Process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles

Abstract

The process for the decoration of manufactured articles comprises the following phases: - supplying a slab-shaped manufactured article (2) provided with at least one decorative surface (3), a laying surface, opposite the decorative surface (3) and a plurality of perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) transverse to the decorative surface (3); - moving the slab-shaped manufactured article (2) along a direction of forward movement (D); - applying at least one layer of glaze (8) on the decorative surface (3); where, prior to the phase of applying, it comprises a phase of coating at least one of the perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) with a reserving agent (10) having a repellent function with respect to the glaze (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles.Background Art

[0002] In various industrial sectors, methods and equipment are known for the decoration of slab-shaped manufactured articles which consist, e.g., of flat or curved slabs or tiles intended for covering or coating surfaces.

[0003] In particular, these manufactured articles are provided with a decorative surface, i.e., the surface that is visible after installation, to which decorations are applied using inks or other materials according to customer requirements.

[0004] The slab-shaped manufactured articles are also generally subjected to a glazing operation on the respective decorative surface which allows for special finishes such as e.g. a glossy, matte, glitter, etc. effect.

[0005] In particular, the glaze is applied full-field in various ways.

[0006] However, the glazing operation inevitably leads to glaze dripping along the perimeter surfaces of the slab-shaped manufactured article, which can cause aesthetic faults of manufactured article itself.

[0007] Therefore, after glazing, the slab-shaped manufactured articles are generally subjected to a further operation which allows removing any glaze residues from the perimeter surfaces.

[0008] It is clear that these operations involve longer production times and also entail a greater risk of breakage of the slab-shaped manufactured articles.Description of the Invention

[0009] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles that allow preventing the accumulation of glaze residues on the perimeter surfaces of the slab-shaped manufactured articles. Within the scope of this inventive concept, another object is to avoid accessory operations as a result of glazing.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to devise a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles which allow production times and relevant costs to be reduced.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to devise a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles which allow the risk of breakage of the slab-shaped manufactured articles to be reduced.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to devise a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles which allow the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome in a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0013] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present process for the decoration of manufactured articles having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0014] The aforementioned objects are also achieved by the present equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles having the characteristics of claim 6.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a process and equipment for the decoration of 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 piece of equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles according to the invention; Figures 2 and 3 are schematic representations from above of the coating means according to the invention, in accordance with a first embodiment; Figure 4 is a schematic representation from above of the coating means according to the invention, in accordance with a second embodiment; Figure 5 is a schematic representation from above of the coating means according to the invention, in accordance with a third embodiment; Figure 6 is a schematic representation from above of the coating means according to the invention, in accordance with a fourth embodiment. Embodiments of the Invention

[0016] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a piece of equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles.

[0017] The piece of equipment 1 can be used in the execution of the present process for the decoration of manufactured articles.

[0018] The process first comprises a phase of supplying a slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0019] In this description, the term "slab-shaped manufactured article" refers to a manufactured article the length and width dimensions of which are greater than the thickness thereof. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 may have a substantially flat, curved, wavy or irregular shape. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is intended for covering or coating and decorating the surfaces.

[0020] The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 can be made of ceramic materials such as clay, feldspar, silica sand, iron oxides, alumina, quartz, etc. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is supplied dried or partly fired. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 can also be made of wood, glass, PVC or other plastic materials.

[0021] For example, the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 may be in the form of a glass slab, a ceramic slab, a tile, a roof tile, a wooden panel or the like. In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is in the form of a ceramic slab.

[0022] The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 has a decorative surface 3, which is visible as a result of the installation of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2, a laying surface, intended to be placed in contact with the surface to be covered and a plurality of perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 transverse to the decorative surface 3.

[0023] In detail, the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 are the surfaces defined by the thickness of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0024] The process also comprises a phase of moving the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 along a direction of forward movement D. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is moved in such a way as to subject the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 to the various manufactured production phases in succession.

[0025] In detail, the phase of moving is carried out by means of supporting means 7 provided with the piece of equipment 1, which are adapted to support the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 and to move it along the direction of forward movement D.

[0026] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the supporting means 7 are of the type of a conveyor belt extending along the direction of forward movement D. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the supporting means 7 may be of a different type, e.g. of the type of a belt system, a roller conveyor or the like.

[0027] The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is arranged on the supporting means 7 with the decorative surface 3 facing upwards.

