PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE AUTOMATIC COVERING OF COMPONENTS FOR SEATING PLANES OR BACKS

Abstract: Process for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, in particular seat planes or backs, and relative apparatus with six axes for carrying out said process, comprising: the upstream picking-up of a semi-finished product; the translation of the semi-finished product into an intermediate position; the stop and orthogonal advancement, respect to the top to bottom translation, with eventual simultaneous movement of the clamping group along a vertical axis, up to a pre-determined position, interfering in rotation with a group for the fixing of the coating to the semi-finished product; the activation of a fixing group consisting of a stapler, whose head passes on the lower edge of the bottom of the semi-finished product to be coated, said stapler being interacting with a fabric-stretching device placed before it; then, proceeding with the removal, from the fixing station, of the clamping group which holds the finished product and simultaneous translation of the same towards a downstream station.

Description: 1 DESCRIPTION 2 PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE AUTOMATIC COVERING OF COMPONENTS FOR SEAΗNG PLANES OR BACKS 4 5 6 Technical Field 7 This invention has for object a process for the automatic coating of 8 components for chairs and armchairs, in particular seat planes or backs, 9 and relative apparatus with six axes for the carrying out of said process. 10 The innovation, finds particular even if not exclusive application in the 11 technological and evolutive processes, correlated to the industrial 12 production and wide range marketing of components for the 13 manufacturing of padded chairs and armchairs for office furniture. 14 It is known that in the process for the manufacturing of a padded chair, 15 at first it is necessary providing to the manufacturing of the single 16 components, for example the seat and the back besides the frame, which 17 subsequently are to be assembled thus obtaining the finished product. 18 These, can be essentially made up, of a support or bottom in wood, metal 19 or plastic material, suitably shaped, with which it is associated, most of 20 the times only on one side, a layer of soft material for example some 21 polyurethane foam or Air-foam, which makes up the padding. Finally, 22 the whole or a part of it is suitably plastic-coated, by applying on it a 23 turned-up cover along the support edge, consisting of a layer in fabric, 24 skin or even in synthetic material, which is suitably fixed peripherally 25 to said support. 26 Among the most frequent problems found by the field operators, there is 27 that of fastening the cover to the respective support, a phase which is 28 extremely delicate as it must ensure in time, because of the repeated stresses and wearing, the perfect sealing besides a good stretching of the sheet, avoiding this latter to becoming unpleasant. One the mostly known systems, consists in stretching the cover manually by fixing it at the same time on the support by a peripherally obtained stapling, by using a suitable pistol, along the edge or close to this and carried out on the less visible side. The methodology used, finally requires for the most visible parts, an overlapping tape or a suitable profile for hiding the staples, simultaneously fixed by means of these same, alternatively glued. The drawbacks noticed, firstly consist of the excessive manpower needed, as it is necessary above all for the evenly stretching of the fabric before stapling it peripherally, secondly the manual system, involves, once the fabric is fastened to the underlying support, the loss of a considerable part of fabric resulting in excess, which after a trimming phase should be wasted. Additionally there is the possibility of fraying, besides some irregularities in the distribution of the folds, which would damage the good quality of the finished product. Background Art A solution has been proposed in the European patent n. 0071693 (MARTIN Friederich). More in particular it concerns a process and device for the automatic coating and the automatic padding of chair and the like. As is reported in the text, the working phases in this padding automatic machine, are the following ones: 1. The support of the seat is introduced at once in the housing device, with a cushion padded with glued expanded material, then rested on the supporting plate, so that the plane of the table containing it ends at about the supporting level of the padding. 2. The cutting of the coating material is carried out, and then it is rested; this is eased by the table plane placed around the housing device, that additionally has marking lines that correspond to the respective cut of the material. 3. By activating the apparatus, the coating process starts, then at first the circular brushes open in the centre and subsequently the die, move downwards . 4. At this point a stapler head is translated toward the seat's edge. 5. By means of further controls, the stapler motor activates the die with the seat support, and the support edge with the coating thus prearranged is nailed. 