Machine and method for cutting panels made of stone or ceramic or glass material

Abstract

A machine (1) for cutting plates (L) made of stone or ceramic or glass material is disclosed, comprising: a support table (2); a processing unit (4) comprising at least one nozzle (8A) for cutting the plate (L) by means of a high-pressure water jet with abrasive and a cutting disk (6) designed to form a groove (S) in the plate (L) in the cutting direction, the cutting disk (6) and the at least one nozzle (8A) being mounted on a support head (10); first and second displacement means (12, 14) intended to displace the processing unit (4) in the cutting direction and in a direction perpendicular to the support table (2), respectively; and a first movement device (22) configured to move the at least one nozzle (8A) relative to the support head (10) from a retracted or rest position to an extraction operating position. The machine (1) comprises a positioning device (25) configured to place at least one nozzle (8A) behind the cutting disk (6) in the cutting direction, oriented such that the water jet enters the cutting slot (S) and impinges on its bottom apex, the nozzle (8A) and the cutting disk (6) being activated simultaneously during displacement in the cutting direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of processing articles made of stone or ceramic materials or similar materials, in particular to the cutting of plates made of stone or ceramic or glass materials.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a machine and a method for cutting plates made of stone or ceramic or glass materials. Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, machines are known for cutting plates made of, for example, natural stone, natural stone conglomerate, and ceramic or glass materials.

[0004] Such cutting machines mainly comprise a processing unit, which is provided with cutting means and is movable above a table for supporting the plate by means of a first displacement means and a second displacement means.

[0005] Depending on the type of cut to be performed on the plate, the cutting means of the processing unit may comprise a cutting disc with a respective spindle, or at least one nozzle for performing the cut with a high-pressure water jet and dispersed abrasive, or a combination of a cutting disc and a nozzle.

[0006] Generally, the cutting disc is used to perform straight cuts on the plate, while the nozzle for performing the cut with a water jet and abrasive is used to perform precise cuts or curved cuts; thus, the cutting disc and the nozzle are used as alternatives to each other.

[0007] The feed speed of the cutting disc is generally adjusted in the range between 1 and 15 m / min, and the feed speed of at least one nozzle is generally adjusted in the range between 0.1 and 0.5 m / min, depending on the type of material and the thickness of the plate, which is generally in the range between 6 and 40 mm.

[0008] Generally, the diamond-coated edge of the cutting disc has a thickness of approximately 3 - 4 mm and generates a cutting groove of a few tenths of a mm, while the water jet with abrasive has a diameter of approximately 1 mm.

[0009] Furthermore, the cutting groove formed by the cutting disc has a pair of bottom vertices located on opposite sides of the groove.

[0010] The first displacement means and the second displacement means may be of the Cartesian or anthropomorphic type.

[0011] In a first embodiment, the first displacement means generally comprises: a longitudinal beam, which is slidably supported at its ends by a pair of transverse support shoulders or structures; and a carriage, which is slidably mounted on the beam.

[0012] By means of these displacement devices, the machining unit can be moved along two mutually perpendicular cutting directions located in a plane parallel to the support table or, alternatively, along a further path by means of interpolation.

[0013] Furthermore, the second displacement device preferably includes a sleeve for displacing the machining unit along a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the support table between a raised rest position for cutting the plate and a lowered operating position.

[0014] Conversely, in a second embodiment, the first displacement device and the second displacement device consist of at least one robot arm movable in all directions and thus of an anthropomorphic structure capable of being positioned at any point in the working space and / or of being able to travel along any interpolation path.

[0015] The machining unit further includes a head for supporting the cutting disc and at least one nozzle.

[0016] Referring to the embodiments of the displacement devices described above, the support head is mounted at the bottom end of the sleeve or at the end of the robot arm so as to be rotatable relative to the sleeve or the robot arm at least about a vertical axis.

[0017] The support head can also be a double-rotating head, i.e., it can include a fork structure rotatably mounted about a vertical axis on the sleeve or the robot arm and a support designed to support the cutting disc and at least one nozzle, the support being rotatable relative to the fork about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the vertical axis.

[0018] At least one nozzle can be moved relative to the support head between a retracted or rest position, in which only the disc is used to cut the plate, and an extended operating position, in which only the high-pressure water jet is used to cut the plate, and vice versa.

[0019] The movement of the nozzle is carried out by means of a moving device which preferably includes a pneumatic cylinder or a mechanical drive.

