EP3856477B1 - Device for supplying edgebands as well as edgebanding machine with such device - Google Patents

Description

technical field

The invention relates to an edging system comprising an edging machine and a device for preparing edge bands according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention is also directed to the use of an edging system according to one of the preceding claims

Edging system is from the document EP 1 346 805 A2 known.

State of the art

Boards made of wood or wood substitutes for the furniture industry usually have at least one at least partially coated top surface before they are processed. The types of these coatings range from lacquer finishes to paneling with layers of real wood veneer or plastic. In addition to the respective appearance, the surfaces coated in this way have increased resistance to mechanical influences and liquids. The narrow edges of these panels are usually only coated afterwards, for example after they have been cut to size. As part of the so-called edging, a suitable edge band is attached to the narrow sides of the panel at least in sections. Their bond with the panel is usually based on adhesion or a micro form fit through local melting.

In the industrial context, the edging of wood-based panels is carried out by an edging system in which the edge bands are attached with at least one edging machine in a continuous process. The edgebands are usually lying rolled up as edge rolls in order to be able to safely transport and store large lengths in the most compact way possible. For the simplest possible handling, these can also be arranged within a cassette and can be unwound from this if necessary. Due to the variety of colors and decors as well as thicknesses (thickness) of the panels to be edged, the edge bands, which are then also different, often have to be replaced with the appropriate variant.

Out of EP 1 346 805 A2 a device for providing edge bands is known, which comprises a tower-like storage unit. The storage unit has individual storage locations that are designed for at least indirect fitting with edge bands. The storage locations are located one above the other in relation to a vertical.

In the specific embodiment, a storage place of the storage unit serves as a fixed changing place position, which corresponds to a storage table that is arranged on the outside of the storage unit and is at the same height. A cassette fitted with an edge roll can be inserted manually into the changing position from the storage table. This cassette is then sorted into another storage location within the storage unit by a handling device arranged on the opposite side of the storage unit. Conversely, a cassette to be exchanged is first pulled out of its storage location within the storage unit by means of the handling device and transferred to the exchange location position, from where it is manually removed again and placed on the storage table, for example to insert a new edge roll. An edging machine is supplied with edgebands via the handling device of the device, which removes the required cassette from the storage unit and transfers it to the edging machine.

In particular, changing between different edge bands or the cassettes containing them is sometimes complicated. The reason for this is the always necessary interposition of the handling device, which is required both for the distribution of the edge bands within the storage unit and for the supply of the edging machine with the required edge bands. In addition to extensive maintenance, the movements of the handling device to be coordinated require a correspondingly high expenditure of time and control.

The invention

The present invention is therefore based on the object of further developing a generic device and an edging system equipped therewith such that the provision of edging strips can take place more economically overall.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in an edging system comprising an edging machine and at least one device for preparing edge bands according to claim 1. Advantageous configurations are the subject matter of the dependent subclaims 2 to 13.

It is proposed that the device should include a base frame, with the actual storage unit now being arranged in or on this base frame in a linearly displaceable manner. In other words, the device according to the invention stand up on a base via its base frame and/or be attached to another component, while the storage unit designed to accommodate edge bands can be linearly displaced relative to the base frame.

The advantage directly derived from this can be seen in the fact that the configuration according to the invention does not require any rearrangement of edge bands or cassettes within the storage unit, since the edge band required in each case, regardless of its arrangement in one of the storage locations, is in the required level solely due to the linear mobility of the storage unit can be displaced in relation to an edging machine. In this way, the handling device required for the previously required distribution of edge bands within the storage unit can be omitted. In addition, there is no longer a compelling need to transfer the respective edge band to an edging machine, since this can now be fed directly from the storage unit, in that the storage space containing the required edging band can be positioned beforehand, for example opposite an edge feed of the edging machine.

According to a particularly preferred development of the basic idea of the invention, at least one storage location of the storage unit can be designed in such a way that it can accommodate at least one edge band. In other words, this storage location can be designed in such a way that a loose edging strip, in particular in its form at least partially wound up to form an edging roll, can be arranged or stored in it. As an alternative or in addition to this, at least one of the storage locations can be designed to accommodate a cassette that at least partially contains the edging strip.

