System and process for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles

Abstract

The system (1) for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles comprises: - at least one line of movement (4) adapted to support at least one ceramic manufactured article (2) to be decorated and to move it along one direction of forward movement (A); - at least one marking device (5) associated with the line of movement (4) and adapted to apply an identification code to the ceramic manufactured article (2); - a plurality of decorating machines (6) arranged in succession along the line of movement (4) and arranged downstream of the marking device (5) with respect to the direction of forward movement (A) and each provided with at least one reading device (7) adapted to detect the identification code, each of the decorating machines (6) being configured to apply a decoration onto the ceramic manufactured article (2) depending on the detected identification code.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR THE DECORATION OF CERAMIC MANUFACTURED ARTICLES

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and process for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] In the ceramic industry, the use of methods and equipment for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles, such as slabs intended for surface coating, is well known.

[0006] In particular, the surfaces of such manufactured articles are generally subjected to processes of application of decorative material that gives the final product a special decorative effect, as well as the necessary mechanical strength characteristics specific to the type of application.

[0007] The visible surfaces of the products are decorated to achieve a wide variety of decorative effects, with applications of layers of decorative substances, such as e.g. inks, glazes and the like, or materials in granular form such as powders and the like in order to achieve textured decorations.

[0008] In particular, it is common for each manufactured article to undergo different decorations depending on production requirements, e.g. decorations by digital printing, embossed decorations, application of glazes and / or surface finishes, etc. In the systems of known type, the ceramic manufactured article is made to pass along a line of movement through a plurality of decorating stations, each adapted to apply a specific decorative material according to a specific pattern.

[0009] For this reason, the systems known to date are generally provided with a first decorating machine provided with a marking device which, subsequently to the decoration, is configured to apply to the ceramic manufactured article a representative code of the first decoration made by the first decorating machine itself. The subsequent decorating machines are then provided with a reading device configured to detect and decode the representative code and are adapted to make further decorations in a controlled maimer depending on the first decoration. In detail, the representative code is generally a code identifying the characteristics of the first decoration, so that the subsequent decorations may be coordinated with the latter.

[0010] The systems of known type do, therefore, have some drawbacks related to the fact that the first decorating machines are technologically very complex because they are provided with a built-in marker. The machine itself, in fact, must process information about the decoration done and transfer it to the marking device, which must code it and then apply the code to the ceramic manufactured article. At the same time, the processing of the code by the subsequent decorating machines is also complex, since the subsequent decorations must be made depending on the information from the first decoration.

[0011] In addition, the machines provided with a marking device differ according to the manufacturer and can be configured to generate representative codes which are not always easily decoded by the subsequent machines provided with a reading device. Therefore, such marking machines are not always compatible with the existing production lines.

[0012] Finally, it should be pointed out that the entire production process also has some drawbacks, as the complexity of the system results in longer production times and consequent increased costs.

[0013] Some systems and processes for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles are known from CN 206 297 277 U, CN 115 922 888 A, CN 111 391 084 A, CN 111 391 085 A, CN 110 039 922 A.

[0014] Specifically, CN 206 297 277 U describes a system and a process that involves the application of a code representative of the pattern intended to be applied on the ceramic manufactured article. In other words, there is a unique correspondence between the code applied on the ceramic manufactured article and the pattern to be made on the manufactured article, so the applied code identifies the pattern to be made downstream. Therefore, the same code corresponds to the same pattern.

[0015] Description of the Invention

[0016] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a system and a process for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles which allow a plurality of various decorative processes to be carried out in a practical and easy maimer.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to devise a system for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles that is easy to implement and manage.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to devise a process for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles which allows reducing production time and related costs.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to devise a system and a process for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles which allow the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and efficient to use as well as cost-effective solution.

[0020] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this system for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0021] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this process for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles having the characteristics of claim 8.

[0022] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a system and a process for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a system according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic axonometric representation of a system according to the invention, in accordance with a possible embodiment.

[0026] Embodiments of the Invention

[0027] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a system for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles.

[0028] In the context of this disclosure, the expression “ceramic manufactured article” relates to a substantially slab-shaped manufactured article, intended for the covering and decoration of surfaces, in this case a slab and / or a tile.

[0029] The ceramic manufactured article 2 is made of ceramic materials such as clays, feldspars, silica sand, iron oxides, alumina, quartz, etc., and can be in the form of an unfired manufactured article, i.e., not yet fired at high temperatures and possibly only subjected to compaction, or already fired, i.e., already hardened.

