Scarf processing equipment

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a scarfing device that contributes to both an improvement in productivity and achievement of an excellent scarf surface. [Solution] In a state in which the two end parts 90a, 90b of a single sheet 90 are pressed by pressing parts 56, 57, a scarf surface is processed into the two end parts 90a, 90b. The two end parts 90a, 90b are then transported in a transport direction TD using auxiliary conveyors 60, 62; therefore, friction acting on the two end parts 90a, 90b in the transport direction TD and in the opposite direction thereto can be reduced. Additionally, the pressing parts 56, 57 do not face endless belts BLT, BLT; therefore, in a state in which the single sheet 90 is not being transported, the pressing parts 56, 57 and the endless belts BLT, BLT do not come into contact with each other due to vibration of the device. This makes it possible to suppress wear in the pressing parts 56, 57 and the endless belts BLT, BLT caused by contact between the pressing parts 56, 57 and the endless belts BLT, BLT.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a scarf processing device that processes a scarf surface on a first end of a veneer in a grain direction while conveying the veneer. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-73202 (Patent Document 1) describes a scarf processing device that includes a support table having a support surface capable of supporting both ends of a veneer in the fiber direction, a circular saw arranged near both ends of the veneer so as to be able to process scarf surfaces on both ends of the veneer, and a pressing unit arranged near the contact point where the circular saw and the veneer first come into contact so as to be able to press the veneer against the support surface.

[0003] In this scarf processing device, near the contact point where the circular saw and the veneer first come into contact, both ends of the veneer are pressed against the support surface by the pressing part, that is, scarf processing is performed in a state where any irregularities such as twists and warping at both ends of the veneer are corrected, so a good scarf surface can be obtained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-73202 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] From the viewpoint of improving productivity, a scarf processing device has been proposed that processes scarf surfaces on both ends of a veneer while the veneer is being conveyed. To achieve a good scarf surface, such a scarf processing device may be provided with a pressing unit, as in the scarf processing device described in the above-mentioned publication. However, in a scarf processing device that processes scarf surfaces on both ends of the veneer while the veneer is being conveyed, friction acts in the direction opposite to the conveying direction between the both ends of the veneer and the pressing unit and the support surface. Therefore, if the both ends of the veneer have cracks or fissures, for example, a good scarf surface may not be achieved. That is, the frictional force generated between both ends of the veneer and the pressing portion and supporting surface acts in a direction that widens cracks or fissures at both ends of the veneer, resulting in damage to the scarf surface, or the scarfing process is performed with the cracks or fissures widened, resulting in unscarfed areas, or after the scarfing process is performed with the cracks or fissures widened, the widened cracks or fissures return to their original state due to the elasticity of the veneer, resulting in unevenness in the scarf surface. Thus, there is still room for improvement in terms of achieving both improved productivity and a good scarf surface.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and one of its objects is to provide a technology that contributes to achieving both improved productivity and a good scarf surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The scarf processing device of the present invention employs the following means to achieve the above-mentioned object.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the scarf processing device of the present invention, a scarf processing device is configured to process a scarf surface on a first end of a veneer in the fiber direction while the veneer is being transported. The scarf processing device includes a frame, a holding and transporting unit arranged on the frame so as to be movable in the transport direction, a processing unit having a cutting blade capable of processing the scarf surface, a first end transporting unit having a placing unit on which the first end can be placed at a pressing position upstream in the transport direction of a contact position where the first end and the cutting blade first come into contact and adjacent to the contact position, a support unit having a first opposing surface, a pressing unit having a first abutting portion, and a biasing unit connected to the pressing unit. The holding and transporting unit has a holding unit capable of holding the veneer with the first end protruding and extending in the veneer transport direction. The processing unit is arranged midway along the veneer transport path so that a projection of the first end and a projection of the cutting blade intersect on a first virtual projection plane when viewed from one side in the transport direction. The first end transport section is capable of transporting the first end in the transport direction at least at the contact position and the pressing position. The first opposing surface is arranged at least at the pressing position so as to be able to face the first end, and is arranged at a position adjacent to the first end transport section, opposite the side on which the holding section is arranged with respect to the first end transport section when viewed from one side in the transport direction. The first abutment section is arranged opposite the first opposing surface so as to be able to abut against the first end at least at the pressing position. The biasing section is capable of applying a biasing force in a direction in which the first abutment section approaches the first opposing surface.

[0009] Here, the "contact position" in the present invention typically refers to a virtual line passing through the intersection of the projection of the first end of the veneer and the projection of the cutting blade on a virtual projection plane when viewed from one side in the vertical direction, when the state when the first end of the veneer and the cutting blade first come into contact, and corresponds to the position of a virtual orthogonal line perpendicular to the conveying direction. Furthermore, the "pressing position adjacent to the contact position" in the present invention preferably includes not only the contact position itself but also a position separated by a predetermined distance from the contact position. Here, the predetermined distance is preferably as close to the contact position as possible, but it also includes, for example, a distance of less than half the length of the veneer in the conveying direction. Note that the embodiment in which the pressing position is separated by a predetermined distance from the contact position preferably includes an embodiment in which a third object (such as a cover) is placed between the pressing position and the contact position. Furthermore, the embodiment in which the "first end can be placed" preferably includes an embodiment in which the first end is placed on the placement portion due to the first end being pressed by the pressing portion. In addition, "capable of facing the first end" in the present invention is defined as the first opposing surface facing the first end of the veneer when the veneer is transported by the holding and transporting unit to the position where the first opposing surface is disposed. In addition, "disposed opposite the first opposing surface" in the present invention typically includes a mode in which the first opposing surface and the first abutting portion directly face each other, as well as a mode in which the first opposing surface and the first abutting portion indirectly face each other. An example of a mode in which the first opposing surface and the first abutting portion indirectly face each other is a mode in which the first opposing surface and the first abutting portion face each other via the first end.

[0010] According to the present invention, the first end of the veneer, where the scarf surface is to be processed, can be transported in the same direction as the veneer transport direction by the first end transport unit. This reduces the frictional force acting on the first end in the opposite direction to the transport direction due to the pressure of the pressing unit. This reduces the moment acting on the first end in the direction of widening or excessively closing the crack or fissure, which is caused by the frictional force when the first end has a crack or fissure. This effectively prevents damage to the scarf surface, the creation of unscarfed areas due to the scarfing process being performed with the crack or fissure widened, and unevenness in the scarf surface due to the elasticity of the veneer after the crack or fissure has been scarfed in an excessively closed state.

[0011] When the dimensions of the veneer in the fiber direction (the dimensions of the veneer in the direction perpendicular to both the conveying direction and the thickness direction of the veneer) are changed, the protrusion of the first end from the holding unit changes. However, if the protrusion increases, a conventional scarfing device, i.e., a scarfing device without a first end conveying unit, must reposition the processing unit and pressing unit in a direction away from the holding unit (the protrusion direction) to reflect the increased protrusion of the first end. However, if the distance between the processing unit and pressing unit and the holding unit—more specifically, the distance from the holding unit to the processing unit and pressing unit (the distance perpendicular to both the conveying direction and the thickness direction of the veneer)—increases, the moment described above increases. Therefore, the position of the holding unit must also be changed so that the distance from the holding unit to the processing unit and pressing unit is maintained within a predetermined distance. As a result, the scarfing device requires a greater degree of improvement. According to the present invention, the moment can be reduced, so that it is no longer necessary to maintain the distance from the holding unit to the processing unit and pressing unit (the distance in the direction perpendicular to both the conveying direction and the thickness direction of the veneer) at a predetermined distance or less. Therefore, it is only necessary to rearrange the processing unit and pressing unit, and the degree of improvement of the scarf processing device can be suppressed.

[0012] Furthermore, because the pressing unit can press the first end portion toward the mounting unit, the first end portion conveying unit can reliably convey the first end portion. Furthermore, because the first contacting unit does not face the mounting unit, the first contacting unit and the mounting unit do not come into contact with each other due to vibrations from the scarfing device when the veneer is not being conveyed by the holding and conveying unit. This reduces wear on the first contacting unit and the mounting unit due to contact between the first contacting unit and the mounting unit, thereby preventing the pressing unit from improperly pressing the first end portion against the mounting unit. Furthermore, because the first contacting unit does not face the mounting unit, there is no need to adjust the gap between the first contacting unit and the mounting unit. Furthermore, because the pressing unit presses the first end portion toward the first opposing surface, the first end portion can be scarfed while the first end portion is in contact with the first opposing surface. This allows the scarfing unit to correct any irregularities, such as twists and warps, that may occur in the first end portion. Of course, since the scarf surface is processed on the first end while the veneer is being transported, productivity can be improved compared to a structure in which the scarf surface is processed on the first end while the transport of the veneer is temporarily stopped.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the first contact portion is positioned closer to the first opposing surface than the placing portion.

[0014] According to this aspect, the pressing of the first end portion against the mounting portion by the pressing portion can be made more reliable.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the first contact portion contacts the first opposing surface.

[0016] According to this aspect, the pressing of the first end portion against the mounting portion by the pressing portion can be made more reliable.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the first contact portion has a first rolling element including a first rolling surface that can face the first opposing surface, and the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the portion of the first rolling surface that faces the first opposing surface is positioned closer to the first opposing surface than the placing portion.

[0018] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the frictional force acting on the first end in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction due to the first end being pressed by the pressing portion. This reduces the moment acting in a direction that widens cracks or fissures or in a direction that excessively closes the cracks or fissures due to the frictional force. In addition, since the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the portion of the first rolling surface that faces the first opposing surface is positioned closer to the first opposing surface than the mounting portion, it is possible to more reliably press the first end against the mounting portion by the first rolling element.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the scarf processing device of the present invention, in which the first abutment portion has a first rolling body, the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the portion of the first rolling surface facing the first opposing surface abuts against the first opposing surface.

[0020] According to this aspect, the first end portion can be pressed against the mounting portion by the first rolling element more reliably.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the scarf processing apparatus of the present invention, the support unit has a second opposing surface, at least at the pressing position, that is disposed on the side of the first end conveying unit where the holding unit is disposed and adjacent to the first end conveying unit when viewed from one side in the conveying direction so as to be able to face the veneer. The pressing unit has a second contact portion disposed opposite the second opposing surface so as to be able to abut against the veneer at least at the pressing position. Here, "able to face the veneer" in this invention is defined as the second opposing surface facing the veneer when the veneer is conveyed by the holding and conveying unit to the position where the second opposing surface is disposed. Furthermore, "disposed opposite the second opposing surface" in this invention typically includes an embodiment in which the second opposing surface and the second contact portion face directly, as well as an embodiment in which the second opposing surface and the second contact portion face indirectly. An example of an embodiment in which the second opposing surface and the second contact portion face indirectly is an embodiment in which the second opposing surface and the second contact portion face each other across the veneer.

[0022] According to this aspect, the pressing of the first end portion against the mounting portion by the pressing portion can be made more reliable.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the second contact portion is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion.

[0024] According to this aspect, the second contact portion can more reliably press the first end portion against the placement portion.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the second contact portion contacts the second opposing surface.

[0026] According to this aspect, the second contact portion can press the first end portion against the placement portion more reliably.

[0027] In a further aspect of the scarf processing device according to the present invention, the second contact portion has a second rolling element including a second rolling surface that can face the second opposing surface, and the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the portion of the second rolling surface that faces the second opposing surface is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion.

