DEVICE FOR PROVIDING EDGE BANDS AND EDGE BANDING PLANT WITH SUCH A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CHANGING AN EDGE ROLL OR EDGE CASSETTE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for providing edge bands according to claim 1 and to an edging system with such a device having the features of claim 14. A device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from document IT 2018 0000 5049 A1. Such a device is known from document IT 2018 0000 5049 A1. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for changing an edge band roll or edge band cassette having the features of claim 20 and a use of the device or the edging system according to the features of claim 22. State of the art

[0002] Panels made from wood or wood substitutes for the furniture industry usually have at least one partially coated surface before processing. The types of coatings range from varnishes to cladding with layers of real wood veneer or plastic. In addition to their respective appearance, the coated surfaces have increased resistance to mechanical influences and liquids. The coating of the narrow edges of these panels is usually only carried out after they have been cut. During the so-called edging process, a suitable edge band is applied to at least some sections of the narrow sides of the panel. This bond to the panel is usually based on adhesion or a micro-form fit through local melting.

[0003] In industrial settings, the edging of wood-based panels is carried out by an edging system in which the edge bands are applied using at least one edging machine. The edge bands are usually rolled up as edge rolls so that even long lengths can be safely transported and stored as compactly as possible. For the easiest possible handling, they can also be arranged within a cassette and unwound from it as needed. Due to the variety of colors and designs as well as thicknesses of the panels to be edged, the different edge bands often have to be replaced with the appropriate version.

[0004] EP 1 346 805 A2 discloses a device for providing edgebands, which comprises a tower-like storage unit. The storage unit has individual storage locations designed for at least indirect loading with edgebands. The storage locations are arranged vertically one above the other.

[0005] In the specific design, a storage location of the storage unit serves as a fixed change location, which corresponds to a storage table arranged on the outside of the storage unit and at the same height. From the storage table, a cassette loaded with an edgeband roll can be manually inserted into the change location. This cassette is then sorted into another storage location within the storage unit by a handling device arranged on the opposite side of the storage unit. Conversely, a cassette to be replaced is first pulled out of its storage location within the storage unit by the handling device and transferred to the change location, from where it is manually removed again and placed on the storage table, for example, to insert a new edgeband roll.The supply of an edging machine with edge bands is carried out via the handling device of the device, which removes the required cassette from the storage unit and transfers it to the edging machine.

[0006] In particular, changing between different edge bands or the cassettes containing them can sometimes be time-consuming. This is due to the constant need for the handling device, which is required both for distributing the edge bands within the storage unit and for supplying the edging machine with the required edge bands. The change is particularly time-consuming if sections of edge band are still in the feed line of the edge banding machine's edge feed when the edge band needs to be changed. In such a case, the edge band no longer required must first be withdrawn from the feed line before a new edge band can be inserted. The invention

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of further developing a generic device and an edging system equipped therewith in such a way that the provision of edge bands can be carried out more economically overall.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device for providing edge bands having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved by an edging system having the features of claim 4 and a method according to claim 20. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the respective dependent subclaims.

[0009] It is proposed that the device comprise a base frame, with the actual storage unit being arranged in or on this base frame so as to be linearly displaceable. In other words, the device according to the invention can stand on a surface via its base frame and / or be attached to another component, while the storage unit designed to accommodate edge bands is arranged so as to be linearly displaceable relative to the base frame. This is achieved according to the invention such that a selected edge band roll can be displaced into a working position in which the edge band located on the edge band roll can be taken over by an edge feed of an edging machine.According to the invention, at least one cutting arrangement is arranged, preferably on the device or the edging machine or on a stand arranged in particular between the device and the edging machine, by means of which a section of an edge band, in particular unwound from an edge roll, can be severed at a cutting position in the region of the working position.

[0010] The inventive design does not require any rearrangement of edgebands or cassettes within the storage unit, since the required edgeband can be moved to the required level relative to an edging machine, regardless of its location in one of the storage locations, solely due to the linear mobility of the storage unit. In this way, the handling device previously required for the distribution of edgebands within the storage unit can be eliminated. Furthermore, there is no longer any absolute need to transfer an entire edgeband roll to an edging machine, since it can now be fed directly from the storage unit by previously positioning the storage location containing the required edgeband opposite an edge feed of the edging machine, for example.

[0011] According to a particularly preferred development of the basic inventive concept, at least one storage location of the storage unit can be configured to accommodate at least one edge band. In other words, this storage location can be designed such that a loose edge band, in particular in its form wound at least partially into an edge band roll, can be arranged or deposited therein. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the storage locations can be configured to accommodate a cassette containing at least part of the edge band.

[0012] The storage unit has two opposite sides, wherein the design of its storage locations can advantageously be adapted to the shape of the edge bands to be accommodated. For example, at least one of the storage locations can have at least one base element extending at least partially between the sides of the storage unit. This can be designed, for example, such that an edge band can be placed directly on this base element or at least partially supported thereon. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the storage locations can have at least one support element arranged in the region of each side of the storage unit. The support elements can, for example, be designed such that a cassette containing an edge band can be placed on these support elements or at least partially supported thereon and / or can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the support element.