The storage unit has two opposite sides, and the design of its storage locations can advantageously be adapted to the shape of the edge bands to be accommodated. Thus, at least one of the storage locations can have at least one floor element that extends at least partially between the sides of the storage unit. This can, for example, be designed in such a way that an edge band can be placed directly on this floor element or at least partially supported on it. As an alternative or in addition to this, at least one of the storage locations can have at least one support element arranged in the area of each side of the storage unit. The support elements can, for example, be designed in such a way that a cassette containing an edge band can be placed on these support elements or at least partially supported on them.

In this connection, according to a preferred further development, the invention provides that the floor element and/or at least one support element of at least one storage location is mounted on the storage unit so that it can be displaced in a linear manner. By appropriately shifting the base element and/or support element that can be displaced in this way, the height of the associated storage space available for receiving an edge band or a cassette containing the edge band can be adapted to the respectively required height. Specifically, an adaptation to edge bands having different widths or heights of their cassettes can be carried out in this way. As a result, the respective storage location can be adjusted with as little play as possible in relation to the edge band to be picked up. It is also conceivable to adjust the number of storage locations in this way, which can be increased by one or even more locations, for example by adapting them to correspondingly thin edge bands.

According to a particularly preferred development of the invention, the storage unit or each storage location of the storage unit can be equipped with at least one reading module. Advantageously, this can be a so-called contactless reading module, which can then correspondingly wirelessly receive transmitted data. In any case, the reading module is set up to correspond with at least one transmission module of an edge band or a cassette containing the edge band. For this purpose, for example, an RFID chip can be arranged in or on an edge band or its cassette, which transmits the data stored in it to the reading module via a corresponding external stimulus. In this way, required information about the edgeband to be arranged in one of the storage locations can be transmitted to the device, which can then be used to control the storage unit. The information can contain, for example, information about the width and the decor or the color of the respective edge band. In this way, it is possible, for example, for the device and/or a controller that activates it to know more or less about the edge bands kept in the storage unit and their respective storage location, in order to be able to provide the requested or required edge band.

It is conceivable that the reading module itself or an additional component contains a transmission unit, which in turn can transmit information to the transmission module of the respective edge band, which can then be written to, for example. In this way, for example, information about the remaining length of the edge band can be stored in its transmission module, so that edge bands that have a remaining length required for the forthcoming edging can always be used. In particular with regard to a preferably automated control of the device, it is considered to be particularly advantageous if the device has a drive, by means of which the storage unit can be correspondingly and automatically displaced relative to the base frame. As an alternative or in addition to this, it is also possible for the storage unit to be moved manually relative to the base frame of the device. A device that is rather simple in its expansion stage can thus require the manual relocation of its storage unit, while its higher expansion stage provides for a correspondingly controlled drive. In principle, a device equipped with such a drive can also allow its storage unit to be moved manually in order to facilitate maintenance work and/or to be able to ensure the usability of the device by manual handling even in the event of a defect in the drive.

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

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device can have at least one drive unit, via which an edge band can be actively driven at least in sections. This means that a free end of the edge band, for example can be displaceable from its location within the storage unit and possibly also beyond. In this way, the drive unit can at least transfer the edgeband from its storage location to an edging machine. The tracking of the edging tape into the edging machine can also take place entirely via the drive unit or at least be supported by it. In the specific embodiment, for example, an active rotation of the wound edge band and/or at least one friction wheel would be conceivable, which has peripheral contact with the edge band and at least partially drives or unwinds this by rotating. In principle, the drive unit can interact with an edge band that is at least partially arranged within a cassette or with an edge band that is present without such a cassette.

The device can preferably have at least one brake unit, via which an edge band can be braked and/or fixed with respect to its mobility. Both its controlled drive and its uncontrolled movement behavior are considered to be mobility of the edgeband, which can be attributed in particular to tensions within its material, which can/can result from the rolled-up state and/or temperature fluctuations. Of course, this also includes all other influences that cause movement of the edgeband, such as vibrations. The brake unit is designed in such a way that it at least brakes the movement of the same, which occurs, for example, by pulling on a section of the edge band. The brake unit can preferably fix the edge band in such a way that control over its free end is always ensured. This can prevent the free end of the edge band from being pulled back or displaced on its own be by this is quasi held by the brake unit. In principle, the brake unit can interact with an edge band that is at least partially arranged within a cassette or with an edge band that is present without such a cassette.