[0028] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the frictional force acting on the first end in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction due to the first end being pressed by the pressing portion. This reduces the moment acting in a direction that widens cracks or fissures or in a direction that excessively closes the cracks or fissures due to the frictional force. In addition, since the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the mounting portion, it is possible to more reliably press the first end against the mounting portion by the second rolling element.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the scarf processing device of the present invention, in which the second abutment portion has a second rolling body, the biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface abuts against the second opposing surface.

[0030] According to this aspect, the second end portion can be pressed against the mounting portion by the second rolling element more reliably.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the support unit has a second opposing surface that is positioned at least at the pressing position so as to be able to face the veneer, and that is located on the side of the first end conveying unit where the holding unit is located and adjacent to the first end conveying unit when viewed from one side in the conveying direction. The scarf processing device further includes a second pressing unit having a second abutting unit, and a second biasing unit connected to the second pressing unit. The second abutting unit is positioned opposite the second opposing surface so as to be able to abut against the veneer at least at the pressing position. The second biasing unit is capable of applying a biasing force in a direction that moves the second abutting unit toward the second opposing surface.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion can be biased in a direction approaching the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface separately, so that even if the amount of wear of the first abutment portion and the amount of wear of the second abutment portion differ, the first end portion can be appropriately pressed against the mounting portion by the pressing portion and the second pressing portion.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the second biasing portion applies a biasing force to the second pressing portion so that the second abutting portion is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion.

[0034] According to this aspect, the second pressing portion can more reliably press the first end portion against the mounting portion.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the second biasing portion applies a biasing force to the pressing portion so that the second abutting portion abuts against the second opposing surface.

[0036] According to this aspect, the second pressing portion can press the first end portion against the mounting portion more reliably.

[0037] In a further aspect of the scarf processing device according to the present invention, the second contact portion has a second rolling element including a second rolling surface that can face the second opposing surface, and the second biasing portion applies a biasing force to the second pressing portion so that the portion of the second rolling surface that faces the second opposing surface is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion.

[0038] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the frictional force acting on the first end in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction due to the pressing of the first end by the pressing portion. This reduces the moment acting in a direction that widens cracks or fissures or in a direction that excessively closes the cracks or fissures due to the frictional force. In addition, since the second biasing portion applies a biasing force to the second pressing portion so that the portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the mounting portion, it is possible to more reliably press the first end against the mounting portion by the second rolling element.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the scarf processing device of the present invention, in which the second abutment portion has a second rolling body, the second biasing portion applies a biasing force to the second pressing portion so that the portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface abuts against the second opposing surface.

[0040] According to this aspect, the second end portion can be pressed against the mounting portion by the second rolling element more reliably.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the first end conveying section includes an endless belt or an endless chain and a drive unit that can rotate the endless belt or the endless chain. The endless belt or the endless chain has a loading surface as a loading section and a non-loading surface that forms a pair with the loading surface.

[0042] According to this aspect, the first end transport section can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the scarf processing device according to the present invention, in which the first end conveying section has an endless belt or an endless chain, the scarf processing device further includes a rotor having an outer circumferential surface and rotatably supported on a support section so that the distance between the outer circumferential surface and the non-placing surface is minimized at the pressing position. Here, the "minimum distance" in the present invention preferably includes a case where the distance is zero.

[0044] According to this aspect, the rotating body can suppress deflection of the endless belt or endless chain caused by the pressing of the first end of the veneer by the pressing portion. Moreover, because the rotating body is rotatable, wear on the non-supporting surface of the endless belt or endless chain can be suppressed.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the first end conveying section has a disk body having an outer peripheral surface as a loading section, and a drive section connected to the disk body so as to be rotatable.

[0046] According to this aspect, the first end transport section can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0047] According to a further embodiment of the scarf processing device of the present invention, in which the first end conveying section has a disk body, the disk body has an uneven outer peripheral surface.

[0048] According to this embodiment, a disc having an irregular outer surface generates a larger frictional force between the outer surface of the disc and the first end portion when the disc rotates than a disc without an irregular outer surface, thereby allowing the first end portion to be reliably conveyed in the conveying direction. This more reliably prevents damage to the scarf surface, the generation of unfinished scarf portions, and the generation of unevenness in the scarf surface. Here, the "frictional force generated between the outer surface of the disc and the first end portion" preferably includes the force generated between the outer surface of the disc and the first end portion when the convex portion on the outer surface of the disc is inserted into the first end portion. Note that the state in which the convex portion is inserted into the first end portion corresponds to a state in which the convex portion pierces the first end portion or a state in which the convex portion is biting into the first end portion.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the control unit controls the first end transport unit so that the transport speed of the first end by the first end transport unit is slower than the transport speed of the veneer by the holding transport unit until the first end reaches the contact position.

[0050] According to this embodiment, because the conveying speed of the first end by the first end conveying unit is slower than the conveying speed of the veneer by the holding and conveying unit, the first end is subjected to a frictional force in the opposite direction to the conveying direction until it reaches the contact position. If there is a crack or tear in the first end on the downstream side of the conveying direction, this frictional force acts in a direction to close the crack or tear. This prevents the scarfing process from leaving an unscarfed portion, which would otherwise be caused by the crack or tear being widened. As a result, even if there is a crack or tear in the first end on the downstream side of the conveying direction, the scarfing process can be performed satisfactorily.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the control unit controls the first end conveying unit so that, after the first end reaches the contact position, the conveying speed of the first end by the first end conveying unit is faster than the conveying speed of the veneer by the holding conveying unit.

[0052] According to this embodiment, because the conveying speed of the first end portion by the first end portion conveying unit is faster than the conveying speed of the veneer by the holding and conveying unit, after the first end portion reaches the contact position, the first end portion is subjected to a frictional force in the same direction as the conveying direction. If there is a crack or tear in the first end portion on the upstream side of the conveying direction, this frictional force acts in a direction to close the crack or tear. This prevents the scarfing process from leaving an unscarfed portion, which would otherwise be caused by the crack or tear being widened. As a result, even if there is a crack or tear in the first end portion on the upstream side of the conveying direction, the scarfing process can be performed satisfactorily.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the scarf processing device of the present invention, the control unit controls the first end transport unit so that the transport speed of the first end by the first end transport unit is equal to the transport speed of the veneer by the holding transport unit.

[0054] According to this embodiment, even if there is a crack or fissure at the first end, the frictional force from the conveying surface can be prevented from acting in an excessively closing or opening direction on the crack or fissure. This effectively prevents damage to the scarf surface, the generation of unscarfed areas due to scarfing being performed with the crack or fissure widened, and unevenness on the scarf surface caused by the crack or fissure returning (opening) to its original state (opening) due to the elasticity of the veneer after scarfing with the crack or fissure closed. As a result, even if there is a crack or fissure at the first end, the scarfing can be performed satisfactorily. [Effects of the Invention]

[0055] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a scarf processing device that contributes to achieving both improved productivity and a good scarf surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a scarf processing system including a scarf processing device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a scarf processing device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view of a scarf processing device 1 according to the present embodiment, seen from a side perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view of a scarf processing device 1 according to the present embodiment, as viewed from one side in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view showing the outline of the configuration of the clamping and conveying unit 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the AA section of FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a three-view diagram of the clamping and conveying section 4. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a veneer 90 is clamped by clamping bars 28, 28, 29, and 29. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of processing units 6 and 7 and support bases 8 and 9. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between pressing portions 56, 57, circular saw contact portions 54, 55, and endless belts BLT, BLT. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between circular saw contact portions 54, 55, auxiliary conveyors 60, 62, and clamping bars 28, 29. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the pressing portions 56, 57 in a state where the pressure on the veneer 90 is released. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of auxiliary conveyors 60 and 62. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the abutment portions 58, 59, the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw abutment portions 54, 55, the outer surfaces OS, OS and inner surfaces IS, IS of the endless belts BLT, BLT, the loading surfaces 50a, 52a, and the upper surface 91 and lower surface 93 of the veneer 90. [Figure 15]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a veneer 90 having cracks Cr1 and Cr2. [Figure 16] 10 is an explanatory view showing a state in which both end portions 90a, 90b of a veneer 90 are pressed by pressing portions 56, 57 toward upper surfaces 54a, 55a of circular saw contact portions 54, 55. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of support bases 8A and 9A of modified examples. [Figure 18] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between contact portions 58, 59 of support bases 8A, 9A of modified examples, upper surfaces 54a, 55a of circular saw contact portions 54, 55, and endless belts BLT, BLT. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of support bases 8B and 9B of modified examples. [Figure 20] 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of disk conveying mechanisms 360, 362 of a scarf processing device 300 according to a modified example. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of disk conveying mechanisms 460, 462 of a scarf processing device 400 according to a modified example. FIG. [Figure 22] 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of disk conveying mechanisms 560, 562 of a scarf processing device 500 according to a modified example. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the contact portions 58, 59, the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55, and the outer peripheral surfaces 361a, 363a of the discs 361, 363. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the contact portions 58, 59, the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55, and the outer peripheral surfaces 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a of the discs 461, 463, 561, 563. FIG. [Figure 25] 10 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of pressing portions 156 and 157 of a modified example. FIG. [Figure 26] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another mode of use of the pressing portions 156 and 157 of the modified example. FIG. [Figure 27] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another mode of use of the pressing portions 156 and 157 of the modified example. FIG. [Figure 28]10 is an explanatory view showing a state in which both end portions 90a, 90b of a veneer 90 are pressed by pressing portions 156, 157 toward upper surfaces 54a, 55a of circular saw contact portions 54, 55. FIG. [Figure 29] 10 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of the pressing portions 256A, 257A and the pressing portions 256B, 257B of modified examples. FIG. [Figure 30] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing other modes of use of the pressing portions 256A and 257A and the pressing portions 256B and 257B of the modified examples. [Figure 31] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing other modes of use of the pressing portions 256A and 257A and the pressing portions 256B and 257B of the modified examples. [Figure 32] 10 is an explanatory view showing a state in which both end portions 90a, 90b of a veneer 90 are pressed against the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 and the placing surfaces 50a, 52a by the pressing portions 256A, 257A and pressing portions 256B, 257B. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of a scarf processing device 600 according to a modified example. [Figure 34] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between rollers 658, 659, upper surfaces 54a, 55a of circular saw contact portions 54, 55, and endless belts BLT, BLT. [Figure 35] 10 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of pressing portions 756 and 757 of a modified example. FIG. [Figure 36] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the outline of the configuration of pressing portions 856A, 857A, 856B, and 857B of modified examples. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is an external view showing the appearance of a pinch and conveyance unit 604 of a modified example. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is an external view showing the appearance of a pinch and conveyance unit 704 of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described using examples. [Example]

[0058] As shown in Fig. 1, a scarf processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to process scarf surfaces on both end portions 90a, 90b in the fiber direction FD of a veneer 90 carried in by a carry-in conveyor 80, and to deliver the veneer 90 with the processed scarf surfaces to a delivery conveyor 82. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the scarf processing apparatus 1 includes a frame 2 having a longitudinal direction, a clamping and conveying unit 4 disposed on the frame 2 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the frame 2, a pair of processing units 6, 7 disposed midway along the frame 2 in the longitudinal direction, a pair of support tables 8, 9 (see Fig. 4 for the support table 9) disposed near the pair of processing units 6, 7, and a control device 70 (see Fig. 1) that controls the entire scarf processing apparatus 1. The both end portions 90a, 90b correspond to the "first end" in this invention, and "midway along the longitudinal direction of the frame 2" is an example of an embodiment corresponding to "midway along the conveying path of the veneer" in this invention.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 1, the frame 2 has a longitudinal direction that corresponds to the conveying direction TD in which the veneers 90 are conveyed. As shown in Fig. 2, the frame 2 includes a pair of upper beams 12a, 12b and a pair of lower beams 12c, 12d extending in the longitudinal direction, and base bodies 14a, 14b connected to both ends of the pair of upper beams 12a, 12b and the pair of lower beams 12c, 12d in the longitudinal direction.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 6, a pair of upper and lower guide rails R1, R1 are arranged on the inner surfaces of the pair of upper beams 12a, 12b (surfaces of the pair of upper beams 12a, 12b facing each other) (see also Fig. 2). Similarly, a pair of upper and lower guide rails R2, R2 are arranged on the inner surfaces of the pair of lower beams 12c, 12d (surfaces of the pair of lower beams 12c, 12d facing each other) (see also Fig. 2). As shown in Fig. 2, the guide rails R1, R1, R2, R2 extend over the entire longitudinal areas of the upper beams 12a, 12b and the lower beams 12c, 12d.

