DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying an adhesive film on a plate-like element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the prior art are known films of various types that are used to line plate-like elements having substantially flat surfaces, such as for example panels preferably for furniture elements, slabs of wood, metal, plastic, glass or the like.

[0003] The films used to line plate-like elements may have different functions, such as packing, protective, decorative or similar purposes. For example, the function of the film can be that of packing and providing to the plate-like element a temporary protection against mechanical actions during transportation, such as impacts, scratches or the like, of providing protection against foreign agents, such as dust, unwanted substances, light or the like, of providing a decoration/information, or further functions known in the prior art.

[0004] For this purpose, the film, having appropriate flexibility, comprises an adhesive face adapted to stick to a surface of the plate-like element that acts as an adhesion substrate. There are several methods with which the adhesion is achieved, and they are selected on the basis of the characteristics of the materials forming the film and the plate like element, such as for example the use of a gluing substance on the adhesive face of the film and/or of the plate-like element, the use of characteristics of electrostatic attraction between the film and the plate-like element, or a combination thereof.

[0005] In the present description, a film adapted to adhere in any manner to a plate-like element to provide any function will be defined as “adhesive film”, or simply “film”, depending on the context.

[0006] Apparatuses used to apply an adhesive film on a plate-like element are known in the prior art and provide different characteristics based, for example, on the type of plate like element.

[0007] Typically, a known apparatus for applying an adhesive film on a plate-like element comprises means for feeding the adhesive film, such as a reel of film, transport means, such as a set of rollers or a conveyor adapted to move the plate-like element toward a work head, such as a pressure roll, and cutting means, such as a cutting blade.

[0008] In operating conditions, the pressure roll is adapted to receive the adhesive film from the reel of film and to press it on the substrate surface of the plate-like element so as to apply a given pressure along a respective mutual contact line, that is, along a contact line between the pressure roll and the substrate surface of the plate-like element. [0009] Specifically, the plate-like element is moved toward the pressure roll by means of the transport means, preferably automated, such as for example an automated conveyor, along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pressure roll so as to cause a rotation of the latter by means of the friction generated at said contact line. [0010] The adhesive film, supplied by unwinding the reel, engages the external surface of the pressure roll, which, by its rotation brings the adhesive film toward the contact line. In this state, the pressure roll presses against the adhesive film and forces the adhesive face of the latter to adhere to the substrate surface of the plate-like element.

[0011] Thus, the part of the film that adheres to the plate-like element moves integral with the latter, causing a further unwinding of the reel for an additional covering of the plate-like element.

[0012] When an appropriate covering of the plate-like element is obtained, the adhesive film is cut by the cutting means. The cutting means are arranged near the external surface of the pressure roll, and their arrangement is selected, that is, adjusted, on the basis of the covering degree of the surface of the plate-like element that is to be obtained. Specifically, the cut is performed by actuating the cutting means, such as a mobile cutting blade, that are configured to press with a cutting portion of the same against the external surface of the pressure roller at the part engaged by the adhesive film that is to be cut. [0013] Although apparatuses of known type operate satisfactorily for the application of adhesive films on different types of plate-like elements, they exhibit some drawbacks. [0014] In particular, it is probable that the cutting means degrade some characteristics of the external surface of the pressure roller, such as for example the smoothness, due to a plurality of cutting procedures. Specifically, a plurality of cutting procedures damages the pressure roller by forming defects on the external surface of the latter, such as for example, grooves and/or projections.

[0015] In this state, it is probable that in operating conditions the pressure roller impresses, that is, transfers, said defects on the adhesive film, thus degrading its functional and/or aesthetic characteristics and, consequently, degrades the efficiency of the processing method. For example, the defects can cause a ripping of the film during the processing operations or they can increase the probability of entrapping air between the applied film and the plate-like element, thus lowering the quality of the product. [0016] These drawbacks are particularly evident when the external surface of the pressure roll is made of a flexible material, such as for example an elastomeric material, that is selected to avoid damaging the substrate surface of the plate-like element during the processing steps. In this case, it is clearly more likely that the cutting means degrades the characteristics of the external surface of the pressure roll and causes defects on said roll.

[0017] Moreover, it is necessary to provide a plurality of cutting means variously arranged about the axis of rotation of the pressure roll to allow an adjustment of the covering degree of the plate-like element, making the structure and the construction of the apparatus more complex. For example, in some applications it is desirable to completely cover a surface of the plate-like element with the adhesive film, or in other applications it is desirable to leave one initial and/or end portion of the surface of the plate-like element without covering it with the adhesive film.

[0018] In addition, although a plurality of cutting means is provided, their positioning is limited by their sizes near the contact line between the pressure roller and the plate-like element, thus limiting the possibility of controlling the cut. In case, it is possible to provide cutting means wherein the position near the contact line can be adjusted, but in this case a structural and constructive complexity of the apparatus would be further increased. [0019] Moreover, in prior-art apparatuses, even if the external surface of the pressure roller is smooth and free of defects, it is probable that the continuous rolling motion of the pressure roller causes air bubbles to form and become embedded between the applied film and the plate-like element, consequently degrading the effectiveness of the production process and the quality of the product.

