EP1559451A2

EP1559451A2 - Device for processing ir finishing the blades of a ski or snowboard and ski or snowboard

Info

Publication number: EP1559451A2
Application number: EP04425181A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giuseppe Mantec Engineering S.r.l. Moroni
Original assignee: Mantec Engineering Srl
Current assignee: SVECOM - P.E. S.R.L.
Priority date: 2004-01-30
Filing date: 2004-03-17
Publication date: 2005-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-17
Also published as: EP1559451B1; EP1559451A3

Abstract

A device (10) for processing or finishing the blades (14) of a ski (12) comprises a portion (10b) adapted for finishing a sliding surface (14a) of the blade, said portion comprising a front grinding wheel (60) of the cup type, defining an abrasive ring (60a) and adapted for being placed in rotation around an axis (d-d) perpendicular to the abrasive ring itself and adapted for being arranged transversally to the sliding surface (14a) of the blade, said abrasive ring (60a) exhibiting a thickness (s) in direction radial to the axis (d-d) of rotation of the front grinding wheel (60) smaller than the width (1) of the sliding surface (14a) of the blade.

Description

The subject of the present invention is a device for processing or finishing the blades of a ski, a snowboard or the like and a ski or a snowboard or the like. In the description below and in the claims, reference is made to the use on a ski even though it is also possible to process snowboards or the like.
In particular, the present invention relates to a device adapted for finishing the side surface and the sliding surface of both blades of a ski by a grinding wheel.
A device is known, for processing the blades of a ski fitted on a machine adapted for receiving the ski and automatically carrying out the blade finishing operation. More precisely, there are provided two devices for processing the ski blades, arranged at opposed sides with respect to the longitudinal ski development. The ski is inserted into a seat of the machine and, by moving the ski itself along its longitudinal axis or moving the above devices along a direction parallel to the longitudinal ski axis, a relative translation motion is obtained between the ski and the devices in question, which allows processing the entire blade length.
The skis known so far exhibit two blades on the lower edges of the ski, with reference to the normal use of the ski itself. The blades are such as to exhibit a sliding surface substantially on the same plane as the sliding surface of the ski (an example of the prior art is schematised in figure 3a). Such blade is quite easy to finish but it has been unusually noted that it negatively affects the grip and speed performance. Moreover, known skis exhibit some disadvantages during the processing of the ski base, due to the fact that the presence of the conventional blade can interfere with the optimum processing of the base and due to the fact that the base processing could impair the blade.
From what said above there is the need of realising a ski which should allow better performance a more simplicity of processing, and of providing a device which should be capable of finishing the sliding surface of the blade in a simple and effective manner and which should be usable with any kind of skis.
The problem at the basis of the present invention is that of proposing a ski and a device for processing the blades of a ski, which should exhibit such structural and functional features as to meet the above need and overcoming the disadvantages mentioned with reference to the prior art.
Such problem is solved by a ski according to claim 1 and by a device for processing the blades of a ski according to claim 2. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the ski or of the device itself.
Further features and advantages of the ski and of the device for processing the blades of a ski according to the invention will appear more clearly from the following description of its preferred embodiments, made by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the annexed figures, wherein:
figure 1 shows a bottom view of a ski, that is, a view showing the sliding surface of the ski, adapted for resting on the ground during the normal use of the ski itself;
figure 2 shows the section II-II of the ski of figure 1, corresponding to the position in which the ski is during its normal condition of use turned by 180°;
figure 3a shows an enlarged view of the detail III of figure 2 according to a first embodiment;
figure 3b shows an enlarged view of the detail III of figure 2 according to a second embodiment;
figures 4a-4d schematically show a top view of a ski and of a portion of a device for processing the blades of a ski according to the present invention in different operating conditions;
figure V shows a side view of the device shown in figure 4d according to arrow V of figure 4d;
figures 6a-6c schematically show a side view of a portion of the device for processing the blades of a ski according to the present invention in different operating conditions;
figure 7 show a substantially top view of a possible embodiment of the device for processing the blades of a ski according to the present invention;
figure 8 shows a perspective view of the device of figure 7 according to arrow VIII;
figure 9 shows a perspective view of the device of figure 7 according to arrow IX;
figure 10 shows a perspective view of a detail of a portion of the device according to the present invention;
figure 11 shows a vertical section view according to a possible embodiment;
figure 12 shows a vertical section view according to a possible embodiment;
figures 13 and 14 show a portion of the section of figure 11 or 12 in different operating conditions;
figure 15 shows a side view of a portion of the device according to the present invention adapted for processing a sliding surface of a ski blade;
figure 16 shows section XVI-XVI of figure 15;
figure 17 shows section XVII-XVII of figure 15;
figure 18 shows a perspective view of a detail of a first portion of the device according to the present invention;
figure 19 shows a perspective view of a detail of the device according to the present invention;
figure 20 shows a perspective partly sectioned view of a ski wherein there is highlighted the abrasive ring of the front grinding wheel adapted for processing the sliding surface of the blade.
With reference to the above figures, reference numeral 10 globally indicates a device for processing the blades of a ski 12.
With reference to figure 1, there is schematically illustrated a portion of a ski 12, according to a bottom view with reference to the normal use of the ski itself. In other words, figure 1 shows a view wherein there is shown the sliding surface of the ski, indicated with reference numeral 12a. More in detail, figure 1 shows a bottom view of the tip portion of a ski wherein there is highlighted the ski blade, indicated with reference numeral 14. With reference to the normal use of the ski, the lower surface of the blade shown in figure 1 and corresponding to the sliding surface of the ski is indicated with reference numeral 14a. In the description below, the blade surface indicated with reference numeral 14a will also be referred to as sliding surface.
