Industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts

Abstract

The industrial plant (1) for firing / drying ceramic artifacts comprises at least one tunnel chamber (2) arranged resting on the ground and comprising: - one movement unit (6) configured to move at least on ceramic artifact (M) along a substantially horizontal direction of forward movement (7) and extending from the inlet opening (4) to the outlet opening (5) of one heat treatment body (3), the movement unit (6) comprising: - at least one set of roller elements (9) arranged internally to the heat treatment body (3) and substantially horizontal and orthogonal to the direction of forward movement (7); - at least one towing assembly (10) configured to rotate the roller elements (9) around a respective axis of rotation (11) substantially orthogonal to the direction of forward movement (7).

Description

[0001] INDUSTRIAL PLANT FOR FIRING / DRYING CERAMIC ARTIFACTS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] In the field of the ceramic industry, it’s known the use of industrial plants provided with a plurality of tunnel chambers which are arranged in succession and in which the ceramic artifacts to be subjected to particular heat treatments are continuously passed through.

[0006] Tunnel chambers are arranged resting on the ground and comprise a heat treatment body provided with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening for the ceramic artifacts.

[0007] Heating means are arranged within the heat treatment body of each tunnel chamber to heat the interior of the heat treatment body, allowing the ceramic artifacts to be fired and / or dried therein. Tunnel chambers are also provided with a movement unit which is adapted to move the ceramic artifacts along a substantially horizontal direction of forward movement and extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

[0008] The tunnel chambers constituting a plant for firing and drying ceramic artifacts of known type are arranged in succession so that the outlet opening of one tunnel chamber is adjacent to the inlet opening of the tunnel chamber arranged immediately downstream.

[0009] The ceramic artifacts, thanks to the movement unit, are moved sequentially between the tunnel chambers.

[0010] The movement unit with which the tunnel chambers of the industrial plants of known type are provided comprises a set of forward-moving rollers which are arranged internally to the heat treatment body, substantially horizontal and orthogonal to the direction of forward movement.

[0011] In addition, the movement unit comprises a towing assembly adapted to rotate the forward-moving rollers around respective axes of rotation substantially orthogonal to the direction of forward movement.

[0012] The forward-moving rollers arranged this way define a plane of forward movement for the ceramic artifacts to be machined and by setting the forward-moving rollers themselves in rotation, it is possible to drag the ceramic artifacts by friction and cause them to move forward along the direction of forward movement.

[0013] In detail, each tunnel chamber is provided with multiple sets of forward-moving rollers where each set of forward-moving rollers defines a respective plane of forward movement.

[0014] The planes of forward movement of a tunnel chamber are arranged on top of each other and extend from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

[0015] Generally, the towing assembly comprises: a motor device operable to set the forward-moving rollers in rotation; a plurality of attachment devices rigidly associated with a respective forward-moving roller and rotatable around a respective axis of rotation; drive means configured to transmit the motion from the motor device to the attachment devices.

[0016] As a result of the setting in rotation of the attachment devices is the setting in rotation of the forward-moving rollers.

[0017] The drive means of known type comprise a driving shaft running substantially parallel to the direction of forward movement, associated with the motor device and movable in rotation around its own longitudinal axis as a result of the operation of the motor device itself.

[0018] The transmission of motion from the driving shaft to the attachment devices occurs through a plurality of first gear wheels, keyed on the attachment devices, and a plurality of second gear wheels, keyed on the drive shaft.

[0019] Each first gear wheel meshes with a respective second splined wheel.

[0020] Precisely, each first gear wheel runs on a plane substantially parallel to the direction of forward movement; the second gear wheels are centered with the axis of longitudinal development of the driving shaft, that is, they run on a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of forward movement.

[0021] In actual facts, the first gear wheels and the second gear wheels are meshed with a 90° angled gear, that is, the transmission of motion between the motor device and the attachment devices takes place on two planes arranged substantially at right angles to each other.

[0022] The industrial plants for firing / drying the ceramic artifacts of known type do, however, have some drawbacks that are mainly related to their poor performance, especially in terms of the efficiency of motion transmission from the motor device to the attachment devices.

