Plant and method for the production of ceramic products

Abstract

A method and a plant (1) are described for the production of ceramic products (CP) with a conveyor device (2) configured to transfer ceramic powder material along an initial segment of a path (P) in a conveying direction (A); the ceramic powder material is provided with a surface (S) to be decorated; an input station (4) of the ceramic powder material is arranged along the initial segment of the path (P) and comprises a feeding assembly for feeding a mixture of ceramic powders; and a processing station (5) is arranged along the path (P) downstream of the input station (4) and comprises a pressing unit (6) configured to compact the ceramic powder material. The plant is further provided with an electrostatic application unit (22) arranged along the path (P) upstream and / or in the area of the processing station (5) and configured to evenly apply a layer of powder covering material on the surface (S) of the ceramic powder material to be decorated.

Description

[0001] "PLANT AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CERAMIC PRODUCTS"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102024000012505 filed on May 31 , 2024 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present invention concerns a plant and a method for the production of ceramic products .

[0006] Prior Art

[0007] In the field of the production of ceramic articles , the plants of known type usually comprise a conveyor assembly which feeds substantially continuously a layer of ceramic powder material from an input station towards a station comprising a compacting machine . Downstream of the compacting machine a cutting station is provided for obtaining a plurality of compacted ceramic powder slabs (namely a plurality of base or "green" ceramic slabs ) .

[0008] The base ceramic slabs exiting the cutting station are then fed to a decorating system comprising a dryer configured to heat the base ceramic slabs to a temperature of at least approximately 100 ° C and an enamelling station, arranged immediately downstream of the dryer and comprising an airless booth for applying an even layer of liquid enamel , thus evening out the surface to be decorated of the dried base ceramic slabs .

[0009] The base ceramic slabs exiting the enamelling station are then fed to a number of decorating stations comprising respective printing assemblies , alternatively digital or inkj et , for applying layers of decoration on the layer of liquid enamel so as to reproduce a predefined design or decorative pattern on the surface to be decorated . Lastly, the plant comprises a kiln arranged downstream of the decorating stations to sinter the base ceramic slabs so as to obtain the finished ceramic slabs .

[0010] The enamelling stations of known type have some drawbacks , however, in particular deriving from the fact that said enamelling stations use for the most part liquid enamels made with an aqueous suspension, for example with 33% of water .

[0011] Firstly, for the preparation of liquid enamels made with an aqueous suspension, dedicated preparation stations are necessary having considerable overall dimensions and requiring signi ficant manpower . Typically said liquid enamel preparation stations comprise at least one discontinuous mill for the preparation of a granular material , pumping members and a plurality of sieving and storage devices arranged in succession one after the other and which produce a non-negligible quantity of scrap which has to be disposed o f or other material that cannot be recycled in the production of liquid enamels .

[0012] Furthermore , the enamelling stations of known type are designed to apply a layer of liquid enamel on already dried base ceramic slabs and having a temperature between approximately 70 ° C and approximately 90 ° C . A portion of the water contained in the liquid enamel must be absorbed by the base ceramic slabs while the remaining portion of water evaporates to allow the subsequent decoration step ; all this would not be possible i f the base ceramic slabs were cold or in any case at temperatures lower than 70 ° C . It is therefore absolutely necessary for the enamelling station to be arranged near the dryer ( so that the base ceramic slabs are hot enough) but at a certain distance from the decoration system ( to allow the portion of water to evaporate ) , preferably with the interposition of fans to speed up the evaporation step .

[0013] The documents US2004101619 , EP858873 , JP2000094412 and WO2021064627 describe plants for the production of ceramic products of known type . Description of the Invention

[0014] The obj ect of the present invention is therefore to provide a plant for the production of ceramic products , said plant being without the drawbacks of the state of the art and at the same time easy and inexpensive to produce .

[0015] A further obj ect of the present invention is to provide a method for the production of ceramic products , said method being without the drawbacks of the state of the art and at the same time easy and inexpensive to implement .

[0016] In accordance with the present invention, a plant and a method for the production of ceramic products are provided as claimed in the attached claims .

