Method for assembling a piece of furniture and related plant

Abstract

Described is a method for assembling a piece of furniture (10) comprising a cabinet (100) and a closing element (210, 220), the method comprising the following steps: providing a closing element (210, 220), comprising a first accessory (211, 221); providing a cabinet (100), comprising a base panel (101) and two side panels (104) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base panel, wherein at least one of the two side panels (104) comprises a second accessory (105, 106) configured to be coupled to the first accessory (211, 221), so as to mount the closing element (210, 220) to the cabinet (100); providing a pallet (P), configured to support and block the cabinet (100) and comprising a supporting surface (P114, P124) to support the cabinet (100); through a loading station (C), loading and blocking the cabinet (100) on the pallet (P), so that the base panel (101) of the cabinet (100) is parallel to the supporting surface (P114, P124); through the pallet (P), moving the cabinet (100), along a first transporting line (T1), from the loading station (C) to a mounting station (MC, MA); and through the mounting station (MC, MA), mounting the closing element (210, 220) to the cabinet (100) blocked on the pallet (P), coupling the first accessory (211, 221) to the second accessory (105, 106), so as to make the piece of furniture (10). The present invention also relates to a plant for mounting a piece of furniture (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assembling a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture made of wood, or similar materials, comprising a cabinet and one or more closing elements such as, for example, doors or drawers.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a plant for assembling a piece of furniture, in particular a plant configured to perform the method for assembling a piece of furniture made of wood, or similar materials, according to the invention.

[0003] Plants for assembling pieces of furniture are known in the sector of plants for processing wood, in particular elements of kitchens or living rooms comprising a cabinet and one or more closing elements such as, for example, doors or drawers. These plants are typically intended to mount one or more closing elements to a cabinet by means of accessories such as, for example, hinges for doors or guides for drawers. The pieces of furniture and, consequently, the cabinets can have very variable dimensions, especially in height. In fact, the cabinets are basically parallelepipeds that extend, typically, in height. Due to their variable dimensions and their typically predominant height with respect to the other dimensions (width and depth), the cabinets are typically placed in a horizontal position on the conveyor belts, or on the motorised rollers, present in the plants, that is, they are placed on one of the two side panels or on the rear panel, in order to reduce the risk that the cabinet may fall from the transport line during the movement phases between the various stations that form the plant. However, a transport of this type is very inefficient and particularly slow.

[0004] Further, in the known plants, the loading and unloading stations, and the assembly stations are typically not very automated, and comprise manual loading, unloading and assembly operations or partially assisted by tools or templates, to try to facilitate the work of operators involved in the manual operations.

[0005] It is evident how a very inefficient and particularly slow transport, and the presence of poorly automated stations renders the plant itself inefficient and not very productive.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a piece of furniture, and a plant for assembling a piece of furniture, which overcome the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art.

[0007] In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a piece of furniture, and a plant for assembling a piece of furniture, which is precise, fast, efficient and highly productive.

[0008] An aim of the present invention is also to provide a method for assembling a piece of furniture, and a plant for assembling a piece of furniture, which is flexible and allows a piece of furniture to be assembled starting from cabinets and closing elements that are produced according to different production criteria.

[0009] Said aim is fully achieved by the method for assembling a piece of furniture, and by the plant for assembling a piece of furniture which are characterised by the claims below.

[0010] The present invention provides a method of assembling a piece of furniture. The piece of furniture has, substantially, the shape of a parallelepiped. The piece of furniture comprises a cabinet and one or more closing elements. The cabinet substantially forms five of the six faces of the parallelepiped representing the piece of furniture, while one or more closing elements form, at least partially, the sixth face of the parallelepiped representing the piece of furniture. In fact, the closing elements may not completely close the internal volume of the parallelepiped representing the piece of furniture.

[0011] Advantageously, the method according to the invention comprises the step of providing a closing element. The closing element comprises a first accessory. The closing element may be, for example, a door leaf. In this case, the first accessory may be a hinge. The closing element may be, for example, a drawer. In this case, the first accessory may be an element for fixing to a guide for drawers.

[0012] The piece of furniture may comprise a cabinet and a combination of closing elements such as, for example, a single door leaf (right or left), two hinged doors, a door leaf and a drawer, a plurality of door leaves and a plurality of drawers, or a plurality of drawers.

[0013] Advantageously, the method according to the invention comprises the step of providing a cabinet. The cabinet comprises a base panel, a top panel parallel to the base panel, two side panels parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base panel, and a rear panel positioned between the two side panels. The base panel, the top panel, the two side panels and the rear panel substantially form the five faces of the parallelepiped representing the piece of furniture. Furthermore, at least one of the two side panels comprises one or more second accessories, as a function of the number of closing elements to be mounted to the cabinet and on the number of first accessories included in the closing elements. In some cases, for example, both side panels may comprise one or more second accessories. The second accessories are configured to be coupled to the first accessories, so as to allow the mounting of the closing elements to the cabinet. As mentioned, the closing element can be, for example, a door leaf. In this case, the first accessory may be a hinge, while the second accessory may be a base configured to be coupled to the hinge. As mentioned, the closing element may be, for example, a drawer. In this case, the first accessory may be a fixing element, while the second accessory may be a guide for drawers configured to be coupled to the fixing element.

[0014] Advantageously, the method comprises the step of providing a pallet. The pallet is configured for supporting and blocking the cabinet. The pallet includes a flat supporting surface, that is, defining a supporting surface, for supporting the cabinet. In particular, the supporting surface can be configured to make contact with and support the base panel of the cabinet and / or to make contact with and support the two side panels of the cabinet (In particular, if they protrude from the base panel of the cabinet). Further, the pallet comprises a gripper configured to block the cabinet on the pallet. In particular, the gripper can be configured to tighten the cabinet, for example, on the two side panels. More particularly, the gripper may comprise, for example, two jaws arranged parallel to each other and movable, one relative to the other, so as to be able to adapt to the dimensions of the cabinet, in particular its width, so as to be able to tighten the cabinet on the two side panels. The jaws thus arranged can block the cabinet on the pallet leaving free access to the face opposite the rear panel, which represents the area for mounting the closing element to the cabinet.

[0015] More advantageously, the method comprises the step of loading and blocking the cabinet on the pallet. In particular, this step is carried out via a loading station. The cabinet is loaded onto the pallet so that the base panel of the cabinet is parallel to the supporting surface of the pallet. In this way the pallet supports the cabinet. Also in the loading station, the cabinet is blocked on the pallet so that it becomes integral with it. In this way, moving the pallet also moves the cabinet blocked to it. The cabinet is blocked to the pallet by means of the gripper and, in particular, by moving the two jaws so that they tighten on the two side panels of the cabinet. Once the cabinet is loaded and blocked onto the pallet, the cabinet is easily movable and well referenced via the pallet itself. This allows the cabinet to be moved inside the plant very precisely and quickly to assemble a piece of furniture.

[0016] Advantageously, the method also comprises the step of moving the cabinet. In particular, the cabinet is moved via the pallet, along a first transporting line. The plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention can comprise, for example, a first transporting line that passes through the various stations present in the plant itself. Via the first transporting line, the pallet can be moved through the plant, from one station to another. Via the use of pallets, it is possible to obtain a controlled flow of individual cabinets or pieces of furniture during the entire assembly process. The pallets can easily be uniquely identified, for example, via RFID, QRCODE or wireless communication systems. Consequently, the relative cabinets or pieces of furniture transported via pallets can also be easily uniquely identified. The unique identification of the pallets allows the creation of specific movement paths (or solutions), depending on the cabinet or piece of furniture to be assembled. The pallets can use, for example, configurable standard modules that simplify and speed up the creation of advanced, but simple, layouts of the plant to assemble a piece of furniture. In this way it is possible to move, balance, store (or perform buffering functions), recirculate and / or position the pallets themselves and, therefore, the cabinets or pieces of furniture. Further, this may make it possible to arrange, according to different logics, the flow of cabinets or pieces of furniture within the plant itself (for example, by exploiting branches or portions of the first transporting line), in order to adapt, for example, to the arranging of a series of closing elements (drawers or door leaves) to be mounted to the relative cabinets to make the desired pieces of furniture within the plant. The unique identification of the pallets by means of, for example, RFID positioned on the pallets themselves, can allow the monitoring and tracking of the individual cabinets or pieces of furniture and helps to obtain logistical control of the plant. Some of the advantages offered by the use of pallets for the transport of the cabinets can be, for example: the increase in the levels of freedom and versatile plants for a wide range of applications with the flexibility necessary for their easy scalability and modification; the reduction of dimensions on the ground for the movement of material vertically; the absence of damage to the load (cabinets, drawers or door leaves) during the movement since equalisations and / or centring are carried out on the pallet; and the traceability of the material. In particular, the traceability of the material can allow: the creation of the flow of information in assembly plants; the documentation of all the process phases and all the production data for the possible traceability in the event of unexpected downtime, the archiving of product data and their correlation with the order.

[0017] The first transporting line may comprise a first transporting surface, defining a first transporting plane. The first transporting surface is configured for supporting one or more pallets. In particular, the first transporting surface may be parallel to the pallet supporting surface. The first transporting line may also comprise, for example, a movement system for moving one or more pallets, asynchronously or synchronously, on the first transporting surface, along the transporting line itself. The movement system may comprise, for example, one or more belts, a conveyor belt and / or motorised rollers. The plant can comprise a plurality of pallets, supported and moved by the first transporting line, so as to be able to move a plurality of cabinets and pieces of furniture along the first transporting line, through the stations of the plant. In this step, the cabinet is moved, via the pallet, along the first transporting line, from the loading station to an assembly station.

[0018] Moreover, the method according to the invention comprises the step of mounting the closing element to the cabinet, in particular, when the cabinet is blocked on the pallet, that is, when the cabinet is supported and blocked on the pallet. In this way, the position and / or orientation of the cabinet is well known and it is possible to automate the assembly operations so as not to require the intervention of an operator. This makes the assembly operations and, therefore, the plant itself particularly precise, fast, efficient and productive. The step of mounting the closing element to the cabinet blocked on the pallet is carried out via the assembly station. The assembly station is configured to mount the closing element to the cabinet blocked on the pallet, coupling the first accessory to the second accessory, so as to make the piece of furniture. In order to be complete, the cabinet may provide for the mounting of a plurality of closing elements to the cabinet. In this case, at the end of this step it would be possible to obtain, for example, a semi-finished product, that is, a piece of furniture that is not entirely completed. For simplicity, the term "piece of furniture" means both complete and semi-finished pieces of furniture.

[0019] Advantageously, one of the two side panels of the cabinet may comprise a third accessory. Furthermore, the method comprises the step of providing a further closing element. The further closing element may comprise a fourth accessory configured to be coupled to the third accessory. In this way, it is possible to mount the at least one further closing element to the cabinet, in particular, when this is supported and blocked on the pallet. The further closing element may be, for example, a door leaf or a drawer, as described above for the closing element. Furthermore, the method may comprise the step of moving the cabinet, by means of the pallet, along the first transporting line, in particular, from the assembly station to a further assembly station. The further assembly station may be configured to mount the at least one further closing element to the cabinet blocked on the pallet, by coupling the third accessory to the fourth accessory. In particular, the method may comprise the step of mounting the additional closing element to the cabinet blocked on the pallet, coupling the third accessory to the fourth accessory, so as to make the piece of furniture. In particular, this step can take place via the further assembly station. Since the cabinet is supported and blocked on the pallet, as for the assembly phase described above in relation to the assembly station, the position and / or orientation of the cabinet is well known and it is possible to automate the assembly operations so as not to require the intervention of the operator.

