Support structure for supporting slabs and workbench comprising such support structure, and also machine for cutting slabs

Abstract

Support structure (1) for supporting slabs of stone or stone-like, glass or ceramic material, intended to be positioned on a workbench (30) of a machine (100) provided with disc cutting means (104) and means (106) for cutting the slabs with a high- pressure water jet which may contain a suspended abrasive. The support structure (1 ) comprises a peripheral frame (2) and a plurality of profiles (4) removably supported on the peripheral frame (2) and designed to define an upper surface (IT) for supporting the slabs, each of the profiles (4) comprising a sacrificial element (6) designed to undergo the action of the cutting means (104, 106) and prevent contact between the profiles (4) and the disc cutting means (104) of the machine (100). Each of the profiles (4) also comprises a pair of rigid lamellae (10) and an insert (6) arranged between the lamellae (10) and defining the sacrificial element; each of the inserts (6) comprises at least one portion (6A) which projects from the top of the lamellae (10) and is designed to define the upper support surface (IT). The invention also relates to a workbench (30) comprising the aforementioned support structure (1) and a machine (100) for cutting the slabs.

Description

[0001] “Support structure for supporting slabs and workbench comprising such support structure, and also machine for cutting slabs”

[0002] *****

[0003] The present invention refers to the technical field for the machining, in particular the cutting, of slabs of stone or stone-like, glass or ceramic material.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a support structure for supporting the slabs during cutting and a workbench comprising such a support structure.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a machine, preferably a numerical-control machine, for cutting slabs, comprising the aforementioned workbench.

[0006] Interpolated-axis numerical-control machines for cutting slabs of stone or stone-like, or glass or ceramic material into sub-elements along straight or curved trajectories, are known from the prior art.

[0007] As shown in Figure 1 , such known machines 100 generally comprise a gantry structure in which an upper beam 109 is slidably supported by a pair of side shoulders 111 so as to be displaced above a workbench 30 on which the slabs being machined are arranged.

[0008] The beam 109 has, slidably mounted thereon, a support carriage 113 which in turn supports a machining unit 102 movable along the vertical direction towards or away from the workbench 30 by means of a sleeve 115.

[0009] The beam 109, the shoulders 111 , the carriage 113 and the sleeve 115 form the means 108 for moving the machining unit 102 above the workbench 30.

[0010] Such machines also comprise a unit for controlling the various movements of the components described above.

[0011] Examples of the aforementioned cutting machines are described in particular in Italian patent No. 1416944 and in Italian utility model No. 0000261163.

[0012] With reference to the aforementioned embodiments, the machining unit 102 has a spindle on the end of which a cutting disc 104 is mounted and which also has, mounted thereon, a nozzle 106 for performing cutting with a high-pressure water jet which may contain suspended abrasive powder.

[0013] The nozzle 106 may be movable vertically between a raised non-operating position, in which it is in the rest position, a lowered operating position, where it is instead operative.

[0014] Alternatively, the machines for cutting slabs may also have an anthropomorphic configuration, namely they may comprise anthropomorphic robotic arms as means for moving the machining unit above the workbench.

[0015] The workbench 30 comprises a tank 32 filled with water for damping the high- pressure water jets and an interchangeable structure S for supporting the slabs, which is located above the tank 32.

[0016] The workbench 30 may also comprise a surface which is tilting and movable so as to pass from an initial horizontal position, parallel to the ground, into a final position inclined with respect to the horizontal, and vice versa.

[0017] The slabs are loaded onto the surface located in the inclined position and then the surface is brought back into the horizontal position. This latter embodiment is described in Italian patent No. 102019000010041.

[0018] The unloading of the slabs involves picking up the cut portions of the slabs from the surface kept in a horizontal position by means of suction cups.

[0019] The support structure S known from the prior art is formed by a peripheral frame F and by a plurality of metal - preferably steel - profiles or blades P, which are supported by the peripheral frame F and arranged alongside each other so as to form a metal grid. The profiles P generally have a thickness of about 3-5 mm and height of about 80-120 mm.

[0020] Such a support structure S is shown by way of example in Figures 2 and 3, in which it can be seen that the profiles P have an undulating or curvilinear form with respect to their longitudinal axis of extension.

[0021] In this connection, it is pointed out that the support structure S also comprises a longitudinal member T, as shown in Figure 3, or a pair of longitudinal members T, as shown in Figure 2, intended to support the profiles P and to give them their undulating or curvilinear form.

[0022] The configuration described above provides the support structure S with a greater rigidity and allows more stable supporting of the slabs which are normally cut into quadrangular elements with sides parallel to the edges of the tank.

