Compaction system for compacting layer of powder material

Abstract

A compaction system (1) for compacting a layer of powdered material, comprising: a main frame (3); a compaction device (2) which in turn comprises a conveying surface (5) and a belt-type compaction element (6) defining a compaction surface (9) facing the conveying surface (5), and a pressing assembly (10) for bringing the compaction surface (9) and the conveying surface (5) closer to each other; a positioning device (18) for carrying a belt-type compacting element (6) to define a gap (17) for the passage of a layer of powder material between the compacting surface (9) and the conveying surface (5); and a lifting assembly (32) operable to act on the inner surface of the belt (8) of the belt compaction element (6) in order to lift it.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application No. 102023000028290, filed on December 28, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a compacting system for compacting ceramic powder; more particularly, to a compacting system for compacting a powder material layer comprising ceramic powder. Background Art

[0004] In the ceramic processing industry, tile forming devices are known which comprise a flexible conveyor belt on which ceramic powder is gradually deposited.

[0005] The powder layer is advanced by the conveying surface through successive compacting stations in which the powder layer is compacted as it advances over the conveying surface.

[0006] The compacting device generally comprises two flexible compacting surfaces, one above the other, and both surfaces being able to slide in the same direction.

[0007] Each compacting surface is typically defined by a respective flexible sliding belt, typically made of steel and wrapped around at least two rollers, motorized rollers and pulleys.

[0008] The lower compacting surface is typically arranged in direct contact with the conveying surface to support the conveying surface or to coincide with the conveying surface; while the upper compacting surface is arranged parallel to the conveying surface and at a given distance (i.e., height) above the conveying surface so that a gap is defined between them, which gap is designed to receive a layer of powder material to be compacted.

[0009] The upper compacting surface acts directly on the powder layer passing over it, compacting it. Specifically, in a predetermined area, the compacting surface is guided by a special pressing device (e.g., a pair of pressing rollers stacked one on top of the other). These pressing devices keep the upper compacting surface locally pressed against the lower compacting surface to compact the powder layer.

[0010] Downstream of the compacting station, a conveying surface finally advances the compacted powder layer through successive processing stations, such as a subsequent cutting station in which the strip of compacted powder is divided into individual slabs or tiles.

[0011] This type of compaction system, while offering excellent performance, has some disadvantages, which are mainly related to maintenance operations that can be quite complex.

[0012] In detail, one of the main problems of these solutions is related to the need to regularly replace the flexible belt constituting the upper compacting surface.

[0013] This replacement operation is particularly complex, requiring first disassembling the roller system around which the belt is wound to loosen the belt so as to be able to remove it from the rollers on which it is mounted, and then repositioning the new belt. Due to the weight and size of the piece to be moved, these operations are very complex, time-consuming and require the intervention of a skilled worker.

[0014] In order to try and simplify these operations, some of the applicant's compacting systems have been known for many years, providing a main frame defining a housing for receiving the compacting device and positioning equipment constructed to support the upper compacting surface and enable the flexible belt included therein to be easily replaced.

[0015] In detail, the known compacting system comprises: a lower, generally belt-shaped conveying surface supported by a main frame, designed to advance the powder layer to be compacted and serving as a lower compacting surface; a motorized roller and pulley supported in rotation by the main frame and around which a flexible belt is fitted, said flexible belt serving as an upper pressing surface; two opposite side receiving guides carried by a positioning device to laterally receive the ceramic powder layer; and two pressing rollers, one cooperating with the lower pressing surface and the other cooperating with the upper pressing surface. In use, the pressing rollers act on the upper pressing surface to bring it closer to the lower pressing surface, thereby compacting the powder layer advancing on the conveying surface between these pressing surfaces.

[0016] The positioning device comprises a fixed side panel supporting a plurality of upper rollers at a given distance from the lower pressing surface; an upper bracket; and a movable side panel hinged to the main frame. The upper bracket supports two side receiving elements, which are hinged to the fixed side panel and releasably attached to the movable side panel to retain it in a closed position. During an operation to replace the flexible belt, the movable panel is released from the upper bracket, allowing it to rotate relative to the main frame and the upper bracket to rotate relative to the fixed side panel, thereby freeing space for an operator to remove and / or insert the flexible belt.

[0017] However, while this approach is effective, it also has drawbacks.

[0018] In practice, the positioning device described above is very cumbersome, and even after the movable plate and the upper bracket are opened, the space available to the operator is limited. Therefore, the removal and replacement of the flexible belt requires great skill on the part of the operator, who must be able to access this limited space, lift the pressing roller in order to release the pressure of the belt wrapped around the upper roller, and remove the belt without disturbing the main frame and / or the upper bracket that delimit the operating space at the top even in the rotated position.