[0020] The worktable generally includes a water tank for receiving and damping the high-pressure water jet when the nozzle is used to cut the plate.

[0021] The water tank is covered at the top by a disposable surface which is generally formed by an interchangeable metal grille and one or more actual disposable elements positioned on top of the grille.

[0022] The grille generally consists of a series of steel profiles arranged side by side with each other, and the disposable elements are made of wood or plastic or elastomeric material.

[0023] The invention preferably relates to the following embodiment, in which the disposable surface is formed by a series of adjacent steel profiles and one or more sacrificial elements positioned on top of the profiles.

[0024] When the cutting disc is used to cut a plate, the cutting disc penetrates to a predetermined depth within the thickness of the disposable element, approximately 1 mm; thus, the latter element has the function of avoiding contact between the cutting disc and the metal grid.

[0025] Furthermore, the high-pressure water jet also acts on the disposable element, cutting it integrally, and thus cutting into the metal grid only in a limited amount.

[0026] An example of such a machine for cutting plates is disclosed in Italian Patent No. 102013902145818 and International Patent Application No. WO2006 / 043294.

[0027] The first drawback of the above technical solution is that the disposable element located on top of the grid must be replaced frequently in order to ensure that the protective function of the metal grid is properly carried out.

[0028] Considering that these operations are particularly long and complex, the frequent operations involving the replacement of the disposable element result in an overall increase in the processing time.

[0029] This drawback is exacerbated in the process of cutting plates made of ceramic materials, which are particularly hard but inherently fragile and have internal tensions caused by the firing process.

[0030] Therefore, these processes mainly use high-pressure water jets for cutting operations because using a disc would cause the plate to break or crack.

[0031] However, the high-pressure water jet rapidly wears out the sacrificial element, so these cutting processes require more frequent replacement of the disposable element.

[0032] Another drawback of the above technical solution is that the adjustment of the positioning of the nozzle behind the cutting disc is usually carried out manually, thus being laborious and difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0033] The main object of the present invention is to provide a machine and method for cutting plates of stone or ceramic or glass materials, which can solve the above problems.

[0034] A specific task of the present invention is to provide a machine for cutting plates of stone or ceramic or glass materials, which requires less maintenance compared to the cutting machines known in the art.

[0035] Another task of the present invention is to provide a machine for cutting plates of stone or ceramic or glass materials, which has higher productivity and lower management costs compared to the machines known in the art.

[0036] Another task of the present invention is to provide a machine for cutting plates of stone or ceramic or glass materials, which can easily maintain high precision in plate cutting.

[0037] A further object of the present invention is to provide a machine for cutting plates of stone or ceramic or glass material, which is capable of easily adjusting the positioning of one or more nozzles in order to perform the cutting using a water jet located behind the cutting disc.

[0038] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for cutting plates of stone or ceramic or glass material, which has a high productivity and is capable of cutting the plates with high precision.

[0039] The above main objects and purposes are respectively achieved by a machine and a method for cutting plates of stone or ceramic material according to claims 1 and 18. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In order to more clearly illustrate the innovative principle of the present invention and its advantages compared to the prior art, at least one example of an embodiment of a machine for cutting plates according to the present invention will be described below with the aid of the drawings. In particular, in the drawings:

[0041] - Figure 1 A front view of a first embodiment of a machine for cutting plates according to the present invention according to a first configuration is shown;

[0042] - Figure 2 and Figure 3 are perspective views of details of a cutting machine according to Figure 1 at two different operating positions;

[0043] - Figure 4 is an enlarged front view of details of a cutting machine according to Figure 1 ;

[0044] - Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of details of a cutting machine according to Figure 1 ;

[0045] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 are respectively a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a machine according to a second configuration and a corresponding enlarged view of its details (indicated by "A" in Figure 6 ), the second configuration being an alternative to the first configuration shown in Figures 1 to 5 ;

[0046] - Figure 8 A front view of a first embodiment of a machine for cutting plates according to the present invention according to a third configuration is shown;

[0047] - Figures 9 to 12 corresponds to Figures 2 to 5 indicated above and relates to Figure 8 a third configuration of the cutting machine;

[0048] - Figure 13 and Figure 14 corresponding to that indicated above Figure 6 and Figure 7 and relates to a fourth configuration which is an alternative to the third configuration of the machine shown; Figures 8 to 12 The enlarged details of Figure 14 are indicated by "B" in Figure 13 ; and

[0049] - Figure 15 and Figure 16 show perspective views of a second embodiment of a machine for cutting a plate according to the invention according to two different configurations. Detailed Description

[0050] This specification, provided only by way of non-limiting example of the scope of protection of the present invention, relates to a machine and a method for cutting plates of stone or ceramic or glass material; the cutting machine is generally designated by the reference numeral 1.