[0028] With respect to the direction of forward movement D, the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 therefore comprise at least one of: at least two lateral surfaces 4 arranged at the sides of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2; at least one front surface 5 arranged at the face of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2; at least one back surface 6 arranged at the back of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0029] In this regard, it should be noted that in this disclosure, reference is made to a substantially flat and rectangular slab-shaped manufactured article provided with perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 which are substantially orthogonal to the decorative surface 3, positioned so that two of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 are substantially parallel to the direction of forward movement D and two of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 are substantially orthogonal to the direction of forward movement D. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 may be arranged differently with respect to the direction of forward movement D. It is also possible that the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 has a shape other than the rectangular one and that, therefore, the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 may be arranged differently with respect to the direction of forward movement D. The perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 may, in fact, be inclined with respect to the lying plane of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0030] The process comprises a phase of applying at least one layer of glaze 8 on the decorative surface 3.

[0031] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the glaze 8 is a water-based glaze. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the glaze 8 may be of a different type.

[0032] The phase of applying is carried out via application means 9 provided with the piece of equipment 1, adapted to apply at least one layer of glaze 8 on the decorative surface 3. The application means are of a type known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in the remainder of this description. According to the invention, prior to the phase of applying, the process comprises a phase of coating at least one of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 with a reserving agent 10.

[0033] The reserving agent 10 has a repellent function with respect to the glaze 8 and prevents any drops of glaze 8 from adhering to the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6. In this way, after glazing, the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 does not require further cleaning and / or smoothing operations.

[0034] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, wherein the glaze 8 is water-based, the reserving agent 10 is a water-repellent substance. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the reserving agent may be of a different type, especially depending on the chemical-physical properties of the glaze 8.

[0035] The coating phase is carried out using the coating means 11 provided with the piece of equipment 1, which coating means are arranged upstream of the application means 9 with respect to the direction of forward movement D.

[0036] The reserving agent 10 is not removed from the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 after its application.

[0037] The reserving agent 10 thus applied defines a kind of transparent, thickness-free film on the perimeter surface 4,5,6 on which it is applied.

[0038] The phase of coating is carried out at the same time as the phase of moving. In other words, the coating of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 is carried out while the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 passes through the application means 9. Therefore, the production process is not interrupted or slowed down and does not affect the production times.

[0039] The phase of coating comprises at least one step of coating the lateral surfaces 4. For this purpose, the coating means 11 comprise at least one lateral coating assembly 12 which is adapted to coat the lateral surfaces 4.

[0040] The phase of coating also comprises at least one step of coating the front surface 5. The coating means 11 comprise at least one front coating assembly 13 adapted to coat the front surface 5.

[0041] The phase of coating also comprises at least one step of coating the back surface 6. The coating means 11 comprise at least one back coating assembly 14 adapted to coat the back surface 6.

[0042] Preferably, the phase of coating is carried out on all the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6, although it cannot be ruled out that it may be performed only on some of them.

[0043] Following the phase of applying, the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 can then be subjected to a firing phase which allows the layer of glaze 8 to stabilize.

[0044] Advantageously, the firing phase comprises a step of removing the reserving agent 10, which allows the original appearance of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 to be restored. The step of removing can be carried out by evaporation and / or degradation of the reserving agent 10.

[0045] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to the piece of equipment 1 for the decoration of manufactured articles.

[0046] The piece of equipment 1 comprises: supporting means 7 adapted to support the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 and to move it along the direction of forward movement D; application means 9 adapted to apply at least one layer of glaze 8 on the decorative surface 3.

[0047] According to the invention, the piece of equipment 1 comprises coating means 11, arranged upstream of the application means 9 with respect to the direction of forward movement D and adapted to coat at least one of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 with the reserving agent 10.

[0048] As described above, the coating means 11 comprise at least one of: a lateral coating assembly 12 adapted to coat the lateral surfaces 4; a front coating assembly 13 adapted to coat the front surface 5; a back coating assembly 14 adapted to coat the back surface 6.

[0049] In accordance with a first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lateral coating assembly 12 comprises at least one pair of application rollers 15 arranged at opposite sides of the supporting means 7 with respect to the direction of forward movement D and adapted to coat the lateral surfaces 4 as a result of the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0050] The application rollers 15 are therefore arranged at the sides of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 and, in use, are arranged in contact with the lateral surfaces 4. The application rollers 15 are impregnated with the reserving agent 10 and, during the forward movement of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2, the friction with the lateral surfaces 4 causes them to rotate and consequently to transfer the reserving agent 10 onto the lateral surfaces themselves. In actual facts, the application rollers 15 are substantially stationary with respect to the load-bearing structure of the coating means 11 but can rotate on their own axis. Still with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, at least one of either the front coating assembly 13 or the back coating assembly 14 comprises at least one dispensing roller 16 adapted to coat the front surface 5 or the back surface 6, respectively, as a result of the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0051] Preferably, both the front coating assembly 13 and the back coating assembly 14 comprise a respective dispensing roller 16.

