Equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles

Abstract

The equipment (1) comprises: - packaging means (3) adapted to cover one or more slab-shaped manufactured articles (M) by means of at least one pair of packaging elements (F1,F2), wherein each of said packaging elements (F1,F2) is provided with a lower longitudinal extension than the perimeter of the slab-shaped manufactured articles (M); - storage means (5) adapted to store a plurality of the packaging elements (F1,F2); - holding means (6) adapted to receive the packaging elements (F1,F2) from the storage means (5); - positioning means (8) adapted to partly overlap the packaging elements (F1,F2) with each other so as to define a first overlapping portion (P1); the packaging means (3) being adapted to wrap the packaging elements (F1,F2) around the slab-shaped manufactured articles (M) and to partly overlap them with each other to define a second overlapping portion (P2) opposite the first overlapping portion (P1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles.Background Art

[0002] In particular, this piece of equipment is intended for the packaging of manufactured articles of the type, e.g., of slabs, tiles, cladding, or the like, i.e., of substantially flat conformation and in which the dimensions of length and width are predominant over thickness. The slab-shaped manufactured article is provided with a laying surface, intended to contact a substrate to be covered, an exposed surface, opposite the laying surface and intended to remain visible as a result of laying, and a plurality of perimeter edges, transverse to the aforementioned surfaces.

[0003] Equipment is known to be configured to wrap one or more ceramic manufactured articles along their perimeter which are stacked on top of each other by means of a packaging element.

[0004] The packaging element is of the type of a sheet of paperboard material and is shaped so that it can be folded around the slab-shaped manufactured article to protect it during transport.

[0005] Known packaging elements have folding lines (called creasing) adapted to facilitate the folding thereof around the slab-shaped manufactured article and to promote the packaging of the manufactured article itself.

[0006] Packaging elements are also known as dies and develop over a plane of development and along a longitudinal direction and are provided with a predefined longitudinal extension.

[0007] Generally, the packaging elements have a maximum longitudinal extension of 2500mm, which corresponds to the maximum length of the reels of paperboard materials currently on the market, from which they are produced.

[0008] It follows that by means of a packaging element, only slab-shaped manufactured articles having a perimeter less than the maximum longitudinal extension of the same can be wrapped.

[0009] For example, by means of known packaging elements, it is possible to cover slab-shaped manufactured articles up to the size 600 mm x 600 mm, that is, having a perimeter of 2400 mm, or 800 mm x 400 mm, and so on.

[0010] However, it is well known that in recent years the ceramic industry has witnessed a gradual increase in technologies and production facilities capable of producing large-format slabs, e.g. 1200 mm x 1200 mm, which allow the surfaces covered with such slabs to be given a more valuable aesthetic effect than slabs of smaller sizes. Such large-format articles must necessarily be packaged by joining several packaging elements together.

[0011] However, the packaging equipment of known type is configured to handle only one packaging element at a time, and therefore, large-sized slab-shaped manufactured articles should undergo two separate partial packaging operations to cover the entire perimeter thereof.

[0012] It is clear how this circumstance can result in a significant increase in operating time, in addition to the fact that prolonged movement of the ceramic manufactured articles can increase the risk of damage and / or breakage of the same.Description of the Invention

[0013] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped manufactured articles that allows the entire perimeter edge of large-sized slab-shaped manufactured articles to be effectively wrapped by means of commercially available packaging elements.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped manufactured articles that allows the perimeter edge of large-sized slab-shaped manufactured articles to be completely covered while maintaining short operating times.

[0015] An additional object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped manufactured articles that allows reducing the risk of damage and / or breakage of the slab-shaped manufactured articles.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0017] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present piece of equipment for the packaging of ceramic slab-shaped manufactured articles having the characteristics of claim 1.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the equipment according to the invention; Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the equipment, during the transfer of the packaging elements from the storage means to the holding means; Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the equipment, with the packaging elements in a staggered position; Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the equipment, with the packaging elements in an overlapping position; Figure 5 is an axonometric view of the equipment, during the movement of the slab-shaped manufactured articles towards the packaging means; Figure 6 is an axonometric view of the equipment, during a closure of the packaging elements around the slab-shaped manufactured articles. Embodiments of the Invention

[0019] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles.

[0020] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "slab-shaped ceramic manufactured article" refers to a manufactured article made of ceramic or similar material, of substantially flat conformation, in which the dimensions of length and width preponderate over thickness. For example, the slab-shaped manufactured article is of the type of a slab, tile, ceramic coating or the like, and is intended for surface coating. The slab-shaped manufactured article M comprises a laying surface, intended to contact a substrate to be covered, an exposed surface, opposite the laying surface and intended to remain visible as a result of laying and a plurality of perimeter edges, transverse to the aforementioned surfaces.

[0021] The piece of equipment 1 according to the invention comprises at least one base frame 2 and packaging means 3 associated with the base frame 2 adapted to cover one or more slab-shaped manufactured articles M around their perimeter by means of at least one pair of packaging elements F1,F2.

[0022] Specifically, the packaging elements F1,F2 are of the type of sheets made of paperboard material and are shaped in such a way that they can be folded around the slab-shaped manufactured article M to protect it during transport.