[0019] Furthermore, during extraction to remove the belt and clear the vertical space of the main frame and the vertical space of the positioning device, at least two operators are required who simultaneously lift the belt and move it to allow it to leave the vertical space of the main frame and the vertical space of the positioning device, with all the cost and safety-related disadvantages that are characteristic of manual operation, thus resulting in a certain amount of machine downtime. Utility Model Content

[0020] According to the present invention, a compaction system for compacting a powder material layer is provided, wherein the powder material layer includes ceramic powder, and the compaction system includes: a main frame; a compacting device, wherein the compacting device includes: a conveying surface, the conveying surface is supported by the main frame and is configured to convey the powder material layer in a conveying direction along a conveying path; a belt compacting element, wherein the belt compacting element further includes a plurality of rollers with horizontal axes and a pressing belt, at least one of the plurality of rollers is a motor drive axis, and the pressing belt is wound around the plurality of rollers to define a compaction surface facing the conveying surface with its lower branch; and a pressing assembly, wherein the pressing assembly is configured to bring the compacting surface and the conveying surface closer to each other so as to compress the powder material layer conveyed between them in use; a positioning device, wherein the positioning device is used to drive the belt compacting element so that a space left for the powder material layer to pass between the belt compacting element and the conveying surface. and a gap defined therein; the positioning device further comprises: a side plate connected to the main frame on a first side of the compacting device and constructed to support the plurality of rollers in a rotatable manner; a movable part, the movable part being coupled to the main frame in a rotatable manner; and a locking system for releasably locking the movable part so that the positioning device can be transformed from a first configuration to a second configuration, and vice versa, in which, in the first configuration, the movable part laterally defines at least a portion of the gap on a second side opposite to the first side, and in the second configuration, the movable part rotates relative to the main frame to define an operating space allowing the pressing belt to be replaced; and a lifting assembly operatively connected to the belt compacting element and operable to act on the inner surface of the pressing belt so as to lift the pressing belt relative to the plurality of rollers, thereby facilitating removal of the pressing belt.

[0021] Optionally, the compaction system according to the present invention has one or more of the following features:

[0022] The main frame includes a first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion being arranged on the second side of the compacting device, the second support portion extending parallel to the first support portion at a distance perpendicular to the conveying surface, the distance being at least equal to the extension of the gap. The second support portion is configured to rotatably support the plurality of rollers on the second side of the compacting device; and the lifting assembly is configured to lift the pressing belt to at least an upper end portion of the second support portion.

[0023] The second support portion is connected to the side panel by means of at least one cross member; and the lifting assembly is connected to the at least one cross member;

[0024] The lifting assembly includes at least one first push bar and at least one first operating device, the first push bar extending parallel to the plurality of rollers and transverse to the conveying direction, the first operating device being configured to move the first push bar in a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface between a first height in a rest position and a second height in an operating position, the second height being greater than the first height and greater than or equal to the height of the upper end portion of the main frame on the second side;

[0025] The at least one first operating device comprises at least one rod extending in the direction and an actuator operable to extend or shorten the rod;

[0026] The lifting assembly includes at least one second push bar and at least one second operating device, the second push bar being similar to the first push bar and extending parallel to the plurality of rollers and transverse to the conveying direction, the second operating device being similar to the first operating device for moving the second push bar in a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface between the first height in a rest position and the second height in an operating position;

[0027] The at least one first push bar and the at least one first operating device are arranged upstream of the pressing assembly along the conveying path, and the second push bar and the second operating device are arranged downstream of the pressing assembly along the conveying path;

[0028] the movable portion comprising a movable plate arranged on the second side of the compacting device and coupled to the main frame in a rotational manner; and an upper bracket coupled to the side plate in a rotational manner at a first end; and the locking system is configured to releasably connect the upper bracket and the movable plate, so that in the first configuration, the movable plate is connected to the upper bracket and delimits the gap laterally on the second side, and the upper bracket delimits the compacting device at an upper side, and in the second configuration, the locking system is released, the movable plate rotates relative to the main frame, and the upper bracket rotates relative to the side plate;

[0029] the movable portion comprises a movable plate, the movable plate being arranged on the second side of the compacting device and being coupled to the main frame in a rotational manner; and the locking system being interposed between the main frame and the movable plate on the second side and being configured to releasably connect only the movable plate to the main frame, such that in the first configuration the movable plate is connected to the main frame and laterally delimits at least a portion of the gap, and in the second configuration the locking system is released and the movable plate rotates relative to the main frame;

[0030] the positioning apparatus including at least one pneumatically operated device operable to move the movable plate relative to the main frame between a first position when the positioning apparatus is in the first configuration, wherein the movable plate is substantially parallel to and opposed to the side plate, and a second position when the positioning apparatus is in the second configuration, wherein the movable plate is rotated relative to the main frame to render the gap accessible;

[0031] In the second position, when the positioning apparatus is in the second configuration, the movable plate is rotated relative to the main frame by an angle ranging from 70° to 120°;

[0032] The compacting device comprises a further belt compacting device, the further belt compacting device comprising a further plurality of rollers having horizontal axes and a pressing belt, at least one of the further plurality of rollers being a motorized roller, the pressing belt being wound around the further plurality of rollers to define a further compacting surface with its upper branches; the conveying surface being in contact with the further compacting surface;

[0033] The pressing assembly is arranged at a compacting station along the conveying path and includes a pair of pressing rollers having a horizontal rotation axis orthogonal to the conveying direction; a first pressing roller of the pair of pressing rollers is arranged below the conveying surface; a second pressing roller of the pair of pressing rollers contacts the inner surface of the pressing belt of the belt compacting element; the pressing rollers can move relative to each other to change the extension amount of the gap at the compacting station (11), thereby compacting the powder material layer.

