Facility and method for manufacturing support element for human body, such as vehicle saddle

Abstract

The invention relates to a plant for producing a support element (100) for a human body, which plant is equipped with a plurality of operating stations and at least one resting station (506, 511), and to a method for producing a support element for a human body, which can be obtained using the plant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for producing a support element for a human body, such as a vehicle saddle. Background Art

[0002] In the field of supporting elements for the human body, such as saddles for vehicles such as bicycles, it is known to produce pads, with or without an external cover enveloping the saddle at its external or visible surface, which pads are bonded, after manufacture, for example by gluing, to the upper surface of a plastic supporting base, such as a "shell" or "felt" in bicycles. According to this specific example, a "fork" can be constrained to the lower surface of the plastic base in order to constrain the saddle to the seat post of the bicycle frame.

[0003] However, it often happens that the cushion, once made, is removed from the mould and only later joined to the plastic base, for example by gluing. In this case, it may be difficult to connect the two elements, since the cushion may lose its dimensional stability and therefore be difficult to couple with the plastic base, which, on the contrary, has a well-defined shape and size.

[0004] At the same time, when an external cover is present, it may be difficult to carry out the necessary trimming phases, since the pad is made of a soft material and trimming an element such as an external cover that has no support points but works on a soft support such as a pad may be difficult: the trimming tool may not find a sufficiently rigid and / or shaped guide to perform high-quality work.

[0005] There is also a method for obtaining a bicycle saddle in which no gluing between the pad and the supporting base is required. Patent IT1207441 in the name of the same applicant describes a method for manufacturing a saddle according to which an external cover is placed on the cavity of the female part of the mold and conformed to the cavity with the help of a vacuum device. In the cavity in which the external cover is placed, the material constituting the pad itself of the saddle is injected and the mold is then closed with the male part. Due to the properties of the corresponding materials, the pad adheres to the external cover and also to the felt or the supporting base, since the male part of the mold is shaped in such a way as to be able to accommodate such a felt.

[0006] Thus, in this case, the upper surface of the felt determines the lower surface of the pad, since these two surfaces are in contact with each other. At the next opening of the mold, the finished saddle is removed and the excess of the outer cover is then trimmed.

[0007] It is therefore necessary to provide a plant and a method capable of compensating for the above-mentioned drawbacks and which therefore allow obtaining a high-quality product even when the pad and the supporting base are not immediately coupled together or in the same mould.

[0008] There is also a need to automate the production process as much as possible, thereby speeding up and automating the individual steps for producing the support element according to the invention. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a plant allowing the production of supporting elements in a simple, rapid and automated manner.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a plant which guarantees the quality and efficiency of the support elements obtained to be comparable to those obtained with traditional moulds.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, an arrangement according to claim 1 is provided.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a supporting element for the human body which is practical and can be automated.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a method which allows the steps for obtaining a support element for the human body to be accelerated and made more precise. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a relatively inexpensive method.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for producing a support element according to claim 17 is provided.

[0016] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention, shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] - FIG. 1 is a slightly elevated perspective view of a molding unit according to the invention in an open position;

[0019] - Figure 2 and 3 They are shown respectively Figure 1 A slightly top perspective view of a rear detail of the first component of the molding unit, and Figure 1 A perspective view slightly from above of a first part of a molding unit of , wherein, in the latter, a structural component or a supporting component according to the invention is applied;

[0020] - Figure 4 A bottom perspective view showing a pad of a support element according to the present invention;

[0021] - Figure 5 shows a partial view in longitudinal section of a fully assembled support element according to the invention;

[0022] - Figure 6 A top perspective view of a structural component or a supporting component according to the present invention is shown;

[0023] - Figure 7 A bottom view showing a padding of a bearing element according to the invention in a non-final step of its realization;

[0024] - Figure 8 shows a partial side view of a support element according to the invention in a final step of its realization;

[0025] - Fig. 9 and Fig.10 each showing an automated step of a method according to the invention;

[0026] - Fig.11 A sectional view of a molding unit according to the invention in the closed position is shown, wherein the sectional view is taken along a transverse plane of a support element obtained using the molding unit.

[0027] - Fig.12 A perspective view showing an example of a facility for manufacturing a support element according to the invention,

[0028] - Fig.13A and 13B are top plan views of two versions of the installation according to the invention,

[0029] - Fig.14 yes Fig.12 and 13A A side view of the facility, and

[0030] - Fig.15 It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view taken along the plane of trace line AA.

[0031] In the drawings, the same parts or components are identified by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The invention relates to an installation 500 and a method for producing a support element 100 for the human body, such as a saddle for a vehicle, for example a saddle for a bicycle or motorcycle, or a backrest or seat or armrest for an anatomical chair, or similar support elements.

[0033] Furthermore, the installation 500 comprises a plurality of operating stations for machining at least one pad 114 provided with a support part 122 at the lower surface 118 of the pad 114 and / or with at least one support base 150 of the support element 100 .

[0034] Each operating station of the installation 500 is assigned to at least one specific step of the method according to the invention.

[0035] In at least one version of the invention, at least one or each station of the installation 500 is an automated station and / or is equipped with at least one handling robot, for example an anthropomorphic robot. A handling robot is a robot capable of carrying out at least one step of the method according to the invention for machining at least one pad 114 of a support element 100 and / or at least one support base 150.

[0036] Each automated workstation may each comprise a cabin open on at least one side or completely closed, inside which the robot is positioned to perform various processes, as better defined below. In this specification, the term "upper" refers to an element positioned in an upper or higher position, or facing upwards, in use; the opposite is the word "lower", which refers to an element positioned in a lower or lower position, or facing downwards or towards the ground, in use.

[0037] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending along the longest portion of an element, and the term "lateral" refers to a direction extending perpendicular to the longest portion of an element, or extending from one side of an element to the other.

[0038] "Vertical" refers to a direction or plane from bottom to top in use, while "horizontal" refers to a direction or plane parallel to the ground in use.

[0039] The device according to the invention, according to at least one version, in at least one longitudinal direction (by Fig.12 The first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction may be parallel to each other.

[0040] The stations of the first production line 501 and the stations of the second production line 502 are separated by a third production line 503, the third production line comprising at least one laying-down station 506, 511, the third production line extending along a third longitudinal direction.

[0041] At least one holding station 506, 511 is located after at least one of the plurality of operating stations.

[0042] The third longitudinal direction may be parallel to the first longitudinal direction and / or the second longitudinal direction.

[0043] Thus, the arrangement comprises an entry area 504 in which at least one cushion 114 is provided and / or in which at least one support base 150 of a support element 100 is provided for use.

[0044] For example, consider Fig.12 , at least one pad 114 follows a path along a first longitudinal direction and / or moves along a station of a first production line 501, while at least one support base 150 follows a path along a second longitudinal direction and / or moves along a station of a second production line 502. The facility 500 also includes at least one pick-and-place robot 505 (or "pick and place") for picking up and / or positioning at least one pad 114 and / or at least one support base 150. The robot 505 is positioned between one station and another and / or between a station and a resting station and is used to unload / load individual stations and / or individual resting stations.