[0052] Similarly to the application rollers 15, the dispensing roller 16 is also impregnated with the reserving agent 10 and is rotatable on itself.

[0053] In addition, the dispensing roller 16 is also movable along a trajectory T which is inclined with respect to the direction of forward movement D.

[0054] In actual facts, the dispensing roller 16 moves forward along the direction of forward movement D at the same time as the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 so as to determine the coating of the respective front surface 5 or back surface 6 without interrupting the production process. The dispensing roller 16 is movable along the direction of forward movement D at substantially the same speed as the supporting means 7.

[0055] At the same time, the dispensing roller 16 is also movable transversely to the direction of forward movement D so as to coat the respective front surface 5 or back surface 6 over its entire length.

[0056] The trajectory T of the dispensing roller 16 is therefore defined according to the speed of movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D and the dimensions of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0057] In accordance with a second embodiment shown in Figure 4, at least one of the coating assemblies 12, 13, 14 comprises at least one print head 17 adapted to dispense the reserving agent 10 on the lateral surfaces 4, on the front surface 5 or on the back surface 6, respectively.

[0058] In detail, the print heads 17 are mounted on respective print bars 18 developing parallel to the respective perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6.

[0059] The print heads 17 are movable along their respective print bars 18 so as to dispense the reserving agent 10 over the entire length of their respective perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6.

[0060] Furthermore, the print bars 18 are movable along the direction of forward movement D. In this way, the dispensing of the reserving agent 10 is carried out while the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is moved by the supporting means 7, thus avoiding any interruptions in the production process.

[0061] According to further embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, at least one of either the front coating assembly 13 or the back coating assembly 14 comprises at least one dispensing pad 19 adapted to apply the reserving agent 10 onto the front surface 5 or onto the back surface 6, respectively.

[0062] The dispensing pad 19 extends parallel to the respective front surface 5 or back surface 6 and has a length at least equal to the length of the latter.

[0063] The dispensing pad 19 is impregnated with the reserving agent 10 and is adapted to transfer the latter by contact with the respective front surface 5 or back surface 6.

[0064] The dispensing pad 19 is movable between a home position wherein it is moved away from the supporting means 7 and a working position wherein it is adapted to intercept the front surface 5 or the back surface 6, respectively.

[0065] As the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 moves forward on the supporting means 7, the pad is brought to the working position to contact the front surface 5 or the back surface 6 and then quickly to the home position.

[0066] For this purpose, the coating means 11 also comprise a movement assembly 20 associated with the dispensing pad 19.

[0067] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the front coating assembly 13, wherein the movement assembly 20 is configured to move the dispensing pad 19 from the working position to the home position, as a result of the interaction with the front surface 5 in the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0068] In detail, the dispensing pad 19 is mounted on the front coating assembly 13 in a revolving manner between the home position and the working position and the movement assembly 20 comprises hinge members associated with the dispensing pad 19.

[0069] The movement assembly 20 also comprises actuator members, not shown in detail in the figures, adapted to move the dispensing pad 19 from the home position to the working position.

[0070] As the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 moves forward along the direction of forward movement D, the front surface 5 contacts the dispensing pad 19 and pushes it, causing it to rotate towards the home position.

[0071] Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the front coating assembly 13 or of the back coating assembly 14, wherein the movement assembly 20 is configured to move the dispensing pad 19 by shifting between the working position and the home position.

[0072] In detail, in this case, the movement assembly 20 is configured to actively move the dispensing pad 19 from the home position to the working position and vice versa by means of the actuator means.

[0073] In this case, therefore, the actuator means are, e.g., of the type of a pneumatic cylinder.

[0074] It should be noted that embodiments are also provided wherein the coating means 11 may comprise different combinations of the coating assemblies 12, 13, 14 described above.

[0075] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and, in particular, the fact should be emphasized that the process and equipment according to the invention for the decoration of manufactured articles make it possible to avoid the accumulation of glaze residues on the perimeter surfaces of the slab-shaped articles, thanks to the coating of the same with a reserving agent. This allows avoiding additional operations following glazing.