[0034] The appended claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention and form an integral part of the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The scheme will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate some non-limiting embodiments of the scheme, in which:

[0036] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a compaction system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] - Figure 2 Shows something like Figure 1 a view in which some parts are omitted in order to make other parts visible;

[0038] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Two side views of the compaction system are shown;

[0039] - Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the compaction system shown along plane VV;

[0040] - Figure 6 Shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the compaction system shown along plane VI-VI;

[0041] - Figure 7A and Figure 7B yes Figure 1 Two side views of detail W on a larger scale to better illustrate the connection between the fixed frame and the movable side walls of the compaction system of the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 7C and Figure 7D are two side views on a larger scale of another possible embodiment of the connection between the fixed frame and the movable side wall of the compaction system according to the present invention;

[0043] - Figure 8 During the replacement of the upper flexible belt Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the compaction system;

[0044] - Figure 9 Shows something like Figure 8 a view of a view with some parts omitted to make other parts visible;

[0045] - Figure 10 and Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Two side views of the compaction system are shown;

[0046] - Figure 12 Shown Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the compaction system shown along plane XIII-XIII;

[0047] - Figure 13 Shown Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the compaction system shown along plane XIV-XIV;

[0048] - Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a compaction system according to another possible embodiment; and

[0049] - Figure 15 Shows something like Figure 14 A view of a view with some parts omitted to make other parts visible. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 generally designates a compacting system for compacting a layer of powder material (not visible in the drawings) comprising ceramic powder. More specifically, the powder material is ceramic powder. In particular, compacting system 1 can be used in an apparatus for forming ceramic tiles or slabs.

[0051] It should be noted that in this description, words such as "upper", "lower", "side", "right", "left" or "height" are used with reference to the compaction system 1 resting on a horizontal surface, such as on the ground or on the floor (e.g. Figures 1 to 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 ), so that, for example, the words "on top" or "on bottom" mean, respectively, "above" or "below" another component of the compaction system 1 when the compaction system 1 rests on the floor or ground, i.e., "further away" or "closer" to the horizontal plane on which the compaction system 1 rests (and thus "further away" or "closer" to the floor or ground). Similarly, "inside" and "outside" mean "inside" and "outside" of the compaction system 1. Furthermore, for purposes of the present invention, the term "second" component does not imply the existence of a "first" component. Indeed, these terms are merely used as labels to improve clarity and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

[0052] The compacting system 1 shown in the accompanying figures advantageously comprises a compacting device 2 and a fixed main frame 3 which advantageously, but not in a limiting way, defines a housing 4 for receiving the compacting device 2 .

[0053] The compacting device 2 includes: a lower conveying surface 5, which is supported by the main frame 3 and is constructed to convey a layer of powder material in a conveying direction A along a conveying path P; a belt compacting element 6, which in turn includes a plurality of rollers 7a, 7b having a horizontal axis and a pressing belt 8, among which there are (in particular, including) motorized rollers 7a and pulleys 7b (or stretching rollers), and the pressing belt 8 is wound around the plurality of rollers 7a, 7b to define an upper compacting surface 9 facing the conveying surface 5 with its lower branch; and a pressing assembly 10, which is arranged at a compacting station 11 set along the conveying path P and is constructed to bring the upper compacting surface 9 and the conveying surface 5 closer to each other so as to compress the layer of powder material conveyed between them during use.

[0054] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, such as the one shown in the accompanying drawings, the compacting device 2 comprises a further belt-type compacting element 12, which in turn comprises a further plurality of rollers 13 with horizontal axes, and a further belt 14 wound around said plurality of rollers 13, among which there is (and in particular comprises) at least one motorized roller 13 and one or more idler rollers 13 (in the case shown here, one idler roller 13), said further belt 14 being configured to define, with its upper branch, a further lower compacting surface 15 situated below the conveying surface 5. More advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, said compacting surface 15 is in direct contact with the conveying surface 5.

[0055] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the lower compacting surface 15 is advantageously operated by the aforementioned motorized rollers 13 so as to slide in the same conveying direction A as the conveying surface 5 and substantially at the same speed as the conveying surface 5, thus avoiding relative scratching. According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, such as the one shown in the accompanying drawings, the lower compacting surface 15 coincides with the conveying surface 5; even more advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, it defines (in particular constitutes) the conveying surface 5 along at least a section of the conveying path P.

[0056] In this case (ie when the compacting system 1 comprises a further belt-type compacting element 12 ), advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, two pressing belts 8 , 14 , namely a lower pressing belt 14 and an upper pressing belt 8 , are arranged above each other at the compacting station 11 .

[0057] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the upper pressing strip 8 is made of a metal material, such as steel. Alternatively or additionally, advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the upper pressing strip 8 is made of a plastic material.

[0058] Furthermore, when the lower pressing belt 14 is present, it is also advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, made of a metal material (eg steel) or a plastic material.

[0059] In use, the layer of powder material is advantageously but not limitatively advanced in a continuous manner by the conveying surface 5 through the compacting station 11 , wherein the layer of powder material is compacted as it advances in the conveying direction A due to the action of the pressing assembly 10 .

[0060] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the pressing assembly 10 is configured to locally keep the upper compacting surface 9 pressed towards the conveying surface 5 so as to compress the layer of powder material interposed therebetween.

[0061] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, such as the one shown in the accompanying drawings, the pressing assembly 10 comprises a pair of pressing rollers 16a, 16b above each other, having a horizontal axis of rotation orthogonal to the conveying direction A, i.e. a lower pressing roller 16a located below the conveying surface 5 and constructed to (in particular, arranged at a certain height so as to) maintain the flatness of the conveying surface 5, and an upper pressing roller 16b operatively coupled to the belt compacting element 6.

