Machine for processing workpieces with an improved output station

Abstract

Machine (M) for cutting and processing panels (P) made of wood, plastic, or fiberglass, and comprising: a work surface (21) for arranging at least one panel (P) to be processed, wherein this work surface (21) has at least one opening (21') aligned along a first axis (X); a processing station (2) in which the at least one panel (P) is cut or processed according to a cutting scheme and along a cutting line (T) parallel to the first axis (X) through which at least one opening (21') is cut or processed; an unloading (3) or loading station for the at least one processed panel (P), provided with a plurality of support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34), each of which is movable along the first axis (X);a logical control unit (U) for controlling the machine (M), in which cutting patterns are stored that the processing station (2) must execute on the at least one plate (P), wherein the machine (M) is characterized in that it comprises optical signaling means (4) which are arranged in accordance with the support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34) and which are connected to and controlled by the logical control unit (U), and that the logical control unit (U) activates the optical signaling means (4) to indicate to the operator where the support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34) are to be arranged according to each stored cutting pattern.

Description

The present invention relates to a machine for processing workpieces, equipped with an improved output station, in particular with movable surfaces. Field of invention More precisely, the invention relates to a machine of the aforementioned type, which is designed and implemented in particular for processing workpieces made of wood, but also of ceramics, glass, fiberglass, plastic, metal and similar materials, wherein the configuration of the output station is adapted depending on the size of the output workpiece, but which can be used in any station of the machine where an adaptation depending on the size of the workpiece to be processed or processed is required. The following description will be directed to an invention relating to the adaptation of the output configuration of a cutting machine, in particular a panel saw, depending on the size of the workpiece being processed, although it is obvious that this is not limited to this specific application. State of the art As is known, machines are currently used for cutting workpieces from wood, in particular panel saws, which include one or more processing stations arranged in a row to cut the panels in different directions. The machined workpiece exits the machine via an output or unloading station, which is usually equipped with a surface from which the machined plates are removed by an operator or by a mechanical arm. The surfaces of the unloading stations of the well-known panel saws are usually fixed. There are also known unloading stations that comprise a plurality of surfaces, usually three, which are spaced apart from each other and movable, generally along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the exiting workpieces. However, the areas of the unloading stations of the known machines have significant disadvantages. The most significant disadvantage is the falling of the emerging workpieces from the unloading stations if the size of the processed workpieces is such that the workpiece falls into the free space between the surfaces. Or if the emerging workpiece is larger than the dimensions of the support surface. It is obvious that these disadvantages often lead to damage or, in some cases, even to the breakage of the machined workpiece upon exiting the machine. Object of the invention In light of the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a machine for processing workpieces made of wood, which includes an unloading station that can be adapted to the size of the emerging workpiece. Another object of the invention is to prevent the processed workpieces from falling from the unloading stations and thereby prevent damage or breakage of the processed workpiece. Another object of the present invention is to ensure greater versatility and adaptability of the surfaces of the unloading stations of panel saws. Subject matter of the invention The present invention therefore relates to a machine for cutting and processing panels made of wood, plastic, fiberglass and the like, which may comprise: a work surface for arranging at least one panel to be processed, wherein this work surface may have at least one opening aligned along a first axis; a processing station in which the at least one panel can be cut or processed according to a cutting scheme and along a cutting line running parallel to the first axis through at least one opening; an unloading or loading station for the at least one processed panel, provided with a plurality of support surfaces, each of which may be movable along the first axis; a logical control unit for controlling the machine, in which cutting schemes may be stored that the processing station can execute on the at least one panel;Optical signaling means which can be arranged in accordance with the support surfaces and which can be connected to and controlled by the logical control unit, characterized in that the logical control unit can activate the optical signaling means to indicate to the operator where the support surfaces are to be arranged according to each stored cutting scheme. Furthermore, according to the invention, the optical signaling means can comprise at least one LED array, the LEDs of which can be switched on in such a way as to indicate how each of the support surfaces is to be arranged. Furthermore, according to the invention, the optical signaling means can comprise at least one of the following: switching on only sections of the LED array that are to be covered by the support surfaces, or vice versa; switching on sections of the LED array that are to be covered and sections that remain uncovered, but with different colors; switching on sections of the LED array that are to be covered with flashing light and sections that remain uncovered with constant light, or vice versa. Furthermore, according to the