[0030] The ceramic manufactured article 2 has a surface to be decorated 3, which is visible during use, and a laying surface, which is intended to be arranged in contact with the surface to be covered.

[0031] The system 1 comprises at least one line of movement 4 adapted to support at least one ceramic manufactured article 2 to be decorated and to move it along a direction of forward movement A.

[0032] In detail, the ceramic manufactured article 2 is arranged with the surface to be decorated facing upwards and with the laying surface standing against the line of movement 4.

[0033] Advantageously, the surface to be decorated 3 of the ceramic manufactured article 2 to be decorated is devoid of decoration. In other words, the surface to be decorated 3 is substantially uniform and has no decorative chromatic effects, no protrusions or indentations and no other kinds of possible decorative effects.

[0034] The line of movement 4 may be of the type of a conveyor belt, a roller conveyor or the like.

[0035] The system 1 then comprises at least one marking device 5 associated with the line of movement 4 and adapted to apply an identification code to the ceramic manufactured article 2 and a plurality of decorating machines 6 associated in succession with the line of movement 4 and arranged downstream of the marking device 5 with respect to the direction of forward movement A.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the system 1 comprises only one marking device 5.

[0037] Each of the decorating machines 6 is provided with at least one reading device 7 adapted to detect the identification code. Each of the decorating machines 6 is adapted to apply a decoration on the ceramic manufactured article 2 depending on the detected identification code.

[0038] The marking device 5 is configured to apply a plurality of identification codes which are different from each other to the ceramic manufactured articles 2 arranged successively along the line of movement 4.

[0039] In detail, the identification code is a code intended to identify the ceramic manufactured article 2 and is independent of the individual decorations made.

[0040] The identification codes correspond to a progressive numerical and / or alphanumerical character within a predefined range of values.

[0041] For example, the identification code can be of the type of a sequential numerical code or a sequential alpha numerical code, applied based on the order in which the ceramic manufactured articles 2 are arranged on the line of movement 4. The identification codes can then be, e.g., of the type of 1, 2, 3, ..., or Al, A2, A3, ... The identification codes are therefore independent of the predefined pattern to be applied to said ceramic manufactured article.

[0042] The marking device 5 is, therefore, technologically simple and is independent of the decorating machines 6. The latter, in turn, are configured to carry out the decoration independently of each other, without regard to any previously applied decorations.

[0043] It follows that the system 1 according to the invention is easy to implement and manage.

[0044] The marking device 5 can be of the type of a remote marker, e.g. a laser marker, an inkjet marker or the like.

[0045] Alternatively, it can be of the type of a contact marker, e.g. a mold marker.

[0046] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the marking device 5 is arranged inferiorly to the line of movement 4 and is configured to apply the identification code to the laying surface. For this purpose, the line of movement 4 is adequately provided with at least one opening, not shown in detail in the figures, adapted to expose part of the laying surface.

[0047] Alternatively, the marking device 5 is arranged above the line of movement 4 and is configured to apply the identification code to the surface to be decorated 3 or to the lateral surfaces. In such a case, the marking device 5 can be configured to make an identification code which is not visible to the naked eye, so that the applied code does not interfere with the decoration to be made. For example, the marking device 5 can be configured to dispense a visible UV ink. In this case, the reading device 7 is also configured to detect the visible UV ink.

[0048] After marking, the ceramic manufactured article 2 is moved along the direction of forward movement A towards the decorating machines 6.

[0049] Here, the reading device 7 detects the identification code and the decorating machine 6 performs the preset decoration.

[0050] Each decorating machine 6 comprises at least one digital printer 8 adapted to dispense at least one decorative material 9 on the ceramic manufactured article 2 according to a predefined pattern and at least one electronic unit 10 operationally connected to the reading device 7 and configured to operate the digital printer 8 depending on the detected identification code.

[0051] The decorating machines 6 can be configured to dispense the respective decorative material 9 according to the same predefined pattern or according to different patterns depending on production requirements.

[0052] The decorative material 9, therefore, is applied as a function of the ceramic manufactured article 2 and not as a function of a previous decoration.

[0053] In detail, the electronic unit 10 comprises a programmable memory with a plurality of predefined patterns and where each of the predefined patterns is associated with one or more of the identification codes. Each stored predefined pattern can thus be associated with one or more of the identification codes.

[0054] The electronic unit 10 is, therefore, configured to operate the digital printer 8 so as to dispense the decorative material 9 according to the predefined pattern associated with the identification code applied to the relevant ceramic manufactured article.