[0020] It is evident how the plant can be provided with one or more assembly stations, each configured to perform an assembly phase, in particular, for mounting a relative closing element to the cabinet blocked on the pallet. The assembly stations can be arranged along the first transporting line, so as to be able to move the pallet and, therefore, the cabinet (or the semi-finished product) in each of the assembly stations. In addition, the first transporting line may provide so-called bypass branches, to prevent the cabinet from passing through a specific assembly station, in the event that the piece of furniture does not provide for the mounting of the relative closing element of that specific assembly station to the cabinet.

[0021] Advantageously, the method may comprise the step of moving the piece of furniture, via the pallet, along the first transporting line, to an unloading station. Depending on whether there are one or more assembly stations, at the end of the assembly of the piece of furniture, it can be moved, via the pallet, to the unloading station. The method may also comprise the step of unlocking and unloading the piece of furniture from the pallet. This step can take place via the unloading station. Once the piece of furniture has been unloaded from the pallet, the method may comprise the step of moving the pallet along a second transporting line. The second transporting line is a pallet return line. In fact, the unloading station is, substantially, an end-of-line station, while the loading station is, substantially, a start-of-line station. When the pallet has arrived at the unloading station, it can be returned to the loading station in order to repeat the production cycle, that is, the method for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention. The second transporting line may be, substantially, identical to the first transporting line, whereby the features described above for the first transporting line may also apply to the second transporting line. In particular, the second transporting line may also comprise a second transporting surface, defining a second transporting plane. The second transporting surface of the second transporting line is configured to support one or more pallets. In particular, the second transporting plane of the second transporting line may be parallel to the first transporting plane of the first transporting line.

[0022] Advantageously, the first transporting line and the second transporting line are one above the other, in particular the second transporting line may be arranged below the first transporting line. Thus, in a plan view, the two transporting lines are coincident (the second transporting line is hidden by the first transporting line) and together occupy the space of a single transporting line. In this way, it is possible to limit the space occupied by the plant, making it less expensive.

[0023] More advantageously, the closing element may be a drawer comprising a base panel defining a base plane, a rear panel, two side panels and a front panel. In particular, the method according to the invention can provide that, during the step of mounting the closing element, that is, the drawer, to the cabinet, the base plane can be kept parallel to the supporting surface. For this reason, the base plane of the drawer can be kept parallel to the base panel of the cabinet. This particular configuration, in combination and synergy with the fact that the cabinet is blocked on the pallet, renders the mounting of the drawer to the cabinet achievable by means of automatic robots, without the aid of the operator. For this reason, the assembly step is simple, efficient and fast, making the plant more productive overall.

[0024] Advantageously, the closing element can be a door leaf having a middle plane. The door leaf, in fact, from a geometric point of view, can be likened to a slab. For this reason, the middle plane is the geometric plane arranged between, and parallel to, the main faces of the slab and, therefore, of the door leaf. In particular, the method according to the invention can provide that, during the step of mounting the closing element, that is, the door leaf, to the cabinet, the middle plane can be kept perpendicular to the supporting surface. This particular configuration, in combination and synergy with the fact that the cabinet is blocked on the pallet, renders the mounting of the leaf to the cabinet achievable by means of automatic robots, without the aid of the operator. For this reason, the assembly step is simple, efficient and fast, making the plant more productive overall.

[0025] Further, the method according to the invention may also comprise the step of receiving a plurality of cabinets in an order determined by a production criterion. In particular, at the loading station, the plant for assembling a piece of furniture, according to the present invention, can receive a series of cabinets produced, for example, by a plant for producing cabinets, which does not form part of the present invention. The series of cabinets can have an order according to a production criterion. The production criterion can be, for example, by production batch, by destination, by customer or by order.

[0026] Furthermore, the method according to the invention may comprise the step of receiving a series of door leaves according to an order determined by a further production criterion. In particular, the plant for assembling a piece of furniture, according to the present invention, can receive a series of door leaves produced, for example, by a plant for producing door leaves, which does not form part of the present invention. The series of doors can be transported from the plant for producing door leaves to the plant for assembling a piece of furniture via a fourth conveyor line. The fourth conveyor line may be, for example, a conveyor belt. The series of door leaves can have an order determined by a further production criterion. The further production criterion can be, for example, by production batch, by destination, by customer or by order. The method according to the invention may advantageously comprise the step of rearranging the series of door leaves according to the production criterion, so as to match the order of the rearranged series of door leaves with the order of the series of cabinets. The term "match" means that there is a correct association, with respect to a production plan, between the cabinet during assembly and the door leaf that is supplied to the assembly station to be mounted to the cabinet itself. For example, the step of ordering the series of door leaves may be performed via a buffer station. The buffer station is configured to change the order of the series of door leaves arriving from the plant for producing door leaves. In this way, the reordered series of door leaves will follow the production criterion, which is characteristic of the series of cabinets, rather than the additional production criterion, which is characteristic of the plant for producing door leaves. The method according to the invention may advantageously comprise the step of feeding the rearranged series of door leaves to the assembly station. If the plant for assembling a piece of furniture also comprises the further assembly station or, in general, several assembly stations, the step of supplying the reordered series of door leaves may refer to each of these assembly stations. The steps of the method according to the invention relating to the rearrangement of the series of door leaves can be applied, mutatis mutandis, also to a possible series of drawers that are supplied to the plant to assemble a piece of furniture according to an order determined by a further production criterion different from the production criterion of the cabinets.

[0027] By means of the buffer station and the steps of the method described here, it is possible to correctly assemble a piece of furniture even if the cabinet and door leaf production plants, or drawers, produce according to different logics. In this way, the plant for assembling a piece of furniture is highly flexible and efficient.

[0028] Advantageously, the step of mounting the closing element to the cabinet blocked on the pallet can be carried out automatically by means of a robot or, more generally, a manipulator, in particular a Cartesian or anthropomorphic robot. This particular configuration, in combination with the fact that the cabinet is blocked on the pallet, makes the mounting of the door leaf to the cabinet possible in a completely automatic way, without the aid of the operator. For this reason, the assembly step is simple, efficient and fast, making the plant more productive overall. The characteristics described above relating to the use of a robot for the assembly phases can be applied, mutatis mutandis, also to the further assembly station and, more generally, to all the assembly stations included in the plant for assembling a piece of furniture, according to the present invention.

[0029] The present invention provides a plant for assembling a piece of furniture. The piece of furniture comprises a closing element, as described above, and a cabinet, as described above.

[0030] Advantageously, the plant comprises a pallet, as described above. The pallet is configured to support and block the cabinet and comprises a flat supporting surface, for supporting the cabinet.

[0031] Further, the plant comprises a loading station, as described above, configured to load and block the cabinet on the pallet, so that the base panel of the cabinet is parallel to the supporting surface.

[0032] The plant also comprises an assembly station, as described above, configured for mounting the closing element to the cabinet blocked on the pallet. In particular, the assembly station is configured to couple the first accessory to the second accessory, so as to make the piece of furniture (or a semi-finished product, in the case of multiple closing elements and multiple assembly stations).

[0033] More in particular, the plant comprises a first transporting line, as described above, configured to move the cabinet by means of the pallet, from the loading station to the assembly station.

[0034] Advantageously, the plant according to the invention may comprise an unloading station, as described above, configured to unlock and unload the piece of piece of furniture from the pallet. Further, the plant may comprise a second transporting line, as described above, configured to move the pallet from the unloading station to the loading station. The first transporting line may be configured to move the pallet from the assembly station to the unloading station. Further, the first transporting line and the second transporting line may be one above the other. In particular, the second transporting line may be arranged below the first transporting line. Advantageously, the plant may comprise a robot or, more generally, a manipulator, in particular a Cartesian or anthropomorphic robot. The robot, as described above, can be configured to automatically mount the closing element to the cabinet blocked on the pallet, coupling the first accessory to the second accessory, so as to make the piece of furniture.

[0035] Advantageously, the method may comprise the step of providing a closing element, comprising a hinge. The method may also comprise the step of providing a cabinet comprising a base panel and two side panels parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base panel. At least one of the two side panels may comprise a base configured to be coupled to the hinge, so as to mount the door leaf to the cabinet. The method may also comprise the step of providing a supporting surface for supporting the cabinet, and the step of loading and blocking the cabinet on the supporting surface, so that the base panel of the cabinet is parallel to the supporting surface. In particular, the method may comprise the step of mounting the door leaf to the cabinet blocked on the supporting surface, coupling the hinge to the base, so as to make the cabinet.

[0036] Further, the method may comprise the step of providing a pallet configured to support and block the cabinet. In particular, the pallet may comprise the supporting surface for supporting the cabinet. More particularly, the method may comprise the step of loading and blocking the cabinet on the pallet, so that the base panel of the cabinet is parallel to the supporting surface. Further, the method may comprise the step of mounting the door leaf to the cabinet blocked on the pallet, coupling the hinge to the base, so as to make the piece of furniture.

[0037] Advantageously, the step of loading and blocking the cabinet on the pallet may be performed via a loading station, the step of mounting the door leaf to the cabinet blocked on the pallet may be performed via a station for assembling door leaves, and the method may further comprise the step of moving the cabinet, via the pallet, along a first transporting line, from the loading station to an assembly station.

[0038] More advantageously, the method may comprise the step of moving the piece of furniture, via the pallet, along the first transporting line, to an unloading station. Further, the method may comprise the step of unlocking and unloading the piece of furniture from the pallet, via the unloading station. The method may also comprise the step of moving the pallet, along a second transporting line, from the unloading station to the loading station.

[0039] Advantageously, the method may comprise the step of positioning the door leaf, by means of a support for door leaves, close to the cabinet so that its middle plane is perpendicular to the supporting surface and parallel to the two side panels of the cabinet, and that the hinge faces the cabinet. Further, the method may comprise the step of exerting a force on the hinge, by means of a pusher, sufficient to break a latch present in the hinge.

[0040] The method may also comprise the step of measuring the actual position and / or presence of the hinge of the door leaf and / or of the base of the cabinet, by means of a feeler sensor.

[0041] In particular, the step of mounting the door leaf to the cabinet blocked on the pallet may comprise the sub-step of positioning the door leaf, by means of a support for door leaves, so that the hinge and the base are facing and in contact with each other, in a mounting position.

[0042] More particularly, the step of mounting the door leaf to the cabinet blocked on the pallet may comprise the sub-step of exerting on the hinge, by means of a presser, a force sufficient to couple the hinge to the base, so as to couple the door leaf to the cabinet.

[0043] Advantageously, the method may comprise the step of rotating the door leaf relative to the cabinet, when the door leaf is mounted to the cabinet, so that the middle plane of the door leaf is perpendicular to the two side panels and the door leaf is in a closed position.

[0044] More advantageously, the method may comprise the step of referencing the pallet, by means of a reference pad.

[0045] Further, the method may comprise the step of supporting the cabinet along a vertical direction perpendicular to the supporting surface, by means of a rear support.

[0046] In addition, the present invention provides a plant.