6. After the rotation of the stapler peripherally to the plastic-coated seat, or vice versa of the seat on its axis, the stapler head returns automatically to the starting position. 7. Up to this moment the seat support with its padding and coating cloth was held down by the holding plate and by the support tube while the die held it from above. At this point this die can be either alternatively opened, or it can drive out the finished padded seat, and therefore automatically return to its starting position. 8. Simultaneously or after this return movement of the die, the circular brush, that is the coating frame which contains the group of dies of circular bristles, goes in its starting upper position, and raises the seat support from the holding plate through its bundle of bristles that is inwardly placed. 9. Simultaneously or after this, also the supporting plane returns to the starting position, so that the housing device is again free for receiving the next part of seat to be worked. Regarding the claims concerning the protection , they are essentially subdivided into three parts, of which: from la. to the 10a., they regard a process substantially as above described, where the so called "brushing" or better a part of the downwards stretching of the fabric is carried out by a series of bristles, associated with a ring-like support, perimetrical to the support jig of a seat structure, made up of a stiff support, padding and coating fabric. (The semi-finished product to be coated looks as made up of rigid structure and padding, the fabric vice versa, being laid over in a following phase and just previous to the working). The same ring of bristles in its relative movement, as defined in claim 4., pre-arranges the fabric beneath the seat support (as the bristles, by flexing, pull the fabric immediately under the edge of the support), allowing a preliminary fixing to the plane carried out by suitable means, for example some called "stretching pins as thin as needles". Claim 7., provides that the coating cloth is engaged to the support, by means of a stapler that works from underneath. Claim. 8., provides a further stressing means for turning up the fabric under the support, made up of an intermittent air-jet discharged by a nozzle near to the stapler head. - from 1 1a. to the 23a., it is presented an alternative to the previous solution, in which (see claim. 11a.), in place of the ring of bristles, at least one brush is provided, rotating on horizontal axis, which passes in correspondence of the edge of the group made up of stiff support, padding and coating fabric. In such case, the preliminary elements for the fabric fastening, are further specified as stretching pins, claim. 12. Claim. 13., states that the bristles of the rotating brush "... delimit a closed circular die...". In claim. 14., it is pointed out that the bristles are a part of the brushing roll and it contacts at least one point peripherally to the seat support. Additionally, means which cause a relative rotatory movement between the support (14) and the respective brushing rollers are provided. The brushing device, finally can include bristles, fingers or expanded material lips (claiml7a.) But also in this proposal some drawbacks are noticeable. Among those reasonably considered the most considerable, it may be pointed out that in a working cycle for obtaining a finished chair, the time necessary for ending the working relative to the cover fixing, results to be decidedly long and inadequate as regards the phases that precede or follow it, which vice versa, are today already sufficiently optimised. Such unfavourable condition is undoubtedly an obstacle to the further speeding of the productive cycles of the finished chair, an obstacle, that presently is in part solved for the carrying out of the same phase, simply by increasing the number of fittings, all obviously alike. But if, to meet the quantitative inadequacy, it is necessary resorting to the purchase of more machines that carry out the same work, on the other side this requires large money investments and mainly the availability of wide spaces where these same are to be placed. Furthermore, a greater number of fittings, moreover extremely complex ones, can cause many drawbacks mainly of technical nature. These in fact need a regular maintenance, amongst other things very expensive, suitable modifications before being made operative, some modifications that are in turn carried out by the entrepreneurs for making them suitable to their production lines. Other drawbacks also of technical nature, can be referred to the fact that because of the persisting stresses, and lacking of suitable means for dumping the many tensions, some breakdowns occurred, sometimes frequent ones, above all in correspondence of the stapler head, with the consequent stop of the production plant . Secondly, the working qualitative aspect appears considerable. In this case, it is frequent that a correct stretching of the coating is not ensured, thus causing the formation of crimps when it is insufficient, or determining the propensity to be torn in case of excessive stretching. Always by the qualitative view-point, a