown, the stabilizer device 10 includes a first clamping member 11 and a second clamping member 12 opposite to each other, which are configured to "clamp" the sheet 200 to avoid vibration at least when the processing tool 125 is operated for processing.

[0082] The first and second clamping members 11, 12 are respectively located on both sides of the sheet 200 when in use. In particular, during processing, the first clamping member 11 contacts and faces the front surface 210 of the sheet 200, while the second clamping member 12 contacts and faces the rear surface 211 of the sheet 200, which is located on the processing plane P.

[0083] At least the first clamping member 11 can be selectively moved along the clamping and releasing axis Z1 toward / away from the second clamping member 12 to clamp the sheet 200 between them or release it at the end of the process. In other words, the first clamping member 11 is configured to translate along the clamping and releasing axis Z1 to adjust its position relative to the second clamping member 12 according to the thickness T of the sheet 200.

[0084] The clamping members 11 , 12 are aligned along a clamping and release axis Z1 with a gap between them having a calibrated value with respect to retaining the glass sheet 200 but allowing sufficient freedom of sliding of the glass sheet 200 .

[0085] The clamping and releasing axis Z1 is orthogonal to the front surface 210 of the sheet 200. Furthermore, the clamping and releasing axis Z1 is parallel to the adjustment axis Z and to the axis of rotation of the machining tool 125.

[0086] In contrast, the second clamping member 12 is attached with respect to movement along the clamping and releasing axis Z1. However, solutions in which both clamping members 11 , 12 are movable or only the second clamping member 12 is movable are not excluded.

[0087] Thus, the stabilizer device 10 comprises a clamping actuation mechanism AZ1 operatively connected to the first clamping members 11 to move them as described above, such as Figure 4 Since the position of the rear surface 211 and the thickness T of the sheet 200 are known, the clamping actuation mechanism AZ1 can be commanded so that the first clamping member 11 contacts the front surface 210 of the sheet 200 with a desired pressure.

[0088] The movement of the first clamping member 11 is independent of the adjustment movement of the machining tool 125. The clamping actuation mechanism AZ1 and the sixth motor M6, which causes the adjustment movement of the machining tool 125 along the adjustment axis Z, are therefore distinct and independent.

[0089] The first and second clamping members 11, 12 can be selectively oriented according to an orientation angle θ of an orientation axis coinciding with the adjustment axis Z and the rotation axis of the machining tool 125. This orientation according to the orientation angle θ is controlled by the seventh motor M7.

[0090] In operation, the processing head 123 can be oriented according to the orientation angle θ, and the first and second clamping members 11, 12 and the processing tool 12 integrated with the processing head 123 move accordingly. Therefore, the first and second clamping members 11, 12 always rotate integrally with each other at the same orientation angle θ, i.e., rigidly rotate.

[0091] The machining head 123 therefore has two degrees of freedom: translation along the working axis Y and rotation according to the orientation angle θ about the orientation axis.

[0092] However, the rotation of the orientation angle θ serves only to correctly orient the first and second clamping members 11, 12 relative to the sheet 200. In fact, since the machining tool 125, at least in the case of a grinding wheel, has a cylindrical structure, its angular orientation about its rotation axis does not bring about an effective change in its function.

[0093] Therefore, according to the above-mentioned orientation angle θ, the first and second clamping members 11, 12 can be moved relative to the processing head 123 supporting them.

[0094] The first and second clamping members 11, 12 can be selectively moved at least along a first adjustment axis T1 orthogonal to the clamping and releasing axis Z1. Figure 5 The first adjustment axis T1 is a radial axis relative to the center of the processing tool 125 .

[0095] The first and second clamping members 11, 12 can also move along a second adjustment axis T2 which is orthogonal to the clamping and releasing axis Z1 and the first adjustment axis T1. Figure 6 The second adjustment axis T2 is a tangential axis relative to the circumferential surface of the machining tool 125 .

[0096] Thus, the stabilizer device 10 comprises a first adjustment actuator A1 and a second adjustment actuator A2 , which are different therefrom and are configured to move the first and second clamping members 11 , 12 along the first and second adjustment axes T1 , T2 , respectively.

