Machines for depositing ceramic powders

Abstract

A machine (1) for depositing ceramic powder includes a ceramic powder supply device (2) and a dispensing device (3). The supply device (2) is configured to convey ceramic powder received from a process located upstream of the machine. The dispenser (3) is movable along a processing direction (X) extending in a support plane and is configured to receive ceramic powder from the supply device (2) and deposit at least one layer of ceramic powder onto the support plane during the forward and / or backward movement of the dispenser along the processing direction (X). A system for manufacturing ceramic tiles or slabs is also claimed, comprising (i) a machine (1) for depositing ceramic powder, (ii) a conveyor belt (11) defining a support plane, and (iii) a pressing device arranged downstream of the machine (1) along the support plane and configured to press at least one layer of ceramic powder deposited by the machine (1).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of processing ceramic materials.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a machine for depositing ceramic powder, which can be used in systems for manufacturing ceramic products (such as ceramic tiles and slabs) and related systems.

[0003] As is well known, ceramic tiles or slabs can be made by depositing one or more layers of ceramic powder (depending on the desired thickness of the finished product) on a conveyor belt and then pressing them together.

[0004] In known machines, ceramic powder is applied to a conveyor belt as it moves below a suitable dispensing device.

[0005] Once the entire layer has been deposited, the conveyor belt transports the layer along the processing direction until it is brought into the pressing device.

[0006] At this point, the conveyor belt stops until the ceramic powder pressing process is complete.

[0007] Clearly, this operating mechanism leads to reduced productivity because the distributor is inactive during pressing, resulting in significant downtime, and the conveyor belt must also remain stationary relative to the distributor, thus preventing the deposition of another layer of ceramic powder.

[0008] Against this backdrop, the technical objective that forms the basis of the present invention is to provide a machine for depositing ceramic powder that eliminates at least some of the defects of the prior art as described above.

[0009] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a machine for depositing ceramic powder that is capable of continuous operation, thereby eliminating costly and inefficient machine downtime (especially during the ceramic powder pressing process).

[0010] The technical tasks and objectives set forth are essentially achieved by a machine for depositing ceramic powder, which includes the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

[0011] According to the present invention, a machine for depositing ceramic powder is shown, the machine comprising a ceramic powder supply device and a dispensing device.

[0012] The supply unit is configured to convey ceramic powder received from a process located upstream of the machine.

[0013] The dispenser is movable along a processing direction extending in a support plane and is configured to receive ceramic powder from a supply device that deposits at least one layer of ceramic powder on the support plane during its forward and / or backward movement along the processing direction.

[0014] Advantageously, the machine described herein increases the production capacity of systems for processing ceramic powders because it can continuously operate the deposition of subsequent multilayer powders, regardless of the behavior (especially the movement) of the working plane on which the deposition is performed.

[0015] The subject of this invention is also a system for manufacturing ceramic tiles or slabs, the system comprising a machine for depositing ceramic powder according to the invention.

[0016] The system also includes a conveyor belt defining a support plane and a pressing device arranged downstream of the machine along the support plane and configured to press at least one layer of ceramic powder deposited by the machine.

[0017] The dependent claims incorporated herein by reference correspond to different embodiments of the invention.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the general and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the machine for depositing ceramic powder, as shown in the accompanying drawings:

[0019] - Figures 1A to 1C The subsequent steps using the machine for depositing powder according to the present invention are shown;

[0020] - Figure 2 A system for depositing powder according to the present invention is shown.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 generally denotes a machine for depositing ceramic powder, and in the following specification, the object represented by this reference numeral is simply referred to as machine 1.

[0022] The machine 1 according to the invention is particularly well-suited for the controlled distribution of loose materials in granular or powder form. Therefore, examples of materials that can be advantageously deposited by the machine according to the invention include ceramic powders, such as granules or spray-dried powders. Structurally, the machine 1 includes a supply device 2 and a dispenser 3. In use, the supply device 2 conveys the ceramic powder to the dispenser 3, receiving the ceramic powder from a process arranged upstream of the machine 1, for example from inside a tank where such ceramic powder is stored or from other equipment suitable for producing such ceramic powder.

