Slat joining device for connecting individual slats to form a slat mat, and method for producing a composite component having individual slats

Abstract

The invention relates to a slat joining device (1) for connecting individual slats (2, 3, 4) to form a slat mat (5), the slat joining device (1) comprising: - a slat feed (14) for feeding the individual slats (2, 3, 4); - an adhesive application device (15) for applying adhesive (16) to at least one narrow face (6, 7, 10, 11) of the slats (2, 3, 4) which are to be connected to one another; - a pressing region (20) for pressing a first slat (2) and a second slat (3) against one another in a conveying direction (17). The adhesive application device (15) comprises at least a first adhesive nozzle (21) and a second adhesive nozzle (22), the first adhesive nozzle (21) and the second adhesive nozzle (22) being spaced apart from one another at a longitudinal distance (24) with respect to a slat longitudinal direction (19), and the first adhesive nozzle (21) and the second adhesive nozzle (22) being movable in the slat longitudinal direction (19) relative to the slat (2, 3, 4) to be provided with adhesive (16).

Description

[0001] Board slat joining device for connecting individual board slats to form a slat carpet, and a method for producing a composite component with individual board slats

[0002] The invention relates to a board lamella joining device for joining individual board lamellae to form a lamella carpet, and to a method for producing a composite component with individual board lamellae.

[0003] EP1985676B 1 discloses a method for joining two wooden components, comprising the following steps: a) applying at least one bead of adhesive to at least one of the components using an application unit; b) monitoring the application of the adhesive bead using at least one optical sensor, which is associated with the adhesive bead and / or the application unit; c) joining the components by bringing them into contact, preferably by pressing them together. EP1985676B 1 further discloses a device for applying adhesive to a component, which is particularly suitable for carrying out the joining method; a component assembly for such a device; and a method for replacing and / or retrofitting existing systems with such a component assembly.

[0004] The method described in EP1985676B 1 has the disadvantage that the wooden components have an insufficient connection quality.

[0005] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a board lamella joining device and a method for producing a composite component which have an improved quality.

[0006] This problem is solved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a board lamella joining device is designed for connecting individual board lamellae to form a lamella carpet. The board lamella joining device comprises:

[0008] - a slat feeder for feeding the individual board slats;

[0009] - an adhesive application device for applying adhesive to at least one narrow side of the board lamellae to be joined together;

[0010] - a pressing area for pressing together a front narrow side of a first board lamella and a rear narrow side of a second board lamella in a conveying direction, wherein the front narrow side of the first board lamella and the rear narrow side of the second board lamella face each other. The adhesive application device comprises at least a first adhesive nozzle and a second adhesive nozzle, wherein the first adhesive nozzle and the second adhesive nozzle are arranged at a longitudinal distance from each other with respect to a lamella longitudinal direction, and wherein the first adhesive nozzle and the second adhesive nozzle are designed to be displaceable in the lamella longitudinal direction relative to the board lamella to be coated with adhesive.

[0011] The board lamella joining device according to the invention offers the advantage that, by providing multiple adhesive nozzles, an adhesive with a short reaction time can be used, as the application speed for the adhesive can be increased. This allows for the production of an improved lamella mat using the board lamella joining device, since the adhesive can form a stable bond promptly after the two boards to be joined are joined. Furthermore, the possibility of using a highly reactive and fast-curing adhesive reduces the curing time of the adhesive, thus minimizing the extent of the board lamella joining device in the conveying direction. This can be achieved because sufficient stability of the bond between two adjacent lamellae can be achieved after only a short pressing time.Furthermore, the lamella carpet produced using the improved board lamella joining device can be used as a top layer in a composite component.

[0012] Furthermore, it may be provided that the pressing area includes a support surface on which the board slats rest.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the adhesive application device is designed to heat the adhesive to a processing temperature between 40°C and 250°C, particularly between 80°C and 200°C, and preferably between 115°C and 145°C. This offers the advantage that the open time of the adhesive can be precisely controlled to achieve the shortest possible cycle time while simultaneously allowing sufficient time to feed the next board lamella into position after the adhesive has been applied. Moreover, this measure eliminates the need to heat the pressing area to impart sufficient strength to the adhesive, resulting in significant energy savings. Additionally, the longitudinal distance between the first and second adhesive nozzles can be between 400 mm and 1000 mm, particularly between 500 mm and 800 mm, and preferably between 600 mm and 700 mm.A surprisingly good adhesive bond can be achieved, especially with such a long distance between two adhesive nozzles. In particular, a sufficiently high process speed for applying the adhesive can be achieved with such a long distance.

[0014] Furthermore, the adhesive nozzles can be designed to have a greater travel distance in the longitudinal direction of the lamella than the longitudinal distance between the adhesive nozzles. This measure ensures a continuous application of adhesive to the narrow side of the board lamella. Additionally, this measure allows the adhesive application to begin once the acceleration phase of the travel movement is over and a constant travel speed is established, thus ensuring a uniform application of adhesive.

[0015] Of course, the travel distance can also be smaller or the same as the longitudinal distance between the adhesive nozzles.

[0016] In particular, it can be provided that the travel distance of the adhesive nozzles in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae is between 80% and 130%, in particular between 90% and 115%, preferably between 101% and 110% of the longitudinal spacing of the adhesive nozzles.

[0017] Furthermore, the lamella feeder may include a slide, which is designed to insert the board lamellae into the pressing area and also to press together a front narrow side of a first board lamella and a rear narrow side of a second board lamella. This offers the advantage that the individual board lamellae can be easily joined using the slide.

[0018] Another advantageous configuration involves the use of a first and a second servo spindle to drive the slide in the conveying direction. This allows for precise positioning of the slide using the servo spindles. In addition to the first and second servo spindles, further servo spindles can also be used. Alternatively, a crank drive can be used to drive the slide in the conveying direction. Other drive mechanisms are also conceivable.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be provided that the lamella feed includes a lamella stacking station, wherein the slide for removing the bottom board lamella from a stack of individual board lamellae arranged in the lamella stacking station is formed.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the slat feeder may include a belt conveyor or a chain conveyor, by means of which the individual board slats, arranged side by side in the conveying direction, are fed to the slide, the slide being designed to dip below a support surface. In particular, the belt conveyor or chain conveyor may include individual carriers evenly distributed along the belt or chain, which are designed to position the board slats.

[0021] According to a further development, the adhesive application device can include a guide rail, on which a first guide carriage and a second guide carriage are slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae. The first adhesive nozzle is mounted on the first guide carriage, and the second adhesive nozzle is mounted on the second guide carriage. This has the advantage that the adhesive nozzles can be easily moved and positioned in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to design an adhesive nozzle drive motor in which the first and second guide carriages are coupled to the adhesive nozzle drive motor by means of a traction element, in particular a toothed belt. This has the advantage of enabling synchronous movement of the individual adhesive nozzles. Moreover, this measure allows the complexity of the board lamella joining device to be kept to a minimum.

[0023] Furthermore, the guide rail can be designed to be adjustable in a vertical direction, particularly by means of a first lifting drive and a second lifting drive. This has the advantage that the adhesive nozzles can be positioned as close as possible to the narrow side of the board lamella to achieve good adhesive application. Subsequently, the adhesive nozzles can be moved sufficiently far away by sliding them vertically to allow the second board lamella to be inserted.

[0024] Furthermore, the lifting drive may comprise the following components: a lifting drive coupling rod, wherein the lifting drive coupling rod is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the slats; a lifting drive carriage assembly with a lifting drive slide carriage, which is slidably coupled to a lifting drive slide rail, wherein the lifting drive slide rail is arranged at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the slats, wherein the lifting drive carriage assembly is coupled to the lifting drive coupling rod and to the guide rail such that a displacement of the lifting drive coupling rod in the longitudinal direction of the slats is converted into a displacement of the guide rail in the vertical direction; a nozzle lowering drive, wherein the lifting drive coupling rod is coupled to the nozzle lowering drive and the nozzle lowering drive serves to displace the lifting drive coupling rod in the longitudinal direction of the slats.This offers the advantage that the lifting drive carriage arrangement enables precise and controlled adjustment of the guide rail in the vertical direction, thus increasing the adaptability of the adhesive application device. This also allows for an increased cycle rate or more precise timing control.