[0076] Furthermore, the possibility of carrying out these operations at the same time as the slab-shaped manufactured article moves forward helps to reduce production times and related costs.

Examples

first embodiment

[0049]In accordance with a first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lateral coating assembly 12 comprises at least one pair of application rollers 15 arranged at opposite sides of the supporting means 7 with respect to the direction of forward movement D and adapted to coat the lateral surfaces 4 as a result of the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0050]The application rollers 15 are therefore arranged at the sides of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 and, in use, are arranged in contact with the lateral surfaces 4. The application rollers 15 are impregnated with the reserving agent 10 and, during the forward movement of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2, the friction with the lateral surfaces 4 causes them to rotate and consequently to transfer the reserving agent 10 onto the lateral surfaces themselves. In actual facts, the application rollers 15 are substantially stationary with respect to the load-bearing structure of t...

second embodiment

[0057]In accordance with a second embodiment shown in Figure 4, at least one of the coating assemblies 12, 13, 14 comprises at least one print head 17 adapted to dispense the reserving agent 10 on the lateral surfaces 4, on the front surface 5 or on the back surface 6, respectively.

[0058]In detail, the print heads 17 are mounted on respective print bars 18 developing parallel to the respective perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6.

[0059]The print heads 17 are movable along their respective print bars 18 so as to dispense the reserving agent 10 over the entire length of their respective perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6.

[0060]Furthermore, the print bars 18 are movable along the direction of forward movement D. In this way, the dispensing of the reserving agent 10 is carried out while the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is moved by the supporting means 7, thus avoiding any interruptions in the production process.

[0061]According to further embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, at least one of either ...

third embodiment

[0067]Figure 5 shows the front coating assembly 13, wherein the movement assembly 20 is configured to move the dispensing pad 19 from the working position to the home position, as a result of the interaction with the front surface 5 in the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0068]In detail, the dispensing pad 19 is mounted on the front coating assembly 13 in a revolving manner between the home position and the working position and the movement assembly 20 comprises hinge members associated with the dispensing pad 19.

[0069]The movement assembly 20 also comprises actuator members, not shown in detail in the figures, adapted to move the dispensing pad 19 from the home position to the working position.

[0070]As the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 moves forward along the direction of forward movement D, the front surface 5 contacts the dispensing pad 19 and pushes it, causing it to rotate towards the home position.

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles.Background Art

[0002] In various industrial sectors, methods and equipment are known for the decoration of slab-shaped manufactured articles which consist, e.g., of flat or curved slabs or tiles intended for covering or coating surfaces.

[0003] In particular, these manufactured articles are provided with a decorative surface, i.e., the surface that is visible after installation, to which decorations are applied using inks or other materials according to customer requirements.

[0004] The slab-shaped manufactured articles are also generally subjected to a glazing operation on the respective decorative surface which allows for special finishes such as e.g. a glossy, matte, glitter, etc. effect.

[0005] In particular, the glaze is applied full-field in various ways.

[0006] However, the glazing operation inevitably leads to glaze dripping along the perimeter surfaces of the slab-shaped manufactured article, which can cause aesthetic faults of manufactured article itself.

[0007] Therefore, after glazing, the slab-shaped manufactured articles are generally subjected to a further operation which allows removing any glaze residues from the perimeter surfaces.

[0008] It is clear that these operations involve longer production times and also entail a greater risk of breakage of the slab-shaped manufactured articles.Description of the Invention

[0009] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles that allow preventing the accumulation of glaze residues on the perimeter surfaces of the slab-shaped manufactured articles. Within the scope of this inventive concept, another object is to avoid accessory operations as a result of glazing.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to devise a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles which allow production times and relevant costs to be reduced.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to devise a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles which allow the risk of breakage of the slab-shaped manufactured articles to be reduced.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to devise a process and equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles which allow the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome in a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0013] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present process for the decoration of manufactured articles having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0014] The aforementioned objects are also achieved by the present equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles having the characteristics of claim 6.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a process and equipment for the decoration of 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 piece of equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles according to the invention; Figures 2 and 3 are schematic representations from above of the coating means according to the invention, in accordance with a first embodiment; Figure 4 is a schematic representation from above of the coating means according to the invention, in accordance with a second embodiment; Figure 5 is a schematic representation from above of the coating means according to the invention, in accordance with a third embodiment; Figure 6 is a schematic representation from above of the coating means according to the invention, in accordance with a fourth embodiment. Embodiments of the Invention

[0016] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a piece of equipment for the decoration of manufactured articles.