[0023] The packaging element F1,F2 is of the type of a pre-punched die, i.e., an elongated wrapping made of paperboard material conformed to wrap the slab-shaped manufactured article around its perimeter edges and to leave at least partly uncovered the exposed surface and the laying surface. Again, the term "pre-punched" means that the wrapping has folding lines adapted to facilitate the wrapping thereof around the slab-shaped manufactured article and to promote the packaging thereof.

[0024] Each of the packaging elements F1,F2 develops on a respective plane of development and along a respective longitudinal direction and is provided with a lower longitudinal extension than the perimeter of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0025] For example, the packaging element F1,F2 can have a maximum longitudinal extension of 2500 mm, while the slab-shaped manufactured article M can be 1200 mm x 1200 mm in size, i.e., have a perimeter of 4800 mm.

[0026] This piece of equipment 1 can be intended for the packaging of a single slab-shaped manufactured article M or of a plurality of slab-shaped manufactured articles, stacked on top of each other. It is easy to appreciate how, for this purpose, the packaging element F1,F2 is appropriately sized according to the number of slab-shaped manufactured articles M to be packaged. For simplicity of exposition, in the remainder of this disclosure, the piece of equipment 1 will be described with reference to the packaging of a plurality of slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0027] Conveniently, the piece of equipment 1 comprises at least one movement line 4 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to move the slab-shaped manufactured articles M along a substantially horizontal direction of forward movement A where the packaging means 3 are located.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the movement line 4 is of the type of a pair of chains, spaced apart from each other and mutually movable close to / away from each other to vary the distance defined between them according to the size of the slab-shaped manufactured article M. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the movement line 4 may be of a different type.

[0029] The packaging means 3 are configured to wrap the packaging elements F1,F2 around said slab-shaped manufactured articles M as a result of the movement of the latter along the direction of forward movement A.

[0030] However, alternative embodiments cannot be ruled out, in which the slab-shaped manufactured articles M are kept stationary and the packaging means 3 are moved with respect to them to determine the wrapping with the packaging elements F1,F2.

[0031] The piece of equipment 1 also comprises: storage means 5 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to store a plurality of packaging elements F1,F2; holding means 6 associated with the base frame 2, adapted to receive said packaging elements F1,F2 from said storage means 5 and to hold them with their planes of development facing a perimeter edge of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M; and transfer means 7 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to transfer the packaging elements F1,F2 from the storage means 5 to the holding means 6.

[0032] The piece of equipment 1 also comprises positioning means 8 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to partly overlap the packaging elements F1,F2 with each other so as to define a first overlapping portion P1.

[0033] The packaging means 3 are adapted to wrap the packaging elements F1,F2 around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M and to partly overlap them with each other to define a second overlapping portion P2 opposite the first overlapping portion P1.

[0034] Thus, this piece of equipment 1 makes it possible to take advantage of two packaging elements F1,F2 and to match them with each other to enable, in a single operation, the complete perimeter wrapping of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0035] In detail, the packaging elements F1,F2 picked up by the storage means 5 are arranged substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal and coplanar directions; they are then subjected to a first overlap at the adjacent ends, wrapped around the slab-shaped manufactured article M and, finally, overlapped with a second overlap at their respective free ends to form a single packaging body closed on itself.

[0036] The storage means 5 comprise at least one pair of storage surfaces 9 arranged substantially horizontally and configured to hold two stacks of packaging elements F1,F2 overlapping each other. The storage surfaces 9 are arranged side by side along their respective longitudinal directions.

[0037] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the storage means 5 may be configured to hold the packaging elements F1,F2 substantially vertically or at an angle.

[0038] The transfer means 7 are configured to pick up two packaging elements F1,F2 at the same time, which are thus substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal and coplanar directions.

[0039] The transfer means 7 comprise a gripping unit 10 configured to grasp the packaging elements F1,F2 and a guiding unit 11 supporting the gripping unit 10 by sliding.

[0040] The gripping unit 10 comprises one or more suction cups adapted to retain / release the packaging elements F1,F2 through vacuum generation / interruption.

[0041] In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the guiding unit 11 comprises a first substantially horizontal stretch at the storage means 5, a second substantially vertical stretch at the holding means 6 and a curvilinear stretch positioned between the first stretch and the second stretch.

[0042] The holding means 6 are, therefore, configured to keep the packaging elements F1,F2 substantially vertical, with their respective longitudinal directions substantially horizontal.

[0043] Conveniently, the piece of equipment 1 also comprises application means 12 associated with the transfer means 7 and adapted to distribute a bonding agent on the packaging elements F1,F2. The application means 12 are configured to define bonding points G that keep the packaging elements F1,F2 wrapped around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M at the end of packaging. The overlapping portions P1,P2 comprise at least one of the bonding points G.

[0044] Advantageously, the positioning means 8 are associated with one of the transfer means 7 or the holding means 6. In actual facts, the first overlapping of the packaging elements F1,F2 can be done during the transfer of these or as a result of their release into the holding means 6.

[0045] In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the positioning means 8 are associated with the holding means 6.

[0046] The holding means 6 comprise at least a first holding unit 13 adapted to receive a first packaging element F1 and at least a second holding unit 14 adapted to receive a second packaging element F2.

[0047] The holding means 6 are arranged upstream of the packaging means 3 with respect to the direction of forward movement A and the movement line 4 is positioned between the holding units 13,14.