[0097] For example, the positions of the first and second clamping members 11 , 12 along the first and second adjustment axes T1 , T2 may be fed back by a potentiometer.

[0098] The first and second adjustment axes T1, T2 are realized by guide elements (e.g. annular screws) attached to or cooperating with the machining head 123. Obviously, the travel of the first and second clamping members 11, 12 along the first and second adjustment axes T1, T2 is limited by the length of the guide elements on which they slide or with which they are associated.

[0099] The first and second adjustment axes T1, T2 and the clamping and release axis Z1 together constitute a set of three mutually orthogonal coordination axes. The movement of the first and second clamping members 11, 12 along the first and second adjustment axes T1, T2 occurs in a coordinated and integrated manner, so that in each position, they maintain a face-to-face relative arrangement.

[0100] In general, the first and second clamping members 11, 12 are movable according to three degrees of freedom: rotation about the orientation angle θ; translation along the first adjustment axis T1; and translation along the second adjustment axis T2. As mentioned before, the first clamping member 11 has a further degree of freedom of translation along the clamping and release axis Z1.

[0101] The mobility of the first and second clamping members 11 , 12 according to three degrees of freedom allows them to be correctly positioned relative to the peripheral edge 212 of the sheet 200 , preventing the latter from protruding from its contour, thus causing reduced stability during processing.

[0102] In fact, as occurs in the prior art, a mere rotation of the orientation angle θ of the first and second clamping members 11 , 12 is not sufficient to guarantee a secure clamping of the sheet 200 in any possible situation.

[0103] In particular, when the sheet 200 has a sharply shaped apex between two adjacent sides of its peripheral edge 212 and processing has to be carried out near the apex, the possibility of rotating and properly positioning the first and second clamping members 11, 12 becomes crucial to ensure that the sheet 200 is firmly clamped and vibrations are avoided during processing.

[0104] In fact, when processing the sharp corner apex, the first and second clamping members 11 and 12 can be advantageously moved in an interpolation manner along the first and second adjustment axes T1 and T2 to reach a position where they can fully clamp the sheet 200. When the contact area between the clamping members 11 and 12 and the sheet 200 reaches the maximum, the fully clamped state is reached.

[0105] like Figure 7a-7c As shown, during the processing of the lower side 212C′ (in this case, having a triangular shape) of the sheet 200, the first and second clamping members 11, 12 are parallel to the lower side 212C′. When the processing tool 125 approaches the sharp vertex of the sheet 200, the clamping members 11, 12 are rotated at the orientation angle θ by the rotation of the processing head 123 and advantageously moved along one or both of the adjustment axes T1, T2. During their movement, a certain distance D is maintained from the peripheral surface of the processing tool 125. This distance D can be advantageously constant.

[0106] The first and second clamping members 11, 12 include corresponding support elements 11a, 12a (for example, jaws), and contact elements 11b, 12b (which may be wheels or idler rollers) associated with the corresponding support elements 11a, 12a. Obviously, each of the support elements 11a, 12a may also include a plurality of contact elements 11b, 12b.

[0107] Alternatively, the contact elements may be defined or comprised of fluid-dynamically supported wheels or skateboards, balls on ball carriers, track rolling elements, or other similar or assimilable elements.

[0108] In the example described here, the contact elements 11 b , 12 b are idler wheels having an axis of rotation orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the machining tool 125 .

[0109] During the machining of one side of the peripheral edge 212 of the sheet 200, the surface of the wheel remains parallel to this side and its radial position relative to the axis of rotation of the machining tool 125 is set so as to maintain an overhang of approximately 5÷10 mm from the peripheral edge 212, while at the same time in the transverse direction relative to the sides 210, 211, the distance between the same wheels has been calibrated according to the thickness T of the sheet 200.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the wheels have an external coating made of elastically deformable material so that when they press on the sheet 200, the contact area acting on the latter has an almost rectangular shape with sides equal to the distance between the wheel surfaces and a width equal to about 1÷2 mm.