The invention provides that the device can have a cutting arrangement, by means of which a section of an edge band can be separated as required. For example, only one edgeband section can be transferred to an edging machine, the length of which, cut off by the cutting arrangement, corresponds to the length to be processed. In principle, the cutting arrangement can interact with an edge band that is at least partially arranged within a cassette or with an edge band that is present without such a cassette.

It is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the device to extend either vertically or horizontally in its intended arrangement. According to the invention, its storage unit can be displaced linearly in relation to the base frame parallel to a vertical line or parallel to a horizontal line. Depending on the application, this results in advantageous options for using the available installation space.

Since the number of storage locations one above the other in relation to a vertical orientation of the vertically displaceable storage unit is naturally already limited by the respective ceiling height, this can be correspondingly increased by a horizontal orientation of the storage unit. In particular, the height of the edging feed on an edging machine limits the maximum possible height of the storage unit for directly unwinding an edging strip from its storage location, since its uppermost storage space for this is in the level of the edging feed must lie. Consequently, the maximum number of possible storage locations results from the space available below this level. Any indentations in the subsoil naturally permit greater heights for the storage unit, since in its maximally lowered position it would then be displaceable, at least in sections, into such an indentation.

The advantage of a vertical orientation of the device lies in the fact that edge bands held in this device can generally run into an edging machine without rotating about their longitudinal axis. The decisive factor here is their orientation in relation to their cross section, which runs parallel to the wood-based panels that are usually processed lying flat. In contrast, a horizontal orientation of the device requires a 90° rotation of an edge band about its longitudinal axis in order to align this edge band lying within the storage unit in relation to its cross section parallel to the narrow edge sides of a wood-based panel. In particular, the rotation of an edge band around its longitudinal direction can stress its structure. On the other hand, the horizontal orientation of the device allows a greater length of its storage unit, so that it provides correspondingly more storage space for edge bands. The more advantageous orientation of the device is to be selected on the basis of the criteria mentioned by the person skilled in the art in each individual case.

According to a preferred development, the device can include at least one manipulator. This manipulator can be, for example, a multi-axis robotic arm and/or a stacker crane (SRM). The manipulator is arranged and set up in such a way that each storage location of the storage unit. In this way, the manipulator can be used to load and empty the storage locations with edge bands by removing the edge bands from the storage locations as required. Of course, this is independent of whether the respective edge bands are present as such or are at least partially arranged within a cassette. Compared to manual assembly and removal of the edge bands, the manipulator enables further automation of the device.

In connection with the at least one manipulator, it is provided that the device according to the invention can also have a storage arrangement. The storage arrangement is used for the local provision of edge bands or cassettes containing edge bands. With the help of the manipulator, these can then be removed individually or at least in pairs from the storage arrangement and transferred to the storage device of the device. In this way, the storage locations of the storage unit can be equipped individually with edge bands from the storage arrangement. Conversely, the storage arrangement is used for the local provision of edge bands or cassettes containing edge bands, which can be removed from the storage device individually or at least in pairs by the manipulator in order to then be transferred to the storage arrangement.

The combination of storage arrangement and manipulator allows the number of edge bands that can be kept locally to be increased accordingly, which enables shorter reaction times and/or a greater selection of edge bands that differ from one another.

According to a further expansion stage of the device according to the invention based on the presence of a manipulator A transfer device can also be provided, which can be used to access other edgebands stored in a nearby machine store. Edge bands located in the machine storage can be removed individually or at least in pairs by the transfer device and transferred to the manipulator, which can then be transferred to the storage arrangement and/or the storage unit. Conversely, edge bands located in the storage arrangement and/or the storage unit can be removed individually or at least in pairs by the manipulator and passed on to the transfer device, from where they can be transferred back to the machine store.