[0048] Each of the holding units 13,14 comprises at least one respective substantially horizontal resting surface 15 and at least one respective substantially vertical holding surface 16.

[0049] The movement line 4 develops perpendicular to the holding surfaces 16.

[0050] The resting surfaces 15 of the holding units 13,14 are substantially coplanar. Similarly, the holding surfaces 16 of the holding units 13,14 are also substantially coplanar.

[0051] As a result of the release by the transfer means 7, the resting surface 15 receives and supports the thickness of the packaging element F1,F2, the plane of development of which is substantially parallel to the holding surface 16.

[0052] Thus, as stated above, in the preferred embodiment, the holding means 6 are configured to keep the packaging elements F1,F2 substantially vertically while the movement line 4 is configured to hold the slab-shaped manufactured articles M substantially horizontally, stacked on top of each other.

[0053] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the movement line 4 and the holding means 6 may be configured to keep the slab-shaped manufactured articles M and the packaging elements F1,F2 respectively, in different positions.

[0054] The positioning means 8 are associated with the second holding unit 14 and are adapted to move the second packaging element F2 with respect to the first packaging element F1.

[0055] In other words, the first packaging element F1 remains stationary while the second packaging element F2 is moved to generate the first overlapping portion P1.

[0056] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the positioning means 8 may be associated with both holding units 13,14 and that both packaging elements F1,F2 may be moved to generate the first overlapping portion P1.

[0057] As the movement line 4 moves forward, the slab-shaped manufactured articles M abut against the packaging elements F1,F2 at the first overlapping portion P1. Advantageously, the positioning means 8 comprise: at least one misalignment assembly 17 configured to arrange the packaging elements F1,F2 in a staggered position, wherein their respective planes of development are substantially parallel to each other; and at least one sliding assembly 18 configured to move at least one of the packaging elements F1,F2 along one direction of sliding S substantially parallel to the respective longitudinal direction, moving close to the other, in an overlapping position wherein they define the first overlapping portion P1.

[0058] As previously stated, embodiments can be provided in which the positioning means 8 are associated with the transfer means 7. Likewise, embodiments are provided in which the misalignment assembly 17 is associated with the transfer means 7 and the sliding assembly 18 is associated with the holding means 6.

[0059] In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the misalignment assembly 17 comprises at least one spacer body 19 associated projecting with the holding surface 16 of the second holding unit 14 and defining a surface spaced apart from the holding surface itself and adapted to hold the second packaging element F2 in the staggered position.

[0060] In actual facts, at the first holding unit 13, the first packaging element F1 is arranged substantially resting on the respective holding surface 16 while at the second holding unit 14, the second packaging element F2 is arranged spaced apart from the respective holding surface 16.

[0061] Thus, the release of the packaging elements F1,F2 by the transfer means 7 results in a shift of the second packaging element F2 with respect to the first packaging element F1 and causes the respective planes of development thereof to be staggered to each other.

[0062] The spacer body 19 is of the type of a longitudinal body that departs transversely from the holding surface 16 and then develops substantially vertically towards the resting surface 15 and has the function of guiding the fall of the second packaging element F2 onto the resting surface itself, as a result of the release by the transfer means 7.

[0063] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the misalignment assembly 17 may be of a different type.

[0064] Advantageously, the sliding assembly 18 comprises at least one pivot 20 associated with the holding surface 16 of the second holding unit 14, movable by shifting along the direction of sliding S and configured to interact with the packaging element F1,F2 to cause a movement thereof from the staggered position to the overlapping position.

[0065] The pivot 20 is itself projecting from the holding surface 16 and is configured to interact with an edge of the second packaging element F2.

[0066] As shown in the figures, the packaging elements F1,F2 comprise a series of contours having the function of promoting the folding of the packaging elements themselves onto the main surfaces of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M. The transfer means 7 are configured to release the second packaging element F2 into the second holding unit 14 so that one of the contours of the second packaging element F2 is arranged at the pivot 20.

[0067] The sliding assembly 18 also comprises an actuating device, such as e.g. an electric motor, configured to drive the pivot 20.

[0068] Conveniently, the sliding assembly 18 comprises at least one guiding member, not shown in detail in the figures, configured to guide the shift of the second packaging element F2 from the staggered position to the overlapping position. The guiding member is positioned between the holding units 13,14 and is adapted to hold one end of the second packaging element F2.

[0069] When shifting from the staggered position to the overlapping position, the second packaging element F2 slides partly on the resting surface 15 of the second holding unit 14 and partly on the guiding member.

[0070] The guiding member is movable along a substantially vertical direction between a home position, wherein it is arranged inferiorly to the resting surface 15 of the second holding unit 14 to enable the packaging of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M, and a working position, wherein it is arranged substantially at the same height as the resting surface 15 of the second holding unit 14 to receive the second packaging element F2.

[0071] Conveniently, the holding means 6 comprise retaining elements, not shown in detail in the figures, associated with the resting surfaces 15 and adapted to keep the packaging elements F1,F2 in the overlapping position.

[0072] The retaining elements are configured to fit the contours of the packaging elements F1,F2 and prevent them from shifting horizontally.

[0073] The retaining elements are, in turn, vertically movable between a home position, wherein they are arranged inferiorly to the resting surfaces 15, and a working position, wherein they are projecting from the resting surfaces 15.