[0025] In particular, it may be provided that the lifting drive is designed mutatis mutandis to correspond to the lowering device described in more detail below.

[0026] In particular, it may be provided that the first lifting drive and the second lifting drive are driven by a common drive motor. The lifting drives can, for example, be implemented by toothed belts coupled to pinions arranged on a common axis. Furthermore, it may also be provided that the lifting drives are implemented by racks coupled to pinions arranged on a common axis. It is also conceivable that the lifting drives are implemented by adjusting spindles.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the pressing area to include at least one first hold-down device, which is designed to be movable in the vertical direction and to press against an upper broad side of the board lamellae. The hold-down device clamps the lamellae between the device and the support table, thus preventing them from shifting in the conveying direction. This allows the joining pressure of the two board lamellae to be glued together to be defined and adjusted. Moreover, the interaction of the slide and the hold-down device straightens warped or crooked lamellae. This also has the advantage that the narrow sides are straight, allowing the lamellae to be properly glued using the movable adhesive nozzles.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first hold-down is slidably mounted on a hold-down support in the vertical direction, wherein at least one first counterweight spring is arranged between the first hold-down and the hold-down support, which pulls or pushes the first hold-down upwards, and wherein at least one first hold-down cylinder is formed, which is designed to press the first hold-down against the upper broad side of the board lamellae. This has the advantage that the counterweight spring can compensate for the hold-down's own weight, so that the hold-down cylinder can apply the most precise possible holding force to the board lamellae. This allows the joining pressure of the two board lamellae to be glued together to be precisely defined and adjusted.

[0029] In particular, it may be provided that the hold-down cylinders are designed as pneumatic cylinders.

[0030] Furthermore, the pressing area may include at least one second hold-down device, wherein the second hold-down device is designed to be movable in the vertical direction and is designed to press against an upper broad side of the board slats, and wherein the second hold-down device is arranged downstream of the first hold-down device in the conveying direction. This offers the advantage that a constant contact pressure between the individual slats can be achieved over a long distance.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be provided that the second hold-down is slidably mounted on the hold-down support in the vertical direction, with at least a second counterweight spring arranged between the second hold-down and the hold-down support, which pulls or pushes the second hold-down upwards, and with at least a second hold-down cylinder being provided, which is designed to press the second hold-down against the upper broad side of the board lamellae. This has the advantage that the counterweight spring can compensate for the hold-down's own weight, so that the hold-down cylinder can apply the most precise possible holding force to the board lamellae. This allows the joining pressure of the two board lamellae to be glued together to be precisely defined and adjusted.

[0032] In particular, it may be provided that the hold-down cylinders are designed as pneumatic cylinders.

[0033] Another advantageous design allows the first hold-down device, along with its support bracket, to be movable in the conveying direction towards the adhesive application device. This improves accessibility to the adhesive application device, enabling quick and easy repair of any defects or process errors. The board lamella joining device can then be disassembled for maintenance.

[0034] Furthermore, the slide valve can be lowered in the upward direction by means of a lowering device. This offers the advantage that the lowering device enables precise and controlled movement of the slide valve in the upward direction, which increases process reliability and efficiency.

[0035] Furthermore, the lowering device may include the following components: a connecting rod, wherein the connecting rod is mounted to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the slats; a slide assembly with a sliding slide, which is displaceably coupled to a slide rail, wherein the slide rail is arranged at a slide rail angle to the longitudinal direction of the slats, wherein the slide assembly is coupled to the connecting rod and to the slide so that a displacement of the connecting rod in the longitudinal direction of the slats is converted into a displacement of the slide in the upward direction; a lowering drive, wherein the connecting rod is coupled to the lowering drive and the lowering drive serves to displace the connecting rod in the longitudinal direction of the slats.This offers the advantage that the slide arrangement allows for precise and controlled adjustment of the slide in the upward direction, thus increasing the adaptability of the joining device. Furthermore, this design of the lowering device enables precise timing control of the slide's position.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the lowering drive to include a rotary motor and an eccentric mechanism, with the eccentric mechanism coupled to the rotary motor and the connecting rod. This offers the advantage that the eccentric mechanism enables precise and controlled movement of the connecting rod, thus increasing process reliability and efficiency.

[0037] Furthermore, the sliding carriage can be rigidly coupled to the slide and the slide rail rigidly coupled to the connecting rod. This offers the advantage that the rigid coupling enables precise and stable movement of the slide in the vertical direction, thus increasing process reliability and efficiency.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the slide to comprise individual slide segments arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae, with each slide segment coupled to a carriage assembly, and the respective carriage assemblies of the slide segments being coupled by a continuous connecting rod, or the connecting rod itself comprising several connecting rod segments. This offers the advantage that the segmented design of the slide allows for flexible adaptation to different board lamella formats and widths, thus increasing the modularity of the joining device. In particular, this enables flexible adaptation to different board lamella lengths. Moreover, the segmented design allows for precise positioning of the slide along the longitudinal direction of the lamellae.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be provided that a lowering drive is arranged on both sides of the connecting rod, with the lowering drives being coupled to each other in such a way that a tensile force acts on the connecting rod during movement in both directions. This has the advantage that the coupled lowering drives enable symmetrical and precise movement of the connecting rod, which increases process reliability and efficiency. In addition, this measure ensures that the connecting rod is subjected to tensile rather than compressive stress, thus preventing buckling of the connecting rod.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to couple the rotary motor with a rotary angle sensor and / or to couple the slide with a position sensor to detect its position in the vertical direction, with the rotary motor's movement being controlled based on the sensor reading. This offers the advantage of enabling precise and controlled movement of the slide in the vertical direction, thus increasing process reliability and efficiency. Additionally, the first adhesive nozzle can be provided with a pressure surface on its underside, designed to hold the board lamellae in place. This provides the advantage of additional fixation of the board lamellae, further enhancing process reliability. The pressure surface also largely prevents the board lamellae from bulging during application.In particular, it may be provided that the pressure surface is positioned by positioning the first adhesive nozzle in the vertical direction.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to have a processing device arranged downstream of the pressing area, comprising a first processing unit and a second processing unit, the first and second processing units being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae. This offers the advantage that the downstream processing device enables further processing of the lamella mat, which further improves the quality and functionality of the composite component.

[0042] In a first embodiment, the processing units may be designed as sawing units. In a further embodiment, the processing units may be designed as milling units, drilling units, or combined units. In particular, the processing units may be movable in the vertical direction and / or in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae.

[0043] Furthermore, it can be provided that the processing is coupled with the intermittent operation of the lamellae's movement in the conveying direction. For this purpose, it can be provided that the processing takes place when the lamellae are not being conveyed.

[0044] In an alternative design variant, it can also be provided that the processing units are moved synchronously with the lamellae in the conveying direction.

[0045] Furthermore, it is conceivable that for maintenance or troubleshooting, additional complete assemblies could be moved apart or lifted to facilitate access to internal components. According to a further development, the adhesive application device may comprise at least a first adhesive nozzle and a second adhesive nozzle, wherein the first and second adhesive nozzles are arranged at a longitudinal distance from each other along a lamella longitudinal direction, and wherein, during the application of adhesive, the first and second adhesive nozzles are moved along the lamella longitudinal direction relative to the board lamella to be coated with adhesive.

[0046] As can be further seen in Fig. 1, a guide can be provided to guide the board slats between the slat support surface and the guide, or between the support surface and the guide. This guide prevents the board slats from bulging or warping. This is particularly relevant when force is applied to the narrow side of the board slats, as bulging is especially likely to occur there.