[0023] This circumstance is mainly attributable to the presence of an angled gear between the first gear wheels and the second gear wheels, which causes creeping and friction phenomena between the gear wheels themselves which generates inevitable dissipation of the mechanical energy transmitted by the motor device.

[0024] In addition, in order to ensure the necessary reliability and increase the overall efficiency of the plant, the meshing of the first gear wheels to the second gear wheels is improved through their lubrication which is carried out through a special lubricant injection assembly.

[0025] The use of lubricant as well as the maintenance of the related injection assembly involves large costs, use of skilled labor and increased machining times, factors that adversely affect the overall operating costs of the industrial plant.

[0026] An additional drawback suffered by the industrial plants of known type relates to their construction, which is often expensive, and to the assembly of the various components, which is often complex.

[0027] In this regard, it is necessary to point out that the manufacture of an angled gear is only possible if the teeth of the gear wheels are inclined.

[0028] The manufacture of gear wheels with inclined teeth is very complex and expensive and, in addition, cannot be done by very inexpensive and easily implemented machining processes, such as sintering which is widely used to make straight-toothed gear wheels.

[0029] Description of the Invention

[0030] The main aim of the present invention is to devise an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts which allows improving and simplifying the transmission of motion between the motor device and the attachment devices of the forward-moving rollers.

[0031] Within the scope of this aim, the present invention aims to devise an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts which allows improving the overall performance of the towing system and limiting loss and dissipation of mechanical energy.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to devise an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts which allows being made in a simple manner and with simplified and low-cost machining techniques.

[0033] Again, a further object of the present invention is to devise an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts which can be operated and maintained easily and economically.

[0034] In addition, another object of the present invention is to devise an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts which allows reducing the frequency and / or duration of the blocking phases of the towing assembly related to failures and / or malfunctions of the motion transmission members. Another object of the present invention is to devise an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts 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.

[0035] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0036] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts according to the invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the industrial plant according to the invention from a different angle; Figure 3 is a partial and partly enlarged axonometric view of the movement unit of the industrial plant according to the invention;

[0040] Figure 4 is a plan and partly enlarged view of some components of the movement unit of the industrial plant according to the invention;

[0041] Figure 5 is an axonometric view of a towing module according to the invention;

[0042] Figure 6 is a sectional view of a towing module according to the invention;

[0043] Figures 7, 8 and 9 are schematic views of some assembly phases of the towing assembly of the industrial plant according to the invention.

[0044] Embodiments of the Invention

[0045] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes an industrial plant for firing / drying ceramic artifacts.

[0046] The industrial plant 1 comprises at least one tunnel chamber 2 arranged resting on the ground and comprising: at least one substantially hollow heat treatment body 3 , provided with at least one inlet opening 4 and with at least one outlet opening 5 of at least one ceramic artifact M; at least one movement unit 6 configured to move the ceramic artifact M along a substantially horizontal direction of forward movement 7 and extending from the inlet opening 4 to the outlet opening 5.

[0047] In the context of this disclosure, the expressions “downstream” and “upstream” and those derivable therefrom are to be meant in relation to the direction of forward movement 7, i.e., the way of forward movement of the ceramic artifacts M within the heat treatment body 3.

[0048] Preferably, during the use of the industrial plant 1, a plurality of ceramic artifacts M are expected to be machined, which ceramic artifacts are successively introduced into the heat treatment body 3 and moved between the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 5.

[0049] In more detail, the movement unit 6 continuously moves the ceramic artifacts M within the heat treatment body 3 during the use of the industrial plant 1.

[0050] Preferably, the industrial plant 1 comprises a plurality of tunnel chambers 2 arranged in succession along the direction of forward movement 7 so that the outlet opening 5 of a tunnel chamber 2 is arranged substantially adjacent to the inlet opening 4 of the tunnel chamber 2 arranged immediately downstream along the direction of forward movement 7.

[0051] The ceramic artifacts M are made to enter the tunnel chamber 2 arranged upstream from all other tunnel chambers 2 and the inlet opening 4 of which is accessible from the outside.