[0055] Advantageously, the electronic unit 10 of at least one of the decorating machines 6 comprises a programmable memory with a plurality of predefined patterns and where the same predefined pattern is associated with a plurality of identification codes which are different from each other.

[0056] Appropriately, two mutually separate decorating machines 6 are configured so as to associate mutually different predefined patterns with the same identification code. In other words, each decorating machine 6 is configured so as to associate at least one corresponding predefined pattern with a given identification code, and where the predefined pattern associated by one such decorating machines 6 with said given identification code is different from the predefined pattern associated with the same identification code by another decorating machine 6. More particularly, the system 1 comprises a plurality of decorating machines 6 arranged in succession with each other, each of which is provided with a relevant programmable memory 10 with a plurality of predefined patterns, where at least two decorating machines 6 separate from each other are configured so as to associate different predefined patterns with the same identification code. In this way, when the same identification code is detected by the reading device 7 of a digital decorating machine 6, it dispenses the relevant decorative material 9 according to a predefined pattern, and when it is detected by the reading device 7 of another digital decorating machine 6 arranged downstream, it dispenses the relevant decorative material 9 according to a different predefined pattern.

[0057] For example, the system 1 comprises two decorating machines 6, of which a first decorating machine and a second decorating machine, and the electronic unit 10 of the first decorating machine comprises a programmable memory with three predefined patterns, specifically identified as pattern A, pattern B and pattern C, where pattern A is associated with the identification codes 1, 3 and 5, pattern B is associated with the identification codes 2, 4 and 6 and pattern C is associated with the identification codes 7, 8 and 9, while the electronic unit 10 of the second decorating machine comprises a programmable memory with two predefined patterns, specifically identified as pattern D and pattern F, where pattern D is associated with the identification codes 1, 2, 3 and 4, while pattern F is associated with the identification codes 5, 6, 7 and 8.

[0058] The system 1 also comprises a processing and control unit 11 operationally connected to the marking device 5 and to the decorating machines 6 and configured to associate each identification code with one or more predefined patterns for each decorating machine 6 and to send the data from such association to the electronic units 10.

[0059] In addition, conveniently, if the reading device 7 does not detect any identification code, the electronic unit 10 is configured to operate the digital printer 8 so as to apply the predefined pattern corresponding to the subsequent identification code to the identification code associated with the last executed predefined pattern.

[0060] In this way, even in the case of possible errors in detection or application of the identification code, production is not interrupted and the predefined pattern that is most likely to be the correct one and corresponding to the relevant manufactured article is applied to the manufactured article.

[0061] The use of decorating machines 6 provided with digital printers 8 enables very precise and repeatable application of the decorative materials 9.

[0062] In accordance with a possible embodiment, the decorative material 9 is of the type of a ceramic ink. In particular, the decorative material 9 can be of the type of a pigmented ink, a reserving ink, a glaze-based ink, etc.

[0063] Alternatively, the decorative material 9 is of the type of an adhesive material, and the system 1 also comprises at least one distribution unit 12, arranged downstream of the digital printer 8 with respect to the direction of forward movement A and adapted to distribute a decorative powder 13 onto the ceramic manufactured article 2.

[0064] In detail, the distribution unit 12 is adapted to distribute the decorative powder 13 onto the adhesive material previously applied by the digital printer 8.

[0065] The decorative powder 13 comprises at least one material selected from the list comprising: ceramic material, glaze, powdered glazes, powdered pigments, etc. Such a solution makes it possible to obtain textured decorations.

[0066] The distribution unit 12 can be configured to distribute the decorative powder 13 only onto the adhesive decorative material 9.

[0067] Alternatively, the distribution unit 12 can be configured to distribute full-field the decorative powder 13, i.e. over the entire surface to be decorated 3.

[0068] The distribution unit 12 may, therefore, comprise, e.g., a digitally controlled dispenser, a hopper, etc.

[0069] Conveniently, the system 1 also comprises at least one removal unit 14 arranged downstream of the distribution unit 12 with respect to the direction of forward movement A and adapted to remove an excess of the decorative powder 13.

[0070] The removal unit 14 may e.g. comprise a vacuum device, a blowing device, a mechanical removal device, etc.

[0071] Figure 2 schematically shows a possible embodiment of the present invention in which the system comprises both a decorating machine 6 adapted to dispense a ceramic ink and a decorating machine 6 adapted to dispense an adhesive material and a decorative powder.

[0072] It is easy to appreciate how the system may also comprise more than two decorating machines 6, each adapted to dispense respective decorative materials 9. Likewise, it is easy to appreciate that the system 1 may also comprise additional processing machines.