[0047] The plant can be configured to assemble a piece of furniture comprising a door leaf, comprising a hinge, and a cabinet, comprising a base panel and two side panels parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base panel. At least one of the two side panels may comprise a base configured to be coupled to the hinge, so as to mount the door leaf to the cabinet. Further, the plant may comprise a supporting surface for supporting the cabinet. For example, the plant may comprise a pallet, configured to support and block the cabinet and, in particular, the pallet may comprise the supporting surface for supporting the cabinet. The plant may also comprise a loading station, configured to load and block the cabinet on the pallet, so that the base panel of the cabinet is parallel to the supporting surface. In particular, the plant may comprise a station for mounting door leaves, configured to mount the door leaf to the cabinet blocked on the pallet, coupling the hinge to the base, so as to make the piece of furniture. More particularly, the station for mounting door leaves may comprise a support for door leaves, configured to position the door close to the cabinet so that its middle plane is perpendicular to the supporting surface and parallel to the two side panels of the cabinet, and that the hinge and the base are facing and in contact with each other, in an assembly position.

[0048] Advantageously, the station for mounting door leaves may comprise a presser configured to exert a sufficient force on the hinge to couple the hinge to the base, so as to couple the door leaf to the cabinet.

[0049] More advantageously, the station for mounting door leaves may comprise a feeler sensor configured to measure the actual position and / or the presence of the hinge of the door leaf and / or of the base of the cabinet. The station for mounting door leaves may also comprise a pusher configured to exert a force on the hinge sufficient to break a latch present in the hinge.

[0050] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting example embodiment of it, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first detail of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second detail of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a third detail, in a first configuration of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the third detail, in a second configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth detail, in a first configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the fourth detail, in a second configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the fourth detail, in a third configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the fourth detail, in a fourth configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a fifth detail of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth detail, in a first configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 12 illustrates a front view of the sixth detail, in the first configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 13 illustrates a front view of the sixth detail, in a second configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 14 illustrates a front view of the sixth detail, in a third configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 15 illustrates a front, cross section, view of a seventh detail, in a first configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 16 illustrates a plan, cross section, view of the seventh detail, in a second configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of an eighth detail of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 18 illustrates a plan, cross section, view of a ninth detail, in a first configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 19 illustrates a plan, cross section, view of the ninth detail, in a second configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 20 illustrates a perspective view of a tenth detail of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 21 illustrates a perspective, cross section, view of an eleventh detail of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 22 illustrates a plan, cross section, view of a twelfth detail of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 23 illustrates a perspective, cross section, view of a thirteenth detail of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of a fourteenth detail, in a first configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of the fourteenth detail, in a second configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 26 illustrates a perspective view of a fifteenth detail of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 27 illustrates a perspective view of a sixteenth detail, in a first configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 28 illustrates a perspective, cross section, view of the sixteenth detail, in a second configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 29 illustrates a perspective view of the sixteenth detail, in a third configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention; and Figure 30 illustrates a perspective view of the sixteenth detail, in a fourth configuration, of the plant for assembling a piece of furniture according to the invention.

[0051] The directional terminology, such as "right", "left", "front", "rear", "base", "top", "upper", "lower", "side", etc., is used below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since components and / or elements and / or embodiments of this invention may be positioned and / or made to operate in various different orientations, the directional terminology is used purely by way of a non-limiting example.

[0052] Figure 1 shows an example of embodiment of the plant 1 for assembling a piece of furniture 10, according to the present invention.

[0053] The cabinet 10 may be, for example, an element of a kitchen, a bathroom or a living room, and may comprise a cabinet 100 and a closing element 210, 220. In particular, the cabinet 10 may comprise a cabinet 100 and one or more closing elements 210, 220.

[0054] The closing element 210, 220 may comprise a first accessory 211, 221. The closing element 210, 220 may be, for example, a drawer 210. In this case, the first accessory 211, 221 may be an element 211 for fixing to a guide for drawers. The closing element 210, 220 may be, for example, a door leaf 220. In this case, the first accessory 211, 221 may be a hinge 221. The hinge 221 can have a latch made, for example, of plastic material, which must be broken before the door leaf 220 can be mounted to the cabinet 100. In order to break the latch of the hinge 221, if present, it is sufficient to exert a force of adequate intensity on the hinge 221 itself. The cabinet 100 may comprise a base panel 101, a top panel 102 parallel to the base panel 101, two side panels 104 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base panel 101, and a rear panel 103 positioned between the two side panels 104. It should be understood that the top panel 102 can be replaced by one or more structural elements such as, for example, reinforcing strips, chains or ribs, connected to the two side panels 104 and / or to the rear panel 103, so as to make the cabinet 100 sufficiently rigid. This can take place, for example, in the cabinets 100 for kitchens, in particular, for cabinets 100 arranged below, and supporting, a kitchen work surface. For this reason, where the top panel 102 is described, this can be understood as one or more structural elements, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the claims attached hereto. It should also be understood that the rear panel 103 can be replaced by one or more portions of panels (even if not contiguous) and / or structural elements such as, for example, reinforcing strips, chains or ribs, connected to the two side panels 104 and arranged between them, so as to make the cabinet 100 sufficiently rigid. This can take place, for example, in the cabinets 100 for kitchens, in particular for the cabinets 100 configured to house an electrical domestic appliance such as, for example, an oven. For this reason, where the rear panel 103 is described, this can be understood as one or more portions of panels (even if not contiguous) and / or structural elements, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the claims attached hereto. Further, at least one of the two side panels 104 may comprise one or more second accessories 105, 106, as a function of the number of closing elements 210, 220 to be mounted to the cabinet 100 and the number of first accessories 211, 221 included in the closing elements 210, 220. In some cases, for example, both side panels 104 may comprise one or more second accessories 105, 106. The second accessories 105, 106 are configured to be coupled to the first accessories 211, 221, so as to allow the mounting of the closing elements 210, 220 to the cabinet 100. As mentioned, the closing element 210, 220 can be, for example, a door leaf 220. In this case, the first accessory 211, 221 may be a hinge 221, while the second accessory 105, 106 may be a base 106 configured to be coupled to the hinge 221. For example, the door leaf 220 may comprise two or three hinges 221 arranged on a same side of the door leaf 220. As mentioned, the closing element 210, 220 may be, for example, a drawer 210. In this case, the first accessory 211, 221 may be a fixing element 211 (that is counter-guides 221), while the second accessory 105, 106 may be a drawer guide 105 configured to be coupled to the fixing element 211. For example, the drawer 210 may comprise two fixing elements 211 positioned on opposite sides of the drawer 210.

[0055] The plant 1, as shown in the example of figure 1, may comprise a first transporting line T1. The first transporting line T1 is configured to transport the cabinet 100 through the plant 1. In particular, the first transporting line T1 is configured to move, or transport, a pallet P, on which the cabinet 100 may have been previously loaded and blocked, through the plant 1, so as to move, or transport, the cabinet 100 blocked on the pallet P through the plant 1. With particular reference to figure 2, the first transporting line T1 may comprise a first transporting surface T11, defining a first transporting plane. The first transporting surface T11 is configured to support one or more pallets P. The first transporting line T1 may also comprise, for example, a movement system for moving one or more pallets P, asynchronously or synchronously, on the first transporting surface T11, along the first transporting line T1 itself. The movement system may comprise, for example, one or more belts, a conveyor belt and / or motorised rollers. As shown in Figure 1, the plant 1 comprises a plurality of pallets P, supported and moved by the first transporting line T1, in order to be able to simultaneously transport a plurality, or series, of cabinets 100 and pieces of furniture 10 through the plant 1. In this way, the plant 1 can assemble a large number of pieces of furniture 10 with a high production rate.

[0056] Again with reference to the example shown in Figure 2, the plant 1 may comprise a second transporting line T2 (not visible in Figure 1). The second transporting line T2 is configured, like the first transporting line T1, to move, or transport, the pallets P through the plant 1. In particular, the second transporting line T2 is a return line for the pallets P which, having reached the end of the first transporting line T1, that is, having reached the end of the plant 1, must be able to return to the beginning of the first transporting line T1, that is, at the beginning of the plant 1, in order to restart the production cycle, that is, the cycle for assembly of the pieces of furniture 10. The second transporting line T2 can be formed like the first transporting line T1; therefore, the features described for the first transporting line T1 can be applied, mutatis mutandis, also to the second transporting line T2. In particular, the second transporting line T2 may comprise a second transporting surface T21, defining a second transporting plane. The second transporting plane may be parallel to the first transporting plane. The second transporting surface T21 may be configured to support one or more pallets P. The second transporting line T1 may also comprise, for example, a movement system, similar to that of the first transporting line, for moving one or more pallets P, asynchronously or synchronously, on the second transporting surface T21, along the second transporting line T2 itself. Advantageously, the first transporting line may be above the second transporting line T2, in particular, the second transporting surface T21 may be arranged below the first transporting surface T11. In this way, the entirety of the first transporting line T1 and the second transporting line T2 occupies a smaller space (that of a single transporting line), making the plant 1 less expensive in terms of occupied space and, therefore, in economic terms.

[0057] Again with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the plant 1 may comprise one or more transfer units AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 configured to transport the pallets P from the first transporting line T1 to the second transporting line T2, and vice versa. The transfer units are in fact forklifts that allow the pallet P to be moved from the height of the first transporting surface T11 to the second height, less than the first height, of the second transporting surface T21.