[0020] Finally, in prior-art apparatuses it is necessary to stop the transport means at every step of cutting the film adhering to a plate-like element to prearrange the processing of a further plate-like element.

[0021] Consequently, it is necessary to devise a solution that overcomes the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus adapted to effectively and reliably applying an adhesive film on a plate-like element.

[0023] In the scope of the above objective, one purpose of the present invention concerns the implementation of an apparatus comprising a work head adapted for applying in an effective and reliable manner an adhesive film on the plate-like element and wherein cutting means are prevented from damaging the work head during the step of cutting the adhesive film.

[0024] A further purpose concerns the implementation of an apparatus comprising a work head in which are provided a first contact portion and a second contact portion adapted respectively for positioning and pressing the adhesive film on the plate-like element. In this state, it is possible to broadly adjust the position of the adhesive film on the surface of the plate-like element, while maintaining an effective and reliable production process.

[0025] A further purpose concerns the implementation of an apparatus comprising a work head in which are provided cutting means integrated therewith. In this state it is possible to broadly adjust the covering degree of the plate-like element with the adhesive film, maintaining an effective and reliable production process.

[0026] A further purpose concerns the implementation of an apparatus comprising a work head in which are provided reversible holding means adapted to reversibly hold the adhesive film on the surface of the work head. In this state it is possible to secure precisely a positioning of the adhesive film on the work head, consequently guaranteeing an effective and reliable production process.

[0027] A further purpose concerns the implementation of an apparatus comprising a work head, the configuration of which is adapted to maintain in operating conditions a constant pressure on the adhesive film, guaranteeing as a consequence an effective and reliable production process.

[0028] A further purpose concerns the implementation of an apparatus comprising a work head having a simple construction, allowing considerable possibilities in designing the apparatus.

[0029] A further purpose concerns the implementation of an apparatus in which it is not necessary to stop the transport means with every step of cutting the adhesive film. [0030] The above objective and purposes, and others that will be more evident later in the description, are achieved by means of an apparatus for applying an adhesive film on a plate-like element as defined in the independent claim 1 ; additional details will be defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] The additional characteristics and advantages of the apparatus for applying an adhesive film on a plate-like element, according to the presence invention, will become more evident in the description which follows relative to a preferred embodiment given purely by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the following figures, wherein: - Fig. 1 is a first perspective view of an apparatus for applying an adhesive film on a plate like element, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 2 is a second perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

- Fig. 3 is a back view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

- Fig. 4 is a first perspective view of a work head of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 5 is a second perspective view of the work head of Fig. 4;

- Fig. 6 is a back view of the work head of Fig. 4;

- Fig. 7 is a view from below of the work head of Fig. 4;

- Fig. 8 is a view in cross section of the work head along a line A-A of Fig. 6;

- Fig. 9 is a schematic view of elements of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , in a first processing step of application of an adhesive film on a plate-like element;

- Fig. 10 is a schematic view of the elements of Fig. 9, in a second processing step;

- Fig. 11 is a schematic view of the elements of Fig. 9, in a third processing step;

- Fig. 12 is a schematic view of the elements of Fig. 9, in a fourth processing step;

- Fig. 13 is a schematic view of the elements of Fig. 9, in a fifth processing step;

- Fig. 14 is a schematic view of the elements of Fig. 9, in a sixth processing step;

- Fig. 15 is a schematic view of the elements of Fig. 9, in a seventh processing step;

- Fig. 16 is a schematic view of the elements of Fig. 9, in an eighth processing step.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In the description which follows, terms such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like refer to an apparatus, according to the present invention, in the normal arrangement of use as shown in the accompanying figures. [0033] In Figs. 1 to 3 is shown an apparatus for applying an adhesive film 200 on a plate like element 300, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Specifically, Figs. 1 and 2 show the apparatus 100 on which is arranged the plate like element 300 having a substrate surface 310. On the substrate surface 310 is applied the adhesive film 200 which is supplied by feeding means 210 (for simplicity, in the enclosed figures the feeding means 210 will be shown only in Figs. 1 and 2).

[0035] In the present preferred embodiment, the plate-like element 300 is a multilayer wood panel provided with two main faces and having a substantially flat shape. One of the two faces of the plate-like element defines the substrate surface 310 on which the adhesive film 200 is applied by means of the apparatus 100. However, this selection is not limitative and the plate-like element can be any plate-like element formed with any material or combination of materials, such as for example a sheet of wood, metal, plastic, glass or the like.