[0045] Specifically, at least one robot 505 includes at least a first picking and positioning robot 505a, which, during use, is assigned to remove at least one pad 114 and / or at least one supporting base 150 from the entrance area 504 and position it at a first operating station among multiple operating stations and / or in at least one storage station 506, 511.

[0046] At least one robot 505 may also include at least a second picking and positioning robot 505b, which is assigned in use to remove at least one pad 114 and / or at least one supporting base 150 from the first operating station or from at least one storage station 506, 511, and position it at a subsequent station or a position adjacent to the first operating station, or at at least one subsequent storage station 506, 511 after processing or storage in the latter is completed.

[0047] In alternative versions of the invention, there may be several robots 505 or only some robots 505, or even only one robot 505, which move in several directions and between different operating stations and / or between different laying-down stations.

[0048] In accordance with at least one version of the invention, at least one robot 505 is positioned along third production line 503 .

[0049] Considering Figure 13, which shows a facility 500 in plan view, the facility 500 may consist of a series of zones, for example transverse zones (considered perpendicular to the longitudinal direction indicated by the arrow F), which follow or adjoin each other. Each zone comprises at least one operating station of a station belonging to a first production line 501 and / or at least one operating station of a station belonging to a second production line 502, and / or at least one picking and positioning robot 505 and / or at least one laying station 506, 511.

[0050] For example, Fig.15 One of these regions is shown, which is Fig.14 A side view of facility 500 can also be seen.

[0051] Each holding station 506, 511 comprises space in which at least one pad 114 and / or at least one supporting base 150 can be positioned and / or stored after a specific processing so that a specific processing following and depending on the processing just performed can be carried out in a subsequent operating station or at the end of the cycle before being positioned with the aid of a subsequent robot 505.

[0052] The treatments carried out in the holding stations 506, 511 may include, for example, leaving at least one pad 114 and / or at least one supporting base 150 to wait or rest for a period of time, possibly in combination with a possible increase or decrease in temperature, such as drying at least one washing solution and / or at least one solvent and / or primer and / or extender and / or glue or adhesive, and / or heating or cooling the pad 114 and / or the supporting base 150.

[0053] These storage stations can be formed as cabins or stacking warehouses, for example vertical, also called "paternosters", in which at least one pad 114 and / or at least one supporting base 150 can be positioned and / or stored, and can be formed open on one or both sides, for example placed along the third longitudinal direction, so as to allow access to at least one robot 505. Alternatively, these storage stations 506 can be closed to maintain a certain temperature inside them, and can be temporarily and / or reversibly opened to allow access to at least one robot 505.

[0054] At least one of the resting stations 506, 511 comprises a heating or cooling device capable of increasing or decreasing the temperature inside the station relative to the ambient temperature.

[0055] The size of each holding station 506, 511 varies according to the product flow passing along the facility 500, for example, the longer the holding time, the larger the holding station 506, 511 is, so as to be able to accommodate and hold more products, and vice versa. As described above, the holding stations 506, 511 are located between one operating station and another operating station, so that at least one liner 114 and / or at least one supporting base 150, after undergoing a specific processing in a given station, is ready to receive subsequent processing in a subsequent operating station. Before the entrance area 504, at least one liner 114 and / or at least one supporting base 150 can be at least partially manufactured, for example, by using a molding unit of a new type or a traditional type.

[0056] Figure 1 An example of a moulding unit 10 is shown which can be used to produce a support element for a human body according to the invention.

[0057] More specifically, the unit 10 comprises a first component 12 and a second component 14. The first component 12 is a stamping component of the molding unit 10, while the second component 14 is a mold component of the molding unit 10.

[0058] The first component 12 may be coupled to the second component 14. Specifically, when the first component 12 abuts the second component 14, the molding unit 10 is in a closed operating configuration, and when the first component 12 and the second component 14 are moved away from each other, the molding unit is in an open operating configuration.

[0059] Thus, there are means for access-removal of the first component 12 relative to the second component 14 (not shown in the figures), which enable the molding unit 10 to be transferred from the open operating configuration to the closed operating configuration and vice versa, including all operating positions between the open operating configuration and the closed operating configuration.

[0060] Such an approach-removal device (generally known in the industry) may include an electric, pneumatic or other type of actuator, which is intended to approach the first component 12 and the second component 14 and / or move the first component 12 and the second component 14 away from each other in a linear direction or in an angular direction or in a rotational direction. This means that the first component 12 can be moved relative to the second component 14 along a predetermined linear direction, or it can be angularly moved or rotated relative to the second component 14 in an approach-closed or removal-open mode, and vice versa.

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the second component 14 is located at a lower position than the first component 12. However, different positions may be provided.

[0062] The second part 14 comprises and / or defines a cavity 16 which, in use, is suitable for accommodating and / or filling a material suitable for forming a pad 114 of the support element 100. The material may be inserted, poured or injected into the cavity 16 and is capable of foaming and / or hardening and / or polymerizing and / or curing within the cavity 16. Thus, the material is a hardenable and / or polymerizable and / or curable material.

[0063] The cavity 16 is recessed relative to the second component 14 and is substantially negatively shaped relative to the gasket 114 .

[0064] In at least one first configuration or version of the invention, the cavity 16 is open at the top. Thus, the cavity 16 has an opening 16a.

[0065] The cavity 16 is formed by a concavely shaped surface 16b and a peripheral edge 16c defining an opening 16a. The first component 12 comprises a punch element 18. The punch element 18 is shaped in such a way as to abut against the cavity 16 and / or against its peripheral edge 16c, thereby determining the closure of the molding unit 10 and / or the cavity 16.

[0066] The punch element 18 rises from the first component 12. It comprises a shaped area 18a and an outer contour 18b.

[0067] The outer contour 18b corresponds to the peripheral edge 16c of the second component 14 and / or can be in contact with and / or abut against the peripheral edge 16c.

[0068] At the outer contour 18b of the punch element 18 there is an abutment element 18c, shaped for example like a peg or a cylinder, which can be accommodated in a suitable and corresponding seat 16d arranged for example at the peripheral edge 16c of the cavity 16. The positions of the abutment element 18c and the dedicated seat 16d correspond so that the abutment element 18c can be accommodated in the seat 16d when the first component 12 abuts against the second component 14. However, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, the position of the abutment element 18c and the position of the corresponding seat 16d can be reversed.

[0069] The shaped surface 16b of the cavity 16 is defined by a first bounding edge 16e.

[0070] Similarly, the shaped area 18a of the punch element 18 is defined by a second delimiting edge 18d.

[0071] In a closed operating configuration, in at least one form of the invention, the first defining edge 16e and the second defining edge 18d can be aligned one above the other and it is possible to maintain an opening or passage between them to allow the material (or foam) that will form the cushion to pass through and ensure that the latter firmly clamps the support member 122 and / or the support base 150.

[0072] The shaped surface 16b and the shaped area 18a define an upper surface 116 and a lower surface 118 of the liner 114, respectively.

[0073] When the molding unit 10 is in the closed operating phase, the molding of the cushion 114 of the supporting element 100 is performed.