[0052] The movement unit 6 is operated to move the ceramic artifacts M sequentially from the tunnel chamber 2 toward the tunnel chamber 2 arranged immediately downstream, to the tunnel chamber 2 arranged downstream from all the tunnel chambers 2 and the outlet opening 5 of which is accessible from the outside.

[0053] The ceramic artifacts M, during the relevant movement in succession between the tunnel chambers 2, undergo heat treatments in succession.

[0054] Only one tunnel chamber 2 is described and shown within the scope of this disclosure for pure representational and descriptive simplicity.

[0055] This choice should not be viewed restrictively but only as an example for the purpose of describing the industrial plant 1 and its representation in the figures.

[0056] In this regard, it is worth noting how the description and graphical representation of the tunnel chamber 2 and the relevant components can be extended to the description and graphical representation of the other tunnel chambers 2 with which the industrial plant 1 is provided.

[0057] The tunnel chamber 2 comprises a plurality of base bodies 8 arranged resting on the ground and associated inferiorly with the heat treatment body 3.

[0058] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, it can be seen that the heat treatment body 3 has a substantially parallelepiped conformation.

[0059] Alternative embodiments of the plant 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the heat treatment body has a different conformation.

[0060] As can be seen from the figures, the tunnel chamber 2 comprises a plurality of containment walls, which are substantially flat and bordering the side, top and bottom of the heat treatment body 3. The inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 5 are cut into two respective containment walls that are substantially vertical, opposite and substantially orthogonal to the direction of forward movement 7.

[0061] The tunnel chamber 2 also comprises heating means and / or heated air conveying means associated internally with at least one of the containment walls and configured to heat the interior of the heat treatment body 3 to thermally treat the slab-shaped artifacts M introduced therein.

[0062] For sheer representational simplicity, the heating means are not shown in the figures but are of the type known to the technician in the field and e.g. comprise a plurality of gas burners.

[0063] Likewise, for sheer representational simplicity, the air conveying means are not shown in the figures but are also of a type known to the technician in the field.

[0064] The movement unit 6 comprises: at least one set of roller elements 9 arranged internally to the heat treatment body 3 and substantially horizontal and orthogonal to the direction of forward movement 7; at least one towing assembly 10 configured to rotate the roller elements 9 around a respective axis of rotation 11 substantially orthogonal to the direction of forward movement 7.

[0065] With particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the axis of rotation 11 of each roller element 9 is substantially coincident with the relevant axis of longitudinal development. Conveniently, the tunnel chamber 2 comprises a plurality of supporting bodies 12 defining a plurality of slots into which the roller elements 9 are partly inserted so that the ends of the same protrude cantilevered from the aforementioned slots.

[0066] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the supporting bodies 12 are associated with the containment walls arranged vertically and substantially parallel to the direction of forward movement 7.

[0067] The roller elements 9 of a set of roller elements 9 define a plane of forward movement 13 of the ceramic artifacts M which is substantially horizontal and parallel to the direction of forward movement 7 and extends between the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 5.

[0068] Conveniently, the tunnel chamber 2 shown in the figures comprises a plurality of sets of roller elements 9 defining a plurality of planes of forward movement 13 of the ceramic artifacts M that are substantially parallel to each other and arranged on top of each other.

[0069] This aspect facilitates the simultaneous loading of multiple ceramic artifacts M into the heat treatment body 3, which ceramic artifacts are arranged on different planes of forward movement 13, thus improving the performance of the industrial plant 1.

[0070] If the size of the ceramic artifacts M allows, one and the same plane of forward movement 13 is also loaded with multiple ceramic artifacts M, thus enabling the heat treatment body 3 to treat a large number of ceramic artifacts M simultaneously.

[0071] For sheer representational simplicity, in Figures 1 and 2, only the towing assembly 10 that moves the roller elements 9 defining the plane of forward movement 13 arranged lower than the other planes of forward movement 13 is shown.

[0072] This choice was made for reasons of representative clarity of the figures themselves.

[0073] Within the scope of this description, we refer to only one towing assembly 10, for sheer simplicity of disclosure.

[0074] The description and the graphical representation of such a towing assembly 10 can be extended to the towing assembly 10 that move the roller elements 9 defining the other planes of forward movement 13.