[0013] In this context, according to a preferred further development, the invention provides that the base element and / or at least one support element of at least one storage location can be mounted on the storage unit in a linearly displaceable manner. By appropriately displacing the base element and / or support element, which can be displaced in this way, the height of the associated storage location available for receiving an edge band or a cassette containing the edge band can be adapted to the respective required height. Specifically, this allows adaptation to edge bands of different widths or the heights of their cassettes. This allows the respective storage location to be adapted with as little play as possible in relation to the edge band to be received. It is also conceivable to adapt the number of storage locations in this way, which can be increased by one or even more locations, for example, by adapting them to correspondingly narrow edge bands.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred development of the invention, the device, in particular the base frame and / or the storage unit and / or each storage location of the storage unit and / or a manipulator that can move an edge roll and / or edge cassette, and / or a storage arrangement that can accommodate one or more edge rolls, and / or at a storage location of the storage arrangement, can be equipped with at least one reading module. Advantageously, this can be a so-called contactless reading module, which can then receive transmitted data wirelessly. In any case, the reading module is designed to correspond with at least one transmitting module of an edge band or a cassette containing the edge band. For this purpose, for example, an RFID chip can be integrated in or on an edge band orwhose cassette can be arranged, which transmits the data stored in it to the reading module via a corresponding external stimulus. In this way, the required information about the edge band to be arranged in one of the storage locations can be transmitted to the device, which can then be used to control the storage unit in particular. The information can, for example, contain details about the width and the decor or the color of the respective edge band. In this way, it is possible, for example, for the device and / or a control system controlling it to be virtually aware of the edge bands kept in the storage unit and their respective storage location in order to be able to provide the edge band requested or required in each case.

[0015] It is conceivable that the reading module itself or an additional component contains a transmitter unit, which in turn can transmit information to the transmitter module of the respective edge band, which can then be written to via this module. This allows, for example, information about the remaining length of the edge band to be stored in its transmitter module, so that edge bands with the remaining length required for the upcoming edging process are always used.

[0016] Particularly with a view to a preferably automated control of the device, it is considered particularly advantageous if the device has a drive by means of which the storage unit can be automatically moved relative to the base frame. Alternatively or additionally, manual movement of the storage unit relative to the base frame of the device can also be provided. For example, a device with a relatively simple configuration may require the manual movement of its storage unit, while a more advanced configuration provides for a correspondingly controlled drive. In principle, a device equipped with such a drive can also enable the manual movement of its storage unit in order to facilitate maintenance work and / or to ensure, for example, the usability of the device through manual handling even in the event of a drive defect.

[0017] The device according to the invention can have an interface that can be coupled to at least one other component or machine. The interface can generally enable a mechanical and / or data-transmitting coupling. This allows, for example, easy integration into existing system structures and their operational processes, since signals available from the existing system or its control system can be transmitted to the device via the interface and / or signals can be forwarded from the device to the existing system or its control system.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device can have at least one drive unit, via which an edge band can be actively driven at least in sections. This means that a free end of the edge band can be displaced, for example, from its arrangement within the storage unit and possibly even beyond. In this way, the drive unit can at least transfer the edge band from its storage location to an edging machine. The feeding of the edge band into the edging machine can also be carried out entirely by the drive unit or at least be supported by it.In a specific embodiment, this could include, for example, an active rotation of the wound edge band and / or at least one friction wheel that has circumferential contact with the edge band or a component interacting with the edge band and drives or unwinds it at least partially through rotation. The same applies to the braking process. In principle, the drive unit can interact with an edge band that is at least partially arranged within a cassette or with one that is present without such a cassette.

[0019] According to the invention, the device has at least one braking unit via which an edge band can be braked and / or fixed in relation to its mobility. The mobility of the edge band is considered to be both its controlled drive and its uncontrolled movement behavior, which is particularly attributable to tensions within its material, which can result from the rolled-up state and / or temperature fluctuations. Of course, this also includes all other influences that cause movement of the edge band, such as vibrations. The braking unit is designed in such a way that it at least brakes the movement of the edge band, for example by pulling on a section of the edge band. Preferably, the braking unit can fix the edge band in such a way that control over its free end is always guaranteed.This makes it possible to counteract the spontaneous retraction or displacement of the free end of the edge band by virtually holding it in place by the braking unit. The braking unit can in principle interact with an edge band that is arranged at least partially within a cassette or with one that is present without such a cassette. The cutting arrangement according to the invention can be arranged in different ways. According to an advantageous embodiment, the cutting arrangement or at least one cutting arrangement is arranged on the base frame and / or on the storage unit and / or on an edge feed and / or on the edging machine and / or on a separate stand that can be arranged between the device and the edging machine. For example, only a section of edge band whose length cut off by the cutting arrangement corresponds to the length to be processed can be transferred to an edging machine.The cutting assembly can, in principle, interact with an edge band that is at least partially arranged within a cassette or with one that is present without one. With a suitable arrangement of the cutting assembly on the device or storage unit, it is possible, when using an edge band cassette, to cut the edge band within the cassette itself, or at least flush with the edge band cassette housing or without any protrusion. This offers the advantage that the retraction of the edge band as a work step when changing an edge band roll or edge band cassette can be completely eliminated. This saves time.

[0020] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable for the device to extend either vertically or horizontally in its intended arrangement. For example, its storage unit can be linearly displaceable relative to the base frame, parallel to a vertical or parallel to a horizontal. Depending on the application, this results in advantageous options for utilizing the available installation space. Furthermore, it is possible for the storage unit to be displaced relative to the base frame at an angle of between 45° and 90°, preferably between 75° and 90°, to the horizontal. Such an arrangement can be realized in particular in such a way that the orientation then has not only a directional component in the vertical direction, but also a second directional component in or opposite to the feed direction of the workpieces to be coated with the edge band.

[0021] Since the number of stacked storage locations of the vertically movable storage unit is naturally limited by the respective ceiling height, this number can be increased accordingly by orienting the storage unit horizontally. In particular, the height of the edge feed on an edging machine limits the maximum possible height of the storage unit for directly unwinding an edge band from its storage location, as its uppermost storage location must be at the level of the edge feed. Consequently, the number of maximum possible storage locations is determined by the space available below this level. Any depressions in the subfloor would of course allow for greater heights for the storage unit, as in its maximum lowered position it would then be possible to move it, at least in sections, into such a depression.