[0047] The guide can be coupled to the adhesive nozzles and thus adjustable in the vertical direction. In particular, it can be provided that individual guide elements of the guide are arranged between the individual adhesive nozzles.

[0048] Furthermore, the guide can be designed to have a first part coupled to the adhesive nozzles and a second part located in front of the first part in the conveying direction, with the second part being fixed to the machine frame. This allows for guidance over the greatest possible distance.

[0049] According to the invention, a method for manufacturing a composite component with individual board lamellae is provided. The method comprises the following process steps:

[0050] - Feeding the individual board slats by means of a slat feeder;

[0051] - Applying adhesive to at least one narrow side of the board lamellae to be joined together using an adhesive application device;

[0052] - Pressing together a front narrow side of a first board lamella and a rear narrow side of a second board lamella in a conveying direction within a pressing area, wherein the front narrow side of the first board lamella and the rear narrow side of the second board lamella face each other. The adhesive application device comprises at least a first adhesive nozzle and a second adhesive nozzle, wherein the first adhesive nozzle and the second adhesive nozzle are arranged at a longitudinal distance from each other with respect to a lamella longitudinal direction, and wherein, during the application of adhesive, the first adhesive nozzle and the second adhesive nozzle are displaced in the lamella longitudinal direction relative to the board lamella to be coated with adhesive.

[0053] The inventive method offers the advantage that, by providing multiple adhesive nozzles, an adhesive with a short reaction time can be used, as the application speed for the adhesive can be increased. This allows for the production of an improved lamella mat using the board lamella joining device, since the adhesive can establish a stable bond promptly after the two boards to be joined are joined. Furthermore, the possibility of using a highly reactive and fast-curing adhesive reduces the curing time of the adhesive, thus minimizing the extension of the board lamella joining device in the conveying direction. This can be achieved because sufficient stability of the bond between two adjacent lamellae can be achieved after only a short pressing time.Furthermore, the lamella carpet produced using the improved board lamella joining device can be used as a top layer in a composite component.

[0054] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the adhesive to be a reactive hot melt adhesive. Particularly when using such a hot melt adhesive, surprisingly good results in terms of durability and bond strength of the lamella carpet can be achieved.

[0055] Furthermore, the adhesive can be a reactive polyurethane-based hot melt adhesive, which is heated in the adhesive application device to a processing temperature between 40°C and 250°C, particularly between 80°C and 200°C, preferably between 115°C and 145°C. This offers the advantage that the open time of the adhesive can be precisely controlled to achieve the shortest possible cycle time while simultaneously allowing sufficient time to feed the next board lamella into position after the adhesive has been applied. Moreover, this measure eliminates the need to heat the pressing area to impart sufficient strength to the adhesive, resulting in significant energy savings.

[0056] In particular, this allows the adhesive joint to be transport-resistant immediately after joining and to chemically cure within a few hours. This would allow for a further thermal reshaping of the joint in an intermediate process, if desired. Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the adhesive to have an open time of between 2 and 20 seconds, particularly between 4 and 15 seconds, and preferably between 6 and 10 seconds, under the given application conditions. Especially when using such a hot melt adhesive, surprisingly good results in terms of durability and bond strength of the laminated wood can be achieved. Moreover, this measure eliminates the need to heat the pressing area to impart sufficient strength to the adhesive, resulting in significant energy savings. Finally, this measure allows the laminated wood joining device to have a more compact design.

[0057] The application conditions can include the application temperature, the amount of adhesive applied, the ambient temperature, the thermal conductivity of the substrate material, the temperature of the substrate material, and other parameters.

[0058] Furthermore, it can be provided that the individual board lamellae are joined to form a lamella carpet, whereby the lamella carpet forms an outer surface layer in the composite component and at least one inner layer is formed within the composite component. The composite component constructed in this way exhibits surprisingly good weather resistance. The composite component can therefore be used for exterior applications, as required for three-layer panels according to DIN 13017-1.

[0059] Furthermore, the lamella carpet can also form a core layer in the composite component. Only through the described features of the invention is it possible for the lamella carpet produced according to the invention to be used in a composite component as both an outer layer and a core layer. Thus, all layers of a three-layer panel, also known as cross-laminated timber (CLT), can be produced with just one board lamella joining device. This naturally leads to significant efficiency gains with regard to reduced space requirements in a production plant.

[0060] Furthermore, it can be provided that the board lamellae are inserted into the pressing area by means of a slide, and that the front narrow side of the first board lamella and the rear narrow side of the second board lamella are pressed together by means of the slide, with the slide being driven by at least one first servo spindle and one second servo spindle, the motor current of the first servo spindle and the second servo spindle being monitored to limit the pressing force. This has the advantage that the individual board lamellae can be easily joined using the slide.

[0061] Furthermore, it can be provided that the adhesive nozzles are moved along a travel path in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae during adhesive application, whereby the adhesive application through the adhesive nozzles is initiated when an acceleration phase of the travel path in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae is overcome and ends before a deceleration phase of the travel path in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae begins. This measure ensures a uniform adhesive application.

[0062] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to select the travel path in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae such that the first and second adhesive nozzles overlap sufficiently for the acceleration and deceleration phases to occur within the overlap area. This offers the advantage of ensuring a continuous and uniform application of adhesive to the board lamellae, further improving the quality of the bond.

[0063] Alternatively, it can be provided that the dispensing quantity of the first adhesive nozzle and the second adhesive nozzle in the overlap area between the acceleration phase and the deceleration phase is adjusted so that the adhesive thickness is uniform over the entire length of the lamella.

[0064] Furthermore, the travel distance can be greater than the longitudinal distance between the adhesive nozzles. This measure ensures a continuous adhesive application even if the adhesive application starts later.

[0065] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to use a reactive two-component adhesive, where a first and a second component of the adhesive are mixed in or before the adhesive nozzles, or a first component of the adhesive is applied from the first adhesive nozzle and a second component from another adhesive nozzle, or a first component of the adhesive is applied to the narrow side of the board lamellae to be joined in a preliminary step, and a second component of the adhesive is applied to the narrow side of the board lamellae to be joined using the adhesive nozzles. This has the advantage that the use of a two-component adhesive enables a strong and durable bond between the board lamellae without the need to heat the adhesive, which further improves the quality and stability of the lamella carpet.

[0066] Furthermore, it can be provided that the individual adhesive nozzles can be selectively activated or deactivated independently of one another. This offers the advantage that the selective activation and deactivation of the adhesive nozzles enables flexible and precise adhesive application to the board lamellae, thereby allowing local quality requirements to be met. In particular, this measure allows for intermittent adhesive application. Moreover, this measure can also completely prevent adhesive application, thus ensuring that individual board lamellae are not glued for quality control and can be removed from the production flow.

[0067] The travel distance is not necessarily the deciding factor; rather, it is the on / off position of the valve that matters. It is actually beneficial to wait for the acceleration and deceleration ramps to pass before opening the valve during the absolutely linear movement, in order to ensure a perfectly homogeneous adhesive application. Therefore, it is advantageous to extend the travel distance, relative to the distance between the nozzles, by the duration of the acceleration and deceleration ramps.

[0068] The board lamellae have a front narrow side, a rear narrow side, an upper broad side, a lower broad side, a first end face, and a second end face.

[0069] The longitudinal direction of the board lamella refers to the direction of its length. Since the board lamella joining device is designed to handle lamellae oriented in the same direction, and the lamellae are not rotated during the joining process, the longitudinal direction of lamellae joined by the device is always the same with respect to the device itself. For this reason, and for the sake of simplicity, the term "longitudinal direction" is also used when referring to conveying directions, movement directions, or component orientations of the board lamella joining device.The longitudinal direction of the lamellae is thus a directional designation in the board lamella joining device, which, during the intended use of the board lamella joining device, corresponds to the longitudinal direction of a board lamella manipulated by the board lamella joining device, but does not require the presence of this board lamella. Furthermore, it can be provided that the individual board lamellae are received in the board lamella joining device such that the front narrow side, viewed in the conveying direction, is located at the front and the rear narrow side, viewed in the conveying direction, is located at the rear. The upper broad side can be located on top and the lower broad side can be located on the bottom. The first end face and the second end face can be arranged opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae.