[0075] The towing assembly 10 comprises: at least one motor device 14 operable to set the roller elements 9 in rotation; a plurality of attachment devices 15 rigidly associated with a respective roller element 9 and rotatable around a respective axis of rotation 11; drive means 16 configured to drive the motion from the motor device 14 to the attachment devices 15.

[0076] According to the invention, the drive means 16 comprise: a plurality of first gear wheels 17 and a plurality of second gear wheels 18 wherein at least one of the first gear wheels 17 and at least one of the second gear wheels 18 are associated with at least one of the attachment devices 15 and substantially coaxial to the respective axis of rotation 11; a plurality of first drive chains 19, each windable around two of the first gear wheels 17 adjacent to each other; and a plurality of second drive chains 20, each windable around two of the second gear wheels 18 adjacent to each other.

[0077] In the context of this disclosure, the term adjacent and those derivable therefrom are to be understood in relation to the direction of forward movement 7 of the ceramic artifacts M within the heat treatment body 3.

[0078] Specifically, the two first gear wheels 17 connected through a first drive chain 19 are associated with an attachment device 15 and with the attachment device 15 arranged immediately downstream or upstream along the direction of forward movement 7, respectively.

[0079] Likewise, the two second gearwheels 18 connected through a second drive chain 20 are associated with an attachment device 15 and with the attachment device 15 arranged immediately downstream or upstream along the direction of forward movement 7, respectively.

[0080] It can be said that each of the attachment devices 15 is kinematically connected to the attachment device 15 arranged immediately downstream and to the attachment device 15 arranged immediately upstream through one of the first drive chains 19 and one of the second drive chains 20.

[0081] With particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the motor device 14 is kinematically connected to the attachment device 15 arranged where the inlet opening 4 is located. The kinematic connection between the motor device 14 and the attachment device 15 is not shown in detail in the figures, but it is of a type known to the engineer in the field.

[0082] The motor device 14 is driven in order to set the attachment device 15 and the gear wheels 17, 18 in rotation which, in turn, drag the drive chains 19, 20 associated therewith.

[0083] Thanks to the drive chain connecting the various attachment devices 15, the sequential setting in rotation of all the attachment devices 15 around the relevant axes of rotation 11 is achieved.

[0084] Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the motor device 14 can be connected to a different attachment device 15, e.g. the attachment device 15 placed where the outlet opening 5 is located.

[0085] Still, it is possible to envisage further embodiments of the industrial plant 1 wherein the towing assembly 10 comprises several motor devices 14 connected to a relevant attachment device 15 according to a predetermined step.

[0086] This choice can be, e.g., implemented if the distance between the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 5 is large and an individual motor device 14 is not enough to provide for the right mechanical power to make all the roller elements 9 rotate.

[0087] The first drive chains 19 and the second drive chains 20 run on a plane that coincides with the laying plane of the relevant first gear wheels 17 and of the second gear wheels 18, respectively.

[0088] This aspect allows the transmission of motion between the motor device 14 and the attachment devices 15 to occur in a single plane, thus reducing the dissipation of mechanical energy transmitted from the motor device 14 to the attachment devices 15.

[0089] Again, the special technical expedient of kinematically connecting one attachment device 15 to both adjacent attachment devices 15 independently of each other makes it possible to give continuity to the transmission of motion even in the event of failure of one component of the drive means 16.

[0090] To clarify this, an example can be described, such as the case wherein one of either the first drive chain 19 or the second drive chain 20 associated with an attachment device 15 experiences a failure (i.e., one of the drive chains 19,20 breaks down).

[0091] In such a case, the transmission of motion from the attachment device 15 affected by the damage to the adjacent attachment devices 15 is still ensured by the undamaged drive chain 19, 20.

[0092] Similar argument can be made in case the damage affects one of either the first gear wheel 17 or the second gear wheel 18 associated with a relevant attachment device 15.

[0093] It is easy to appreciate how the drive means 16 according to the invention make it possible to limit the downtime of the entire industrial plant 1 needed to fix any component failure issues.