[0017] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The invention is described below with reference to the attached drawings , which illustrate some non-limiting embodiment examples thereof , in which : figure 1 is a lateral schematic view of a first embodiment of a plant for the production of ceramic products made in accordance with the present invention; figure 2 is a perspective view of an electrostatic application station of the plant of figure 1 ; figure 3 illustrates an enlarged detail of the electrostatic application station of figure 2 ; figure 4 is a lateral schematic view of a second embodiment of a plant for the production of ceramic products made in accordance with the present invention; and figure 5 is a lateral schematic view of a processing station of the plant of figure 4 ; figure 6 is a lateral schematic view of a third embodiment of a plant for the production of ceramic products made in accordance with the present invention . Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0019] In figure 1 , the number 1 indicates overall a plant for the production of a ceramic product CP such as , for example , ceramic tiles or slabs .

[0020] The plant 1 comprises a conveyor assembly 2 configured to trans fer a layer LPM of ceramic powder material along a path P in a conveying direction A from an input station 4 towards a decoration station 11 and subsequently towards a processing station 5 . The conveyor assembly 2 is configured to trans fer in a substantially continuous manner the layer LPM of ceramic powder material . The layer LPM of ceramic powder material is provided with a surface S to be decorated, defined by the surface which is intended, in use , to be on view (namely exposed) . Preferably, the surface S to be decorated is the surface facing upwards during conveying by the conveyor assembly 2 . In other words , again, the surface S to be decorated is substantially parallel to the conveying plane defined by the conveyor assembly 2 , but is not in direct contact with the conveying plane during conveying along the path P .

[0021] The conveyor assembly 2 is preferably provided in an initial segment by means of a belt conveyor 3 wound in a closed loop around rollers 35 . Advantageously, the belt conveyor 3 is made of metal material , in particular steel .

[0022] The input station 4 comprises a feeding assembly 18 for feeding the powder material arranged upstream of the decoration station 11 . The feeding assembly 18 comprises a feeding device for feeding a mixture of ceramic powders ( in particular, arranged above the conveyor assembly 2 ) for creating the layer LPM of ceramic powder material on the belt conveyor 3 .

[0023] The belt conveyor 3 is configured to convey the layer LPM of ceramic powder material from the input station 4 towards the decoration station 11 ; in particular, the decoration station 11 is an electrostatic application station 11 . The electrostatic application station 11 is interposed between the input station 4 and the processing station 5 along the path P .

[0024] The electrostatic application station 11 is configured to apply on the surface S to be decorated a layer consisting of a covering material , in particular a powder enamel . The layer of enamel is evenly applied over the entire surface S to be decorated . The electrostatic application station 11 comprises an electrostatic application unit 22 , as better described below .

[0025] The belt conveyor 3 is configured to convey the layer LPM of ceramic powder material ( enamelled) exiting the electrostatic application station 11 to the processing station 5 . In other words , the processing station 5 is arranged downstream of the electrostatic application station 11 along the path P .

[0026] The processing station 5 comprises a pressing unit 6 configured to compact the layer LPM of ceramic powder material , so as to obtain a continuous strip SPM of compacted ceramic powder .

[0027] In the pressing unit 6 the belt conveyor 3 acts as a lower compacting belt . The pressing unit 6 comprises an upper compacting belt 36 which cooperates with the belt conveyor 3 to dry-compact the layer LPM of ceramic powder material and obtain the continuous strip SPM of compacted ceramic power . The upper compacting belt 36 is preferably, at least partially, inclined with respect to the belt conveyor 3 towards which it converges in the conveying direction A to gradually increase the pressure on the layer LPM of ceramic powder material . Advantageously, the upper compacting belt 36 is wound around a front motor roller 39 and a rear driven roller 40 .

[0028] Furthermore , both the belt conveyor 3 , and the upper compacting belt 36 are provided with respective compaction rollers ( or groups of rollers ) indicated respectively by 37 and 38 arranged in a central area .

[0029] The conveyor assembly 2 is preferably provided in an intermediate segment by means of a belt conveyor 90 with belt wound in a closed loop around rollers . The belt conveyor 90 is arranged along the path P downstream of the conveyor belt 3 to which it is connected via a roller conveyor 91 . The plant 1 comprises a cutting station 7 arranged along the path P, downstream of the processing station 5 . The cutting station 7 is arranged in the area of the belt conveyor 90 . The cutting station 7 is designed to cut transversely to the conveying direction A the continuous strip SPM of compacted ceramic powder so as to obtain a plurality of compacted ceramic powder slabs BCS (namely a plurality of base or "green" ceramic slabs BCS ) .