The device according to the invention that has now been presented enables edgebands to be provided in an overall extremely economical manner. In particular, the linear displaceability of the storage unit that can be fitted with edgebands makes a decisive contribution to storing an edgeband in one of the free storage locations in a quasi-disordered manner. If necessary, this can be brought to the required level in relation to an edging machine by simply moving the entire storage unit in order to be able to access the edging tape contained therein. A previous, in particular mechanical, sorting of the edge bands is no longer necessary. This is based on the knowledge of data about the edge bands held available in the storage unit, which result from the communication that is possible at least in one direction between the device and the respective edge band or the cassette containing the edge band. Using a corresponding controller, the currently required edging tape can always be positioned at the edging feed level of the edging machine in order to enter the edging machine. Through further expansion stages, such as at least one manipulator and a storage arrangement for Edge bands, the efficiency of the device can be further increased by increasing its storage capacity.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to an edging system which comprises an edging machine and at least one device as described above. The device is arranged in the area of the edging machine in such a way that at least one edge band that can be arranged in the device can be fed to the edging machine at least in sections. An edge band is fed in at least in sections directly from the storage unit of the device. The resulting advantages have already been explained in more detail in connection with the device according to the invention, so that, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous explanations at this point.

According to a preferred development of the edging system, the storage locations of the device, which can be equipped at least indirectly with one edging strip each, can be arranged by a linear displacement of the storage unit relative to the base frame in the plane of an edging feed of the edging machine. In other words, the edging tape required in each case is brought into the level of the edging feed of the edging machine by a linear displacement of the entire storage unit in order to run out of the storage unit directly into the edging feed.

The manipulator can advantageously have at least one vertical axis of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the manipulator can have at least one vertical lifting axis. The manipulator can be correspondingly rotated via the vertical axis of rotation. The manipulator is able to move an edge band or a cassette containing the edge band between different heights via the vertical lifting axis to move. For example, the removal can take place from a first level, while the delivery takes place at a second level that differs from the first level.

The invention provides that at least two storage arrangements can be arranged in the area of the manipulator. In particular, via the vertical axis of rotation of the manipulator, it is possible to always align the manipulator in such a way that an edge band or a cassette containing the edge band can be removed from one of the storage arrangements or transferred to it.

The use of the device according to the invention and/or the edging system according to the invention is of course not limited to the edging of wood-based panels. The edge sides of panels made of any material can be edged, such as those of solid wood panels. Within the context of the invention, when an edge band is mentioned, its presence without or with a cassette containing it is always meant, regardless of whether this is explicitly mentioned or not.

Ultimately, the present invention is aimed at using the device according to the invention or the edging system according to the invention. When using the device or the edging system contained in this device, it is provided that the respective edge band that can be made available via this device is generally removed from a cassette that contains it at least partially. In other words, the storage unit of the device is equipped with at least one cassette containing an edge band roll, from which the edge band located therein can be removed as required. Said cassette is accommodated by one of the storage locations of the storage unit of the device. Compared to handling open edge bands rolled up to form rolls of edge bands, their respective arrangement in a cassette offers easier handling overall.

way of carrying out the invention

The invention is based on the Figures 1 to 7 explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Darstellungsweise,

Fig. 2

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in ihrer Anordnung vor einer Bekantungsmaschine in einer Aufsicht,

Fig. 3

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer erweiterten Ausbaustufe in ansonsten unveränderter Darstellungsweise,

Fig. 4

die Ausbaustufe aus Fig. 3 in einer dieser gegenüber erweiterten Ausbaustufe in ansonsten unveränderter Darstellungsweise,

Fig. 5

die Ausbaustufe aus Fig. 4 in einer dieser gegenüber nochmals erweiterten Ausbaustufe in ansonsten unveränderter Darstellungsweise,

Fig. 6

zwei nebeneinander gelegene Anordnungen der Fig. 4 als weitere Ausbaustufe in ansonsten unveränderter Darstellungsweise,

Fig. 7

zwei nebeneinander gelegene Anordnungen der Fig. 5 als weitere Ausbaustufe in ansonsten unveränderter Darstellungsweise,

Fig. 8

die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer ersten alternativen Ausgestaltungsform in ansonsten gleicher, um 90° gedrehter Darstellungsweise sowie

Fig. 9

die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer zweiten alternativen Ausgestaltungsform in ansonsten gleicher Darstellungsweise.