[0074] Thus, an exemplary method for manufacturing a liner 114 according to the present invention may include the following steps:

[0075] - providing a material suitable for manufacturing the liner 114,

[0076] - providing a support member 122,

[0077] - positioning the support part 122 on the punching element 18 of the first part 12 of the molding unit 10,

[0078] - closing the cavity 16 of the second part 14 of the molding unit 10 with the punching element 18, bringing the first part 12 closer to the second part 14 or vice versa, with the support member 122 facing the cavity 16, so that the molding unit 10 is in the closed operating configuration,

[0079] - inserting and / or casting and / or injecting the material making up the liner 114 into the cavity 16,

[0080] - hardening and / or polymerizing and / or curing the material, obtaining a hardened and / or polymerizing and / or curing material forming the pad 114, thereby causing the support member 122 to adhere to the pad 114,

[0081] - moving the first part 12 away from the second part 14 or vice versa, determining an open operating configuration for the molding unit 10,

[0082] The liner 114 is extracted from the moulding unit 10 .

[0083] Therefore, the purpose of the facility 500 according to the invention may include at least one preparation station for manufacturing at least one pad 114 upstream of the inlet area 504, possibly including a molding unit 10 and / or a storage area in which at least one pad 114 is stored after its production in order to, for example, continuously supply the facility 500 with the at least one pad or the plurality of pads.

[0084] There may then be a robot 505 that is able to pick up the liner 114 from the storage area to bring it to the entry area 504 .

[0085] In one version of the invention, the method may include the following steps:

[0086] - providing an outer cover 120,

[0087] - positioning the outer cover 120 at the cavity 16 and locking the outer cover 120 in place,

[0088] - before the insertion and / or casting and / or injection step, activating the vacuum device so that the material of the outer cover 120 adheres to the shaped surface 16b of the cavity 16,

[0089] - optionally applying a primer or a compatibilizer to the inner face 120c of the outer cover 120,

[0090] - Trimming the excess portion 120a of the outer cover 120.

[0091] The primer or compatibilizer is, for example, based on polyurethane and / or components thereof to promote adhesion of the outer cover 120 to the liner 114 .

[0092] Thus, the installation 500 has a trimming station 512 of the excess portion 120a of the outer cover 120, which is at least partially applied and / or adhered to the upper surface 116 of the pad 114 (except for the excess portion 120a). The trimming station 512 is manual or automatic and / or comprises at least one operating robot equipped with a cutting device. In the case where the trimming step is carried out in an automatic manner, the operating robot equipped with a cutting device is able to perform this operation accurately along the entire trimmed edge 114a of the pad 114, for example facilitated by the presence of the support member 122.

[0093] In at least one version of the invention, a finishing station 512 is located at the final portion of the facility 500 prior to coupling a properly treated liner 144 to a support base 150, also properly treated.

[0094] When the outer cover 120 is present, after the step of positioning the outer cover, the cushioning material 114 is placed in the cavity 16 and in contact with the outer cover 120 itself.

[0095] The step of locking the outer cover 120 in place may be performed by locking the excess portion 120a of the outer cover 120 by means of, for example, a retaining plate 20, as better described below.

[0096] In at least one version of the invention, punch element 18 compresses outer cover 120 to close the mold.

[0097] Thus, when the outer cover 120 is present, the first robotic element of the preparation station is also able to pick up the outer cover (for example placed in a dedicated warehouse or in a dedicated location provided near or inside the preparation station) and position it at the cavity 116. This positioning is performed in a precise manner, arranging the outer cover 120 at a precise location of the cavity 116 according to a determined orientation and causing the excess portion 120a to come out of the cavity 16. As previously mentioned, this step can be performed with the aid of the first robotic element, or with the aid of another robotic element different from or equivalent to the first robotic element.

[0098] The access-removal device can also determine the locking in place of the outer cover 120 by actuating the retaining plate 20 (when present) to bring it close and abut against the second component 14 .

[0099] The preparation station may also include at least one nozzle or dispenser element for applying a primer or a compatibilizer to the interior face 120 c of the outer cover 120 .

[0100] Whether it is carried out manually, for example with the aid of a suitable trimming machine, or automatically with the aid of at least one robot equipped with a cutting device, this trimming step is rapid, since there is virtually no excess material of the support member 122 to trim, since the outermost edge 122 c of the support member 122 is placed at a distance from the trimmed edge 114 a of the pad 114, for example about 5 mm, or a distance between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0101] The trimmed edge 114a of the liner 114 is an edge that desirably separates the excess portion 120a of the outer cover 120 from the portion of the outer cover 120 that is adhered to the upper surface 116 of the liner 114 itself.

[0102] The trimmed edge 114a is the edge along which the outer cover 120 is trimmed.

[0103] Thus, as will be better understood from the following description, the trimmed edge 114a of the pad 114 is determined, in use, by the contact between the cavity 16 and the first and second bounding edges 16e, 18d of the punch element 18.

[0104] When the support base 150 is constrained to the cushion 114, the trimmed edge 114a is positioned inwardly relative to the support base 150 and / or one of its perimeter contours 150a.

[0105] The step of hardening and / or polymerizing and / or curing comprises the steps of obtaining an inner region 123, in which the support part 122 is adhered to the hardened and / or polymerized and / or cured material, and an annular region 124 surrounding the inner region 123, wherein the annular region 124 comprises such hardened and / or polymerized and / or cured material.

[0106] The annular region 124 is obtained between the trimmed edge 114 a and the outermost edge 122 c of the support member 122 , adjacent to the trimmed edge 114 a .

[0107] Upstream of the inlet region 504, a second preparation station for manufacturing the support base 150 may also be provided. This station may comprise a suitable molding unit, which will not be described further.

[0108] From this second preparation station, a suitably printed and / or obtained support base 150 is placed adjacent the entry area 504 in an automated or non-automated manner.

[0109] Once at least one pad 114 and / or at least one support base 150 has reached the vicinity of the entry area 504, the robot 505 positions at least one pad 114 and / or at least one support base 150 at a station of the first production line 501 and / or at a station of the second production line 502, respectively. The method according to the invention also comprises a step of placing the pad 114 at a combing or grinding station 507, and a step of combing or grinding the material of the annular area 124 so that its annular surface is rough and / or wrinkled and / or has a rough and / or wrinkled pattern.

[0110] In fact, as described above, following hardening and / or polymerization and / or curing, the material making up the pad 114 may be dense at least on the surface. This combing or grinding step can make the surface of the annular area 124 more absorbent of the glue or adhesive required for the subsequent bonding of the support base 150. The combing or grinding step, at least in one version of the invention, can (mechanically) break the chemical bonds of the material constituting the pad 114 and / or can mechanically roughen and / or wrinkle this area to facilitate the subsequent gluing step.

[0111] This combing or grinding step can be performed by milling and / or grinding and / or filing and / or removing and / or mechanically cutting the surface layer of the annular area 124. Therefore, the station and / or the plurality of operating stations and / or the first station of the first production line 501 comprises a combing or grinding station 507, in which the liner 114 is subjected to a combing or grinding step. Therefore, the first station 507 comprises a first operating robot 507a equipped with a grinding device. Such a grinding device is capable of, for example, mechanically combing or grinding the surface or surface layer of the foam of the liner 114, or more precisely the surface or surface layer of the annular area 124.