[0030] The conveyor assembly 2 comprises a conveyor device 8 , of the belt or roller type , which receives the base ceramic slabs BCS exiting the cutting station 7 . The conveyor device 8 is configured to convey the base ceramic slabs BCS along a final segment of the path, downstream of the intermediate segment . The plant 1 comprises a dryer 14 arranged along the final segment of the path P, downstream of the cutting station 7 . The dryer 14 is configured to heat the base ceramic slabs BCS to a temperature of at least approximately 100 ° C ( in particular, at least approximately 150 ° C ) .

[0031] The conveyor device 8 is configured to convey the base ceramic slabs BCS through a decoration system 9 along the path P for decoration of the base ceramic slabs BCS ; in particular, through at least one decoration station 12 .

[0032] The decoration station 12 is arranged along the path P downstream of the dryer 14 . The decoration station 12 comprises a printing assembly 15 for applying a layer at least partially on the surface S to be decorated of each base ceramic slab BCS . Preferably, the printing assembly 15 comprises a digital depositing assembly configured to digitally apply the layer so as to reproduce a predetermined design or a decorative pattern defined on the surface to be decorated . In other words , the printing assembly 15 is made in such a way that the layer defines a design on the surface to be decorated .

[0033] Advantageously, the decoration system 9 can comprise further decoration stations and / or further electrostatic application stations .

[0034] Lastly, the plant 1 comprises a kiln 17 arranged along the path P downstream of the decoration station 12 to sinter the base ceramic slabs BCS so as to obtain the finished ceramic slabs CP . In particular, the kiln 17 is configured to set a temperature that varies from at least approximately 1000 ° C to at least approximately 1300 ° C .

[0035] As illustrated in figures 2 and 3 , the electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a fluidi zed tank 23 , which holds a powder fluidi zed with air . In particular, the tank 23 is provided with a bottom wall 24 having a plurality of through holes to allow inlet of the air .

[0036] The fluidi zed tank 23 is connected to a pumping member 25 which draws from the fluidi zed tank 23 through a cannula 26 and feeds the powder fluidi zed with air to any number of dispensing devices 27 through respective ducts 28 ( also one single dispensing device ) .

[0037] The powder electrostatic application process is carried out in an application booth 10 , preferably made of plastic material and containing the dispensing devices 27 . Advantageously, the electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a plurality of dispensing devices 27 (namely, at least two dispensing devices 27 ) . Preferably, the plurality of dispensing devices 27 are arranged equally spaced from one another to guarantee an even electrostatic application on the surface S to be decorated . According to a first variation, the electrostatic application unit 22 comprises three dispensing devices 27 arranged in line .

[0038] According to a further variation, there are at least four dispensing devices 27 , arranged in at least two rows and at least two columns and preferably equally spaced from the adj acent dispensing devices 27 to guarantee an even electrostatic application on the surface S to be decorated . The dispensing devices 27 are provided with respective axes substantially parallel to one another and transverse to the conveying direction A of the layer LPM of powder material . In other words , the dispensing devices 27 are provided with respective axes substantially parallel to one another and transverse to the conveying plane defined by the conveyor assembly 2 ( or by the conveyor belt 3 ) . Preferably, the dispensing devices 27 are provided with respective axes orthogonal to the conveying plane defined by the conveyor assembly 2 ( or by the conveyor belt 3 ) .

[0039] According to a first embodiment , the dispensing devices 27 comprise applying guns 27 . Each applying gun 27 is provided with a high-voltage electrode 29 arranged in the area of a noz zle out of which the powders flow . The applying guns 27 are designed to electrostatically charge by corona discharge the particles of the powders directed towards the surface S to be decorated . The high-voltage electrode 29 generates an electric field and emits electric charges which are trans ferred to the ceramic powders which fall by gravity and are attracted by the surface S to be decorated . The electric charges emitted by the high-voltage electrode 29 can be alternatively positive or negative .