Ski 12 conventionally develops along a longitudinal axis X-X and, as shown in figure 1, ski 12 exhibits a variable length L along the longitudinal development of the ski itself. The variation of width L is generally such that the ski exhibits a larger width in portions close to the tip and to the tail compared to a central portion of the ski itself.
Figure 2 schematically shows section II-II of figure 1. Reference numeral 12b indicates the side surfaces of the ski and reference numeral 14b indicates the side surfaces of the blades. Finally, reference numeral 12c indicates the visible surface of the ski, that is, the surface that during the normal use of the ski is arranged on top, contrary to what shown in figure 2.
Figures 3a and 3b are two enlarged views of two different embodiments of the detail indicated with III in figure 2. Figure 3a shows a conventional embodiment of ski 12, wherein the sliding surface 14a of the blade and the sliding surface 12a of the ski substantially lay on the same plane, provided there are no inclination of the blade surface (indicated with a broken line). Figure 3b shows a new and advantageous embodiment of the ski, wherein the sliding surface 14a of the blade is lowered compared to the sliding surface 12a of the ski. In other words, between the sliding surface 12a of the ski and the sliding surface 14a of the blade there is a step 16 so, with reference to figure 3b, the sliding surface 14a is arranged below the sliding surface 12a of the ski (with reference to the normal use of the ski wherein the sliding surface 12a of the ski rests on the ground, the sliding surface 14a of the blade is on top of the sliding surface 12a of the ski, the ski being rotated by 180° compared to figure 3b).
With reference to both figure 3a and figure 3b, a lower outside edge of the blade is indicated with reference numeral 15a whereas an upper outside edge of the blade is indicated with reference numeral 15b.
In other words, the advantageous embodiment of the ski (or of a snowboard) according to what illustrated in figure 3b provides for the lowering of the blade relative to the so-called ski base. In this way, only after processing the blade it is possible to process the base without impairing the result of the processing performed on the blade. Moreover, the base processing is easier since it is possible to properly process also its edges, thanks to the presence of step 16. Finally, it has been unusually noted that the ski or snowboard performance is improved, both in terms of grip and in terms of speed reached.
The device 10 object of the present invention preferably is part of a machine adapted for receiving the ski and automatically processing the sliding surfaces 14a and the side surfaces 14b of blades 14. In particular, there are advantageously provided two devices 10 specularly arranged on the machine so as to process the two blades of a ski at the same time.
Figure 7 shows a top view of a portion of the machine housing ski 12 and a device 10. At the side opposed to axis X-X there is provided another device, specular to that shown in figure 7, not shown.
The ski may be inserted into the machine with the blades arranged on top or at the bottom according to the arrangement of device 10 onto the machine itself. By way of an example, in the annexed drawings the ski is inserted into the machine so that the sliding surface 12a is horizontal and arranged at the bottom, that is, as in the normal use of the ski.
According to a possible embodiment, the ski is inserted into a seat, not shown, wherein it is held still with devices 10 arranged at opposed sides of the ski. Each device 10 is made to move according to a direction parallel to the longitudinal development X-X of the ski itself. In this case, it is preferable that the movement of device 10 according to the direction of axis X-X be of the controlled type with feedback, so that the movement axis of device 10 parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the ski is a controlled axis of the machine.
According to a different embodiment, the ski is seated onto rollers, not shown, and moved along the direction of its longitudinal axis X-X relative to devices 10. Also in this case, it is preferable that a controlled machine axis corresponds to the ski movement along its longitudinal axis X-X.
In both cases schematically described above, the machine is structurally and functionally adapted for realising a relative motion between devices 10 arranged at opposed sides of the ski and the ski itself, so that each device 10 may process the ski blade along all of its longitudinal extension. In other words, a relative motion is provided between a device 10 and ski 12 that develops along the longitudinal axis X-X of the ski itself.
In its more general aspects, device 10 is supported on the receiving machine in a substantially conventional manner, based on whether the ski or the device itself moves. According to a possible embodiment, device 10 comprises a support element S operatively associated to linear guides G. Advantageously, the support element S can move along guides G defining a movement axis Y-Y, relative to the machine that seats the ski, arranged transversally to axis X-X of the ski itself.
Preferably, axis Y-Y along which the support element S moves is perpendicular to the ski development axis X-X. Moreover, axis Y-Y is preferably substantially parallel to the sliding surface 12a of the ski. In other words, considering that the ski is generally arranged on the machine so that the sliding surface 12a of the ski is horizontal, axis Y-Y is a horizontal movement axis arranged perpendicularly to the ski development axis X-X. In the description below, the term "horizontal" or "vertical" is used with reference to the above condition of the ski on the machine.
According to a possible embodiment, an actuator A, for example a pneumatic cylinder, is arranged between the support element S and the machine structure for carrying out a movement for moving device 10 next to the ski along axis Y-Y.
According to a possible embodiment, device 10 comprises a first portion 10a adapted for processing the side surface 14b of the blade. The first portion 10a is schematically illustrated in figures 4a-4d and 5, whereas figures 7-10 show a possible embodiment.
The first portion 10a comprises a first grinding wheel 18, or side grinding wheel, preferably of the cup grinding wheel type, wherein the abrasive surface consists of a ring 18a. The abrasive ring 18a is flat and substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation a-a of the grinding wheel. The term "side grinding wheel" refers to a grinding wheel adapted for processing the side surface 14b of the blade.
The first grinding wheel 18 is operatively associated to a motor 20 adapted for driving it into rotation around an axis of rotation a-a.