[0112] In particular, the abrasive means comprise cutters and / or files and / or suitable instruments capable of removing and / or engraving the surface of the area.

[0113] The method according to the present invention may include steps for positioning the support base 150 at a cleaning station 508 and for cleaning and / or preparing and / or washing and / or degreasing at least one upper surface of the support base 150 so that it can accommodate glue or adhesive that will subsequently be applied and thereby bonded to the lower surface 118 of the pad 114 and / or to the support member 122.

[0114] Therefore, the second production line 502 includes a cleaning station 508, in which the above-mentioned cleaning and / or preparation and / or washing and / or degreasing steps are performed on the support base 150. Therefore, the cleaning station 508 includes an operating robot equipped with a cleaning device 508a. These cleaning devices may include at least one nozzle and / or at least one ejector ejector, which can deliver and / or spray at least one washing solution and / or at least one solvent and / or at least one drying pad onto the surface of the support base 150 suitable for contacting with the liner 114. According to an example, the robot uses at least one solvent to clean such a surface of the support base 150, which is suitable for contacting with the liner 114 and / or suitable for subsequent gluing steps to dissolve the oily residue after plastic molding. This step can be performed, for example, by spraying and / or brushing at least one solvent and the subsequent drying performed, for example, using at least one drying pad.

[0115] With respect to the second production line 502, the washing station 508 constitutes a first operating station.

[0116] The method according to the invention may also comprise steps for cleaning and / or preparing and / or washing and / or degreasing at least the lower surface 118 of the pad 114 and / or the support member 122. For example, these steps are performed before the step of applying glue or adhesive, as will be better explained below.

[0117] The washing stage can be carried out using a suitable washing solution, also a chemical-based solution, to prepare the treated and / or washed surface. In this way, the washing solution can cause the double bonds present in the hardened and / or polymerized and / or cured material of the pad 114 to break.

[0118] In the facility, after these steps are performed in at least one corresponding station, there may be, for example, a rest station 506 for drying the liner 114 and / or the support base 150. There may then be a step of positioning the support base 150 at a dispensing station 509 and dispensing and / or applying and / or spraying a primer and / or a compatibilizer on the upper surface of the support base 150, thereby facilitating the connection and / or gluing with the liner 114 and / or the support component 122.

[0119] In this manner, connection of the support base 150 to the pad 114 itself is facilitated.

[0120] In this step, in the facility, and / or in particular in its second production line 502, a dispensing station 509 equipped with a dispensing robot 509a is provided, which is able to dispense and / or apply and / or spray the primer and / or extender, for example by means of a dedicated gun equipped with a dispensing nozzle, such as a glue gun. Thus, the robot 509a will be equipped with a suitable dispenser, for example with a very fine sprayer, so as to apply the above substances with great precision.

[0121] A similar dispensing station 509 may also be provided at the first production line 501 , so that the liner 114 is positioned at this station and, if necessary, the primer and / or compatibilizer is also dispensed and / or applied and / or sprayed on the lower surface 118 of the liner 114 .

[0122] After these stations, there may be a rest station 511, for example to allow drying of the primer and / or the compatibilizer.

[0123] Subsequently, the method includes the steps of positioning the liner 114 and / or the support base 150 at at least one gluing station 510 and applying and / or dispensing and / or spraying glue or adhesive on the lower surface 118 of the liner 114 and the support member 122, and / or applying and / or dispensing and / or spraying glue or adhesive on the upper surface of the support base 150. Then, there may be a step of contacting and gluing the support base 150 to the lower surface 118 and the support member 122.

[0124] These steps may form part of the steps of constraining the pad 114 and supporting the base 150. The glue or adhesive may include a polyurethane-based compound, such as a two-component polyurethane-based glue or the like.

[0125] The glue or adhesive may also be applied multiple times, for example twice, to the lower surface 118 of the pad 114, waiting a given time between one application and the next. This is particularly useful when applying the glue, for example, with the aid of a brush or similar tool, which may not be necessary in the case of spraying the glue itself.

[0126] Thus, in the facility 500 there is at least a gluing station 510 , which is placed at the first production line 501 and / or the second production line 502 .

[0127] The at least one gluing station 510 comprises at least one gluing robot 510 a which is capable of applying and / or dispensing and / or spraying glue or adhesive, for example, on an upper surface of the support base 150 .

[0128] The gluing robot 510a may be the same as the dispensing robot 509a.

[0129] In particular, the gluing robot 510a may include, for example, a dedicated gun, such as a glue gun, equipped with a dispensing nozzle. Thus, the robot 510a is equipped with a dedicated dispenser, such as with a very fine sprayer, so as to apply the glue or adhesive with extreme precision. The area where the glue or adhesive is applied is, for example, around the edge of the support base 150, and these substances or ingredients cannot be applied to (and thus stain) the visible surface of the support base itself.

[0130] Additionally or alternatively, the gluing robot 510a may include a gun with a wider delivery nozzle to speed up application on less delicate areas. When both types of guns or dispensing devices are present, changes from one to the other or from one area to another, such as a change in a CNC machine, may be managed.

[0131] With regard to the gluing station 510 for the pad 114, it may not be necessary to provide a gluing robot 510a that is as accurate as the gluing robot used to operate the support surface 150. In fact, in this step, the visible surface of the pad 114 (for example the upper surface 116) is less likely to be erroneously covered (and thus soiled) by glue or adhesive, because during this operation, the pad 114 is not trimmed and therefore the excess portion 120a of the cover 120 protects the visible side (or upper surface 116) of the pad 114. In addition, the upper surface 116 of the pad 114 (corresponding to its visible surface in use) may be in contact with a clamping template that holds the pad 114 in place and protects the upper surface 116 from erroneous application of glue or adhesive.

[0132] The method thus comprises an automatic or non-automatic restraining step, for example a removable restraining step, of a clamping template of suitable shape at the upper surface 116 of the pad 114 .

[0133] In at least one version of the invention, adhesion of support member 122 to the material from which liner 114 is made is determined by a chemical affinity between the two materials and / or results from a hardening and / or polymerization reaction and / or curing of the material forming the liner that occurs in close proximity to support member 122 itself.

[0134] In an alternative version, it is possible to assist the step of adhering the support member 122 to the liner 114 by applying a suitable compatibilizer and / or adjuvant and / or adhesive to the inner face 122a of the support member 122 during use.

[0135] In this case, facility 500 may provide a suitable workstation.

[0136] Between the dispensing station 509 and the at least one gluing station 510 there is a heated resting station 511, for example of the convection type, in which the components (cushion 114 and / or support base 150) can rest, for example for 30 minutes or more. The temperature maintained in this heated resting position 511 is substantially between 10°C and 100°C.

[0137] Thus, the heated rest station 511 may be in the form of an oven, for example a convection oven, which raises the temperature of all such elements or only one of them to a temperature corresponding, for example, to about 50°C.