[0061] The base bodies 14a and 14b basically have the same shape. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the base bodies 14a and 14b are composed of a pair of legs 15a, 15a, 15b, and upper beams 16a, 16b and lower beams 17a, 17b connected to the pair of legs 15a, 15a, 15b, 15b. In other words, the base bodies 14a and 14b can be said to have a substantially A-shape when viewed from one side in the longitudinal direction. Note that an inlet conveyor 80 is disposed on the base body 14a side, and an outlet conveyor 82 is disposed on the base body 14b side (see Figure 1).

[0062] 5 and 7, the clamping and conveying unit 4 is composed of an upper clamping body 20 and a lower clamping body 22. The upper clamping body 20 and the lower clamping body 22 basically have the same configuration. The upper clamping body 20 and the lower clamping body 22 each have a main body 20a, 22a that is generally H-shaped in a plan view, four air cylinders 24a, 24a, 24a, 24a, 26a, 26a, 26a, 26a arranged on the main body 20a, 22a, and clamping bars 28, 28 fixed to rods 25, 25, 25 of the air cylinders 24a, 24a, 24a, 24a and clamping bars 29, 29 fixed to rods 27, 27, 27, 27 of the air cylinders 26a, 26a, 26a. The clamping and conveying section 4 is a feature that corresponds to the "holding and conveying section" of the present invention, and the clamping bars 28 and 29 are an example of a feature that corresponds to the "holding section" of the present invention.

[0063] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the main body portion 20a and the main body portion 22a are composed of a pair of vertical pieces 30a, 30a and a pair of vertical pieces 32a, 32a, and horizontal pieces 30b and 32b that connect the vertical pieces 30a, 30a and the vertical pieces 32a, 32a at approximately the center of the pair of vertical pieces 30a, 30a and the pair of vertical pieces 32a, 32a in the longitudinal direction, and have an approximately H-shape when viewed from above.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a pair of upper and lower guide portions 31 are arranged on the outer surfaces of the pair of vertical pieces 30a (the surfaces opposite to the surfaces to which the horizontal piece 30b is connected). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a pair of upper and lower guide portions 33 are arranged on the outer surfaces of the pair of vertical pieces 32a (the surfaces opposite to the surfaces to which the horizontal piece 32b is connected). As shown in FIG. 6, the guide portions 31 and 33 are engageable with the guide rails R1 and R2. That is, the upper clamping body 20 is slidably supported on the upper beams 12a and 12b via the guide portions 31 and the guide rails R1 and R1, and the lower clamping body 22 is slidably supported on the lower beams 12c and 12d via the guide portions 33 and the guide rails R2 and R2. The upper clamping body 20 and the lower clamping body 22 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual horizontal plane VHP (see FIG. 7).

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, female threaded bodies 34, 35 are fixed to the horizontal pieces 30b, 32b. The female threaded body 34 is threadedly engaged with a male threaded rod 36 rotatably supported on the upper beams 16a, 16b of the base bodies 14a, 14b. The male threaded rod 36 is rotated by a motor M1 fixed to the upper beam 16b. The female threaded body 35 is threadedly engaged with a male threaded rod 37 rotatably supported on the lower beams 17a, 17b of the base bodies 14a, 14b. The male threaded rod 37 is rotated by a motor M2 fixed to the lower beam 17b. That is, the motors M1, M2 rotate the male threaded rods 36, 37 forward and backward, thereby reciprocating the upper clamping body 20 and the lower clamping body 22 in the longitudinal direction of the upper beams 12a, 12b and the lower beams 12c, 12d.

[0066] 7, the air cylinders 24a, 24a, 24a are disposed at both longitudinal ends of the vertical pieces 30a, 30a, on the inner surfaces of the vertical pieces 30a, 30a (surfaces to which the horizontal pieces 30b are connected). The air cylinders 26a, 26a, 26a, 26a are disposed at both longitudinal ends of the vertical pieces 32a, 32a, on the inner surfaces of the vertical pieces 32a, 32a (surfaces to which the horizontal pieces 32b are connected). Driving the air cylinders 24a, 24a, 24a, 24a, 26a, 26a, 26a, 26a in the directions in which the rods 25, 25, 25, 25, 27, 27, 27 protrude causes the clamping bars 28, 28 and the clamping bars 29, 29 to approach each other. As a result, the veneer 90 is clamped between the clamping bars 28, 28 and the clamping bars 29, 29. Meanwhile, the air cylinders 24a, 24a, 24a, 24a, 26a, 26a, 26a, 26a are driven in the direction in which the rods 25, 25, 25, 25, 27, 27, 27, 27 are retracted, causing the clamping bars 28, 28 and the clamping bars 29, 29 to move away from each other. This releases the clamping of the veneer 90 by the clamping bars 28, 28 and the clamping bars 29, 29. The clamping bars 28, 28 and the clamping bars 29, 29 clamp the veneer 90 with both ends 90a, 90b protruding, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0067] In this way, the clamping and conveying section 4 clamps the veneer 90 carried in from the carrying-in conveyor 80 between the clamping bars 28, 28 and the clamping bars 29, 29, and moves in the conveying direction TD to convey the veneer 90 to the carrying-out conveyor 82.

[0068] The processing units 6 and 7 basically have the same configuration, and as shown in Fig. 6, each include a circular saw 40a, 41a and a motor 40b, 41b having a rotation shaft RS, RS. The circular saw 40a, 41a is connected to the motor 40b, 41b via the rotation shaft RS, RS. The circular saw 40a, 41a is an example of a configuration that corresponds to the "cutting blade" of the present invention.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 6, the motor 40b is fixed to the outer surface of the upper beam 12a (the surface of the pair of upper beams 12a facing away from the upper beam 12b) via a bracket BR, and the motor 41b is fixed to the outer surface of the lower beam 12d (the surface of the pair of lower beams 12d facing away from the lower beam 12c) via a bracket BR. That is, when viewed from one side in the longitudinal direction of the frame 2 (one side in the conveying direction TD of the veneer 90), that is, on a virtual projection plane when viewed from one side in the extension direction of both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 6), the processing units 6, 7 are arranged in a positional relationship that is point-symmetric with respect to the center point P1 of the virtual line segment VL connecting the centers of the male threaded rods 36, 37.

[0070] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the processing sections 6 and 7 are positioned such that the projections of the circular saws 40a and 41a on the virtual projection plane intersect with the projections of both end portions 90a and 90b of the veneer 90 (part of the projections of both end portions 90a and 90b are included inside the projections of the circular saws 40a and 41a).

[0071] The processing units 6 and 7 arranged in this manner process parallel scarf surfaces on both end portions 90a and 90b of the veneer 90. The processing units 6 and 7 are arranged at approximately the middle position in the longitudinal direction of the frame 2, and process the scarf surfaces on both end portions 90a and 90b while the clamping and conveying unit 4 is conveying the veneer 90 to the discharge conveyor 82.

[0072] 9, the support stands 8, 9 have basically the same configuration and include bases 50, 52, circular saw contact portions 54, 55 integrated with the bases 50, 52, pressing portions 56, 57 supported on the bases 50, 52 so as to be able to swing freely via swing shafts SS, SS, air cylinders 56d, 57d connected to the pressing portions 56, 57, and auxiliary conveyors 60, 62 supported on the bases 50, 52. The auxiliary conveyors 60, 62 are an example of a configuration that corresponds to the "first end transport portion" of the present invention.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 9, the bases 50, 52 have placement surfaces 50a, 52a on which both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 can be placed. Circular saw contact portions 54, 55, which will be described later, are arranged on the placement surfaces 50a, 52a. The placement surfaces 50a, 52a also function to suppress flexing of the endless belts BLT, BLT, which will be described later. Here, "being able to place both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90" preferably includes a mode in which both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 are pressed by pressing portions 56, 57, which will be described later, causing the both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 to be placed on the placement surfaces 50a, 52a.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 8, the base 50 is fixed to the outer surface of the lower beam 12c (the surface of the lower beam 12c facing away from the lower beam 12d), and the base 52 is fixed to the outer surface of the upper beam 12b (the surface of the upper beam 12b facing away from the upper beam 12a). That is, when viewed from one side in the longitudinal direction of the frame 2 (one side in the transport direction TD of the veneer 90), that is, on a virtual projection plane when viewed from one side in the extension direction of both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Fig. 8), the support bases 8 and 9 are arranged in a positional relationship that is point-symmetric with respect to the center point P1.

[0075] The circular saw contact portions 54, 55 function as circular saw supports when scarfing both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, they are disposed on the support surfaces 50a, 52a of the bases 50, 52 at positions closest to the cutting edges of the circular saws 40a, 41a. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 have their upper surfaces 54a, 55a (the surfaces facing the contact portions 58, 59, described later) flush with the support surfaces 50a, 52a. It goes without saying that the upper surfaces 54a, 55a do not necessarily have to be flush with the support surfaces 50a, 52a. For example, the upper surface 54a may be configured to slope upward toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction TD of the veneer 90, and the upper surface 55a may be configured to slope downward toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction TD of the veneer 90. This configuration allows both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 to be guided toward a contact position CpL, which will be described later. The circular saw contact portions 54, 55 are preferably made of synthetic resin or wood. The cutting edges of the circular saws 40a, 41a and both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 first come into contact at a point CP where a projection of the cutting edges of the circular saws 40a, 41a and a projection of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 intersect on a virtual projection plane when viewed from one side in the vertical direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 10 ). Hereinafter, a virtual orthogonal line passing through the point CP and perpendicular to the conveying direction TD is referred to as the "contact position CpL." The bases 50, 52 and the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 correspond to the "support portion" of the present invention, and the upper surfaces 54a, 55a are an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "first opposing surface" of the present invention.