Show it:

1

a device according to the invention in a perspective representation,

2

the device off 1 in their arrangement in front of an edging machine in a top view,

3

the device off 1 in an extended expansion stage in an otherwise unchanged presentation,

4

the expansion stage 3 in an expansion stage that is expanded compared to this in an otherwise unchanged manner of presentation,

figure 5

the expansion stage 4 in an expansion stage that has been expanded again compared to this in an otherwise unchanged representation,

6

two juxtaposed arrangements of 4 as a further expansion stage in an otherwise unchanged presentation,

7

two juxtaposed arrangements of figure 5 as a further expansion stage in an otherwise unchanged presentation,

8

the device according to the invention 1 in a first alternative embodiment in an otherwise identical manner of representation rotated by 90°, and

9

the device according to the invention 1 in a second alternative embodiment in otherwise the same way of representation.

1 shows a device 1 according to the invention in a perspective representation. The device 1 comprises a base frame 2, which in the present case has frames which are connected to one another essentially at right angles and have rectangular tubes. The embodiment shown here is an example and represents only one possible embodiment for the base frame 2. Between two sides 2a, 2b of the base frame 2--having frames spaced apart from one another--a storage unit 3 is arranged, which serves to accommodate edge bands 4. In the present case, the structure of the storage unit 3 is the same as that of the base frame 2, since this also has frames which are essentially connected to one another at right angles and have rectangular tubes.

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

A look at the storage unit 3 makes it clear that it has a large number of support elements 6a, 6b arranged on its two sides 3a, 3b. In the present case, the support elements 6a, 6b are designed like rails, which each extend perpendicularly to the length of the storage unit 3 on the two sides 2a, 2b of the base frame 2. The support elements 6a, 6b are arranged on the inner surfaces of the rectangular tubes of the frames located on each side 3a, 3b of the storage unit 3, as can be seen. The support elements 6a, 6b can be mounted on the sides 3a, 3b of the storage unit 3 so as to be linearly displaceable with respect to their lateral distance from one another in a manner that is not apparent.

The support elements 6a, 6b divide the interior of the storage unit 3 into individual storage locations 7, with two opposing support elements 6a, 6b define a storage location 7. The storage locations 7 defined in this way serve to accommodate the edge bands 4, which in the present case are arranged at least in sections rolled up to form an edge roll within a cassette 4a. The cassettes 4a have side faces corresponding to the support elements 6a, 6b, which enable them to be pushed into and pulled out of the storage unit 3 accordingly. Alternatively and not shown in more detail, the individual storage locations 7 can also be defined by floor elements, which then extend at least partially between the sides 3a, 3b of the storage unit 3.

The floor elements can be fixedly or slidably connected to the storage unit 3, so that they allow the pull-out of the storage unit 3 in the sense of a drawer. In contrast to the loading of the storage unit 3 with cassettes 4a containing edge bands 4, the floor elements allow edge bands 4 to be received directly, for example by being placed on the floor elements. Of course, the base elements can also be combined with the support elements 6a, 6b receiving the cassettes 4a. It is also conceivable that the support elements 6a, 6b are used to support floor elements, so that edge bands 4 can also be arranged directly in the storage unit 3 in this way. Furthermore, what was said above in relation to the support elements 6a, 6b can also apply to these floor elements, with regard to the possible change in distance between them due to a displaceable connection with the storage unit 3.

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

In principle, the device 1 can be aligned in such a way that its storage unit 3 - as in 1 can be seen - parallel to a vertical Z relative to the base frame 2 is linearly displaceable. In contrast, the device 1 can of course also be used in an orientation rotated by 90°, so that its storage unit 3 can be linearly displaced parallel to a horizontal line X with respect to the base frame 2 .