[0070] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0071] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a board lamella joining device;

[0073] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a board lamella joining device;

[0074] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a composite component;

[0075] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a lowering device for lowering a slide of the board lamella joining device in a perspective view;

[0076] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the lifting drive for adjusting a guide rail in a vertical direction;

[0077] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the board lamella joining device;

[0078] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the board lamella joining device.

[0079] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0080] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a board lamella joining device 1. The board lamella joining device 1 serves to join individual board lamellae, in particular a first board lamella 2 with a second board lamella 3 or with further board lamellae 4.

[0081] In particular, it can be provided that the individual board lamellae 2, 3, 4 are all identical in construction. Furthermore, it can be provided that, in addition to the first board lamella 2 and the second board lamella 3, a large number of further identically constructed board lamellae 4 are formed. The individual board lamellae 2, 3, 4 are joined together to form a lamella carpet 5.

[0082] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the first board lamella 2 can be provided with a front narrow side 6, a rear narrow side 7, an upper broad side 8, and a lower broad side 9. Furthermore, the second board lamella 3 can be provided with a front narrow side 10, a rear narrow side 11, an upper broad side 12, and a lower broad side 13. The subsequent board lamellae 4 can also be configured in this way.

[0083] Furthermore, it may be provided that a lamella feeder 14 is designed, by means of which the individual board lamellae 2, 4 can be fed into the board lamella joining device 1.

[0084] Furthermore, an adhesive application device 15 may be provided, which serves to apply an adhesive 16 to the rear narrow side 7 of the first board lamella 2. The first board lamella 2 is in each case the last board lamella attached to the lamella carpet 5 with respect to a conveying direction 17. In the context of this description, when a new board lamella 4 is added to the lamella carpet 5, it becomes the first board lamella 2.

[0085] The lamella mat 5, comprising the individual, adjoining board lamellae 2, 3, 4, is moved by or guided out of the board lamella joining device 1 in the conveying direction 17. The board lamella joining device 1 thus extends in the conveying direction 17. Furthermore, the board lamella joining device 1 extends in a vertical direction 18. The vertical direction 18 extends vertically upwards. Additionally, the board lamella joining device 1 extends in a longitudinal direction 19. The longitudinal direction 19 extends transversely to the conveying direction 17, specifically perpendicular to the conveying direction 17 and perpendicular to the vertical direction 18.

[0086] In particular, it can be provided that the first board lamella 2 is arranged in the board lamella joining device 1 such that the front narrow side 6 and the rear narrow side 7 are spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction 17. Furthermore, it can be provided that the upper broad side 8 and the lower broad side 9 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction 18. The first board lamella 2 can extend in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella.

[0087] Furthermore, it may be provided that a pressing area 20 is formed in which the individual board lamellae 2, 3, 4 can be pressed to form the lamella carpet 5.

[0088] As can be clearly seen in Fig. 1, the adhesive application device 15 can be provided with a first adhesive nozzle 21 and a second adhesive nozzle 22. Furthermore, one or more additional adhesive nozzles 23 can be provided. Only three adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 are shown in the schematic diagram. For typical machine widths of approximately 5.5 m, for example, eight of the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 can be used.

[0089] Furthermore, the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 can be arranged at a nozzle angle 58 relative to the contact surface 37. The nozzle angle 58 can be between 0° and 60°, in particular between 15° and 45°, preferably between 20° and 30°.

[0090] In particular, the first adhesive nozzle 21 and the second adhesive nozzle 22 can be arranged at a longitudinal distance 24 from each other. Specifically, for typical machine widths of approximately 5.5 m and the use of eight adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23, the longitudinal distance 24 can be approximately 660 mm. The other adhesive nozzles 23 can also be arranged at the same longitudinal distance 24 from their respective adjacent adhesive nozzles. Thus, the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 can be evenly distributed along the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella.

[0091] Furthermore, it may be provided that a guide rail 25 is formed, on which in the

[0092] A first guide carriage 26, a second guide carriage 27, and a further guide carriage 28 are arranged to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamellae. Furthermore, an adhesive nozzle drive motor 29 may be provided, by means of which the individual guide carriages 26, 27, 28 can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamellae. In particular, it may be provided that the individual guide carriages 26, 27, 28 are coupled to the adhesive nozzle drive motor 29. In particular, it may be provided that a traction element 30, for example in the form of a toothed belt, is provided, which is guided around two deflection pulleys, wherein the individual guide carriages 26, 27, 28 are coupled to the traction element and wherein the traction element 30 is driven by the adhesive nozzle drive motor 29.

[0093] Furthermore, it can be provided that a first lifting drive 31 and a second lifting drive 32 are designed, which serve to move the guide rail 25 together with the components arranged on it in the upward direction 18. In particular, the guide rail 25 can be moved between a raised position 33 and a lowered position 34 by means of the lifting drives 31, 32.

[0094] In particular, it can be provided that the first lifting drive 31 and the second lifting drive 32 are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamellas.

[0095] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that in addition to the first lifting drive 31 and the second lifting drive 32, further lifting drives are designed.

[0096] Furthermore, it may be provided that the individual lifting drives 31, 32 are arranged on a machine frame 35 which is only shown schematically.

[0097] In another embodiment, the guide rail 25 can also be guided on the machine frame 35 by means of guide elements. The guide elements can be integrated directly into the lifting drives 31, 32.

[0098] Furthermore, it can be provided that a support table 36 is formed in the pressing area 20, which has a support surface 37. The support table 36 can serve to hold the individual board lamellae 2, 3, 4. In particular, it can be provided that the lower broad side 9, 13 of the board lamellae 2, 3, 4 rests on the support surface 37 of the support table 36.

[0099] Furthermore, it may be provided that a transport device 38, which is not described in detail, is designed for conveying or transporting the lamella carpet 5 in the conveying direction 17. In particular, it may be provided that the transport device 38 is designed in the form of a belt conveyor.

[0100] Furthermore, it may be provided that a first hold-down device 39 is formed in the pressing area 20. The first hold-down device 39 can serve to press the first board lamella 2 or the further board lamellae 4 of this lamella mat 5 against the support table 36. In particular, it may be provided that the first hold-down device 39 has a first hold-down surface 40, which is designed to rest against the upper broad side 8 of the first board lamella 2. Furthermore, it may be provided that a hold-down device support 41 is formed, wherein the first hold-down device 39 can be slidably mounted on the hold-down device support 41 in the vertical direction 18 relative to the hold-down device support 41. In particular, it may be provided that a guide system is formed here. The hold-down device support 41 can be rigidly coupled to the machine frame 35 or be designed as a component of the machine frame 35.Furthermore, it may also be provided that the hold-down support 41 is arranged to be slidable on the machine frame 35 for maintenance purposes.

[0101] The machine frame 35 can form the base of the board lamella joining device 1 and be placed on the ground, for example a hall floor.

[0102] Furthermore, it may be provided that a first counterweight spring 42 is formed, by means of which the dead weight of the first hold-down device 39 can be absorbed. It may also be provided that several of the first counterweight springs 42 are arranged distributed along the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamellar.

[0103] Furthermore, a first hold-down cylinder 43 may be provided, which serves to press the first hold-down device 39 against the first board slat 2 or against the slat mat 5. A predetermined pressing force of the first hold-down device 39 against the first board slat 2 or against the slat mat 5 can be set by means of the first hold-down cylinder 43.

[0104] Furthermore, it can be provided that several of the first hold-down cylinders 43 are formed spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae 19.