[0051] The plate L to be cut has different shapes and dimensions and can also be made of materials different from those indicated above, provided they have similar structural properties.

[0052] The cutting machine 1 preferably comprises:

[0053] - a support table 2 for the plate L to be cut;

[0054] - a processing unit 4 which includes at least one nozzle 8A and a cutting disc 6, the nozzle being for cutting the plate L by means of a high-pressure water jet with abrasive, the cutting disc being located in an extension plane π and being able to form a cutting groove S in the plate L along a cutting direction, the cutting disc 6 and at least one nozzle 8A being mounted on a support head 10;

[0055] - a first displacement device 12 and a second displacement device 14 which are intended to displace the processing unit 4 respectively along the cutting direction and along a vertical direction perpendicular to the support table 2.

[0056] Advantageously, as more clearly shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 8 to 11 the support table 2 is formed by a water tank 3 and a metal grid 5, the metal grid being positioned on the top opening of the water tank 2 and forming a sacrificial surface during the cutting of the plate L.

[0057] As shown in the second embodiment with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 the machine may also include a pair of support tables 2 of the type indicated above.

[0058] The water tank 3 is designed to hold water in order to dampen the high-pressure water jet emitted by at least one nozzle 8A; in this regard, preferably, the water level height inside the water tank 3 is maintained at a distance of 70 - 90 cm from the bottom of the water tank 3.

[0059] Since the metal grid 5 is designed to withstand the cutting action of the water jet with abrasives passing through the plate L, the metal grid is preferably interchangeable.

[0060] Furthermore, the metal grid 5 consists of a series of steel profiles, which are arranged side by side with each other and generally have a height between 80 and 100 mm and a thickness between 4 and 6 mm, as Figure 4 and Figure 11 shown.

[0061] Different from the cutting machines known in the art, the support table 2 of the cutting machine 1 according to the present invention does not have disposable elements, which are usually positioned on the top in contact with the metal grid and designed to withstand the action of the rotating cutting disc penetrating into the plate.

[0062] Therefore, in the cutting machine 1 according to the present invention, the metal grid 5 is designed to directly contact the bottom surface of the plate L to be cut.

[0063] This measure, which is also made possible by the additional technical characteristics of the machine described below, can reduce the maintenance required for the machine because there are no disposable elements, and thus increase the productivity of the machine and reduce the management cost.

[0064] In Figures 1 to 14 , in particular Figure 1 and Figure 8 In the first embodiment of the present invention shown, the first displacement device 12 is of the Cartesian type and preferably includes a beam 13 slidably mounted at its ends on a corresponding support structure or lateral shoulder 15 and a carriage 19 slidably mounted on the beam 13.

[0065] Suitably, the first displacement device 12 is configured to displace the processing unit 4 along two directions parallel to the support table 2 and perpendicular to each other, and these parallel directions alternately constitute the cutting direction of the disc 6; alternatively, the first displacement device 12 can displace the processing unit 4 along different trajectories by means of interpolation.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second displacement device 14 preferably includes a sleeve 20, which is mounted on the carriage 19 and is designed to displace the processing unit 4 along a vertical direction perpendicular to the support table 2 so that the cutting disc 6 and at least one nozzle 8A move from a raised non-operating position to an operating position opposite to the plate L to be cut.

[0067] In particular, the second displacement device 14 is configured to:

[0068] - Adjust the distance between the cutting disk 6 and the top surface of the support table 2;

[0069] - Hold the cutting disk 6 in the operating position, at a predetermined distance or height, preferably about 1 - 2 mm, from the top surface of the support table 2 (i.e., the top surface of the grille 5), while the cutting disk penetrates the plate L to form the groove S.

[0070] Thus, the cutting disk 6 does not fully penetrate into the plate L when forming the cutting groove S, leaving a remaining plate thickness to be cut, preferably equal to about 1 - 2 mm. The cutting groove S formed by the cutting disk 6 also has a pair of bottom vertices located on opposite sides of the cutting groove S.

[0071] The support head 10 is mounted on the bottom end of the sleeve 20 and can rotate relative to the sleeve 20 at least about the vertical axis V, for example, by means of a gear motor mounted on the sleeve 20.