[0111] The device 100 includes a central control unit 116, which is configured to control the first mobile unit 111 through the first and second motors M1, M2, the second mobile unit 112 through the third motor M3, and the processing unit 113 through the fourth motor M4, the processing unit 113 including: a processing head 123 with a processing tool 125 and a stabilizer 10, which are driven by the fifth, sixth and seventh motors M5, M6, M7 to ensure optimized processing of the sheet 100. The central control unit 116 includes a central processing unit (or CPU) 116a and at least one storage unit 116b connected thereto.

[0112] The central control unit 116 is configured to control the movement of the first and second clamping members 11, 12 along the first and second adjustment axes T1, T2 to ensure that the sheet 200 is always fully clamped, while coordinating the rotation of the same clamping members 11, 12 according to the orientation angle θ. In addition, the movement of the first and second clamping members 11, 12 along the first adjustment axis T1 (which is radial relative to the center of the processing tool 125) is also controlled by the central control unit 116 based on the wear of the processing tool 125. The more the processing tool 125 wears, the more the first and second clamping members 11, 12 will be moved closer radially to keep the overhang of the peripheral edge 212 of the processing tool 125 constant or optimized relative to the periphery of the processing tool 125.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the processing head 123 also includes a feeler device 126, which is configured to detect the geometry of the peripheral edge 212 of the sheet 200 in order to provide information to the control unit 116, for example, but not only so that the latter adjusts the passing depth of the processing tool 125, or repositions the first clamping member and the second clamping member 11, 12, or adjusts the advancement of the sheet 200 along the forward direction F or the processing head 123 along the processing axis Y.

[0114] The feeler device 126 is capable of providing the central control unit 116 with information about the actual position of the peripheral edge 212 in order to correct the relative positioning between the processing tool 125 and the peripheral edge 212 of the sheet 200, for example, the correction can be performed based on corresponding input data in the management information system loaded with the geometric parameters of the sheet 200 to be processed.

[0115] The feeler gauge device 126 is attached to the processing head 123, and includes an idle feeler gauge wheel 127 and an inclined support arm 131, one end of which is mounted with the feeler gauge wheel 127, and the feeler gauge wheel 127 is configured to contact the surface of the peripheral edge 212 of the sheet 200 when the sheet 200 moves along the forward direction F or when the processing head 123 moves along the processing axis Y.

[0116] When the surface of the peripheral edge 212 has irregularities or changes in surface inclination, the feeler wheel 127 detects them and tilts the support arm 131 connected to a sensor which can generate and send appropriate feedback signals to the control unit 116 .

[0117] The apparatus 100 includes a measuring device 129 corresponding to the feed section A, which is configured to measure the thickness T of the sheet 200 and send a corresponding measurement signal to the control unit 116 so that data related to the measured thickness T can be stored in the storage unit 116b, for example, for (but not limited to) adjusting the stroke of the first clamping member 11 along the clamping and release axis Z1, and for real-time adjustment of the movement of the processing tool 125 to process the sheet 200 of the entire thickness T.

[0118] The apparatus 100 comprises: one or more approach devices 130 immediately upstream of the middle portion C, which are configured to detect the arrival of the sheet 200 and send a corresponding approach signal to the control unit 116, which in turn generates a command signal and sends it to the motors M1-M3 to cause the movement of the sheet 200 to slow down or be interrupted.

[0119] According to the embodiment, Figure 8As shown, the central control unit 116 is associated with an operator interface 132 (eg, via Ethernet). The operator interface 132 is part of the apparatus 100 and is configured to allow an operator to control, supervise, and manage the production process of the sheet material 200.

[0120] The central control unit 116 is configured to execute a specific work process, which contains a script that manages in a coordinated manner the movements of the stabilizer device 10 (Z1, θ, T1, T2), the movement of the processing head 123 and the forward / reverse movement of the sheet 200 along the processing direction F. For this purpose, the central control unit 116 is connected to an electrical panel 133 that powers the motors M1-M7 and the actuators AZ1, A1, A2.

[0121] The central control unit 116 is also operatively connected to a corporate information system 134 having its own local control unit 135 configured to execute management processes capable of providing input data D1 to the central control unit 116 according to the production process to be executed.