[0036] In addition, in the present preferred embodiment, the adhesive film 200 is supplied to the apparatus 100 from appropriate feeding means 210, such as for example a reel of film arranged on an unwinding frame preferably provided on the apparatus 100 (the reel 210 of adhesive film 200 is shown only in Figs. 1 and 2). The adhesive film 200 has preferably a packing function to temporarily protect the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300 from mechanical actions, such as impacts, scratches and the like. However, this selection is not limitative, and the adhesive film 200 can be supplied by other types of feeding means, and its function can be any function based on the type of plate-like element 300, such as or example a protection from foreign agents such as dust, unwanted substances, light and so on.

[0037] As is well known, an adhesive film 200 has two face, one of which is an adhesive face that is adapted to adhere to the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300. For the sake of simplicity, in the present description it is assumed that the arrangement and/or orientation of the adhesive film 200 inside the apparatus 100 is such that its adhesive face is operatively turned toward the plate-like element 300, so as to be adapted to adhere to the substrate surface 310.

[0038] Referring in particular to Figs. 1 to 3, in the preferred embodiment the apparatus 100 comprises a support frame 10 including, in turn, a first frame portion 12 and a second frame portion 14.

[0039] The first frame portion 12 is substantially a horizontal structure similar to a table configured to support transport means 16. The second portion of the frame 14, on the other hand, is substantially a structure similar to a bridge that is configured to support a work head 18 above the transport means 16.

[0040] The transport means 16 are adapted to move the plate-like element 300 relative to the work head 18 along a transport axis L of the apparatus 100 in a transport direction toward said work head 18 (in the figures, the transport axis L is shown by means of a broken line-dot arrow and the transport direction is defined by the direction indicated by the broken line-dot arrow).

[0041] In this preferred embodiment the transport means 16 are a conveyor system of known type. The conveyor system 16 comprises a closed-loop belt, consisting of a flexible material, which is moved through rollers driven by automatic driving means of known type, such as an electric motor. Specifically, the plate-like element 300 is arranged on the upper surface of the conveyor of the transport means 16 and is carried by the latter along the transport axis L in a transport direction toward the work head 18. However, this selection is not limitative, and the transport means 16 can be any appropriate transport means, such as for example a system comprising a plurality of rollers, controlled by automatic driving means of known type, adapted to move the plate-like element 300 along the transport axis L in a transport direction toward the work head. 18.

[0042] The work head 18 has substantially the shape of an elongate body having a longitudinal axis arranged horizontally and transversely with respect to the transport axis L of the apparatus 100. The work head 18 is fixed to the second frame portion 14 through a height-adjusting system 20 configured to adjust a distance between the work head 18 and the transport means 16 on the basis of the thickness of the plate-like element 300. In this state, the work head 18 is adapted to operatively press against, or come into contact with, the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300, at a contact line C coplanar with the substrate surface 310 and perpendicular to the transport axis L.

[0043] In the present preferred embodiment, the height-adjusting system 20 comprises a fork 22 (better shown in Fig. 3) that is fixed to a crosspiece of the second frame portion 14 through a screw control system 24 actuated, for example, manually through crank transmission means.

[0044] Specifically, the pressure with which the work head 18 presses at a contact line C is adjusted by means of the height-adjusting system 20 on the basis, for example, of the characteristics of the adhesive film 100 and/or of the plate-like element 300. As will be explained below, according to the present invention the work head 18 is adapted to operatively press the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300 at the contact line C alternatively through one of its two distinct contact portions in given steps of the production process.

[0045] The work head 18 is connected to the arms of the fork 22 of the height-adjusting system 20 so as to rotate about a rotation axis R parallel to the contact line C. Specifically, the work head 18 is connected in a rotatable manner to the arms of the fork 22 through respective rotation actuation means 26 (shown in Fig. 3), preferably automatic, such as electrical rotation actuators connected in a known manner to the work head 18 and to the fork 22. The automatic rotation actuating means 26 are controlled by means of an electronic control unit (not shown in the figures) of the apparatus 100.

[0046] Moreover, the electronic control unit of the apparatus 100, is in communication with detection means (not shown in the figures), such as sensors, that are configured to detect the presence of a plate-like element 300 on the transport means 16 and/or the position of the plate-like element 300 with respect to the work head 18 and/or characteristics of the plate-like element 300, such as for example its edges and their distance with respect to the work head 18. The detection means are connected to the electronic control unit of the apparatus 100 so as to timing a rotation of the work head 18, driven by the rotation actuation means 26, to press on the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300 at the contact line C, alternately through one of two distinct contact portions of the work head 18 in given steps of the processing operations, as will be explained later.

[0047] Referring in particular to Figs. 1 to 8, the work head 18 comprises a work surface 28 operatively facing the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300. The work surface 28 is adapted to operatively receive the adhesive film 200 and to press the latter on the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300 at a contact line C.

[0048] The work head 18 comprises a work wall 30 provided with a first face 32 and a second face 34 opposite the first face 32 and separate from the latter by a thickness of the work wall 30 (better shown in Fig. 8). The first face 32 of the work wall 30 operatively faces the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300 and defines the work surface 28 of the work head 18.