2 shows the top view of an edging system 8, which includes an edging machine 9 and the device 1 explained in more detail above. As can be seen, the device 1 is located directly in front of the edging machine 9 in relation to a distance direction Y running at right angles to the horizontal X and the vertical Z. As a result, the device 1 is arranged in the area of the edging machine 8 in such a way that one of the edge bands 4 arranged in the device 1 is led directly out of the storage unit 3 of the device 1 into the edging machine 9 . The position of the device 1 is chosen so that the edge band 4 runs directly into an edge feed 9a of the edging machine 9, through which it is used in a manner not shown for edging panels, in particular wood-based panels. Beforehand, the storage location 7 of the device 1 stocked with the desired edging strip 4 was arranged in the plane of the edging supply 9a, in that its storage unit 3 was linearly displaced by a movement running parallel to the vertical Z in the present case.

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

Depending on the requirements, the edging system 8 can be designed in such a way that the device 1 can be displaced relative to the edging machine 9, which is related to the representation of FIG 2 their displacement in and against parallels Directions to the horizontal X and/or to the distance direction Y means. For example, the device can be displaceable relative to the device 1 in a parallel direction running opposite to the distance direction Y, in order to be able to carry out any maintenance work. Here, for example, free access to the edge feed 9a is made possible. Of course, this mobility can also be used to move the device 1, for example, between two edging machines 9 spaced parallel to one another, as required, in order to be able to provide the required edging tape 4 on one or the other edging machine 9.

Figures 3 to 7 each show expanded expansion stages of the device 1, through which its performance in relation to the provision of edge bands 4 can be increased.

3 shows a first extended stage in which the device 1 is combined with a manipulator 10. An exemplary configuration of the manipulator 10 as a stacker crane (RBG) is shown here, which has a linear displaceability running parallel to the lifting direction of the device 1 . For this purpose, the manipulator 10 specifically has a lifting unit 10b which is mounted in a linearly movable manner in a frame 10a and which can accommodate at least one edging strip 4 or a cassette 4a fitted with an edging strip 4 . The manipulator 10 is used to equip the device 1 with edge bands 4 or with cassettes 4a each containing an edge band 4 and to empty the device 1. In this expansion stage, the manipulator 10 can be loaded manually. The manipulator 10 can be moved synchronously with the device 1 by means of a corresponding coupling. This coupling can take place mechanically and/or by means of control technology. Via a corresponding control of the manipulator 10, the device 1 can also be loaded and unloaded during operation.

4 a further expansion stage of the device 1 can be seen, which is compared to the expansion stage from 3 is now additionally combined with a memory arrangement 11. The storage arrangement 11 is in the present case like a shelving system with lateral support elements 11a in the form of rails, as already explained above for device 1, which have a large number of stacked slots 11b for edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a each containing an edge band 4. With the aid of the manipulator 10, edgebands 4 that can be kept available in the storage arrangement 11 can now be removed individually or at least in pairs from this and transferred to the device 1, with the storage locations 7 of the storage unit 3 being stocked accordingly. For this purpose, the linearly displaceable lifting unit 10b of the manipulator 10 is moved into the required level of the storage arrangement 11, where it removes an edge band 4 or the cassette 4a containing the edge band 4 from the respective slot 11b. If necessary, the lifting unit 10b of the manipulator 10 then moves to another level in order to transfer the edgeband 4 or the cassette 4a to a free storage location 7 of the storage unit 3 of the device 1 . Of course, this can also be done in the opposite way, in order to feed edgebands 4 or cassettes 4a out of the device 1 to the storage arrangement 11 .

figure 5 illustrates the structure of a further expansion stage, which also includes a transfer device 12. As can be seen, the transfer device 12 is arranged on the device 1 in the present case, where it corresponds to a machine bearing 13 . The machine bearing 13 is located in a position that is not shown in detail Way above or directly on the edging machine 9. In this arrangement, the storage arrangement 11 serves as a buffer for edging strips 4 or cassettes 4a, while the transfer device 12 preferably automatically supplies and removes new edging strips 4 or cassettes 4a. In other words, edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a that can be kept available in the machine storage 13 provided here, for example, close to the machine can be transferred to the manipulator 10 individually or at least in pairs. In contrast, edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a arranged in the storage unit 3 and/or the storage arrangement 11 can be transferred individually or at least in pairs by the manipulator 10 to the transfer device 12 .