[0058] With particular reference to Figure 3, the pallet P may comprise a clamp P1 configured to block the cabinet on the pallet P itself. The clamp P1 may comprise a first jaw P11 and a second jaw P12 movable with respect to the first jaw P11 along a gripping axis X, so as to be able to tighten, for example, the side panels 104 of the cabinet 100, blocking it on the pallet P. The pallet P may also comprise a guide system P2 configured to guide, along the gripping axis X, the relative gripping movement of the second jaw P12 with respect to the first jaw P11. The guide system P2 may comprise a first linear guide P21, extending along the gripping axis X, and a second linear guide P22, extending along the gripping axis X and spaced from the first linear guide P21. In particular, the first jaw P11 and the second jaw P12 can each be slidably coupled, along the gripping axis X, to the guide system P2, that is, to the first linear guide P21 and to the second linear guide P22. In this way, it is possible to adapt the distance between the first jaw P11 and the second jaw P12 as a function, for example, of the width of the cabinet 100 to be blocked on the pallet P. In particular, the first jaw P11 and the second jaw P12 may each extend transversely with respect to the gripping axis X, being parallel to each other and spaced with respect to the gripping axis X. The first jaw P11 may comprise two contact elements P111. Each contact element P111 of the first jaw P11 may be positioned at a respective end of the first jaw P11. Further, the first jaw P11 may comprise a plurality of brakes P112 configured to block in a certain position the first jaw P11 with respect to the guide system P2. The brakes P112 of the plurality of brakes P112 of the first jaw P11 can be positioned at a respective end of the first jaw P11, in particular in the vicinity of a respective contact element P111 of the first jaw P11. The brakes P112 of the plurality of brakes P112 of the first jaw P11 may be spring brakes having a release position, wherein the first jaw P11 is free to slide along the guide system P2, and a blocking position, wherein the first jaw P11 is blocked with respect to the guide system P2, that is, it is not free to slide along the first linear guide P21 and the second linear guide P22. Normally the brakes P112 of the plurality of brakes P112 of the first jaw P11 are always in the blocking position. By pulling the spring of the brakes P112 of the plurality of brakes P112 of the first jaw P11, they move from the blocking position to the release position. By releasing the brake springs P112 of the plurality of brakes P112 of the first jaw P11, they return to the blocking position. The first jaw P11 may comprise one or more contact elements P113 configured to make contact with one of the side panels 104 of the cabinet 100. The contact elements P113 of the first jaw P11 may comprise elastic elements configured to cushion, that is, not to make it rigid, the contact between the contact elements P113 of the first jaw P11 and one of the side panels 104 of the cabinet 100. Further, the first jaw P11 may comprise a supporting surface P114 configured to make contact with and support the base panel 101 of the cabinet 100 and / or to make contact with and support one of the two side panels 104 of the cabinet 100 (in particular, if they protrude from the base panel 101 of the cabinet 100). In particular, the supporting surface P114 of the first jaw P11 defines a supporting plane parallel to the gripping axis X. The first transporting surface T11 and the second transporting surface T21 may be parallel to the transporting surface P114 of the first jaw P11. The second jaw P12 may comprise two contact elements P121. Each contact element P121 may be positioned at a respective end of the first jaw P12. The second jaw P12 may also comprise a plurality of brakes P122 configured to block in a certain position the second jaw P12 with respect to the guide system P2. The brakes P122 of the plurality of brakes P122 of the second jaw P12 can be positioned at a respective end of the second jaw P12, in particular in the vicinity of a respective contact element P121 of the second jaw P12. The brakes P122 of the plurality of first brakes P122 of the second jaw P12 may be spring brakes having a release position and a blocking position. Normally the spring brakes P122 of the second jaw are always in the blocking position, wherein the second jaw P12 is blocked with respect to the guide system P2, that is, the second jaw P12 is not free to slide along the first linear guide P21 and the second linear guide P22. By pulling the spring brakes P122 of the second jaw P12, these move from the blocking position to the release position, wherein the second jaw P12 is free to slide along the guide system P2. By releasing the spring brakes P122 of the second jaw P12, they return to the blocking position. The second jaw P12 may comprise one or more contact elements P123 configured to make contact with one of the side panels 104 of the cabinet 100. The contact elements P123 of the second jaw P12 may comprise elastic elements configured to cushion, that is, not to make it rigid, the contact between the contact elements P123 of the second jaw P12 and one of the side panels 104 of the cabinet 100. Further, the second jaw P12 may comprise a supporting surface P124 configured to make contact with and support the base panel 101 of the cabinet 100 and / or to make contact with and support one of the two side panels 104 of the cabinet 100 (in particular, if they protrude from the base panel 101 of the cabinet 100). In particular, the supporting surface P124 of the second jaw P12 defines a supporting plane coinciding with the supporting plane defined by the supporting surface P114 of the first jaw P11. In the example of Figure 3, the supporting surface P114, P124 of the pallet P is made by means of the supporting surface P114 of the first jaw P11 and the supporting surface P124 of the second jaw P12, and the supporting plane P114, P124 of the pallet P coincides with the supporting plane defined by the supporting surface P114 of the first jaw P11, which coincides with the supporting plane defined by the supporting surface P124 of the second jaw P12. The pallet P may also comprise a supporting plate P3 configured to support the guide system P2. In particular, the supporting plate P3 may be parallel to the supporting plane P114, P124 of the pallet P. More in particular, the first transporting surface T11 and the second transporting surface T21 may be parallel to the supporting plate P3. Further, the first transporting surface T11 and the second transporting surface T21 can be configured to come into contact with the supporting plate P3, so as to support the pallet P. The supporting plate P3 comprises a plurality of holes P31, in particular four holes P31, more in particular calibrated holes, to accurately and accurately reference the pallet P, that is, to correctly determine its position and orientation on the first transporting line T1. This operation, or phase, is commonly referred to as "indexing".

[0059] With particular reference to the example shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5, the first transporting line T1 may comprise a reference, or index, pad PI. The reference pad PI may comprise a plurality of reference pins PI1. The plurality of reference pins PI1 may be movable toward and away from the plurality of holes P31 of the supporting plate P3 of the pallet P. In particular, the plurality of reference pins PI1 has a lowered position (shown in Figure 4), wherein the pins of the plurality of reference pins PI1 are not inserted into the plurality of holes P31, and a raised position (shown in Figure 5), wherein the pins of the plurality of reference pins PI1 are inserted into the plurality of holes P31, so as to reference the pallet P and, therefore, the cabinet 100 blocked thereon. The pins of the plurality of reference pins PI1 may have a substantially wedge shape for referencing the pallet P. The plurality of reference pins PI1 may be coupled to a referencing plate PI2 parallel to the supporting plate P3 of the pallet P and movable towards and away from the supporting plate P3. The reference pad PI may comprise guides for guiding the movement towards and away of the reference plate PI2 and may comprise an actuator, for example, a piston or an electric motor, for moving, in particular along a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the supporting plane, the referencing plate PI2 and, therefore, the plurality of reference pins PI1, from the lowered position to the raised position.

[0060] With reference to Figure 1, the plant 1 may comprise a loading station C. The loading station C described here is itself new and inventive, and could represent an invention in itself. The loading station C is configured to load and block the cabinet 100 on a pallet P. In particular, the loading station C can be configured to pick up, for example by means of a loading robot R1, the cabinet 100 from a plant for producing a cabinet (not forming part of the present invention described herein and not shown in the accompanying drawings) and to load and block the cabinet 100, picked up in this way, on the pallet P. The loading station C, as shown in the example of Figure 2, can have a portion of the first transporting line T1, comprise a reference pad PI, and a portion of the second transporting line T2. Further, the loading station C may have one or more transfer units AP1, AP2, in particular two transfer units AP1, AP2. The loading station C may also have an setting-up station AT. The setting-up station AT is configured to block the cabinet 100 to the pallet P. While the loading robot R1 picks up the cabinet 100 and loads it on the pallet P, resting it on the supporting surface P114 of the first jaw P11 and on the supporting surface P124 of the second jaw P12, the setting-up station AT moves the first jaw P11 and / or the second jaw P12, adjusting their position with respect to the guide system P2, so as to tighten the two side panels 104 of the cabinet 104 and block the cabinet 104 on the pallet P. The setting-up station AT comprises four adjustment devices AT1, AT2, AT3, AT4. The four adjustment devices AT1, AT2, AT3, AT4 are respectively associated with the two ends of the first jaw P11 and with the two ends of the second jaw P12, and cooperate in order to respectively move the first jaw P11 relative to the second jaw P12. With particular reference to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, one of the four adjustment devices AT1 will be described below. This description also applies, mutatis mutandis, to the other three control devices AT2, AT3, AT4. The adjustment device AT1 comprises a contact element AT11 configured to come into contact and interact with the contact element P121 of the second jaw P12. The contact element AT11 is movable along an adjustment axis parallel to the gripping axis X. In particular, the contact element AT11 of the adjustment device AT1 has a complementary shape with respect to the shape of the contact element of the second jaw P12. More particularly, the contact element AT11 of the adjustment device AT1 has a V-shape wherein the wedge shape of the contact element of the second jaw P12 can be perfectly inserted. The contact element AT11 of the adjustment device AT1 is movable, along a transversal axis Y perpendicular to the gripping axis X and the vertical axis Z, between a non-gripping position, wherein it is not coupled to the contact element P121 of the second jaw P12, and a gripping position, wherein it is coupled to the contact element P121 of the second jaw P12. The adjustment device AT1 comprises two hooks AT12 configured to pull and release a respective brake of the plurality of brakes P122 of the second jaw P12. The two hooks AT12 have a rest position, in which they are not coupled to the brakes of the plurality of brakes P122 of the second jaw P12, and an operating position, wherein they are coupled to the brakes of the plurality of brakes P122 of the second jaw P12. Further, the two hooks AT12 have a non-pulling position, wherein they do not pull the brakes of the plurality of brakes P122 of the second jaw P12, leaving them in their blocking position, and a pulling position, wherein they pull the brakes of the plurality of brakes P122 of the second jaw P12, moving them from their blocking position to their release position. Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 show a sequence of phases of the setting up station AT for moving the first jaw P11 and / or the second jaw P12, adjusting their position with respect to the guide system P2, so as to tighten the two side panels 104 of the cabinet 104 and block the cabinet 104 on the pallet P. In particular, Figure 6 shows, for example, a first configuration of the adjustment device AT1 wherein the contact element AT11 of the adjustment device AT1 is in its non-gripping position, and wherein the two hooks AT12 are in their rest position and in their non-pulling position. Further, Figure 7 shows, for example, a second configuration of the adjustment device AT1 wherein the contact element AT11 of the adjustment device AT1 is in its gripping position, and wherein the two hooks AT12 are in their rest position and in their non-pulling position. Further, Figure 8 shows, for example, a third configuration of the adjustment device AT1 wherein the contact element AT11 of the adjustment device AT1 is in its gripping position, and wherein the two hooks AT12 are in their operating position and in their non-pulling position. Further, Figure 9 shows, for example, a fourth configuration of the adjustment device AT1 wherein the contact element AT11 of the adjustment device AT1 is in its gripping position, and wherein the two hooks AT12 are in their operating position and in their pulling position. In the latter configuration, the second jaw P12 is free to move along the gripping axis X with respect to the guide system P2 and the first jaw P11. By moving the contact element AT11 of the adjustment device AT1, along the adjustment axis parallel to the gripping axis X, it is possible to adjust the position of the second jaw P12. Similarly, by coordinating the phases of all four adjustment devices AT1, AT2, AT3, AT3 it is possible to move the first jaw P11 and / or the second jaw P12, adjusting their position with respect to the guide system P2, along the gripping axis X, so as to tighten the two side panels 104 of the cabinet 104 and block the cabinet 104 on the pallet P. The setting-up station AT may comprise a sensor AT5 configured to detect the presence and / or position of the cabinet 100. In this way it is possible to coordinate the movement of the four adjustment devices AT1, AT2 AT3, AT3 in order to block the cabinet 100 on the pallet P.

[0061] A description is given below of an example of operation of the loading station C. In particular, the plant 1 may comprise a control device, also called a "supervisor" (not shown), configured and programmed to control the plant 1 and, in particular, the loading station C, so as to perform the steps described below.

[0062] The pallet P, present on the second transporting surface T21, is moved, or transported, by means of the movement system of the second transporting line T2 up to the end of the second transporting line T2.

[0063] At the end of the second transporting line T2 there may be two transfer units AP1, AP2. One of the two transfer units transfers the pallet P from the second transporting surface T21 to the first transporting surface T11. The pallet P, present on the first transporting surface T11 can be moved, or transported, by means of the movement system of the first transporting line T1 to the reference pad PI present in the loading station C.

[0064] The plurality of reference pins PI1 of the reference pad PI, present in the loading station C, can be moved from the lowered position to the raised position, so as to reference the pallet P.

[0065] The setting-up station AT can adjust the position of the first jaw P11 and the second jaw P12 as a function of the size of the cabinet 100 to be blocked on the pallet P.

[0066] The loading robot R1 can pick up the cabinet 100 to be loaded and blocked on the pallet P and bring it to the reference pad.

[0067] By means of the information from the sensor AT5, the setting-up station AT and the loading robot R1 can be coordinated so as to load the cabinet 100 on the supporting surface P114 of the first jaw P11 and on the supporting surface P124 of the second jaw P12, so that the base panel 101 of the cabinet 100 is parallel to the supporting surface P114, P124 of the pallet P.