[0049] The work surface 28 comprises a first contact portion 36 and a second contact portion 38 that are arranged in this order in the transport direction that leads the plate like element 300 toward the work head 18 along the transport axis L of the apparatus 100.

[0050] Specifically, the work head 18 is adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation R parallel to said contact line C, by means of the rotation actuation means 26, between a first position and a second position wherein respectively at least a part of one of the first contact portion 36 and the second contact portion 38 presses operatively on the substrate surface 310 at the contact line C. In other words, the work head 18 is adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation R between a first position in which at least a part of the first contact portion 36 presses operatively on the substrate surface 310 at the contact line C, and a second position wherein at least a part of the second contact portion 38 presses operatively on the substrate surface 310 at the contact line C, as explained below.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the work wall 30 of the work head 18 defines a portion of a side wall of a hollow cylinder having its axis coincident with the axis of rotation R of the work head 18. In other words, the first contact portion 36 and the second contact portion 38 of the work surface 28 define at least partially a common side wall of a cylinder having its axis coincident with the axis of rotation R of the work head 18.

[0052] In this state, as explained below, advantageously the work head 18 is adapted to maintain a constant pressure, i.e. a continuous contact, along the contact line C during the processing steps to apply the adhesive film 200 on the substrate surface 310 of the substrate element 300.

[0053] Preferably, the first contact portion 36 and the second contact portion 38 of the work surface 28 comprise a respective flexible pressure layer, first 40 and second 42, at the respective part operatively adapted to press on the substrate surface 310 of the plate like element 300 at the contact line C.

[0054] Advantageously, in this state, during the rotation of the work head 18, as explained below, in the two positions the substrate surface 310 of the element 300 is prevented from being damaged.

[0055] In the most preferred embodiment, the flexible pressure layers, first 40 and second 42, are at least partially made of an elastomeric material. Possibly, the flexible pressure layers, first 40 and second 42, are made at least partially of an anti-adherent elastomeric material, that is, a material that is adapted to provide a low friction coefficient and high slipperiness, so as to lower friction with the adhesive film 200. For example, the elastomeric material with which the flexible pressure layers, first 40 and second 42, are formed is natural rubber (NR), EPDM or the like, and provides a hardness lower than 80 Shore A (ISO 7619). If necessary, the anti-adherent elastomeric material is for example silicone, fluorinated silicone, or the like, or it is an elastomeric material comprising an additive adapted to lower the friction coefficient, such as for example EPDM comprising erucamide, oleamide, or the like.

[0056] Advantageously, in this state is guaranteed an effective and reliable control of the pressure operatively applied by the work head 18 on the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 30 at said contact line C. The possible use of an anti-adherent elastomeric material, moreover, advantageously prevents the generation of an excessive friction during the processing steps between the adhesive film 200 and the flexible pressure layers, first 40 and second 42, due to a relative movement between the adhesive film 200 and the work head 18, as will be explained later.

[0057] The first contact portion 36 and the second contact portion 38 of the work surface 28 are at least partially separated from each other by at least a through opening 44 (shown more clearly in Fig. 8) that passes through the work wall 30, that is, it goes through the thickness of the latter.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment, the through opening 44 is a slit that extends along the work wall 30 parallel to the contact line C and has an extension substantially at least equal to the length of the adhesive film 200.

[0059] In addition, the work head 18 includes reversible holding means 46 adapted to reversibly hold the adhesive film 200 on at least a part of the first contact portion 36 by means of a holding force. Specifically, as will be explained later, the reversible holding means 46 are adapted to hold the adhesive film 200 on at least a part of the first contact portion 36 in given steps of the processing the adhesive film 200, and are preferably adapted to maintain a sliding engagement of the adhesive film 200 on the first contact portion 36 and on the second contact portion 38 of the work surface 28 in further steps of the processing of the adhesive film 200.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment, the reversible holding means 46 are adapted to hold the adhesive film 200 on at least a part of the first contact portion 36 with a holding force which is lower than an adhesion force between the adhesive film 200 and the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300, as will be explained later.

[0061] In this state, advantageously the work head 18 reliably receives the adhesive film 200, holds it integral with it in given processing steps and, at the same time, allows a reliable sliding of the adhesive film 200 on the first contact portion 36 and on the second contact portion 38 of the work surface 28 in further steps of the processing of the adhesive film 200, as will be explained later. Thus, an undesirable ripping of the adhesive film 200 is prevented during the processing steps and, at the same time, a reliable processing is guaranteed.