invention, the processing station can comprise a carriage suitable for carrying a cutting element rotatable about an axis of rotation and capable of passing through at least one opening, wherein a cutting operation is carried out on the at least one plate. Advantageously according to the invention, the logical control unit can be able to output a signal that corresponds to the position of each support surface relative to the arrangement that each of the support surfaces must assume depending on the selected cutting scheme. Preferably according to the invention, the processing of a plate can be started when each support surface is positioned in the predefined position that corresponds to the selected cutting scheme. Furthermore, according to the invention, an operator can start processing the plate when the support surfaces are positioned according to the information provided by the optical signaling means in accordance with each stored cutting scheme. Brief description of the characters The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and without limitation, with reference to its preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a top view of a machine for processing workpieces with an improved output station according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the output station of the machine according to Fig. 1 in a rest position of an operating unit; Fig. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the output station of the machine according to Fig. 1 in a working position of an operating unit; Fig. 4 shows the machine for processing workpieces in an illumination configuration of the optical signaling means; and Fig. 5 shows the machine for processing workpieces while a support surface is being positioned before processing according to the instructions of the optical signaling means. Detailed description In the various figures, identical parts are designated with the same reference symbols. With reference to Fig. 1, a machine M for processing workpieces made of wood, fiberglass, plastic and the like is shown, which is equipped with an improved output station. The following description refers to a panel saw M and to workpieces that are panels P made of wood. The machine M essentially comprises an infeed or loading station 1 for the plate P, at least one processing station 2 for carrying out a respective processing operation on one or more plates P, an output or unloading station 3 and a logical control unit U. The plates P, which are to be processed, are arranged on a support surface of the at least one loading station 1 and move on this support surface along a longitudinal feed direction relative to the support surface, which runs parallel to a third axis Y, until they reach the processing station 2, by means of a push exerted by one or more push units, each of which may include one or more gripping and push elements, such as grippers for grasping and moving the plate P to be processed. The plates P processed by processing station 2 of machine M are placed on a support surface of an unloading 3 or loading station and are removed by an operator or by a mechanical arm. In some embodiments, it is also possible to load from the unloading area. In particular, the panel saw M shown in the illustrated embodiment comprises a loading station 1 and a processing station 2, which is arranged at one end of the loading station 1 and is provided with a work surface on which the panels P to be processed are arranged, as well as an unloading station 3, which is arranged downstream of the processing station 2. With reference also to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the processing station 2 comprises a work surface 21 to enable the placement of at least one plate P to be processed, which extends along a first axis X. In the same work surface 21 a longitudinal slot 21' is formed which extends along the first axis X. Above the working surface 21 a pressing element 22 is arranged, which extends along the first axis X and is movable along a second axis Z, which is vertical and orthogonal to the first axis X, between a raised rest position and a lowered working position, so that the clamping of the plate P to be processed between the working surface 21 and the pressing element 22 is made possible. The machine M also includes a carriage 23 which is movable along the first axis X in a longitudinal chamber formed below the work surface 21. The panel saw M also includes movement devices to move the carriage 23 along the first axis X in both directions. A circular saw blade 24 is mounted on the carriage 23 for cutting the plates P arranged on the work surface 21. The circular saw blade 24 has a plurality of cutting teeth formed on the outer circumference of the circular saw blade 24. The circular saw blade 24 lies in a plane XZ defined by the first axis X and the second axis Z, and is arranged so that it can pass through the longitudinal slot 21' and protrude from the working surface 21 over a predetermined distance to cut the plate P along a cutting line T parallel to the first axis X. The circular saw blade 24 is also rotatable about an axis of rotation which is orthogonal to the aforementioned plane XZ and thus parallel to the third axis Y, which is orthogonal to the first axis X and to the second axis Z. Carriage 23 is also equipped with special movement devices to rotate the circular saw blade 24 around its axis of rotation. With further reference to Fig. 1, the unloading station 3 comprises a plurality of support surfaces which are aligned with each other, extend along the third axis Y, thus run parallel to the feed direction of the plate P in the machine M, and are spaced apart from each other. In one embodiment, the surfaces are designed as "air cushion tables" because they have openings in their surface through which air flows to support the plate P exiting the processing station 2 and thus reduce the friction of the plate P on the surface. In this embodiment, in particular, four support surfaces are provided, namely a first support surface 31, a second support surface 32, a third support surface 33 and a fourth support surface 34. In other embodiments, the number of surfaces may differ. Each of the support surfaces 31-34 is able to move translationally along the first axis X