wide use of staples is noticeable, which, besides not being numerically checkable, very often tend to be superimposed one to the other, obtaining in conclusion a product which is not at all refined. The purpose of this invention is also that to avoid the above mentioned drawbacks . This and other purposes are reached with this innovation according to the characteristics as in the included claims, solving the mentioned problems by means of a process for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, in particular seat planes or backs, and relative apparatus with six axes for carrying out said process, including the upstream feeding of the apparatus by prearranging in correspondence with a pick-up area, of at least one sandwich-like semi-finished structure, being made up of a bottom pre associated with a padding material on one side of which a coating is glued, and in which a working cycle of said semi-finished product includes: - the pick-up upstream of the apparatus of the sandwich-like semi- finished product, by perpendicular clamping means, respectively placed over and under said sandwich-like semi-finished product; - the translation of the thus clamped sandwich-like semi-finished product into an intermediate position respect to a downstream longitudinally developed guide; - the stop and the orthogonal advancement, respect to the top to bottom translation, with eventual simultaneous movement of the clamping group along a vertical axis, up to a position predetermined by a control logic unit, said position interfering with an autonomous group which fixes the coating to the bottom of the sandwich-like structure; - the activation of the dynamic fixing group made up of a fast stapler, whose head contacts the lower edge of the sandwich-like structure to be coated, said stapler being interacting with a fabric-stretching device placed before it; - by the activation of the fixing group proceeding with the simultaneous activation of the sandwich-like structure clamping means, which carry out a 360° step by step rotation, peripherally offering, to the stapler head, the edge of the sandwich construction to be coated, up to the cycle completion; - therefore by removing, from the fixing station, the clamping group that holds the finished product and at the same time by translating the same toward a downstream station, where said means release the coated bottom, for then returning upstream of the apparatus prearranging themselves for picking-up a new semi-finished product. In this way, through the considerable creative contribution whose effect is an immediate technical progress different advantages are achieved. Firstly, this is decidedly a more complete apparatus, essentially divided in three stages, a first one for the prearranging and aligning of the semi- finished product, a second one relative to the stapling cycle, and a third one for discharging the finished product. At this regard, it is also possible mentioning the fact that the seat and/or the back coating process, is further sped up, allowing to considerably increase the hourly production. The apparatus, consequently, can be placed in synergy with the other ones, for obtaining a finished chair or armchair, ideally completing and optimising a working line. Furthermore, the lack of complex mechanisms, makes it particularly suitable, but at the same time also flexible thanks to a remote control logic unit, in which the data relative to the different processings to be carried out can be loaded, depending solely on the shape of the coating support bottom. A further advantageous aspect, relates to the fact that it does not require the substitution of the jig or die when the shape of the coating support bottom varies, obviating the considerable manufacturing costs, present in the previous machines, and which regarded particularly the realisation of a perimetrical template to allow the reading of the discharge positions of the relative staple. Still other advantages, consist of an objective possibility of saving the amount of staples used, being able to intervene according to the need, on the amount necessary to allow in any way a suitable fastening of the coating to the perimetrical edge of the support bottom. Finally, a considerable qualitative improvement is obtained, because the coating undergoes a fair stretching, that is without showing any yielding due to the empirical or inadequate fixing. These, and other advantages will appear from the following specific description of a preferred solution with the aid of the schematic drawings enclosed, whose details are not to be considered as limitative but only illustrative. Figure 1., is a perspective and internal view of a part of the apparatus, including a group of mutually interacting devices, essentially subdivided into a pick-up, movement and discharge group of a semi-finished and of the finished product, as well as a relative fixing, operative, group in an intermediate position. Figure 2., is a perspective view of a semi-finished product, made up of a sandwich-like structure, essentially made up of a bottom, of a padding and of the relative coating. Figure 3., is a perspective view of a finished seat plane, to which