[0062] In the most preferred embodiment, the reversible holding means 46 comprise at least a suction port 48 and suction means (not shown in the figures), such as a vacuum pump or a suction fan in fluid communication with the work head 18 through a circuit. Specifically, the suction means are in fluid communication with at least a part of the work surface 28 of the work head 18 through at least a suction port 48 that passes through the work wall 30 at the first contact portion 36. In this state, the suction means, that is, the vacuum pump or the suction fan, generate a holding force, that is, a vacuum, adapted to hold the adhesive film 200 on at least a part of the first contact portion 36.

[0063] Preferably, the reversible holding means 46 also comprise a suction hood 50 integral with the work wall 30 of the work head 18. Specifically, suction means of the reversible holding means 46 are in fluid communication with at least a part of the work surface 28 through, in order, the suction hood 50 and a plurality of suction ports 48. [0064] Advantageously, in this state by suitably dimensioning the suction hood 50 and appropriately selecting the dimensions and/or number and/or arrangement of the suction ports 48 it is possible to easily and effectively control the holding force with which the adhesive film 200 is held on the first contact portion 36 of the work surface 28 on the work head 18. [0065] In the preferred embodiment, the part of the first contact portion 36 which is operatively adapted to press on the substrate surface 310 along said contact line C is arranged between the plurality of suction ports 48 and said at least a through opening 44 along the transport direction, that is, along the transport axis L of the apparatus 100. [0066] In addition, the work head 18 comprises cutting means 52 located operatively in a position substantially opposite the work surface 28 with respect to the second face 34 of the work wall 30. In other words, the cutting means 52 are arranged so that in operative conditions the work surface 28 is substantially interposed between the cutting means 52 and the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300 on which the adhesive film is made to adhere 200.

[0067] The cutting means 52 are provided with a cutting element 54, such as for example a blade, and cutting actuators 56, such as pneumatic pistons, adapted to actuate the movement of the cutting element 54. Specifically, when moved by the cutting actuators 56, the cutting element 54 is adapted to slidingly engage a respective one of said at least a through opening 44 so as to operatively project from the work surface 28 to cut the adhesive film 200 in a given step of the production process, as will be explained later. [0068] The cutting means 52 are actuated by the electronic control unit (not shown in the figures) of the apparatus 100.

[0069] Moreover, the control unit of the apparatus 100 is in communication with the detection means (not shown in the figures), such as sensors, which, as mentioned previously, are configured to detect the presence of a plate-like element 300 on the transport means 16 and/or the position of the plate-like element 300 with respect to the work head 18 and/or characteristics of the plate-like element 300, such as for example its edges and their distance with respect to the work head 18. The detection means are connected to the electronic control unit of the apparatus 100 so as to appropriately timing an actuation of the cutting means 52 to cut the adhesive film 200 in a given step of the production process, as will be explained later.

[0070] In the preferred embodiment, the cutting means 52 are fixed to the cutting head 18 by means of known fastening means not shown in the figures. In other words, the cutting means 52 are adapted to rotate about the rotation axis R integral with the cutting head 18 and with its work wall 30.

[0071] The operation of the apparatus 100 to apply the adhesive film 200 on the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300, according to the present invention, will now be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 16, together with Fig. 8. For the sake of simplicity, Figs. 9 to 16 show the adhesive film 200, the plate-like element 300 and only some of the elements of the apparatus 100, such as the work head 18 and the transport means 16, in the different processing steps.

Step a)

[0072] Fig. 9 shows the work head 18 and the transport means 16 of the apparatus 100. The transport means 16 are actuated to allow a movement of the plate-like element 300 along the transport axis L in a transport direction toward the work head 18. Meanwhile, the work head 18 is in the second position, in which the second contact portion 38 is substantially closer to the transport means 16 with respect to the first contact portion 36, that is, the second contact portion 38 is substantially at a lower height with respect to the first contact portion 36.

Step b)

[0073] Afterwards, with reference to Fig. 10, the reversible holding means 46, that is, the suction means (not shown in the figure) are actuated. The adhesive film 200 (shown with a thick black line) is supplied by the feeding means 210 (not shown in the figure) and is applied on the first contact portion 36 of the work surface 28 of the work head 18. Specifically, the adhesive film 200 is applied on the first contact portion 36 so as to cover with the non-adhesive face, opposite the adhesive face, the suction ports 48 and the first flexible pressure layer 40, preferably the latter with a free edge of the adhesive film 200. [0074] Thus, in this step the reversible holding means 46 are adapted to hold the adhesive film 200 on at least a part of the first contact portion 36 by means of the holding force, that is, by means of the vacuum generated by the suction means. Advantageously, in this state is guaranteed a precise positioning and the maintenance of the adhesive film 200 in contact with the first contact portion 36 thanks to the holding force generated by the reversible holding means 46, i.e. generated by the suction means. In particular, in this state it is unlikely that wrinkles can form on the adhesive film 200 that could create flaws in the successive steps.

[0075] This operation is typically performed manually by an operator when it is necessary to replace the feeding means 210, such as for example a new reel of adhesive film 200, by prearranging the apparatus 100 for the processing procedure.