[0023] Specifically, the dispenser 3 is arranged below the supply device 2, such that the ceramic powder is supplied to the dispenser at least in part by falling due to gravity.

[0024] Therefore, the dispenser 3 is configured to deposit ceramic powder received from the supply device 2 onto the support plane in one or more overlapping layers (e.g., depending on the desired thickness of the finished product to be obtained).

[0025] Specifically, the dispenser 3 can move along the processing direction "X" located on the support plane so that it can perform the deposition of ceramic powder during subsequent forward and backward movement along the processing direction "X".

[0026] In other words, the dispenser 3 slides forward and backward along the processing direction "X", and during the movement of the dispenser itself, it releases ceramic powder received from the supply device, depositing the ceramic powder in multiple subsequent layers on the support plane.

[0027] Therefore, the movement of distributor 3 means that ceramic powder is deposited in one or more continuous layers, and the thickness or height of the deposited layer can be adjusted by adjusting the sliding speed of the distributor.

[0028] Specifically, as will be discussed in more detail below, dispenser 3 can be used to deposit ceramic powder onto the plane of a movable conveyor in a predetermined location and amount.

[0029] The movable plane can be activated to move along the processing direction to convey the multilayer ceramic powder deposited by the dispenser 3 toward the subsequent process to be performed downstream of the machine 1.

[0030] Structurally, the dispenser 3 may include a predetermined number of dispensing devices arranged along an alignment direction transverse to the processing direction "X", these dispensing devices being arranged side by side to form an applicator of ceramic powder of a predetermined length.

[0031] In other words, in this way, the dispensing opening is formed in a flat form, which defines a dispensing front end that extends in the alignment direction, transverse to the processing direction "X", along the dispensing device.

[0032] For example, in the case described above where the product is deposited on a movable plane below, the dispensing front end with a dispensing device aligned with the conveying direction of the movable plane substantially allows the product to be deposited over the entire width of the movable plane, which should be understood as the extension range measured transversely to the processing direction "X".

[0033] In order to supply ceramic powder to the dispenser 3 while it moves along the processing direction "X", the supply device 2 includes a tubular element 4 having a first end 4a adapted to receive ceramic powder at the inlet and a second end 4b connected to the dispenser 3 for supplying ceramic powder to the dispenser.

[0034] In addition, the supply device 2 may include a conveyor 5 that docks the tubular element 4 with a ceramic powder conveying system (e.g., the already mentioned tank) arranged upstream of the machine 1.

[0035] In detail, the conveyor 5 extends between an initial loading section 5a adapted to receive ceramic powder from an upstream process of the machine 1 and a terminal unloading section 5b connected to the first end 4a of the tubular element 4.

[0036] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the conveyor 5 is made of a conveyor belt, the sliding speed of which can be adjusted to regulate the amount of ceramic powder transferred to the tubular element 4 and thus to the dispenser 3.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubular element 4 is a rigid tubular element, so that the first end 4a of the tubular element also moves with the movement caused by the sliding of the dispenser along the processing direction "X".

[0038] In this respect, the tubular element 4 defines a straight falling path for the ceramic powder from the first end 4a to the second end 4b, thereby ensuring its proper delivery and preventing the ceramic powder from accumulating within the tubular element 4 itself.

[0039] In this case, the transmitter 5 is movable so that the terminal unloading section 5b remains connected to the first end 4a during the forward and backward movement of the distributor 3.

[0040] In other words, in order to perform the deposition of ceramic powder on the support plane, the movement of the dispenser 3 along the processing direction "X" also causes the movement of the tubular element 4 connected to the dispenser to maintain the correct connection between the tubular element 4 and the conveyor 5 (so as not to interrupt the supply of ceramic powder to the dispenser 3), which is in turn movable to compensate for and follow the movement of the first end 4a of the tubular element 4.

[0041] Structurally, the supply device 2 includes a flexible connecting element 6 between the first end 4a and the terminal unloading portion 5b of the transmitter 5, which connects the two elements so that the two elements are hinged to each other and can move (especially tilt) relative to each other during the movement of the dispenser 3.