According to a possible embodiment, with reference to a vertical plane containing axis a-a, the axis of rotation a-a of the first grinding wheel 18 can vary its inclination relative to a horizontal plane. In fact, if the surface to be processed is a side surface of the blade perpendicular to the sliding surface of the ski, the axis of rotation a-a is adapted for being arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the sliding surface 12a of the ski, that is, in the general case in which the ski is arranged so that its sliding surface 12a is horizontal, axis a-a is arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. On the other hand, if the surface to be processed is a side surface 14b of the blade slightly inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the sliding surface 12a of the ski, the axis of rotation a-a is adapted for being arranged slightly inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The inclination of axis a-a can be comprised between -3 and +6 sexagesimal degrees, for example between -1 and 5 sexagesimal degrees or in the range of 0-5 degrees, as it will be described hereinafter.
According to a possible embodiment, with reference to a plane containing axis a-a arranged in horizontal or inclined direction relative to the horizontal described above, axis a-a can move relative to direction Y-Y following the curvilinear development of the side surface 12b of the ski, as better described hereinafter.
According to a possible embodiment, motor 20 comprises a casing 22 shaped as a box, or grinding wheel holder spindle.
According to a possible embodiment, motor 20 is housed into a front carriage (with reference to the ski) indicated with reference numeral 24.
According to a possible embodiment, the front carriage 24 is operatively associated to a guide 26 on which it can be made to move along an axis Y'-Y' arranged on the machine whereon the ski is seated so as to be substantially in the same direction as axis Y-Y, unless provided there are no oscillations, which will be described hereinafter. Axis Y'-Y' along which the front carriage 24 moves is perpendicular to the portion of the side surface of the ski or of the blade that directly faces the first grinding wheel 18 during the processing of the blade itself. Moreover, axis Y'-Y' is preferably substantially parallel to the sliding surface 12a of the ski. In other words, considering that the ski is generally arranged on the machine so that the sliding surface 12a of the ski is horizontal, axis Y'-Y' is a horizontal movement axis arranged perpendicularly to the portion of the side surface of the ski or of the blade facing directly the first grinding wheel 18 during the processing of the blade itself. According to a possible embodiment, axis Y'-Y' and axis a-a lay in the same vertical plane.
The front carriage 24 is schematised in figures 4a-4d and 5 to schematically show the operation of device 10 as described below. In figure 4a, some details are outlined because they are not directly visible whereas in the following figures, the elements have been left in continuous line for simplicity of representation. Moreover, the support element S is shown only in figure 4a and 5 by way of an example. According to a possible embodiment, for example shown in figures 7-10 , the front carriage 24 comprises a lower base 24a, slidingly engaged on guide 26, and containment walls 24b, for example connected by a traverse 24c so as to define a seat adapted for receiving the box-shaped casing 22 of motor 20. Of course, the front carriage 24 may have any other shape besides that just described.
According to a possible embodiment, there are provided means for changing the inclination of axis a-a relative to the front carriage 24, and in particular, relative to the sliding plane of the front carriage 24, that is, generally relative to the horizontal plane. In other words there are provided means for inclining the abrasive surface 18a of the first grinding wheel 18 so as to obtain a side surface 14b of the blade inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the sliding surface 12a of the ski.
According to a possible embodiment of the above means for changing the inclination of axis a-a relative to the sliding plane of the front carriage (and therefore, relative to the front carriage itself), motor 20 and therefore the first grinding wheel 18 are fitted on the front carriage 24 so as to rotate around an axis b-b such as to change the inclination of the abrasive ring 18a of the first grinding wheel relative to the side surface of the blade. Axis b-b is perpendicular to axis a-a and lays in a horizontal plane. According to a possible embodiment, the above means for changing the inclination of axis a-a are structured so that axis b-b lays on a chord of the grinding wheel adapted for coming into contact with the lower outside edge 15a of the blade. In particular, axis a-a is inclined by making it rotate around axis b-b which coincides with the free edge or corner of the blade (figure 20). Using the blade corner as fulcrum for adjusting the inclination of the grinding wheel (axis a-a), it is possible to obtain an optimum control of the inclination angle of the grinding wheel and it is possible to change such inclination while processing the ski along its longitudinal axis, while the grinding wheel is in contact with the blade. The ski blade processing can therefore be made automated, controlled and with feedback. In other words, the inclination of axis a-a of the grinding wheel, that is, the adjustment of the blade surface inclination to be obtained, is advantageously realised by rotation around a known fulcrum, that is, by rotation around an axis that can advantageously be a controlled processing axis, for example to be changed with substantial continuity based on the ski area (tip, centre or tail) being processed. The grinding wheel inclination adjustment, and therefore of the surface to be obtained, occurs while the grinding wheel is in contact with the blade and along an interpolation portion between the different ski areas that can require different blade angles (tip, centre, and tail), also allowing a numerical control application of the process itself.
Advantageously, motor 20, or more preferably its grinding wheel support spindle or casing 22, exhibit at least one arched slot 28, preferably two arched slots obtained on opposed surfaces of the motor, or of the box-shaped casing, which develop along an arched line 30 laying in a vertical plane. In other words, there is provided a curvilinear block or cam that forces axis a-a of the grinding wheel to rotate around a fulcrum consisting of the free corner of the ski blade, as described above. At least two pins 32, preferably three pins 30 are fitted on the front carriage 24 so that the respective longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to a vertical plane. The intersection points of the axes of pins 32 with a vertical plane lay along an arched line equal to the arched line 30 along which the above slot develops. In the coupling between motor 20 and the front carriage 24, pins 32 are arranged so as to insert in a corresponding arched slot 28 so that the motor, and therefore the first grinding wheel, may rotate around axis b-b (blade corner) relative to the front carriage 24, as shown by way of an example in figures 11-14.