[0072] The rotation of the support head 10 about the vertical axis V allows the cutting disk 6 and thus the nozzle 8A to be oriented along the desired cutting direction.

[0073] In Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the alternative embodiment shown, the first and second displacement devices 12, 14 consist of an anthropomorphic robotic arm 21 for displacing the machining unit 4 at least along the cutting direction.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the support head 10 is mounted on the end of the arm 21 and can rotate relative thereto.

[0075] Preferably, as Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 9 to 11 shown more clearly in, the support head 10 is a double - rotating fork head having a vertical rotation axis V (as disclosed above with reference to the rotation of the machining unit 4 relative to the sleeve 20) and a horizontal rotation axis H.

[0076] In particular, the support head 10 includes a fork 7 rotatably connected to the bottom end of the sleeve 20 and a support 9 rotatable relative to the fork 7 about the horizontal axis H.

[0077] The cutting disk 6 having a corresponding electric spindle 11 and in some cases having a protective cover (not shown in the figures) and at least one nozzle 8A are mounted on the support 9.

[0078] Thus, after the support 9 rotates about the horizontal axis H, the cutting disk 6 can be moved from a first position, in which the cutting disk 6 is perpendicular to the support table 2 (see Figure 2 and Figure 9 ), to a second position, in which the cutting disk is inclined relative to the support table 2 (see Figure 3 and Figure 10 ), and vice versa.

[0079] In operation, the rotation of the head 10 relative to the sleeve 20 allows the cutting direction of the disc 6 and at least one nozzle 8A to be changed, while the rotation of the support 9 relative to the fork 7 allows the cutting inclination to be changed.

[0080] According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the drawings, instead of the double-rotation head, a support head with a different construction can be provided, such as a head that rotates only about a vertical axis or a support head in which another axis of rotation is inclined relative to the vertical axis of rotation, preferably at 45°.

[0081] Furthermore, at least one nozzle 8A is mounted on a respective body 16, which is in turn mounted on the support head 10, and a water supply line 18 or a part thereof is formed within the body, as Figure 5 and Figure 12 shown.

[0082] The water jet with added suitable abrasive typically has a pressure equal to about 3000 - 6000 bar at the outlet of the nozzle 8A.

[0083] According to the invention, the cutting machine 1 includes positioning means 25, which are configured to position at least one nozzle 8A behind the cutting disc 6 along the cutting direction, with its orientation such that the water jet enters the cutting groove S formed by the cutting disc 6 and impacts one of its bottom vertices (see Figure 7 ).

[0084] Thus, at least one nozzle 8A is arranged behind the cutting disc 6 along the cutting direction and is slightly offset relative thereto by means of the positioning means 25.

[0085] As will be more clearly described with reference to the following method, this arrangement ensures that the cutting disc 6 and at least one nozzle 8A are simultaneously activated during the displacement of the processing unit 4 along the cutting direction, and thus:

[0086] - By means of the cutting disc 6 held at a predetermined distance or height from the top surface of the support table 2, a cutting groove S (i.e., a partial cut) is formed in the plate;

[0087] - The cutting is completed by means of a high-pressure water jet with abrasive emitted by at least one nozzle 8A, thereby generating a cutting edge without roughness.

[0088] In Figures 8 to 14 and Figure 16 the third construction of the cutting machine 1 shown, the processing unit 4 includes a pair of nozzles 8A, 8B of the type described above.

[0089] The positioning device 25 of the machine 1 is configured to place the nozzles 8A, 8B behind the cutting disc 6 along the cutting direction and on opposite sides of the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6, with an orientation such that the respective water jets enter the cutting groove S and impinge on its two bottom vertices (see Figure 14 ).

[0090] In particular, the nozzles 8A, 8B of this configuration are both arranged behind the cutting disc 6 along the cutting direction and are slightly offset relative to the cutting disc.

[0091] Conveniently, during the displacement of the machining unit 4 along the cutting direction, the two nozzles 8A, 8B are activated simultaneously.

[0092] The cutting disc 6 and the nozzles 8A, 8B of the third configuration can also be used individually instead of in combination for cutting the plate L.

[0093] Advantageously, considering that the width of the cut performed by the disc 6 is approximately 3 - 4 mm and the diameter of the water jet is approximately 1 mm, the combined use of the two nozzles 8A, 8B arranged on opposite sides of the cutting disc 6 ensures the generation of a cutting edge with a uniform surface and no roughness on both sides of the cut performed.