[0076] The pressing portions 56, 57 are composed of lever portions 56a, 57a which have an approximately inverted L-shape when viewed from one side in the axial direction of the oscillation axes SS, SS (see Figure 9), connection portions 56b, 57b which extend from the tip of the first piece 56a1, 57a1 of the lever portion 56a, 57a along the axial direction of the oscillation axes SS, SS (see Figures 10 and 11), and pressing arms 56c, 57c which extend from the extending end of the connection portion 56b, 57b (the end opposite the end connected to the first piece 56a1, 57a1) in the same direction as the extending direction of the second piece 56a2, 57a2 of the lever portion 56a, 57a (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0077] As shown in Fig. 9, the lever portions 56a, 57a are supported by the swing shafts SS, SS at the intersections of the first pieces 56a1, 57a1 and the second pieces 56a2, 57a2. The swing shafts SS, SS are fixed to the bases 50, 52. As shown in Fig. 10, the pressing arms 56c, 57c are disposed inside the projection areas of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 on a virtual projection plane when viewed from one side in the vertical direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Fig. 10). In other words, the pressing arms 56c, 57c are disposed directly above the circular saw contact portions 54, 55.

[0078] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the pressing arms 56c, 57c have bent portions 56b1, 57b1 that extend horizontally a predetermined distance from the extending ends of the connecting portions 56b, 57b and then bend downward. The bent portions 56b1, 57b1 have contact portions 58, 59 that contact both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90. The surfaces of the contact portions 58, 59 that face the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 are positioned opposite the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55. The surfaces of the contact portions 58, 59 that face the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 are inclined toward the distal end (left side in Figure 9) so as to gradually approach the circular saw contact portions 54, 55. It is preferable to use a synthetic resin or the like with a relatively low coefficient of friction for the contact portions 58, 59. The surfaces of the contact portions 58, 59 facing the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 are one example of a feature that corresponds to "a first contact portion" of this invention.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, the air cylinders 56d, 57d have rods R, R and are connected to the tips of the second pieces 56a2, 57a2 via the rods R, R. The air cylinders 56d, 57d are supported on the bases 50, 52 via block bodies Br, Br so as to be swingable on the side opposite the side where the rods R, R are disposed. When the air cylinders 56d, 57d are driven in the direction in which the rods R, R are retracted, the pressing portions 56, 57 swing (rotate) counterclockwise (counterclockwise in FIG. 9) around the swing axes SS, SS. As shown in FIG. 10, the contact portions 58, 59 are positioned upstream of the contact position CpL in the conveying direction TD and are configured to abut against both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 at a pressing position PpL adjacent to the contact position CpL. It is desirable to position the contact position CpL and the pressing position PpL as close as possible to each other. The air cylinders 56d and 57d are one example of a feature that corresponds to "an urging portion" of this invention.

[0080] Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the air cylinders 56d and 57d (see FIG. 12) are set in a state where the rod R, R is shortened (retracted into the cylinder) such that the distance a1 from the upper surfaces 54a and 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54 and 55 to the contact portions 58 and 59 of the pressing portions 56 and 57 is smaller than the difference between the distance a2 from the upper surfaces 54a and 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54 and 55 to the outer surface OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT described later and the distance a3 from the upper surfaces 54a and 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54 and 55 to the inner surface IS of the endless belts BLT, BLT described later (a1 < a2 - a3), and the distance a1 is smaller than the plate thickness t of the single plate 90 (both end portions 90a and 90b) (a1 < t). Desirably, the air cylinders 56d and 57d are set in a state where the rod R, R is shortened (retracted into the cylinder) such that a1 = 0. As a result, when the single plate 90 is conveyed and the single plate 90 abuts against the contact portions 58 and 59, a component force of the force in the conveying direction of the single plate 90 acts on the contact portions 58 and 59, and the pressing portions 56 and 57 swing (rotate) clockwise (clockwise in FIG. 12) about the swing shafts SS, SS, and the rods R, R are extended. As a result, a restoring force in the direction in which the rods R, R are retracted acts as a pressing force on both end portions 90a and 90b of the single plate 90 via the contact portions 58 and 59. That is, both end portions 90a and 90b of the single plate 90 are pressed toward the upper surfaces 54a and 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54 and 55 by the contact portions 58 and 59 as shown in FIG. 16 Due to the pressing of both end portions 90a and 90b of the single plate 90 by the contact portions 58 and 59 toward the upper surfaces 54a and 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54 and 55, bending (flexure) occurs in the single plate 90 with the endless belt BLT as a support point, and the pressing force via the single plate 90 also acts on the outer surface OS of the endless belt BLT.

[0081] The auxiliary conveyors 60 and 62 have basically the same configuration. As shown in Fig. 13, the auxiliary conveyors 60 and 62 have four pulleys Pr1, Pr2, Pr3, and Pr4, an endless belt BLT wound around the four pulleys Pr1, Pr2, Pr3, and Pr4, and a motor M3 having a rotating shaft (not shown) connected to the pulley Pr3. The motor M3 is an example of a configuration that corresponds to a "drive unit" in this invention.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 13, pulleys Pr1 and Pr1 are rotatably supported by support arms 61a and 63a fixed to bases 50 and 52, respectively, and pulleys Pr2 and Pr2 are rotatably supported by support arms 61b and 63b fixed to bases 50 and 52, respectively. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, support arms 61a, 63a, 61b, and 63b are fixed to the inner surfaces of bases 50 and 52 (surfaces of bases 50 and 52 facing clamping bars 28 and 29). As shown in Fig. 13, support arms 61a and 63a protrude from bases 50 and 52 in the conveying direction TD of veneer 90, and support arms 61b and 63b protrude from bases 50 and 52 in the opposite direction to conveying direction TD of veneer 90. Support arms 61a and 63a and support arms 61b and 63b are disposed at the same height. As a result, the pulley Pr1 and the pulley Pr2 are disposed at the same height position, that is, the endless belt BLT between the pulley Pr1 and the pulley Pr2 extends horizontally (see FIG. 13).

[0083] Here, as shown in Fig. 14, the inner surface IS of the endless belt BLT extending between the pulleys Pr1 and Pr2 faces the mounting surfaces 50a and 52a of the bases 50 and 52 at a predetermined distance. As a result, when the endless belt BLT extending between the pulleys Pr1 and Pr2 bends, the inner surface IS comes into contact with the mounting surfaces 50a and 52a, thereby suppressing the bending of the endless belt BLT. The inner surface IS is a surface that forms a pair with the outer surface OS of the endless belt BLT, which serves as a conveying surface for conveying the veneers 90. The inner surface IS of the endless belt BLT corresponds to the "non-mounting surface" in this invention, and the outer surface OS of the endless belt BLT is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "mounting portion" and "mounting surface" in this invention.

[0084] As described above, the upper surfaces 54a, 55a (surfaces facing the abutment portions 58, 59) of the circular saw abutment portions 54, 55 are flush with the support surfaces 50a, 52a. Therefore, even if the endless belt BLT extending between pulleys Pr1 and Pr2 bends and the inner surface IS abuts against the support surfaces 50a, 52a, the outer surfaces OS, OS are positioned above the upper surfaces 54a, 55a, i.e., closer to the abutment portions 58, 59.

[0085] Like pulleys Pr1 and Pr2, pulleys Pr3 and Pr4 are fixed to the inner surfaces of bases 50 and 52 (surfaces of bases 50 and 52 facing clamping bars 28 and 29) (see FIG. 11). With such an arrangement of pulleys Pr1, Pr2, Pr3, and Pr4, auxiliary conveyors 60 and 62 are positioned adjacent to circular saw contact portions 54 and 55 and between clamping bars 28 and 29 when viewed from one side in the conveying direction TD, as shown in FIG.

[0086] The inner surface IS is wrapped around the pulleys Pr1, Pr2, and Pr4, and the outer surface OS is wrapped around the pulley Pr3. The coefficient of friction between the outer surface OS and the pulley Pr3 is set to be greater than the coefficient of friction between the inner surface IS and the pulley Pr3. This ensures that the rotational driving force of the pulley Pr3 is transmitted reliably by the endless belts BLT and BLT. As a result, the conveyance performance of both end portions 90a and 90b of the veneer 90 in the conveyance direction TD can be improved.

[0087] The control device 70 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU. It includes a ROM for storing processing programs, a RAM for temporarily storing data, input / output ports, and a communication port. The control device 70 receives, via its input port, detection signals from a sensor that detects the transfer of a veneer 90 from the input conveyor 80 to the scarf processing device 1 and from sensors that detect the clamping and release of the veneer 90 by the clamping bars 28 and 29. The control device 70 also outputs, via its output port, drive signals to motors M1 and M2, motors 40b and 41b, air cylinders 24a, 26a, 26a, air cylinders 56d and 57d, and motor M3. The control device 70 is an example of a configuration corresponding to the "controller" of this invention.

[0088] Next, we will explain the operation of the scarf processing device 1 configured as described above. When a veneer 90 is carried from the carry-in conveyor 80 to a position where it can be clamped by the set of clamping bars 28, 29, the CPU of the control device 70 drives the air cylinders 24a, 24a, 24a, 24a, 26a, 26a, 26a, 26a so that the veneer 90 is clamped by the set of clamping bars 28, 29.

[0089] Next, the CPU of the control device 70 executes a process to drive the motors M1 and M2 so that the clamped veneer 90 is conveyed to the discharge conveyor 82 at a speed V1 in the conveying direction TD, and also drives the motors M3 and M3 so that the endless belts BLT and BLT of the auxiliary conveyors 60 and 62 rotate at a speed V2. Here, in this embodiment, the speed V2 is set to be slightly slower than the speed V1.

[0090] In addition, the CPU of the control device 70 drives the motors 40b, 41b to rotate the circular saws 40a, 41a, and also controls the driving of the air cylinders 56d, 57d so that the pressing portions 56, 57 (contact portions 58, 59) can press both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 toward the endless belts BLT, BLT and the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 (upper surfaces 54a, 55a) with a predetermined pressing force.

[0091] When both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90, which are transported in the transport direction TD at a speed V1, reach the upstream ends of the endless belts BLT, BLT and are placed on the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT, the both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 are transported in the transport direction TD at a speed V2 by the endless belts BLT, BLT. That is, near the center of the veneer 90 in the fiber direction FD, the veneer 90 is transported in the transport direction TD by the pair of clamping bars 28, 29 at a speed V1, and at the both ends 90a, 90b, the veneer 90 is transported in the transport direction TD at a speed V2 by the endless belts BLT, BLT.

[0092] As shown in Figure 15, consider a case where the end 90a of a conveyed veneer 90 has cracks Cr1 and Cr2 along the fiber direction FD. Note that crack Cr1 is located downstream in the conveying direction TD, and crack Cr2 is located upstream in the conveying direction TD. The end 90a with the cracks Cr1 and Cr2 is conveyed by the endless belts BLT and BLT in the conveying direction TD at a speed V2. This reduces the frictional force acting on the end 90a in the opposite direction to the conveying direction TD due to the end 90a being pressed by the pressing portions 56 and 57 (contact portions 58 and 59). This reduces the moment acting to widen the cracks Cr1 and Cr2 or to close the cracks Cr1 and Cr2 excessively.