[0074] Once the slab-shaped manufactured articles M reach the packaging elements F1,F2, the packaging means 3 fold the latter around the manufactured articles themselves. The packaging means 3 also have the function of completing the packaging by pressing the packaging elements F1,F2 onto themselves at the bonding points G.

[0075] The packaging means 3 comprise at least one folding unit 21 adapted to fold the packaging elements F1,F2 around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0076] In detail, the folding unit 21 is adapted to operate in conjunction with the movement line 4 to fold the packaging elements F1,F2 along their perimeter around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M as a result of the movement of the latter along the direction of forward movement A.

[0077] The folding unit 21 comprises a series of known type devices, e.g., rollers, shaped guides, side guides, adapted to contact the packaging elements F1,F2 and to make these fold around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0078] The folding unit 21 is, moreover, adjustable according to the size of the slab-shaped manufactured article M and to the height of the stack of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M to be packaged.

[0079] In more detail, the movement line 4 pushes the slab-shaped manufactured article M towards the first overlapping portion P1 of the packaging elements F1,F2, which interact with the folding unit 21 and are folded around the slab-shaped manufactured article M, frontally and laterally thereto.

[0080] Conveniently, the packaging means 3 also comprise sliding members, not shown in detail in the figures, adapted to abut against the packaging elements F1,F2 partly wrapped around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M and operable to assist in the movement of the latter along the direction of forward movement A. The sliding members are of the motorized roller type.

[0081] When the slab-shaped manufactured article M is located downstream of the holding means 6 with respect to the direction of forward movement A, it is partly closed on three perimeter edges.

[0082] The packaging means 3 comprise a closure assembly, not shown in detail in the figures, configured to close the packaging elements F1,F2 around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M to define the second overlapping portion P2.

[0083] Specifically, the closure assembly is configured to close, first the free end of one of the packaging elements and then the free end of the other of the packaging elements F1,F2 to generate the second overlapping portion P2.

[0084] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the closure means comprise an arm provided with rollers, associated with each of the holding units 13,14 and movable horizontally to push the respective packaging element F1,F2 against the slab-shaped manufactured articles M to fold and fully close the packaging elements F1,F2 around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0085] The two arms are operated alternately to determine first the closing of one of the packaging elements and then the closing of the other of the packaging elements.

[0086] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the equipment according to the invention for packaging slab-shaped manufactured articles makes it possible to effectively wrap the entire perimeter edge of large-sized slab-shaped manufactured articles by means of common packaging elements already on the market.

[0087] In addition, this piece of equipment makes it possible to completely cover the perimeter edge of large-size slab-shaped manufactured articles while maintaining short operating times.

[0088] Finally, this piece of equipment allows the slab-shaped manufactured articles to be packaged through a single operation, thus reducing the risk of damage and / or breakage of the manufactured articles themselves.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles.

[0020]In the context of the present disclosure, the term "slab-shaped ceramic manufactured article" refers to a manufactured article made of ceramic or similar material, of substantially flat conformation, in which the dimensions of length and width preponderate over thickness. For example, the slab-shaped manufactured article is of the type of a slab, tile, ceramic coating or the like, and is intended for surface coating. The slab-shaped manufactured article M comprises a laying surface, intended to contact a substrate to be covered, an exposed surface, opposite the laying surface and intended to remain visible as a result of laying and a plurality of perimeter edges, transverse to the aforementioned surfaces.

[0021]The piece of equipment 1 according to the invention comprises at least one base frame 2 and packaging means...

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles.Background Art

[0002] In particular, this piece of equipment is intended for the packaging of manufactured articles of the type, e.g., of slabs, tiles, cladding, or the like, i.e., of substantially flat conformation and in which the dimensions of length and width are predominant over thickness. The slab-shaped manufactured article is provided with a laying surface, intended to contact a substrate to be covered, an exposed surface, opposite the laying surface and intended to remain visible as a result of laying, and a plurality of perimeter edges, transverse to the aforementioned surfaces.

[0003] Equipment is known to be configured to wrap one or more ceramic manufactured articles along their perimeter which are stacked on top of each other by means of a packaging element.

[0004] The packaging element is of the type of a sheet of paperboard material and is shaped so that it can be folded around the slab-shaped manufactured article to protect it during transport.

[0005] Known packaging elements have folding lines (called creasing) adapted to facilitate the folding thereof around the slab-shaped manufactured article and to promote the packaging of the manufactured article itself.

[0006] Packaging elements are also known as dies and develop over a plane of development and along a longitudinal direction and are provided with a predefined longitudinal extension.

[0007] Generally, the packaging elements have a maximum longitudinal extension of 2500mm, which corresponds to the maximum length of the reels of paperboard materials currently on the market, from which they are produced.

[0008] It follows that by means of a packaging element, only slab-shaped manufactured articles having a perimeter less than the maximum longitudinal extension of the same can be wrapped.

[0009] For example, by means of known packaging elements, it is possible to cover slab-shaped manufactured articles up to the size 600 mm x 600 mm, that is, having a perimeter of 2400 mm, or 800 mm x 400 mm, and so on.

[0010] However, it is well known that in recent years the ceramic industry has witnessed a gradual increase in technologies and production facilities capable of producing large-format slabs, e.g. 1200 mm x 1200 mm, which allow the surfaces covered with such slabs to be given a more valuable aesthetic effect than slabs of smaller sizes. Such large-format articles must necessarily be packaged by joining several packaging elements together.