[0094] Similarly, it is possible to easily repair the damaged component by working only thereon without working on the other undamaged components.

[0095] With particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the attachment devices 15 comprises: at least one housing cavity 21, wherein the respective roller element 9 can be partly inserted; solidarization means 22 configured to rigidly associate the housing cavity 21 with the respective roller element 9.

[0096] In detail, within the housing cavity 21 defined by an attachment device 15 is inserted the end of the relevant roller element 9, which protrudes cantilevered from the relevant slot defined by the supporting body 12.

[0097] As can be seen from the figures, the attachment devices 15 have a substantially tubular conformation and run longitudinally along their respective axis of rotation 11.

[0098] Thanks to the solidarization means 22, an attachment device 15 and the relevant roller element 9 are joined to define a single body piece and rotate together as a result of the actuation of the motor device 14. With special reference to the figures, the solidarization means 22 protrude at least partly within the housing cavity 21, allow the roller element 9 to be inserted and, subsequently, block it to prevent it from slipping out of the same housing cavity 21.

[0099] Conveniently, the drive means 16 comprise a plurality of driving shafts 23, each running along a respective axis of rotation 11 and associated, at one end, with a respective attachment device 15 and, at the other end, with a respective first gear wheel 17 and with a respective second gear wheel 18.

[0100] In detail, each driving shaft 23 is rigidly associated with the relevant attachment device 15.

[0101] This ensures proper transmission of motion from the drive means 16 to the attachment devices 15. Advantageously, each of the driving shafts 23 is coupled by interference with the respective first gear wheel 17 and with the respective second gear wheel 18.

[0102] This particular coupling is made possible by the fact that the pair passing through the shrinkage is only that intended to move the individual roller (and therefore typically low), and not the entire multi-roller kinematic chain.

[0103] This particular type of connection greatly facilitates the construction phase of the drive means 16 compared with what is generally done in the prior art where keyed elements are expected to be used, which are very complex to use and do not always guarantee an adequate seal.

[0104] Preferably, the first gear wheel 17 and the second gear wheel 18 are made in a single body piece. This aspect further facilitates the construction of the towing assembly 10, particularly the drive means 16, because it avoids the need to provide for a phase of joining each first gear wheel 17 with the respective second gear wheel 18.

[0105] In addition, the construction in a single body piece facilitates the joining phase with the relevant driving shaft 23 and gives greater rigidity thereof.

[0106] In actual facts, the set consisting of an attachment device 15, the relevant driving shaft 23, the relevant first gear wheels 17 and the relevant second gear wheels 18 can be viewed as a towing module 24 that can easily be manufactured, standardized and stored independently of the phase of commissioning on the complete plant at the construction site.

[0107] The towing assembly 10 substantially consists of at least one motor device 14, a plurality of towing modules 24 and a plurality of drive chains 19, 20 connecting the towing modules 24 in series.

[0108] The towing assembly 10 comprises a number of towing modules 24 varying in relation to the number of roller elements 9 defining an individual plane of forward movement 13.

[0109] The number of roller elements 9 constituting each plane of forward movement 13 is commensurate with the size of the heat treatment body 3 along the direction of forward movement 7, i.e., the horizontal distance between the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 5.

[0110] Following these reasonings, it is easy to appreciate how the towing assembly 10 according to the invention is easily adaptable to the needs of customers who can choose the number of towing modules 24 depending on the size of the heat treatment body 3.

[0111] Again, the modularity of the towing module 24 allows for the stock production of the towing modules 24 which can be stored and used as needed.

[0112] Advantageously, the heat treatment body 3 comprises at least one plate element 25, which is substantially orthogonal to the axes of rotation 11 and associable with the towing assembly 10.

[0113] Preferably, the heat treatment body 3 comprises a plurality of plate elements 25 wherein each plate element 25 can be associated with a respective towing assembly 10.

[0114] In the figures, as only the towing assembly 10 connected to the lower plane of forward movement 13 is shown, only the relevant plate element 25 is shown.

[0115] The description is also presented in relation to an individual plate element 25.

[0116] This descriptive choice together with the choice to represent only one plate element 25 should not be seen as limiting but only aimed at a clearer disclosure and representation.