The means for changing the inclination of axis a-a relative to the front carriage 24 can further comprise actuating means, for example comprising an arm 34 connected to motor 20, preferably to the grinding wheel support spindle 22, adapted for defining a lever by which motor 20 is made to rotate. An end 34a of arm 34 is operatively associated to adjusting means, for example comprising a threaded member 36, for raising and lowering the end itself and thus rotate both arm 34 and motor 20. The threaded member 36 is operatively associated to the front carriage 24 so as to move end 34a of arm 34 closer or father relative to a portion of the front carriage itself. Some possible embodiments of the means for changing the angulation of axis a-a are illustrated in figures 7, 8, 11-14, wherein for example arm 34 exhibits a first portion 34b fixed to motor 20, preferably to casing 22. The first portion 34b preferably exhibits such extension as to protrude from the front carriage 24, that is, such that one of its ends is outside one of the containment walls 24b, if present (figure 18 shows a specular arrangement of the first portion 34b compared to the other embodiments shown). A second portion 34c, preferably perpendicular to the first one, is fixed to the end of the first portion 34b opposed to motor 20. The second portion 34c is preferably shaped as an "L" and defines end 34a of arm 34 operatively associated to the adjusting means. In particular, end 34a can comprise a connecting element 38, for example shaped as a plate, connected to the second portion 34c of arm 34 by a pin 40. A disc 42 may be fixed to the connecting element 38, to prevent the threaded member clearance. Both the connecting element 38 and disc 42, if present, exhibit a threaded thorough seat adapted for receiving an end of the threaded member 36. The threaded member 36 exhibits a non-threaded portion 36a by which it is fitted into an adjusting block 44 comprising a first portion 44a fixed to the front carriage 24, preferably to a containment wall 24b, and an actuating portion 44b preferably realised by a motor, suitably controlled and with feedback (figure 11). According to a possible embodiment, for example shown in figures 7, 8 and 12, the actuating portion 44b is realised by a manually driven flywheel.
Inside the first portion 44a, the non-threaded portion 36a of the threaded member 36 is free to rotate on bearings 46 and exhibits an abutment plate 48. The non-threaded portion 36a extends beyond the first portion 44a of the adjustment block and is pivoted to the motor shaft 44b (or to the manually driven flywheel). Advantageously, there are provided means 49 for indicating 49 the inclination of axis a-a relative to the horizontal plane, arranged for example between the first portion 44a of the adjustment block 44 and end 34a of arm 34.
The operation of the means for inclining axis a-a of motor 20 relative to the front carriage 24 will be described hereinafter along with the operation of device 10.
According to a possible embodiment, device 10 further comprises a rear carriage, with reference to the ski and to the front carriage 24, indicated with reference numeral 50. According to a possible embodiment, the rear carriage 50 is slidingly associated to a guide, preferably the same guide 26 on which the front carriage 24 moves.
Advantageously, the rear carriage 5 can be made to move along axis Y'-Y' as defined above for the front carriage 24.
According to a possible embodiment, the front carriage 24 and the rear carriage 50 are connected to one another by an actuator 52, preferably a pneumatic cylinder. A further actuator 53, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, can be provided arranged between the rear carriage 50 and guide 26.
The rear carriage 50 is schematised in figures 4a-4d and 5 to schematically show the operation of device 10 as described below. According to a possible embodiment, for example shown in figures 7-10, the carriage comprises a base 50a adapted for being slidingly fitted on guide 26. Two arms 54 extend from base 50a towards the ski, or towards the first grinding wheel 18. In other words, the rear carriage 50 advantageously exhibits a two-prong fork shape whose ends are adapted for arranging at the side surface of the ski to be processed. Advantageously, each arm 54 exhibits a roller or feeler pin 56 having longitudinal axis arranged so that the two rollers may rest against the side surface of the ski or against the side surface 14b of the ski blade. Preferably, the axis of each roller 56 is arranged transversally, preferably perpendicularly, to axis X-X of the ski and substantially perpendicular to the sliding surface 12a of the ski itself. In other words, considering that the ski is generally arranged on the machine so that the sliding surface 12a is horizontal, the two rollers 56 are arranged vertical so as to rest against the side surface of the ski or against the side surface 14b of the blade. Yet in other words, the first portion 10a of device 10 adapted for processing the side surface 14b of the ski blade comprises two feeler pins 56 adapted for resting against the side surface of the ski or of the blade to follow its outline during the relative motion between the ski and device 10 along axis X-X of the ski itself. More in particular, it is advantageously provided that the rear carriage 50 comprises the two feeler pins 56. The rear carriage 50 shown in figure 10 is specular compared with the other embodiments.
According to a possible embodiment, the support element S of device 10 is operatively connected to the front carriage 24 and to the rear carriage 50 so that both carriages can rotate around an axis c-c relative to the support element itself, to follow the outline of the side surface 14b of the blade during the relative motion of the ski and of device 10 along the longitudinal axis X-X of the ski itself. Preferably, the front carriage and the rear carriage slide on the same guide 26 and the latter is fitted on the support element S so as to rotate around axis c-c. Axis c-c is advantageously arranged transversally, preferably perpendicularly, to axis X-X of the ski and to the movement axis Y-Y of the support element S. According to a possible embodiment, axis c-c is advantageously arranged transversally, preferably perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis X-X of the ski and to the sliding surface 12a of the ski itself. In other words, considering that the ski is generally seated in the machine so that the sliding surface 12a of the ski is horizontal, axis c-c is arranged vertical so that the front carriage 24 and the rear carriage 50 can oscillate around it in a substantially horizontal plane.