[0122] For example, for each sheet 200, the input data D1 may include:

[0123] - size and shape of the sheet 200;

[0124] - Type of sheet 200 (monolayer or laminated glass);

[0125] - an indication of the position of the sides 210 , 211 , where a surface coating may be present, in order to correctly place the sheet 200 on the machining plane P and to orient the clamping members 11 , 12 in an optimal way in order to avoid damage to the coating;

[0126] - the type of profile of the peripheral edge 212 to be obtained, for example flat, trapezoidal, arc-shaped, profiled, etc.;

[0127] - Required finish, e.g. rough, semi-rough, polished, etc.;

[0128] - a channel depth suitable for eliminating irregularities of the peripheral edge 212 and obtaining the desired dimensional geometry;

[0129] - Composition of the processing tool 125;

[0130] - The destination of the sheet 200, for example another processing line or a carriage and the position in the carriage.

[0131] In turn, the central control unit 116 can provide output data D2 to the corporate information system 134. For each sheet 200, the output data D2 may include, for example:

[0132] -Start time of each sheet 200;

[0133] - The working end time of each sheet 200;

[0134] - Energy used;

[0135] - Processing parameters;

[0136] - discarded debris;

[0137] - wear of the machining tool 125;

[0138] - Processing interruptions;

[0139] - Identification of the operator supervising the process;

[0140] -Parameters related to the cooling / lubricating fluid used during processing.

[0141] As a result of the machining process and the management process, the ideal positioning conditions of the clamping members 11, 12 are determined for each specific case (such as sharp or obtuse vertices of the sheet, presence or absence of a coating, etc.). These ideal conditions are first processed and then stored in a database to which the central control unit 116 is connected to receive the interpolation functions of the movement of the sheet 200 along the advancement direction F, the interpolation functions of the translational movement of the machining head 123, the interpolation functions of the movements (Z1, θ, T1, T2) of the stabilizer device 10 and the interpolation functions of the adjustment movement of the machining tool 125.

[0142] The operation of the device 100 corresponding to the method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0143] - a movement step, in which the sheet 200 is advanced in an advancing direction towards the processing head 123 by means of the movement units 111 , 112 ;

[0144] - a step of identifying the peripheral edge 212 , aimed at correctly positioning the sheet 200 relative to the processing tool 125 ;

[0145] A step of adjusting the clamping members 11 , 12 which are initially in a distanced state and subsequently enter into a clamping state together with the glass sheet 200 when the glass sheet moves in correspondence with the processing tool 125 .

[0146] In the clamped state, the pressure applied by the clamping members 11, 12 is a compromise between the deformability of the external coating in the elastic material of the contact elements 11b, 12b, the ability of the sheet 200 to support the load, the freedom of mutual sliding between the contact elements 11b, 12b and the sheet 200, and the need to maintain the integrity of any coating that may be present on the surface of the sheet 200.

[0147] The method provides a subsequent processing step of the peripheral edge 212 of the sheet 200 operated by the processing tool 125. In the processing step, the sheet 200 or the processing head 123, or both, are moved in a coordinated manner so as to perform processing on the entire peripheral edge 212 or at least a portion thereof.

[0148] During the machining step, when the machining tool 125 has to remove material corresponding to or near the apex of the peripheral edge 212 , the method provides for a further step of adjusting the clamping members 11 , 12 .

[0149] The step of further adjusting the clamping members 11, 12 comprises at least one of: rotating the clamping members 11, 12 around the orientation axis according to the orientation angle θ; translating the clamping members 11, 12 along the first adjustment axis T1; translating the clamping members 11, 12 along the second adjustment axis T2.

[0150] Additional adjustment steps may be performed simultaneously with the machining steps. The position adjustment of the first and second clamping members 11, 12 along the first and second adjustment axes T1, T2 is performed in "real time" during machining, while always keeping the sheet 200 clamped therebetween.