[0068] The setting-up station AT can adjust the position of the first jaw P11 and the second jaw P12 so as to tighten the two side panels 104 of the cabinet 100 and block the cabinet 100 on the pallet P.

[0069] With particular reference to Figure 10, at the end of these phases, the cabinet 100 can be moved along the first transporting line T1 by moving the pallet P, that is, by means of the pallet P.

[0070] With reference to Figure 1, the plant 1 may comprise an assembly station MC, MA, in particular a drawer mounting station MC. The drawer mounting station MC described herein is itself new and inventive, and could represent an invention in itself. The drawer mounting station MC is configured to mount the closing element 210, 220, in particular the drawer 210, to the cabinet 100 blocked on the pallet P, coupling the first accessory 211, 221, in particular a fixing element 211, to the second accessory 105, 106, in particular a drawer guide 105, so as to make the piece of furniture 10 (or a semi-finished product, if the cabinet needs further closing elements 210, 220). The drawer 210 may comprise a base panel 212 defining a base plane, a rear panel 213, two side panels 214, and a front panel 215.

[0071] With particular reference to the example shown in Figure 11, the drawer mounting station MC may comprise a third transporting line T3 configured to transport one or more drawers 210. The third transporting line T3 may comprise a third transporting surface T31, defining a third transporting plane. The third transporting plane can be, for example, parallel to a supporting surface of the plant 1, that is, to a supporting floor of the plant 1. The third transporting line T3 may be configured to support and transport the drawers 210 such that the base panel 212 of the drawers 210 is parallel to the third supporting plane. Further, the drawer mounting station MC may comprise one or more lifting devices SC. The lifting devices SC may be, for example, manipulators or robots, for example, Cartesian or anthropomorphic, configured to lift the respective drawer 210. In particular, each lifting device SC may comprise a suction cup system SC1. The suction cup systems SC1 of the lifting devices SC can be positioned above the third transporting line T3, in particular above the third transporting surface T31. Further, each suction cup system SC1 can be movable, for example autonomously with respect to the other suction cup systems SC1, towards and away from the third transporting line T3, in particular above the third transporting surface T31, or they can be movable along a lifting axis perpendicular to the third transporting plane. In this way, the suction cup systems SC1 can, for example, move from a lifting position, distal from the third transporting surface T31, to a contact position proximal to the third transporting surface T31, and vice versa. As shown in the example of Figure 12, in the contact position, the suction cup systems SC1 may be configured, for example, to make contact with a first face of the base panel 212 of the drawers 210 and grip the base panel 212 of the drawers 210 by, for example, a negative pressure force. Once the base panel 212 of the drawers 210 is gripped, each suction cup system SC1 can lift the respective drawer 210 with respect to the third transporting surface T3 by passing, for example, from the contact position to an intermediate position, positioned between the contact position and the lifting position, as shown, for example, in Figure 13. Again with reference to the example shown in Figure 13, the drawer mounting station MC may comprise a drawer mounting robot R2 or, more generally, a manipulator, for example, Cartesian or anthropomorphic, configured to grip the drawer 210, in particular when the drawer 210 is raised with respect to the third transporting surface T31. In particular, the drawer mounting robot R2 may comprise a drawer gripping system R21. The drawer gripping system R21 of the drawer mounting robot R2 may comprise, for example, suction cups configured to grip the drawer 210 by means of a negative force. In particular, the drawer gripping system R21 of the drawer mounting robot R2 may be configured, for example, to make contact with a second face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210, facing the transporting surface T31 and opposite the first face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210, and grip the base panel 212 of the drawer 210 by, for example, the negative force of the suction cups of the drawer gripping system R21. The drawer gripping system R21 may comprise two arms R22 having one or more suction cups for gripping the drawer 210. The two arms R22 of the drawer gripping system R21 may be movable relative to each other so as to be able to adapt to the width of the drawer 210. In particular, each arm R22 of the drawer gripping system R21 can be movable along a setting axis, and the movement of the two arms R22 of the drawer gripping system R21 can be synchronous, and achieved, for example, by means of a single actuator. Further, the drawer gripping system R21 may comprise at the end of each arm R22 a pushing element R24 configured to come into contact with the front panel 215 of the drawer 210, in particular at an edge of the front panel 215 of the drawer 210. Further, the drawer gripping system R21 may comprise a fixed suction cup R23 configured to make contact with and grip the second face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210. The fixed suction cup R23 is positioned between the two arms R22 of the drawer gripping system R21, in particular, the two arms R22 of the drawer gripping system R21 can be configured to be movable in such a way as to be always equidistant with respect to the fixed suction cup R23. With particular reference to the example shown in Figure 15, the drawer mounting station MC may comprise a portion of the first transporting line T1. The portion of the first transporting line T1 may comprise a reference pad PI, for example, analogous to the previously described reference pad PI for the loading station C. At the reference pad PI, the drawer mounting station MC may comprise a rear support SP. The rear support SP is configured to support the rear of the cabinet 100, in particular in the assembly stations MC, MA, and more particularly at the reference pads PI. Further, the rear support SP is configured to be a rear stop for the cabinet 100, so as to be able to be a constraint for any forces perpendicular to the rear panel 103 of the cabinet 100, so as to counteract them and avoid displacements of the cabinet in the transversal axis Y perpendicular to the rear panel 103 of the cabinet 100. Further, the rear support SP may be configured to be a reference for the cabinet 100, so as to correctly position and know the position of the cabinet 100. More particularly, the rear support SP may comprise two stops SP1 configured to come into contact with the rear panel 103 of the cabinet 100 and / or with a narrow side of a respective side panel 104 of the cabinet 100. The two stops SP1 of the rear support SP can have an elongated shape, that is, they can extend along the vertical axis Z perpendicular to the base panel 101 of the cabinet 100, so as to guarantee a good support for the cabinet 100 along the vertical axis Z. Further, the two stops SP1 of the rear support SP can be movable with respect to each other along the gripping axis X, so as to be able to adapt to the width of the cabinet 100. Further, the two stops SP1 of the rear support SP can be movable towards and away from the first transporting line T1, so as to be able to move towards and away from the cabinet 100, in particular when this is blocked on the pallet P, more in particular when the pallet P is referenced by means of the reference pad PI. The two stops SP1 of the rear support SP can be movable, for example, along the transversal axis Y, between a non-contact position of the stops SP1, wherein they are not in contact and do not support the cabinet 100, and a contact position of the stops SP1, wherein they are in contact and support the cabinet 100.

[0072] A description follows of an example of operation of the assembly station MC, MA, in particular of the drawer mounting station MC. In particular, the plant 1 may comprise a control device, also called a "supervisor" (not shown), configured and programmed to control the plant 1 and, in particular, the drawer mounting station MC, so as to perform the steps described below.

[0073] Via the third transporting line T3, the drawer 210 can be supported and transported to the respective lifting device SC, so that the suction cup system SC1 of the lifting device SC can be positioned above the drawer 210 in the lifting position.

[0074] The suction cup system SC1 can be moved from the lifting position to the contact position, so as to come into contact with the first face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210.

[0075] The suction cup system SC1 may grip, for example, by means of a negative force, the first face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210 and, thus, the drawer 210.

[0076] The suction cup system SC1 can be moved from the contact position to the intermediate position.

[0077] The drawer gripping system R21 of the drawer mounting robot R2 may come into contact with the second face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210.

[0078] The drawer gripping system R21 of the drawer mounting robot R2 and / or the fixed suction cup R23 can grip, for example, by means of a negative force, the second face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210 and, therefore, the drawer 210.

[0079] The suction cup system SC1 may release, for example, by not exerting the negative force, the first face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210 and, therefore, the drawer 210.

[0080] With particular reference to figure 14, the suction cup system SC1 can, once the drawer 210 is released, move from the intermediate position to the lifting position.

[0081] For example, simultaneously, or in sequence, with the steps described above, the cabinet 100, by means of the pallet P, can be transported, or moved, along the first transporting line T1, from the loading station C to the assembly station MC, MA, in particular to the drawer mounting station MC.

[0082] In particular, the cabinet 100, by means of the pallet P, present on the first transporting surface T11, can be moved, or transported, by means of the movement system of the first transporting line T1 to the reference pad PI present in the drawer mounting station MC.

[0083] The plurality of reference pins PI1 of the reference pad PI, present in the drawer mounting station MC, can be moved from the lowered position to the raised position, so as to reference the pallet P.

[0084] The two stops SP1 of the rear support SP, present in the drawer mounting station MC, can be moved along the gripping axis X, so as to be adjusted as a function of the width of the cabinet 100.

[0085] The two stops SP1 of the rear support SP, present in the drawer mounting station MC, can be moved from their non-contact position to their contact position, so as to support the cabinet 100 along the vertical axis Z.

[0086] With particular reference to the example shown in Figure 15, the drawer mounting robot R2 can mount the closing element 210, in particular the drawer 210, to the cabinet 100 blocked on the pallet P, coupling the first accessory 211, in particular the fixing element 211, to the second accessory 105, in particular to the drawer guide 105, so as to make the piece of furniture 10 (or the semi-finished product if the piece of furniture 10 needs more than one closing element 210, 220 in order to be completed). More particularly, the drawer mounting robot R2 may position the drawer 210 so as to bring the fixing element 211 (which may be a counter-guide) into contact with the drawer guide 105.

[0087] The drawer gripping system R21 may release, for example, by not exerting the negative force, the second face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210. In particular, the drawer gripping system R21 can move the arms R22 to bring them into a position of non-interference with the drawer 210 and / or with the cabinet 100.

[0088] The drawer mounting robot R2, which continues to grip the drawer 210 by means of the fixed suction cup R23, can terminate the coupling between the fixing element 211 and the drawer guide 105 by moving, along the transversal axis Y, the drawer 210 with respect to the cabinet 100.

[0089] With particular reference to figure 16, once the coupling between the fixing element 211 and the drawer guide 105 is completed, the drawer mounting robot R2 can release the drawer 210, in particular, the fixed suction cup R23 can release, for example, by not exerting the negative pressure force, the second face of the base panel 212 of the drawer 210.

[0090] Again with reference to the example shown in Figure 16, once the coupling between the fixing element 211 and the drawer guide 105 is completed, the drawer mounting robot R2 can close the drawer 210 by inserting it, substantially, completely inside the cabinet 100 (except the front panel 215 of the drawer 210). In particular, the drawer mounting robot R2 can bring each pushing element R24 into contact with the front panel 215 of the drawer 210, in particular, at an edge of the front panel 215 of the drawer 210. The drawer mounting robot R2 can push, by means of the pushing elements R24, the drawer 210 inside the cabinet 100, so as to close it.

[0091] For example, all the assembly steps carried out by the drawer mounting robot R2 can be carried out in such a way that the base plane of the drawer 210 is parallel to the support plane of the pallet P, that is, to the supporting surface P114, P124 of the pallet P.