[0138] On the other hand, according to one version of the invention, it is envisaged that the parts inserted in the resting station 506 undergo a cooling step and / or a drying step, for example a cooling step or a drying step of the glue and / or the solvent of the glue itself; the temperature inside them is substantially at room temperature or between 10° C. and 80° C. Finally, the method comprises a step of constraining the support base 150 at the lower surface 118 (and / or at the annular zone 124) of the support part 122 and the pad 114 to which the support part 122 is adhered, wherein the step of constraining comprises a step of placing the support base 150 in contact and adhering and / or gluing it to the lower surface 118 and to the support part 122.

[0139] The step of constraining the support base 150 to the cushion 114 may be performed, for example, by means of a compressive pressure, for example separate from the molding unit 10 of the invention but still included in the installation 500 .

[0140] According to an alternative version, the support base 150 can be constrained to a male part (not shown in the drawings) by means of suitable engagement means. The male part can replace the first part 12 in the molding unit 10. In fact, once the pad 114 has been manufactured and after the excess part 120a of the outer cover 120 has possibly been trimmed, the second part 14 can be detachably coupled to the male part, so that the support base 150 abuts against the lower surface 118 of the pad 114 and against the support part 122. In this way, the bonding and / or gluing of the support base 150 to the pad 114 can be carried out by using this male part and therefore essentially by a single molding unit 10.

[0141] Thus, facility 500 may include a suitable restraint station, whether automated or not, in which this step is performed.

[0142] According to another version, after at least one gluing station 510 and / or after a subsequent laying station 506, at least one picking and positioning robot 505 may be arranged so as to position the pad 114 in contact with the supporting base 150 (or more precisely, the upper surface of the supporting base 150 in contact with the lower surface 118 of the pad 114) so ​​as to carry out the joining of the two parts (for example in the above-mentioned restraining station). This restraint may be carried out in a dedicated cabin or station, in which there are pressure and / or compression means capable of exerting pressure between the two parts and, in combination with the applied glue or adhesive, determining their joining.

[0143] Due to this approach, support member 122 is flush with the lower surface of liner 114. Thus, despite being made with a reduced thickness, support member 122 does not protrude relative to filler material, such as that located at annular region 124, in at least one version of the invention.

[0144] Thus, support member 122 is placed within a corresponding footprint or recessed area defined in liner 114 (whose dimensions correspond to the dimensions of support member 122 and its thickness).

[0145] In this manner, in at least one version of the invention, lower surface 118 of liner 114 formed by support member 122 and annular region 124, once formed, is substantially tangential.

[0146] Thus, the support part 122 is in some way embedded and / or inserted in the material forming the pad 114. This means that at least the inner face 122a of the support part 122, i.e. the inner face intended to be in contact with the pad 114, and the thickness of the support part 122, will be surrounded by and in contact with the material of the pad 114. On the contrary, the outer face 122b of the support part 122, which is visible after the step of manufacturing the pad and which is suitable for constraining and / or gluing to the support base 150 in use, is not recessed or protruding relative to the material constituting the pad 114 and / or the annular area 124, but is substantially planar and / or flush with it.

[0147] Thus, the method according to the invention provides that at least one step and / or at least the step of grinding and / or applying glue or adhesive and / or primer and / or extender and / or washing and / or preparation and / or degreasing and / or finishing is automated and / or performed by a robot, for example an anthropomorphic robot. Thus, the facility 500 comprises at least one anthropomorphic robot or all anthropomorphic robots.

[0148] As previously described, due to the dimensional stability and consistency of the support member 122, once the liner 114 is manufactured and the support member 122 is adhered to its lower surface 118, the liner 114 can be positioned on the above-mentioned clamping template or special tool.

[0149] Thus, the stations present on the first production line 501 may be equipped with a clamping template or a dedicated tool capable of supporting and holding the pad 114 in place, and / or with a dedicated housing seat for the clamping template or a dedicated tool for maintaining the appropriate position for the various processes to which the pad 114 is subjected. The clamping template or appropriate tool has, for example, a shape that corresponds inversely to the shape of the pad 114 and / or its upper surface 116, and / or includes a vice and / or an undercut.

[0150] Thus, as described above, the steps of the method and / or the step of trimming the outer cover 120 and / or the step of preparing the liner 114 and / or the step of grinding (e.g. Fig. 9 ) and / or the step of applying glue or adhesive (as shown in Fig.10 ) is performed automatically, for example, with the aid of an operating robot, such as an anthropomorphic operating robot, rather than manually.

[0151] In this way, in at least one version of the invention, the support element 100 will be ready to be placed on the market without further finishing and / or cleaning steps. The step of positioning the support member 122 on the punch element 18 includes the step of positioning and / or fixing the support member 122 by means of retaining means present on the punch element 18. Such retaining means include a sealing edge 22 and / or retaining means 30 and a dedicated seat and / or hole 130 on the support member 122 itself, as further described below.

[0152] According to one version of the invention, the support element 100 may have a hole, preferably a through hole, in its center and / or in its longitudinal region. The hole may be circular or elongated. This is particularly useful when the support element 100 is a saddle for a vehicle, since the hole may allow better ventilation or may constitute a relief or even eliminate pressure on certain points, such as the prostate or soft tissue points, for the user.

[0153] When such a hole is present, it concerns both the pad 114 and the support part 122. In particular, in the latter, an opening, for example circular or elongated, is made during a preparation or molding step of the support part itself. For the pad 114 and / or the outer cover 120, the hole can be made at an opening provided on the support part even after the step of manufacturing the pad itself. In this case, the method can include a step of making such a hole in a substantially central and / or longitudinal portion of the outer cover 120 and / or the pad 114, optionally at a corresponding opening present in the support part 122, after a hardening and / or polymerization and / or curing step, or after a removal step, or after an extraction step. This can be performed, for example, by a pressure cutting element or by shearing or other similar methods. This step can also be performed in a suitable operating station of a facility 500 equipped with a robot including the above-mentioned cutting element.

[0154] According to one version of the invention, the pad 114 may include at least one insert. Such an insert may be made of, for example, a polyurethane material, and / or a material having a different density relative to the rest of the material constituting the pad, and / or a material having different chemical and / or physical and / or mechanical properties relative to the rest of the material constituting the pad, and / or a material having at least one property distinguishable from the material constituting the rest of the pad 114. According to one version, such at least one insert may be made of polyurethane gel or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0155] Such at least one insert may be positioned in at least one area of ​​the pad where a different density and / or mechanical properties than the remainder of the pad is desired, such as improved comfort, and / or improved cushioning and / or increased stiffness and / or firmness.

[0156] Thus, the method according to the invention may comprise the step of providing at least one insert and positioning such at least one insert close to the outer cover 120 and / or the support member 122. This step may also be automated by means of a suitable robot, for example an anthropomorphic robot.

[0157] The step of providing at least one insert may comprise the step of providing an already pre-formed insert or the step of casting a suitable material at at least one region where such an insert is located.

[0158] The supporting element 100 obtained using the device and the method according to the invention thus comprises a pad 114 which optionally comprises at least one insert and a supporting part 122 .

[0159] When the at least one insert is supplied already preformed, it can be constrained to, for example, the inner face 122a of the support part 122 so that the at least one insert is incorporated therein after the manufacture of the liner 114. The presence of such at least one insert, for example made of EVA, allows the material to harden therein, both due to the inherent properties of such an insert and because, where it is present, the volume can be occupied by the material of the liner 114 and therefore the same material will actually be denser and / or less expansive and / or more rigid (compared to the same material that can be positioned in a larger volume). The at least one insert can, for example, be glued to the support part 122.

