Abrasive assembly for the surface machining of ceramic and / or stone manufactured articles

Abstract

The abrasive assembly (1) for the surface machining of ceramic and / or stone manufactured articles, comprises: - a supporting body (2) associable with a rotating head (30) of a machine tool and configured to rotate around a relevant axis of work (X), wherein the supporting body (2) defines a perimeter surface (3) substantially parallel to the axis of work (X); - a plurality of abrasive tools (8) associated with the supporting body (2) in a removable manner where the perimeter surface (3) is located; and comprises removable fastening means (9) of at least one of the abrasive tools (8) to the supporting body (2), wherein the fastening means (9) are distinct and separate from both the supporting body (2) and the abrasive tools (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an abrasive assembly for the surface machining of ceramic and / or stone manufactured articles.Background Art

[0002] In the field of ceramics, it is well known to carry out surface machining operations at the end of the production process, such as polishing or lapping, in order to obtain a more aesthetically valuable surface.

[0003] These surface machining operations are generally carried out by means of special machine tools provided with a rotating head, which is operable in rotation around a main axis perpendicular to the surface of the manufactured article to be machined and which supports one or more abrasive assemblies.

[0004] More specifically, such abrasive assemblies comprise a supporting body which is associated with the rotating head and which is in turn operable in rotation around an axis of work perpendicular to the main axis of the rotating head.

[0005] EP 4182121 describes an abrasive assembly of known type, which comprises a supporting body on the lateral surface of which a plurality of seats is defined for housing related abrasive tools. Such housing seats are conformed so as to provide a double dovetail, that is, a first dovetail in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the supporting body and a second dovetail parallel to such axis of rotation.

[0006] As can be easily appreciated, this conformation of the seats allows the abrasive tool to be clamped during the machining phases both in the way of tool insertion and transverse thereto.

[0007] However, the abrasive assembly known from EP 4182121 has some drawbacks. A first drawback of this type of abrasive assemblies consists in that, in order to replace the abrasive tools once they have worn out, it is necessary to remove the relevant supporting body from the rotating head on which it is mounted. This leads, as can be easily appreciated, to downtime that negatively impacts production output and, therefore, production costs.

[0008] In addition, the conformation of the portion of the abrasive tool which is inserted within the relevant seat must be properly shaped and have coupling walls with the same inclination as the dovetails defined by the relevant seat.

[0009] This results in the need for tight machining tolerances because different inclinations between the abrasive tool and its seat could lead to difficulties in inserting the abrasive tool, resulting in higher production costs.

[0010] In addition, the conformation of the seats according to what patent EP 4182121 covers results in uncomfortable insertion of the abrasive tools within them.Description of the Invention

[0011] The main aim of the present invention is to devise an abrasive assembly for the surface machining of ceramic and / or stone manufactured articles which allows the drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome.

[0012] Specifically, one object of the present invention is to devise an abrasive assembly which allows for easy mounting of the abrasive tools on the supporting body, while requiring low implementation costs.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to enable the replacement of the abrasive tools on the relevant supporting body without the latter being removed from the relevant rotating head.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to devise an abrasive assembly for the surface machining of ceramic and / or stone manufactured articles which 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.

[0015] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this abrasive assembly for the surface machining of ceramic and / or stone manufactured articles according to claim 1.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an abrasive assembly for the surface machining of ceramic and / or stone 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 an abrasive assembly according to the invention, in a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of the abrasive assembly in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the abrasive assembly in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-section of the abrasive assembly in Figure 3 according to the track plane IV-IV; Figure 5 is a cross-section of the abrasive assembly in Figure 3 according to the track plane V-V; Figure 6 is a partially exploded view of an abrasive assembly according to the invention in a second embodiment; Figure 7 is an axonometric view of a cross-section of the abrasive assembly in Figure 6. Embodiments of the Invention

[0017] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes an abrasive assembly for the surface machining of ceramic and / or stone manufactured articles.

[0018] The abrasive assembly 1 comprises a supporting body 2 associable with a rotating head 30 of a machine tool, which (supporting body) is configured to rotate around a relevant axis of work X.

[0019] The rotating head 30 is operable in rotation around a main axis Y substantially perpendicular to the surface of the manufactured article to be machined, and the supporting body 2 is associated movable in rotation with the rotating head 30 around the axis of work X, the latter being arranged perpendicular to the main axis Y.