[0092] With reference to Figure 1, the plant 1 may comprise one or more assembly stations MC, MA, in particular if the closing element 210, 220 may be of different types. In this case it is advantageous to have specialised mounting stations MC, MA for mounting a specific type of closing element 210, 220. The piece of furniture 10 may, in fact, comprise one or more closing elements 210, 220 of different types such as, for example, drawers 210 and / or door leaves 220. If the plant 1 comprises two or more assembly stations MC, MA, advantageously the first transporting system T1 may have one or more portions, or branches, BP1, BP2, BP3 configured to be able to prevent a certain cabinet 100, via the pallets P, from passing through a certain assembly station MC, MA, so as to make it pass only through the assembly stations MC, MA specialised for the type of closing element 210, 220 that must be mounted to the cabinet 100 itself to make the desired piece of furniture 10. These branches BP1, BP2, BP3 are often called "bypass branches".

[0093] The plant 1 comprises a drawer bypass branch BP1 configured to prevent the cabinet 100, via the pallet P, from passing through the cabinet assembly station MC.

[0094] In particular, the plant 1 comprises a further assembly station MC, MA, in particular a door leaves assembly station MA, positioned downstream of the drawer mounting station MC.

[0095] If the piece of furniture 10 does not comprise one or more drawers as a closing element, the cabinet 100 can avoid passing through the drawer mounting station MC by passing, instead, through the drawer bypass branch BP1.

[0096] Further, again with reference to the example shown in Figure 1, the plant 1 can comprise one or more manual assembly stations MM, that is, stations configured to allow access by an operator so that manual assembly operations can be performed (for example, not automatically by means of a robot) on the cabinet 100 blocked on the pallet P.

[0097] With reference to Figure 1, the plant 1 may comprise a further assembly station MC, MA. In particular, the further assembly station may be a door leaf mounting station MA. It is evident how the number, order and / or type of mounting stations MC, MA included in the plant 1 could be different, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the claims attached hereto. In fact, the plant could have an door leaf mounting station MA and, downstream, a further assembly station, in particular a drawer mounting station MC.

[0098] The door leaf mounting station MA described herein is itself new and inventive, and could represent an invention in itself.

[0099] With reference to the example shown in Figure 17, the door leaf mounting station MA may comprise a robot for door leaves R3 or, more generally, a manipulator, for example, Cartesian or anthropomorphic, configured to pick up a door leaf 220, for example, from a buffer station SB. In particular, the door leaf robot R3 may comprise a door leaf gripping system R31. The door leaf gripping system R31 of the door leaf robot R3 may comprise, for example, suction cups configured to grip the door leaf 220 by means of a negative force. In particular, the system for gripping door leaves R31 of the robot R3 for door leaves can be configured, for example, to come into contact with a first face of the door leaf 220, in particular a main face of the door leaf 220 (that is, one of the two faces having a larger surface), and grip the door leaf 220 by, for example, the negative force of the suction cups of the system for gripping door leaves R31.

[0100] With particular reference to the example shown in figure 17, the door leaf mounting station MA may comprise a manipulator for door leaves M. The manipulator for door leaves M is configured to mount the closing element 220, in particular the door leaf 220, to the cabinet 100 blocked on the pallet P. In particular, the manipulator for door leaves M is configured to couple the first accessory 221, in particular a hinge 221, to the second accessory 106, in particular the base 106, so as to make the piece of furniture 10 (or a semi-finished product, if the piece of furniture 10 requires the assembly of several closing elements 210, 220 in order to be complete). The door leaf manipulator M may comprise a central manipulator M1. Further, the door leaf mounting station MA may comprise a right support for door leaves M2. Still further, the door leaf mounting station MA may comprise a left support for door leaves M3. The central manipulator M1 and the right support for door leaves M2 are configured and coordinated (that is, controlled in a coordinated manner), in particular, to mount a door leaf 220 on a right side of the cabinet 100, that is, on one of the two side panels 104 of the cabinet 100, while the central manipulator M1 and the right support for door leaves M2 are configured and coordinated, in particular, to mount a door leaf 220 on a left side of the cabinet 100, opposite the right side of the cabinet 100. In this way it is possible to mount door leaves 220 both on the right side and on the left side of the cabinet 100.

[0101] The characteristics of the central manipulator M1 and the right support for door leaves M2 and their coordinated operation, that is, the phases for mounting the door leaf 220 on the right side of the cabinet 100, will be described below in particular. These characteristics and operation can be considered valid, mutatis mutandis, also for the central manipulator M1 and the left support for door leaves M3 and their coordinated operation, that is, the phases, to mount the door leaf 220 on the left side of the cabinet 100.

[0102] With particular reference to the example shown in Figure 18, the right support for door leaves M2 can be configured to support and block the door leaf 220, in particular, with the middle plane parallel to the vertical axis Z, that is, perpendicular to the supporting surface P114, P124 of the pallet P. Further, the right support for door leaves M2 can be movable along the gripping axis X, so as to be able to adapt to the width of the cabinet 100 and to move the door leaf 220, when blocked on the right support for door leaves M2, along the gripping axis X. Further, the right support for door leaves M2 can be movable along the transversal axis Y to move the door leaf 220, when blocked on the right support for door leaves M2, along the transversal axis Y. In particular, the right support for door leaves M2 can comprise a system M21 for blocking door leaves configured to block the door 220 by means, for example, of a negative force. The door leaf blocking system M21 can be movable along the vertical axis Z to move the door leaf 220, when it is blocked on the door leaf blocking system M21, along the vertical axis Z. In this way, the door leaf 220, when blocked on the right support for door leaves M2, is generally movable along the transversal axis Y, the gripping axis X and the vertical axis Z. The door leaf blocking system M21 can comprise, for example, suction cups configured to block the door leaf 220 by means of a negative force. In particular, the door leaf b locking system M21 may comprise a blocking surface M211 defining a locking plane and configured to support and block the door leaf 220. The blocking plane can be, for example, perpendicular to the gripping axis X, that is, it can be perpendicular to the supporting surface P114, P124 of the pallet P. The suction cups of the door leaf blocking system M21 can be positioned inside the blocking surface M211, so as to block the door leaf 220 on the blocking surface M211. In particular, the blocking surface M211 can be configured, for example, to come into contact with a second face of the door leaf 220, opposite the first face of the door leaf 220 and to block it by, for example, the negative force of the suction cups positioned inside the blocking surface M211. Further, the right support for door leaves M2 may comprise a pusher M22 movable between an extended position, wherein, when the door leaf 220 is blocked on the blocking surface M211, it pushes on the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220, and a retracted position, wherein it does not push on the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220, and vice versa. In the extended position, the pusher M22 is configured to exert a sufficient force on the hinges 221 to break any latch present in the hinges 221. In particular, the pusher M22 can have an elongated shape extending along the vertical axis Z, so as to be able to push simultaneously on all the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220. Further, the right support for door leaves M2 may comprise one or more closing wheels M23 configured to come into contact with the door leaf 220 and to exert a pushing force on the door leaf 220 so as to close the door leaf 220 as it is mounted to the cabinet 100.

[0103] With particular reference to Figure 20, the central manipulator M1 can be, for example, movable along the transversal axis Y and along the gripping axis X. Further, the central manipulator M1 can have an elongated body M10 extending along the vertical axis Z. The central manipulator M1 can comprise a feeler sensor M11 configured to measure the actual position and / or to verify the presence of at least one of the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220. In particular, the feeler sensor M11 is configured to feel, that is, come into contact, with at least one of the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220, in order to measure its actual position and / or to verify its presence. The feeler sensor M11 can be slidably coupled, along the vertical axis Z, to the elongated body M10; therefore, the feeler sensor M11 is movable along the transversal axis Y, the gripping axis X and the vertical axis Z. The central manipulator M1 can comprise one or more pressers M12 configured to make contact with and exert a pressure force on the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220, when blocked on the door leaf blocking system M21. In particular, each presser M12 can have a retracted position, wherein it is distal from the door leaf blocking system M21, and an extended position, in which it is proximal to the door leaf blocking system M21. Each presser M12 can be slidably coupled along the vertical axis Z, to the elongated body M10; therefore, each feeler M12 is movable along the transversal axis Y, the gripping axis X and the vertical axis Z.

[0104] With particular reference to the example shown in Figure 21, the door leaf mounting station MA may comprise a portion of the first transporting line T1. The portion of the first transporting line T1 may comprise a reference pad PI, for example, analogous to the reference pad PI described above for the loading station C. At the reference pad PI, the door leaf mounting station MA may comprise a rear support SP, for example, analogous to the rear support SP described above for the drawer mounting station MC.

[0105] A description follows of an example of operation of the assembly station MC, MA, in particular of the door leaf mounting station MA. In particular, the plant 1 may comprise a control device, also called a "supervisor" (not shown), configured and programmed to control the plant 1 and, in particular, the drawer mounting station MC, so as to perform the steps described below.

[0106] With particular reference to the example of Figure 17, the door leaf robot R3 picks up, for example, from a buffer station SB, the door leaf 220. In particular, the door leaf robot R3 brings the door leaf gripping system 31 into contact with the first face of the door leaf 220. The door leaf gripping system 31 may grip the door leaf 220 by means, for example, of a negative force.

[0107] With particular reference to the example of Figure 18, the door leaf robot R3 brings the second face of the door leaf 220 into contact with the right support for door leaves M2, in particular with the door leaf blocking system M21, more in particular with the blocking surface M211.

[0108] The right support for door leaves M2 grips the door leaf 220, blocking it, in particular by means of the door leaf blocking system M21, more particularly by the negative force of the suction cups positioned inside the blocking surface M211.

[0109] With particular reference to the example of Figure 19, once the door leaf 220 is blocked on the right support for door leaves M2, the door leaf robot R3 releases the door leaf 220.

[0110] The door leaf 220, blocked on the right support for door leaves M2 can be positioned so that its middle plane is parallel to the vertical axis Z, that is, it is perpendicular to the supporting surface P114, 124 of the pallet P. Further, the door leaf 220, blocked on the right support for door leaves M2 can be positioned so that the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220 can face the presser M22. Further, the door leaf 220, blocked on the right support for door leaves M2 can be positioned so that the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220 can face the cabinet 100 blocked on the pallet P.

[0111] Again with reference to the example in Figure 19, if the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220 have the latch, the pusher M22 is moved from its retracted position to its extended position, coming into contact with the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220 and exerting sufficient force on them to break any latch present in the hinges 221. The pusher M22 is then moved from its extended position to its retracted position.

[0112] With particular reference to the example shown in Figure 20, the feeler sensor M11 measures the actual position and / or verifies the presence of at least one of the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220. In particular, the feeler sensor M11 is moved so as to come into contact with at least one of the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220 in order to measure its actual position and / or to verify its presence.

[0113] For example, as shown in Figure 21, simultaneously, or in sequence, with the steps described above, the cabinet 100, by means of the pallet P, can be transported, or moved, along the first transporting line T1, from the loading station C to the mounting station MC, MA, in particular up to the door leaf mounting station MA, or, the cabinet 100, by means of the pallet P, can be transported, or moved, along the first transporting line T1, from the mounting station MC, MA, in particular from the drawer mounting station MC, to the further mounting station, in particular to the door leaf mounting station MA.

[0114] In particular, the cabinet 100, by means of the pallet P, present on the first transporting surface T11, can be moved, or transported, by means of the movement system of the first transporting line T1 to the reference pad PI, present in the door leaf mounting station MA.

[0115] The plurality of reference pins PI1 of the reference pad PI, present in the door leaf mounting station MA, can be moved from the lowered position to the raised position, so as to link the pallet P.

[0116] The two stops SP1 of the rear support SP, present in the door leaf mounting station MA, can be moved along the gripping axis X, so as to be adjusted as a function of the width of the cabinet 100.