Considering a plane substantially parallel to the sliding surface 12a of the ski, that is, generally a horizontal plane, axis X-X defines the direction of the relative motion between device 10 and the ski while axis Y-Y defines the sliding direction of device 10 (and in particular, of the first portion 10a or of the support element S) closer or farther to/from the ski perpendicularly to axis X-X. During the relative motion between device 10 and the ski along direction X-X, the front carriage 24 and the rear carriage 50 follow the curvilinear outline of the side ski surface thanks to the two feeler pins 56 that make the carriages oscillate around axis c-c perpendicular to axis X-X and to axis Y-Y. As a consequence, the movement axis Y'-Y' of the two carriages oscillates relative to direction Y-Y, during the relative motion between device 10 and the ski along direction X-X, remaining always perpendicular to the side surface of the ski facing the first grinding wheel 18. Similarly, the rotation axis a-a of the first grinding wheel oscillates around axis c-c relative to direction Y-Y, during the relative motion between device 10 and the ski along direction X-X.
According to a possible embodiment, device 10 comprises a second portion 10b adapted for processing the sliding surface 14a of the blade.
The second portion 10b comprises a second grinding wheel 60, or front grinding wheel, preferably of the cup grinding wheel type, wherein the abrasive surface consists of a ring 60a. The abrasive ring 60a is plane and arranged perpendicular to an axis of rotation d-d of grinding wheel 60. The term "front grinding wheel" refers to a grinding wheel adapted for processing the sliding surface 14a of the blade.
The second grinding wheel 60 is operatively associated to a motor 62 adapted for driving it into rotation around an axis of rotation d-d. The axis of rotation d-d is arranged transversally to the longitudinal axis X-X of the ski, preferably perpendicular to it. Moreover, axis d-d is arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the sliding surface 12a of the ski, that is, in the general case in which the ski is arranged so that the sliding surface 12a is horizontal, axis d-d is arranged in a substantially vertical plane.
According to a possible embodiment, with reference to the vertical plane containing axis d-d, axis d-d can vary its inclination relative to a direction perpendicular to the sliding surface of the ski or generally relative to a vertical direction. In fact, if the surface to be processed is a sliding surface of the blade parallel to the sliding surface of the ski, axis d-d is adapted for being arranged according to a vertical direction. If the surface to be processed is a sliding surface 14a of the blade slightly inclined, as described hereinafter, axis d-d is adapted for being arranged slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction. The inclination of axis d-d can be comprised between -3 and 6 sexagesimal degrees, for example in the range of 0-6 sexagesimal degrees, as it will be described hereinafter.
According to a possible embodiment, motor 62 comprises a grinding wheel support spindle or casing 64 shaped as a box.
According to a possible embodiment, motor 62 is seated into a carriage indicated with reference numeral 66. Advantageously, carriage 66 is slidingly fitted on a support element. For example, carriage 66 is slidingly fitted on the same support element S of the first portion 10a of device 10. The support element S is provided with an upright 67 with a guide 68 along which carriage 66 can move along an axis Z-Z. Axis Z-Z is transversal, preferably perpendicular, to the development axis X-X of the ski and transversal, substantially perpendicular, to the sliding axis Y-Y. In other words, carriage 66 is adapted for being moved along a vertical direction, considering the general horizontal arrangement of the ski on the machine. An actuator 70, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, is arranged between the support element S and carriage 66 for raising or lowering the carriage along direction Z-Z.
According to a possible embodiment, for example shown in figures 7-9, carriage 66 comprises two side walls 66a, of which one slidingly engaged on guide 68, for example connected by a transversal wall 66b. The two side walls 66a define a seat adapted for receiving the box-shaped casing 64 of motor 62. Of course, carriage 66 may have any other shape besides that just described.
According to a possible embodiment, there are provided means for changing the inclination of axis d-d relative to carriage 66, that is, relative to the vertical direction. In other words there are provided means for inclining the abrasive surface 60a of the second grinding wheel 60 so as to obtain a sliding surface 14a of the blade inclined relative to the sliding surface 12a of the ski.
According to a possible embodiment of the above means for changing the inclination of axis d-d relative to carriage 66, motor 62 and therefore the second grinding wheel 60 are fitted on carriage 66 so as to rotate around an axis b'-b' such as to change the inclination of the abrasive ring 60a of the second grinding wheel relative to the side surface 14a of the blade. Axis b'-b' is perpendicular to axis d-d and parallel to direction X-X. According to a possible embodiment, axis b'-b' lays on a chord of the second grinding wheel 60 adapted for resting against the lower outside edge 15a of the blade.
Advantageously, the means for changing the inclination of axis d-d relative to carriage 66 are structurally and functionally similar to those described above with reference to the first portion 10a of device 10. In particular, axis d-d is inclined by making it rotate around axis b'-b' which coincides with the free edge or corner of the blade (figure 20). Using the blade corner as fulcrum for adjusting the inclination of the grinding wheel (axis d-d), it is possible to obtain an optimum control of the inclination angle of the grinding wheel and it is possible to change such inclination while processing the ski along its longitudinal axis, thus obtaining a blade processing that can be made automatic, controlled and with feedback. In other words, the inclination of axis d-d of the grinding wheel, that is, the adjustment of the blade surface inclination to be obtained, is advantageously realised by rotation around a known fulcrum, that is, by rotation around an axis that can advantageously be a controlled processing axis, for example to be changed with substantial continuity based on the ski area (tip, centre or tail) being processed. The grinding wheel inclination adjustment, and therefore of the surface to be obtained, occurs along an interpolation portion between the different ski areas that can require different blade angles (tip, centre, and tail), also allowing a numerical control application of the process itself.