[0022] The advantage of a vertical orientation of the device is that edge bands stored in it can usually be fed into an edging machine without rotating about their longitudinal axis. The decisive factor here is their orientation with regard to their cross-section, which runs parallel to the wood-based panels that are usually processed lying down. In contrast, a horizontal orientation of the device requires a 90° rotation of an edge band around its longitudinal axis in order to align this edge band, which is then lying flat within the storage unit with regard to its cross-section, parallel to the narrow edges of a wood-based panel. In particular, rotating an edge band around its longitudinal direction can strain its structure and negatively impact the reliable process during edge feeding.On the other hand, the horizontal orientation of the device allows for a longer storage unit, thus providing more storage space for edgebands. The most advantageous orientation of the device must be selected by the responsible specialist in each individual case based on the criteria mentioned above.

[0023] According to a preferred development, the device can comprise at least one manipulator. This manipulator can be, for example, a multi-axis robot arm and / or a storage and retrieval machine (SRM). The manipulator is arranged and configured such that it can reach every storage location of the storage unit. In this way, the manipulator can be used to load and empty the storage locations with edge bands by removing the edge bands from the storage locations or inserting them into the storage locations as required. Of course, this is independent of whether the respective edge bands are present as such or are at least partially arranged within a cassette. Compared to manual loading and removal of the edge bands, the manipulator enables greater automation of the device.

[0024] In conjunction with the at least one manipulator, it is provided that the device according to the invention can also have a storage arrangement. The storage arrangement serves for the local storage of edge bands or cassettes containing edge bands. With the aid of the manipulator, these can then be removed individually or at least in pairs from the storage arrangement and transferred to the storage device of the device. In this way, the storage locations of the storage unit can be individually loaded with edge bands from the storage arrangement. Conversely, the storage arrangement serves for the local storage of edge bands or cassettes containing edge bands, which can be removed individually or at least in pairs from the storage device by the manipulator and then transferred to the storage arrangement.

[0025] The combination of storage arrangement and manipulator allows the number of locally available edge bands to be increased accordingly, which enables shorter reaction times and / or a greater selection of different edge bands.

[0026] According to a further development of the device according to the invention based on the presence of a manipulator, a transfer device can additionally be provided, by which further edge bands stored in a nearby machine storage area can be accessed. Thus, edge bands located in the machine storage area can be removed individually or at least in pairs by the transfer device and transferred to the manipulator, which can then be forwarded to the storage arrangement and / or the storage unit. Conversely, edge bands located in the storage arrangement and / or the storage unit can be removed individually or at least in pairs by the manipulator and passed on to the transfer device, from where they can be transferred back to the machine storage area.

[0027] The device according to the invention now presented enables an overall extremely economical provision of edge bands. In particular, the linear relocatability of the storage unit that can be loaded with edge bands makes a decisive contribution to depositing an edge band in one of the free storage locations in a virtually random manner. If necessary, this can be brought into the required level, i.e. the working position, opposite an edging machine by simply relocating the entire storage unit in order to be able to access the edge band located therein. Prior sorting, in particular mechanical sorting, of the edge bands is therefore no longer necessary. This is based on knowledge of data about the edge bands stored in the storage unit, which data results from the communication, which is possible in at least one direction, between the device and the respective edge band or the cassette containing the edge band.Using a corresponding control system, the currently required edge band can always be positioned at the edge feed level of the edging machine for feeding into the edging machine. Further expansion stages, such as at least one manipulator and a storage arrangement for edge bands, can further increase the efficiency of the device by increasing its storage capacity.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention is directed to an edging system comprising an edging machine and at least one device as described above. The device is arranged in the region of the edging machine in such a way that at least one edge band that can be arranged in the device can be fed, at least in sections, to the edging machine. The at least partial feeding of an edge band takes place directly from the storage unit of the device. The resulting advantages have already been explained in more detail in connection with the device according to the invention; therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made here to the previous explanations in this regard.

[0029] According to a preferred development of the edging system, the storage locations of the device, each of which can be at least indirectly equipped with an edge band, can be arranged at the level of an edge feed of the edging machine by a linear displacement of the storage unit relative to the base frame. In other words, the required edge band is brought into the working position at the level of the edge feed of the edging machine by a linear displacement of the entire storage unit, so that it can flow directly from the storage unit into the edge feed.

[0030] The manipulator can advantageously have at least one vertical axis of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the manipulator can have at least one vertical lifting axis and / or telescopic axis. The manipulator can be rotated accordingly via the vertical axis of rotation. Via the vertical lifting axis, the manipulator is able to move an edge band or a cassette containing the edge band between different heights. Via the telescopic axis, the manipulator is able to relocate the edge band cassettes or edge band rolls between the individual storage locations. For example, removal can take place from a first level, while delivery takes place at a second height that differs from the first height. In principle, the lifting axis or the rotation axis or a possible telescopic axis do not have to be vertical.Rather, it can be provided that the rotation axis, lifting axis and / or telescopic axis of the manipulator are oriented in such a way that the edge roll or edge cassette can be displaced by means of the manipulator in the direction of the device and / or in the direction of a storage arrangement.

[0031] If several, e.g. two, storage arrangements are arranged in the area of ​​the manipulator and these cannot be loaded or cassettes or edge band rolls removed from them via a linear axis, it is possible, in particular via the vertical rotation axis of the manipulator, to always align the manipulator in such a way that an edge band or a cassette containing the edge band can be removed from one of the storage arrangements or delivered to it.