or to oscillate its position along this axis. In some embodiments, some of the support surfaces 31-34 can be fixed and others movable. In the present embodiment, the movement of each support surface 31-34 can be carried out manually by an operator or automatically, also controlled by the operator, by means of movement devices not shown. In accordance with the support surfaces 31-34, optical signaling means 4 are provided, which are arranged at the edge of the work surface 21 in accordance with the support surfaces 31-34. The optical signaling means 4 comprise an LED array 41 which - as can be seen - is arranged along the entire edge of the work surface 21 adjacent to the support surfaces 31-34. With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the operation of machine M for cutting panels is described. After cutting the plate P using the processing station 2, the optical signaling devices 4 light up to show the user how to move the support surfaces 31-34. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the optical signaling means 4 are, as mentioned, implemented by means of an LED array 41. To guide the user in the correct positioning of the support surfaces 31-34, the LED array 41 only illuminates in certain sections, thus instructing the user to move the respective support surface 31-34 close to each section or to partially cover it with it, so that the entire support surface overlaps with the adjacent illuminated section of the LED array 41. In particular, the optical signaling means 4 light up to indicate the position of the support surfaces 31-34 depending on the specifically selected cutting scheme for machining the plate P, without the need to equip the machine M with suitable sensor means, thus simplifying the solution. In some embodiments, the sections of the optical signaling means 4 that are to be covered by the support surfaces 31-34 and those that are intended to remain free can both be switched on, but with different colors. In other embodiments, the section of the optical signaling means (e.g., of the LED array 41) that is to be covered by the support surfaces in order to position them according to the cutting scheme to be executed is flashing, while the section that remains uncovered shines with constant light, or vice versa. In particular, Fig. 5 shows that the user can move the support surface 33 in the direction of arrow A to "cover" the adjacent illuminated section of the LED array 41. In this way, only unilluminated LEDs of the LED array 41 remain between one surface and the other. In particular, various modalities can be provided by which the optical signaling means 4 indicate to the operator where the support surfaces 31, ..., 34 are to be positioned, such as, purely by way of example and without limitation: - switching on only sections of the LED array 41 that are to be covered by the support surfaces 31, 32, 33, 34, or vice versa; - switching on sections of the LED array 41 that are to be covered and sections of the LED array 41 that remain uncovered, but with different colors; - switching on sections of the LED array 41 that are to be covered with flashing light and sections of the LED array 41 that remain uncovered with constant light, or vice versa. During the subsequent programmed cut, the illuminated LEDs between the support surfaces 31-34 naturally change. Consequently, there are also illuminated LEDs between one support surface 31-34 and the other, indicating to the user that the different support surfaces 31-34 must be moved in order to "cover" them. In other embodiments, the optical signaling means 4 can be implemented differently. For example, they can be designed as lamps that serve to illuminate certain areas of the panel saw M in order to guide the user into the desired positions when moving the support surfaces 31-34. In another embodiment, the machine M is configured such that the start of the processing of the plate P, for example by cutting, milling or engraving operations, only takes place when each support surface 31-34 is in the predefined position that corresponds to the selected cutting scheme. In another embodiment, the operator starts the processing using machine M when surfaces 31-34 are correctly positioned. Advantages An advantage of the present invention is to improve the accuracy in the movement of the surfaces by means of optical signaling means that guide the user in the correct positioning of the surfaces. Another advantage of the present invention is that the machine provides guidance solely on the basis of the cutting scheme, without the need for sensor means, thus simplifying the solution. Another advantage of the present invention is to reduce processing times, since the optical signaling means make it possible to quickly identify the areas to be covered and thus optimize the cutting process of the panels. Another advantage of the present invention is to increase the operator's safety, since the visual guidance provided by the optical signaling means minimizes the risk of errors and accidents during the movement of the surfaces. The present invention has been described by way of example, but not limitingly, with reference to its preferred embodiments; however, it is understood that changes and / or modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection as defined by the attached claims. The present invention relates to a machine (M) for cutting and processing panels (P) made of wood, plastic, fiberglass and the like, comprising: a work surface (21) for arranging at least one panel (P) to be processed, wherein this work surface (21) has at least one opening (21') aligned along a first axis (X); a processing station (2) in which the at least one panel (P) is cut or processed according to a cutting scheme and along a cutting line (T) parallel to the first axis (X), through which at least one opening (21') is cut or processed; an unloading (3) or loading station for the at least one processed panel (P), provided with a plurality of support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34), each of which is movable along the first axis (X);as well as a logical control unit (U) for controlling the machine (M), in which cutting patterns are stored that the processing station (2) must execute on the at least one plate (P).