[0094] If the machine instead uses a single nozzle 8A, thus in the first configuration, the part of the plate that is not affected by the water jet on the side may have roughness and thus constitutes machining waste.

[0095] To ensure that one or more water jets impinging on the bottom vertices of the groove S formed by the cutting disc 6 prevent roughness from forming in the plate L, preferably, at least one nozzle 8A or the nozzles 8A, 8B are oriented with an inclination angle α between 1° and 6° relative to the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6, as Figure 6 and Figure 13 illustrated.

[0096] At this point, the positioning device 25 is configured to guide at least one nozzle 8A or the nozzles 8A, 8B within the indicated inclination angles.

[0097] This inclination angle α of at least one nozzle 8A or the nozzles 8A, 8B relative to the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6 can advantageously be maintained both when the cutting disc 6 is in a vertical position and when it is in an inclined position relative to the support table 2.

[0098] In this way, the water jets enter the groove S formed by the cutting disc 6 without colliding along the sides of the groove S.

[0099] The cutting machine 1 further includes a first moving device 22, which is configured to move at least one nozzle 8A or nozzles 8A, 8B from a retracted or stationary position to an extended operating position relative to the support head 10 so as to perform cutting of the plate by ejecting a high-pressure water jet with abrasive.

[0100] In operation, in the stationary position, the nozzles 8A, 8B are held at a height approximately 2 - 10 cm above the plate L, while in the operating position, the nozzles 8A, 8B are held at a distance of approximately 1.5 - 3 mm close to the plate L.

[0101] As Figures 2 to 6 and Figures 9 to 13 more clearly illustrated, at least one nozzle 8A or nozzles 8A, 8B are mounted on a slider 24, and the slider 24 is moved by the first moving device 22 acting directly on the slider 24.

[0102] Thus, in the configuration envisaging a pair of nozzles 8A, 8B, these nozzles 8A, 8B are simultaneously and jointly moved between the stationary position and the operating position by the first moving device 22 acting on the slider 24.

[0103] Conveniently, the positioning device 25 of the cutting machine 1 may include a second moving device 26, which is configured to move at least one nozzle 8A relative to the support head 10 at least along a moving direction X1 perpendicular to the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6.

[0104] In Figure 2 and Figure 5 and Figure 9 and Figure 12 In the operating position of the processing unit 4 more clearly shown in

[0105] where the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6 is in a vertical position perpendicular to the support table 2, the moving direction X1 of at least one nozzle 8A is substantially horizontal and parallel to the support table 2.

[0106] In a third configuration of the machine 1 envisaging a pair of nozzles 8A, 8B, the second moving device 26 is configured to move at least one or both nozzles 8A, 8B along corresponding directions X1, X2 perpendicular to the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6.

[0107] The second moving device 26 allows the nozzles 8A, 8B to be properly oriented relative to the cutting disc 6.

[0108] At least one nozzle 8A or nozzles 8A, 8B can be moved by the second moving device 26 along the corresponding directions X1, X2 so as to maintain the tilt angle α within approximately 1° to 6° relative to the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6.

[0109] The first moving device 22 and the positioning device 25 (i.e., the second moving device 26) are mounted on the machining unit 4, in particular on the support head 10.

[0110] Thus, these devices perform all the movements described above with reference to the rotation of the first displacement device 12, the second displacement device 14, and the support head 10.

[0111] As Figures 2 to 5 and Figures 9 to 12 clearly illustrated, the first moving device 22 for moving at least one nozzle 8A or the nozzles 8A or 8B from the retracted position to the withdrawn operating position includes a corresponding actuator 31.

[0112] As Figures 2 to 3 , Figures 5 to 6 , Figures 9 to 10 and Figures 12 to 13 more clearly shown in, the second moving device 26 includes an alternative actuator 28, which is provided with a slide bar 29 for the independent movement of at least one nozzle 8A or two nozzles 8A, 8B along respective directions X1, X2 perpendicular to the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6.

[0113] The actuator 31 of the first moving device 22 and the actuator 28 of the second moving device 26 are preferably constituted by an electric drive, in particular having a screw and an internal thread transmission.

[0114] As Figures 2 to 3 , Figures 5 to 6 , Figures 9 to 10 and Figures 12 to 13 further shown, the rod 29 of the actuator 28 of the second moving device 26 passes through the above-mentioned slider 24 and can slide between the retracted position and the extended position along the movement directions X1, X2 perpendicular to the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6 within the corresponding channels 33 formed in the slider 24.