6 shows an expansion stage that is a doubling of the already in 4 structure shown includes. Specifically, two devices 1 are provided here, each of which is combined with its own manipulator 10 and a storage arrangement 11 located on the respective manipulator 10 . This structure allows the two devices 1 to work alternately, which means that correspondingly high cycle rates can be achieved. For this configuration, the edging machine 9 has two edge feeds 9a (not shown in detail here) in order to be able to process the edge bands 4 of the respective device 1.

7 is a final possible expansion stage, which is a doubling of the already in figure 5 structure shown includes. Specifically, two devices 1 are also provided here, each of which is combined with its own manipulator 10 and a storage arrangement 11 located on the respective manipulator 10, as well as a transfer device 12 and a machine bearing 13, in particular close to the machine. Again, the two devices 1 can work alternately to to achieve a high cycle rate for the edging of panels.

In principle, the device 1 of all expansion stages can be equipped with at least one reading module, which is not shown in detail. Specifically, the reading module can be arranged in the area of the storage unit 3 . It is also conceivable that each storage location 7 of the storage unit 3 is equipped with such a reading module. The goal is the automated transmission of information about the respective edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a, which are currently in the storage unit 3 or have been removed from it or have just been added. The edge bands 4 or cassettes 4a can be equipped with a corresponding transmission module on which the required information is stored. Such a transmission module can preferably contain at least one RFID chip or be designed as such. The reading module or the reading modules are set up to correspond with the transmission modules. This can be done in one direction or in both directions, which means the mere reading of data or a combination of reading and writing of data by the read module to a transmitter module.

The device 1 according to the invention can advantageously include at least one interface, which is not shown in detail here. This interface is then designed to be coupled to at least one other component or machine, in particular mechanically and/or in a data-transmitting manner. In this way, all components or machines of an edging system 8 can be controlled via a corresponding controller.

8 and 9 show the in 1 shown and also in the rest Figures 3 to 7 only displayed as an example Device 1 in alternative configurations to this, likewise each in a perspective representation. To avoid repetition and for better clarity, only some of the reference numbers are recognizable here, since the same parts are already in FIGS Figures 1 to 7 correspond to visible parts. The main difference in the 8 and 9 The variants shown lie in the different shape of the base frame 2 carrying the storage unit 3.

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

9 shows an embodiment whose view of the base frame 2 can be described as L-shaped. As can be seen, the base frame 2 manages with a frame located on only one side 2a, while the opposite side 2b is virtually frameless. As already in the Figures 1 to 7 the lower area of the base frame 2, which is made up of rectangular tubes, is designed to be closed. Specifically, the two rectangular tubes running parallel to the horizontal X each extend from a lower corner of the side 2a located frame away, these being connected to one another at the ends via a rectangular tube running parallel to the spacing direction Y. With the inclusion of the frame located on the side 2a, a closed, essentially rectangular shape results.

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

Of course, the profiles referred to as rectangular tubes in the context of the description - unlike in the Figures 1 to 9 visible - have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a U, C or L shape. A configuration as a round tube is also conceivable here. Combinations of the above are also possible, as well as variants thereof within a base frame 2.

References:

1

contraption

2

Base frame from 1

2a

page of 2

2 B

page of 2

3

storage unit of 1

3a

page of 3

3b

page of 3

4

edge tape

4a

Cassette, in particular containing 4

5

rail to 2

6a

support element at 3

6b

support element at 3

7

Storage place of 3

8th

edging machine

9

edging machine from 8

9a

Edge feed from 9

10

manipulator of 8

10a

Rack of 10

10b

lifting unit of 10

11

Storage arrangement of 8

11a

support element of 11

11b

slot of 11

12

transfer device from 8

13

Machine storage from 8

a

3 in 2 stroke length

X

horizontal

Y

distance direction

Z

vertical

Claims (14)