[0011] However, the packaging equipment of known type is configured to handle only one packaging element at a time, and therefore, large-sized slab-shaped manufactured articles should undergo two separate partial packaging operations to cover the entire perimeter thereof.

[0012] It is clear how this circumstance can result in a significant increase in operating time, in addition to the fact that prolonged movement of the ceramic manufactured articles can increase the risk of damage and / or breakage of the same.Description of the Invention

[0013] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped manufactured articles that allows the entire perimeter edge of large-sized slab-shaped manufactured articles to be effectively wrapped by means of commercially available packaging elements.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped manufactured articles that allows the perimeter edge of large-sized slab-shaped manufactured articles to be completely covered while maintaining short operating times.

[0015] An additional object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped manufactured articles that allows reducing the risk of damage and / or breakage of the slab-shaped manufactured articles.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0017] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present piece of equipment for the packaging of ceramic slab-shaped manufactured articles having the characteristics of claim 1.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the equipment according to the invention; Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the equipment, during the transfer of the packaging elements from the storage means to the holding means; Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the equipment, with the packaging elements in a staggered position; Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the equipment, with the packaging elements in an overlapping position; Figure 5 is an axonometric view of the equipment, during the movement of the slab-shaped manufactured articles towards the packaging means; Figure 6 is an axonometric view of the equipment, during a closure of the packaging elements around the slab-shaped manufactured articles. Embodiments of the Invention

[0019] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles.

[0020] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "slab-shaped ceramic manufactured article" refers to a manufactured article made of ceramic or similar material, of substantially flat conformation, in which the dimensions of length and width preponderate over thickness. For example, the slab-shaped manufactured article is of the type of a slab, tile, ceramic coating or the like, and is intended for surface coating. The slab-shaped manufactured article M comprises a laying surface, intended to contact a substrate to be covered, an exposed surface, opposite the laying surface and intended to remain visible as a result of laying and a plurality of perimeter edges, transverse to the aforementioned surfaces.

[0021] The piece of equipment 1 according to the invention comprises at least one base frame 2 and packaging means 3 associated with the base frame 2 adapted to cover one or more slab-shaped manufactured articles M around their perimeter by means of at least one pair of packaging elements F1,F2.

[0022] Specifically, the packaging elements F1,F2 are of the type of sheets made of paperboard material and are shaped in such a way that they can be folded around the slab-shaped manufactured article M to protect it during transport.

[0023] The packaging element F1,F2 is of the type of a pre-punched die, i.e., an elongated wrapping made of paperboard material conformed to wrap the slab-shaped manufactured article around its perimeter edges and to leave at least partly uncovered the exposed surface and the laying surface. Again, the term "pre-punched" means that the wrapping has folding lines adapted to facilitate the wrapping thereof around the slab-shaped manufactured article and to promote the packaging thereof.

[0024] Each of the packaging elements F1,F2 develops on a respective plane of development and along a respective longitudinal direction and is provided with a lower longitudinal extension than the perimeter of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0025] For example, the packaging element F1,F2 can have a maximum longitudinal extension of 2500 mm, while the slab-shaped manufactured article M can be 1200 mm x 1200 mm in size, i.e., have a perimeter of 4800 mm.

[0026] This piece of equipment 1 can be intended for the packaging of a single slab-shaped manufactured article M or of a plurality of slab-shaped manufactured articles, stacked on top of each other. It is easy to appreciate how, for this purpose, the packaging element F1,F2 is appropriately sized according to the number of slab-shaped manufactured articles M to be packaged. For simplicity of exposition, in the remainder of this disclosure, the piece of equipment 1 will be described with reference to the packaging of a plurality of slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0027] Conveniently, the piece of equipment 1 comprises at least one movement line 4 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to move the slab-shaped manufactured articles M along a substantially horizontal direction of forward movement A where the packaging means 3 are located.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the movement line 4 is of the type of a pair of chains, spaced apart from each other and mutually movable close to / away from each other to vary the distance defined between them according to the size of the slab-shaped manufactured article M. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the movement line 4 may be of a different type.

[0029] The packaging means 3 are configured to wrap the packaging elements F1,F2 around said slab-shaped manufactured articles M as a result of the movement of the latter along the direction of forward movement A.

[0030] However, alternative embodiments cannot be ruled out, in which the slab-shaped manufactured articles M are kept stationary and the packaging means 3 are moved with respect to them to determine the wrapping with the packaging elements F1,F2.

[0031] The piece of equipment 1 also comprises: storage means 5 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to store a plurality of packaging elements F1,F2; holding means 6 associated with the base frame 2, adapted to receive said packaging elements F1,F2 from said storage means 5 and to hold them with their planes of development facing a perimeter edge of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M; and transfer means 7 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to transfer the packaging elements F1,F2 from the storage means 5 to the holding means 6.

[0032] The piece of equipment 1 also comprises positioning means 8 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to partly overlap the packaging elements F1,F2 with each other so as to define a first overlapping portion P1.

[0033] The packaging means 3 are adapted to wrap the packaging elements F1,F2 around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M and to partly overlap them with each other to define a second overlapping portion P2 opposite the first overlapping portion P1.