[0160] When the insert is cast, it can be cast in a suitable area of ​​the cavity 16 before inserting the material that will make up the liner 114. In this case, a certain period of time can be allowed to pass, for example to allow the material of at least one insert to at least partially polymerize and / or harden and / or solidify, so that the material making up the liner does not invade the area allocated to at least one insert and / or mix with the latter.

[0161] The support member 122 has a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the lower surface 118 and / or the cushion 114 in plan view, but is slightly smaller in size than the latter.

[0162] When the support element 100 is a saddle for a vehicle, such as a bicycle saddle, both the pad 114 and the support member 122 have, in plan view, a first portion of a substantially elongated configuration at the front or in use, and a second portion having a substantially enlarged shape at the rear in use. The first portion is connected to the second portion because the overall shape of the pad 114 and / or the support member 122 is substantially triangular with rounded edges.

[0163] According to at least one version of the invention, the side or lateral portion connecting the first part to the second part is at least slightly shaped so as to present a kind of recess (with a cavity facing outwards and facing the side). This shape can, for example, facilitate stepping by a user.

[0164] The supporting member 122 can be made of a composite material, such as a cellulose aggregate impregnated with latex, such as the material commercially known as Texon, and / or a synthetic material and / or a plastic and / or a thermoplastic material, such as a material containing or consisting of polyester and viscose fibers, and / or a thermoformable material, and / or a rigid polyurethane or a soft polyurethane, etc.

[0165] The support member 122 is at least partially inserted and / or embedded in the hardened and / or polymerized and / or cured material of the liner 114 .

[0166] In one version of the invention, the support member 122 is not made of a material such as a fabric or a mesh. In fact, a fabric or a mesh does not usually allow the necessary rigidity to be obtained, which is desired for the support member 122 of the present invention. Moreover, the fabric or mesh, at least the conventional ones, does not help maintain the dimensions of the pad, does not provide for trimming the "lead" of the outer cover, and does not prevent the dimensional shrinkage of the material from which the pad itself is made.

[0167] The support member 122 has a very thin thickness, in the order of a few millimeters or about 1 millimeter or less. The thickness of the support member 122 may be constant for the entire extension of the support member itself.

[0168] The support member 122 ensures a certain "stiffness" of the pad 114. For example, the support member has a stiffness with a Young's modulus ranging from 500 to 3000 MPa.

[0169] The support member 122 is substantially more rigid than the material comprising the liner 114 and / or the material comprising the outer cover 120 .

[0170] In at least one version of the invention, support member 122 has the same rigidity as support base 150, but is substantially thinner than the latter.

[0171] In one version of the invention, support member 122 may be formed by a thermoforming process.

[0172] The support member 122 has two main faces, substantially having a shape corresponding to the shape of the support member itself. In fact, these main faces are spaced apart from each other by the thickness of the support member, which, as mentioned above, is very thin.

[0173] The main faces of the support member are the inner face 122a, which is suitable for facing the material of the liner 114 and / or being bound by the material of the liner 144 during use, and the outer face 122b, which is suitable for facing the support base 150 and / or being bound by the support base 150 during use. Figure 5 and Figure 8 ) can be made, for example, of plastic and / or synthetic material, such as polyamide, or of metal or a composite material.

[0174] At least one of the inner face 122a and the outer face 122b, preferably the outer face 122b in use, is at least partially rough and / or comprises more or less irregular or adjusted unevenness, corrugations, grooves and valleys, etc. In this way, the support part 122, through its outer face 122b having such a specific pattern or texture, better retains the glue or adhesive used for gluing with the support base 150 and / or is more easily impregnated by such glue or adhesive. In this way, for example, the use of a primer between the support part and the material that will form the support base 150 can be avoided.

[0175] In one version of the invention, the support element 100 may include at least one outer covering 120. Such outer covering 120 may be made of plastic or natural material, such as fabric, leather, artificial leather; a layer of dense and / or closed cell or expanded polyurethane material; high density material; synthetic and / or polymeric material, such as PVC or polyvinyl chloride, etc.

[0176] Notably, when the outer cover 120 is present, the upper surface 116 of the cushion 114 is not exterior, or accessible from the exterior or by a user, because it is covered by and / or constrained to the outer cover 120 .

[0177] The outer cover 120 also has an outer face 120b which, in use, can come into contact with a user and / or is visible from external observation, when present.

[0178] The material constituting the cushion 114 may include foam, integral skin foam, polyurethane foam, printed inserts, such as printed inserts by means of a 3D printer, cushioning and / or comfort inserts, etc. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, such material is capable of expansion. In addition, in one form of the present invention, such material may be inserted, poured or injected into the cavity 16 of the molding unit 10 and may foam, harden and / or polymerize and / or solidify within the cavity 16 itself.

[0179] It can be seen that the present invention also relates to a support element for a human body obtainable by the method according to the present invention, wherein the support element 100 comprises a pad 114, a support member 122 and an optional support base 150, wherein the pad 114 comprises a hardened and / or polymerized and / or cured material to which the support member 122 is adhered. In use, when the support base 150 is present, the support member can be placed between the pad 114 and the support base 150.

[0180] The support member 122 is adhered to the cushion 114 and / or glued to the support base 150 .

[0181] There may be an outer cover 120 that at least partially or completely covers the liner 114 .

[0182] In at least one version of the invention, the pad 114 with the support member 122 attached constitutes a semi-finished assembly. In fact, in order to obtain a usable support element 100, it is useful to also have the support base 150. However, due to the presence of the support member 122, as described, the dimensional stability of the molded pad 114 is maintained, so the pad can be sold or stored as such for only one subsequent application of the support base 150.

[0183] Due to the presence of the support element 122, the coupling operation between the pad 114 and the support base 150 takes a few seconds, whereas in the absence of a support element, or by applying a material different from that listed here for the support element 122, the pairing operation would take several minutes. Moreover, in the absence of the support element 122, the skill of the operator is decisive for the correct connection with the support base. On the other hand, when the support element 122 is present, the operation is also greatly facilitated by the responsible operator.

[0184] The advantage of the support member 122 is also measured in terms of effectiveness during the trimming operation of the excess portion 120a of the outer cover 120. In fact, the advantage is to have a consistent and compact member, namely the support member 122, which facilitates the operator to perform this operation.

[0185] When the outer cover 120 is present, the molding unit 10 may further include a vacuum device and / or a suitable holding plate (e.g., Figure 1 The retaining plate 20 is placed above the cavity 16 so that, when an outer covering is present, the material layer suitable for making it is positioned at the cavity 16. The dimensions of the outer covering layer are greater than the dimensions of the cavity so that once positioned at the cavity 16, it can overlap relative to the peripheral edge 16c and / or the first delimiting edge 16e of the excess portion 120a (e.g. at Figure 7 ).

[0186] The retaining plate 20 locks the outer cover 120 in place by pressing and constraining the excess portion 120a, the vacuum device is actuated, and the outer cover 120 adheres to the molding surface 16b, assuming the shape of the latter.