[0017] The piece of equipment 1 can be used in the execution of the present process for the decoration of manufactured articles.

[0018] The process first comprises a phase of supplying a slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0019] In this description, the term "slab-shaped manufactured article" refers to a manufactured article the length and width dimensions of which are greater than the thickness thereof. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 may have a substantially flat, curved, wavy or irregular shape. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is intended for covering or coating and decorating the surfaces.

[0020] The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 can be made of ceramic materials such as clay, feldspar, silica sand, iron oxides, alumina, quartz, etc. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is supplied dried or partly fired. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 can also be made of wood, glass, PVC or other plastic materials.

[0021] For example, the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 may be in the form of a glass slab, a ceramic slab, a tile, a roof tile, a wooden panel or the like. In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is in the form of a ceramic slab.

[0022] The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 has a decorative surface 3, which is visible as a result of the installation of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2, a laying surface, intended to be placed in contact with the surface to be covered and a plurality of perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 transverse to the decorative surface 3.

[0023] In detail, the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 are the surfaces defined by the thickness of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0024] The process also comprises a phase of moving the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 along a direction of forward movement D. The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is moved in such a way as to subject the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 to the various manufactured production phases in succession.

[0025] In detail, the phase of moving is carried out by means of supporting means 7 provided with the piece of equipment 1, which are adapted to support the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 and to move it along the direction of forward movement D.

[0026] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the supporting means 7 are of the type of a conveyor belt extending along the direction of forward movement D. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the supporting means 7 may be of a different type, e.g. of the type of a belt system, a roller conveyor or the like.

[0027] The slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is arranged on the supporting means 7 with the decorative surface 3 facing upwards.

[0028] With respect to the direction of forward movement D, the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 therefore comprise at least one of: at least two lateral surfaces 4 arranged at the sides of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2; at least one front surface 5 arranged at the face of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2; at least one back surface 6 arranged at the back of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0029] In this regard, it should be noted that in this disclosure, reference is made to a substantially flat and rectangular slab-shaped manufactured article provided with perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 which are substantially orthogonal to the decorative surface 3, positioned so that two of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 are substantially parallel to the direction of forward movement D and two of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 are substantially orthogonal to the direction of forward movement D. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 may be arranged differently with respect to the direction of forward movement D. It is also possible that the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 has a shape other than the rectangular one and that, therefore, the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 may be arranged differently with respect to the direction of forward movement D. The perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 may, in fact, be inclined with respect to the lying plane of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0030] The process comprises a phase of applying at least one layer of glaze 8 on the decorative surface 3.

[0031] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the glaze 8 is a water-based glaze. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the glaze 8 may be of a different type.

[0032] The phase of applying is carried out via application means 9 provided with the piece of equipment 1, adapted to apply at least one layer of glaze 8 on the decorative surface 3. The application means are of a type known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in the remainder of this description. According to the invention, prior to the phase of applying, the process comprises a phase of coating at least one of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 with a reserving agent 10.

[0033] The reserving agent 10 has a repellent function with respect to the glaze 8 and prevents any drops of glaze 8 from adhering to the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6. In this way, after glazing, the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 does not require further cleaning and / or smoothing operations.

[0034] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, wherein the glaze 8 is water-based, the reserving agent 10 is a water-repellent substance. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the reserving agent may be of a different type, especially depending on the chemical-physical properties of the glaze 8.

[0035] The coating phase is carried out using the coating means 11 provided with the piece of equipment 1, which coating means are arranged upstream of the application means 9 with respect to the direction of forward movement D.

[0036] The reserving agent 10 is not removed from the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 after its application.

[0037] The reserving agent 10 thus applied defines a kind of transparent, thickness-free film on the perimeter surface 4,5,6 on which it is applied.

[0038] The phase of coating is carried out at the same time as the phase of moving. In other words, the coating of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 is carried out while the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 passes through the application means 9. Therefore, the production process is not interrupted or slowed down and does not affect the production times.

[0039] The phase of coating comprises at least one step of coating the lateral surfaces 4. For this purpose, the coating means 11 comprise at least one lateral coating assembly 12 which is adapted to coat the lateral surfaces 4.

[0040] The phase of coating also comprises at least one step of coating the front surface 5. The coating means 11 comprise at least one front coating assembly 13 adapted to coat the front surface 5.