[0040] Alternatively, the dispensing devices 27 comprise triboelectric devices for ceramic powders that exploit the triboelectric ef fect which enables , by friction ( in particular with a plastic material ) , the trans fer ( in particular, the removal ) of electric charges from the ceramic powders that fall by gravity and are attracted by the surface S to be decorated .

[0041] According to a further variation, the dispensing devices 27 comprise electrostatic rotary bell atomi zers for ceramic powders .

[0042] More generally, the dispensing devices 27 comprise any type of device configured to allow the electrostatic deposition of the ceramic powders .

[0043] The layer LPM of powder material is conveyed on the conveyor belt 3 (which is part of the conveyor assembly 2 ) . Preferably, the conveyor belt 3 is made of a metal material . According to a further embodiment , the conveyor belt 3 is made of plastic material and comprises dispersed metallic fibres . According to a further embodiment , the conveyor belt 3 is made of plastic material or rubber .

[0044] Advantageously, according to a preferred embodiment variation, the conveyor belt 3 is connected to earth .

[0045] According to a possible embodiment , the earth connection of the conveyor belt 3 i s provided by means of at least one brush or a roller (not illustrated) made of conductive material ( such as , for example , graphite ) connected to the conveyor belt 3 .

[0046] The electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a recovery system, designed to remove the excess powders , preferably by suction, in particular the powders not adhered to the surface S to be decorated (which are not deposited on the conveyor belt 3 ) . The recovery system comprises a suction inlet adapted to suck upwards the powders not adhered to the surface S to be decorated and feed them to the fluidi zed tank 23 .

[0047] Furthermore , according to a preferred embodiment , the electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a removal system 31 , designed to remove the excess powders , preferably by scraping, in particular the powders not adhered to the surface S to be decorated which are deposited on the conveyor belt 3 . The excess powders that are deposited on the conveyor belt 3 or which fall onto the conveyor belt 3 are recovered and taken to a sieving system which comprises a tank 32 , preferably housed below the conveyor belt 3 . The excess powders collected in the tank 32 are sieved and fed via a duct 33 , preferably by pneumatic transport , to a hopper 34 . From the hopper 34 the powders are again fed to the fluidi zed tank 23 .

[0048] It is important to highlight that the layer consisting of the covering material is applied directly by the electrostatic application unit 22 (namely, without the interposition of further application devices or elements ) on the surface S to be decorated of the layer LPM of ceramic powder material .

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment , the powders used in the electrostatic application unit 22 are obtained by dry grinding and have a grain si ze between 5 pm and 100 pm (micron) , preferably between 35 pm and 65 pm (micron) . Advantageously, the above-mentioned powders comprise : a percentage between 0% and 100% of glass frit ; a percentage between 0 and 40% of clay; a percentage between 0 and 10% of aluminium oxide ( or alumina ) ; a percentage between 0 and 25% of zirconium oxide ; a percentage between 0% and 50% of feldspar ; a percentage between 0 and 5% of quartz sand; a percentage between 0 and 10% of calcium carbonate ; and further additives to increase the flowability and modi fy the surface charge .

[0050] Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the plant 1 for the production of a ceramic product CP such as , for example , ceramic tiles or slabs .

[0051] The plant 1 comprises a conveyor assembly 2 configured to trans fer in a substantially continuous manner a layer LPM of ceramic powder material along a path P in a conveying direction A from an input station 4 towards a processing station 5 .

[0052] The layer LPM of ceramic powder material is provided with a surface S to be decorated, defined by the surface which is intended, in use , to be on view (namely exposed) . Preferably, the surface S to be decorated is the surface facing upwards during the conveying via the conveyor assembly 2 . In other words , again, the surface S to be decorated is substantially parallel to the conveying plane defined by the conveyor assembly 2 , but it is not in direct contact with the conveying plane during the conveying along the path P .

[0053] The conveyor assembly 2 preferably consists in an initial segment of a belt conveyor 3 wound in a closed loop around rollers 35 .

[0054] The input station 4 comprises a feeding assembly 18 for feeding the powder material arranged upstream of the processing station 5 . The feeding assembly 18 comprises a device for feeding a mixture of ceramic powders ( in particular, arranged above the conveyor assembly 2 ) for creating the layer LPM of ceramic powder material on the belt conveyor 3 .