[0020] The axis of work X is arranged, in use (i.e., during the operation of the abrasive assembly 1), substantially parallel to the surface of the manufactured article to be machined.

[0021] The supporting body 2 defines a perimeter surface 3 substantially parallel to the axis of work X and on which a plurality of predefined positions 4 is defined, each intended to receive a corresponding abrasive tool 8. The predefined positions 4 are arranged radially with respect to the axis of work X.

[0022] More particularly, the supporting body 2 has a first surface 5 and a second surface 6 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of work X, where the second surface 6 has a connection element 7 to the rotating head 30. The perimeter surface 3 is placed between the first surface 5 and the second surface 6.

[0023] The abrasive assembly 1 then comprises a plurality of abrasive tools 8, associated with the supporting body 2 in a removable manner where the perimeter surface 3 is located.

[0024] According to the invention, the abrasive assembly 1 comprises removable fastening means 9 of at least one of the abrasive tools 8 to the supporting body 2, where such fastening means 9 are distinct and separate from both the abrasive tools 8 and the supporting body 2.

[0025] Advantageously, at least one of the abrasive tools 8 has a hole 10 and the fastening means 9 comprise at least one fastening element 11 insertable within the hole 10 and clamping means 12 of the fastening element 11 with respect to the supporting body 2.

[0026] More particularly, the clamping means 12 are adapted to clamp the position of the fastening element 11 to the supporting body 2 where at least one of the predefined positions 4 is located so as to mutually lock the abrasive tool 8 together with the supporting body 2 where such predefined position 4 is located.

[0027] Each of the predefined positions 4 defines a relevant base wall 14 that develops parallel to the axis of work X.

[0028] In more detail, the fastening element 11 is insertable within the hole 10 along a direction of insertion 13 substantially parallel to the axis of work X. Specifically, the direction of insertion 13 is defined by the axis of the hole 10 once the abrasive tool 8 has been arranged in the relevant predefined position 4.

[0029] Preferably, each of the abrasive tools 8 has a relevant hole 10 and the fastening means 9 comprise a plurality of fastening elements 11 insertable within the holes 10 so as to mutually lock the abrasive tools 8 together with the supporting body 2 where the predefined positions 4 are located.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the holes 10 are of the blind type.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figures 6 and 7, the supporting body 2 comprises, where at least one of the predefined positions 4 is located, at least one opening 15 arranged, in use, aligned with the hole 10 of the relevant abrasive tool 8 to define a fastening channel 16. The fastening element 11 then inserts within the fastening channel 16 so as to mutually lock the abrasive tool 8 together with the supporting body 2. In particular, the opening 15 is arranged downstream of the hole 10, the latter being of the through type, along the direction of insertion 13. Adequately, the supporting body 2 comprises, where each predefined position 4 is located, a relevant opening 15 and the abrasive tools 8 have relevant holes 10 which are arranged, in use, aligned with the openings 15 so as to define a plurality of fastening channels 16 engageable by the relevant fastening elements 11 so as to lock each abrasive tool 8 together with the supporting body 2 where a relevant predefined position 4 is located.

[0032] Advantageously, the fastening means 9 comprise a fastening ring nut 17 which supports the fastening element 11 in an integral manner and the clamping means 12 are adapted to clamp the fastening ring nut 17 to the supporting body 2. Preferably, the fastening ring nut 17 has an annular conformation and the fastening elements 11 are angularly spaced apart from each other along the circular development of the fastening ring nut 17. The fastening elements 11 are then arranged radially on the fastening ring nut 17.

[0033] More particularly, the fastening ring nut 17 comprises at least one through compartment 18 and the supporting body 2 has at least one cavity 19, wherein the compartment 18 is arranged, in use, aligned with the cavity 19 so as to define a clamping channel 20 engageable by the clamping means 12. In other words, the fastening ring nut 17 is positionable at a fastening position, wherein the compartment 18 is aligned with the cavity 19 defined on the supporting body 2. The alignment between the compartment 18 and the cavity 19 results in the positioning of the fastening elements 11 where the predefined positions 4 are located. The clamping means 12 are, e.g., of the type of threaded members insertable within the clamping channels 20 in a removable manner.

[0034] In more detail, a plurality of through compartments 18 and a corresponding number of cavities 19 are defined on the fastening ring nut 17 and on the supporting body 2, respectively, where, in use, each compartment 18 is arranged aligned with a corresponding cavity 19, the latter being engageable by the relevant threaded members 12.