Advantageously, motor 62, or more preferably its casing 64, exhibit at least one arched slot 72, preferably two arched slots obtained on opposed surfaces of the motor, or of the box-shaped casing, which develop along an arched line 74 laying in a vertical plane. In other words, there is provided a curvilinear block or cam that forces axis d-d of the grinding wheel to rotate around a fulcrum consisting of the free corner of the ski blade, as described above. At least two pins 76, preferably three pins 76 are fitted on carriage 66 so that the respective longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to a vertical plane. The intersection points of the axes of pins 76 with a vertical plane lay along an arched line equal to the arched line 74 along which the above slot develops. In the coupling between motor 62 and carriage 66, pins 76 are arranged so as to insert in a corresponding arched slot 72 so that the motor, and therefore the second grinding wheel, may rotate around axis b'-b' relative to carriage 66, as shown by way of an example in figures 14-16.
The means for changing the inclination of axis d-d relative to carriage 66 can further comprise actuating means, for example comprising an arm 78 connected to motor 62, preferably to casing 64, adapted for defining a lever by which motor 62 is made to rotate. An end 78a of arm 78 is operatively associated to adjusting means, for example comprising a threaded member 80, for raising and lowering the end itself and thus rotate both arm 78 and motor 62. The threaded member 80 is operatively associated to carriage 66 so as to move end 78a of arm 78 closer or father relative to a portion of the carriage itself.
A possible embodiment of the means for changing the angulation of axis d-d is illustrated in figures 14-16, wherein for example arm 78 exhibits a fork portion 78b fixed to motor 62, preferably to casing 64, by threaded elements. The fork portion 78b defines the end 78a of arm 78 operatively associated to the adjusting means. In particular, end 78a can comprise a connecting element 84, for example shaped as a plate, connected to the prongs of the fork portion 78b by pins 86. A disc 88 may be fixed to the connecting element 84, to prevent the threaded member clearance. Both the connecting element 84 and disc 88, if present, exhibit a threaded thorough seat adapted for receiving an end of the threaded member 80. The threaded member 80 exhibits a non-threaded portion 80a by which it is fitted into an adjusting block 90 comprising a first portion 90a fixed on two sides to carriage 66, preferably to the side walls 66a, and an actuating portion 90b. According to a possible embodiment, the actuating portion 90b is realised by a manually driven flywheel. According to a possible embodiment, not shown, the actuating portion 90b is realised by a motor suitably controlled and with feedback, similarly to what shown in figure 11 with reference to the first portion 10a of device 10.
Inside the first portion 90a of the adjusting block, the non-threaded portion 80a of the threaded member 80 is free to rotate on bearings 92 and exhibits an abutment plate 94. The non-threaded portion 80a extends beyond the first portion 90a of the adjustment block and is pivoted to the motor shaft 90 (or to the manually driven flywheel). Advantageously, there are provided means 95 for indicating 49 the inclination of axis d-d relative to the horizontal plane, arranged for example between the first portion 90a of the adjustment block 90 and end 78a of arm 78.
The operation of the means for inclining axis d-d of motor 62 relative to carriage 66, similar to that of the means for changing the inclination of axis a-a of motor 20, will be described hereinafter along with the operation of device 10.
According to a possible embodiment, a feeler pin or pin 96 is fitted with vertical axis at the end of an arm 98 in turn fitted on the support element S, preferably on upright 67. The feeler pin 96 is arranged so as to rest against the side surface of the ski or against the side surface 14b of the blade. In other words, the second portion 10b of device 10 adapted for processing the sliding surface 14a of the ski blade comprises a feeler pin 96 adapted for resting against the side surface of the ski or of the blade for following its outline during the relative motion between the ski and device 10 along direction X-X.
Advantageously, feeler pin 96 is arranged at an inside portion of the cup grinding wheel 60, so that the abrasive ring 60a of the cup grinding wheel exhibits an outside edge 60b substantially at the edge 100 delimiting the sliding surface 14a of the blade and the sliding surface 12a of the ski (figure 20) or in any case comprised between the delimiting edge 100 and the lower outside edge 15a of the blade.
In other words, the feeler pin defines a means for limiting the processing area of the grinding wheel so that, especially in the case of a ski with lowered blade as shown in figure 3b, it is possible to process the blade without involving the base.
According to a possible embodiment, arm 98 that supports the feeler pin 96 is made of two parts. A first part 98a is fastened to upright 67 of the support element S, for example by threaded connections, and it exhibits a fork shape. A second part 98b is fitted on the first part 98a by a pin 99a and on a threaded element 99b to adjust its position relative to the grinding wheel abrasive ring.
Advantageously, the above embodiment is especially adapted for processing blades that are lowered compared to the ski, that is, blades realised according to figure 3b.
Even more advantageously, thickness s of the abrasive ring of the second grinding wheel 60 is smaller than width 1 of the sliding surface 14a of the blade, thereby allowing an even easier processing of lowered blades as illustrated for example in figure 3b (figure 20). In particular, the presence of feeler pin 96 and the provision of a grinding wheel with thickness s smaller than width 1 of the blade contribute to limiting the grinding wheel processing only to the blade without interfering with the base in case of conventional skis and allowing optimum blade processing in case of skis with lowered blade, without any interference with step 16.
The support element S with reference to the second portion 10b of device 10 is schematised in figures 10 6a-6c to schematically show the operation of device 10 as described below.
Below is the description of the operation of a device for processing the blades of a ski according to the present invention.
With reference to the first portion 10a of device 10, that is, to the portion adapted for processing the side surface of the blade, the operation is schematically illustrated in figures 4a-4d and 5.
The ski is arranged on the machine seating two devices 10 arranged specularly at opposed sides of the ski relative to axis X-X for processing the two blades at the same time. Based on the type of machine, the ski or the devices 10 are moved along a direction X-X so as to create a relative motion between the ski and the devices themselves to process the blade along its entire extension.
In the description below, reference is made to the operation of a device since the other one has a similar operation.