[0055] The belt conveyor 3 is configured to convey the layer LPM of ceramic powder material from the input station 4 to the processing station 5 along the path P . In other words , the processing station 5 is arranged downstream of the input station 4 along the path P .

[0056] Advantageously, the processing station 5 is a pressingenamelling station . In fact , the processing station 5 comprises a pressing or compacting unit 6 configured to compact the layer LPM of ceramic powder material , so as to obtain a continuous strip SPM of compacted ceramic powder . In the pressing unit 6 the belt conveyor 3 acts as a lower compacting belt . The pressing unit 6 comprises an upper compacting belt 36 which cooperates with the belt conveyor 3 to dry-compact the layer LPM of ceramic powder material and obtain the continuous strip SPM of compacted ceramic powder . The upper compacting belt 36 is preferably, at least partially, inclined with respect to the belt conveyor 3 towards which it converges in the conveying direction A to gradually increase the pressure on the layer LPM of ceramic powder material . Advantageously, the upper compacting belt 36 is wound around a front motor roller 39 and a rear driven roller 40 .

[0057] Furthermore , both the belt conveyor 3 and the upper compacting belt 36 are provided with respective compaction rollers ( or groups of rollers ) indicated respectively by 37 and 38 arranged in a central area .

[0058] Furthermore , the processing station 5 comprises an electrostatic application unit 22 as better described below . In particular, the electrostatic application unit 22 is arranged in the area of the pressing unit 6 . In further detail , the electrostatic application unit 22 is arranged in the area of a ( first ) compacting belt 36 . According to a preferred embodiment , the electrostatic application unit 22 is arranged above and facing the upper compacting belt 36 .

[0059] The electrostatic application unit 22 is configured to apply on the first compacting belt 36 a layer consisting of a covering material , in particular a powder enamel . The layer consisting of the covering material is then evenly trans ferred by the first compacting belt 36 onto the entire surface S to be decorated during the compaction .

[0060] The conveyor assembly 2 is preferably provided in an intermediate segment by means of a belt conveyor 90 wound in a closed loop around rollers . The belt conveyor 90 is arranged along the path P downstream of the conveyor belt 3 to which it is connected by means of a roller conveyor 91 . The plant 1 comprises a cutting station 7 arranged along the path P, downstream of the processing station 5 . The cutting station 7 is arranged in the area of the belt conveyor 90 . The cutting station 7 is designed to cut the continuous strip SPM of compacted ceramic powder transversely to the conveying direction A so as to obtain a plurality of compacted ceramic powder slabs BCS (namely a plurality of base or "green" ceramic slabs BCS ) .

[0061] The conveyor assembly 2 comprises a conveyor device 8 which receives the base ceramic slabs BCS exiting the cutting station 7 .

[0062] The conveyor device 8 is configured to convey the base ceramic slabs BCS along a final segment of the path, downstream of the intermediate segment . The plant 1 comprises a dryer 14 arranged along the final segment of the path P, downstream o f the cutting station 7 . The dryer 14 is configured to heat the base ceramic slabs BCS to a temperature of at least approximately 100 ° C ( in particular, at least approximately 150 ° C ) .

[0063] The conveyor device 8 is configured to convey the base ceramic slabs BCS through a decoration system 9 along the path P for the decoration of the base ceramic slabs BCS ; in particular, the decoration system 9 comprises at least a decoration station 12 .

[0064] The decoration system 9 compri ses a decoration station 12 , arranged along the path P downstream of the dryer 14 . The decoration station 12 comprises a printing assembly 15 to apply a layer at least partially on the surface S to be decorated of each base ceramic slab BCS . Preferably, the printing assembly 15 comprises a digital depositing assembly configured to digitally apply the layer so as to reproduce a predetermined design or decorative pattern defined on the surface to be decorated . In other words , the printing assembly 15 is made in such a way that the layer defines a design on the surface to be decorated .

[0065] Advantageously, the decoration system 9 can comprise further decoration stations and / or further electrostatic application stations .