[0032] It is preferably provided that an edge feed is arranged on the edging machine, wherein the cutting arrangement is arranged on the edge feed adjacent to the working position of the device. This makes it possible to minimize the length of the edge band that has to be retracted. In principle, it is alternatively or additionally possible for the cutting arrangement to be arranged on the device, in particular its base frame and / or storage unit, in such a way that the cutting position lies within the cassette. The retraction of the edge band can even be omitted in this embodiment. Of course, in the aforementioned alternative, the cutting arrangement can also be arranged on the device, in particular its base frame and / or storage unit, in such a way that the cutting position lies outside the cassette.

[0033] The use of the device and / or the edging system according to the invention is, of course, not limited to the edging of wood-based panels. Thus, the edges of panels made of any material can be edged, including, for example, solid wood panels. Within the scope of the invention, any reference to an edge band always refers to its presence with or without a cassette, regardless of whether this is explicitly mentioned.

[0034] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for changing an edge roll or edge cassette in an edging system described above. In this method, the following steps are carried out, particularly sequentially: a. a first edge strip located in the edge feed is severed from a first edge roll and with the cutting assembly at a cutting position; b. the removed edge band remaining on the first edge roll is retracted if necessary; c. the storage unit is moved so that the first edge roll is moved out of the working position and a second edge roll is moved into the working position, d. the edge band located on the second edge roll is picked up by the edge feed and fed for processing.

[0035] This process allows for a quick change from one edgeband currently in use to another edgeband with minimal time expenditure. The duration of the sequence of steps a. to d. is preferably 0.5 to 5 seconds, advantageously 1 to 3 seconds, and most preferably 1 to 2 seconds.

[0036] In general, the first and second edge rolls may be parts of a first and a second edge cassette, wherein the step a. described above is carried out at a cutting position inside or outside the first edge cassette.

[0037] Ultimately, the present invention is directed to a use of the device according to the invention or the edging system according to the invention. When using the device or the edging system containing this device, it is provided that the respective edge band that can be provided via it is generally removed from a cassette that at least partially contains it. In other words, the storage unit of the device is equipped with at least one cassette containing an edge band roll, from which the edge band contained therein is removed as needed. Said cassette is accommodated in one of the storage spaces of the storage unit of the device. Compared to handling open edge bands rolled up into edge band rolls, their respective arrangement in a cassette offers overall easier handling. Way to implement the invention

[0038] The invention is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 11 explained in more detail.

[0039] They show: Fig. 1 shows a device according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 shows the device from Fig. 1 in its arrangement in front of an edging machine in a top view, Fig. 3 the device from Fig. 1 in an extended expansion stage in otherwise unchanged representation, Fig. 4 the expansion stage from Fig. 3 in an expanded stage of development in an otherwise unchanged representation, Fig. 5 the stage of development from Fig. 4 in a further expanded stage in an otherwise unchanged representation, Fig. 6 two adjacent arrangements of the Fig. 4 as a further stage of development in otherwise unchanged representation, Fig. 7 two adjacent arrangements of the Fig. 5as a further expansion stage in otherwise unchanged representation, Fig. 8 the device according to the invention from Fig. 1 in a first alternative embodiment in otherwise the same representation rotated by 90° and Fig. 9 the device according to the invention from Fig. 1 in a second alternative embodiment in otherwise the same representation. Fig. 10 a Fig. 2 similar plan view with a cutting device provided according to the invention in a first position, Fig. 11 a further, compared to the representation of the Fig. 10 slightly enlarged view.

[0040] Fig. 1shows a device 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. The device 1 comprises a base frame 2, which in this case has frames comprising rectangular tubes that are connected to one another essentially at right angles. The embodiment shown here is exemplary and represents merely one possible embodiment for the base frame 2. A storage unit 3, which serves to accommodate edge bands 4, is arranged between two sides 2a, 2b of the base frame 2, which have frames spaced apart from one another. In the present case, the structure of the storage unit 3 is similar to that of the base frame 2, since this also has frames comprising rectangular tubes that are connected to one another essentially at right angles.

[0041] Due to the correspondingly smaller design of the storage unit 3 compared to the base frame 2, the storage unit 3, in the embodiment shown here as an example, fits within the internal dimensions of the base frame 2, wherein the storage unit 3 is guided with its opposite sides 3a, 3b on the sides 2a, 2b of the base frame 2 in a linearly displaceable manner. In contrast, the storage unit 3 is constructed shorter than the base frame 2 in its length extending parallel to its sides 3a, 3b, so that it can be displaced relative to the base frame 2 within the latter with a corresponding stroke length a. For this purpose, rails 5 are arranged in a suitable manner on the base frame 2. As shown in Fig. 1As can be seen by way of example, one of these rails 5 can be arranged on one of the opposite inner surfaces of the frames extending between the two sides 2a, 2b of the base frame 2, so that each of the sides 2a, 2b has two such rails 5. Areas of the storage unit 3 corresponding to these rails 5 (and not shown in detail here) ultimately enable its linear mobility relative to the base frame 2. The linear displacement of the storage unit 3 is preferably carried out by a drive (not shown here); however, it can of course be carried out manually as an alternative or in addition to this.

[0042] Looking at the storage unit 3, it becomes clear that it has a plurality of support elements 6a, 6b arranged on its two sides 3a, 3b. In this case, the support elements 6a, 6b are designed like rails, each extending perpendicular to the length of the storage unit 3 on the two sides 2a, 2b of the base frame 2. The support elements 6a, 6b are clearly arranged on the inner surfaces of the rectangular tubes of the frames located on each side 3a, 3b of the storage unit 3. The support elements 6a, 6b can be mounted on the sides 3a, 3b of the storage unit 3 in a manner not further apparent, such that they can be linearly displaced with respect to their lateral spacing from one another.