a fabric coating, peripherally stapled to the bottom, has been fastened. Figure 4., is an exploded view of a sandwich-like semi-finished structure, made up of a bottom, a padding and of the relative coating. Figure 5., is a bottom view of a sandwich-like semi-finished product structure, in which the coating fabric appears partially fixed to the respective bottom. Figure 6., shows respectively frontally, a view of the apparatus for carrying out a working cycle on the semi-finished product structure as in previous figure, provided with a protection crankcase. Finally, Figure 7., shows a perspective and inside view of a part of the apparatus, including an assembly of devices as in Figure 1., in which the relative main and different movements are enhanced. A process for the automatic coating of components for chairs or armchairs, in particular seat planes or backs (A'), requires the prearrangement, before of a working cycle, of a semi-finished product (A) for supplying an apparatus (B) of the type with six axes, for the completion of said seat plane or back (A'). More in detail, a semi-finished product (A) having a sandwich-like structure, is substantially made up of a bottom, in woody, pseudo- woody but also plastic material ( 1 ), anatomically shaped, on which corresponding to the upper surface has been associated an Air-foam layer or the like (2), and over the same, there is a partially glued piece of fabric (3), pre-shaped, whose perimetrical edges (3') protrude respect to the perimeter of the underlying bottom (1). The lower surface (l 1 ) of the bottom ( 1), vice versa, provides preferably some references as for example some holes, not shown, which have the purpose of simplifying the alignment of the semi-finished product in the downstream apparatus (B) for the next working. The apparatus (B), provides a structure extended in width, provided with monitor and adjacent logical unit (4) and with a protection crankcase, with oscillating port (5) frontally positioned for the inspection and access to the fixing area of the semi-finished product (A). The supporting frame of the apparatus (B), respect to the fixing group, is provided with damping means -not shown-, in particular it includes some interposition silent-blocks which allow the same machine, to considerably deaden the many stresses. Always the apparatus (B), provides at the ends two openings, respectively one for the entry (6) of the semi-finished product manufactured upstream and a one for the exit (7) placed at the end of the working cycle for the discharge of the finished product. In proximity of the entry opening (6), there is a platform for the picking-up of the semi-finished product (A). This semi-finished product (A), is prearranged with the padding upwardly placed thus having the bottom part ( 1 ') placed downwards in order to allow the perimetral fixing of the exceeding cloth rim edge (3'). On the inside of the apparatus (B), for the carrying out of a working cycle, a mutually interacting devices group (B') is provided, essentially subdivided in a group, for the picking-up, movement and discharge of the semi-finished product (A), as well as a relative fixing group, made operative, in this case, in intermediate position. Once the semi-finished product (A), is prearranged on the platform placed in proximity of the entry (6) of the apparatus (B-B'), corresponding to a position (f), a translation means is activated, already prearranged for receiving said semi-finished product (A). More in detail, said means is able to move from one to the other side of the apparatus (B- B'),that is from an entry (6), corresponding to a position (f), to an exit (7), that corresponds to a position (f"), carrying out during the route an intermediate stop (f") to allow the carrying out of the working. In this case, this is made possible by providing, from one end to the other, a couple of parallel guides (8), held by corresponding heads (8') between which there is a worm-screw (9), suitably moved by a ratiomotor (10), associated with one of said heads (8'). The worm-screw (9) moves longitudinally, along a first axis (x), a transfer car (11), engaged to said guides (8), and provided with an overhanging structure for the picking- up of the semi-finished product (A). Said overhanging structure, is able to accomplish a second movement, in this case a vertical one, along a second axis (z), providing on the transfer car (1 1) two short vertical guides (12), while a worm-screw, central, is also moved by a ratiomotor placed on the upper part (13). To said vertical guides (12) and moving screw a preferentially " C " shaped frame is engaged for the overhanging support of the picking-up means of the semi-finished product (A), including on the opposite side, two perpendicular shoulders (14) engaged to a base-plate (15). Centrally, the latter, is provided of an opening (15') in whose inside is perpendicularly placed a cylinder (16), which interacts with underlying clamping means of the semi-finished product (A). Downwardly, the base (15) being also " C " shaped engages two parallel guides (17), that bear in suspension by the interposition of a cart (18) a device (19) for the rotation, movement (W), and relative ratiomotor (19') to which is integrally associated a jig (20) downwardly provided with a squaring profile. In this case, additionally, the cart (18) by a ratiomotor (21) is movable along the axis (y), orthogonally respect to the axis (x), allowing a fair displacement in depth of the group made up of jig (20), rotation device (19) and cylinder (16). Regarding said cylinder (16), it moves a shaft along the vertical axis (b), provided on the end of a presser (16') placed in a central position respect to the jig (20), and which moves away or draws near respect to said jig (20) with which it interacts. There is also an "L"-shaped rear support (22), preferably made up of a vertical straight section and of an horizontal one (22'), which on one side is engaged to the cart (18), in such a way to move simultaneously with it. Even more detail, the end (22') of the support (22), holds upwardly a suitably yielding platform (23); said platform being provided with diametrically opposite reference means (24) able to reciprocally coincide with means provided on the underlying side of the bottom (1). In this case, a working cycle for steadily fastening the edge (3') of a coating (3) to the bottom (1), starts with the transfer car (11) shifted toward the upstream entry (6) in a position (f), where the group jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23) is in proximity of the supporting platform upstream of the semi-finished product (A). A suitable impulse, manual or automatic, providing a sensor of the semi-finished product (A), gives the consent so that by means of the platform (23), that moves vertically along the axis (a), and simultaneously by means of the jig (20), the semi- finished product (A) is fastened, allowing the presser (16') to pass at the same time on the padding, being movable along the axis (b), in a central position. Once the semi-finished product (A), has been taken from an upstream position (f), it is activated the ratiomotor (10) that acting on the screw (9) carries out the translation on longitudinal axis (x) of the transfer car (11) and of the relative group, jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23), up to a position (f") where the fixing is carried out, by providing to approach the semi-finished product (A) to an intermediate workstation. This, provides a fixing group, essentially made up of a stapler (25), installed on a frame of the cradle type (26), oscillating (), being hinged to the apparatus frame by the ends, one of which is moved by a suitable ratiomotor (28). On the base section (26') of the "U" shaped frame (26),the group that includes the stapler (25) and its relative movements is finally fixed . In more detail, the fixing group, includes a stapler head (25) projecting on the outside towards a jig (20) that together with the platform (23) holds the semi-finished product (A), a relative staples loader, as well as an adjacent fabric-stretching disc (27) which, besides accomplishing a rotation movement (e) carries out an oscillating movement along the ideal arc (d), which allows to maintain said disc (27) adherent to the bottom (1) of the semi-finished product (A). The fabric stretching disc (27), additionally, has a preferably conic shape, and it is obtained in soft material, to allow a good adherence surface on the fabric, so that it is subjected to wear to a limited degree and therefore it is interchangeable. For what concerns the stapler head (25) it, besides accomplishing a movement from the bottom towards the top and vice versa, according to the impulse for discharging the staples (29) step by step, is mounted on suitable supports that allow it a right-to-left and vice versa oscillating movement, running along the arc identified by (D). In the position (f), consequently, the semi-finished product (A) held by the jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23), is at first put close to the stapler (25), allowing the head to pass along the lower edge of the bottom (1) and simultaneously prearranging the fabric-stretching disc on the edge (3'), just a little preceding said stapler head (25). A consent, activates the device (19), that carries out the rotation in one direction ((W) of the group jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23), offering progressively the perimetrical edge of the bottom (1 ), at first to the fabric-stretching disc (27) and subsequently to the stapler head (25) which in turn, according to information sensed by an optical reader, provides for applying the fixing staples (29). Once the complete rotation equal to + 360°, of the group, jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23) is carried out, up to the fixing cycle locking, the stapler head (25) returns in a pause condition, while the supporting group withdraws, freeing the area, for subsequently be translated toward the exit (7) in a final position (f "). Therefore proceeding to the release of the finished product (A'), the transfer car (1 1) and the overhanging structure that includes the jig (20), presser ( 16') and platform (23), returns to the original condition (f), prearranging itself for picking-up a second semi-finished product (A).