[0062] Advantageously, but not restrictively, the pressing rollers 16a, 16b are mutually movable in order to vary the extension (in particular the thickness) of the gap 17 defined between the conveying surface 5 and the compacting surface 9 in the region of the compacting station 11 (see for example Figure 2 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 ), in order to compact a layer of powder material advancing between them in use. More particularly, the pressing rollers 16a, 16b are movable relative to each other to bring the conveying surface 5 (more particularly, the lower compacting surface 15) and the upper compacting surface 9 closer to each other.

[0063] Therefore, according to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, such as the one shown in the accompanying drawings, the lower pressing roller 16a is fixed, while the upper pressing roller 16b is connected to at least one jack (not visible in the accompanying drawings) or another mobile system, which is able to vary the height of the upper pressing roller 16b (i.e. the distance from the lower pressing roller 16a) and / or the force applied, for example depending on the thickness of the layer of powder material to be compacted and / or the compaction pressure to be applied to said layer.

[0064] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, such as the one shown in the accompanying drawings, the upper pressing roller 16 b is interposed between the motorized roller 7 a and the idler pulley 7 b in contact with the pressing belt 8 (in particular, in contact with the inner face of the pressing belt 8), and the lower pressing roller 16 b is in direct contact with the conveying surface 5 (more particularly, in contact with the lower pressing belt 14 when the aforementioned additional belt compacting element 12 is present).

[0065] Advantageously, the compacting device 2 further comprises a positioning device 18 configured to carry the belt compacting element 6 so as to define the aforementioned gap 17 for the passage of the layer of powder material between the belt compacting element 6 and the conveying surface 5. Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, said positioning device 18 is arranged inside said housing 4 and is suitable for maintaining the position of the belt compacting element 6 relative to the conveying surface 5, in particular relative to the lower belt compacting element 12 when present.

[0066] With particular reference to the accompanying drawings, the positioning device 18 advantageously comprises a fixed side plate 19 connected (in particular, integrally formed) to the fixed main frame 3 on a first side L1 of the compacting device 2 and configured to support a plurality of rollers 7a, 7b of the belt compacting element 6 in a rotatable manner at a given distance from the conveying surface 5, such that the aforementioned gap 17 is defined between them, the dimensions of which are set to allow the layer of powder material to be compacted to pass through.

[0067] Furthermore, according to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, for example Figures 1 to 14 In the embodiment shown, the positioning device 18 further comprises: a movable plate 20, which is arranged on a second side L2 of the compacting device 2, opposite the first side L1, and is coupled to the main frame 3 in a rotational manner; and a locking system 21, which is interposed between the main frame 3 and the movable plate 20 on the second side L2 and is configured to releasably connect the movable plate 20 to the main frame 3 (in particular, to form a single piece thereof). Advantageously, but not by way of limitation, the positioning device 18 is capable of transitioning between a first operating configuration, in which the locking system 21 connects the movable plate 20 (in particular, only) to the main frame 3 to laterally delimit a portion of the compacting device 2 (in particular, to laterally delimit at least a portion of the aforementioned gap 17), and a second configuration, in which the locking system 21 is released and the movable plate 20 is rotated relative to the main frame 3, making the portion of the gap 17 accessible and defining a maneuvering space allowing the upper pressing belt 8 to be replaced.

[0068] According to some advantageous, but non-limiting, embodiments, the main frame 3 comprises a lower support portion 22, which is arranged on the second side L2 of the compacting device 2, and an upper support portion 23, which is arranged on the second side L2 of the compacting device 2, above the lower support portion 22 and at a distance therefrom in a direction B perpendicular to the conveying surface 5, the distance being at least equal to the extension (in particular, the thickness) of the gap 17, and configured to support the plurality of rollers 7a, 7b in a rotatable manner on the second side L2 of the compacting device. In this case, advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, a locking system 21 is interposed between the upper support portion 23 and the movable plate 20, so as to releasably connect the movable plate 20 only to the fixed main frame 3, and more particularly to the upper support portion 23.

[0069] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, particular reference is made to Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C 、 Figure 7D , the movable plate 20 and the upper support part 23 are configured to be side by side with each other in at least one coupling zone Z, and the locking system 21 is arranged in the region of said coupling zone. More advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, in this case, the movable plate 20 and the upper support part 23 can be side by side in a direction parallel to the conveying direction A (see Figure 7A and Figure 7B ) or perpendicular to the conveying direction A and alongside the conveying surface 5 (see Figure 7C and Figure 7D ).

[0070] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, the locking system 21 is configured to form a positive coupling between the movable plate 20 and the main frame 3 ; in particular, between the movable plate 20 and the upper supporting portion 23 .

[0071] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, for example Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C and Figure 7DIn the embodiment shown, the locking system 21 includes: a first coupling element 24, which is integral with the movable plate 20 and movable between a retracted position and an extraction position; a further coupling element (not visible in the figures), which is integral with the upper support portion 23 and is configured to receive the first coupling element 24; and an actuator 25 for operating the first coupling element 24 between the extraction position and the retracted position, so that the positioning device 18 is transferred from the first configuration to the second configuration. According to other embodiments not shown herein, the first coupling element 24 can be integral with the upper support portion 23, and the second coupling element can be integral with the movable plate 20.