[0115] As Figures 5 to 6 and Figures 12 to 13 more clearly shown in, the bodies 16 of the nozzles 8A, 8B having the respective supply lines 18 for water with abrasive are mounted on the ends of the rod 29 of the actuator 28.

[0116] In Figure 5 and Figure 12 the first and third configurations shown, the extension axes Y of the nozzles 8A, 8B, i.e., the extension axes Y of their bodies 16, are perpendicular to the movement directions X1, X2.

[0117] In Figure 6 and Figure 13In the second and fourth configurations shown, the extension axes Y of the nozzles 8A, 8B, i.e., the extension axes Y of their bodies 16, are oriented at an inclination angle α between 1° and 6° with respect to the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6.

[0118] The positioning device 25 at the end of the rod 29 may include devices not shown in the figures, which are designed to adjust the inclination of the nozzles 8A, 8B with respect to the extension plane π of the cutting disc 6 within the above range.

[0119] In a manner known per se, the first displacement device 12, the second displacement device 14, the first moving device 22 and the second moving device 24, the drive and the device for rotating the head 10 are connected to a control unit, which is designed to adjust their operation (not shown in the figures).

[0120] In addition, the adjustment carried out by the control unit allows the cutting disc 6 and at least one nozzle 8A or the nozzles 8A, 8B to be started simultaneously.

[0121] Advantageously, the support head 10 may also be provided with a retractable suction cup (not shown in the figures), which is designed to pick up the plate element L obtained by cutting with the disc 6 and / or with a water jet and abrasive and to move it on the support table 2.

[0122] As described above, the present invention also relates to a method for cutting a plate L of stone or ceramic or glass material, which method advantageously uses the above-described cutting machine 1.

[0123] The cutting method comprises the following steps:

[0124] i) Positioning the plate L on the support table 2 having a top surface;

[0125] ii) Forming a cutting groove S in the plate L by the displacement of the cutting disc 6 along a respective straight cutting direction; during this step, the cutting disc 6 penetrates into the thickness of the plate L to a predetermined depth or distance from the top surface of the support table 2;

[0126] iii) Further cutting the plate along the cutting direction by means of a high-pressure water jet with abrasive emitted by at least one nozzle 8A.

[0127] Before or during step iii), the method envisages a step for positioning at least one nozzle 8A behind the cutting disc 6, wherein the orientation of the nozzle 8A is such that the water jet with abrasive enters the groove S formed by the cutting disc 6 and impinges on its bottom vertex, thus completing the cutting of the plate L through its entire thickness.

[0128] Then, after the positioning step, at least one nozzle 8A is arranged behind the cutting disc 6 along the cutting direction and is slightly offset with respect thereto.

[0129] As already referred to the cutting machine 1, the top surface of the support table 2 is formed by a metal grid 5; step i) is carried out by positioning the plate L such that its bottom surface is in direct contact with the metal grid 5.

[0130] Advantageously, step iii) is carried out by means of high-pressure water jets emitted by a pair of nozzles 8A, 8B as disclosed above with reference to the cutting machine 1.

[0131] The positioning and / or orientation of at least one nozzle 8A or of the nozzles 8A, 8B provided with a pair of nozzles 8A, 8B is carried out by means of the positioning device 25 of the machine 1, i.e. by means of the second moving device 26, as described above.

[0132] Advantageously, step ii) for forming the cutting groove S and step iii) for further cutting the plate are carried out simultaneously along the cutting direction, i.e. during a single pass of the machining unit 4.

[0133] During the respective step ii) for forming the cutting groove S, the disc 6 is held at a distance or height preferably equal to approximately 1 - 2 mm from the top surface of the support table 2, i.e. from the top surface of the metal grid 5.

[0134] In this way, the cutting disc 6 does not completely cut through the entire thickness of the plate L positioned on the metal grid 5 of the support table 2, and thus does not affect the vanes of the grid 5, thereby limiting its wear.

[0135] According to this latter operating mode, the moving speed of the cutting disc 6 can also be set to a value higher than the above value.

[0136] Thereafter, as Figures 5 to 7 and Figures 12 to 14 shown with reference to different configurations, the cutting is completed by means of high-pressure water jets through the nozzle 8A or the nozzles 8A, 8B, the high-pressure water jets entering the groove S formed by the disc 6, impinging on the bottom vertex of the groove S and cutting the remaining thickness of the material.