Step c)

[0076] Then, referring to Fig. 11 , on the transport means 16 is arranged the plate-like element 300 with its substrate surface 310 turned substantially toward the work head 18, that is, toward the adhesive face of the adhesive film 200.

[0077] In this state, the plate-like element 300 is moved with respect to the work head 18 in a transport direction toward the latter along the transport axis L of the apparatus 100 (as shown by the broken line-dot arrow).

Step d)

[0078] Subsequently, referring to Fig. 12, the plate-like element 300 is moved further with respect to the work head 18 toward the contact line C along the transport axis L of the apparatus 100. Meanwhile, the work head 18 is rotated about the rotation axis R in the first position, by means of the actuation of the rotation actuation means 26 (not shown in the figure), and maintains that position.

[0079] In this phase, the adhesive film 200 moves integral with the work head 18 by the effect of the holding force generated by the reversible holding means 46.

[0080] Specifically, in the first position of the work head 18, the first contact portion 36 is operatively adapted to press on the substrate surface 310 at the contact line C through the first flexible pressure layer 40 on which the free edge of the adhesive film 200 is arranged.

[0081] In this state, at the contact line C the adhesive film 200 is interposed between the work head 18 and the substrate surface 310, and a pressure is applied therein adapted to achieve the adhesion, by means of an appropriate adhesion force, between the adhesive face of the adhesive film 200 and the substrate surfaced 310.

[0082] Preferably, in this phase the timing with which the work head 18 is rotated, on the basis of the relative position between the plate-like element 300 and the work head 18, is coordinated by the electronic control unit (not shown in the figure) of the apparatus 100 through signals outputted by the detection means (not shown in the figure). For example, in this phase the activation of the rotation actuation means 26, to cause the rotation, is carried out when the distance between the initial edge of the plate-like element 300 and the contact line C is a predetermined distance.

Step e)

[0083] Then, referring to Fig. 13, the plate-like element 300 is moved further with respect to the work head 18 beyond the contact line C along the transport axis L of the apparatus 100. Meanwhile, the work head 18 is still in the first position.

[0084] In this state, the part of the adhesive film 200 that adheres to the substrate surface 310 moves integrally with the plate-like element 300 and causes a further sliding of the adhesive film 200 on the first contact portion 36 of the work surface 28 of the work head 18, that is, it causes a further covering of the substrate surface 310 with the adhesive film 200.

[0085] In this phase the reversible holding means 46 are preferably adapted to maintain a sliding engagement of the adhesive film 200 on the first contact portion 36 and on the second contact portion 38 of the work surface 28 by means of the holding force, i.e. by means of the vacuum generated by the suction means. Specifically, the holding force, with which a contact is maintained between the adhesive film 200 and the first contact portion 36, is appropriately selected, by adjusting the reversible holding means 46, so that it is lower than the adhesion force between the adhesive film 200 and the substrate surface 310.

Step f)

[0086] Subsequently, referring to Fig. 14, the plate-like element 300 is moved further with respect to the work head 18 beyond the contact line C, causing a further covering of the substrate surface 310 with the adhesive film 200, as previously explained. Meanwhile, the work head 18 rotates about the rotation axis R and returns to the second position, by means of the activation of the rotation actuation means 26 (not shown in the figure), and maintains that position.

[0087] In this state, the adhesive film 200 slides on the first contact portion 36 and on the second contact portion 38 of the work surface 28 of the work head 18. Specifically, the adhesive film 200 slides on the first flexible pressure layer 40 of the first contact portion 36 and on the second flexible contact layer 42 of the second contact portion 38. [0088] Preferably, in this step, the timing with which the work head 18 is rotated, based on the relative position between the plate-like element 300 and the work head 18, is coordinated by the electronic control unit (not shown in the figure) of the apparatus 100 through signals outputted by the detection means (not shown in the figure), or after a preset time. For example, in this step the activation of the rotation actuating means 26, to cause the rotation, is carried out after a preset lapse of time from step d) previously performed.

Step g)

[0089] Thus, with reference to Fig. 15, the plate-like element 300 is moved further with respect to the work head 18 beyond the contact line C, causing a further covering of the substrate surface 310 with the adhesive film 200, as previously explained. Meanwhile, the work head 18 is still in the second position, and the cutting means 52 are actuated to cut the adhesive film 200.

[0090] Specifically, the cutting actuators 56 are operated to move the cutting element 54. The cutting element 54 slides into the through opening 44 and projects from the work surface 28 so as to cut the adhesive film 200.

[0091] Thus, the plate-like element 300 is moved further with respect to the work head 18 beyond the contact line C, bringing about the completion of the covering of the substrate surface 310 with the adhesive film 200. Specifically, the covering of the substrate surface 310 is completed with the portion of adhesive film 200 that is included between the contact line C and, substantially, the through opening 44 of the work wall 30. [0092] It should be noted that, while the reversible holding means 46 are active, the adhesive film 200 is maintained into contact with the first contact portion 36 of the work surface 28 of the work head 18. Specifically, after the cut, the adhesive film 200 is now stationary and still positioned on the first contact portion 36 so as to cover the suction ports 48 and the first flexible pressure layer 40, as in the preceding step b).