[0023] The aforementioned configuration helps increase the working life of the profiles P, which must therefore be replaced less frequently.

[0024] In fact, if the profiles P were to have a straight form, they would tend to wear more quickly, in particular in the case of cuts parallel to the extension of the profiles P.

[0025] One or more sacrificial elements are also provided, these being positioned on top of the support structure S and being designed to prevent contact between the cutting disc 104 and the profiles P of the support structure S.

[0026] The sacrificial elements may consist instead of a single panel M made of wood, elastomeric or fibre-cement material (as shown in Figure 1 ) or a plurality of plastic or rubber elements C - known technically as “caps” - which are inserted on top of the profiles P which form the grid.

[0027] This latter embodiment is shown in Figures 4 and 5 which also relate to the prior art. In these figures, in addition to the caps C positioned on top of the profiles P, it is possible to note that the peripheral frame F defines a kind of rack with a plurality of seats or grooves N inside which the ends of the profiles P are removably located and supported.

[0028] The longitudinal members T described above also have respective seats and grooves N for positioning the central portions of the profiles P with undulating or curvilinear form.

[0029] During the cutting operations, the sacrificial elements C are etched and cut into by the action of the cutting means and must therefore be replaced at periodic intervals when they are worn.

[0030] The operation of the cutting machine 100 must be interrupted in order to carry out the necessary operations for replacement of the sacrificial elements C.

[0031] Furthermore, the high-pressure waterjets containing suspended abrasive completely cut through the caps C but partially cut into also the top of the profiles P; for this reason, the profiles P must also be periodically replaced when they are worn, even though with less frequency compared to the caps C.

[0032] The frequency of the replacement operations, for both the caps C and the profiles P, depends on the frequency of the slab cutting activity performed by the machine 100.

[0033] Generally, the sacrificial elements C are replaced once a week, while the profiles P are replaced once a year. Generally, the operations for replacement of the sacrificial elements require about four hours with two operators being employed.

[0034] One drawback of the aforementioned technical solutions is that the caps C, following incision and cutting by the cutting disc and the high-pressure water jets with the suspended abrasive, are particularly unstable and tend to come off the top of the profiles P, with a consequent reduction in the protection thereof and alteration of the flatness of the surface on which the slabs rest.

[0035] This drawback therefore results in an increase in the frequency of replacement of the profiles P of the support structure S and consequent increase in the machine downtime and overall machining times.

[0036] Furthermore, this drawback results in a decrease in the productivity of the machine 100 and an increase in the overall costs related to the production process, considering also the costs of the operations for replacing the sacrificial elements C.

[0037] A further drawback consists in the fact that the fragments of the caps C which form following incision by the cutting disc and the high-pressure water jets with any suspended abrasive tend to become dispersed on the workbench 30, making the replacement operations even more complex owing to the fragments which must be manually removed.

[0038] The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a support structure for supporting slabs and a workbench comprising such a support structure, as well as a machine for cutting slabs, which are able to solve the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0039] A particular task of the present invention is to provide a support structure for supporting slabs, of the type indicated above, which is able to reduce the frequency of replacement of the sacrificial elements and also the frequency of replacement of the profiles.

[0040] A further task of the present invention is to provide a support structure for supporting slabs which is able to limit the dispersion of the sacrificial element fragments following incision and cutting by the cutting means of the machine.

[0041] Another task of the present invention is to provide a machine for cutting slabs which has a greater productivity than the known machines.

[0042] A further task of the present invention is to provide a machine for cutting slabs which has shorter overall machining times and lower overall costs compared to the known machines.

[0043] The object and the main tasks described above are achieved by a support structure for supporting slabs and a workbench comprising said support structure according to Claim 1 and Claim 13, respectively, and by a machine for cutting slabs according to Claim 14. In order to illustrate more clearly the innovative principles of the present invention and its advantages compared to the prior art, a number of examples of embodiment of the support structure for supporting slabs, of the workbench, and of the machine for cutting slabs according to the present invention, will be described below with the aid of the attached figures.

[0044] Figures 1-5 relate to the prior art already described above, while Figures 6-11 relate to the embodiments of the present invention. In particular, in the figures:

[0045] - Figure 1 is a front view of a machine, preferably numerical-control machine, for cutting slabs according to the prior art;

[0046] - Figures 2 and 3 are top plan views of two alternative embodiments of the workbench with the support structure for supporting slabs according to the prior art;

[0047] - Figures 4 and 5 are sectioned front views, with a respective enlargement, of an embodiment of the support structure according to the prior art;

[0048] - Figures 6 and 7 are, respectively, a sectioned front view of a detail of the support structure and a perspective view of a further detail of the support structure of the present invention, in accordance with a first embodiment;

[0049] - Figures 8 and 9a-9b are, respectively, a perspective view with a respective enlargement, a front view and sectioned view along the cutting plane IX-IX of Figure 9a of a component of the support structure of the present invention, in accordance with a second embodiment;

[0050] - Figures 10-11 are sectioned front view of a detail and a component of the support structure for supporting slabs according to the present invention, in accordance with a third embodiment.