[0117] The two stops SP1 of the rear support SP, present in the door leaf mounting station MA, can be moved from their non-contact position to their contact position, so as to support the cabinet 100 along the vertical axis Z. Again with particular reference to the example shown in Figure 21, the feeler sensor M11 measures the actual position and / or verifies the presence of at least one of the bases 106 of the cabinet 100. In particular, the feeler sensor M11 is moved so as to come into contact with at least one of the bases 106 of the cabinet 100 in order to measure its actual position and / or to verify its presence.

[0118] With particular reference to the example shown in Figure 22, by means of the right support for door leaves M2, the door leaf 220 is moved, for example, along the vertical axis Z, along the transversal axis Y and / or along the gripping axis X, so as to bring the first accessories 221, in particular the hinges 221 of the door leaf 220, into contact with the second accessories 106, in particular with the bases 106 of the cabinet 100. In this way the hinges 221 and the bases 106 are positioned so as to face each other, in an assembly position, ready to be coupled to each other.

[0119] With particular reference to Figure 23, each presser M12 is carried, that is, is moved along the transversal axis Y, the gripping axis X and / or the vertical axis Z, at a respective hinge 221- head 106 pair. Once in position, each presser M12 is moved from its retracted position to its extended position, coming into contact with a respective hinge 221 of the door leaf 220 and exerting on this a force sufficient to couple the respective hinge 221 to the respective base 106. Each presser M12 is then moved from its extended position to its retracted position. In this way, the door leaf 220 is mounted to the cabinet 100, making the piece of furniture 10 (or the semi-finished product, if the piece of furniture 10 needs the mounting of other closing elements 210, 220 to the cabinet 100).

[0120] With reference to the example of Figure 24, once the coupling between the door leaf 220 and the cabinet 100 has been completed, the support for door leaves M2 can release the door leaf 220.

[0121] The support for door leaves M2 can bring the closing wheels M23 into contact with the door leaf 220, and in particular with the second face of the door leaf 220. The closing wheels M23 can be moved along the gripping axis X, so as to rotate the door leaf 220, by means of the hinges 221, with respect to the cabinet 100. This involves closing the door leaf 220, as shown in the example of Figure 25.

[0122] With reference to Figure 1, the plant 1 may comprise a buffer station SB. The buffer station SB described herein is itself new and inventive, and could represent an invention in itself.

[0123] At the loading station C, the plant 1 can receive a series of cabinets 100 produced, for example, by a plant for producing cabinets, which does not form part of the present invention. The series of cabinets 100 may be ordered according to a production criterion such as, for example, that described above. Further, the plant 1 may receive a series of door leaves 220 produced, for example, by a plant for producing door leaves, which does not form part of the present invention. The series of door leaves 220 may be ordered according to a further production criterion such as, for example, that described above. The buffer station SB may be configured to reorder the series of door leaves 220 according to the production criterion, so as to match the order of the series of door leaves 220 reordered with the order of the series of cabinets 100. With particular reference to the example shown in Figure 26, the buffer station SB may comprise a fourth transporting line T4 configured to transport one or more door leaves 220. The fourth transporting line T4 may comprise a fourth transporting surface T41, defining a fourth transporting plane. The fourth transporting plane can be, for example, parallel to the supporting surface of the plant 1, that is, to the supporting floor of the plant 1. The fourth transporting line T4 may be configured to support and convey the door leaves 220 such that the first and second faces of the door leaves 220 are parallel to the fourth supporting plane. Further, the buffer station SB may comprise a further robot for door leaves R4 or, more in general, a manipulator, for example, Cartesian or anthropomorphic, configured to pick up a door leaf 220, for example, from the fourth transporting line T4. In particular, the further robot for door leaves R4 may comprise a further system for gripping door leaves R34. The further system for gripping door leaves R41 of the further robot for door leaves R4 may comprise, for example, suction cups configured to grip the door leaf 220 by means of a negative force. In particular, the further system for gripping door leaves R41 of the further robot for door leaves R4 may be configured, for example, to come into contact with the first or second face of the door leaf 220, and grip the door leaf 220 by, for example, the negative force of the suction cups of the further system for gripping door leaves R41. Again with reference to the example shown in Figure 26, the buffer station SB may comprise a buffer B configured to receive and store the doors leaves 220 from the further robot for door leaves R4. With particular reference to Figures 1 and 26, the buffer station Sb is positioned inside the plant 1 in such a way that the robot for door leaves R4 of the door leaf mounting station MA can pick up, that is, grip, one or more door leaves 220 from the buffer B of the buffer station SB by means of the system for gripping door leaves R31. In particular, the buffer B may comprise a base B1. Further, the buffer B may comprise a plurality of supporting slots B2, wherein each supporting slot B2 may be configured to support and block the door leaf 220 taken by the further robot for door leaves R4, via the further system for gripping door leaves R41, from the fourth transporting line T4. The following description relates to a single supporting slot B2 of the plurality of supporting slots B2, it being understood that the technical features and operation described herein for the single supporting slot B2 can be applied to each supporting slot B2 of the plurality of supporting slots B2. With particular reference to the example shown in Figure 27, the supporting slot B2 may comprise a frame B20. The frame B20 may have, for example, an "L" shape, or profile, positioned and configured so as to support the door leaf 220 along at least two adjacent sides. In particular, the frame B20 is positioned so as to support the door leaf 220 so that the middle plane of the door leaf 220 is perpendicular to the fourth transporting surface. Further, the supporting slot B2 may comprise one or more retaining elements B21 coupled to the frame B20. The retaining elements B21 are configured to block the door leaf 220 to the frame B20 and, therefore, to the supporting slot B2. In particular, the retaining elements B21 can be of the brush type, that is, they can comprise brushes that, due to density and friction, are configured to retain, that is, block the door leaf 220 to the frame B20 and, therefore, to the supporting slot B2. The retaining elements B21 can be distributed on two rows parallel to each other, substantially along all or part of the L-profile of the frame B20. In this way, the door leaf 220 can be blocked between the two parallel rows of retaining elements B21. The buffer B comprises a loading area, facing and reachable from the further robot for door leaves R4. Further, the buffer comprises an unloading area facing and reachable from the robot for door frames R3. Further, the buffer B comprises a storage area positioned between the unloading area and the loading area. The supporting slot B2 is slidably coupled to the base B1, in particular, along a loading and unloading axis X', so that it can be positioned in the loading area, in the storage area and in the unloading area. The supporting slot B2 may comprise a parking brake B22 configured to block the supporting slot B2 in a determined position on the base B1. The parking brake B22 may be a spring brake having a release position, wherein the supporting slot B2 is free to slide along the base B1, and a blocking position, wherein the supporting slot B2 is blocked, or integral, to the base B1, that is, is not free to slide along the base B1. Normally the parking brake B22 is always in its blocking position. By pulling the spring of the parking brake B22, they move from the blocking position to the release position. By releasing the spring of the parking brakes B22, they return to the blocking position. The buffer may comprise a slot movement system B3 configured to move the plurality of supporting slots B2 between the loading area, the unloading area and the storage area. In particular, the slot movement system B3 may comprise a slider B31', B31". The slider B31', B31" can be slidably coupled to the base B1 along the loading and unloading direction X' and along a selection direction Y' perpendicular to the loading and unloading direction X'. In particular, the slider B31', B31" may be movable along the loading and unloading direction X' so as to be able to move the supporting slot B2 between the loading area, the unloading area and the storage area, while, it may be movable along the selection direction Y' so as to be able to select the supporting slot B2 of the plurality of supporting slots B2 to be moved along the loading and unloading direction X'. The slider B31', B31" may comprise a gripper B32', B32" configured to be removably coupled to the supporting slot B2. In particular, the gripper B32', B32 " can be configured to couple, for example, by friction or by shape, removably to the supporting slot B2. More particularly, the supporting slot B2 may have a cylindrical-shaped portion and the gripper B32', B32" may have a C-shape, so that the gripper can be removably coupled to the cylindrical-shaped portion of the supporting slot B2, for example, by friction or by shape. Further, the slider B31', B31 " may comprise a further jaw B33', B33" configured to pull and release the parking brake B22 of the supporting slot B2. In particular, the further gripper B33', B33 " has a blocking position, in which it does not pull the spring of the parking brake B22, and an unblocking position, wherein, when the gripper is coupled to the supporting slot B2, it pulls the spring of the parking brake B22, so as to move the parking brake B22 from its blocking position to its release position. The slot movement system B3 may comprise two sliders B31', B31", as described above, wherein a first slider B31' may be configured to move the supporting slot B2 from the loading area to the storage area, and vice versa, and a second slider B31' may be configured to move the supporting slot B2 from the unloading area to the storage area, and vice versa.

[0124] Below is a description of an example of operation of the buffer station SB. In particular, the plant 1 may comprise a control device, also called a "supervisor" (not shown), configured and programmed to control the plant 1 and, in particular, the buffer station SB, so as to perform the steps described below.

[0125] With particular reference to Figure 27, the first slider B31' is moved along the loading and unloading axis X' and the selection axis Y' so as to bring the gripper B32' of the first slider B31' to a supporting slot B2 to be loaded, in particular at the cylindrical-shaped portion of the supporting slot B2. The gripper B32' of the first slider B31' is coupled to the supporting slot B2, in particular, to the cylindrical-shaped portion of the supporting slot B2. With particular reference to the example shown in figure 28, the further gripper B33' of the first slider B31' is moved from the blocking position to the unblocking position, so as to move the parking brake B22 from its blocking position to its release position. In this way, the supporting slot B2 is free to slide along the loading and unloading axis X' with respect to the base B1.

[0126] With particular reference to the example shown in figure 29, the supporting slot B2 is moved, by means of the first slider B31', along the loading and unloading axis X' with respect to the base B1 from the storage area to the loading area.

[0127] The further gripper B33' of the first slider B31' is moved from the unblocking position to the blocking position, so as to move the parking brake B22 from its releasing position to its blocking position. In this way, the supporting slot B2 is blocked with respect to the base B1 in the loading area.

[0128] Optionally, the gripper B32' of the first slider B31' may be uncoupled from the supporting slot B2.

[0129] For example, simultaneously, or in sequence, with the steps described above, the fourth transporting line T4 transports the door leaf 220 inside the buffer station SB, in particular, in an area reachable by the further robot for door leaves R4.

[0130] The further robot for door leaves R4 grips, by means of the further system for gripping door leaves R41, the door leaf 220.

[0131] The further robot for door leaves R4 positions the door leaf 220 gripped inside the supporting slot B2 positioned in the loading area, in particular positioning the door leaf 220 with the middle plane perpendicular to the fourth transporting plane, between two rows of retaining elements B21. The first slider B31' is moved along the loading and unloading axis X' and the selection axis Y' so as to bring the gripper B32' of the first slider B31' to the loaded supporting slot B2, in particular at the cylindrical-shaped portion of the supporting slot B2, and the gripper B32' of the first slider B31' is coupled to the supporting slot B2, in particular to the cylindrical-shaped portion of the supporting slot B2. These steps are optional and are only needed if the gripper B32' of the first cursor B31' had previously been uncoupled from the supporting slot B2.

[0132] The further gripper B33' of the first slider B31' is moved from the blocking position to the unblocking position, so as to move the parking brake B22 from its blocking position to its releasing position. In this way, the supporting slot B2 is free to slide along the loading and unloading axis X' with respect to the base B1.