[0043] The support elements 6a, 6b divide the interior of the storage unit 3 into individual storage spaces 7, with each two support elements 6a, 6b opposite each other with respect to the two sides 3a, 3b of the storage unit 3 defining a storage space 7. The storage spaces 7 thus defined serve to accommodate the edge bands 4, which in this case are each rolled up at least in sections to form an edge roll within a cassette 4a. The cassettes 4a have side surfaces corresponding to the support elements 6a, 6b, which enable them to be inserted into and removed from the storage unit 3. Alternatively, and not shown in more detail, the individual storage spaces 7 can also be defined by floor elements, which then extend at least partially between the sides 3a, 3b of the storage unit 3.

[0044] The floor elements can be fixedly or movably connected to the storage unit 3, so that they each allow the drawer to be pulled out of the storage unit 3. In contrast to equipping the storage unit 3 with cassettes 4a containing edge bands 4, the floor elements enable the edge bands 4 to be held directly, for example by placing them on the floor elements. Of course, the floor elements can also be combined with support elements 6a, 6b that hold the cassettes 4a. It is also conceivable that the support elements 6a, 6b serve to support floor elements, so that in this way edge bands 4 can also be arranged directly in the storage unit 3. Furthermore, what was previously stated with regard to the support elements 6a, 6b can also apply to these floor elements, concerning their possible change in distance from one another through a movable connection to the storage unit 3.

[0045] The device 1 or the storage unit 3 can have a drive unit (not shown in detail), via which an edge band 4 can be actively driven at least in sections if necessary. The drive unit can interact either directly with the respective edge band 4 or with a cassette 4a containing the edge band 4. Furthermore, the device 1 or the storage unit 3 has a braking unit (likewise not shown in detail), via which an edge band 4 can be braked and / or fixed in relation to its mobility. According to the invention, the braking unit interacts either directly with the respective edge band 4 or with a cassette 4a containing the edge band 4. The device 1 or the storage unit 3 can also have a cutting arrangement (likewise not shown in detail), by means of which a section of an edge band 4 can be severed.The cutting arrangement can interact either directly with the respective edge band 4 or with a cassette 4a containing the edge band 4. Depending on the design, the drive unit or braking unit or cutting arrangement can also be at least part of a cassette 4, which can be controlled via a corresponding control of the device 1 or the storage unit 3. A division into two parts would also be conceivable, such that the cassettes 4a comprise the corresponding mechanical parts of the drive unit or braking unit or cutting arrangement, while the device 1 or the storage unit 3 has the corresponding drive for this, which can then be coupled to them.

[0046] In principle, the alignment of the device 1 can be such that its storage unit 3 - as in Fig. 1visible - is linearly displaceable parallel to a vertical Z relative to the base frame 2. In contrast, the device 1 can of course also be used in an orientation rotated by 90°, so that its storage unit 3 is linearly displaceable parallel to a horizontal X relative to the base frame 2.

[0047] Fig. 2shows a top view of an edging system 8, which comprises an edging machine 9 and the device 1 explained in more detail above. The device 1 is clearly located directly in front of the edging machine 9 with respect to a distance direction Y running at right angles to the horizontal X and the vertical Z. As a result, the device 1 is arranged in the area of ​​the edging machine 8 in such a way that one of the edge bands 4 arranged in the device 1 is fed directly from the storage unit 3 of the device 1 into the edging machine 9. The position of the device 1 is selected such that the edge band 4 runs directly into an edge feed 9a of the edging machine 9, through which it is used in a manner not shown in more detail for edging panels, in particular wood-based panels.Previously, the storage location 7 of the device 1, equipped with the desired edge band 4, was arranged in the plane of the edge feed 9a by linearly displacing its storage unit 3 by a movement running parallel to the vertical Z.

[0048] Due to the almost direct feeding of an edge band 4 into the edge feed 9a of the edging machine 9, the otherwise exposed section of an edge band 4 between the device 1 and the edging machine 9 is reduced to a minimum, which leads to significantly reduced stresses within the path of the edge band 4. Furthermore, the direct feeding of the edge band 4 into the edging machine 9 eliminates any threading effort and the necessary adjustment work.

[0049] Depending on the requirements, the edging system 8 can be designed in such a way that the device 1 can be displaced relative to the edging machine 9, which is advantageous in relation to the representation of Fig. 2 their displacement in and opposite directions parallel to the horizontal X and / or to the spacing direction Y. For example, the device can be displaceable relative to the device 1 in a direction parallel to the spacing direction Y in order to be able to carry out any maintenance work. This allows, for example, free access to the edge feed 9a. Of course, this displaceability can also be used to move the device 1, for example, as needed between two edging machines 9 spaced parallel to one another in order to be able to provide the edge band 4 required in each case to one or the other edging machine 9.

[0050] Fig. 3 to Fig. 7each show extended expansion stages of the device 1, by means of which its performance with regard to the provision of edge bands 4 can be increased.

[0051] Fig. 3shows a first expanded expansion stage in which the device 1 is combined with a manipulator 10. An exemplary embodiment of the manipulator 10 is shown as a storage and retrieval machine (SRM), which has a linear displacement capability running parallel to the lifting direction of the device 1. Specifically, the manipulator 10 has a lifting unit 10b mounted in a frame 10a for linear movement, which can accommodate at least one edge band 4 or a cassette 4a containing an edge band 4. The manipulator 10 is used to load the device 1 with edge bands 4 or with cassettes 4a each containing an edge band 4, as well as to empty the device 1. In this expansion stage, the manipulator 10 can be loaded manually. By means of a corresponding coupling, the manipulator 10 can be moved synchronously with the device 1. This coupling can be implemented mechanically and / or by means of a control system.By means of a corresponding control of the manipulator 10, loading and unloading of the device 1 is also possible during operation.