[0105] Furthermore, it may be provided that a second hold-down device 44 is formed in the pressing area 20. The second hold-down device 44 can serve to press the first board lamella 2 or the further board lamellae 4 of this lamella mat 5 against the support table 36. In particular, it may be provided that the second hold-down device 44 has a second hold-down surface 45, which is designed to rest against the upper broad side 8 of the first board lamella 2. Furthermore, it may be provided that the second hold-down device 44 is slidably mounted on the hold-down support 41 in the vertical direction 18 relative to the hold-down support. In particular, it may be provided that a guide system is formed for this purpose.

[0106] Furthermore, a second counterweight spring 46 may be provided, by means of which the dead weight of the second hold-down device 44 can be absorbed. It may also be provided that several of the second counterweight springs 46 are arranged distributed along the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamellar.

[0107] Furthermore, a second hold-down cylinder 47 may be provided, which serves to press the second hold-down device 44 against the first board slat 2 or against the slat mat 5. A predetermined pressing force of the second hold-down device 44 against the first board slat 2 or against the slat mat 5 can be set by means of the second hold-down cylinder 47.

[0108] Furthermore, it can be provided that several of the second retaining elements 47 are formed spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae 19.

[0109] As can be further seen from Fig. 1, the lamella feeder 14 can be provided with a lamella stacking station 48, which serves to receive several stacked board lamellae 3, 4. In particular, the lamella stacking station 48 can be provided with a front stacking guide 49 and a rear stacking guide 50. The front stacking guide 49 and the rear stacking guide 50 can serve to guide the lamella stack. In particular, the front stacking guide 49 and the rear stacking guide 50 can be arranged at a distance from a lamella support surface 51, so that the second board lamella 3, which forms the bottom board lamella of the lamella stack, can be pushed out of the lamella stacking station 48 in the conveying direction 17 under the front stacking guide 49.

[0110] Furthermore, the lamella feeder 14 may include a slide 52, which may be displaceable in the conveying direction 17 relative to the machine frame 35. In particular, a drive device may be provided by means of which the slide 52 is displaceable in the conveying direction 17. Specifically, the drive device may include a servo spindle 53 and a second servo spindle 54. The first servo spindle 53 and the second servo spindle 54 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella. Furthermore, a third servo spindle 55 and a fourth servo spindle 56 may be provided.

[0111] In particular, the servo spindles 53, 54, 55, 56 can be coupled to the slide 52. Alternatively, the slide 52 can have multiple slide segments, with each servo spindle 53, 54, 55, 56 having its own slide segment. The individual slide segments can be moved independently of each other by means of the servo spindles 53, 54, 55, 56.

[0112] Furthermore, it can be provided that the slide 52 has a slide contact surface 60 which is directed forward in the conveying direction 17. In particular, it can be provided that the slide contact surface 57 serves to contact the rear narrow side 11 of the second board lamella 3.

[0113] Based on the first embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1 according to Fig. 1, a possible process sequence for producing a lamella carpet 5 is now described.

[0114] The description of the joining cycle begins according to a position of the board lamella joining device 1 as shown in Fig. 1. In this position, the adhesive 16, which is a reactive polyurethane-based hot melt adhesive heated to a predetermined processing temperature, can be applied to the rear narrow side 7 of the first board lamella 2 by means of the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23. The individual adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 can be directed onto the rear narrow side 7 of the first board lamella 2 such that the jet of adhesive 16, injected under pressure from the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23, strikes the rear narrow side 7 of the first board lamella 2 approximately midway between the upper broad side 8 and the lower broad side 9.

[0115] During the application of the adhesive 16, the individual adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 can be moved parallel and synchronously to each other in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella by means of the adhesive nozzle drive motor 29. The displacement can be selected to be less than or equal to the longitudinal distance 24 between the adhesive nozzles 21, 22. Subsequently, the guide rail 25 can be moved upwards in the vertical direction 18 from the lowered position 34 to the raised position 33, so that the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 are also moved upwards in the vertical direction 18 to provide sufficient space for attaching the second board lamella 3. Furthermore, the vertical guidance for the subsequent lamella 3 can be provided simultaneously. This guidance also serves as a safeguard against bulging or even breakage of the board lamella 3 when it encounters the counter-pressure of the clamped board lamella 2.

[0116] In an alternative version, the nozzle angle 58 or the arrangement of the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 can be chosen so that they do not collide with the second board lamella 3 even without being pushed upwards.

[0117] In a further process step, the slide 52 can be pushed towards the second board slat 3, so that the slide contact surface 57 comes into contact with the rear narrow side 11 of the second board slat 3 and the second board slat 3 can be pushed forward in the conveying direction 17 by means of the slide 52.

[0118] The second board slat 3 can be pushed out from under the stack of board slats arranged one above the other, whereby the further board slat 4 arranged above the second board slat 3 can rest on a sliding surface 59 of the sliding slat 52.

[0119] The second board lamella 3 can be pushed towards the first board lamella 2 until the front narrow side 10 of the second board lamella 3 is pressed against the rear narrow side 7 of the first board lamella 2. Furthermore, the joined board lamellae 2, 3, together with the lamella mat 5, can be moved forward in the conveying direction 17 by means of the slide 52. The hold-downs 39, 44 can be used to resist this movement, thereby achieving a specific joining pressure. The second board lamella 3, just added, can be pushed forward to the position of the first board lamella 2 shown in Fig. 1. In particular, this forward movement can be carried out by applying a predetermined pressure to the first hold-down device 39 or the second hold-down device 44, so that a defined contact force of the front narrow side 10 of the second board lamella 3 against the rear narrow side 7 of the first board lamella 2 is achieved.The process steps of applying the adhesive 16 and bringing the second board lamella 3 closer to the first board lamella 2 can partially overlap, so that the open time of the adhesive 16 can be kept as short as possible.

[0120] In a subsequent process step, the slide 52 can be moved back against the conveying direction 17. Once the slide 52 has moved back far enough, the remaining board lamellae 4 can slide downwards from the slide surface 59, and the lowest of the board lamellae can thus form the second board lamella 3. Simultaneously, or when the slide 52 has moved sufficiently far back against the conveying direction 17, the guide rail 25 with the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 can be moved back in the upward direction 18 to the lowered position 34, and the joining process described above can be restarted.

[0121] Simultaneously with the described joining process, the lamellar carpet 5 can rest on the transport device 38 and be moved by it in the conveying direction 17.

[0122] As can be further seen in Fig. 1, a guide 65 can be provided, which serves to guide the board lamellae 2, 3, 4 between the lamella support surface 51 and the guide 65, or between the support surface 37 and the guide 65. The guide 65 prevents the board lamellae 2, 3, 4 from bulging or warping. This is particularly relevant when force is applied to the narrow side 6, 7, 10, 11 of the board lamellae 2, 3, 4, as bulging can occur especially at this point.

[0123] The guide 65 can be coupled to the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 and thus be adjustable in the vertical direction 18. In particular, it can be provided that individual guide elements of the guide 65 are arranged between the individual adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23.

[0124] Furthermore, the guide 65 can be provided with a first part which is coupled to the adhesive nozzles 21, 22, 23 and a second part which, viewed in the conveying direction 17, lies in front of the first part, the second part being fixedly arranged on the machine frame 35. This allows for guidance over the greatest possible distance.

[0125] Figure 2 shows a further, and optionally independent, embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1, whereby the same reference numerals or component designations are used for identical parts as in the preceding Figure 1. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figure 1.

[0126] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1. In this second embodiment, only the lamella feed 14 is designed differently from the first embodiment, while the remaining components can be designed the same as in the first embodiment.

[0127] As can be seen from Fig. 2, it can be provided that the board lamella joining device 1 includes a belt conveyor 60 instead of the lamella stacking station 48, which can serve to feed the board lamellae 3, 4 to the slide 52.

[0128] The belt conveyor 60 can be arranged above the second board lamella 3. Furthermore, the belt conveyor 60 can be provided with several carriers 61, which can be arranged at intervals from one another on a rotating traction element 62 of the belt conveyor 60. The carriers 61 can be used to contact the rear narrow side 11 of the second board lamella 3 and thus to convey the second board lamella 3 in the conveying direction 17.