[0093] Since the speed V2 of the end portion 90a in the conveying direction TD is smaller than the speed V1 of the veneer 90 in the conveying direction TD by the pair of clamping bars 28, 29, an appropriate moment in the direction of closing the cracks Cr1, which is caused by the above-mentioned frictional force acting in the opposite direction to the conveying direction TD, acts on the veneer 90. This effectively prevents the generation of unscarfed areas caused by scarfing the cracks Cr1 on the downstream side in the conveying direction TD in a widened state, or the generation of unevenness in the scarf surface caused by scarfing the cracks Cr1 in an excessively closed state and then reopening (opening) due to the elasticity of the veneer 90.

[0094] When both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 reach the contact position CpL, the CPU of the control device 70 executes a process to drive the motors M3, M3 so that the endless belts BLT, BLT of the auxiliary conveyors 60, 62 rotate at a speed V3. In this embodiment, the speed V3 is set to be slightly faster than the speed V1.

[0095] Thus, after both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 reach the contact position CpL, i.e., after scarfing of both end portions 90a, 90b is initiated, the speed V3 of the end portion 90a in the conveying direction TD is greater than the speed V1 of the veneer 90 in the conveying direction TD by the pair of clamping bars 28, 29. This causes a moderate moment acting on the end portion 90a in the direction of closing the cracks Cr2 due to the frictional force acting in the same direction as the conveying direction TD. This effectively prevents the occurrence of unscarfed areas due to the cracks Cr2 on the upstream side of the conveying direction TD being scarfed in a widened state, or unevenness in the scarf surface due to the cracks Cr2 being scarfed in an excessively closed state and then returning (opening) due to the elasticity of the veneer 90. Here, the terms "after reaching" and "after starting" are concepts that include "immediately after reaching" and "immediately after starting," as well as "after a predetermined time has elapsed since reaching" and "after starting."

[0096] If the dimension of the veneer 90 to be scarfed in the direction along the fiber direction FD (the dimension of the veneer 90 in the direction perpendicular to both the conveying direction TD and the thickness direction of the veneer 90) is increased, the amount of protrusion of both end portions 90a, 90b from the clamping bars 28, 29 increases. Therefore, in order to maintain the amount of protrusion of both end portions 90a, 90b at the predetermined protrusion amount required for scarfing, it becomes necessary to reposition (move) the support bases 8, 9 in a direction away from the clamping bars 28, 29. In this case, the distance from the support bases 8, 9 to the clamping bars 28, 29 increases, and the moment acting in a direction that widens the cracks Cr1, Cr2 or excessively closes the cracks Cr1, Cr2 increases, depending on the distance and the frictional force. In order to reduce this moment, conventionally, it was necessary to change the arrangement of the clamping bars 28, 29 (change the structure of the clamping and conveying unit 4) along with changing the arrangement of the support tables 8, 9 in order to reduce the distance from the support tables 8, 9 to the clamping bars 28, 29. However, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned frictional force can be reduced, so it is possible to address this issue by simply changing the arrangement of the support tables 8, 9. This makes it possible to accommodate differences in the dimensions of the veneer 90 while minimizing the extent to which the scarf processing device 1 needs to be modified.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the end portions 90a, 90b reach the contact position CpL, the pressing portions 56, 57 (contact portions 58, 59) correct any twisting, warping, or other irregularities that may occur in the end portions 90a, 90b, allowing for scarfing to be performed, ensuring a good scarf surface. Furthermore, since the end portions 90a, 90b are pressed against the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 by the pressing portions 56, 57 (contact portions 58, 59), the end portions 90a, 90b are pressed against the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT, allowing for reliable conveyance of the end portions 90a, 90b in the conveyance direction TD. This reduces the frictional force acting on the end portions 90a, 90b in the direction opposite to the conveying direction TD due to the end portions 90a, 90b being pressed by the pressing portions 56, 57 (contact portions 58, 59), thereby more reliably preventing damage to the scarf surface, the generation of unscarfed portions, and the generation of steps on the scarf surface.In addition, since the pressing portions 56, 57 (contact portions 58, 59) do not face the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT, when the veneer 90 is not being conveyed by the nipping and conveying portion 4, the contact portions 58, 59 do not come into contact with the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT due to vibration of the scarf processing device 1. This reduces wear on the abutment portions 58, 59 and the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belt BLT, BLT due to contact between the abutment portions 58, 59 and the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belt BLT, BLT, thereby reducing the occurrence of poor pressing of the both ends 90a, 90b of the endless belt BLT, BLT by the pressing portions 56, 57 against the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belt BLT, BLT. Furthermore, because the abutment portions 58, 59 do not face the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belt BLT, BLT, there is no need to adjust the gap between the abutment portions 58, 59 and the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belt BLT, BLT. This eliminates the need to temporarily stop the scarf processing device 1 for the work required to adjust the gap, thereby improving productivity.

[0098] Of course, since the scarf surface is processed on both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 while it is being transported, productivity can be improved compared to a structure in which the scarf surface is processed on both end portions 90a, 90b while the transport of the veneer 90 is temporarily stopped.

[0099] In this embodiment, the surfaces of the contact portions 58, 59 of the pressing portions 56, 57 that face the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 and the endless belts BLT, BLT are configured to be inclined so as to gradually approach the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 and the endless belts BLT, BLT toward the tip (left side in FIG. 9 ), but this is not limited to this. For example, the surfaces of the contact portions 58, 59 that face the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 and the endless belts BLT, BLT may be configured to be parallel to the mounting surfaces 50a, 52a of the bases 50, 52 (upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55), or the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 may be configured to have a spherical shape. In this case, the contact portions 58, 59 contact the end portions 90a, 90b in a surface contact or point contact manner.

[0100] In this embodiment, endless belts BLT, BLT are used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an endless chain may be used.

[0101] In this embodiment and the above-described modified example, a predetermined distance is provided between the support surfaces 50a, 52a and the inner surfaces IS, IS of the endless belts BLT, BLT, but the configuration may also be such that there is no predetermined distance, i.e., the inner surfaces IS, IS abut against the support surfaces 50a, 52a.

[0102] In the present embodiment and the above-described modified example, the inner surface IS of the endless belts BLT, BLT is disposed facing the mounting surfaces 50a, 52a of the bases 50, 52 at a predetermined distance, but this is not limiting. For example, as illustrated in the support bases 8A, 9A of the modified examples in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the rotating body Rm may be disposed at a position facing the inner surface IS of the endless belts BLT, BLT. The rotating body Rm is rotatably supported on the bases 50, 52 so that the distance between the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body Rm and the inner surface IS of the endless belts BLT, BLT is minimized at the pressing position PpL. Note that the distance between the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body Rm and the inner surface IS of the endless belts BLT, BLT may be zero. The rotating body Rm corresponds to the "rotating body" in this invention, and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body Rm is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "outer circumferential surface" in this invention.

[0103] According to this configuration, the rotating body Rm can suppress deflection of the endless belts BLT, BLT caused by pressing the both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 by the pressing portions 56, 57. Moreover, since the rotating body Rm is rotatable, wear on the inner surface IS of the endless belt BLT can be suppressed.

[0104] In the present embodiment and the above-described modified examples, the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT are flat, but this is not limiting. For example, as illustrated in the modified support bases 8B, 9B of FIG. 19, the endless belts BLT, BLT may have a plurality of piercing bodies Thr on the outer surfaces OS, OS. In this case, it is desirable to arrange the pulleys Pr1 and Pr2 so that the endless belts BLT, BLT extend in the vertical direction. It is also desirable to arrange the pulleys Pr1 so that the projection of the rotation axis of the pulley Pr1 on a virtual projection plane when viewed from one side (the top side of FIG. 19) in the vertical direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 19) overlaps with the projection of the pressing position PpL on the virtual projection plane.

[0105] In the present embodiment and the above-described modified examples, the auxiliary conveyors 60, 62 are used to transport both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 in the transport direction TD, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in modified scarf processing apparatuses 300, 400, 500 illustrated in Figures 20 to 22, the both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 may be transported in the transport direction TD by disk transport mechanisms 360, 362, 460, 462, 560, 562 instead of the auxiliary conveyors 60, 62. The modified scarf processing apparatuses 300, 400, 500 have a configuration in which the auxiliary conveyors 60, 62 of the scarf processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment are replaced with disk transport mechanisms 360, 362, 460, 462, 560, 562. Therefore, in order to avoid redundant explanation, the components of the scarf processing devices 300, 400, and 500 of the modified examples that correspond to the components of the scarf processing device 1 of this embodiment will be given the same symbols, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0106] 20 to 22, the disk conveying mechanisms 360, 362, 460, 462, 560, and 562 have basically the same configuration except for the different shapes of the disks 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, and 563. That is, the disk conveying mechanisms 360, 362, 460, 462, 560, and 562 each include two pulleys Pr5 and Pr6, the disks 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, and 563, a power transmission member PT such as a belt or chain wound around the two pulleys Pr5 and Pr6, and a motor M3 having a rotating shaft (not shown) connected to the pulley Pr6. The disc conveying mechanisms 360, 362, 460, 462, 560, and 562 correspond to the "first end conveying section" in the present invention, the discs 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, and 563 correspond to the "disc body" in the present invention, and the pulleys Pr5 and Pr6, the power transmission member PT, and the motor M3 are an example of an implementation configuration corresponding to the "drive section" in the present invention.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the pulleys Pr5 and Pr6 are rotatably supported on the bases 50 and 52 via the rotation shafts RSFT (see FIGS. 23 and 24), respectively. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the disks 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563 are integrally supported on the rotation shaft RSFT that rotatably supports the pulley Pr5. The disks 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563 are disposed between the bases 50, 52 and the pulley Pr5. The outer peripheral surfaces 361a, 363a of the disks 361, 363 have no irregularities as shown in FIG. 20, while the outer peripheral surfaces 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a of the disks 461, 463, 561, 563 have a plurality of irregularities UE in the circumferential direction as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The irregularities UE on the outer peripheral surfaces 461a, 463a have pointed convex tips, and the irregularities UE on the outer peripheral surfaces 561a, 563a have flat convex tips.

[0108] And as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the air cylinders 56d, 57d (see FIG. 12) are set in a state where the rods R, R are shortened (retracted into the cylinders) such that the distance a1 from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw abutting portions 54, 55 to the abutting portions 58, 59 of the pressing portions 56, 57 is smaller than the distance a4 from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw abutting portions 54, 55 to the outer peripheral surfaces 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a of the disks 461, 463, 561, 563 described later (a1 < a4), and the distance a1 is smaller than the plate thickness t of the single plate 90 (both end portions 90a, 90b) (a1 < t). Desirably, the air cylinders 56d, 57d are set in a state where the rods R, R are shortened (retracted into the cylinders) such that a1 = 0.

[0109] This configuration also has the same effects as the present embodiment, namely, the effect of being able to achieve stable scarf processing, the effect of being able to reliably transport both end portions 90a, 90b in the transport direction TD, the effect of being able to more reliably prevent damage to the scarf surface, the occurrence of unprocessed scarf portions, and the occurrence of steps on the scarf surface, the effect of being able to suppress wear on the abutment portions 58, 59 and the outer peripheral surfaces 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a of the discs 461, 463, 561, 563, and the effect of being able to suppress poor pressing of the pressing portions 56, 57 against the outer peripheral surfaces 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a of the discs 461, 463, 561, 563 of the both end portions 90a, 90b, and the effect of being able to improve productivity.