[0051] The present description, which is provided solely by way of a non-limiting example of the scope of protection of the invention, relates mainly to a support structure for supporting slabs during cutting by a machine, preferably numerical-control machine, which also forms part of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] The cutting machine or cutter also comprises a workbench on which the support structure according to the present invention and also included within the scope of protection of the present invention is arranged.

[0053] The support structure is denoted overall by the reference number 1 , the workbench is denoted overall by the reference number 30, and the machine for cutting slabs is denoted overall by the reference number 100.

[0054] The slabs are preferably made of stone or stone-like, glass or ceramic material, but may also be made of different materials.

[0055] The cutting machine 100 is of the type described above and shown in Figure 1 with reference to the prior art, except for the workbench 30 and in particular the sacrificial elements of the support structure 1 described in detail below.

[0056] In particular, the machine 100 for cutting slabs comprises:

[0057] - at least one machining unit 102 provided with a respective spindle and comprising disc cutting means 104 and waterjet cutting means 106, i.e. one or more nozzles for dispensing high-pressure water jets which may contain a suspended abrasive powder;

[0058] - a workbench 30 with a support structure 1 for supporting the slabs to be cut;

[0059] - movement means 108 for moving the machining unit 102 above the workbench 30.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1 , the movement means 108 are preferably of the Cartesian type, namely may comprise the upper beam 109, the side shoulders 111 , the support carriage 113 and the sleeve 115 described above with reference to Figure 1 . Alternatively, in accordance with an embodiment not shown in the attached figures, the movement means 108 may also be of the anthropomorphic type, namely may comprise anthropomorphic robotic arms.

[0061] Furthermore, the machining unit 102 comprises a head 110 for supporting the cutting means 104, 106, rotatable about a vertical axis, so as to allow the simultaneous rotation of the cutting means 104, 106.

[0062] As can be seen in Figure 1 , the workbench 30 comprises a tank 32 filled with water for damping the high-pressure water jets used to cut the slabs, said tank comprising a base which rests on the ground and an upper opening.

[0063] The support structure 1 according to the present invention is arranged above the tank 32 and is designed to close the upper opening.

[0064] The support structure 1 comprises a peripheral frame 2 and a plurality of profiles 4, or blades, which are removably supported at the ends of the peripheral frame 2 and are designed to define an upper support surface IT for the slabs. The peripheral frame 2 and the profiles 4 therefore form a grid.

[0065] Furthermore, the support structure 1 may comprise one or more longitudinal members T, of the type shown in Figures 2 and 3 with regard to the prior art, for supporting the central portions of the profiles 4 and giving them an undulating or curvilinear form with respect to their longitudinal axis.

[0066] As shown more clearly in Figures 6 and 10-11 , each profile 4 comprises a respective sacrificial element 6 designed to undergo the action of the cutting means and prevent contact between the top ends of the profiles 4 and the disc cutting means 104.

[0067] Furthermore, the profiles 4 are removably inserted, from the top downwards, inside respective seats or grooves 8 formed in the peripheral frame 2 and in the longitudinal members T so as to form a kind of rack, as shown in Figures 6 and 10.

[0068] In accordance with a particular aspect of the invention, each of the profiles 4 comprises a pair of rigid lamellae 10, preferably made of metal, and an insert 6 arranged between the lamellae 10 and defining the corresponding sacrificial element. Furthermore, each of the inserts 6 comprises at least one portion 6A which projects at the top, namely in the opposite direction to the ground and the tank 32, relative to the lamellae 10, i.e. relative to the top ends of the lamellae 10, and is designed to define the upper support surface IT for the slabs.

[0069] This configuration is visible in particular in Figures 6 and 10, with reference to the first embodiment and the third embodiment of the support structure 1 , respectively.

[0070] These arrangements prevent or limit the release and the dispersion of the fragments of the inserts 6 which form following the cutting action of the cutting means 104, 106, increasing consequently the working life of the inserts 6 and reducing therefore the frequency of the operations for replacing them when worn.

[0071] Conveniently, according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the support structure 1 , each of the inserts 6 is removably inserted in an interspace 12 delimited between each pair of rigid lamellae 10.