[0073] The operation of this system in carrying out the process according to the invention is as follows.

[0074] The process first involves at least one phase of supplying at least one ceramic manufactured article 2 to be decorated.

[0075] The process also comprises at least one phase of applying an identification code to the ceramic manufactured article 2 to be decorated and a plurality of decoration phases of the ceramic manufactured article 2, each comprising at least one step of detection of the identification code.

[0076] Each of the decoration phases is carried out depending on the identification code. Each of the decoration phases comprises a step of digital printing of at least one decorative material 9 onto the ceramic manufactured article 2 according to a predefined pattern, carried out subsequently to the step of detection and depending on the identification code.

[0077] According to the invention, the process comprises a phase of supplying a plurality of identification codes, a phase of supplying a plurality of predefined patterns, and a phase of associating each of the predefined patterns with one or more of the identification codes.

[0078] The association phase is carried out for each decoration phase independently of the others.

[0079] The phases of decoration are carried out by applying the predefined pattern associated with the detected identification code.

[0080] According to the invention, the phase of supplying a ceramic manufactured article 2 to be decorated involves the supply of a plurality of ceramic manufactured articles 2 to be decorated which are placed in succession to each other, and the phase of applying the identification code is carried out by applying a progressive numerical or alphanumerical character to the ceramic manufactured articles 2 to be decorated placed in succession to each other, where the identification code is independent of the predefined pattern to be applied to the ceramic manufactured article. The identification code corresponds to a progressive numerical and / or alphanumerical character within a predefined range of values.

[0081] Advantageously, the phase of association involves associating the same predefined pattern with a plurality of different identification codes at the same decoration phase. In this case, the same predefined pattern is applied at the same decoration phase for different identification codes, i.e., for ceramic manufactured articles 2 which are subsequent to each other and which have a different identification code.

[0082] Additionally, the association phase involves associating the same identification code with a predefined pattern at one decoration phase and with a different predefined pattern at another decoration phase. In other words, the same identification code is associated with different predefined patterns at decoration phases which are separate from each other. In this case, the ceramic manufactured article 2 bearing a given identification code is decorated according to a predefined pattern at one decoration phase and according to a different predefined pattern at another decoration phase.

[0083] In addition, if the step of detection is unsuccessful, the step of digital printing is carried out according to the predefined pattern corresponding to the subsequent identification code to the identification code associated with the last executed predefined pattern.

[0084] In a particular embodiment, the process of digital printing is carried out according to the predefined pattern associated with the subsequent identification code to the last detected one. This may occur, for example, if the application phase is carried out incorrectly and, in such a case, this process allows going on with the subsequent decoration phases in any case. In accordance with a possible embodiment, the decorative material 9 is of the type of an adhesive material and the phase of decoration comprises, subsequently to the step of digital printing, at least one step of distribution of a decorative powder 13 on the ceramic manufactured article 2.

[0085] The step of distribution can be carried out so that the decorative powder 13 is distributed only onto the adhesive material or full-field.

[0086] The decoration phase may also comprise at least one step of removing an excess of the decorating powder 13, carried out subsequently to the step of distribution. The removal step may be carried out e.g. by vacuuming, blowing, mechanical removal, etc.

[0087] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the system and the process according to the invention for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles enable a plurality of a various decorative processes to be carried out conveniently and easily, thanks to the possibility of applying an identification code independently of the decorative processes.

[0088] More specifically, the system and the process according to the invention allow for the modification of production batches by only changing the assignment of the identification codes to the predefined patterns to be applied onto the ceramic manufactured articles, but leaving the mode of application of the identification codes unchanged regardless of the type of production batch.

[0089] In addition, this system is easy to implement and operate.

[0090] Finally, this process reduces the production timelines and related costs.