Claims

Machine (M) for cutting and processing panels (P) made of wood, plastic, or fiberglass, and comprising: a work surface (21) for arranging at least one panel (P) to be processed, wherein this work surface (21) has at least one opening (21') aligned along a first axis (X); a processing station (2) in which the at least one panel (P) is cut or processed according to a cutting scheme and along a cutting line (T) parallel to the first axis (X) through which at least one opening (21') is cut or processed; an unloading (3) or loading station for the at least one processed panel (P), provided with a plurality of support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34), each of which is movable along the first axis (X);a logical control unit (U) for controlling the machine (M), in which cutting patterns are stored that the processing station (2) must execute on the at least one plate (P), wherein the machine (M) is characterized in that it comprises optical signaling means (4) which are arranged in accordance with the support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34) and which are connected to and controlled by the logical control unit (U), and that the logical control unit (U) activates the optical signaling means (4) to indicate to the operator where the support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34) are to be arranged according to each stored cutting pattern. Machine (M) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the optical signaling means (4) comprise at least one LED array (41) and the LEDs of the LED array (41) light up in such a way as to indicate how each of the support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34) is to be arranged. Machine (M) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the optical signaling means (4) comprise at least one of the following: - switching on only sections of the LED array (41) that are to be covered by the support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34), or vice versa; - switching on sections of the LED array (41) that are to be covered and sections of the LED array (41) that remain uncovered, but with different colors; - switching on sections of the LED array (41) that are to be covered with flashing light and sections of the LED array (41) that remain uncovered with constant light, or vice versa. Machine (M) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing station (2) comprises a carriage (23) which is suitable for carrying a cutting element (24) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (Y) and which can pass through at least one opening (21'), wherein a cutting operation is carried out on the at least one plate (P). Machine (M) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the logical control unit (U) is suitable to output a signal that corresponds to the position of each support surface (31, 32, 33, 34) relative to the arrangement that each of the support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34) must assume depending on the selected cutting scheme. Machine (M) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing of a plate (P) is started when each support surface (31-34) is positioned in the predefined position corresponding to the selected cutting scheme. Machine (M) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an operator can start the processing of the plate (P) when the support surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34) are positioned according to the optical signaling means (4) in accordance with each stored cutting scheme.

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