Machine for trimming and edge-profiling plate-like workpieces

A machine for trimming and edge-profiling platelike metallic workpieces having a width in excess of a predetermined value, comprising

• 1. substantially horizontal workpiece carrier track means extending from a receiving end to a discharge end,
• 2. workpiece carrier means of a width smaller than said predetermined value and movable on said track means between said receiving and discharge ends, said workpiece carrier means comprising at least one workpiece carrier which has a longitudinal axis and support means defining a substantially horizontal workpiece-supporting plane, and fixing means for fixing the workpiece to said workpiece carrier on said support means,
• 3. supporting rollers disposed on both sides of said track means and rotatable on axes which are transverse to said track means and are spaced apart along said track means from said receiving end to said discharge end, said supporting rollers being disposed laterally outwardly of said workpiece carrier means and adapted partially to support a workpiece when said workpiece is fixed to said workpiece carrier,
• 4. milling means disposed on at least one side of said track means and comprising at least one milling unit which has a milling cutter mounted for rotation on an axis which is substantially normal to said workpiece-supporting plane, and first guide roller means adapted to roll on the upper surface of a workpiece thus fixed to said workpiece carrier when the latter moves along said track means past said milling unit,
• 5. at least one carriage which is movable transversely to said track means, each milling unit being mounted on and connected to one of said carriages by a pivot,
• 6. a rocker lever which is pivoted to said carriage, the milling unit and the rocker lever being pivotal in a plane normal to the workpiece-supporting plane,
• 7. second guide roller means carried by said rocker lever and arranged to face the lower surface of a workpiece thus fixed to said workpiece carrier as the latter moves past said milling unit, and
• 8. force-exerting means operatively connected to said milling unit and said rocker lever and operable to force said first and second guide roller means against the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of a workpiece thus fixed to said workpiece carrier.