[0052] Fig. 4 a further expansion stage of the device 1 can be seen, which, compared to the expansion stage from Fig. 3is now additionally combined with a storage arrangement 11. The storage arrangement 11 is designed in the present case like a shelving system with - as already explained above with regard to the device 1 - lateral support elements 11a in the form of rails, which have a plurality of superimposed slots 11b for edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a each containing an edge band 4. With the aid of the manipulator 10, edge bands 4 that can now be stored in the storage arrangement 11 can now be removed individually or at least in pairs and transferred to the device 1, wherein the storage locations 7 of its storage unit 3 are equipped accordingly. For this purpose, the linearly displaceable lifting unit 10b of the manipulator 10 is moved into the required level of the storage arrangement 11, where it removes an edge band 4 or the cassette 4a containing the edge band 4 from the respective slot 11b.Subsequently, the lifting unit 10b of the manipulator 10 moves to another level, if necessary, in order to transfer the edge band 4 or the cassette 4a to a free storage location 7 of the storage unit 3 of the device 1. Of course, this can also be done in reverse to feed edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a from the device 1 to the storage arrangement 11.

[0053] Fig. 5illustrates the structure of a further expansion stage, which additionally comprises a transfer device 12. The transfer device 12 is clearly arranged on the device 1, where it corresponds to a machine storage 13. The machine storage 13 is located, in a manner not shown in more detail, above or directly on the edging machine 9. In this arrangement, the storage arrangement 11 serves as a buffer for edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a, while the transfer device 12 preferably feeds and removes new edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a fully automatically. In other words, in the machine storage 13 provided here as an example close to the machine, edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a that can be kept in stock can be transferred to the manipulator 10 individually or at least in pairs. In contrast, edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a arranged in the storage unit 3 and / or the storage arrangement 11Cassettes 4a can be transferred individually or at least in pairs by the manipulator 10 to the transfer device 12.

[0054] Fig. 6 shows a stage of expansion that doubles the already existing Fig. 4 shown structure. Specifically, two devices 1 are provided, each combined with its own manipulator 10 and a storage arrangement 11 located on the respective manipulator 10. This structure allows the two devices 1 to operate alternately, thereby achieving correspondingly high cycle rates. For this embodiment, the edging machine 9 has two edge feeders 9a (not shown in detail here) in order to be able to process the edge bands 4 of the respective device 1.

[0055] Fig. 7 A final possible expansion stage can be seen, which is a doubling of the already Fig. 5shown structure. Specifically, two devices 1 are also provided, each combined with its own manipulator 10 and a storage arrangement 11 located on the respective manipulator 10, as well as a transfer device 12 and a machine storage 13, in particular close to the machine. Here, too, the two devices 1 can operate alternately in order to achieve a high cycle rate for the edging of panels.

[0056] In principle, the device 1 of all configuration levels can be equipped with at least one reading module (not shown in detail). Specifically, the reading module can be arranged in the area of ​​the storage unit 3. It is also conceivable for each storage location 7 of the storage unit 3 to be equipped with such a reading module. A reading module can also be arranged at other locations, for example on the base frame 2 or the storage arrangement 11 or one or a plurality of their storage locations. The aim is the automated transmission of information about the respective edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a that are currently located in the storage unit 3 or are being removed from it or are just being fed into it. The edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a can thus be equipped with a corresponding transmission module on which the required information is stored.Such a transmitter module can preferably contain at least one RFID chip or be configured as such. The reader module(s) are configured to communicate with the transmitter modules. This can occur in one direction or both directions, meaning the mere reading of data or a combination of reading and writing of data by the reader module to a transmitter module.

[0057] Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention can comprise at least one interface (not shown in detail here). This interface is then designed to be coupled to at least one further component or machine, in particular mechanically and / or for data transmission. In this way, all components or machines of an edging system 8 can be controlled via a corresponding controller.

[0058] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show the Fig. 1 shown and also in the other Fig. 3 to 7 Device 1, shown only as an example, in alternative embodiments, also in perspective representation. To avoid repetition and for better clarity, only some of the reference numerals are shown here, since the same parts correspond to the ones already shown in the Fig. 1 to 7 The main difference between the parts shown in the Fig. 8 and 9 The difference between the variants shown lies in the different shape of the base frame 2 supporting the storage unit 3.

[0059] Fig. 8 It can be seen that in this embodiment, the frames located on each of the two sides 2a, 2b of the base frame 2 are connected to each other by two rectangular tubes extending between them parallel to the horizontal X. In contrast, the Fig. 1 and 3 to 7The base frame 2 shown in the drawing has a total of four rectangular tubes connecting its two frames located on one side 2a, 2b, which extend parallel to the horizontal X between the opposite corners of said frames. Fig. 8 In the variant shown, the rectangular tubes connecting the frames lie one above the other with respect to the vertical Z, so that the base frame 2 is essentially U-shaped in its top view, which is not shown in detail here.

[0060] Fig. 9 shows a design variant whose view of the base frame 2 can be described as L-shaped. It can be seen that the base frame 2 has a frame on only one side 2a, while the opposite side 2b is virtually frameless. As already mentioned in the Fig. 1 to 7The lower region of the base frame 2, composed of rectangular tubes, is designed to be closed. Specifically, the two rectangular tubes running parallel to the horizontal X each extend from a lower corner of the frame located on side 2a, and are connected to each other at the ends via a rectangular tube running parallel to the spacing direction Y. Including the frame located on side 2a, this results in a closed, essentially rectangular shape.