[0034] Thus, this piece of equipment 1 makes it possible to take advantage of two packaging elements F1,F2 and to match them with each other to enable, in a single operation, the complete perimeter wrapping of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0035] In detail, the packaging elements F1,F2 picked up by the storage means 5 are arranged substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal and coplanar directions; they are then subjected to a first overlap at the adjacent ends, wrapped around the slab-shaped manufactured article M and, finally, overlapped with a second overlap at their respective free ends to form a single packaging body closed on itself.

[0036] The storage means 5 comprise at least one pair of storage surfaces 9 arranged substantially horizontally and configured to hold two stacks of packaging elements F1,F2 overlapping each other. The storage surfaces 9 are arranged side by side along their respective longitudinal directions.

[0037] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the storage means 5 may be configured to hold the packaging elements F1,F2 substantially vertically or at an angle.

[0038] The transfer means 7 are configured to pick up two packaging elements F1,F2 at the same time, which are thus substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal and coplanar directions.

[0039] The transfer means 7 comprise a gripping unit 10 configured to grasp the packaging elements F1,F2 and a guiding unit 11 supporting the gripping unit 10 by sliding.

[0040] The gripping unit 10 comprises one or more suction cups adapted to retain / release the packaging elements F1,F2 through vacuum generation / interruption.

[0041] In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the guiding unit 11 comprises a first substantially horizontal stretch at the storage means 5, a second substantially vertical stretch at the holding means 6 and a curvilinear stretch positioned between the first stretch and the second stretch.

[0042] The holding means 6 are, therefore, configured to keep the packaging elements F1,F2 substantially vertical, with their respective longitudinal directions substantially horizontal.

[0043] Conveniently, the piece of equipment 1 also comprises application means 12 associated with the transfer means 7 and adapted to distribute a bonding agent on the packaging elements F1,F2. The application means 12 are configured to define bonding points G that keep the packaging elements F1,F2 wrapped around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M at the end of packaging. The overlapping portions P1,P2 comprise at least one of the bonding points G.

[0044] Advantageously, the positioning means 8 are associated with one of the transfer means 7 or the holding means 6. In actual facts, the first overlapping of the packaging elements F1,F2 can be done during the transfer of these or as a result of their release into the holding means 6.

[0045] In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the positioning means 8 are associated with the holding means 6.

[0046] The holding means 6 comprise at least a first holding unit 13 adapted to receive a first packaging element F1 and at least a second holding unit 14 adapted to receive a second packaging element F2.

[0047] The holding means 6 are arranged upstream of the packaging means 3 with respect to the direction of forward movement A and the movement line 4 is positioned between the holding units 13,14.

[0048] Each of the holding units 13,14 comprises at least one respective substantially horizontal resting surface 15 and at least one respective substantially vertical holding surface 16.

[0049] The movement line 4 develops perpendicular to the holding surfaces 16.

[0050] The resting surfaces 15 of the holding units 13,14 are substantially coplanar. Similarly, the holding surfaces 16 of the holding units 13,14 are also substantially coplanar.

[0051] As a result of the release by the transfer means 7, the resting surface 15 receives and supports the thickness of the packaging element F1,F2, the plane of development of which is substantially parallel to the holding surface 16.

[0052] Thus, as stated above, in the preferred embodiment, the holding means 6 are configured to keep the packaging elements F1,F2 substantially vertically while the movement line 4 is configured to hold the slab-shaped manufactured articles M substantially horizontally, stacked on top of each other.

[0053] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the movement line 4 and the holding means 6 may be configured to keep the slab-shaped manufactured articles M and the packaging elements F1,F2 respectively, in different positions.

[0054] The positioning means 8 are associated with the second holding unit 14 and are adapted to move the second packaging element F2 with respect to the first packaging element F1.

[0055] In other words, the first packaging element F1 remains stationary while the second packaging element F2 is moved to generate the first overlapping portion P1.

[0056] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the positioning means 8 may be associated with both holding units 13,14 and that both packaging elements F1,F2 may be moved to generate the first overlapping portion P1.

[0057] As the movement line 4 moves forward, the slab-shaped manufactured articles M abut against the packaging elements F1,F2 at the first overlapping portion P1. Advantageously, the positioning means 8 comprise: at least one misalignment assembly 17 configured to arrange the packaging elements F1,F2 in a staggered position, wherein their respective planes of development are substantially parallel to each other; and at least one sliding assembly 18 configured to move at least one of the packaging elements F1,F2 along one direction of sliding S substantially parallel to the respective longitudinal direction, moving close to the other, in an overlapping position wherein they define the first overlapping portion P1.

[0058] As previously stated, embodiments can be provided in which the positioning means 8 are associated with the transfer means 7. Likewise, embodiments are provided in which the misalignment assembly 17 is associated with the transfer means 7 and the sliding assembly 18 is associated with the holding means 6.

[0059] In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the misalignment assembly 17 comprises at least one spacer body 19 associated projecting with the holding surface 16 of the second holding unit 14 and defining a surface spaced apart from the holding surface itself and adapted to hold the second packaging element F2 in the staggered position.

[0060] In actual facts, at the first holding unit 13, the first packaging element F1 is arranged substantially resting on the respective holding surface 16 while at the second holding unit 14, the second packaging element F2 is arranged spaced apart from the respective holding surface 16.

[0061] Thus, the release of the packaging elements F1,F2 by the transfer means 7 results in a shift of the second packaging element F2 with respect to the first packaging element F1 and causes the respective planes of development thereof to be staggered to each other.