[0151] It is obvious that modifications and / or additions may be made to the device 10 and the method for processing a sheet material 200 described herein, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

[0152] It is also obvious that, although the invention has been described with respect to certain specific examples, those skilled in the art will certainly be able to realize other equivalent forms of sheet material processing equipment and methods having the features as claimed, and all of these fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0153] In the following claims, references in parentheses are only used for reading convenience and should not be considered as limiting factors in determining the scope of protection.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for processing a sheet material (200), comprising: - a moving device (111, 112) configured to move at least one sheet (200) at a time in a forward direction (F); and - at least one machining unit (113) comprising a machining head (123) on which is mounted at least one machining tool (125) and a stabilizer device (10), wherein the stabilizer device (10) has a first clamping member (11) and a second clamping member (12) opposite to each other, which reciprocate along a clamping and releasing axis to clamp and release the sheet (200) therebetween, wherein the machining head (123) can be selectively rotated according to an orientation angle (θ) to orient the clamping members (11, 12) at an angle, Characterized in that the first clamping member and the second clamping member (11, 12) are configured to be selectively moved in an integral manner at least along a first adjustment axis (T1) different from the clamping and releasing axis (Z1) so as to be placed in a position to fully clamp the sheet (200).

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first and second clamping members (11, 12) are configured to selectively move in an integral manner while also moving along a second adjustment axis (T2) different from the clamping and releasing axis (Z1) and the first adjustment axis (T1).

3. The device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first and second adjustment axes (T1, T2), together with the clamping and release axis (Z1), form a set of three mutually orthogonal coordination axes.

4. The device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The stabilizer device (10) comprises a first adjustment actuator (A1) and a second adjustment actuator (A2) different therefrom, which are respectively configured to move the first clamping member and the second clamping member (11, 12) along the first adjustment axis (T1) and along the second adjustment axis (T2).

5. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device comprises a central control unit (116), which is configured to control the moving device (111, 112), the processing head (123) and the stabilizer device (10) in a combined manner to control the correct positioning of the first clamping member and the second clamping member (11, 12) relative to the peripheral edge (212) of the sheet (200) and relative to the processing tool (125).

6. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first and second clamping members (11, 12) respectively comprise: at least one corresponding supporting element (11a, 12a) and at least one corresponding contact element (11b, 12b), which contact element (11b, 12b) is wheel-shaped and attached to its supporting element (11a, 12a) in an idle manner, wherein the contact element (11b, 12b) has an outer coating made of an elastically deformable material.

7. A method for processing a sheet material (200), comprising: - a moving step, in which the sheet (200) is advanced in an advancing direction (F) towards the processing head (123) by means of a moving device (111, 112); - a step of identifying said peripheral edge (212) with the aim of correctly positioning said sheet (200) relative to said machining tool (125) mounted on said machining head (123); - a preliminary adjustment step, in which the first and second clamping members (11, 12) mounted on the processing head (123) are initially in a state of being away from each other, and then together with the sheet (200) enter a clamping state, and at least one of the first and second clamping members (11, 12) is moved relative to the other along a clamping and release axis (Z1); - a machining step, wherein the machining tool (25) machines the peripheral edge (212); - an orientation step, in which the machining head (123) is rotated according to an orientation angle (θ) in order to orient the first and second clamping members (11, 12) angularly relative to the peripheral edge (212), at least in the case where the machining tool (125) has to remove material corresponding to or in the vicinity of the vertex of the peripheral edge (212); Characterized in that the method also provides a further adjustment step, wherein the first clamping member and the second clamping member (11, 12) are selectively moved in an integral manner to their positions on the sheet (200) in a fully clamped state at least along a first adjustment axis (T1) different from the clamping and release axis (Z1).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that In the adjustment step, the first clamping member and the second clamping member (11, 12) are selectively moved in an integral manner along a second adjustment axis (T2) which is different from the clamping and release axis (Z1) and the first adjustment axis (T1), wherein the first adjustment axis and the second adjustment axis (T1, T2) together with the clamping and release axis (Z1) form a set of three mutually orthogonal coordination axes.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The position adjustment of the first clamping member and the second clamping member (11, 12) along the first adjustment axis and the second adjustment axis (T1, T2) is performed in "real time" while always keeping the sheet (200) clamped therebetween.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The positions of the first and second clamping members (11, 12) are adjusted by a central control unit (116) according to the position of the processing tool (125) relative to the peripheral edge (212) of the sheet (200) and according to feedback of the wear of the processing tool (125).

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