[0072] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the first coupling element 24 is a pin and the aforementioned actuator 25 comprises (in particular consists of) a pneumatic actuator.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, advantageously but not in a limiting manner, the second coupling element comprises a seat having a cross section complementary to that of the first coupling element 24 , so as to receive and retain the first coupling element 24 in the extraction position.

[0074] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, for example Figure 1 、 Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C and Figure 7D In the embodiment shown, the upper support portion 23 includes a protrusion 26, and the movable plate 20 includes a hole 27 (more particularly, advantageously, but not in a limiting way, which is U-shaped to define the hole 27), the hole 27 is configured to receive said protrusion 26, and the locking system 21 is configured to connect the movable plate 20 to said protrusion 26.

[0075] According to other advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, for example Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the embodiment shown, the positioning device 18 comprises the aforementioned substantially fixed side plate 19, a movable part 28 coupled to the main frame 3 in a rotational manner and a locking system (not visible in the drawings and known per se) for releasably locking the movable part 28, so that the positioning device 18 can be transformed from a first configuration in which the movable part 28 laterally delimits at least a portion of the aforementioned gap 17 on the second side L2, to a second configuration, and vice versa, in which the movable part 28 is rotated relative to the main frame 3 so as to make the gap 17 accessible and define a manipulation space for replacing the pressure belt 8.

[0076] More advantageously, but not by way of limitation, in this case, the movable portion 28 comprises a movable plate 20 arranged on the second side L2 of the compacting device 2 and coupled in rotation to the main frame 3, and an upper bracket 29 coupled in rotation to the fixed side plate 19 at a first end 39, the first end 39 advantageously being opposite the movable plate 20, i.e. arranged on the first side L1. In this case, a locking system (not visible in the figures) is configured to releasably connect the upper bracket 29 to the movable plate 20, such that, in the aforementioned first configuration, the movable plate 20 is connected to the upper bracket 29 and laterally delimits the gap 17 on the second side L2, and the bracket delimits the compacting device 2 at the top, and in the second configuration, the locking system is released, the movable plate 20 rotates relative to the main frame 3, and the upper bracket 29 rotates relative to the side plate 19.

[0077] Advantageously, but not by way of limitation, in this case, the locking system comprises a coupling system interposed between the movable plate 20 and the upper support 29. More advantageously, but not by way of limitation, the locking system comprises a first coupling element (not visible in the drawings) integral with the upper support 29 and a seat (not visible in the drawings) integral with the movable plate 20, configured to receive the first coupling element and form a form coupling integral with the movable plate 20 and the upper support 29. More advantageously, but not by way of limitation, in this case, at the aforementioned first end 39, the upper support 29 is connected to the main frame 3 by means of a rotation mechanism that can be operated to allow the upper support 29 to rotate relative to the side plate 19 and thereby release the locking system connecting the upper support 29 to the movable plate 20, which can then be rotated by a certain angle relative to the main frame 3 (in particular, relative to the support portion 22) to make the gap 17 accessible.

[0078] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, such as the one shown here, the positioning device 18 comprises at least one pneumatic operating device 30 (in the case shown here, two pneumatic operating devices 30) capable of being operated to bring the movable plate 20 into a first position relative to the main frame 3 (in particular relative to the upper support portion 23) when the positioning device 18 is in a first configuration (see Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 15 ) and the second position of the positioning device 18 when it is in the second configuration (see Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 14), in which the movable plate 20 is substantially parallel to and opposite to the side plate 19, and in which the movable plate 20 is rotated relative to the main frame 3 (in particular, relative to the upper support portion 23) to make the gap 17 accessible.

[0079] Advantageously, but not by way of limitation, in this second position, the movable plate 20 is rotated through an angle ranging from approximately 70° to approximately 120°; more particularly, through an angle of approximately 90°.

[0080] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the compacting system 1 also includes a lifting assembly 32, which is operatively connected to the belt compacting element 6 and can be operated to act on the inner surface of the pressing belt 8 (in particular, to apply a pushing action) so as to lift the pressing belt 8 relative to the rollers 7a, 7b, 16a, thereby facilitating (more advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, achieving) the removal (in particular, removal) of the pressing belt 8 during replacement of the pressing belt 8.

[0081] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner (see in particular Figure 2 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 10 ), the main frame 3 comprises: at least one vertical support 33, which is arranged on the first side L1 of the compacting device 2 and carries the side plate 19; and at least one cross member 34, which is used to connect the vertical support 33 to the upper support part 23 and thus connect the side plate 19 to the upper support part 23. More advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the above-mentioned lifting assembly 32 is connected to said cross member 34 (in particular, it is carried by the cross member 34).

[0082] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the main frame 3 includes two vertical supports 33 and a pair of cross members 34, wherein the two vertical supports 33 are placed at the two lateral ends of the side panels 19, and the pair of cross members 34 are configured to connect the vertical supports 33 to the upper support portion 23 and thus connect the side panels 19 to the upper support portion 23.

[0083] Even more advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the lifting assembly 32 comprises at least one push bar 35 and at least one operating device 36, said at least one push bar 35 extending transversely to the conveying direction A (see Figure 2 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 15 ), the at least one operating device 36 is used to make the push bar 35 in a static position along a vertical direction B perpendicular to the conveying surface 5 (see Figures 1 to 8 、 Figure 14and Figure 15 ) and in the operating position (see Figures 8 to 13 ). More specifically, the second height is greater than or equal to the height of the upper end portion of the main frame 3 on the second side L2 (particularly, at the upper end portion of the upper support portion 23 of the main frame 3), so that during replacement of the pressing belt 8, after the pressing belt 8 has been lifted to the second height, it is easier to remove it, in particular, slide it out of the housing 4.