[0110] In the present embodiment and the above-described modified example, the pressing portions 56, 57 have a single contact portion 58, 59 arranged opposite the upper surface 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portion 54, 55, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Figs. 25 to 27 of modified examples of pressing portions 156, 157, the pressing portions may have a contact portion 158, 159 arranged opposite the mounting surface 50a, 52a in addition to the contact portion 58, 59 arranged opposite the upper surface 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portion 54, 55. The contact portion 158, 159 is arranged on the opposite side of the endless belts BLT, BLT or the discs 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563 from the side on which the contact portion 58, 59 is arranged. In other words, when viewed from one side in the conveying direction TD of the veneer 90, the endless belts BLT, BLT and the discs 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563 are sandwiched between the contact portions 58, 59 and the contact portions 158, 159. The contact portions 58, 59 and the contact portions 158, 159 are integrated via a recess Cav. The contact portions 158, 159 are configured to be positioned on an imaginary plane that includes the contact portions 58, 59. Therefore, when the air cylinders 56d, 57d are set, the distance a1 from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 to the contact portions 58, 59 is the same as the distance a1 from the mounting surfaces 50a, 52a to the contact portions 158, 159. The contact portions 158 and 159 are an example of a feature that corresponds to a "second contact portion" in the present invention. Furthermore, the mounting surfaces 50a and 52a, which are arranged opposite the contact portions 158 and 159, are an example of a feature that corresponds to a "second opposing surface" in the present invention.

[0111] According to this configuration, when viewed from one side in the conveying direction TD of the veneer 90, the contact portions 58, 59 press the left side of the end 90a and the right side of the end 90b of the veneer 90 with respect to the endless belts BLT, BLT and the disks 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563, and the contact portions 158, 159 press the left side of the end 90a and the right side of the end 90b of the veneer 90 with respect to the endless belts BLT, BLT and the disks 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563. Because the rollers 561 and 563 press the right side of the end 90a and the left side of the end 90b of the veneer 90 (see FIG. 28), both ends 90a and 90b of the veneer 90 are effectively pressed against the outer surfaces OS and OS of the endless belts BLT and BLT and the outer peripheral surfaces 361a, 363a, 461a, 463a, 561a, and 563a of the disks 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, and 563. This ensures that both ends 90a and 90b are conveyed in the conveying direction TD. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent damage to the scarf surface, the occurrence of unscarfed portions, and unevenness in the scarf surface. Furthermore, when the veneer 90 is not being transported by the clamping and transporting section 4, contact between the abutment sections 58, 59 and the abutment sections 158, 159 and the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT and the outer peripheral surfaces 361a, 363a, 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a of the discs 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563 due to vibration of the scarf processing device 1 can be prevented, thereby suppressing wear on the abutment sections 58, 59 and the abutment sections 158, 159, the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT and the outer peripheral surfaces 361a, 363a, 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a of the discs 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563. This makes it possible to prevent the pressing portions 156, 157 from improperly pressing the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT at both ends 90a, 90b and the outer peripheral surfaces 361a, 363a, 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a of the disks 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563. It goes without saying that the number of contact portions (58, 59, 158, 159) is not limited to two, and the pressing portion may have three or more contact portions.

[0112] In the above-described modified examples (FIGS. 25 to 27), the contact portions 58, 59 and the contact portions 158, 159 are integrated into a single pressing portion 156, 157 via a recess Cav. However, this is not limiting. For example, as shown in the modified examples of FIGS. 29 to 31, a configuration may be adopted in which pressing portions 256A, 257A have contact portions 258A, 259A, and pressing portions 256B, 257B have contact portions 258B, 259B. Here, when the air cylinders 56d, 57d are set, it is desirable that the distance a1 from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 to the contact portions 258A, 259B is the same as the distance a1 from the mounting surfaces 50a, 52a to the contact portions 258B, 259B. The pressing portions 256A, 257A and the pressing portions 256B, 257B can be configured to be swung (rotated) by separate air cylinders (not shown). This configuration makes it easy to adjust the distance a1 from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 to the contact portions 258A, 259A and the distance a1 from the mounting surfaces 50a, 52a to the contact portions 258B, 259B, and also ensures that both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 are pressed reliably by the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT and the outer peripheral surfaces 361a, 363a, 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a of the discs 361, 363, 461, 463, 561, 563. The pressing portions 256B, 257B correspond to the "second pressing portion" in the present invention, and the contact portions 258B, 259B are an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "second contact portion" in the present invention. Furthermore, of the placing surfaces 50a, 52a, the placing surfaces 50a, 52a arranged opposite the contact portions 258B, 259B are an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "second opposing surface" in the present invention. Furthermore, one of the separate air cylinders (not shown) corresponds to the "biasing portion" in the present invention, and the other of the separate air cylinders (not shown) is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "second biasing portion" in the present invention.

[0113] This configuration can also achieve the same effects as the scarf processing device 1 using the pressing units 156, 157 of the above-described modified example (see also FIG. 32). It goes without saying that the number of pressing units (256A, 257A, 256B, 257B) is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0114] In the present embodiment and the above-described modified example, the configuration includes pressing units 56, 57, 156, 157, 256A, 257A, 256B, and 257B having contact portions 58, 59, 158, 159, 258A, 259A, 258B, and 259B, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in a modified scarf processing apparatus 600 illustrated in FIG. 33, the configuration may include pressing units 656 and 657 having rollers 658 and 659 instead of contact portions 58, 59, 158, 159, 258A, 259A, 258B, and 259B. The modified scarf processing apparatus 600 has the same configuration as the scarf processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, except that the pressing units 56 and 57 are replaced with pressing units 656 and 657. Therefore, in order to avoid redundant explanation, the components of the scarf processing device 600 of the modified example that correspond to the components of the scarf processing device 1 of this embodiment will be given the same symbols, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the pressing portions 656 and 657 have the same configuration as the pressing portions 56 and 57 of the scarfing device 1 of the present embodiment, except that the pressing arms 56c and 57c are replaced with the pressing arms 656c and 657c. Specifically, the pressing arms 656c and 657c have bent portions 656b1 and 657b1 that extend horizontally by a predetermined distance from the extending ends of the connecting portions 56b and 57b and then bend downward. The bent portions 656b1 and 657b1 have rollers 658 and 659 that contact both ends 90a and 90b of the single plate 90. The rollers 658 and 659 are rotatably supported at the tip ends of the bent portions 656b1 and 657b1 (the ends opposite to the ends connected to the connecting portions 56b and 57b). The rollers 658 and 659 are arranged such that the outer peripheral surfaces face the upper surfaces 54a and 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54 and 55. As shown in FIG. 34, the air cylinders 56d and 57d (see FIG. 12) are set in a state where the rod R and R are shortened (retracted into the cylinder) so that the distance a1 from the upper surfaces 54a and 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54 and 55 to the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers 658 and 659 is smaller than the difference between the distance a2 from the upper surfaces 54a and 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54 and 55 to the outer side surfaces OS of the endless belts BLT and BLT and the distance a3 from the upper surfaces 54a and 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54 and 55 to the inner side surfaces IS of the endless belts BLT and BLT to be described later (a1 < a2 - a3), and the distance a1 is smaller than the plate thickness t of the single plate 90 (both ends 90a and 90b) (a1 < t). Desirably, the air cylinders 56d and 57d are set in a state where the rod R and R are shortened (retracted into the cylinder) so that a1 = 0. The rollers 658 and 659 correspond to the "first contact portion" and the "first rolling element" in the present invention, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers 658 and 659 are an example of an implementation configuration corresponding to the "first rolling surface" in the present invention.

[0116] According to this configuration, the rollers 658, 659 press both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90, thereby reducing the frictional force acting on the both end portions 90a, 90b in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction TD due to the pressing of the both end portions 90a, 90b by the pressing units 656, 657 (rollers 658, 659). This reduces the moment acting in a direction that widens cracks or fissures in the veneer 90 or in a direction that excessively closes the cracks or fissures due to the frictional force. As a result, defects in the scarf surface, the generation of unscarfed portions due to scarfing with widened cracks or fissures, and unevenness in the scarf surface due to the elasticity of the veneer after scarfing with cracks or fissures excessively closed can be more effectively prevented.

[0117] In the above-described modified examples (FIGS. 33 and 34), the pressing units 656, 657 have a single roller 658, 659 arranged facing the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contacting units 54, 55. However, this is not limiting. For example, as shown in the modified example of the pressing units 756, 757 in FIG. 35, in addition to the roller 658, 659 arranged facing the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contacting units 54, 55, a roller 758, 759 arranged facing the mounting surfaces 50a, 52a may be included. Note that the roller 758, 759 is arranged on the opposite side of the endless belts BLT, BLT from the side on which the rollers 658, 659 are arranged. In other words, when viewed from one side in the conveying direction TD of the veneer 90, the endless belts BLT, BLT are sandwiched between the rollers 658, 659 and the rollers 758, 759. Rollers 658, 659 and rollers 758, 759 are rotatably supported by pressing arms 656c, 657c (bent portions 656b1, 657b1) via rotation shafts RSFT. When the air cylinders 56d, 57d are set, the distance a1 from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 to the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers 658, 659 is the same as the distance a1 from the mounting surfaces 50a, 52a to the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers 758, 759. The rollers 758, 759 correspond to the "second contact portion" and "second rolling element" of the present invention, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers 758, 759 are an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "second rolling surface" of the present invention. Of the placement surfaces 50a and 52a, the placement surfaces 50a and 52a that are arranged to face the rollers 758 and 759 are an example of a feature that corresponds to a "second facing surface" of this invention.

[0118] With this configuration, when viewed from one side of the conveying direction TD of the veneer 90, the rollers 658, 659 press the left side of the end 90a and the right side of the end 90b of the veneer 90 against the endless belts BLT, BLT, while the rollers 758, 759 press the right side of the end 90a and the left side of the end 90b of the veneer 90 against the endless belts BLT, BLT. This effectively presses both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 against the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT. This ensures that both ends 90a, 90b are conveyed reliably in the conveying direction TD. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent defects in the scarf surface, the occurrence of unscarfed areas, and unevenness in the scarf surface. Furthermore, when the veneer 90 is not being conveyed by the clamping and conveying unit 4, contact between the rollers 658, 659 and rollers 758, 759 and the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT due to vibration of the scarf processing device 1 can be prevented, thereby suppressing wear on the rollers 658, 659, rollers 758, 759 and the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT. This prevents the pressing units 756, 757 from improperly pressing the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT at both ends 90a, 90b. It goes without saying that the number of rollers (658, 659, 758, 759) is not limited to two, and the pressing units may have three or more rollers.