[0093] Preferably, in this step the timing with which the cutting means 52 are actuated, based on the relative position between the plate-like element 300 and the work head 18, is coordinated by the electronic control unit (not shown in the figure) of the apparatus 100 through signals outputted by the detection means (not shown in the figure). For example, in this phase the activation of the cutting means 52, to cut the adhesive film 200, is carried out when the distance between the end edge of the plate-like element 300 and the contact line C is a preset distance.

Step h)

[0094] Subsequently, with reference to Fig. 16, the previous steps from c) to g) can be performed again to apply the adhesive film 200 on the substrate surface 310 of another plate-like element 300 without stopping the transport means 16 to arrange the processing of the additional plate-like element.

[0095] Specifically, as the reversible holding means 46 are active, as described in the preceding phase, advantageously a precise positioning and maintenance of the adhesive film 200 in contact with the first contact portion 36 of the work head 18 is guaranteed to apply the adhesive film 200 on the substrate surface 310 of another plate-like element 300.

[0096] It is clear that with this configuration, advantageously, the apparatus 100 according to the present invention guarantees an effective and reliable processing to apply the adhesive film 200 on the substrate surface 310 of a plate-like element 300. [0097] In the preferred embodiment, the work wall 30 of the work head 18 defines a portion of a side wall of a hollow cylinder whose axis coincides with the axis of rotation R of the work head 18. Specifically, in this state the work head 18 is adapted to maintain a constant pressure along the contact line C during the processing steps, in particular in step f), in which there is the change in the position of the work head 18 from the first to the second position.

[0098] Thus, the product obtained from processing by means of the apparatus 100, that is, the element 300 covered with the adhesive film 200, provides constant covering characteristics and it is unlikely that air will be embedded between the applied adhesive film 200 and the plate-like element 300. In fact, the work head 18 does not provide a continuous rolling motion but provides substantially two alternative positions in which it presses the adhesive film 200 and smoot it out on the contact surface 310 of the plate like element 300, consequently reducing the probability of embedding air between the applied adhesive film 200 and the plate-like element 300.

[0099] In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the first contact portion 36 and the second contact portion 38 of the work surface 28 comprise a respective flexible pressure state, first 40 and second 42. Specifically, in this state, during the processing steps a rotation of the work head 18 is prevented from damaging the substrate surface 310 of the element 300.

[0100] In addition, the use of an elastomeric material to form the flexible pressure layers, first 40 and second 42, guarantees an effective and reliable control of the pressure applied operatively by the work head 18 on the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300 at the contact line C. The possible use of an anti-adherent elastomeric material to form the flexible pressure layers, first 40 and second 42, prevents the generation of an excessive friction during the processing steps between the adhesive film 200 and the flexible pressure layers, first 40 and second 42, that could otherwise damage the adhesive film 200.

[0101] In addition, the reversible holding means 46 are adapted to hold the adhesive film 200 on at least a part of the first contact portion 36 with a holding force that is lower than an adhesion force between the adhesive film 200 and the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300. In this state, advantageously the work head 18 receives reliably the adhesive film 200, maintains it integral with itself in the steps from b) to d) and, at the same time, allows a reliable sliding of the adhesive film 200 on the first contact portion 36 and on the second contact portion 38 in the steps from e) to g). Therefore is guaranteed a precise positioning and maintenance of the adhesive film 200 in contact with the work head 18 and is prevented an unwanted ripping or formation of wrinkles on the adhesive film 200 in the phases of the production process.

[0102] In addition, in step g) the reversible holding means 46 are adapted to hold, on at least a part of the first contact portion 36, the portion of adhesive film 200 that is upstream of the through opening 44. Thus, it is not necessary to stop the transport means 16 at each step of cutting the film that adheres to a plate-like element to prearrange the processing of an additional plate-like element. [0103] In addition, advantageously it is possible to adjust in a simple manner a desired degree of covering of the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300. Specifically, in steps d) and g) the timing with which, respectively, the work head 18 is rotated and the cutting means 52 are actuated can be appropriately selected to adjust a degree of covering of the substrate surface 310. For example, in step d) it is possible to delay the rotation of the work head 18 to make the adhesive film 200 stick on a desired part of the substrate surface 310, and/or in step g) it is possible to advance the actuation of the cutting means 52 to leave uncovered one end part of the substrate surface 310.

[0104] It is evident that additional embodiments of the present invention are possible, without departing from the scope claimed therein.

[0105] For example, in the previously described embodiment the work wall 30 of the work head 18 defines a portion of a side wall of a hollow cylinder whose axis coincides with the rotation axis R of the work head 18.