1. Edgebanding unit (8) comprising an edgebanding machine (9) and at least one device (1) for providing edgebands (4), comprising a storage unit (3) with individual store places (7), which are configured for the at least indirect loading with edgebands (4) which in particular each form an edge reel at least in sections, characterised in that the at least one device (1) is arranged in the region of the edgebanding machine (8) in such manner that at least one edgeband (4), which can be arranged in the device (1), can be supplied at least in sections directly from the storage unit (3) of the device (1) to the edgebanding machine (9) and that at least one of the store places (7) is configured for receiving at least one cassette (4a) containing the edgeband (4) at least in part, and the storage unit (3) is arranged in or on a base frame (2) linearly displaceable parallel to a vertical (Z), and that the store places (7) of the device (1) which can each be loaded at least indirectly with an edgeband (4) can be arranged through linear displacement of the storage unit (3) relative to the base frame (2) in a plane of an edge feed (9a) of the edgebanding machine (9), and that the device (1) further has a cutting arrangement by which a section of an edgeband (4), in particular unwound from an edge reel, can be separated.
2. Edgebanding unit (8) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the storage unit (3) has two opposing sides (3a, 3b) wherein at least one of the store places (7) has at least one base element extending at least partly between these sides (3a, 3b), and/or at least one support element (6a, 6b) arranged in the region of each side (3a, 3b).
3. Edgebanding unit (8) according to claim 2
   characterised in that the base element and/or the support elements (6a, 6b) of at least one store place (7) is/are supported in a linearly displaceable manner on the storage unit (3).
4. Edgebanding unit (8) according to one of the preceding claims
   characterised in that the storage unit (3) or each store place (7) of the storage unit (3) is fitted with at least one reading module which is configured to correspond with a transmitting module, in particular a RFID chip, of an edgeband (4) or a cassette (4a) containing the edgeband (4).
5. Edgebanding unit (8) according to one of the preceding claims
   characterised in that the storage unit (3) can be displaced by an in particular automated drive and/or manually relative to the base frame (2).
6. Edgebanding unit (8) according to one of the preceding claims
   characterised by at least one interface which can be coupled to at least one further component or machine, in particular by a mechanical and/or data transmitting coupling.
7. Edgebanding unit (8) according to one of the preceding claims
   characterised by a drive unit via which an edgeband (4) in particular arranged at least partly inside a cassette (4a) can be actively driven at least in sections.
8. Edgebanding unit (8) according to one of the preceding claims characterised by a braking unit via which an edgeband (4) arranged in particular at least partly inside a cassette (4a) can be braked and/or fixed with regard to its mobility.
9. Edgebanding unit (8) according to one of the preceding claims
   characterised by a manipulator (10) through which each store place (7) can be fitted with and emptied of an edgeband (4) or a cassette (4a) which contains the edgeband (4) at least in part.
10. Edgebanding unit (8) according to claim 9
    characterised by a reserve storage arrangement (11) from which edgebands (4) stored therein can be removed individually or at least in twos by the manipulator (10) and transferred to the store places (7) for fitting out the storage unit (3), wherein edgebands (4) which can be arranged in the storage unit (3) can be removed individually or at least in twos by the manipulator (10) out therefrom and can be transferred to the reserve storage arrangement (11).
11. Edgebanding unit (8) according to claim 9 or 10
    characterised by a transfer device (12) by which edgebands (4) stored in a machine store (13) can be transferred individually or at least in twos to the manipulator (10), wherein edgebands (4) which can be arranged in the storage unit (3) and/or the reserve storage arrangement (11) can be transferred individually or at least in twos by the manipulator (10) to the transfer device (12).
12. Edgebanding unit (8) according to one of the preceding claims
    characterised in that the manipulator (10) has at least one perpendicular axis of rotation and/or at least one perpendicular lift axis.
13. Edgebanding unit (8) according to claim 12
    characterised in that at least two reserve storage arrangements (11) are arranged in the region of the manipulator (10).
14. Use of an edgebanding unit (8) according to one of the preceding claims for providing edgebands (4) wherein the respective edgeband (4) is removed from a cassette (4a) which contains the band at least in part and which can be received by one of the store places (7).

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