[0072] Advantageously, the lamellae 10 may each have a thickness close to 2-3 mm and the interspace 12 may have a width of 2-4 mm.

[0073] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 6 and 7 relating to the first embodiment, the rigid lamellae 10 of each pair may form part of a single-piece metal sheet 14 which is folded in a U shape and may be connected together by a bottom wall 16.

[0074] In this configuration, the interspace 12 is delimited therefore by the side lamellae 10 and by the bottom wall 16 and the single-piece folded sheet 14 is removably inserted in the seats or grooves 8 of the peripheral frame 2.

[0075] As can be seen in Figure 7, the bottom wall 16 of each single-piece sheet 14 may have one or more openings 18 designed to allow the outflow of the high-pressure jet water containing the cutting waste, preventing the accumulation thereof inside the folded sheet 14.

[0076] In the second embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9a-9b, the lamellae 10 which delimit the interspace 12 of each profile 4 are coupled together by means of spacer elements, which are also made of metal.

[0077] Advantageously, the lamellae 10 are coupled together by means the arrangement, in between, at regular intervals, of flat metal elements 19 which have preferably a triangular-shaped top and are fixed, i.e. welded, to the lamellae 10.

[0078] The triangular-shaped top of the flat elements 19 facilitates the outflow of the water with the cutting waste along the sides and then discharging thereof from the bottom portion.

[0079] In Figures 8 and 9a, which relate to the second embodiment, the spacer elements or flat elements 19 are shown in broken lines since they are not visible from outside the profile 4.

[0080] Conveniently, the lamellae 10 of the profiles 4 of the second embodiment have a curvilinear form already before they are mounted on the peripheral frame 2 and on the longitudinal members T (see Figure 8).

[0081] In both of the embodiments described above, each insert 6 has preferably a form with a T-shaped cross-section comprising a widened transverse portion 6A which forms a portion projecting at the top and designed to define the support surface IT (see Figure 6).

[0082] In the operating configurations, i.e. the configurations in which each insert 6 is inserted in the respective interspace 12, the transverse surfaces of each widened portion 6A of the inserts 6 bear against the top ends of the lamellae 10.

[0083] In these embodiments, if the inserts 6 are worn owing to the action of the cutting means 104, 106 and must be replaced, it is sufficient to extract them from the interspaces 12 and insert the new intact inserts 6 inside them.

[0084] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiments, the sheet 14 or one of the lamellae 10 may comprise a pair of extensions 15 formed at the opposite ends (see Figures 7, 8 and 9a) and designed to be inserted in the seats or grooves 8 of the peripheral frame 2.

[0085] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, not shown in the attached figures, the portions 6A of the inserts 6 which project at the top are not widened and therefore the inserts have a cross-sectional form which is not T-shaped.

[0086] According to the third embodiment of the support structure 1 , shown in Figures 10 and 11 , each of the inserts 6 is stably coupled to the rigid lamellae 10 of the corresponding pair; in particular, each insert 6 may be glued to both the lamellae 10 of the corresponding pair so as to form a sandwich.

[0087] In this third embodiment, each of the inserts 6 has a first portion 7 and a second portion 9 projecting on opposite sides from the ends of the lamellae 10.

[0088] The first portion 7 and the second portion 9 form alternately the portion 6A projecting at the top and defining the upper support surface IT following removal and repositioning of the respective profile 4 from / on the peripheral frame 2 in the overturned position.

[0089] Figure 10 shows the operating configuration in which the portion projecting at the top 6A is formed by the first portion 7, while the portion projecting at the bottom 6B, i.e. directed towards the ground and the tank 32, is formed by the second portion 9.

[0090] Following repositioning of the profile 4 in the overturned position, the portion projecting at the top 6A with the support surface IT will be formed by the second portion 9 and the portion projecting at the bottom 6B will be formed by the first portion 7.

[0091] Operationally speaking, the repositioning of the profile 4 on the peripheral frame 2 in the overturned position is performed when the portion 6A of the insert which projects at the top is worn owing to the action of the cutting means 104, 106 and no longer provides an adequate support for the slabs to be cut. When also the second portion 9 of the insert 6 is likewise worn as a result of the action of the cutting means 104, 106, the operator will replace the profile in use with a new profile 4 in which the insert 6 has both the portions 7, 9 intact.

[0092] This latter technical solution offers the advantage that the same profile 4 may be used again after the portion 6A projecting from the top of the insert 6 has become worn, with a consequent reduction in the costs and the machine downtime, since the operations for overturning the profiles 4 are relatively simple and quick.