[0106] Flowever, the work wall 30 of the work head 18 can have further configurations, such as for example a flat shape. In this case, the rotation axis R and the contact line C substantially coincide.

[0107] Where appropriate, in further embodiments the work wall 30 may define a portion of a hollow right-angle polyhedron having a polygonal cross section and, preferably, beveled edges, or the like.

[0108] Moreover, in the embodiment previously described the reversible holding means 46 include suction means in fluid communication with at least a part of the work surface 28 through at least a suction port 48 and a suction hood 50. Flowever, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which the reversible holding means 46 are means of different type. For example, the reversible holding means 46 may be a layer of material adapted to hold the adhesive film 200 by electrostatic attraction with a holding force that is lower than an adhesion force between the adhesive film 200 and the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300. Alternatively, the reversible holding means 46 can be an appropriate fixing element, possibly automatic, having a holding force that is lower than an adhesion force between the adhesive film 200 and the substrate surface 310 of the plate-like element 300.

[0109] Moreover, in the preferred embodiment described above the first contact portion 36 and the second contact portion 38 of the work surface 28 include a respective flexible pressure layer, first 40 and second 42. Flowever, it is possible to provide for an embodiment in which only one flexible pressure layer, first 40 and second 42, or none at all can be provided, for example by properly selecting the material with which the work wall 30 of the work head 18 is made.

[0110] Moreover, in the preferred embodiment previously described the reversible holding means 46 are substantially always active in the different processing phases. However, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which the timing with which the reversible holding means 46 are activated is appropriately selected on the basis of the processing step. For example, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which the electronic control unit of the apparatus 100 activates the reversible holding means 46 in the steps from b) to d) and in step g) and, instead, disables the reversible holding means 46 in the other steps. Alternatively, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which the electronic control unit of the apparatus 100 activates the reversible holding means 46 in the steps from b) to d) and in step g) and, instead, reduces the holding force generated by the reversible holding means 46 in the other steps.

[0111] Moreover, in the previously described preferred embodiment the reversible holding means 46 include suction means, such as a vacuum pump or a suction fan, that are in fluid communication with at least a suction port 48 formed at the first contact portion 36. However, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which there is at least a suction port 48 also in the second contact portion 38. Advantageously, in this state in step g) the portion of adhesive film 200 that is included between the contact line C and the through opening 44 of the work wall 30 does not fall suddenly by effect of gravity and, consequently, there is a reduced probability of forming unwanted wrinkles or air bubbles. [0112] If necessary, it is possible to have embodiments in which the suction ports 48 extend through the work wall 30 and the flexible pressure layers, first 40 and optionally second 42, at the first contact portion 36 and, optionally, at the second contact portion 38.

[0113] Moreover, in the preferred embodiment described before, the through opening 44 is a slit and the cutting element 54 is a blade, although this selection is not limitative. For example, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which there is a plurality of through openings 44, such as slits, adapted to be slidingly engaged by a corresponding plurality of cutting elements 54, such as blades.

[0114] Moreover, in the embodiment described above, in step d) the work head 18 rotates substantially by following the movement of the plate-like element 300. However, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which in step d) the work head is already in the first position even before the plate-like element 300 reaches the contact line C.

[0115] Moreover, in the preferred embodiment described previously the transport means 16 move the plate-like element 300 toward the work head 18. However, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which the work head 18 and the plate-like element 300 provide a relative movement along the transport axis L. For example, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which the second frame portion 14 is slidingly connected to the first frame portion 12 through transport means 16, such as an automatic moving system on tracks, so as to move the work head 18 along the transport axis L in a transport direction that achieves a relative displacement of the plate-like element 300 toward the work head 18. [0116] From the above description, it is evident that important results have been achieved, overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art, making it possible to make an apparatus 100 adapted to apply in an effective and reliable manner an adhesive film 200 on a plate-like element 300.

[0117] Specifically, the work head 18 of the apparatus 100 is adapted to apply, effectively and reliably, the adhesive film 200 on the plate-like element 300 and, moreover, its work surface 28 is not damaged by the cutting means 52 in the different processing steps.

[0118] Moreover, the work head 18 of the apparatus 100 makes it possible to easily adjust the positioning of the adhesive film 200 on the substrate surface 310 of the plate like element 300, and also an easy control of the covering degree of the latter.

[0119] Moreover, the work head 108 of the apparatus 100 is adapted to maintain in operating conditions a constant pressure on the adhesive film 200, making it unlikely that air can be embedded between the adhesive film 200 and the plate-like element 300 during the different processing steps.

[0120] Moreover, the work head 18 of the apparatus 100 provides for a simple construction, and consequently allowing considerable possibilities in designing of the apparatus 100.

[0121] Naturally, the materials and equipment used to achieve the present invention, as well as the shape and dimensions of the individual elements, can be the most appropriate for the specific requirements.