[0119] In the above-described modified example (FIG. 35), a single pressing portion 756, 757 rotatably supports rollers 658, 659 and rollers 758, 759 via rotation shaft RSFT2. However, this is not limiting. For example, as shown in the modified example of FIG. 36, a configuration may be provided in which pressing portions 856A, 857A having rollers 858A, 859A and pressing portions 856B, 857B having rollers 858B, 859B are provided. Here, when air cylinders 56d, 57d are set, it is desirable that distance a1 from upper surfaces 54a, 55a of circular saw contact portions 54, 55 to the outer peripheral surfaces of rollers 858A, 859A is the same as distance a1 from mounting surfaces 50a, 52a to the outer peripheral surfaces of rollers 858B, 859B. The pressing portions 856A, 857A and the pressing portions 856B, 857B can be configured to be swung (rotated) by separate air cylinders (not shown). This configuration makes it easy to adjust the distance a1 from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a of the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 to the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers 858A, 859A and the distance a1 from the mounting surfaces 50a, 52a to the rollers 858B, 859B, and also makes it possible to more reliably press both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 against the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT. The pressing portions 856B and 857B correspond to the "second pressing portion" in the present invention, the rollers 858A and 859A correspond to the "first contact portion" and the "first rolling element" in the present invention, the rollers 858B and 859B correspond to the "second contact portion" and the "second rolling element" in the present invention, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers 858A, 859A, 858B, and 859B are examples of embodiments corresponding to the "first rolling surface" and the "second rolling surface" in the present invention. Furthermore, the placing surfaces 50a and 52a, which are arranged opposite the rollers 858B and 859B, are examples of embodiments corresponding to the "second opposing surface" in the present invention. Furthermore, one of the separate air cylinders (not shown) corresponds to the "biasing portion" in the present invention, and the other of the separate air cylinders (not shown) is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "second biasing portion" in the present invention.

[0120] This configuration can also achieve the same effects as the scarf processing device 1 using the pressing units 756 and 757 of the above-described modified example. It goes without saying that the number of pressing units (856A, 857A, 856B, 857B) is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0121] In this embodiment, until both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 reach the contact position CpL, the speed (V2) at which the endless belts BLT, BLT transport both end portions 90a, 90b is slower than the speed (V1) at which the pair of clamping bars 28, 29 transports the veneer 90. After both end portions 90a, 90b reach the contact position CpL, that is, after scarf processing of both end portions 90a, 90b begins, the speed (V3) at which the endless belts BLT, BLT transport both end portions 90a, 90b is faster than the speed (V1) at which the pair of clamping bars 28, 29 transports the veneer 90, but this is not limiting. For example, until both end portions 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 reach the contact position CpL, the speed (V2) at which the endless belts BLT, BLT transport both end portions 90a, 90b may be slower than the speed (V1) at which the pair of clamping bars 28, 29 transports the veneer 90; and after both end portions 90a, 90b reach the contact position CpL, that is, after the scarfing process on both end portions 90a, 90b begins, the speed (V1) at which the endless belts BLT, BLT transport both end portions 90a, 90b may be made the same as the speed (V1) at which the pair of clamping bars 28, 29 transports the veneer 90. Alternatively, until both ends 90a, 90b of the veneer 90 reach the contact position CpL, the speed (V1) at which the endless belts BLT, BLT transport both ends 90a, 90b and the speed (V1) at which the pair of clamping bars 28, 29 transport the veneer 90 may be the same, and after both ends 90a, 90b reach the contact position CpL, that is, after scarfing of both ends 90a, 90b begins, the speed (V3) at which the endless belts BLT, BLT transport both ends 90a, 90b may be made faster than the speed (V1) at which the pair of clamping bars 28, 29 transport the veneer 90. Furthermore, the speed (V1) at which the endless belts BLT, BLT transport both ends 90a, 90b may be consistently the same as the speed (V1) at which the pair of clamping bars 28, 29 transport the veneer 90.

[0122] This configuration also reduces the frictional force acting on both ends 90a, 90b in the direction opposite to the conveying direction TD due to the pressing of both ends 90a, 90b by the pressing units 56, 57. This reduces the moment acting in a direction that widens or excessively closes the cracks or fissures caused by the frictional force when both ends 90a, 90b have cracks or fissures. This effectively prevents defects in the scarf surface, the creation of unscarfed areas due to scarfing with widened cracks or fissures, and unevenness in the scarf surface due to the elasticity of the veneer after scarfing with closed cracks or fissures. As a result, even if there are cracks or fissures at the first end, the scarfing process can be performed satisfactorily.

[0123] In the present embodiment and the above-described modified example, the clamping and conveying section 4 is provided with an upper clamping body 20 and a lower clamping body 22, and the veneer 90 is clamped by the upper clamping body 20 and the lower clamping body 22 and then conveyed in the conveying direction TD, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 37, a modified clamping and conveying section 604 may be provided with an upper conveyor 620 and a lower conveyor 622, and the veneer 90 may be conveyed in the conveying direction TD while being clamped by the upper conveyor 620 and the lower conveyor 622, or as shown in Fig. 38, a modified clamping and conveying section 704 may be provided with upper clamping rolls 720 and a lower clamping roll 722, and the veneer 90 may be conveyed in the conveying direction TD while being clamped by the upper clamping rolls 720 and the lower clamping rolls 722. The clamping and conveying sections 604 and 704 are each an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "holding and conveying section" of the present invention.

[0124] In the present embodiment and the modified examples described above, the veneer 90 is conveyed in the conveying direction TD while being clamped, but this is not limiting. As long as the veneer 90 can be conveyed in the conveying direction TD while being held, the clamping conveying unit 4 may be replaced with, for example, a suction conveying unit that sucks the veneer 90 and conveys it in the conveying direction TD, or a stippling conveying unit that stipply the veneer 90 and conveys it in the conveying direction TD.

[0125] In this embodiment and the above-described modified example, the configuration has circular saw contact portions 54, 55, but it is also possible to configure the configuration without circular saw contact portions 54, 55 and to place mounting surfaces 50a, 52a in the locations where the circular saw contact portions 54, 55 were located.

[0126] This embodiment shows an example of a mode for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. The correspondence between each component of this embodiment and each component of the present invention is shown below.

[0127] In view of the above-mentioned gist of the invention, the scarf processing device according to the present invention can be configured in the following aspects. (Aspect 1) "A scarf processing device for processing a scarf surface on a first end of a veneer in the fiber direction while conveying the veneer, The frame and a holding and conveying unit that has a holding unit that can hold the veneer in a state where the first end portion protrudes and the protruding first end portion extends in a conveying direction of the veneer, and that is disposed on the frame so as to be movable in the conveying direction; a processing unit having a cutting blade capable of processing the scarf surface, the processing unit being disposed midway along the conveying path of the veneer such that a projection of the first end portion on a first virtual projection plane when viewed from one side in the conveying direction intersects with a projection of the cutting blade; a first end transport unit that has a mounting portion capable of mounting the first end at a pressing position that is upstream in the transport direction with respect to at least a contact position where the first end and the cutting blade first come into contact and that is adjacent to the contact position, and that can transport the first end in the transport direction at least at the contact position and the pressing position; a support portion having a first opposing surface that is arranged at least at the pressing position so as to be able to face the first end portion, and that is arranged at a position adjacent to the first end portion conveying portion on the opposite side to the side on which the holding portion is arranged with respect to the first end portion conveying portion when viewed from one side in the conveying direction; a pressing portion having a first contact portion disposed opposite the first opposing surface so as to be able to contact the first end portion at least at the pressing position; a biasing portion connected to the pressing portion so as to apply a biasing force in a direction in which the first abutting portion approaches the first opposing surface; A scarf processing device equipped with the above. (Aspect 2) The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that the first contact portion is positioned closer to the first opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to the first aspect. (Aspect 3) The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that the first abutting portion abuts against the first opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to the second aspect. (Aspect 4) "The first contact portion has a first rolling element including a first rolling surface that can face the first opposing surface, The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that a portion of the first rolling surface that faces the first opposing surface is positioned closer to the first opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to the first aspect. (Aspect 5) The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that a portion of the first rolling surface facing the first opposing surface abuts against the first opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to the fourth aspect. (Aspect 6) "The support portion has a second opposing surface that is disposed at least at the pressing position so as to be able to face the veneer, on the side where the holding portion is disposed with respect to the first end portion conveying portion and at a position adjacent to the first end portion conveying portion when viewed from one side in the conveying direction, The pressing portion has a second contact portion disposed opposite the second opposing surface so as to be able to contact the veneer at least at the pressing position. The scarf processing device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 5. (Aspect 7) The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that the second contact portion is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to the sixth aspect. (Aspect 8) The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that the second abutting portion abuts against the second opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to the seventh aspect. (Aspect 9) "The second contact portion has a second rolling element including a second rolling surface that can face the second opposing surface, The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that a portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to the sixth aspect. (Aspect 10) The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that a portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface abuts against the second opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to the above-mentioned aspect 9. (Aspect 11) "The support portion has a second opposing surface that is disposed at least at the pressing position so as to be able to face the veneer, on the side where the holding portion is disposed with respect to the first end portion conveying portion and at a position adjacent to the first end portion conveying portion when viewed from one side in the conveying direction, a second pressing portion having a second contact portion disposed opposite the second opposing surface so as to be able to contact the veneer at least at the pressing position; a second biasing portion connected to the second pressing portion so as to apply a biasing force in a direction in which the second abutting portion approaches the second opposing surface; Further equipped The scarf processing device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 5. (Aspect 12) The second biasing portion applies the biasing force to the second pressing portion so that the second abutting portion is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to the above-mentioned embodiment 11. (Aspect 13) The second biasing portion applies the second biasing force to the second pressing portion so that the second abutting portion abuts against the second opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to the above-mentioned aspect 12. (Aspect 14) "The second contact portion has a second rolling element including a second rolling surface that can face the second opposing surface, The second biasing portion applies the biasing force to the second pressing portion so that a portion of the second rolling surface that faces the second opposing surface is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to the above-mentioned embodiment 11. (Aspect 15) The second biasing portion applies the biasing force to the second pressing portion so that a portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface also comes into contact with the second opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to the above-mentioned embodiment 14. (Aspect 16) The first end conveying section includes an endless belt or an endless chain having a loading surface as the loading section and a non-loading surface paired with the loading surface, and a drive section capable of rotating the endless belt or the endless chain. The scarf processing device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 15. (Aspect 17) "The apparatus further includes a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface, and rotatably supported by the support portion so that the distance between the outer circumferential surface and the non-mounting surface is minimized at the pressing position." The scarf processing device according to the above-mentioned aspect 16. (Aspect 18) The first end transport section has a disk body having an outer peripheral surface as the placement section, and a drive section connected to the disk body so as to be able to rotate the disk body. The scarf processing device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 15. (Aspect 19) The scarf processing device according to aspect 18, wherein the disk body has an uneven outer surface. (Aspect 20) a control unit that controls the holding and conveying unit and the first end conveying unit, The control unit determines a transport speed of the first end portion by the first end portion transport unit based on the movement speed of the holding transport unit in the transport direction, and controls the first end portion transport unit so that the first end portion is transported at the determined transport speed. The scarf processing device according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 19. (Aspect 21) "The control unit controls the first end portion transport unit so that the transport speed of the first end portion by the first end portion transport unit is slower than the transport speed of the veneer by the holding and transport unit until the first end portion reaches the contact position." The scarf processing device according to the 20th aspect. (Aspect 22) "After the first end reaches the contact position, the control unit controls the first end transport unit so that the transport speed of the first end by the first end transport unit is faster than the transport speed of the veneer by the holding transport unit." The scarf processing device according to the 20th or 21st aspect. (Aspect 23) The control unit controls the first end portion transport unit so that the transport speed of the first end portion by the first end portion transport unit is equal to the transport speed of the veneer by the holding transport unit. The scarf processing device according to the 20th aspect. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1 Scarf processing device (scarf processing device) 2 Frames (Frames) 4. Clamping and conveying section (holding and conveying section) 6 Processing Department (Processing Department) 7 Processing Department (Processing Department) 8 Support stand 8A support stand 9 Support stand 9A Support stand 12a Upper beam 12b Upper beam 12c lower beam 12d lower beam 14a base body 14b base body 15a Legs 15b Legs 16a Upper beam 16b Upper beam 17a Lower beam 17b Lower beam 20 Upper clamping body 20a Main body 22 Lower clamping body 22a Main body 24a air cylinder 25 rods 26a Air cylinder 27 Rod 28 Clamping bar (holding part) 29 Clamping bar (holding part) 30a vertical piece 30b horizontal piece 31 Guide section 32a vertical piece 32b horizontal piece 33 Guide section 34 Female thread body 35 Female thread body 36 Male thread rod 37 Male thread rod 40a circular saw (cutting blade) 40b motor 41a Circular saw (cutting blade) 41b Motor 50 Base (support part) 50a: Placement surface (second opposing surface) 52 Base (support part) 52a placing surface (second opposing surface) 54 Circular saw contact part (support part) 54a Upper surface (first opposing surface) 55 Circular saw contact part (support part) 55a Upper surface (first opposing surface) 56 Pressing part (pressing part) 56a Lever part 56a1 1st piece 56a2 2nd piece 56b Connection 56c Pressing arm 56d Air cylinder (biasing part) 57 Pressing part (pressing part) 57a Lever part 57a1 1st piece 57a2 2nd piece 57b Connection 57c Pressing arm 57d Air cylinder (biasing part) 58 Contact part (1st contact part) 59 Contact part (1st contact part) 60 Auxiliary conveyor (first end conveying section) 61a Support arm 61b Support arm 62 Auxiliary conveyor (first end conveying section) 63a Support arm 63b Support arm 70 Control device (control unit) 80 Intake conveyor 82 Discharge conveyor 90 Single-ply (single-ply) 90a End (1st end) 90b End (1st end) 91 Top surface (4th surface, 6th surface) 93 Bottom surface (3rd surface, 5th surface) 156 Pressing part (pressing part) 157 Pressing part (pressing part) 158 Contact part (second contact part) 159 Contact part (second contact part) 256A Pressing part (pressing part) 256B Pressing part (second pressing part) 257A Pressing part (pressing part) 257B Pressing part (second pressing part) 258A Contact part (1st contact part) 258B Contact part (second contact part) 259A Contact part (1st contact part) 259B Contact part (second contact part) 300 Scarf processing device (scarf processing device) 360 Disk transport mechanism (first end transport section) 361 Disk (Disk Body) 361a outer peripheral surface (mounting portion, outer peripheral surface) 362 Disk transport mechanism (first end transport section) 363 Disk (Disk Body) 363a Outer surface (mounting part, outer surface) 400 Scarf Processing Equipment (Scarf Processing Equipment) 460 Disk transport mechanism (first end transport section) 461 Disk (Disk Body) 461a Outer surface (mounting part, outer surface) 462 Disk transport mechanism (first end transport section) 463 Disk (Disk Body) 463a Outer surface (mounting part, outer surface) 500 Scarf processing equipment (scarf processing equipment) 560 Disc conveying mechanism (first end conveying section) 561 Disk (Disk Body) 561a Outer surface (mounting portion, outer surface) 562 Disc conveying mechanism (first end conveying section) 563 Disk (Disk Body) 563a Outer surface (mounting part, outer surface) 604 Clamping and conveying section (holding and conveying section) 620 Upper Conveyor 622 Lower Conveyor 656 Pressing part (pressing part) 657 Pressing part (pressing part) 658 Roller (first contact part, first rolling element) 659 Roller (first contact part, first rolling element) 704 Clamping and conveying section (holding and conveying section) 720 Upper clamping roll 722 Lower clamping roll 756 Pressing part (pressing part) 757 Pressing part (pressing part) 758 Roller (second contact part, second rolling element) 759 Roller (second contact part, second rolling element) 856A Pressing part (pressing part) 856B Pressing part (second pressing part) 857A Pressing part (pressing part) 857B Pressing part (second pressing part) 858A Roller (first contact part, first rolling element) 858B Roller (second contact part, second rolling element) 859A Roller (first contact part, first rolling element) 859B Roller (second contact part, second rolling element) R1 guide rail R2 guide rail VHP Virtual Horizontal Plane M1 motor M2 motor M3 motor (drive unit) RS Rotating Axis BR Bracket VL Virtual line segment P1 center point SS swing shaft BLT endless belt (loading section, endless belt) IS inner surface (non-placement surface) OS outer surface (mounting area, mounting surface) CP point TD Transport direction (Transport direction) FD Fiber direction (fiber direction) CpL Contact position (Contact position) R Rod Br block letter PpL Pressing position (pressing position) Pr1 pulley Pr2 pulley Pr3 pulley (first pulley) Pr4 pulley Pr5 Pulley (drive part) Pr6 Pulley (drive part) VP Virtual Plane (Virtual Plane) PT Power transmission member (drive part) UE unevenness RSFT Rotation Axis Rm Rotating body Cav recess Cr1 crack Cr2 crack RSFT Rotation Axis RSFT2 Rotation Axis Thr piercing body a1: Distance from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a to the contact portions 58, 59 in the pressable state a2: Distance from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a to the outer surfaces OS, OS of the endless belts BLT, BLT a3: Distance from the upper surfaces 54a, 55a to the inner surfaces IS, IS of the endless belts BLT, BLT (third distance) a4: distance from the upper surface 54a, 55a to the outer peripheral surface 361a, 363a, 461a, 463a, 561a, 563a (fourth distance) t Plate thickness