[0129] Furthermore, a feeder 63 may be provided, which serves to convey the board slats 3, 4 to the belt conveyor 60. The feeder 63 may also be equipped with a carrier, like the belt conveyor 60, or alternatively be designed as a conventional conveyor belt or other conveying device. In such a machine concept, the individual board slats 3, 4 are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction 17.

[0130] The second board slat 3 can be conveyed to a transfer point by means of the belt conveyor 60, from where it can be picked up by the pusher 52 and pushed forward in the conveying direction 17. Subsequently, the next second board slat 3 can be conveyed to the transfer point by means of the belt conveyor 60. To pick up this next second board slat 3, the pusher 52 can be lowered in the upward direction 18 below the slat support surface 51 and then moved into the picking position under the second board slat 3, opposite to the conveying direction 17, in order to convey the second board slat 3 forward again. Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a composite component 64. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the slat mat 5 produced according to the invention can form a top layer of the composite component 64.Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the lamellar carpet 5 produced according to the invention forms a middle layer of the composite component 64.

[0131] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a lowering device 66 for lowering the slide 52 of the board lamella joining device 1. This embodiment of the lowering device 66 can be integrated into the second embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0132] The position of the slide 52 in the board lamella joining device 1 is clearly visible in Fig. 2. The lowering device 66 is shown in a perspective view in Fig. 4, although for clarity the viewing direction is different than in Fig. 2. The different orientation between Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 is evident from the position of the coordinate system.

[0133] The complete lowering device 66 together with the slide 52 can be moved in the conveying direction 17 relative to the machine frame 35 by means of the servo spindles 53, 54, 55, 56 in order to press the board slats 3, 4 together as described above.

[0134] As can be seen particularly well in Fig. 4, the lowering device 66 can be provided with a connecting rod 67, wherein the connecting rod 67 is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella. For the sake of clarity, the connecting rod 67 is shown interrupted in Fig. 4, so that the view of the slide rail support 79 behind it is unobstructed. The slide rail support 79 is coupled to the connecting rod 67.

[0135] In particular, it can be provided that several of the slides 52 or the lowering devices 66 are arranged next to each other and are coupled to each other by means of the connecting rod 67.

[0136] In particular, the lowering device 66 may comprise a slide assembly 68 with a sliding slide 69, which is slidably coupled to a slide rail 70. The slide rail 70 may be arranged at a slide rail angle 71 to the longitudinal direction 19 of the slats. In particular, the slide assembly 68 may be coupled to the connecting rod 67 and to the slide 52, such that a displacement of the connecting rod 67 in the longitudinal direction 19 of the slats is converted into a displacement of the slide 52 in the vertical direction 18.

[0137] In particular, it may be provided that the sliding carriage 69 is rigidly coupled to the slide 52. The sliding carriage 69 can be coupled to the slide 52, for example, by means of a positive-locking connection or by means of a material-locking connection.

[0138] Furthermore, it can be provided that the slide rail 70 is rigidly coupled to the connecting rod 67. In particular, it can be provided that the slide rail 70 is arranged on a slide rail support 79. The slide rail support 79 can be coupled to the connecting rod 67. In particular, it can be provided that the slide rail support 79 is coupled to a slide carrier 81 by means of a slide rail support guide 80.

[0139] Furthermore, it can be provided that the connecting rod 67 is slidably mounted on the machine frame 35 by means of guides.

[0140] The slide carrier 81 can also be mounted on the machine frame 35 so as to be displaceable in the conveying direction 17 by means of guide elements. Furthermore, the slide carrier 81 can be positioned in the conveying direction 17 by means of the servo spindle 53, 54, 55, 56. The slide 52, including the described mechanism for displacing the slide 52 in the vertical direction 18, can thus be arranged on the slide carrier 81 and displaceable in the conveying direction 17 by means of it.

[0141] Furthermore, the slide 52 can be coupled to the slide carrier 81 by means of a slide guide 82. The slide guide 82 can also comprise a guide rail and a guide slide interacting with it. In particular, the guide rail or the guide slide can be arranged on the slide carrier 81, and the other of the two elements can be arranged on the slide 52. It can also be provided that the slide 52 is coupled to the slide carrier 81 by means of two slide guides 82, wherein the two slide guides 82 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella. For the sake of clarity, a connecting plate between the slide guide 82 and the slide carrier 81 is omitted in Fig. 4. The connecting plate can be coupled to the slide carrier 81 by means of a material-fit connection.Furthermore, it can be provided that the lowering device has a lowering drive 72, wherein the connecting rod 67 is coupled to the lowering drive 72 and the lowering drive 72 serves to move the connecting rod 67 in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella.

[0142] In particular, it may be provided that the lowering drive 72 comprises a rotary motor 73 and an eccentric mechanism 74, wherein the eccentric mechanism 74 is coupled to the rotary motor 73 and to the connecting rod 67.

[0143] The eccentric mechanism 74 is shown schematically in its essential components in Fig. 4.

[0144] The eccentric mechanism 74 is also shown schematically in a 2D view in Fig. 4 to better explain its function. The eccentric mechanism 74 can, for example, comprise a first eccentric disc and a second eccentric disc, which are arranged at an axial distance from each other and are mounted on a common shaft that is coupled to the rotary motor 73. These components are also shown in the 3D view.

[0145] On the first eccentric disc, a first lever arm of a drive lever rolls by means of a first roller, and on the second eccentric disc, a second lever arm of a drive lever rolls by means of a second roller. A third lever arm of the drive lever can be coupled to the connecting rod 67. The drive lever can be pivotally mounted about a tilting axis, which can be arranged parallel to the common shaft of the eccentric discs. The first and second eccentric discs can be arranged rotated relative to each other, so that the first lever arm initiates a forward movement and the second lever arm initiates a reverse movement. This design makes it possible to achieve a backlash-free lifting motion. Thus, the rotary motion of the eccentric disc can be converted into a linear motion.

[0146] The eccentric mechanism 74 may also include a crank drive, a cam disc or any other assembly suitable for converting a rotary motion into a linear motion.

[0147] Furthermore, the rotary motor 73 can be designed as a servo motor, operating at an irregular rotational speed. This allows the speed or timing of the linear movement of the connecting rod 67 to be individually controlled as desired.

[0148] Furthermore, the slide 52 can be provided to comprise individual slide segments 75, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamellae. The slide segments 75 can each be coupled to one of the slide assemblies 68, and the respective slide assemblies 68 of the slide segments 75 can be coupled to a continuous connecting rod 67. Alternatively, the connecting rod 67 can also have several connecting rod segments 76.

[0149] Furthermore, it can be provided that a lowering drive 72 is arranged on both sides of the connecting rod 67, wherein the lowering drives 72 are coupled to each other in such a way that a tensile force acts on the connecting rod 67 when moving in both directions.

[0150] Furthermore, it may be provided that the rotary motor 73 is coupled with a rotary angle sensor 77 and / or that the slide 52 is coupled with a position sensor 78 for detecting the position in the vertical direction 18. It may also be provided that the movement of the rotary motor 73 is controlled based on the sensor 77, 78.

[0151] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the lifting drive 31, 32. The lifting drive 31, 32 can be functionally identical to the lowering device 66. Therefore, reference is made here to the detailed description of the functional relationships of the lowering device 66. For the sake of clarity, essential components of the board lamella joining device 1 are also omitted from Fig. 5 to allow for a clear representation of the lifting drive 31, 32.

[0152] As can be seen from Fig. 5, it can be provided that the lifting drive 31, 32 includes a lifting drive coupling rod 83, wherein the lifting drive coupling rod 83 is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella.