[0042] In detail, the tubular element 4 is pivotally connected to the terminal unloading section 5b of the transmitter 5.

[0043] Preferably, the flexible connecting element 6 specifically includes a universal joint 6a configured to hinge the first end 4a of the tubular element 4 to the terminal unloading portion 5b.

[0044] The flexible connecting element 6 may also include a funnel 6b having an inlet nozzle and an unloading nozzle, the inlet nozzle facing the terminal unloading portion 5b for receiving ceramic powder from the terminal unloading portion, the unloading nozzle being configured to communicate directly with the first end 4a and connected to the first end via a universal joint 6a.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the conveyor 5 is also hinged at the initial loading section 5a (e.g., hinged to a fixed support such as a rod or frame), such that movement of the first end 4a of the tubular element 4 causes subsequent raising and lowering of the terminal unloading section 5b.

[0046] In other words, such as Figures 1A to 1C As specifically shown, the movement of the distributor 3 periodically determines the corresponding increase / decrease in the inclination of the tubular element 4 relative to the support plane, and thus determines the gradual and continuous rise and fall of the first end 4a.

[0047] Therefore, the terminal unloading portion 5b, which is connected to the first end 4a by the flexible connecting element 6a, follows the movement of the first end by raising and lowering itself, in order to follow the movement imposed on the tubular element 4 by the distributor 3.

[0048] In detail, the movement of the conveyor 5 is a rotational movement about the hinge axis of the initial loading portion 5a, which is preferably arranged transversely to the processing direction "X".

[0049] The supply device 2 may also include another flexible connecting element 6 located between the second end 4b and the distributor 3.

[0050] Specifically, in this case, the second end 4b of the tubular element 4 can move laterally in the processing direction "X" so that ceramic powder can be sequentially supplied to the various parts constituting the dispensing opening.

[0051] Structurally, the second end 4b is connected via a flexible connecting element 6 (preferably made of a universal joint 6a). The second end 4b, together with the flexible connecting element 6 made of the universal joint 6a, can move via a linear guide positioned above the distributor 3 and transverse to the processing direction "X". During the transverse movement of the second end 4b by a motor device, the supply device 2 progressively supplies the distributor across the entire width of the distributor 3.

[0052] The supply device 2 may also include at least one shock absorber connected to the conveyor 5 and acting on the middle part of the conveyor (i.e., the part between the initial loading part 5a and the terminal unloading part 5b) to facilitate and cushion the raising and lowering movement of the conveyor 5.

[0053] The shock absorber is specifically designed to unload the weight of the entire supply unit (2), which includes the transmitter (5), flexible connecting element (6), and tubular element (4), and is an uncontrolled passive element, and acts as a counterweight to reduce the load above and keep the shock absorber oscillating.

[0054] Specifically, shock absorbers may include air-preloaded hydraulic shock absorbers.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, machine 1 includes a pair of supply devices 2, both of which are connected to the same distributor 3.

[0056] Specifically, machine 1 includes: a supply device 2a connected at a first end of distributor 3 along the processing direction “X”; and a second supply device 2b connected at a second end of distributor 3 opposite to the first end.

[0057] These supply devices 2 can be configured to supply ceramic powder at different dispensing openings, thereby enabling two layers of the same ceramic powder to be deposited simultaneously, or each supply device to deposit its own different type of ceramic powder particularly effectively.

[0058] Alternatively, the two supply devices 2 can be operatively arranged to supply to the same distribution opening in order to always ensure the correct supply to the distribution opening.

[0059] Advantageously, the present invention achieves the proposed objective by overcoming the disadvantages described in the prior art by providing the user with a machine 1 for depositing ceramic powder that can also be operated while the working plane is kept stationary for pressing multiple previously deposited layers.

[0060] The subject matter of the present invention also relates to a system 10 for manufacturing ceramic tiles or ceramic slabs, and in particular to a system 10 comprising a machine 1 manufactured according to one or more of the above-described technical characteristics.