[0137] If the support head 10 is provided with suction cup means capable of displacing the cut plate element, and in order to prevent cross-cutting and thus prevent the disc 6 from colliding with adjacent elements, after displacing the adjacent element, it is no longer necessary to decelerate the head 10 in order to complete the cutting of the adjacent element.

[0138] Alternatively, if the support head 10 does not have suction cup means and the cutting direction intersects another cutting direction, for example in order to form quadrilateral elements of different sizes, in order to avoid cutting into another element, the support head 10 first decelerates and then rises in order to disengage the cutting disc 6 from the plate L, while the nozzles 8A, 8B are further lowered by the same amount in order to complete the cutting of the entire thickness of the plate L, while reducing the moving speed of the head 10 and adapting it to the moving speed of the nozzles 8A, 8B.

[0139] From the above description, it is now clear how the machine and method for cutting plates according to the present invention can advantageously achieve a predetermined purpose.

[0140] In particular, providing at least one nozzle or a plurality of nozzles behind the cutting disc and using a positioning device (i.e., a second moving device) allows the nozzles to be positioned and oriented relative to the cutting disc in a suitable and precise manner.

[0141] Due to this arrangement, the use of disposable elements can be avoided while limiting the wear of the metal grid, thereby reducing the maintenance operations required for the machine.

[0142] Furthermore, the above-indicated advantages obtained by using the cutting machine and method according to the present invention do not adversely affect the quality and precision of plate cutting. On the contrary, compared with the machines known in the art, the cutting quality and precision are improved.

[0143] Obviously, the above description of the embodiments applying the innovative principles of the present invention is provided by way of examples of these innovative principles and should not therefore be regarded as limiting the scope of the rights claimed herein.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for cutting a plate (L) made of stone or ceramic or glass material, comprising: - a support table (2) for the plate (L) to be cut; - a processing unit (4), said processing unit comprising at least one nozzle (8A) for cutting the plate (L) by means of a high-pressure water jet with abrasive and a cutting disc (6) designed to form a groove (S) in the plate (L) along a cutting direction, said cutting disc (6) and said at least one nozzle (8A) being mounted on a support head (10); - a first displacement device (12) and a second displacement device (14), said first displacement device and second displacement device being intended to displace the processing unit (4) at least along said cutting direction and along a vertical direction perpendicular to the support table (2); - a first moving device (22) configured to move said at least one nozzle (8A) relative to the support head (10) from a retracted or stationary position to a withdrawn operating position and vice versa; The machine (1) is characterized in that the machine comprises a positioning device (25) configured to place said at least one nozzle (8A) behind the cutting disc (6) along the cutting direction, with an orientation such that the water jet enters the groove (S) formed by the cutting disc (6) and impinges on the bottom vertex of the groove, and said at least one nozzle (8A) and the cutting disc (6) are started simultaneously during displacement along the cutting direction.

2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit (4) comprises a pair of nozzles (8A, 8B), and the cutting disc (6) is located in an extension plane (π), the positioning device (25) being configured to position the nozzles (8A, 8B) behind the cutting disc (6) along the cutting direction and on opposite sides of the extension plane (π) of the cutting disc (6), with an orientation such that the corresponding water jets enter the groove (S) formed by the cutting disc (6) and impinge on the two bottom vertices of the groove, the nozzles (8A, 8B) and the cutting disc (6) being started simultaneously during displacement along the cutting direction.

3. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The positioning device (25) is configured to direct said at least one nozzle (8A) or the nozzles (8A, 8B) at an inclination angle (α) between 1° and 6° relative to the extension plane (π) of the cutting disc (6).

4. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The positioning device (25) comprises a second moving device (26) configured to move said at least one nozzle (8A) or the nozzles (8A, 8B) relative to the support head (10) at least along a moving direction (X1) or along corresponding moving directions (X1, X2) perpendicular to the extension plane (π) of the cutting disc (6).

5. The machine (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The second moving device (26) is configured to move at least one or both of the nozzles (8A, 8B) along corresponding moving directions (X1, X2) perpendicular to the extension plane (π) of the cutting disc (6).

6. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one nozzle (8A) or the nozzles (8A, 8B) are mounted on a slide (24) which is moved by the first moving means (22) acting on the slide (24).