[0041] The phase of coating also comprises at least one step of coating the back surface 6. The coating means 11 comprise at least one back coating assembly 14 adapted to coat the back surface 6.

[0042] Preferably, the phase of coating is carried out on all the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6, although it cannot be ruled out that it may be performed only on some of them.

[0043] Following the phase of applying, the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 can then be subjected to a firing phase which allows the layer of glaze 8 to stabilize.

[0044] Advantageously, the firing phase comprises a step of removing the reserving agent 10, which allows the original appearance of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, and 6 to be restored. The step of removing can be carried out by evaporation and / or degradation of the reserving agent 10.

[0045] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to the piece of equipment 1 for the decoration of manufactured articles.

[0046] The piece of equipment 1 comprises: supporting means 7 adapted to support the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 and to move it along the direction of forward movement D; application means 9 adapted to apply at least one layer of glaze 8 on the decorative surface 3.

[0047] According to the invention, the piece of equipment 1 comprises coating means 11, arranged upstream of the application means 9 with respect to the direction of forward movement D and adapted to coat at least one of the perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6 with the reserving agent 10.

[0048] As described above, the coating means 11 comprise at least one of: a lateral coating assembly 12 adapted to coat the lateral surfaces 4; a front coating assembly 13 adapted to coat the front surface 5; a back coating assembly 14 adapted to coat the back surface 6.

[0049] In accordance with a first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lateral coating assembly 12 comprises at least one pair of application rollers 15 arranged at opposite sides of the supporting means 7 with respect to the direction of forward movement D and adapted to coat the lateral surfaces 4 as a result of the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0050] The application rollers 15 are therefore arranged at the sides of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 and, in use, are arranged in contact with the lateral surfaces 4. The application rollers 15 are impregnated with the reserving agent 10 and, during the forward movement of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2, the friction with the lateral surfaces 4 causes them to rotate and consequently to transfer the reserving agent 10 onto the lateral surfaces themselves. In actual facts, the application rollers 15 are substantially stationary with respect to the load-bearing structure of the coating means 11 but can rotate on their own axis. Still with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, at least one of either the front coating assembly 13 or the back coating assembly 14 comprises at least one dispensing roller 16 adapted to coat the front surface 5 or the back surface 6, respectively, as a result of the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0051] Preferably, both the front coating assembly 13 and the back coating assembly 14 comprise a respective dispensing roller 16.

[0052] Similarly to the application rollers 15, the dispensing roller 16 is also impregnated with the reserving agent 10 and is rotatable on itself.

[0053] In addition, the dispensing roller 16 is also movable along a trajectory T which is inclined with respect to the direction of forward movement D.

[0054] In actual facts, the dispensing roller 16 moves forward along the direction of forward movement D at the same time as the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 so as to determine the coating of the respective front surface 5 or back surface 6 without interrupting the production process. The dispensing roller 16 is movable along the direction of forward movement D at substantially the same speed as the supporting means 7.

[0055] At the same time, the dispensing roller 16 is also movable transversely to the direction of forward movement D so as to coat the respective front surface 5 or back surface 6 over its entire length.

[0056] The trajectory T of the dispensing roller 16 is therefore defined according to the speed of movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D and the dimensions of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2.

[0057] In accordance with a second embodiment shown in Figure 4, at least one of the coating assemblies 12, 13, 14 comprises at least one print head 17 adapted to dispense the reserving agent 10 on the lateral surfaces 4, on the front surface 5 or on the back surface 6, respectively.

[0058] In detail, the print heads 17 are mounted on respective print bars 18 developing parallel to the respective perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6.

[0059] The print heads 17 are movable along their respective print bars 18 so as to dispense the reserving agent 10 over the entire length of their respective perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6.

[0060] Furthermore, the print bars 18 are movable along the direction of forward movement D. In this way, the dispensing of the reserving agent 10 is carried out while the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is moved by the supporting means 7, thus avoiding any interruptions in the production process.

[0061] According to further embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, at least one of either the front coating assembly 13 or the back coating assembly 14 comprises at least one dispensing pad 19 adapted to apply the reserving agent 10 onto the front surface 5 or onto the back surface 6, respectively.

[0062] The dispensing pad 19 extends parallel to the respective front surface 5 or back surface 6 and has a length at least equal to the length of the latter.

[0063] The dispensing pad 19 is impregnated with the reserving agent 10 and is adapted to transfer the latter by contact with the respective front surface 5 or back surface 6.