[0093] Irrespective as to the embodiment in which they are used, the inserts 6 are preferably made of rubber or elastomeric material or plastic material, while the rigid lamellae 10 of the profiles 4 are made of steel, i.e. are obtained from galvanized steel sheets.

[0094] The lamellae 10, therefore, are made of rigid material which is resistant to the action of the abrasive jet so as to define the undulating or curvilinear form of the profiles described above, before or after their assembly on the peripheral frame 2, and the inserts 6 have a profile corresponding to the lamellae 10.

[0095] From the above description, it is now clear how the support structure, the workbench and the machine for cutting slabs according to the present invention are advantageously able to achieve the predefined objects.

[0096] In particular, by providing inserts, namely sacrificial elements, which are arranged between the lamellae of the profiles of the support structure, it is possible to reduce the wear due to the action of the cutting means, with a consequent reduction in the frequency of the operations for replacement of the sacrificial elements and also the operations for replacement of the profiles.

[0097] Moreover, the configurations described above are able to limit the dispersion of the fragments of the inserts which form following the action of the cutting means, thus simplifying the operations for replacement of the sacrificial elements.

Claims

Claims1. Support structure (1) for supporting slabs of stone or stone-like, glass or ceramic material, said support structure (1 ) being intended to be positioned on a workbench (30) of a machine (100) provided with means (104) for cutting the slabs by means of a disc and means (106) for cutting the slabs with a high-pressure water jet which may contain suspended abrasive, said support structure (1 ) comprising a peripheral frame (2) and a plurality of profiles (4) removably supported on the peripheral frame (2) and designed to define an upper support surface (IT) for the slabs; wherein each of said profiles (4) comprises a sacrificial element (6) designed to undergo the action of the cutting means (104, 106) of the machine (100) and prevent contact between the profiles (4) and the disc cutting means (104) of the machine (100); characterized in that each of the profiles (4) also comprises a pair of rigid lamellae (10) and an insert (6) arranged between the lamellae (10) and defining the sacrificial element, each of the inserts (6) comprising at least one portion (6A) which projects from the top of the lamellae (10) and is designed to define said upper support surface (IT).

2. Support structure (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of said inserts (6) is removably inserted in an interspace (12) delimited by each pair of rigid lamellae (10).

3. Support structure (1 ) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the rigid lamellae (10) of each pair form part of a single-piece sheet (14) folded in a U shape and are connected together by a bottom wall (16).

4. Support structure (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the bottom wall (16) of said single-piece sheet (14) has one or more openings (18).

5. Support structure (1 ) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the rigid lamellae (10) of each pair are coupled together by means of spacer elements.

6. Support structure (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rigid lamellae (10) of each pair are coupled together by means of the arrangement in between, at regular intervals, of flat elements (19) fixed to the lamellae (10).

7. Support structure (1) according to any one of Claims 2-6, characterized in that each insert (6) has a T-shaped cross-section with a widened transverse portion (6A) which forms a portion projecting at the top from the rigid lamellae (10).

8. Support structure (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that each of said inserts (6) is stably coupled to the lamellae (10) of the corresponding pair.

9. Support structure (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of said inserts (6) has a first portion (7) and a second portion (9) projecting on opposite sides from the ends of the lamellae (10), said first portion (7) and said second portion (9) being designed to define alternately said portion (6A) projecting at the top following the removal and repositioning of the respective profiles (4) from / on the peripheral frame (2) in the overturned position.

10. Support structure (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inserts (6) are made of rubber or elastomeric material or plastic material.11 . Support structure (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lamellae (10) are made of steel.

12. Support structure (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said profiles (4) have an undulating or curvilinear form with respect an axis of longitudinal extension.

13. Workbench (30) for supporting slabs of stone or stone-like, glass or ceramic material, intended to be positioned in a machine (100) provided with means for cutting the slabs, in particular disc cutting means (104) and means (106) forperforming cutting with a high-pressure water jet which may contain suspended abrasive, the workbench (30) comprising:- a tank (32) filled with water for damping the high-pressure waterjets used to cut the slabs, said tank (32) comprising a base which rests on the ground, and an upper opening;- a support structure (1 ) arranged above said tank (32) and designed to close the upper opening of the tank (32); characterized in that said support structure (1 ) is of the type according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Machine (100) for cutting slabs of stone or stone-like, glass or ceramic material, comprising:- at least one machining unit (102) comprising disc cutting means (104) and means (106) for performing cutting with a high-pressure water jet which may contain a suspended abrasive;- a workbench (30) with a support structure (1 ) for supporting the slabs to be cut;- movement means (108) for moving the machining unit (102) above the workbench (30); characterized in that said workbench (30) is of the type according to Claim 13.

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