[0084] More advantageously, but not in a limiting sense, as in the case shown here, the lifting assembly 32 comprises two similar push bars 35 and two similar operating devices 36, said two similar push bars 35 extending transversely to the conveying direction A and parallel to the plurality of rollers 7a, 7b, 16a, each operating device 36 being intended to move one of said push bars 35 along a vertical direction B between a first height and a second height. In this case, advantageously, but not in a limiting sense, one of said push bars 35 and the associated operating device 36 is arranged upstream of the pressing assembly 10 along the conveying path P, while the other push bar 35 and the associated operating device 36 are arranged downstream of the pressing assembly 10 along the conveying path P. In other words, in this case, the push bars 35 are arranged one on one side relative to the pressing assembly 10 and one on the other side relative to the pressing assembly 10 along the conveying path P.

[0085] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, (in particular, each) operating device 36 comprises (in particular, consists of) at least one rod 37 extending in a vertical direction B and an actuator 38 that can be operated to extend or shorten said rod 37 (see, for example, Figure 9 and Figure 12 ). Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the rod 37 comprises a telescopic rod (in particular, a telescopic rod).

[0086] Alternatively or in addition, advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the compacting system 1 comprises an operating assembly 40 operatively interposed between the main frame 3 and the upper belt compacting element 6 and capable of being operated to move at least one of the rollers 7a, 7b relative to each other, thereby reducing or increasing their mutual distance and, therefore, reducing or increasing the stretching of the pressing belt 8.

[0087] More specifically, according to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, such as the one shown in the accompanying drawings, the operating assembly 40 is operatively interposed between the upper support portion 23 and the idler pulley 7 b and can be operated to translate the idler pulley 7 b relative to the motorized roller 7 a. In this way, the tension of the compression belt 8 can be adjusted, and during the replacement of the compression belt 8, the idler pulley 7 b can be brought closer to the motorized roller 7 a in order to loosen the compression belt 8 and facilitate its extraction (in particular, its removal).

[0088] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the operating assembly 40 comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder 41 capable of being operated to move the idler pulley 7b towards or away from the motorized roller 7a in a translation direction substantially parallel to the conveying direction A and operatively connected to the main frame 3 (more particularly to the upper support portion 23) by means of a guide system 42 configured to guide the idler pulley 7b during its translation.

[0089] In detail, according to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, such as those shown in the accompanying drawings, the guide system 42 comprises (in particular, consists of) a sliding block 43 connected to one end of the pneumatic cylinder 41 and provided with a pair of bushings (not visible in the drawings) configured to receive in a sliding manner a pair of stems 44 (which are part of the compaction system 1 and, in particular, the pair of stems 44), which are fixed to the main frame 3 (in particular, to the upper support portion 23) and extend in a translation direction substantially parallel to the conveying direction A, in order to guide (i.e., constrain) the translation of the idler pulley 7b in a defined translation direction. Alternatively, according to other advantageous but non-limiting embodiments not shown here, the guide system 42 comprises two guides integral with the main frame 3 (more particularly, integral with the upper support portion 23) for guiding (i.e., constraining) the translation of the idler pulley 7b in a defined translation direction.

[0090] According to other advantageous, but not limited, embodiments not shown here, the operating assembly 40 may comprise, instead of the pneumatic cylinder 41 , any other type of actuator, such as an electric or hydraulic actuator.

[0091] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, the compacting system 1 comprises a pair of lateral containment elements (not visible in the accompanying drawings) carried by the main frame 3 and opposite each other on the sides of the conveying path P, in order to laterally contain the layer of powder material advancing, in use, between the conveying surface 5 and the compacting surface 9. Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the lateral containment elements comprise (in particular consist of) partitions supported by the main frame 3.

[0092] According to another aspect of the present invention, a replacement method for replacing a pressing belt 8 of a compacting system 1 , advantageously realized according to one of the above-described embodiments, is provided.

[0093] Advantageously, the replacement method comprises the following steps: an opening step, during which the positioning device 18 (advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the positioning device 18 implemented as described above) is operated to change from the first configuration to the second configuration; a preparation step, during which the pressing belt 8 is released; a removal step, during which the pressing belt 8 is removed from the compacting device 2; an insertion step, during which a new pressing belt 8 is assembled between the multiple rollers 7a, 7b of the belt compacting element 6; and a closing step, during which the positioning device 18 is operated to change from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0094] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the aforementioned preparation step comprises a movement sub-step during which at least one of the plurality of rollers 7a, 7b of the belt compacting element 6 is translated parallel to the conveying direction A in order to loosen the pressing belt 8.

[0095] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, in this case, during said movement step, an operating assembly 40 (advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, an operating assembly 40 implemented as described above with respect to the compacting system 1) interposed between the main frame 3 and the upper belt-type compacting element 6 moves the idler pulley 7b in a translation direction parallel to the conveying direction A so as to bring the idler pulley 7b closer to the motorized roller 7a, thereby loosening the pressing belt 8 and facilitating its extraction (in particular, its removal).