[0064] The dispensing pad 19 is movable between a home position wherein it is moved away from the supporting means 7 and a working position wherein it is adapted to intercept the front surface 5 or the back surface 6, respectively.

[0065] As the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 moves forward on the supporting means 7, the pad is brought to the working position to contact the front surface 5 or the back surface 6 and then quickly to the home position.

[0066] For this purpose, the coating means 11 also comprise a movement assembly 20 associated with the dispensing pad 19.

[0067] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the front coating assembly 13, wherein the movement assembly 20 is configured to move the dispensing pad 19 from the working position to the home position, as a result of the interaction with the front surface 5 in the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0068] In detail, the dispensing pad 19 is mounted on the front coating assembly 13 in a revolving manner between the home position and the working position and the movement assembly 20 comprises hinge members associated with the dispensing pad 19.

[0069] The movement assembly 20 also comprises actuator members, not shown in detail in the figures, adapted to move the dispensing pad 19 from the home position to the working position.

[0070] As the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 moves forward along the direction of forward movement D, the front surface 5 contacts the dispensing pad 19 and pushes it, causing it to rotate towards the home position.

[0071] Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the front coating assembly 13 or of the back coating assembly 14, wherein the movement assembly 20 is configured to move the dispensing pad 19 by shifting between the working position and the home position.

[0072] In detail, in this case, the movement assembly 20 is configured to actively move the dispensing pad 19 from the home position to the working position and vice versa by means of the actuator means.

[0073] In this case, therefore, the actuator means are, e.g., of the type of a pneumatic cylinder.

[0074] It should be noted that embodiments are also provided wherein the coating means 11 may comprise different combinations of the coating assemblies 12, 13, 14 described above.

[0075] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and, in particular, the fact should be emphasized that the process and equipment according to the invention for the decoration of manufactured articles make it possible to avoid the accumulation of glaze residues on the perimeter surfaces of the slab-shaped articles, thanks to the coating of the same with a reserving agent. This allows avoiding additional operations following glazing.

[0076] Furthermore, the possibility of carrying out these operations at the same time as the slab-shaped manufactured article moves forward helps to reduce production times and related costs.

Examples

first embodiment

[0049]In accordance with a first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lateral coating assembly 12 comprises at least one pair of application rollers 15 arranged at opposite sides of the supporting means 7 with respect to the direction of forward movement D and adapted to coat the lateral surfaces 4 as a result of the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0050]The application rollers 15 are therefore arranged at the sides of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 and, in use, are arranged in contact with the lateral surfaces 4. The application rollers 15 are impregnated with the reserving agent 10 and, during the forward movement of the slab-shaped manufactured article 2, the friction with the lateral surfaces 4 causes them to rotate and consequently to transfer the reserving agent 10 onto the lateral surfaces themselves. In actual facts, the application rollers 15 are substantially stationary with respect to the load-bearing structure of t...

second embodiment

[0057]In accordance with a second embodiment shown in Figure 4, at least one of the coating assemblies 12, 13, 14 comprises at least one print head 17 adapted to dispense the reserving agent 10 on the lateral surfaces 4, on the front surface 5 or on the back surface 6, respectively.

[0058]In detail, the print heads 17 are mounted on respective print bars 18 developing parallel to the respective perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6.

[0059]The print heads 17 are movable along their respective print bars 18 so as to dispense the reserving agent 10 over the entire length of their respective perimeter surfaces 4, 5, 6.

[0060]Furthermore, the print bars 18 are movable along the direction of forward movement D. In this way, the dispensing of the reserving agent 10 is carried out while the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 is moved by the supporting means 7, thus avoiding any interruptions in the production process.

[0061]According to further embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, at least one of either ...

third embodiment

[0067]Figure 5 shows the front coating assembly 13, wherein the movement assembly 20 is configured to move the dispensing pad 19 from the working position to the home position, as a result of the interaction with the front surface 5 in the movement of the supporting means 7 along the direction of forward movement D.

[0068]In detail, the dispensing pad 19 is mounted on the front coating assembly 13 in a revolving manner between the home position and the working position and the movement assembly 20 comprises hinge members associated with the dispensing pad 19.

[0069]The movement assembly 20 also comprises actuator members, not shown in detail in the figures, adapted to move the dispensing pad 19 from the home position to the working position.

[0070]As the slab-shaped manufactured article 2 moves forward along the direction of forward movement D, the front surface 5 contacts the dispensing pad 19 and pushes it, causing it to rotate towards the home position.