Starting from a condition in which the support element S has reached the working position along direction Y-Y, the front carriage 24 and the rear carriage 50 move from a rest position (figure 4a) to a sided position (figure 4b) wherein the feeler pins 56 come into contact with the side surface of the ski. In the relative movement between the ski and the first portion 10a of device 10, the feeler pins 56 follow the curvilinear outline of the side ski surface due to the variation of width L along axis X-X (figures 4b-4c). Following the contact between the feeler pins 56 and the side ski surface, the rear carriage 50 and therefore also the front carriage 24 oscillate around axis c-c in a substantially horizontal plane.
To perform the processing of the side surface of blade 14b, the front carriage 24 is made to move forward relative to the rear carriage 50 by the actuator 52 (figure 4d). The further actuator 53 ensures constant contact between the feeler pins 56 and the side ski surface.
The inclination of axis a-a of the first grinding wheel 18 is changed by screwing the threaded member 36 by the flywheel or preferably by motor 44b suitably controlled and with feedback to follow the inclination of the side surface of the blade during the ski processing (figures 11-14). By screwing or unscrewing the threaded member 36, arm 34 is raised or lowered and consequently motor 20 rotates, sliding on pins 32. The advantageous provision of an arched slot sliding on pins, substantially acting as a cam, allows setting such an axis of rotation b-b of the grinding wheel as to abut on the lower outside edge 15a of the blade, that is, on the intersection of the two useful surfaces of the blade. Such movement of the grinding wheel axis allows adjusting the grinding wheel angle during processing, keeping the grinding wheel in contact with the ski. In fact, the fulcrum is kept on the outside corner of the blade and the grinding wheel rotates, optionally suitably controlled, during the relative motion between the ski and device 10 to optionally generate different inclinations of the blade between the tail portion, the central one and the tip portion of the ski.
With reference to the operation of the second portion 10b, that is, to the portion adapted for processing the sliding surface 14a of the blade, figure 6a-6c schematically illustrates the support element S in some processing stages. From a rest condition (figure 6a), the support element is moved along the direction Y-Y close to the ski to be processed. The position of the grinding wheel along direction Z-Z is defined by actuator 70 and the sliding of carriage 66 along guide 68 of the support element S. The support element S therefore moves forward along direction Y-Y until the feeler pin 96 comes into contact with the side ski surface (figure 6b). Carriage 66 is therefore raised along guide 68, moving the second grinding wheel 60 in contact with the sliding surface of the blade (figure 6c). The inclination of the second grinding wheel 60, that is, of axis d-d, is carried out by screwing or unscrewing the threaded member 80 by the flywheel or more preferably by the controlled command of the motor defining the actuating portion 90b. The advantageous provision of an arched slot sliding on pins, substantially adapted for acting as a cam, allows setting such an axis of rotation b'-b' of the grinding wheel substantially coinciding with the lower outside edge 15a of the blade, that is, with the intersection between the two useful surfaces of the blade. Such movement of the grinding wheel axis allows adjusting the grinding wheel angle during processing, keeping the grinding wheel in contact with the ski. In fact, the fulcrum is kept on the outside corner of the blade and the grinding wheel rotates, optionally suitably controlled, during the relative motion between the ski and device 10 to optionally generate different inclinations of the blade between the tail portion, the central one and the tip portion of the ski.
The processing of the sliding surface of the blade is in any case simplified and optimised, thanks to the presence of the feeler pin and optionally, to the smaller thickness of the grinding wheel in relation to the blade width. In particular, from what said above it can be noted that the provision of a device for processing the blades of a ski according to the present invention allows processing also lowered blades particularly advantageous in terms of ski performance, both as regards the grip and the speed. Moreover, the provision of a lowered blade allows better processing or structuring the base completely and without affecting the blade.
The further provision of grinding wheels with adjustable inclination by rotation around a fixed axis, preferably around the outside blade edge, allows changing the inclination of the grinding wheel, and therefore of the surface being processed while the grinding wheel is in contact with it, and differently based on the ski area. This can be realised by making the grinding wheel adjustment axis a controlled axis.
It is clear that variants and/or additions to the description above may be provided. For example, the two portions 10a and 10b can also be provided independently from one another. Moreover, the means for changing the inclination of the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel can be applied to any type of grinding wheel adapted for processing a surface of a ski blade.
In order to meet special requirements, a man skilled in the art will be able to make several changes, adaptations and replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones in the preferred embodiment described above, without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Ski (12) or snowboard which develops along a longitudinal axis (X-X) and comprising a sliding surface (12a), side surfaces (12b) and two blades (14) respectively arranged along the edge between the sliding surface and a side surface, each blade exhibiting a sliding surface (14a) and a side surface (14b), wherein the sliding surface (14a) of the blade is lowered relative to the sliding surface (12a) of the ski.
Device (10) for processing or finishing the blades (14) of a ski (12) or snowboard comprising a portion (10b) adapted for finishing a sliding surface (14a) of the blade, said portion comprising a front grinding wheel (60) of the cup type, defining an abrasive ring (60a) and adapted for being placed in rotation around an axis (d-d) perpendicular to the abrasive ring itself and adapted for being arranged transversally to the sliding surface (14a) of the blade, said abrasive ring (60a) exhibiting a thickness (s) in direction radial to the axis (d-d) of rotation of the front grinding wheel (60) smaller than the width (1) of the sliding surface (14a) of the blade.
Device according to claim 2, wherein the front grinding wheel (60) is operatively associated to a motor (62) adapted for driving it into rotation around an axis of rotation (d-d) laying in a plane perpendicular to a development axis (X-X) of the ski.
Device according to claim 3, wherein with reference to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the ski containing the axis of rotation (d-d) of the front grinding wheel (60), said axis can vary its inclination relative to a direction perpendicular to the sliding surface (12a) of the ski.