[0035] Appropriately, the fastening ring nut 17 is associated with the supporting body 2 in a removable manner where the first surface 5 is located. This enables the mounting and removal of the abrasive tools 8 from the supporting body 2 even when the latter is mounted on the rotating head 30.

[0036] Advantageously, the abrasive assembly 1 comprises centering means 21 of each of said abrasive tools 8 on the supporting body 2 where the relevant predefined position 4 is located. Hence, the centering means 21 have the function of enabling the correct positioning of the abrasive tools 8 on the supporting body 2 before they are mutually fastened. Thanks to the centering means 21, the correct alignment of the holes 10 to the fastening elements 11 is achieved when the fastening ring nut 17 is arranged at the fastening position, that is, with the compartments 18 aligned with the cavities 19.

[0037] More particularly, the centering means 21 comprise at least one recess 22 defined on one of either the supporting body 2, where each of the predefined positions 4 is located, or the abrasive tool 8 and at least one relief 23 defined on the other of either the abrasive tool 8 or the supporting body 2. The insertion of the relief 23 within the recess 22 therefore uniquely defines the position of the relevant abrasive tool 8 on the supporting body 2 even though it does not allow it to be mutually fastened because the abrasive tool 8 can be moved by removing the relief 23 from the recess 22. Preferably, the reliefs 23 are defined on the abrasive tools 8 and the recesses 22 are defined on the supporting body 2.

[0038] More particularly, each of the abrasive tools 8 has a relevant holding surface 24 adapted to abut against the base wall 14 of the corresponding predefined position 4 when the relief 23 is inserted within the recess 22.

[0039] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the fastening elements 11 and the holes 10 are aligned with each other when the reliefs 23 are inserted within the recesses 22 and when the fastening ring nut 17 is at the fastening position.

[0040] More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the insertion of the reliefs 23 within the recesses 22 also involves the alignment of the holes 10 to the openings 15.

[0041] In this preferred embodiment, the relief 23 defines four abutment walls 23a adapted to interact with the recess 22 so as to prevent the abrasive tool 8 from being displaced with respect to the supporting body 2 along the directions belonging to a plane parallel to the base wall 14.

[0042] Appropriately, the hole 10 defined on each abrasive tool 8 is superimposed on the relevant relief 23.

[0043] The operation of the abrasive assembly according to the invention is as follows. Once the supporting body 2 has been provided, the position of the abrasive tools 8 is fixed where the perimeter surface 3 is located.

[0044] This is done by placing the abrasive tools 8 where their relevant predefined positions 4 are located and by securing the position thereof with respect to the supporting body 2 by means of the fastening means 9.

[0045] Specifically, the reliefs 23 defined on each abrasive tool 8 are placed within the corresponding recesses 22 defined on the supporting body 2 in such a way that they are arranged at their relevant predefined positions 4.

[0046] At this point, the fastening ring nut 17 is moved closer to the first surface 5 and placed at the work position, wherein the fastening elements 11 are aligned with the holes 10 and the through compartments 18 are aligned with the recesses 22. The fastening elements 11 are then inserted within the holes 10 (and within the openings 15 in the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7) along the relevant directions of insertion 13.

[0047] To complete the fastening of the abrasive tools 8 to the supporting body 2, it is now necessary to anchor the fastening ring nut 17 by means of the threaded members 12 which are inserted within the clamping channels 20.

[0048] At this point, the abrasive tools 8 are locked together with the supporting body 2. To replace the abrasive tools 8 it is necessary to carry out what has just been described in the reverse order, i.e., to remove the fastening ring nut 17 from the supporting body 2 thus clearing the abrasive tools 8 which can then be moved away from the supporting body itself.

[0049] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the abrasive assembly covered by the present invention allows for easy and practical application of the abrasive tools to the supporting body.

[0050] In particular, the solidarization of the abrasive tools to the supporting body by means of the fastening elements which are, in turn, clamped with respect to the supporting body, allows the abrasive tools to be fastened very smoothly and precisely. In fact, this type of fastening does not require any precision coupling, as is the case in the state of the art, so it allows for less tight machining tolerances and lower manufacturing costs.

[0051] Again, the abrasive assembly covered by the present invention allows abrasive tools to be removed and replaced even when it is mounted on the relevant rotating head, thus greatly simplifying maintenance operations and significantly reducing downtime.