7. The machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one nozzle (8A) or the nozzles (8A, 8B) are mounted on a slide (24), and the second moving means (26) includes a respective actuator (28) for independently moving the at least one nozzle (8A) or the nozzles (8A, 8B) in a respective direction (X1, X2) perpendicular to the extension plane (π) of the cutting disc (6).

8. The machine (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The rod (29) of the actuator (28) of the second moving means (26) passes through the slide (24) and is slidable between a retracted position and a position extending in the moving direction (X1, X2) perpendicular to the extension plane (π) of the cutting disc (6).

9. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that, The at least one nozzle (8A) or the nozzles (8A, 8B) are mounted on a respective body (16) which is mounted at the end of the rod (29) of the actuator (28), wherein the extension axis (Y) of the nozzles (8A, 8B) is perpendicular to the moving direction (X1, X2).

10. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that, The at least one nozzle (8A) or the nozzles (8A, 8B) are mounted on a respective body (16) which is mounted at the end of the rod (29) of the actuator (28), wherein the extension axis (Y) of the nozzles (8A, 8B) is oriented at an inclination angle (α) between 1° and 6° with respect to the extension plane (π) of the cutting disc (6).

11. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that, The first moving means (22) and the second moving means (29) include actuators (31, 28) constituted by electric drives.

12. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support table (2) is constituted by a water tank (3) intended to contain water and a metal grille (5) positioned above the top opening of the water tank (3), the metal grille (5) being intended to be in direct contact with the bottom face of the plate (L) to be cut.

13. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support head (10) is a double-rotating fork head having a vertical rotation axis (V) and a horizontal rotation axis (H), and the cutting disc (6) and the at least one nozzle (8A) or the nozzles (8A, 8B) are mounted on a support (9) of the head (10) which is rotatable about the horizontal axis (H).

14. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second displacement means (14) is configured to hold the cutting disc (6) in an operating position at a predetermined distance or height from the top face of the support table (2), i.e., the top face of the grille (5), while the cutting disc (6) penetrates into the plate (L) for cutting and forming the groove (S).

15. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first displacement device (12) includes a beam (13) whose ends are slidably mounted on corresponding support structures or lateral shoulders (15), and a carriage (19) slidably mounted along the beam (13). The second displacement device (14) includes a sleeve (20) mounted on the carriage (19) and intended to displace the machining unit (4) along a vertical direction perpendicular to the support table (2).

16. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The first displacement device (12) and the second displacement device (14) are constituted by an anthropomorphic robotic arm (21) for displacing the machining unit (4) at least along the cutting direction and along the vertical direction.

17. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support head (10) is provided with retractable suction cups designed to pick up and displace plate elements placed on the support table (2) and obtained by cutting with the disc (6) and / or water jet and abrasive.

18. A method for cutting a plate (L) made of stone or ceramic or glass material by means of a cutting machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the method comprising the following steps: i) Positioning the plate (L) on a support table (2) having a top surface; ii) Forming a cutting groove (S) in the plate (L) by displacement of a cutting disc (6) along the cutting direction, the disc (6) penetrating into the thickness of the plate (L) to a predetermined depth or distance from the top surface of the support table (2); iii) Further cutting the plate (L) along the cutting direction by means of a high-pressure water jet emitted by at least one nozzle (8A); Characterized in that, before or during the step iii), a step of positioning the at least one nozzle (8A) behind the cutting disc (6) is carried out, such that the at least one nozzle (8A) has an orientation such that the water jet enters the groove (S) formed by the cutting disc (6) and impinges on the bottom vertex of the groove, thereby completing the cutting of the plate (L) through its entire thickness.

19. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The step ii) of forming the cutting groove (S) and the step iii) of further cutting are carried out simultaneously along the cutting direction.

20. The method according to any one of claims 18 and 19, characterized in that, The top surface of the support table (2) is formed by a metal grille (5), and the step i) is carried out by positioning the plate (L) such that the bottom surface of the plate is in direct contact with the grille (5).

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, During the step ii), the cutting disc (6) is maintained at a distance or height equal to approximately 1 - 2 mm from the top surface of the support table (2), i.e., from the metal grille (5).

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, The step iii) is carried out by means of high-pressure water jets emitted by a pair of nozzles (8A, 8B), and before or during the step iii), a step of positioning the nozzles (8A, 8B) behind the cutting disc (6) is provided, such that the nozzles (8A, 8B) have an orientation such that the water jets enter the groove (S) and impinge on the bottom vertex of the groove, thereby completing the cutting of the plate (L) through its entire thickness.

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