Claims: Claims 1. Process for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, in particular seat planes or backs, and relative apparatus with six axes for the carrying out of said process, including upstream the feeding of an apparatus (B-B') by prearranging in correspondence to a pick-up area (f), at least one semi-finished product, made up of a bottom (1), a material layer for the padding (2) and an external coating (3), characterized in that a working cycle of a semi-finished product (A) includes : - the upstream pick-up of the apparatus (B) of the sandwich-like semi- finished product (A), by perpendicular clamping means, respectively in contact on the top and on the bottom (16'), (20) and (23) with the said sandwich-like semi-finished product (A); - the translation of the sandwich-like semi-finished product (A) thus clamped into an intermediate position (f") respect to a guide (8) longitudinally developed downstream; - the stop on an intermediate position (f") and the orthogonal advancement (y), respect to the translation direction (x) from top to bottom, with eventual simultaneous movement of the clamping group (16'), (20) and (23), along a vertical axis (z), up to a position predetermined by a control logic unit, said position, interfering with a fixing group of the coating (3) at the bottom (1) of the sandwich-like structure (A); - the activation of the fixing group made up of a fast stapler (25), whose head contacts the lower edge (1 ") of the bottom (1) of the sandwich-like structure (A) to be completed, said stapler (25) being interacting with a fabric-stretching device (27) placed before it; - by the activation of the fixing group, proceeding with the simultaneous activation of the rotation ((W)) of the clamping means group (16'), (20) and (23), of the sandwich-like structure (A), which carry out a step-by- step rotation, offering peripherally, to the stapler head (25), the edge ( 1 ") of the sandwich-like structure (A) to be completed, up to the conclusion of the cycle; - then proceeding with the removal, from the fixing station, of the clamping group (16'), (20) and (23) that holds the finished product (A') and simultaneous translation of the same toward a downstream station (f "), where said means release the coated bottom (A'), to then return upstream (f) of the apparatus (B) thus being prearranged for picking- up a new semi-finished product (A). 2. Process for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to claim 1., characterized in that it provides the use of a semi-finished product (A) being made up of a sandwich-like structure, substantially made up of a stiff bottom (1), anatomically shaped, on which a padding soft layer (2) corresponding to the upper surface has been associated, and over the same, has been partially glued a piece of fabric (3), pre-shaped, whose perimetrical edges (3') protrude respect to the perimeter of the underlying bottom (1). 3. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to claims 1. and 2., characterized in that the apparatus (B) comprises: - a structure extended in width, provided with dumping means respect to the frame for the ground fastening, and of a protection crankcase, with oscillating port (5) frontally placed for the inspection and the access to the fixing area of the semi-finished product (A); - a monitor and relative logic unit (4); - a group of mutually interacting devices (B'), essentially subdivided in a group for the pick-up (16'), (20) and (23), movement and discharge of the semi-finished product (A), as well as a relative fixing group (25) and (27), made operative, in this case, in an intermediate position. 4. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that the apparatus (B-B'), provides on the ends two openings, respectively one for the entry (6) of the semi-finished product manufactured upstream and one for the exit (7) placed at the end of the working cycle for the discharge of the finished product; and in which in proximity of the entry opening (6), there is a platform for the picking-up of the semi- finished product (A) which in turn, is prearranged with its padding toward the top offering the bottom part (1 ') downwards to allow the peripheral fixing of the exceeding canvas edge (3'). 5. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that once semi-finished product (A), is prearranged on the platform placed in proximity of the entry (6) of the apparatus (B-B'), corresponding to a position (f), a translation means is activated, already prearranged on stand by to receive said semi-finished product (A); said means, being able to move from one to the other side of the apparatus (B-B'), or from an entry (6), corresponding to a position (f), to an exit (7) that corresponds to a position (f "), carrying out during the route an intermediate stop (f") to allow the carrying out of the working. 6. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that a working cycle in order to steadily fasten the edge (3') of a coating (3) to the bottom (1), starts with: - the transfer car (1 1) moved toward the upstream entry (6) into a position (f), where the group made up of jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23) is in proximity of the supporting platform upstream of the semi-finished product (A); and in which providing a sensor of the semi- finished product (A), it gives the consent so that by means of the platform (23), that shifts vertically along the axis (a), and simultaneously of the jig (20), said semi-finished product (A) is clamped, allowing the presser (16') to pass simultaneously on the padding, being movable along axis (b); - therefore, once the semi-finished product (A), is picked-up from an upstream position (f), the ratiomotor (10) is activated and acting on the screw (9) it carries out the translation on longitudinal axis (x) of the transfer car (11) and of the relative group, jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23), up to a position (f") where the fixing is carried out, providing to approach the semi-finished product (A) to an intermediate workstation . 7. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that from one to the other ends of the apparatus (B-B'), a couple of parallel guides (8) is provided, held by corresponding heads (8') between which there is a worm-screw (9), suitably moved by a ratiomotor (10), associated with one of said heads (8'); and in which the worm-screw (9) moves longitudinally, along a first axis (x) a transfer car (11), engaged to said guides (8), and provided with an overhanging structure for the picking- up of the semi-finished product (A). 8. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that the overhanging structure, can make at least one vertical movement, along a second axis (z), providing on the transfer car (11) some guides (12), while a worm-screw, centrally placed, is moved also it by a ratiomotor (13) placed on the upper part . 9. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that to the vertical guides (12) and movement screw is engaged a frame for the overhanging support of the semi-finished product (A) pick-up means, including on the opposite side a structure (14, 15) provided with an opening (15') on whose inside it is perpendicularly placed a cylinder (16), for interacting with underlying means for the clamping of the semi-finished product (A). 10. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that the structure (15) engages parallel guides ( 17), that bear in suspension by the interposition of a cart (18) a rotation device (19), with movement ((W)), and relative ratiomotor (19') to which is integrally associated a jig (20) downwardly provided with a squaring profile. 11. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that the cart (18) by a ratiomotor (21) is movable along axis (y), orthogonally respect to the axis (x), allowing a displacement rather in depth of the group made up of jig (20), rotation device (19) and cylinder (16). 12. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that said cylinder (16) moves a shaft along the vertical axis (b), provided on the ends of a presser (16') placed in a central position respect to the jig (20). 13. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that an "L"-shaped support (22), made up of a vertical straight section followed by an horizontal one (22'), is engaged on one side with the cart (18), in such a way to move simultaneously with it; said ends (22') of the support (22), being suitable to support a suitably yielding platform (23). 14. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that a platform (23), provides, some diametrically opposite reference means (24) able to reciprocally coincide with means provided on the side ( 1 ') underlying the bottom (1). 15. Apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterised in that a fixing group, is essentially made up of a stapler (25), installed on a frame of the cradle type (26), oscillating (), being hinged to the ends of the apparatus frame, one of which, is moved by suitable ratiomotor (28). 16. Apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterised in that on the base section (26') of the "U"-shaped frame (26), a complex is fixed that includes the stapler (25) and its relative movements, as well as a corresponding fabric-stretching disc (27). 17. Apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterised in that the fabric- stretching disc (27) besides accomplishing a rotation movement (e) carries out an oscillating movement along the ideal arc (d), allowing a constant adherence on the edge (1 ") of the bottom (1) of a semi-finished product (A). 18. Apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterised in that the fabric- stretching disc (27), has a preferably conic shape, and it is obtained in soft material. 19. Apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterised in that a stapler head (25), carries out: - a movement (c) from the bottom to the top and vice versa, according to the impulse, for a step by step discharge of the staples (29); - a right to left and vice versa oscillating movement, running along the arc identified by (D). 20. Process for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterised in that in the position (f"), the semi-finished product (A) held by the jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23), is at first put close to the stapler (25), allowing the head to pass along the lower edge (1 ") of the bottom ( 1) and simultaneously prearranging the fabric-stretching disc to the rim of the edge (3'), a little preceding said head stapler (25); for then, by a consent, activating the device (19) that carries out the rotation in one direction ((W)) of the group made up of jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23), offering progressively the perimetrical edge (1 ") of the bottom ( 1), at first to the fabric-stretching disc (27) and subsequently to the stapler head (25) which in turn, according to information perceived by an optical sensor, provides to apply the fixing staples. 21. Process for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterised in that once carried out a rotation of the group made up of jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23), up to the end of the fixing cycle, the stapler head (25) returns in a stand-by condition, while the supporting group withdraws, freeing the area, for subsequently being translated toward the exit (7) in a final position (f' "); thus proceeding to the release of the finished product (A'), the transfer car ( 11 ) and the overhanging structure that includes the jig (20), presser (16') and platform (23), return to the original condition (f), being prearranged to the picking-up of a second semi-finished product (A). 22. Process and apparatus for the automatic coating of components for chairs and armchairs, according to previous claims characterized in that the lower surface (1') of the bottom (1 ), preferably provides some references to simplify the alignment of the semi-finished product (A) in the apparatus at the end of the next working (B-B').

Inventors: CAPPELLO RENZO, CAPPELLO, RENZO
Applicants: BATTOCCHIO PERGENTINO, CAPPELLO RENZO, BATTOCCHIO, PERGENTINO, CAPPELLO, RENZO
Application year: 1997
Main classification: B68G7
IPC codes: A47C31, B68G7