Claims

1. Abrasive assembly (1) for the surface machining of ceramic and / or stone manufactured articles, comprising: - a supporting body (2) associable with a rotating head (30) of a machine tool and configured to rotate around a relevant axis of work (X), wherein said supporting body (2) defines a perimeter surface (3) substantially parallel to said axis of work (X); - a plurality of abrasive tools (8) associated with said supporting body (2) in a removable manner where said perimeter surface (3) is located; characterized by the fact that it comprises removable fastening means (9) of at least one of said abrasive tools (8) to said supporting body (2), wherein said fastening means (9) are distinct and separate from both said supporting body (2) and said abrasive tools (8).

2. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) has a plurality of predefined positions (4), each intended to receive a relevant abrasive tool (8), by the fact that at least one of said abrasive tools (8) has a hole (10) and by the fact that said fastening means (9) comprise at least one fastening element (11) insertable within said hole (10) and clamping means (12) of said fastening element (11) with respect to said supporting body (2) where at least one of said predefined positions (4) is located so as to mutually lock said abrasive tool (8) together with said supporting body (2).

3. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said fastening element (11) is insertable within said hole (10) along a direction of insertion (13) which is substantially parallel to said axis of work (X).

4. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that each of said abrasive tools (8) has a relevant hole (10) and by the fact that said fastening means (9) comprise a plurality of said fastening elements (11) insertable within said holes (10) so as to mutually lock said abrasive tools (8) together with said supporting body (2) where said predefined positions (4) are located.

5. Abrasive assembly (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 4, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) comprises, where at least one of said predefined positions (4) is located, at least one opening (15) arranged, in use, aligned with said hole (10) to define a fastening channel (16), said fastening element (11) being insertable within said fastening channel (16) so as to mutually lock said abrasive tool (8) together with said supporting body (2).

6. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that said opening (15) is arranged downstream of said hole (10), the latter being of the through-hole type, along said direction of insertion (13).

7. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) comprises a plurality of said openings (15), each of which is defined where a relevant predefined position (4) is located, by the fact that each of said abrasive tools (8) has a relevant hole (10) arranged, in use, aligned with a corresponding said opening (15) so as to define a plurality of fastening channels (16) and by the fact that said fastening means (9) comprise a plurality of said fastening elements (11) insertable within said fastening channels (16) so as to mutually lock said abrasive tools (8) together with said supporting body (2).

8. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 7, characterized by the fact that said fastening means (9) comprise a fastening ring nut (17) which supports said fastening element (11) in an integral manner and by the fact that said clamping means (12) are adapted to clamp said fastening ring nut (17) to said supporting body (2).

9. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that said fastening ring nut (17) has an annular conformation and by the fact that said fastening elements (11) are angularly spaced apart from each other along the circular development of said fastening ring nut (17).

10. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that said fastening ring nut (17) comprises at least one through compartment (18) and said supporting body (2) has at least one cavity (19), wherein said fastening ring nut (17) is positionable in a fastening position wherein said compartment (18) is aligned with said cavity (19) so as to define a clamping channel (20) and so as to arrange said fastening elements (11) where said predefined positions (4) are located and by the fact that said clamping means (12) are of the type of threaded members insertable within said clamping channels (20) in a removable manner.

11. Abrasive assembly (1) according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) has a first surface (5) and a second surface (6) parallel to each other and perpendicular to said axis of work (X), wherein said second surface (6) has a connection element (7) to the rotating head (30), said perimeter surface (3) being placed between said first surface (5) and said second surface (6) and characterized by the fact that said fastening ring nut (17) is associated with said first surface (5) in a removable manner.

12. Abrasive assembly (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 11, characterized by the fact that it comprises centering means (21) of each of said abrasive tools (8) on said supporting body (2) where the relevant predefined position (4) is located.

13. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that said centering means (21) comprise at least one recess (22) defined on one of either said supporting body (2), where each of said predefined positions (4) is located, or said abrasive tool (8) and comprising at least one relief (23) defined on the other of either said abrasive tool (8) or said supporting body (2), said fastening element (11) being aligned, in use, with said hole (10) when said relief (23) is inserted within said recess (22).

14. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that said relief (23) defines four abutment walls (23a) adapted to interact with said recess (22).

15. Abrasive assembly (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that said hole (10) is superimposed on said relief (23).

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