[0153] Furthermore, the lifting drive 31, 32 may comprise a lifting drive carriage assembly 84 with a lifting drive slide 85, which is slidably coupled to a lifting drive guide rail 86. The lifting drive guide rail 86 may be arranged at an angle 87 to the longitudinal direction 19 of the slats, wherein the lifting drive carriage assembly 84 is coupled to the lifting drive coupling rod 83 and to the guide rail 25 such that a displacement of the lifting drive coupling rod 83 in the longitudinal direction 19 of the slats is converted into a displacement of the guide rail 25 in the vertical direction 18.

[0154] Furthermore, a nozzle lowering drive 88 can be provided, wherein the lifting drive coupling rod 83 is coupled to the nozzle lowering drive 88 and the nozzle lowering drive 88 serves to displace the lifting drive coupling rod 83 in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella. Furthermore, it can be provided that the guide rail 25 is slidably mounted on the machine frame 35 by means of a guide rail height guide 89 in the vertical direction 18.

[0155] Figure 6 shows a further, and optionally independent, embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1, whereby the same reference numerals and component designations are used for identical parts as in the preceding Figures 2 to 5. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 2 to 5. In particular, the board lamella joining device 1 can have all the features of the second embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1 according to Figure 2, combined with the embodiments of the lowering device 66 according to Figure 4 and the lifting drive 31, 32 according to Figure 5.

[0156] Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1. As can be seen from Fig. 6, the first adhesive nozzle 21 can be provided with a pressure surface 90 on its underside, the pressure surface 90 being designed to hold down the board lamellae 2, 3, 4. The pressure surface 90 can be designed as a flat surface.

[0157] Figure 7 shows a further, and optionally independent, embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1, whereby the same reference numerals and component designations are used for identical parts as in the preceding Figures 1 to 6. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 6. In particular, the board lamella joining device 1 can have all the features of the first embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1 according to Figure 1 or of the second embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1 according to Figure 2, combined with the embodiments of the lowering device 66 according to Figure 4 and the lifting drive 31, 32 according to Figure 5.

[0158] Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment of the board lamella joining device 1. As can be seen from Fig.

[0159] As can be seen in Figure 7, a processing device 91 may be provided, wherein the processing device 91 is arranged downstream of the pressing area 20. The processing device 91 may have a first processing unit 92 and a second processing unit 93. The first processing unit 92 and the second processing unit 93 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella. Furthermore, the first processing unit 92 and the second processing unit 93 may be displaceable in the longitudinal direction 19 of the lamella. Furthermore, the first processing unit 92 and the second processing unit 93 may be displaceable in the vertical direction 18.

[0160] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0161] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0162] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0163] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference sign layout

[0164] Board lamella joining device 26 first guide carriage first board lamella 27 second guide carriage second board lamella 28 further guide carriage further board lamella 29 adhesive nozzle drive motor

[0165] Slat carpet 30 Traction element front narrow side first board 31 First lifting drive 32 Second lifting drive rear narrow side first board 33 Raised position 34 Lowered position upper wide side first board slat 35 Machine frame lower wide side first board slat 36 Support table front narrow side second board 37 Support surface slat 38 Discharge device rear narrow side second board 39 First hold-down slat 40 First hold-down surface upper wide side second board 41 Hold-down support 42 First counterweight spring lower wide side second board 43 First hold-down cylinder 44 Second hold-down

[0166] slat feed 45 second hold-down surface

[0167] Adhesive application device 46 second counterweight spring

[0168] Adhesive 47 second hold-down cylinder

[0169] Conveyor direction 48 slat stacking station

[0170] Upward direction 49 front stack guide

[0171] Lamella longitudinal direction 50 rear stack guide

[0172] Pressing area 51 Lamella support surface first adhesive nozzle 52 Slider second adhesive nozzle 53 First servo spindle further adhesive nozzle 54 Second servo spindle

[0173] Longitudinal spacing of adhesive nozzles 55 third servo spindle

[0174] Guide rail 56 fourth servo spindle slide contact surface 90 pressure surface

[0175] Nozzle angle 91 machining s device

[0176] Slide surface 92 first machining unit

[0177] Belt conveyor 93 second processing unit

[0178] drive

[0179] Traction

[0180] Feeder

[0181] composite component

[0182] guide

[0183] Lowering device

[0184] Stabilizer link

[0185] Slide arrangement

[0186] sliding sled

[0187] Slide rail

[0188] Sliding rail angle

[0189] Lowering drive

[0190] Rotary motor

[0191] Eccentric mechanism

[0192] Slider segment

[0193] Connecting rod segment

[0194] Rotation angle sensor

[0195] Position sensor

[0196] Slide rail support

[0197] Slide rail support guide

[0198] Slider carrier

[0199] Slide guide

[0200] Hub drive coupling rod

[0201] Lifting drive carriage arrangement

[0202] Lifting drive slide

[0203] Lifting drive guide rail

[0204] angle

[0205] Nozzle lowering drive

[0206] Guide rail height guide

Claims

Patent claims 1. Board lamella joining device (1) for joining individual board lamellae (2, 3, 4) to form a lamella carpet (5), the board lamella joining device (1) comprising: - a slat feeder (14) for feeding the individual board slats (2, 3, 4); - an adhesive application device (15) for applying adhesive (16) to at least one narrow side (6, 7, 10, 11) of the board lamellae (2, 3, 4) to be joined together; - a pressing area (20) for pressing together a front narrow side (6) of a first board lamella (2) and a rear narrow side (11) of a second board lamella (3) in a conveying direction (17), wherein the front narrow side (6) of the first board lamella (2) and the rear narrow side (11) of the second board lamella (3) face each other, characterized in that the adhesive application device (15) comprises at least a first adhesive nozzle (21) and a second adhesive nozzle (22), wherein the first adhesive nozzle (21) and the second adhesive nozzle (22) are arranged at a longitudinal distance (24) from each other with respect to a lamella longitudinal direction (19) and wherein the first adhesive nozzle (21) and the second adhesive nozzle (22) is designed to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction (19) of the lamella relative to the board lamella (2, 3, 4) to be provided with adhesive (16).

2. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesive application device (15) for heating the adhesive (16) to a processing temperature between 40°C and 250°C, in particular between 80°C and 200°C, preferably between 115°C and 145°C.

3. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the longitudinal distance (24) of the first adhesive nozzle (21) and the second adhesive nozzle (22) to each other between 400mm and 1000mm, in particular between 500mm and 800mm, preferably between 600mm and 700mm.

4. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lamella feed (14) comprises a slide (52), wherein the slide (52) is designed for inserting the board lamellae (2, 3) into the pressing area (20) and also for pressing together a front narrow side (6) of a first a board lamella (2) and a rear narrow side (11) of a second board lamella (3) is formed.

5. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a first servo spindle (53) and a second servo spindle (54) are designed to drive the slide (52) in the conveying direction (17).

6. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive application device (15) comprises a guide rail (25), wherein a first guide carriage (26) and a second guide carriage (27) are slidably mounted on the guide rail (25) in the longitudinal direction (19) of the lamella, wherein the first adhesive nozzle (21) is mounted on the first guide carriage (26) and the second adhesive nozzle (22) is mounted on the second guide carriage (27).

7. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that an adhesive nozzle drive motor (29) is formed, wherein the first guide slide (26) and the second guide slide (27) are coupled to the adhesive nozzle drive motor (29) by means of a traction element (30), in particular by means of a toothed belt.

8. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the guide rail (25) is designed to be adjustable in a vertical direction (18), in particular by means of a first lifting drive (31) and by means of a second lifting drive (32).

9. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the lifting drive (31, 32) comprises the following components: - a lifting drive coupling rod (83), wherein the lifting drive coupling rod (83) is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the lamella (19); - a lifting drive carriage assembly (84) with a lifting drive slide (85) which is slidably coupled to a lifting drive slide rail (86), wherein the lifting drive slide rail (86) is arranged at an angle (87) to the longitudinal direction (19) of the slats, wherein the lifting drive carriage assembly (84) is coupled to the lifting drive coupling rod (83) and to the guide rail (25) such that a displacement of the lifting drive coupling rod (83) in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae (19) is converted into a displacement of the guide rail (25) in the vertical direction (18); - a nozzle lowering drive (88), wherein the lifting drive coupling rod (83) is coupled to the nozzle lowering drive (88) and the nozzle lowering drive (88) serves to displace the lifting drive coupling rod (83) in the lamellar longitudinal direction (19).

10. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressing area (20) comprises at least one first hold-down device (39), wherein the first hold-down device (39) is designed to be displaceable in the vertical direction (18) and is designed to press against an upper broad side (8, 12) of the board lamellae (2, 3).

11. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first hold-down device (39) is slidably mounted on a hold-down support (41) in the vertical direction (18), wherein at least one first counterweight spring (42) is arranged between the first hold-down device (39) and the hold-down support (41), which pulls or pushes the first hold-down device (39) upwards, and wherein at least one first hold-down cylinder (43) is formed, which is designed to press the first hold-down device (39) against the upper broad side (8, 12) of the board lamellae (2, 3).

12. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the pressing area (20) comprises at least one second hold-down device (44), wherein the second hold-down device (44) is designed to be displaceable in the vertical direction (18) and is designed to press against an upper broad side (8, 12) of the board lamellae (2, 3), wherein the second hold-down device (44) is arranged in the conveying direction (17) after the first hold-down device (39).

13. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the first hold-down device (39) together with the hold-down carrier (84) is designed to be displaceable in the conveying direction (17) to the adhesive material application device (15).

14. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the slide (52) can be displaced in the vertical direction (18) by means of a lowering device (66).

15. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the lowering device (66) comprises the following components: - a connecting rod (67), wherein the connecting rod (67) is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the lamellar (19); - a slide arrangement (68) with a sliding slide (69) which is slidably coupled to a slide rail (70), wherein the slide rail (70) is arranged in a slide rail angle (71) to the longitudinal direction (19) of the slats, wherein the slide arrangement (68) is coupled to the connecting rod (67) and to the slide (52) so that a displacement of the connecting rod (67) in the longitudinal direction (19) of the slats is converted into a displacement of the slide (52) in the vertical direction (18); - a lowering drive (72), wherein the connecting rod (67) is coupled to the lowering drive (72) and the lowering drive (72) serves to move the connecting rod (67) in the longitudinal direction (19) of the lamella.

16. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the lowering drive (72) comprises a rotary motor (73) and an eccentric mechanism (74), wherein the eccentric mechanism (74) is coupled to the rotary motor (73) and to the connecting rod (67).

17. Board lamella joining device (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the sliding carriage (69) is rigidly coupled to the slide (52) and that the sliding rail (70) is rigidly coupled to the connecting rod (67).

18. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the slide (52) comprises individual slide segments (75) which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (19) of the lamella, wherein the slide segments (75) are each coupled to a slide arrangement (68) and wherein the respective slide arrangements (68) of the slide segments (75) are connected by a continuous connecting rod (67) are coupled, or the connecting rod (67) also has several connecting rod segments (76).

19. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that a lowering drive (72) is arranged on both sides of the connecting rod (67), wherein the lowering drives (72) are coupled to each other in such a way that a tensile force acts on the connecting rod (67) when moving in both directions.

20. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the rotary motor (73) is coupled with a rotary angle sensor (77) and / or that the slide (52) is coupled with a position sensor (78) for detecting the position in the vertical direction (18), wherein the movement of the rotary motor (73) is controlled on the basis of the sensor (77, 78).

21. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first adhesive nozzle (21) has a pressure surface (90) on the underside, wherein the pressure surface (90) is designed to hold down the board lamellae (2, 3, 4).

22. Board lamella joining device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a processing device (91) is formed, wherein the processing device (91) is arranged downstream of the pressing area (20), wherein the processing device (91) has a first processing unit (92) and a second processing unit (93), wherein the first processing unit (92) and the second processing unit (93) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (19) of the lamella.

23. Method for producing a composite component (64) with individual board lamellae (2, 3, 4), in particular using a board lamella joining device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the method steps: - Feeding the individual board slats (2, 3, 4) by means of a slat feeder (14); - Applying adhesive (16) to at least one narrow side (6, 7, 10, 11) of the board lamellae (2, 3, 4) to be joined together by means of an adhesive application device (15); - Pressing together a front narrow side (6) of a first board lamella (2) and a rear narrow side (11) of a second board lamella (3) in a conveying direction (17) in a pressing area (20), wherein the front narrow side (6) of the first board lamella (2) and the rear narrow side (11) of the second board lamella (3) face each other, characterized in that the adhesive application device (15) comprises at least a first adhesive nozzle (21) and a second adhesive nozzle (22), wherein the first adhesive nozzle (21) and the second adhesive nozzle (22) are arranged at a longitudinal distance (24) from each other with respect to a lamella longitudinal direction (19) and wherein, when applying adhesive (16), the first adhesive nozzle (21) and the second adhesive nozzle (22) are displaced in the lamella longitudinal direction (19) relative to the board lamella (2, 3) to be provided with adhesive (16).

24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the adhesive (16) is a reactive hot melt adhesive.

25. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that the adhesive (16) is a reactive hot melt adhesive based on polyurethane, which is heated in the adhesive application device (15) to a processing temperature between 40°C and 250°C, in particular between 80°C and 200°C, preferably between 115°C and 145°C.

26. Method according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the adhesive (16) has an open time between 2 seconds and 20 seconds, in particular between 4 seconds and 15 seconds, preferably between 6 seconds and 10 seconds, under the present application conditions.

27. Method according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the individual board lamellae (2, 3, 4) are joined to form a lamella carpet (5), wherein the lamella carpet (5) forms an outer cover layer in the composite component (64) and wherein at least one inner layer is formed in the composite component (64).

28. Method according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the board slats (2, 3, 4) are inserted into the pressing area (20) by means of a slider (52). and also by means of the slide (52) the front narrow side (6) of the first board lamella (2) and the rear narrow side (11) of the second board lamella (3) are pressed together, wherein the slide (52) is driven by means of at least a first servo spindle (53) and a second servo spindle (54), wherein the motor current of the first servo spindle (53) and the second servo spindle (54) is monitored in order to limit the pressing force.

29. Method according to one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the adhesive nozzles (21, 22) are moved over a travel path in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae (19) when applying adhesive (16), wherein the application of the adhesive material through the adhesive nozzles (21, 22) is started when an acceleration phase of the travel path in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae (19) has been overcome and is completed before a deceleration phase of the travel path in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae (19) begins.

30. Method according to claim 29, characterized in that the travel path in the longitudinal direction of the lamella (19) is selected such that the first adhesive nozzle (21) and the second adhesive nozzle (22) overlap to such an extent that the acceleration phase and the deceleration phase lie in the overlap area of ​​the adhesive nozzles (21, 22).

31. Method according to claim 29, characterized in that the travel distance is greater than the longitudinal distance (24) of the adhesive nozzles (21, 22) to each other.

32. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, characterized in that the adhesive (16) is a reactive two-component adhesive, wherein a) a first component and a second component of the adhesive (16) are mixed in or before the adhesive nozzles (21, 22), or b) a first component of the adhesive (16) is applied from the first adhesive nozzle (21) and a second component of the adhesive (16) is applied from a further adhesive nozzle, or c) a first component of the adhesive (16) is already applied in a prior step to the narrow side (6, 7, 10, 11) of the board lamellae (2, 3, 4) to be joined together and a second component of the adhesive (16) is applied by means of the adhesive nozzles (21, 22). applied to the narrow side (6, 7, 10, 11) of the board lamellae (2, 3, 4) to be joined together.

33. Method according to one of claims 23 to 32, characterized in that the individual adhesive nozzles (21, 22) can be selectively activated or deactivated individually and independently of one another.

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