[0133] The supporting slot B2 is moved, by means of the first cursor B31', along the loading and unloading axis X' with respect to the base B1 from the loading area to the storage area.

[0134] The further gripper B33' of the first slider B31' is moved from the unblocking position to the blocking position, so as to move the parking brake B22 from its releasing position to its blocking position. In this way, the supporting slot B2 is blocked with respect to the base B1 in the storage area.

[0135] Optionally, the gripper B32' of the first slider B31' may be uncoupled from the supporting slot B2.

[0136] The buffer station SB determines the unloading order of the door leaves 220 present in the storage area, as a function of the production criterion, that is, the order of the series of cabinets 100, or of the pieces of furniture 10, to be assembled. In this way, the buffer station reorders the series of door leaves 220 according to the production criterion, so as to match the order of the series of door leaves 220 reordered with the order of the series of cabinets 100. These operations, or phases, can be carried out by means of the control device.

[0137] With particular reference to the example shown in figure 30, which shows the unloading of the door leaf 220 according to the order of the series of door leaves 220 determined by the control device, the second cursor B31" is moved along the loading and unloading axis X' and the selection axis Y' so as to bring the gripper B32" of the second cursor B31" to a supporting slot B2 to be loaded, in particular to the cylindrical-shaped portion of the supporting slot B2.

[0138] The gripper B32" of the second slider B31" is coupled to the supporting slot B2, in particular, to the cylindrical-shaped portion of the supporting slot B2.

[0139] The further gripper B33" of the second slider B31" is moved from the blocking position to the unblocking position, so as to move the parking brake B22 from its blocking position to its releasing position. In this way, the supporting slot B2 is free to slide along the loading and unloading axis X' with respect to the base B1.

[0140] With particular reference to the example shown in figure 30, the supporting slot B2 is moved, by means of the second cursor B31", along the loading and unloading axis X' with respect to the base B1 from the storage area to the unloading area.

[0141] The further gripper B33" of the second slider B31" is moved from the release position to the blocking position, so as to move the parking brake B22 from its release position to its blocking position. In this way, the supporting slot B2 is blocked with respect to the base B1 in the unloading area.

[0142] Optionally, the gripper B32 can be uncoupled from the supporting slot B2.

[0143] The robot for door leaves R3 can grip, by means of the system for gripping door leaves R31, the door leaf 220 blocked on the supporting slot B2 positioned in the unloading area and, in particular, feeds the station or assembling door frames MA.

[0144] With reference to Figure 1, the plant 1 may comprise an unloading station S. The unloading station S described here is in itself new and inventive, and could represent an invention in itself. The unloading station S is advantageously positioned downstream of the assembly stations MC, MA present in the plant 1, in particular, at the end of the plant 1, more in particular, close to the end of the first transporting line T1 and the beginning of the second transporting line T2. The unloading station S is configured to unblock and unload the piece of furniture 10 from the pallet P. The unloading station S may have a portion of the first transporting line T1 comprise a reference pad PI (as described for the loading station C), and a portion of the second transporting line T2. Further, the unloading station may present one or may transfer units AP3, AP4, in particular two transfer units AP3, AP4 (as previously described) configured to transfer the pallet P from the first transporting surface T11 of the first transporting line T1 to the second transporting surface T21 of the second transporting line, in particular, once the piece of furniture 10 has been unloaded from the pallet P. At the reference pad PI, the unloading station S may comprise a further setting-up station AT entirely the same as the setting-up station AT described for the loading station C. The further setting-up station AT is configured to unblock the piece of furniture 10 from the pallet P. Further, the unloading pad S may comprise an unloading robot R5 configured to unload the piece of furniture 10 from the pallet P, once this has been unblocked from the pallet P via the further setting-up station AT. A description is given below of an example of operation of the unloading station S. In particular, the plant 1 may comprise a control device, also called a "supervisor" (not shown), configured and programmed to control the plant 1 and, in particular, the unloading station S, so as to perform the steps described below.

[0145] The pallet P, on which the piece of furniture 10 is supported and blocked, can be moved, or transported, by means of the movement system of the first transporting line T1, to the reference pad PI present in the unloading station S.

[0146] The plurality of reference pins PI1 of the reference pad PI, present in the unloading station S, can be moved from the lowered position to the raised position, so as to reference the pallet P.

[0147] The setting-up station AT can adjust the position of the first jaw P11 and the second jaw P12 of the pallet P, so as to free, that is, unblock, the piece of furniture 10 from the pallet P.

[0148] The loading robot R5 can pick up the cabinet 100 to be unloaded from the pallet P.

[0149] Once the piece of furniture 10 has been unloaded from the pallet P, the pallet P present on the first transporting surface T11 is moved, or transported, by the movement system of the first transporting line T1, up to the end of the first transporting line T1.

[0150] At the end of the first transporting line T1, there may be two further transfer units AP3, AP4. One of the two further transfer units AP3, AP4 transfers the pallet P from the first transporting surface T11 of the first transporting line T1 to the second transporting surface T21 of the second transporting line T2.

[0151] Using the second transporting line T2, the pallet P is moved from the unloading station S to the loading station C, in particular, at the two transfer units AP1, AP2 of the loading station C, so as to be able to perform a new operating cycle, that is, to be able to repeat the method for assembling a piece of furniture, according to the present invention.

[0152] The present invention is described by way of example only, without limiting the scope of application, according to its preferred embodiments, but it shall be understood that the invention may be modified and / or adapted by experts in the field without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept, as defined in the claims herein.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a piece of furniture (10) comprising a cabinet (100) and a closing element (210, 220), the method comprising the following steps: - providing a closing element (210, 220), comprising a first accessory (211, 221); - providing a cabinet (100), comprising a base panel (101) and two side panels (104) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base panel (101), wherein at least one of the two side panels (104) comprises a second accessory (105, 106) configured to be coupled to the first accessory (211, 221), so as to mount the closing element (210, 220) to the cabinet (100); - providing a pallet (P), configured to support and block the cabinet (100) in place and comprising a supporting surface (P114, P124) to support the cabinet (100); - via a loading station (C), loading and blocking the cabinet (100) on the pallet (P), so that the base panel (101) of the cabinet (100) is parallel to the supporting surface (P114, P124); - via the pallet (P), moving the cabinet (100), along a first transporting line (T1), from the loading station (C) to a mounting station (MC, MA); and - via the mounting station (MC, MA), mounting the closing element (210, 220) to the cabinet (100) which is blocked on the pallet (P), by coupling the first accessory (211, 221) to the second accessory (105, 106), so as to make the piece of furniture (10).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two side panels (104) comprises a third accessory (105, 106), and wherein the method further comprises the following steps: - providing a further closing element (210, 220), comprising a fourth accessory (211, 221) configured to be coupled to the third accessory (105, 106), so as to mount the at least one further closing element (210, 220) to the cabinet (100); - via the pallet (P), moving the cabinet (100), along the first transporting line (T1), from the mounting station (MC, MA) to a further mounting station (MC, MA); and - via the further mounting station (MC, MA), mounting the further closing element (210, 220) to the cabinet (100) which is blocked on the pallet (P), by coupling the third accessory (105, 106) to the fourth accessory (211, 221), so as to make the piece of furniture (10).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the following steps: - via the pallet (P), moving the piece of furniture (10), along the first transporting line (T1), to an unloading station (S); - via the unloading station (S), unblocking and unloading the piece of furniture (10) from the pallet (P); and - moving the pallet (P), along a second transporting line (T2), from the unloading station (S) to the loading station (C).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first transporting line (T1) and the second transporting line (T2) are one above the other, the second transporting line (T2) lying, in particular, under the first transporting line (T1).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing element (210) is a drawer (210) comprising a base panel (212) defining a base plane, a rear panel (213), two side panels (214) and a front panel (215), and wherein, during the step of mounting the closing element (210, 220) to the cabinet (100), the base plane (212) of the drawer (210) is kept parallel to the supporting surface (P114, P124).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing element (220) is a door leaf (220) having a middle plane, and wherein, during the step of mounting the closing element (220) to the cabinet (100), the middle plane is kept perpendicular to the supporting surface (P114, P124).

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the following steps: - via the loading station (C), receive a series of cabinets (100) in an order determined by a production criterion; - at a buffer station (SB), receiving a series of door leaves (220) in an order determined by a further production criterion; - via the buffer station (SB), rearranging the series of door leaves (220) according to the production criteria; and - feeding the rearranged series of door leaves (220) to the mounting station (MA).

8. A plant (1) for assembling a piece of furniture (10) comprising: - a closing element (210, 220), comprising a first accessory (211, 221); and - a cabinet (100), comprising a base panel (101) and two side panels (104) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base panel (101), wherein at least one of the two side panels (104) comprises a second accessory (105, 106) configured to be coupled to the first accessory (211, 221), so as to mount the closing element (210, 220) to the cabinet (100), the plant (1) comprising: - a pallet (P), configured to support and block the cabinet (100) in place and comprising a supporting surface (P114, P124) to support the cabinet (100); - a loading station (C), configured for loading and blocking the cabinet (100) on the pallet (P), so that the base panel (101) of the cabinet (100) is parallel to the supporting surface (P114, P124); - a mounting station (MC, MA), configured for mounting the closing element (210, 220) to the cabinet (100) which is blocked on the pallet (P), by coupling the first accessory (211, 221) to the second accessory (105, 106), so as to make the piece of furniture (10); and - a first transporting line (T1), configured for moving the cabinet (100) on the pallet (P), from the loading station (C) to the mounting station (MC, MA).

9. The plant (1) according to claim 8, further comprising: - an unloading station (S), configured for unblocking and unloading the piece of furniture (10) from the pallet (P); and - a second transporting line (T2), configured for moving the pallet (P) from the unloading station (S) to the loading station (C), wherein the first transporting line (T1) is configured for moving the pallet (P) from the mounting station (MC, MA) to the unloading station (S), and wherein the first transporting line (T1) and the second transporting line (T2) are one above the other, the second transporting line (T2) lying, in particular, under the first transporting line (T1).

10. The plant (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the closing element (210) is a drawer (210) comprising a base panel (212) defining a base plane, a rear panel (213), two side panels (214) and a front panel (215), and wherein the mounting station (MC, MA) is a drawer mounting station (MC) comprising a drawer mounting robot (R2) configured for gripping the drawer (210) and mounting the drawer (210) to the cabinet (100) blocked on the pallet (P), while keeping the base plane (212) of the drawer (210) parallel to the supporting surface (P114, P124).

11. The plant (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the closing element (220) is a door leaf (220) having a middle plane, and wherein the mounting station (MC, MA) is a door leaf mounting station (MA) comprising a door leaf robot (R3) configured for gripping the door leaf (220) and mounting the door leaf (220) to the cabinet (100) blocked on the pallet (P) while keeping the middle plane perpendicular to the supporting surface (P114, P124).

12. The plant (1) according to claim 11, wherein the loading station (C) is configured for receiving a series of cabinets (100) in an order determined by a production criterion, wherein the plant comprises a buffer station (SB) configured for receiving and storing a series of door leaves (220) in an order determined by a further production criterion, and wherein the buffer station (SB) is configured for rearranging the series of door leaves (220) and to feed the rearranged series of door leaves (220) to the door leaf mounting station (MA).

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