Claims

1. A scarf processing device that processes a scarf surface on a first end of a veneer in a fiber direction while conveying the veneer, The frame and a holding and conveying unit that has a holding unit that can hold the veneer in a state where the first end protrudes and the protruding first end extends in a conveying direction of the veneer, and that is disposed on the frame so as to be movable in the conveying direction; a processing unit having a cutting blade capable of processing the scarf surface, the processing unit being disposed midway along the conveying path of the veneer such that a projection of the first end portion on a first virtual projection plane when viewed from one side in the conveying direction intersects with a projection of the cutting blade; a first end transport unit that has a mounting portion capable of mounting the first end at a pressing position that is upstream in the transport direction with respect to at least a contact position where the first end and the cutting blade first come into contact and that is adjacent to the contact position, and that is capable of transporting the first end in the transport direction at least at the contact position and the pressing position; a support portion having a first opposing surface that is arranged at least at the pressing position so as to be able to face the first end portion, and that is arranged at a position adjacent to the first end portion conveying portion on the opposite side to the side on which the holding portion is arranged with respect to the first end portion conveying portion when viewed from one side in the conveying direction; a pressing portion having a first contact portion disposed opposite the first opposing surface so as to be able to contact the first end portion at least at the pressing position; a biasing portion connected to the pressing portion so as to apply a biasing force in a direction in which the first abutting portion approaches the first opposing surface; A scarf processing device comprising:

2. The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that the first contact portion is positioned closer to the first opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to claim 1.

3. The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that the first abutting portion abuts against the first opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to claim 2.

4. the first contact portion has a first rolling element including a first rolling surface that can face the first opposing surface, The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that a portion of the first rolling surface that faces the first opposing surface is positioned closer to the first opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to claim 1.

5. The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that a portion of the first rolling surface facing the first opposing surface abuts against the first opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to claim 4.

6. the support portion has a second opposing surface that is disposed at least at the pressing position so as to be able to face the veneer, the second opposing surface being disposed on the side where the holding portion is disposed with respect to the first end portion conveying portion and at a position adjacent to the first end portion conveying portion when viewed from one side in the conveying direction, The pressing portion has a second contact portion disposed opposite the second opposing surface so as to be able to contact the veneer at least at the pressing position.

6. The scarf processing device according to claim 1.

7. The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that the second contact portion is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to claim 6.

8. The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that the second abutting portion abuts against the second opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to claim 7.

9. the second contact portion has a second rolling element including a second rolling surface that can face the second opposing surface, The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that a portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to claim 6.

10. The biasing portion applies the biasing force to the pressing portion so that a portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface abuts against the second opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to claim 9.

11. the support portion has a second opposing surface that is disposed at least at the pressing position so as to be able to face the veneer, the second opposing surface being disposed on the side where the holding portion is disposed with respect to the first end portion conveying portion and at a position adjacent to the first end portion conveying portion when viewed from one side in the conveying direction, a second pressing portion having a second contact portion disposed opposite the second opposing surface so as to be able to contact the veneer at least at the pressing position; a second biasing portion connected to the second pressing portion so as to apply a biasing force in a direction in which the second abutting portion approaches the second opposing surface; Further equipped 6. The scarf processing device according to claim 1.

12. The second biasing portion applies the biasing force to the second pressing portion so that the second abutting portion is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to claim 11.

13. The second biasing portion applies the biasing force to the second pressing portion so that the second abutting portion abuts against the second opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to claim 12.

14. the second contact portion has a second rolling element including a second rolling surface that can face the second opposing surface, The second biasing portion applies the biasing force to the second pressing portion so that a portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface is positioned closer to the second opposing surface than the placing portion. The scarf processing device according to claim 11.

15. The second biasing portion applies the biasing force to the second pressing portion so that a portion of the second rolling surface facing the second opposing surface also abuts against the second opposing surface. The scarf processing device according to claim 14.

16. The first end conveying section includes an endless belt or an endless chain having a loading surface as the loading section and a non-loading surface paired with the loading surface, and a drive section capable of rotating the endless belt or the endless chain.

6. The scarf processing device according to claim 1.

17. a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface and rotatably supported by the support part so that the distance between the outer circumferential surface and the non-mounting surface is minimized at the pressing position; 17. The scarf processing device according to claim 16.

18. The first end transport unit has a disk body having an outer circumferential surface as the placement unit, and a drive unit connected to the disk body so as to be rotatable.

6. The scarf processing device according to claim 1.

19. The scarf processing device according to claim 18, wherein the disk body has an uneven outer surface.

20. a control unit that controls the holding and conveying unit and the first end conveying unit, The control unit determines a transport speed of the first end portion by the first end portion transport unit based on the movement speed of the holding transport unit in the transport direction, and controls the first end portion transport unit so that the first end portion is transported at the determined transport speed.

6. The scarf processing device according to claim 1.

21. The control unit controls the first end portion transport unit so that a transport speed of the first end portion by the first end portion transport unit is slower than a transport speed of the veneer by the holding transport unit until the first end portion reaches the contact position.

21. The scarf processing device according to claim 20.

22. The control unit controls the first end transport unit so that, after the first end reaches the contact position, the transport speed of the first end transport unit is faster than the transport speed of the veneer by the holding transport unit.

21. The scarf processing device according to claim 20.

23. The control unit controls the first end transport unit so that, after the first end reaches the contact position, the transport speed of the first end transport unit is faster than the transport speed of the veneer by the holding transport unit.

22. The scarf processing device according to claim 21.

24. The control unit controls the first end portion transport unit so that a transport speed of the first end portion by the first end portion transport unit is equal to a transport speed of the veneer by the holding transport unit.

21. The scarf processing device according to claim 20.

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