[0061] System 10 also includes: a conveyor belt 11 extending along the processing direction “X”, defining a support plane on which the distributor 3 can deposit ceramic powder; and a pressing device 12 arranged downstream of the machine 1 along the support plane, the pressing device being configured to press at least one layer of ceramic powder deposited by the machine.

[0062] Specifically, during use, the ceramic powder layer deposited on the support plane by the machine 1 is supplied to the pressing device 12 via the conveyor belt 11.

[0063] For example, the pressing device 12 can be manufactured using a belt press known in the field of pressing large-format ceramic slabs.

[0064] This type of press includes a lower pad with an upward-facing pressing surface and an upper pad with a downward-facing pressing surface located above the lower pad.

[0065] At least one of the two pads can move closer to or further away from the other in order to press the ceramic powder layer.

[0066] System 10 may also include other processing stations not shown in the figures, which are arranged to perform their respective processing procedures necessary for manufacturing the finished product (ceramic slab or ceramic tile).

[0067] By way of non-limiting example, such processing stations may include at least one cutting station in which ceramic slabs manufactured inside the pressing device 12 are divided into two or more different elements having predetermined dimensions, or may include other stations configured to manufacture ceramic powder or to move and store semi-finished and finished products (e.g., ceramic slabs and tiles).

[0068] Advantageously, the present invention achieves the stated objective by overcoming the disadvantages described in the prior art by providing users with a system for manufacturing ceramic tiles and slabs that can be operated with high productivity and eliminates the costly downtime of depositing machine 1 during the pressing of ceramic powder layers inside pressing device 12.

Claims

1. A machine for depositing ceramic powder, comprising: - Supply device (2), configured to convey the ceramic powder; - A ceramic powder dispenser (3) is arranged below the supply device (2) and is movable along the processing direction (X) located on the support plane; The dispenser (3) is configured to receive the ceramic powder from the supply device (2) and deposit at least one layer of ceramic powder onto the support plane during forward and / or backward movement of the dispenser (3) along the processing direction (X); The supply device (2) includes a tubular element (4) having a first end (4a) adapted to receive the ceramic powder at an inlet and a second end (4b) connected to the dispenser (3) for supplying the ceramic powder to the dispenser (3). The supply device (2) includes a conveyor (5) extending between an initial loading section (5a) and a terminal unloading section (5b), the initial loading section being adapted to receive the ceramic powder from an upstream process of the machine, and the terminal unloading section being coupled to the first end (4a) for transferring the ceramic powder to the tubular element (4). Its features are: The tubular element (4) is a rigid tubular element (4), and the transmitter (5) is movable so as to keep the terminal unloading part (5b) connected to the first end (4a) during the forward and backward movement of the distributor (3).

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein, The supply device (2) includes a flexible connecting element (6) between the first end (4a) and the terminal unloading portion (5b) of the transmitter (5).

3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein, The flexible connecting element (6) includes a universal joint (6a) configured to hinge the first end (4a) to the terminal unloading portion (5b).

4. The machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The transmitter (5) is hinged at the initial loading section (5a) such that movement of the first end (4a) of the tubular element (4) causes subsequent raising and lowering of the terminal unloading section (5b).

5. The machine according to claim 4, wherein, The supply device (2) includes at least one shock absorber connected to the transmitter (5) and acting on the middle portion of the transmitter (5) to facilitate and cushion the raising and lowering movement of the transmitter (5).

6. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The dispenser (3) includes a linear dispensing opening transverse to the processing direction (X).

7. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second end (4b) of the tubular element (4) can move laterally in the processing direction (X).

8. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the machine comprising a first supply device (2a) and a second supply device (2b), both connected to the same dispenser (3) capable of moving forward and / or backward along the processing direction (X).

9. A system for manufacturing ceramic tiles or ceramic slabs, the system comprising: - A machine for depositing ceramic powder according to any one of claims 1 to 8; - Conveyor belt (11) defines the supporting plane; - A pressing device (12) is arranged downstream of the machine along the support plane and configured to press at least one layer of ceramic powder deposited by the machine (1).

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