[0061] Other variants for the base frame 2 not shown here are also conceivable, such as in the form of a central lifting column below the storage unit 3.

[0062] Of course, the profiles referred to as rectangular tubes in the description can also be - unlike in the Fig. 1 to 9As can be seen, they can have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a U-, C-, or L-shape. A round tube design is also conceivable. Combinations of the above are also possible, as are variations of these within a base frame 2.

[0063] The function of the cutting arrangement 14, 14', 14" according to the invention is explained with reference to the Fig. 10 and 11 explained in more detail. The Fig. 10 and 11A section of an edge banding system according to the invention in the area of ​​an edge banding machine 9, adjacent to which the device 1 according to the invention is arranged. In the example shown, an edge banding roll or edge banding cassette 4a is in the working position in the device 1 according to the invention. Working position means that the edge banding roll or edge banding cassette 4a is located in the storage unit 3 in the vertical direction Z at the height of the edge banding feed 9a, so that the edge banding strip 4 is drawn from the edge banding roll or edge banding cassette 4a via the edge banding feed 9a into an edge banding feed section 15 by a suitable feed mechanism (not shown) and transported towards a pressure unit 16, which generally has at least one pressure roller 16a, to be pressed there against the narrow side of a workpiece 17. As in Fig. 10As shown, the edge roller or edge cassette 4a is in the working position. In the area of ​​the working position, a cutting arrangement 14 is shown in the example of Fig. 10 arranged on the edging machine 9. The cutting arrangement is preferably located in the immediate vicinity of the edge roll or edge cassette 4a. Immediate proximity means that the cutting arrangement 14 should be arranged at least in the area of ​​the end of the feed line 15 remote from the pressure device 16. This can be done as in the example of the Fig. 10 This can be achieved by arranging the cutting arrangement 14 at or in the region of the end of the feed path 15 facing the device 1.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, a cutting arrangement 14' or 14" can also be arranged on the device 1 itself, so that the cutting arrangement 14' or 14" is then arranged in the area of ​​the edge feed 9a on the section of the device 1 or the base frame 2 or the storage unit 3 facing the feed path 15. Advantageously, it can be provided that the cutting arrangement 14' or 14" is arranged in the area of ​​the device 1 such that, when the edge roll is designed as an edge cassette 4a, it is able to cut the edge band 4 at a point that is still within the edge cassette 4a - this cutting position is in Figure 11 designated P2 - or outside the edge cassette 4a. This cutting position is in Fig. 11designated by way of example with P2. The alternative or supplementary arrangement of the cutting arrangement 14 on the edging machine 9 or a stand (not shown) between the edging machine 9 and the device 1 severs the edge band 4 at a cutting position P1. In principle, each of the cutting arrangements 14, 14', 14" can be designed as a knife that can be displaced into the transport path of the edge band 14 in order to cut through the edge band at position P1 or P2, respectively, in order to separate a severed edge strip, to be attached to a workpiece 17, from the remaining edge roll.

[0065] The advantage of arranging the cutting arrangement in the area of ​​the working position of the edge roll or edge cassette 4a is that the edge band does not have to be pulled back over the entire feed path 15 before changing to another edge roll or edge cassette 4a, i.e. it does not have to be wound up onto the roll or pulled back into the edge cassette 4a, but is already cut off in such a way that the step of pulling back or rewinding can be saved. In this way, time is saved and it is possible to change to another edge band. It is particularly advantageous if the cutting arrangement can already cut the edge band 4 within an edge cassette 4a, as is the case, for example, with the positions of the cutting arrangements 14' or14" is indicated, since then the associated edge cassette 4a can be immediately moved from the working position to a storage position after cutting and by moving the storage unit 3 another edge cassette can be moved to the working position. Reference symbols:

[0066] 1Device 2Base frame of 1 2aSide of 2 2bSide of 2 3Storage unit of 1 3aSide of 3 3bSide of 3 4Edge band 4aCassette, in particular containing 4 5Rail on 2 6aSupport element on 3 6bSupport element on 3 7Storage location of 3 8Edging system 9Edging machine of 8 9aEdge feed of 9 10Manipulator of 8 10aFrame of 10 10bLifting unit of 10 11Storage arrangement of 8 11aSupport element of 11 11bSlot location of 11 12Transfer device of 8 13Machine bearing of 8 14Cutting arrangement on 9, 9a 14'Cutting arrangement on 2 or 3 14"Cutting arrangement on 2 or 3 15Edge feed section 16Pressure unit 16aPressure roller aStroke length of 3 in 2 P1Cutting position P2Cutting position XHorizontal YDistance direction ZVertical

Claims

1. Device (1) for supplying edge bands (4), comprising a storage unit (3) with individual storage spaces (7) which are designed to be fitted at least indirectly with edge bands (4) each forming in particular at least in sections an edgeband reel, wherein the storage unit (3) is arranged linearly displaceable in or on a base frame (2) so that a selected edgeband reel can be moved into a working position in which the edge band (4) situated on the edgeband reel can be taken up by an edgeband feed (9a) of an edge-banding machine (9) characterised by at least one cutting arrangement (14; 14'; 14") by means of which a section of an edge band (4), in particular unwound from an edgeband reel, can be cut off at a cutting position (P1, P2) in the region of the working position, and by a brake unit via which an edge band (4) arranged in particular at least in part inside a cassette (4a) can be fixed and / or braked in terms of its mobility.