[0062] The spacer body 19 is of the type of a longitudinal body that departs transversely from the holding surface 16 and then develops substantially vertically towards the resting surface 15 and has the function of guiding the fall of the second packaging element F2 onto the resting surface itself, as a result of the release by the transfer means 7.

[0063] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the misalignment assembly 17 may be of a different type.

[0064] Advantageously, the sliding assembly 18 comprises at least one pivot 20 associated with the holding surface 16 of the second holding unit 14, movable by shifting along the direction of sliding S and configured to interact with the packaging element F1,F2 to cause a movement thereof from the staggered position to the overlapping position.

[0065] The pivot 20 is itself projecting from the holding surface 16 and is configured to interact with an edge of the second packaging element F2.

[0066] As shown in the figures, the packaging elements F1,F2 comprise a series of contours having the function of promoting the folding of the packaging elements themselves onto the main surfaces of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M. The transfer means 7 are configured to release the second packaging element F2 into the second holding unit 14 so that one of the contours of the second packaging element F2 is arranged at the pivot 20.

[0067] The sliding assembly 18 also comprises an actuating device, such as e.g. an electric motor, configured to drive the pivot 20.

[0068] Conveniently, the sliding assembly 18 comprises at least one guiding member, not shown in detail in the figures, configured to guide the shift of the second packaging element F2 from the staggered position to the overlapping position. The guiding member is positioned between the holding units 13,14 and is adapted to hold one end of the second packaging element F2.

[0069] When shifting from the staggered position to the overlapping position, the second packaging element F2 slides partly on the resting surface 15 of the second holding unit 14 and partly on the guiding member.

[0070] The guiding member is movable along a substantially vertical direction between a home position, wherein it is arranged inferiorly to the resting surface 15 of the second holding unit 14 to enable the packaging of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M, and a working position, wherein it is arranged substantially at the same height as the resting surface 15 of the second holding unit 14 to receive the second packaging element F2.

[0071] Conveniently, the holding means 6 comprise retaining elements, not shown in detail in the figures, associated with the resting surfaces 15 and adapted to keep the packaging elements F1,F2 in the overlapping position.

[0072] The retaining elements are configured to fit the contours of the packaging elements F1,F2 and prevent them from shifting horizontally.

[0073] The retaining elements are, in turn, vertically movable between a home position, wherein they are arranged inferiorly to the resting surfaces 15, and a working position, wherein they are projecting from the resting surfaces 15.

[0074] Once the slab-shaped manufactured articles M reach the packaging elements F1,F2, the packaging means 3 fold the latter around the manufactured articles themselves. The packaging means 3 also have the function of completing the packaging by pressing the packaging elements F1,F2 onto themselves at the bonding points G.

[0075] The packaging means 3 comprise at least one folding unit 21 adapted to fold the packaging elements F1,F2 around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0076] In detail, the folding unit 21 is adapted to operate in conjunction with the movement line 4 to fold the packaging elements F1,F2 along their perimeter around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M as a result of the movement of the latter along the direction of forward movement A.

[0077] The folding unit 21 comprises a series of known type devices, e.g., rollers, shaped guides, side guides, adapted to contact the packaging elements F1,F2 and to make these fold around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0078] The folding unit 21 is, moreover, adjustable according to the size of the slab-shaped manufactured article M and to the height of the stack of the slab-shaped manufactured articles M to be packaged.

[0079] In more detail, the movement line 4 pushes the slab-shaped manufactured article M towards the first overlapping portion P1 of the packaging elements F1,F2, which interact with the folding unit 21 and are folded around the slab-shaped manufactured article M, frontally and laterally thereto.

[0080] Conveniently, the packaging means 3 also comprise sliding members, not shown in detail in the figures, adapted to abut against the packaging elements F1,F2 partly wrapped around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M and operable to assist in the movement of the latter along the direction of forward movement A. The sliding members are of the motorized roller type.

[0081] When the slab-shaped manufactured article M is located downstream of the holding means 6 with respect to the direction of forward movement A, it is partly closed on three perimeter edges.

[0082] The packaging means 3 comprise a closure assembly, not shown in detail in the figures, configured to close the packaging elements F1,F2 around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M to define the second overlapping portion P2.

[0083] Specifically, the closure assembly is configured to close, first the free end of one of the packaging elements and then the free end of the other of the packaging elements F1,F2 to generate the second overlapping portion P2.

[0084] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the closure means comprise an arm provided with rollers, associated with each of the holding units 13,14 and movable horizontally to push the respective packaging element F1,F2 against the slab-shaped manufactured articles M to fold and fully close the packaging elements F1,F2 around the slab-shaped manufactured articles M.

[0085] The two arms are operated alternately to determine first the closing of one of the packaging elements and then the closing of the other of the packaging elements.

[0086] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the equipment according to the invention for packaging slab-shaped manufactured articles makes it possible to effectively wrap the entire perimeter edge of large-sized slab-shaped manufactured articles by means of common packaging elements already on the market.

[0087] In addition, this piece of equipment makes it possible to completely cover the perimeter edge of large-size slab-shaped manufactured articles while maintaining short operating times.

[0088] Finally, this piece of equipment allows the slab-shaped manufactured articles to be packaged through a single operation, thus reducing the risk of damage and / or breakage of the manufactured articles themselves.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a piece of equipment for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles.