[0117] The description and representation of the plate element 25 can be extended to the description and representation of the other plate elements 25 with which the industrial plant 1 is provided.

[0118] Advantageously, the plate element 25 comprises: a plurality of housing seats 26, each of the housing seats 26 being configured to accommodate at least part of a respective driving shaft 23; and a plurality of guiding and centering surfaces 27, each of the guiding and centering surfaces 27 being arranged where there is a respective housing seat 26 and being configured to facilitate the correct and accurate insertion of the respective driving shaft 23 in the respective housing seat 26.

[0119] Each housing seat 26 has a substantially curved conformation and the corresponding driving shaft 23 rests in the housing seat 26.

[0120] In particular, the housing seats 26 are made according to the spacing between the roller elements 9.

[0121] Each guiding and centering surface 27 has a substantially chamfered and curved conformation in order to promote the insertion of a driving shaft 23 within the relevant housing seat 26.

[0122] As will be detailed later, when mounting the towing assembly 10, the driving shafts 23 roll on the relevant guiding and centering surfaces 27 and are smoothly inserted into the relevant housing seat 26.

[0123] Conveniently, the towing assembly 10 comprises connecting means 28, 29, 30 configured to associate the drive means 16 with the plate element 25.

[0124] Preferably, the connecting means 28, 29, 30 comprise a plurality of pairs of flange elements 28 wherein each of the pairs of flange elements 28 is associated with a respective driving shaft 23. The flange elements 28 of each of the pairs of flange elements 28 can be positioned stopping against a respective face of the plate element 25.

[0125] When the drive means 16 are mounted on the plate element 25, the latter is positioned between the flange elements 28 of each pair of flange elements 28.

[0126] Advantageously, the flange elements 28 of each pair of flange elements 28 are coupled with clearance to the relevant driving shaft 23 and can slide on the latter along the longitudinal axis of the same driving shaft 23.

[0127] In more detail, the flange elements 28 of each pair of flange elements 28 can be moved away when the plate element 25 is to be inserted between the same flange elements 28 and are brought closer together when the plate element 25 is inserted between the flange elements 28 by positioning themselves stopping against a respective face of the plate element 25 and allowing the installed mechanism an appropriate axial operating clearance.

[0128] Conveniently, the connecting means 28, 29, 30 comprise a plurality of fastening elements 29, 30 adapted to secure each of the flange elements 28 to the plate element 25 when the latter is positioned between the flange elements 28.

[0129] With particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting means 28, 29, 30 comprise first fastening elements 29, of the pin type, associated with the flange elements 28 and insertable within appropriate holes drilled on the plate element 25, and second fastening elements 30, of the bolt type, associated with the pins and configured to be screwed onto the latter to prevent their slipping out of the relevant holes drilled on the plate element 25.

[0130] The fastening elements 29, 30 are used when the plate element 25 is inserted between the flange elements 28 and prevent the latter from sliding with respect to the relevant driving shaft 23.

[0131] A towing module 24 according to the invention is provided with the connecting means 28, 29, 30 just described.

[0132] Figures 7, 8 and 9 show, in schematic form, some of the machining phases involved when mounting the towing assembly 10 on the plate element 25.

[0133] In one embodiment given as an example, only a first towing module 24’ and a second towing module 24” are shown during the relevant mounting on the plate element 25.

[0134] Initially, the first towing module 24’ is laid by inserting the relevant driving shaft 23 into the relevant housing seat 26.

[0135] At the same time, the driving shaft 23 of the first towing module 24’ is connected to the plate element 25 through the relevant connecting means 28, 29, 30.

[0136] At this point, the first drive chain 19 is wound onto the first gear wheel 17 of the first towing module 24’, the second towing module 24” is brought closer to the first towing module 24’, and the first closed drive chain 19 is wound to the first gear wheel 17 of the second towing module 24”.

[0137] The second towing module 24” is brought closer to the first towing module 24’ and to the plate element 25 so that the driving shaft 23 of the second towing module 24” is positioned where the relevant guiding and centering surface 27 is located.