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, advantageously but not in a limiting manner, the aforementioned preparation step comprises an additional movement sub-step during which the upper pressing roller 16 b is translated along the aforementioned direction B perpendicular to the conveying surface 5 in order to increase the aforementioned gap 17. Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, during this additional movement sub-step, the upper pressing roller 16 b is translated upward to a height at least equal to the height of the upper end of the main frame 3 on the second side L2; in particular, to the height of the upper end of the upper support portion 23 of the main frame 3.

[0097] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, when the compacting system 1 comprises a lifting assembly 32, advantageously of the type described above, the replacement method further comprises: a lifting step, advantageously at least partially preceding the removal step, and during which the lifting assembly 32 lifts the pressing belt 8 relative to the plurality of rollers 7a, 7b (in particular, to a height greater than or equal to the height of the upper end of the main frame 3) so as to enable (in particular, facilitate) the removal (in particular, removal) of the pressing belt 8; and a lowering step, advantageously at least partially following the removal step, and even more advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, at least partially before the insertion step and during which the lifting assembly 32 is deactivated.

[0098] According to some advantageous but non-limiting embodiments, the removal step involves: a first sub-step, during which, more advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, a bracket with forks (not visible in the accompanying drawings) is placed next to the compacting system 1 on the aforementioned second side L2, so that at least a part of the bracket (even more advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, the forks of the bracket) is inserted under the lifted pressing belt 8 to receive the pressing belt 8, which then rests on it; and a second sub-step, during which the bracket is moved away from the compacting system 1, that is, it is translated out of the housing 4.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, advantageously but not in a limiting manner, the pressing strip 8 is manually translated during the aforementioned extraction step so as to be disengaged from the aforementioned housing.

[0100] According to some advantageous, but non-limiting, embodiments, the insertion step involves: a first sub-step during which the new pressing belt 8 is mounted on the aforementioned carriage (in particular, inserted so as to rest thereon); and a second sub-step during which the carriage approaches the compacting system 1 on the aforementioned second side L2 and translates so as to be inserted into the aforementioned housing 4, in order to release the new pressing belt 8 into place. More advantageously, but not in a limiting sense, the aforementioned fork carriage has a plurality of upper forks and a plurality of lower forks, so that during the aforementioned second sub-step, the plurality of upper forks are inserted above the plurality of rollers 7a, 7b and the plurality of lower forks are inserted below the plurality of rollers 7a, 7b, in order to release the new pressing belt 8 into place.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, during the insertion step, a new compression strip 8 is inserted manually.

[0102] The compacting system 1 and the replacement method for replacing the pressing belt 8 of the compacting system 1 according to the present invention offer numerous advantages, of which the following are worth mentioning.

[0103] The compacting system 1 and the replacement method disclosed above make it possible to simplify the operations to be performed for replacing the pressing belt 8 of the upper belt compacting element 6 , thereby reducing the time required to perform these operations and thus improving the efficiency of the compacting system 1 , reducing the necessary labor and thus reducing costs.

[0104] Furthermore, by accelerating and simplifying the replacement of the pressing belt 8, the compacting system 1 and the method for replacing the pressing belt 8 of the compacting system 1 according to the present solution are ideal for use / application in more flexible production lines designed for producing different types of ceramic tiles and panels (e.g., structured products having a specific structure and / or a specific decoration on the exposed surface) by simply replacing the pressing belt 8 more easily and quickly each time to adapt it to the needs.

[0105] In detail, the presence of the lifting assembly 32 disclosed above and designed to lift the pressing belt 8 above the upper end of the main frame 3 (particularly, the upper end of the vertical upper support portion 23) facilitates the removal of the pressing belt 8 by the operator, who will no longer have to manually lift the pressing belt 8 until it leaves the vertical space of the main frame 3. In this way, the operator will be able to remove the pressing belt 8 in an easier manner by simply translating it along a special bracket designed for this purpose, the bracket being configured to receive the pressing belt 8 lifted by the lifting assembly 32, so that the pressing belt 8 can be removed by moving the bracket outwardly away from the compacting system 1.

Claims

1. A compacting system (1) for compacting a layer of powder material, the layer of powder material comprising ceramic powder, characterized in that The compacting system (1) comprises: Main frame (3); A compacting device (2), comprising: a conveying surface (5), the conveying surface (5) being supported by the main frame (3) and being configured to convey the powder material layer in a conveying direction (A) along a conveying path (P); a belt-type compacting element (6), the belt-type compacting element (6) comprising a plurality of rollers (7a, 7b) having horizontal axes and a pressing belt (8), at least one of the plurality of rollers (7a, 7b) being a motor drive axis, the pressing belt (8) being wound around the plurality of rollers (7a, 7b) to define, with its lower branches, a compacting surface (9) facing the conveying surface (5); and a pressing assembly (10), the pressing assembly (10) being configured to bring the compacting surface (9) and the conveying surface (5) closer to each other so as to compress the powder material layer conveyed therebetween in use; A positioning device (18) is provided for driving the belt compacting element (6) so as to leave a gap (17) defined by the passage of the powder material layer between the belt compacting element (6) and the conveying surface (5); the positioning device (18) further comprises: a side plate (19) connected to the main frame (3) on the first side (L1) of the compacting device (2) and configured to support the plurality of rollers (7a, 7b) in a rotatable manner; a movable portion (28) coupled to the plurality of rollers (7a, 7b) in a rotatable manner said main frame (3); and a locking system (21) for releasably locking said movable part (28) so that said positioning device (18) can be transferred from a first configuration in which said movable part (28) laterally delimits at least a portion of said gap (17) on a second side (L2) opposite to said first side (L1), to a second configuration in which said movable part (28) is rotated relative to said main frame (3) to define a maneuvering space allowing said compression belt (8) to be replaced, and vice versa; A lifting assembly (32) is operatively connected to the belt compacting element (6) and is operable to act on the inner surface of the pressing belt (8) so as to lift the pressing belt (8) relative to the plurality of rollers (7a, 7b) to facilitate removal of the pressing belt (8).