[0020]In the context of the present disclosure, the term "slab-shaped ceramic manufactured article" refers to a manufactured article made of ceramic or similar material, of substantially flat conformation, in which the dimensions of length and width preponderate over thickness. For example, the slab-shaped manufactured article is of the type of a slab, tile, ceramic coating or the like, and is intended for surface coating. The slab-shaped manufactured article M comprises a laying surface, intended to contact a substrate to be covered, an exposed surface, opposite the laying surface and intended to remain visible as a result of laying and a plurality of perimeter edges, transverse to the aforementioned surfaces.

[0021]The piece of equipment 1 according to the invention comprises at least one base frame 2 and packaging means...

Claims

1. Equipment (1) for packaging slab-shaped ceramic manufactured articles, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - at least one base frame (2); - packaging means (3) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to cover one or more slab-shaped manufactured articles (M) around their perimeter by means of at least one pair of packaging elements (F1,F2), wherein each of said packaging elements (F1,F2) is developed on a respective plane of development and along a respective longitudinal direction and is provided with a lower longitudinal extension than the perimeter of said slab-shaped manufactured articles (M); - storage means (5) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to store a plurality of said packaging elements (F1,F2); - holding means (6) associated with said base frame (2), adapted to receive said packaging elements (F1,F2) from said storage means (5) and to hold them with their planes of development facing a perimeter edge of said slab-shaped manufactured articles (M); - transfer means (7) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to transfer said packaging elements (F1,F2) from said storage means (5) to said holding means (6); - positioning means (8) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to partly overlap said packaging elements (F1,F2) with each other so as to define a first overlapping portion (P1); said packaging means (3) being adapted to wrap said packaging elements (F1,F2) around said slab-shaped manufactured articles (M) and to partly overlap them with each other to define a second overlapping portion (P2) opposite said first overlapping portion (P1).

2. Equipment (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said positioning means (8) are associated with one of said transfer means (7) or said holding means (6).

3. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said positioning means (8) are associated with said holding means (6).

4. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said holding means (6) comprise at least a first holding unit (13) adapted to receive a first packaging element (F1) and at least a second holding unit (14) adapted to receive a second packaging element (F2), said positioning means (8) being associated with said second unit and being adapted to move said second packaging element (F2) with respect to said first packaging element (F1).

5. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one movement line (4) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to move said slab-shaped manufactured articles (M) along a substantially horizontal direction of forward movement (A) where said packaging means (3) are located, said packaging means (3) being configured to wrap said packaging elements (F1,F2) around said slab-shaped manufactured articles (M) as a result of the movement of the latter along said direction of forward movement (A).

6. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said holding means (6) are arranged upstream of said packaging means (3) with respect to said direction of forward movement (A) and by the fact that said movement line (4) is placed between said holding units (13,14).

7. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that each of said holding units (13,14) comprises at least one respective substantially horizontal resting surface (15) and at least one respective substantially vertical holding surface (16), and by the fact that said movement line (4) develops perpendicularly to said holding surfaces (16).

8. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said positioning means (8) comprise: - at least one misalignment assembly (17) configured to arrange said packaging elements (F1,F2) in a staggered position, wherein their respective planes of development are substantially parallel to each other; and - at least one sliding assembly (18) configured to move at least one of said packaging elements (F1,F2) along one direction of sliding (S) substantially parallel to the respective longitudinal direction, moving close to the other, in an overlapping position wherein they define said first overlapping portion (P1).

9. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said misalignment assembly (17) comprises at least one spacer body (19) associated projecting to the holding surface (16) of said second holding unit (14) and defining a surface spaced apart from said holding surface (16) and adapted to hold said second packaging element (F2) in said staggered position.

10. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said sliding assembly (18) comprises at least one pivot (20) associated with the holding surface (16) of said second holding unit (14), movable by shifting along said direction of sliding (S) and configured to interact with said packaging element (F1,F2) to cause the movement thereof from said staggered position to said overlapping position.

11. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said sliding assembly (18) comprises at least one guiding member configured to guide the shift of said second packaging element (F2) from said staggered position to said overlapping position.

12. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said guiding member is movable along a substantially vertical direction between a home position, wherein it is arranged inferiorly to the resting surface (15) of said second holding unit (14) to enable the packaging of said slab-shaped manufactured articles (M), and a working position, wherein it is arranged substantially at the same height as the holding surface (16) of said second holding unit (14) to receive said second packaging element (F2).

13. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said holding means (6) comprise retaining elements associated with said resting surfaces (15) and adapted to hold said packaging elements (F1,F2) in said overlapping position.

14. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said packaging means (3) comprise at least one folding unit (21) adapted to operate in conjunction with said movement line (4) to fold said packaging elements (F1,F2) along their perimeter around said slab-shaped manufactured articles (M) as a result of the movement of the latter along said direction of forward movement (A).

15. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said packaging means (3) comprise sliding members adapted to abut against said packaging elements (F1,F2) partly wrapped around said slab-shaped manufactured articles (M) and operable to assist in the movement of the latter along said direction of forward movement (A).

16. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said packaging means (3) comprise a closure assembly configured to close said packaging elements (F1,F2) around said slab-shaped manufactured articles (M) to define said second overlapping portion (P2).

Images