Device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the motor (62) is seated into a carriage (66) slidingly fitted on a support element (S) according to a direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the development axis (X-X) of the ski and to the sliding surface (12a) of the ski.
Device according to claim 5, wherein there are provided means for changing the inclination of the axis (d-d) of rotation of the front grinding wheel (60) relative to the carriage (66) for changing the inclination of the sliding surface (14a) of the blade relative to the sliding surface (12a) of the ski.
Device according to claim 6, wherein the motor (62) is fitted on the carriage (66) so as to rotate around an axis (b'-b') to change the inclination of the abrasive ring (60a) of the front grinding wheel (60) relative to the side surface (14a) of the blade.
Device according to claim 7, wherein the axis (b'-b') around which the grinding wheel can rotate lays on a lower outside edge (15a) of the blade or intersection edge between the side surface and the sliding surface of the blade.
Device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the axis (b'-b') of rotation of the axis (d-d) of rotation of the front grinding wheel (60) lays on a chord of the front grinding wheel (60) adapted for abutting against a lower outside edge (15a) of the blade.
Device according to claim 9, wherein the motor (62) exhibits at least one arched slot (72), which develops along an arched line (74) which lays in a plane perpendicular to the sliding surface (12a) of the ski, e and wherein three pins (76) are fitted on the carriage (66) so that the respective longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to the plane on which the arched slot (72) lays and the intersection points of the axes of the pins (76) with said plane lay along an arched line equal to the arched line (74) along which the above slot develops.
Device according to claim 10, wherein in the coupling between the motor (62) and the carriage (66), the pins (76) are arranged so as to insert in a corresponding arched slot (72) so that the motor, and therefore the side grinding wheel, may rotate around the axis (b'-b') relative to the carriage (66).
Device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said means for changing the inclination of the axis (d-d) relative to the carriage (66) further comprise actuating means.
Device according to claim 12, wherein said actuating means comprise an arm (78) connected to the motor (62) adapted for defining a lever by which the motor is made to rotate.
Device according to claim 13, wherein an end (78a) of the arm (78) is operatively associated to adjusting means comprising a threaded member (80) operatively associated to the carriage (66) for raising and lowering the end itself and thus rotate both the arm (78) and the motor (62).
Device according to claim 14, wherein the arm (78) exhibits a fork portion (78b) fixed to the motor (62) defining the end (78a) of the arm (78) operatively associated to the adjusting means.
Device according to claim 15, wherein the end (78a) comprises a connecting element (84) connected to the prongs of the fork portion (78b) by pins (86).
Device according to claim 16, wherein a disc (88) can be fixed to the connecting element (84), both the connecting element (84) and the disc (88) exhibiting a threaded thorough seat adapted for receiving an end of the threaded member (80).
Device according to claim 17, wherein the threaded member (80) exhibits a non-threaded portion (80a) by which it is fitted in an adjustment block (90) comprising a first portion (90a) fixed to the carriage (66), and an actuating portion (90bb).
Device according to claim 18, wherein the actuating portion (90b) is realised by a suitably controlled motor with feedback.
Device according to one of claims from 2 to 19, wherein the portion (10b) adapted for processing the sliding surface (14a) of the blade comprises a feeler pin or pin (96) fitted so as to rest against the side surface of the ski or against the side surface of the blade.
Device according to claim 20, wherein the feeler pin (96) is arranged at an inside portion of the cup grinding wheel (60), so that the abrasive ring (60a) of the cup grinding wheel exhibits an outside edge (60b) substantially at an edge (100) delimiting the sliding surface (14a) of the blade and the sliding surface (12a) of the ski or comprised between the delimiting edge (100) and the lower outside edge (15a) of the blade.
Device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the feeler pin (96) is fitted on an arm (98).
Device according to claim 22, wherein the arm (98) that supports the feeler pin (96) comprises a first portion (98a) and a second portion (98b) fitted on the first portion by a pin (99a) and a threaded element (99b) for adjusting its position relative to the abrasive ring of the grinding wheel.
Device for processing or finishing the blades (14) of a ski (12) comprising a motor (20, 62) operatively associated to a grinding wheel (18, 60) adapted for rotating around an axis (a-a, d-d), said grinding wheel comprising an abrasive ring (18a, 60a) arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel, said device comprising means for changing the inclination of the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel so as to process blade surfaces variedly inclined relative to the sliding surface of the ski or to its perpendicular, said means being actuated by a controlled motor with feedback for changing the inclination of the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel in a controlled manner during the ski blade finishing.
Device for processing or finishing the blades (14) of a ski (12) according to claim 24, wherein said means for changing the inclination of the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel are adapted for inclining the axis of the grinding wheel around an axis (b'-b') laying on a lower outside edge (15a) of the blade or intersection edge between the side surface and the sliding surface of the blade.
Device for processing or finishing the blades (14) of a ski (12) comprising a portion (10b) adapted for processing the sliding surface (14a) of the blade provided with a motor (62) operatively associated to a grinding wheel (60) adapted for rotating around an axis (d-d), said grinding wheel comprising an abrasive ring (60a) arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel, wherein said portion (10b) adapted for processing the sliding surface (14a) of the blade comprises a feeler pin or pin (96) fitted so as to rest against the side surface of the ski or against the side surface of the blade.
Machine for processing the blades (14) of a ski (12) comprising:

a seat for receiving a ski which develops along a longitudinal axis (X-X),

at least one device (10) for processing the blades (14) of a ski (12) according to one of claims from 2 to 26, arranged on a side of the seat relative to the axis (X-X), means for generating a relative movement between the ski (12) and the device (10) along a direction substantially parallel to the development axis (X-X) of the ski.