Claims

CLAIMS1) System (1) for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles comprising: at least one line of movement (4) adapted to support at least one ceramic manufactured article (2) to be decorated and to move it along one direction of forward movement (A); at least one marking device (5) associated with said line of movement (4) and adapted to apply an identification code to said ceramic manufactured article (2); a plurality of decorating machines (6) arranged in succession along said line of movement (4) and arranged downstream of said marking device (5) with respect to said direction of forward movement (A) and each provided with at least one reading device (7) adapted to detect said identification code, each of said decorating machines (6) being configured to apply a decoration onto said ceramic manufactured article (2) depending on said detected identification code; wherein each decorating machine (6) comprises at least one digital printer (8) adapted to dispense at least one decorative material (9) onto said ceramic manufactured article (2) according to a predefined pattern and at least one electronic unit (10) operationally connected to said reading device (7) and configured to operate said digital printer (8) depending on said detected identification code; characterized by the fact that said marking device (5) is configured to apply a plurality of identification codes which are different from each other onto the ceramic manufactured articles (2) arranged in succession along said line of movement (4), by the fact that said identification codes correspond to a progressive numerical and / or alphanumerical character within a predefined range of values and are independent of the predefined pattern to be applied onto said ceramic manufactured article, and by the fact that said electronic unit (10) comprises a programmable memory with a plurality of said predefined patterns and wherein each of said predefined patterns is associated with one or more of said identification codes, said electronic unit (10) being configured to operate saiddigital printer (6) so as to apply the predefined pattern associated with the identification code applied onto the relevant ceramic manufactured article.2) System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the electronic unit (10) of at least one of said decorating machines (6) comprises a programmable memory with a plurality of predefined patterns and where the same predefined pattern is associated with a plurality of identification codes which are different from each other.3) System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that at least two of said decorating machines (6) separate from each other are configured so as to associate different predefined patterns with the same identification code.4) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a processing and control unit (11) operationally connected to said marking device (5) and to said decorating machines (6), where said processing and control unit (11) is configured to associate each of said identification codes with one or more of said predefined patterns for each of said decorating machines (6) and to send the data from such association to said electronic units (10).5) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said decorative material (9) is of the type of an adhesive material, and by the fact that it comprises at least one distribution unit (12), arranged downstream of said digital printer (8) with respect to said direction of forward movement (A) and adapted to distribute a decorative powder (13) onto said ceramic manufactured article (2).6) System (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one one removal unit (14) arranged downstream of said distribution unit (12) with respect to said direction of forward movement (A) and adapted to remove an excess of said decorative powder (13).7) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that, if said reading device (7) does not detect any identification code, said electronic unit (10) is configured to operate said digital printer (8) so as to apply the predefined pattern corresponding to the subsequent identification codeto the identification code associated with the last executed predefined pattern.8) Process for the decoration of the ceramic manufactured articles, characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one phase of supplying at least one ceramic manufactured article (2) to be decorated; at least one phase of applying an identification code to said ceramic manufactured article (2) to be decorated; a plurality of phases of decoration of said ceramic manufactured article (2), each comprising at least one step of detection of said identification code, each of said phases of decoration is carried out depending on said detected identification code, where each of said decoration phases comprises a step of digital printing of at least one decorative material (9) onto said ceramic manufactured article (2) according to a predefined pattern, carried out subsequently to said step of detection and depending on said identification code; characterized by the fact that it comprises: a phase of supplying a plurality of said identification codes, a phase of supplying a plurality of predefined patterns and a phase of associating each of said predefined patterns with one or more of said identification codes, wherein said phase of decoration are carried out by applying the predefined pattern associated with the detected identification code, by the fact that said phase of supplying a ceramic manufactured article (2) to be decorated involves the supply of a plurality of ceramic manufactured articles (2) to be decorated which are placed in succession to each other and by the fact that said application of an identification code is carried out by applying a progressive numerical or alphanumerical character to the ceramic manufactured articles (2) to be decorated placed in succession to each other, where said identification code is independent of the predefined pattern to be applied onto said ceramic manufactured article and corresponds to the progressive numerical and / or alphanumerical character within a predefined range of values.9) Process according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that said association is carried out for each of said decoration phases independently of the others.10) Process according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that said association is carried out so as to associate the same predefined pattern with a plurality of said identification codes which are different from each other at the same decoration phase.11) Process according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized by the fact that said association is carried out so as to associate the same identification code with a predefined pattern at one of said decoration phases and with a different predefined pattern at at least another of said decoration phases.12) Process according to one or more of claims 8 to 11, characterized by the fact that said decorative material (9) is of the type of a ceramic ink.13) Process according to one or more of claims 8 to 12, characterized by the fact that said decorative material (9) is of the type of an adhesive material and by the fact that said phase of decoration comprises, subsequently to said step of digital printing, at least one step of distribution of a decorative powder (13) on said ceramic manufactured article (2).14) Process according to one or more of claims 8 to 13, characterized by the fact that said, if said step of detection is unsuccessful, said step of digital printing is carried out according to the predefined pattern corresponding to the subsequent identification code to the identification code associated with the last executed predefined pattern.15) Process according to one or more of claims 8 to 14, characterized by the fact that the surface to be decorated (3) of said ceramic manufactured article (2) to be decorated is devoid of decoration.

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