[0187] The holding plate 20 has a substantially annular surface, and is provided with a through opening corresponding to the opening 16 a of the cavity 16 .

[0188] In particular, the outer cover has an outer face 120b and an inner face 120c, the outer face being suitable for contacting with the cavity 16 and intended to constitute the outermost layer of the liner 114 in use, and the inner face being suitable for contacting with the material of the liner 114. The inner face 120c of the outer cover 120 is not visible in use. On the other hand, when the outer cover 120 is not present, the material constituting the liner 114 can autonomously produce a more compact film and / or have more closed cells and / or expand less (compared to the material that will constitute the rest of the liner 114) when in contact with the forming surface 16b. Advantageously, the stamping element 18 comprises means for holding the support member 122.

[0189] Such a retaining device, for example placed at the forming region 18 a of the punching element 18 , may comprise a receiving edge 22 which, in use, is suitable for receiving and / or retaining the support part 122 and / or the retaining device 30 .

[0190] In one version of the invention, edge 22 is capable of preventing the material constituting the cushion from passing through the edge itself and overlapping the outer face 122b of support member 122.

[0191] The receiving edge 22 is internal relative to the outer contour 18b and / or the second delimiting edge 18d of the punch element 18. In fact, the outer contour 18b has a larger size than the second delimiting edge 18d and / or the receiving edge 22. According to one version of the invention, the receiving edge 22 is located at a distance of about 1 cm from the outer contour 18b. Therefore, the area enclosed by the receiving edge 22 is smaller than the area enclosed by the second delimiting edge 18d, which corresponds to the forming area 18a, which in turn is smaller than the area enclosed by the outer contour 18b.

[0192] The receiving edge 22 thus divides the molded region 18 a into a region 23 within the edge 22 and an annular region 24 surrounding the inner region 23 .

[0193] The receiving edge 22 protrudes relative to the shaped area 18a, such as Figure 2 visible.

[0194] In an alternative not shown in the figures, the containment edge 22 may be flush with the shaped area 18a and may enclose an inner area 23 that is recessed relative to the shaped area 18a. The depth of the recess of this inner area may correspond to the thickness of the support member 122. In this case, the annular area 24 will also be flush with the edge 22. The edge 22 will therefore be determined by the overhang depth between the inner area and the annular area.

[0195] However, for example in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The shaped area 18a visible in FIG. 1 is shaped as described above to correspond to the lower surface 118 of the liner 114.

[0196] Thus, inner region 23 determines the shaping of a majority of lower surface 118 of liner 114 and / or inner region 123 , while annular region 24 determines the shaping of annular region 124 of liner 114 .

[0197] Therefore, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the annular region 24 extends from the edge 22 to the second delimiting edge 18d of the punch element 18. Figure 2 In view of the embodiment of the present invention, it can be tilted outwardly, for example moving downwardly and outwardly away from edge 22.

[0198] The inclined surface may be straight or curved, with a convex portion towards the inside or outside of the punching element 18 .

[0199] As mentioned above, the punching element 18 may include suitable retaining means 30 for the support member 122, such as a hook pin (e.g. Figure 2 visible).

[0200] These retaining means 30 may be shaped, for example, as a pin 30a having a first end constrained or connected to the shaped area 18a and a second end or free end 30b opposite the first end and having a greater section than the pin 30a.

[0201] The cross section of the pin 30a can be circular or polygonal. Similarly, the cross section of the free end 30b can be circular or polygonal. The height of the pin 30a can be equal to or only slightly greater than the thickness of the support member 122.

[0202] Of course, the retaining means 30 may have any other shape suitable for the purpose, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0203] In an alternative version, retaining means 30 may not be present, as the support member may be held in place solely by edge 22 .

[0204] According to another version of the invention, the retaining means 30 may be present without the edge 22 .

[0205] There may then be means for generating a vacuum capable of holding the support part 122 in place on the punching element 18 , with or without the presence of the edge 22 and / or the retaining means 30 .

[0206] When the retaining means 30 are present, there will be a suitable seat or dedicated through hole 130 in the support member 122 (e.g. Figure 4 and Figure 6 ), which has a circular or polygonal cross-section suitable for allowing the retaining device itself to pass through and at the same time retaining the support part 122 on the punching element 18.

[0207] In one version of the invention, the retaining means 30 are positioned at the shaped zone 18 a , or better still at the inner zone 23 , possibly close to the annular zone 24 .

[0208] At the support base 150 , a fork 152 of a type known in the art can be connected for connection to a bicycle frame or a vehicle frame, when the support element 100 is a saddle for a vehicle, in particular for example for a bicycle.

[0209] In one version of the invention, the molding unit 10 and / or at least the first component 12 is made of aluminum or other suitable metallic material.

[0210] The first component 12 and / or the second component 14 comprises a main plate from which the punching element 18 rises and / or in which the cavity 16 is recessed. In the closed operating position of the molding unit 10, the first component 12 and the second component 14 can also be in contact with the respective main plate.

[0211] The airtight closing condition of the cavity 16 is thus determined (if necessary due to a suitable gasket) by the stamped element 18, or better by its shaped area 18a. Features defined for one variant or embodiment may also be present in other variants or embodiments, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0212] Modifications and variations of the invention are possible within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A device for producing a support element (100) for the human body, such as a saddle for a vehicle, a saddle for a bicycle or a motorcycle, a backrest or a seat or an armrest for an anatomical chair, or a similar support element, wherein: The facility (500) comprises a plurality of operating stations and at least one holding station (506, 511), the plurality of operating stations being used to process at least one pad (114) and / or at least one supporting base (150) in the supporting element (100), the at least one pad (114) being provided with a supporting component (122) placed on its lower surface (118), wherein the at least one holding station (506, 511) is located after at least one of the plurality of operating stations, characterized in that the facility comprises at least one operating robot at at least one of the plurality of operating stations, and in fact the plurality of operating stations comprises a combing or grinding station (507), the combing or grinding station (507) being suitable for combing and / or grinding at least one annular area (124) of the lower surface (118) of the at least one pad (114) surrounding the supporting component (122) during use, wherein the station (507) comprises a first operating robot (507a) equipped with at least one grinding device.

2. The facility according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one of the multiple operating stations is automated and / or at least one of the multiple operating stations includes a cabin, which is open or completely closed on at least one side, and the operating robot is positioned inside the cabin, and / or wherein the at least one operating robot includes at least one of the first operating robot (507a) equipped with at least one grinding device, an operating robot equipped with a cleaning device (508a), a dispensing robot (509a), an operating robot for gluing (510a) and at least one operating robot equipped with a cutting device.

3. The facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The facility comprises an entrance area (504) in which the at least one pad (114) and / or the at least one supporting base (150) of the supporting element (100) are provided in use, and / or the entrance area (504) comprises at least one picking and positioning robot (505) for picking up and / or positioning the pad (114) and the supporting base (150).

4. The facility according to claim 3, characterized in that The at least one robot (505) includes at least a first picking and positioning robot (505a), which is used to pick up the pad (114) and / or the supporting base (150) from the entrance area (504) and position it at a first operating station among the multiple operating stations and / or at the at least one storage station (506, 511).