Claims

1. Process for the decoration of manufactured articles comprising the following phases: - supplying a slab-shaped manufactured article (2) provided with at least one decorative surface (3), a laying surface, opposite said decorative surface (3) and a plurality of perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) transverse to said decorative surface (3); - moving said slab-shaped manufactured article (2) along a direction of forward movement (D); - applying at least one layer of glaze (8) on said decorative surface (3); characterized by the fact that, prior to said phase of applying, it comprises a phase of coating at least one of said perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) with a reserving agent (10) having a repellent function with respect to the glaze (8).

2. Process according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said phase of coating is carried out at the same time as said phase of moving.

3. Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) comprise at least two lateral surfaces (4) arranged at the sides of said slab-shaped manufactured article (2) with respect to said direction of forward movement (D), said phase of coating comprising at least one step of coating said lateral surfaces (4).

4. Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) comprise at least one front surface (5) arranged at the face of said slab-shaped manufactured article (2) with respect to said direction of forward movement (D), said phase of coating comprising at least one step of coating said front surface (5).

5. Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) comprise at least one back surface (6) arranged at the back of said slab-shaped manufactured article (2) with respect to said direction of forward movement (D), said phase of coating comprising at least one step of coating said back surface (6).

6. Equipment (1) for the decoration of manufactured articles, comprising: - supporting means (7) adapted to support at least one slab-shaped manufactured article (2) and to move it along one direction of forward movement (D), said slab-shaped manufactured article (2) being provided with at least a decorative surface (3), a laying surface, opposite said decorative surface (3) and a plurality of perimeter surfaces (4,5,6), transverse to said decorative surface (3); - application means (9) adapted to apply at least one layer of glaze (8) on said decorative surface (3); characterized by the fact that it comprises coating means (11), arranged upstream of said application means (9) with respect to said direction of forward movement (D) and adapted to coat at least one of said perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) with a reserving agent (10) having a repellent function with respect to the glaze (8).

7. Equipment (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) comprise at least two lateral surfaces (4) arranged at the sides of said slab-shaped manufactured article (2) with respect to said direction of forward movement (D), said coating means (11) comprising at least one lateral coating assembly (12) adapted to coat said lateral surfaces (4).

8. Equipment (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) comprise at least one front surface (5) arranged at the front of said slab-shaped manufactured article (2) with respect to said direction of forward movement (D), said coating means (11) comprising at least one front coating assembly (13) adapted to coat said front surface (5).

9. Equipment (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said perimeter surfaces (4,5,6) comprise at least one back surface (6) arranged at the back of said slab-shaped manufactured article (2) with respect to said direction of forward movement (D), said coating means (11) comprising at least one back coating assembly (14) adapted to coat said back surface (6).

10. Equipment (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said lateral coating assembly (12) comprises at least one pair of application rollers (15) arranged at opposite sides of said supporting means (7) with respect to said direction of forward movement (D) and adapted to coat said lateral surfaces (4) as a result of the movement of said supporting means (7) along said direction of forward movement (D).

11. Equipment (1) according to claim 8 and 9, characterized by the fact that at least one of either said front coating assembly (13) or said back coating assembly (14) comprises at least one dispensing roller (16) adapted to coat said front surface (5) or said back surface (6), respectively, as a result of the movement of said supporting means (7) along said direction of forward movement (D), said dispensing roller (16) being movable along a trajectory (T) which is inclined with respect to said direction of forward movement (D).

12. Equipment (1) according to one or more of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that at least one of said coating assemblies (12,13,14) comprises at least one print head (17) adapted to dispense said reserving agent (10) on said lateral surfaces (4), on said front surface (5) or on said back surface (6), respectively.

13. Equipment (1) according to claim 8 and 9, characterized by the fact that at least one of either said front coating assembly (13) or said back coating assembly (14) comprises at least one dispensing pad (19) adapted to apply said reserving agent (10) onto said front surface (5) or onto said back surface (6) respectively, and movable between a home position wherein it is moved away from said supporting means (7) and a working position wherein it is adapted to intercept said front surface (5) or said back surface (6), respectively.

14. Equipment (1) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that said coating means (11) comprise a movement assembly (20) associated with said dispensing pad (19), the movement assembly (20) of said front coating assembly (13) being configured to move the dispensing pad (19) from said working position to said home position as a result of the interaction with said front surface (5) in the movement of said supporting means (7) along said direction of forward movement (D).

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