[0138] At this point, the special chamfered conformation of the guiding and centering surface 27 allows the driving shaft 23 to roll on the same guiding and centering surface 27 until it is positioned inside the relevant housing seat 26.

[0139] Even in this case, the driving shaft 23 of the second towing module 24” is connected to the plate element 25 through the relevant connecting means 28, 29, 30.

[0140] At this point, the second drive chain 20 is associated with the second gear wheel 18 of the second towing module 24” and with the second gear wheel 18 of a third towing module 24, not shown in the figures, which will then be inserted into the relevant housing seat 26 according to the process just described.

[0141] The described operations are repeated in succession to mount all the towing modules 24 on the plate element 25, and then the missing drive chains 19, 20 are mounted.

[0142] Now the motor device 14 is connected to the attachment device 15 of the towing assembly 10 arranged where the inlet opening 4 is located.

[0143] Conveniently, the drive chains 19, 20 are provided with a false link which allows them to be opened and moved away from the relevant gear wheel 17, 18 in order to perform any work on the drive chain 19, 20 and / or on the gear wheel 17, 18.

[0144] It is worth noting that only one of either the first gear wheel 17 or the second gear wheel 18 of the towing modules 24 at the end of the heat treatment body 3, i.e., where the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 5 are located, is connected to the drive chains 19, 20.

[0145] In fact, in the case of the towing module 24 placed where the inlet opening 4 is located, it is necessary to transmit motion only downstream, while in the case of the towing module 24 placed where the outlet opening 5 is located, it is not necessary to transmit motion downstream, but only to receive it from upstream.

[0146] This particular aspect can be conveniently employed to achieve a redundant system in the mechanical transmission of motion between the tunnel chambers 2 arranged in succession along the direction of forward movement 7 and with which the industrial plant 1 is provided.

[0147] In detail, the free gear wheels 17, 18 of a towing assembly 10 of a tunnel chamber 2 can be connected with the relevant drive chains 19, 20 to the free gear wheels 17, 18 of the towing assembly of the tunnel chambers 2 arranged immediately downstream and upstream.

[0148] In this way, in the event of failure of one of the drive chains 19, 20 and / or of one of the gear wheels 17, 18, the mechanical power required to make the roller elements 9 rotate is sent both by the motor device 14 of a towing assembly 10 but also, possibly, by the motor device 14 of the towing assembly 10 arranged downstream.

[0149] In this way, it is possible to limit any occurrences of blockage of the industrial plant 1 as the forward movement of the ceramic artifacts M is still ensured.

[0150] Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein a redundant system can be achieved by providing for multiple motor devices 14 mounted on board the same towing assembly 10.

[0151] In actual facts, it has been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and, in particular, the fact is emphasized that the special technical expedient of providing the towing assembly with transmission chains makes it possible to improve and simplify the transmission of motion between the motor device and the attachment devices of the roller elements.

[0152] As previously anticipated, the aforementioned aspect leads to a transmission of motion between the motor device and the attachment devices on an individual plane, thus improving the performance of the plant.

[0153] Again, thanks to the presence of the driving chains and gear wheels, it is possible to limit the creep and friction phenomena that are related to the angled gears of known type; this aspect further contributes to improving the overall performance of the industrial plant.

[0154] In addition, the absence of angled gears means that the lubrication of the gears is no longer necessary, since simple greasing of the driving chains is required, a much simpler operation than lubrication and to be performed less frequently.

[0155] In actual facts, the industrial plant according to the invention can be maintained more easily than in the prior art, resulting in reduced cost, time and manpower use.

[0156] Again, it is possible to say that the industrial plant covered by the invention can be made easily, with simplified and low-cost machining techniques and assembled quickly.

[0157] In support of this, it is worth noting that providing for a chain drive enables the use of gear wheels with straight teeth that can be easily obtained by quick and affordable processes such as, e.g., by sintering.

[0158] Again, the fact of providing a connection by interference between the driving shaft and the gear wheels and the fact of making the gear wheels as a single body piece makes it possible to achieve a considerable simplification of the construction phase of these components.

[0159] In addition, the plate element with which the heat treatment body is provided is easily manufactured: in fact, it is a simple plate made of metal material on which the housing seats and the guiding surfaces are easily made.