5. The facility according to claim 3, characterized in that The at least one robot (505) includes at least a second picking and positioning robot (505b), which, in use, is assigned to pick up the pad (114) and / or the supporting base (150) from the first operating station or from the at least one storage station (506, 511), and position it at a station following the first operating station or at a station adjacent to the first operating station or at the at least one subsequent storage station (506, 511).

6. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The facility (500) comprises: at least a first production line (501) of an operating station, the first production line (501) being for example along a first longitudinal direction for the pad (114); at least a second production line (502) of an operating station, the second production line (502) being for example along a second longitudinal direction for the support base (150) and / or comprising a third production line (503), the at least one holding station (506, 511) and / or the at least one picking and positioning robot (505) extending along the third production line (503), the third production line (503) extending for example along the third longitudinal direction and / or separating the first production line (501) and the second production line (502).

7. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The facility comprises a series of adjacent areas, such as lateral areas, wherein each of the areas comprises at least one operating station belonging to the first production line (501) and / or at least one operating station belonging to the second production line (502), at least one picking and positioning robot (505) and / or at least one holding station (506, 511).

8. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one storage station (506, 511) is shaped like a cabin or like a stacking warehouse, for example a vertical cabin or stacking warehouse, in which the at least one pad (114) and / or the at least one supporting base (150) can be positioned and / or stored during use, wherein the at least one storage station (506, 511) is closed or open on one or both sides to allow access to the at least one robot (505), and / or wherein the at least one storage station (506, 511) includes a heating or cooling device, which is capable of increasing or decreasing the temperature relative to the ambient temperature.

9. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The combing or grinding station (507) is referred to as the first station among the plurality of operating stations.

10. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The multiple operating stations include at least one cleaning station (508), which is used for at least one upper surface of the support base (150) and can be engaged with the lower surface (118) and the supporting part (122) of the pad (114) during use, wherein the at least one cleaning station (508) includes an operating robot equipped with a cleaning device (508a).

11. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The cleaning device (508a) comprises at least one nozzle and / or at least one injector capable of delivering and / or injecting at least one washing solution and / or at least one solvent and / or at least one drying pad.

12. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The multiple operating stations and / or the stations following the first operating station or adjacent to the first operating station include at least one dispensing station (509), and the at least one dispensing station (509) is equipped with a dispensing robot (509a), and the dispensing robot (509a) is equipped with a dedicated dispensing nozzle, for example, which is capable of dispensing and / or applying and / or spraying primer and / or extender on the upper surface of the at least one supporting base (150) and / or on the lower surface (118) of the at least one pad (114) equipped with the supporting part (122).

13. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The multiple operating stations include at least one gluing station (510), wherein the at least one gluing station (510) includes at least one operating robot (510a) for gluing, and the at least one operating robot (510a) for gluing is suitable for applying and / or distributing and / or spraying glue or adhesive on the upper surface of the supporting base (150) and / or on the lower surface (118) of the pad (114) and / or on the supporting part (122) during use, and the supporting part (122) is adhered and / or at least partially inserted and / or embedded in the pad (114). In the at least one gluing station (510), the gluing robot (510a) is equipped with a suitable dispensing nozzle capable of distributing and / or applying and / or spraying the glue or the adhesive.

14. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plurality of operating stations include a trimming station (512) for an excess portion (120a) of an outer covering (120) that is at least partially applied and / or adhered to an upper surface (116) of the pad (114), wherein the trimming station (512) is manual or automatic and / or includes at least one robot equipped with a cutting device.

15. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one holding station (506) is positioned after the combing or grinding station (507) and / or after the cleaning station (508), and / or wherein the at least one holding station (511) is positioned after the at least one dispensing station (509), and / or wherein the at least one holding station (506) is positioned after the at least one gluing station (510).

16. Installation according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one holding station (506, 511) includes a heating type holding station (511) and / or the at least one holding station (506), for example, an oven type, for example, convection, and / or a convection oven, in which the temperature is basically maintained in the range of 10°C to 100°C or equal to about 50°C, and in the at least one holding station (506) the temperature is basically included in the range of 10°C to 80°C.

17. A method for manufacturing a support element for a human body, such as a vehicle saddle, a bicycle or motorcycle saddle, a backrest or seat or armrest for an anatomical chair, or a similar support element, comprising the following steps: - providing a facility (500) according to one or more of claims 1 to 16, - providing a cushion (114) of the support element (100), wherein the cushion (114) comprises a support member (122) placed at a lower surface (118) of the cushion (114), wherein the support member (112) is at least partially inserted and / or embedded in the cushion (114), - positioning the pad (114) at a combing or grinding station (507) of the installation (500) equipped with at least one grinding device, - combing and / or grinding at least a portion or annular area (124) of said lower surface (118) of said at least one pad (114) surrounding said support member (122) in order to roughen and / or wrinkle it, - providing a supporting base (150), - constraining the support base (150) at the support member (122) and at the lower surface (118) of the pad (114).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The step of providing the pad (114) and / or the support base (150) includes providing at least one pick-and-place robot (505), which is assigned to pick up and place the pad (114) and / or the support base (150).

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 17 or 18, characterized in that The method comprises the steps of positioning the support base (150) at the cleaning station (508) of the facility (500) which is equipped with an operating robot equipped with a cleaning device (508a), and the steps of cleaning and / or preparing and / or washing and / or degreasing at least one upper surface of the support base (150), by dispensing and / or spraying at least one washing solution and / or at least one solvent and / or applying at least one drying pad, the at least one upper surface being suitable for being constrained with the lower surface (118) of the pad (114) and the support part (122) during use.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 19, characterized in that The method includes positioning the pad (114) and / or the supporting base (150) at a dispensing station (509) of the facility (500) equipped with a dispensing robot (509a), and dispensing and / or applying and / or spraying a primer and / or a compatibilizer on the upper surface of at least one supporting base (150) and / or on the lower surface (118) of at least one pad (114) equipped with the supporting component (122).

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 20, characterized in that The step of constraining includes the step of positioning the at least one pad (114) and / or the at least one supporting base (150) at at least one gluing station (510), the at least one gluing station (510) including at least one robot (510a) for gluing, the at least one robot (510a) for gluing applying and / or dispensing and / or spraying glue or adhesive at least on the lower surface (118) of the pad (114) and / or on the supporting component (122), and the step of contacting and gluing the supporting base (150), the lower surface (118) and the supporting component (122).

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 21, characterized in that The method includes positioning and / or storing the at least one pad (114) and / or the at least one supporting base (150) at at least one holding station (506, 511), and allowing the at least one pad (114) and / or the at least one supporting base (150) to wait or stand for a certain period of time at the at least one holding station (506, 511), and / or drying the at least one washing solution and / or at least one solvent and / or the primer and / or the extender and / or the glue or adhesive, and / or heating or cooling the pad (114) and / or the supporting base (150).

23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: - providing an outer covering (120), wherein the outer covering (120) is at least partially adhered to the upper surface (116) of the liner (114), and the outer covering (120) comprises an excess portion (120a), - placing the pad (114) equipped with the outer cover (120) at a finishing station (512) for the excess portion (120a); - Trimming the excess portion (120a) of the outer cover (120).

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