2. Device (1) according to Claim 1 characterised in that at least one of the storage spaces (7) is configured for receiving at least one edge band (4) and / or at least one cassette (4a) containing the edge band at least in part.

3. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the storage unit (3) has two opposing sides (3a, 3b) wherein at least one of the storage spaces (7) has a base element extending at least in part between these sides (3a, 3b), and / or at least one support element (6a, 6b) which is arranged in the region of each side (3a, 3b).

4. Device (1) according to Claim 3 characterised in that the base element and / or the support elements (6a, 6b) of at least one storage space (7) is / are mounted linearly displaceable on the storage unit (3).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that it, in particular the base frame (2) and / or the storage unit (3) and / or each storage space (7) of the storage unit (3) and / or a manipulator (10), which can move an edgeband reel and / or edgeband cassette (4a), and / or a storage arrangement (11), which can receive one or a number of edgeband reels, and / or on a storage space (11b) of the storage arrangement (11), is fitted with at least one reader module which is set up to correspond with a transmitter module, in particular an RFID chip, of an edge band (4) or a cassette (4a) containing the edge band (4).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the storage unit (3) can be displaced with respect to the base frame (2) by an automated drive and / or manually.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised by at least one interface which can be coupled to at least one further component or machine, in particular by mechanical and / or data transfer means.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised by a drive unit via which an edge band (4), arranged in particular at least in part inside a cassette (4a), can be driven actively in at least some sections.

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the, or at least one, cutting arrangement (14; 14'; 14") is arranged on the base frame (2) and / or on the storage unit (3) and / or on a separate stand.

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the storage unit (3) is linearly displaceable relative to the base frame (2) parallel to a vertical (2) or parallel or at an angle between 45∘ and 90∘, preferably between 75∘ and 90∘, to a horizontal (X).

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised by a manipulator (10) by means of which each storage space (7) can be fitted with an edge band (4) or a cassette (4a), containing the edge band (4) at least in part, and can be emptied.

12. Device (1) according to Claim 11, characterised by a storage arrangement (11) from which edge bands (4) which can be stored therein can be removed individually or at least in twos by the manipulator (10) and transferred to their storage spaces (7) for fitting out the storage unit (3), wherein edge bands (4) which can be arranged in the storage unit (3) can be removed therefrom individually or at least in twos by the manipulator (10) and transferred to the storage arrangement (11).

13. Device (1) according to Claim 11 or 12 characterised by a transfer device (12) by means of which edge bands (4) which can be stored in a machine store (13) can be transferred individually or at least in twos to the manipulator (10), wherein edge bands (4) which can be arranged in the storage unit (3) and / or the storage arrangement (11) can be transferred individually or at least in twos by the manipulator (10) to the transfer device (12).

14. Edge-banding device (8), comprising an edge-banding machine (9) and at least one device (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one device (1) is arranged in the region of the edge-banding machine (9) in such a way that at least one edge band (4) which can be arranged in the device (1) can be supplied directly from the storage unit (3) of the device (1) at least portionwise to the edge-banding machine (9).

15. Edge-banding device (8) according to Claim 14 characterised in that the storage spaces (7) of the device (1) which can each be supplied at least indirectly with an edge band (4) can be arranged in the plane of the edgeband feed (9a) of the edge-banding machine (9) through a linear displacement of the storage unit (3) relative to the base frame (2).

16. Edge-banding device (8) according to one of Claims 11 to 15 characterised in that the manipulator (10) has at least one, in particular perpendicular, axis of rotation and / or at least one, in particular perpendicular lift axis and / or telescopic axis wherein the axis of rotation, lift axis and / or telescopic axis are oriented in such a way that the edgeband reel or edgeband cassette is / are displaceable by means of the manipulator (10) in the direction of the device (1) and / or in the direction of a storage arrangement (11).

17. Edge-banding device (8) according to Claim 16 characterised in that at least two storage arrangements (11) are arranged in the region of the manipulator (10).

18. Edge-banding device (8) according to one of Claims 14 to 17 characterised in that an edgeband feed (9a) is arranged on the edge-banding machine (9) wherein the cutting arrangement (14) is arranged on the edgeband feed (9a) adjacent the working position of the device (1).

19. Edge-banding device (8) according to one of Claims 14 to 18 or device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, insofar as each also dependent on Claim 2, characterised in that the cutting arrangement (14'; 14") is arranged on the device (1), in particular its base frame (2) and / or storage unit (3) in such a way that the cutting position (P2) lies within the cassette (4a).

20. Method for changing an edgeband reel or edgeband cassette (4a) in an edge-banding device (8) according to one of Claims 14 to 19 characterised in that the following steps are carried out: a. a first edge-banding strip located in the edgeband feed (9a) is separated from a first edgeband reel and with the cutting arrangement (14; 14';14") at a cutting position (P1; P2).; b. the drawn-off edge band remaining on the first edgeband reel is drawn back where necessary; c. the storage unit (3) is moved so that the first edgeband reel is shifted out from the operating position and a second edgeband reel is shifted into the operating position; d. the edge band located on the second edgeband reel is seized by the edgeband feed (9a) and supplied for further processing.

21. Method according to Claim 20 characterised in that the first edgeband reel and the second edgeband reel are parts of a first edgeband cassette and a second edgeband cassette, wherein the step a. is carried out at a cutting position inside (P2) or outside (P1) of the first edgeband cassette.

22. Use of a device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 or an edge-banding device (8) according to one of Claims 14 to 19 for the supply of edge bands (4), wherein the respective edge band (4) is removed from a cassette (4a) which contains it at least in part and which is received by one of the storage spaces (7).