[0160] The presence of the guiding surfaces, as previously described, promotes and speeds up the mounting phase of the towing assembly on the plate element.

[0161] As previously mentioned, the particular type of chain drive with which the plant is provided according to the invention allows for improved coping with any incidents of failure of a gear wheel and / or of a drive chain. In fact, in case of such an event, the transmission of motion to the other components is still ensured by the remaining driving chains that connect the attachment devices in series, thus avoiding the need to block the plant.

[0162] In addition, the special nature of the driving chains allows them to be easily opened by working directly thereon or on the gear wheels on which they are wound.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Industrial plant (1) for firing / drying ceramic artifacts, comprising at least one tunnel chamber (2) arranged resting on the ground and comprising: at least one substantially hollow heat treatment body (3), provided with at least one inlet opening (4) and with at least one outlet opening (5) of at least one ceramic artifact (M); at least one movement unit (6) configured to move said ceramic artifact (M) along a substantially horizontal direction of forward movement (7) and extending from said inlet opening (4) to said outlet opening (5), said movement unit (6) comprising: at least one set of roller elements (9) arranged internally to said heat treatment body (3) and substantially horizontal and orthogonal to said direction of forward movement (7); at least one towing assembly (10) configured to rotate said roller elements (9) around a respective axis of rotation (11) substantially orthogonal to said direction of forward movement (7); where said towing assembly (10) comprises: at least one motor device (14) operable to set said roller elements (9) in rotation; a plurality of attachment devices (15) rigidly associated with a respective said roller element (9) and rotatable around a respective said axis of rotation (11); drive means (16) configured to drive the motion from said motor device (14) to said attachment devices (15); characterized by the fact that said drive means (16) comprise: a plurality of first gear wheels (17) and a plurality of second gear wheels (18) wherein at least one of said first gearwheels (17) and at least one of said second gearwheels (18) are associated with at least one of said attachment devices (15) and substantially coaxial to said respective axis of rotation (11); a plurality of first drive chains (19), each windable around two of said first gear wheels (17) adjacent to each other; and a plurality of second drive chains (20), each windable around two of said second gear wheels (18) adjacent to each other.2) Industrial plant (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said drive means (16) comprise a plurality of driving shafts (23) each developing along a respective said axis of rotation (11) and associated at one end with a respective said attachment device (15) and at the other end with a respective said first gear wheel (17) and with a respective said second gear wheel (18).3) Industrial plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that each of said driving shafts (23) is coupled by interference with said respective first gear wheel (17) and with said respective second gear wheel (18).4) Industrial plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said first gear wheel (17) and said second gear wheel (18) are made in a single body piece.5) Industrial plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said heat treatment body (3) comprises at least one plate element (25) substantially orthogonal to said axes of rotation (11) and associable with said towing assembly (10).6) Industrial plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said plate element (25) comprises: a plurality of housing seats (26), each of said housing seats (26) being configured to accommodate at least part of a respective said driving shaft (23); and a plurality of guiding and centering surfaces (27), each of said guiding and centering surfaces (27) being arranged where there is a respective said housing seat (26) and being configured to facilitate the insertion and positioning of said respective driving shaft (23) in said respective housing seat (26).7) Industrial plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said towing assembly (10) comprises connecting means (28, 29, 30) configured to associate said drive means (16) with said plate element (25).8) Industrial plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said connecting means (28, 29, 30) comprise a plurality of pairs of flange elements (28) wherein each of said pairs of said flange elements (28) is associated with a respective said driving shaft (23), said flange elements (28) of each of said pairs of said flange elements (28) being positionable stopping against a respective face of said plate element (25).9) Industrial plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact said connecting means (28, 29, 30) comprise a plurality of fastening elements (29, 30) adapted to secure each of said flange elements (28) to said plate element (25) when the latter is positioned between said flange elements (28).10) Industrial plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that each of said attachment devices (15) comprises: at least one housing cavity (21), wherein said respective roller element (9) can be partly inserted; solidarization means (22) configured to rigidly associate said housing cavity (21) with said respective roller element (9).

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