2. The compaction system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main frame (3) comprises: a first support portion (22) and a second support portion (23), the first support portion (22) being arranged on the second side of the compacting device, the second support portion (23) extending parallel to the first support portion (22) at a distance therefrom in a direction (B) perpendicular to the conveying surface (5), the distance being at least equal to the extension of the gap (17); The second support portion (23) is configured to rotatably support the plurality of rollers (7a, 7b) on the second side (L2) of the compacting device (2); and The lifting assembly (32) is configured to lift the pressing belt (8) to at least an upper end portion of the second supporting portion (23).

3. The compaction system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second support portion (23) is connected to the side panel (19) by means of at least one cross member (34); and the lifting assembly (32) is connected to the at least one cross member (34).

4. The compaction system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting assembly (32) comprises at least one first push bar and at least one first operating device, wherein the first push bar extends parallel to the plurality of rollers (7a, 7b) and transverse to the conveying direction (A), and the first operating device is used to move the first push bar in a direction (B) perpendicular to the conveying surface (5) between a first height in a rest position and a second height in an operating position; The second height is greater than the first height and greater than or equal to the height of the upper end portion of the main frame (3) on the second side (L2).

5. The compaction system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one first operating device comprises at least one rod (37) extending in the direction (B) and an actuator (38) operable to extend or shorten the rod (37).

6. The compaction system (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The lifting assembly (32) comprises at least one second push bar and at least one second operating device, the second push bar being similar to the first push bar and extending parallel to the plurality of rollers (7a, 7b) transversely to the conveying direction (A), the second operating device being similar to the first operating device and being used to move the second push bar in a direction (B) perpendicular to the conveying surface (5) between the first height in a rest position and the second height in an operating position; The at least one first push bar and the at least one first operating device are arranged upstream of the pressing assembly (10) along the conveying path (P), and the second push bar and the second operating device are arranged downstream of the pressing assembly (10) along the conveying path (P).

7. The compaction system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable portion (28) comprises a movable plate (20) arranged on the second side (L2) of the compacting device (2) and rotatably coupled to the main frame (3); and an upper bracket (29) rotatably coupled to the side plate (19) at a first end (39); and The locking system (21) is configured to releasably connect the upper support (29) and the movable plate (20), so that in the first configuration, the movable plate (20) is connected to the upper support (29) and delimits the gap (17) laterally on the second side (L2), and the upper support (29) delimits the compacting device (2) on the upper side, and in the second configuration, the locking system (21) is released, the movable plate (20) rotates relative to the main frame (3), and the upper support (29) rotates relative to the side plate (19).

8. The compaction system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable part (28) includes a movable plate (20), which is arranged on the second side (L2) of the compacting device (2) and is coupled to the main frame (3) in a rotational manner; and the locking system (21) is interposed between the main frame (3) and the movable plate (20) on the second side (L2) and is constructed to releasably connect only the movable plate (20) to the main frame (3), so that in the first construction, the movable plate (20) is connected to the main frame (3) and laterally delimits at least a part of the gap (17), and in the second construction, the locking system (21) is released and the movable plate (20) rotates relative to the main frame (3).

9. The compaction system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The positioning device (18) includes at least one pneumatic operating device (30) that can be operated to move the movable plate (20) relative to the main frame (3) between a first position when the positioning device (18) is in the first configuration and a second position when the positioning device (18) is in the second configuration, in which the movable plate (20) is parallel to and opposite to the side plate (19) and in which the movable plate (20) is rotated relative to the main frame (3) to make the gap (17) accessible.

10. The compaction system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that In the second position, when the positioning device (18) is in the second configuration, the movable plate (20) is rotated relative to the main frame (3) through an angle of from 70° to 120°.

11. The compaction system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compacting device (2) comprises a further belt compacting device (12), the further belt compacting device (12) in turn comprising a further plurality of rollers (13) with horizontal axes and a pressing belt (8), at least one of the further plurality of rollers (13) being a motorized roller, the pressing belt (8) being wound around the further plurality of rollers (13) to define a further compacting surface (15) with its upper branches; The conveying surface (5) is in contact with the further compacting surface (15).

12. The compaction system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing assembly (10) is arranged at a compacting station (11) along the conveying path (P) and comprises a pair of pressing rollers (16a, 16b) having a horizontal rotation axis orthogonal to the conveying direction (A); A first pressing roller (16a) of the pair of pressing rollers (16a, 16b) is arranged below the conveying surface; The second pressing roller (16b) of the pair of pressing rollers (16a, 16b) contacts the inner surface of the pressing belt (8) of the belt compacting element (6); The pressing rollers (16a, 16b) are movable relative to each other to vary the extension of the gap (17) at the compacting station (11), thereby compacting the layer of powder material.

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