[0066] Lastly, the plant 1 comprises a kiln 17 arranged along the path P downstream of the decoration station 12 to sinter the base ceramic slabs BCS so as to obtain the finished ceramic slabs CP . In particular, the kiln 17 is configured to set a temperature that varies from at least approximately 1000 ° C to at least approximately 1300 ° C .

[0067] As illustrated in figure 5 , the electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a fluidi zed tank 23 , which holds a powder fluidi zed with air . In particular, the fluidi zed tank 23 is provided with a bottom wall 24 having a plurality of through holes to allow inlet of the air .

[0068] The fluidi zed tank 23 is connected to a pumping member 25 which draws from the fluidi zed tank 23 through a cannula 26 and feeds the fluidi zed powder with air to any number of dispensing devices 27 through respective ducts 28 ( also one single dispensing device 27 ) .

[0069] The electrostatic application process of the powders is carried out in an application booth 10 . The application booth 10 is preferably made of plastic material and contains the dispensing devices 27 . The application booth 10 is arranged immediately above the upper compacting belt 36 .

[0070] Advantageously, the electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a plurality of dispensing devices 27 (namely, at least two dispensing devices 27 ) . Preferably, the plurality of dispensing devices 27 are arranged equally spaced from one another to guarantee an even electrostatic application on the upper compacting belt 36 . According to a first variation, the electrostatic application unit 22 comprises three dispensing devices 27 arranged in line .

[0071] The dispensing devices 27 are provided with respective axes substantially parallel to one another and transverse to the conveying plane defined by the upper compacting belt 36 . Preferably, the dispensing devices 27 are provided with respective axes orthogonal to the conveying plane defined by the upper compacting belt 36 .

[0072] According to a first embodiment , the dispensing devices 27 comprise applying guns 27 . Each applying gun is provided with a high-voltage electrode arranged in the area of a noz zle out of which the powders flow . The applying guns 27 are designed to electrostatically charge the particles of the powders directed towards the surface S to be decorated . The high-voltage electrode generates an electric field and emits electric charges which are trans ferred to the ceramic powders that fall by gravity and are attracted by the upper compacting belt 36 . The electric charges emitted by the high-voltage electrode 29 can be alternatively positive or negative .

[0073] Alternatively, the dispensing devices 27 comprise triboelectric devices for ceramic powders that exploit the triboelectric ef fect which enables , by friction ( in particular with a plastic material ) , the trans fer ( in particular, the removal ) of electric charges from the ceramic powders that fall by gravity and are attracted by the upper compacting belt 36 .

[0074] According to a further variation, the dispensing devices 27 comprise electrostatic rotary bell atomi zers for ceramic powders . More in general , the dispensing devices 27 comprise any type of device configured to allow electrostatic deposition of the ceramic powders .

[0075] Advantageously, the upper compacting belt 36 is made of metal material .

[0076] Advantageously, the upper compacting belt 36 is not connected to earth . Alternatively, according to a further possible embodiment variation, the upper compacting belt 36 is connected to earth . According to a possible embodiment , the earth connection of the upper compacting belt 36 is provided by at least one brush or a roller (not illustrated) made of conductive material ( such as , for example , graphite ) connected to the upper compacting belt 36 .

[0077] The electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a recovery system designed to remove the excess powders , preferably by means of suction, in particular the powders that are not deposited on the upper compacting belt 36 . The recovery system comprises a suction opening adapted to extract upwards the powders not adhered to the upper compacting belt 36 and feed them to the fluidi zed tank 23 .

[0078] The layer consisting of the covering material applied on the upper compacting belt 36 is then trans ferred in a substantially continuous manner from the upper compacting belt 36 to the layer LPM of powder material during the compaction .

[0079] It is important to highlight that in this case the layer consisting of the covering material is applied indirectly on the surface S to be decorated . In other words , the layer consisting of the covering material is applied on the surface S to be decorated by the electrostatic application unit 22 with the interposition of the upper compacting belt 36 . According to a preferred embodiment , the processing station 5 comprises a pre-compaction device 13 . The pre-compaction device 13 is arranged upstream of the pressing unit 6 along the conveying direction A. In other words , the pre-compaction device 13 is interposed between the input station 4 and the pressing unit 6 . In particular, the pre-compaction device 13 is configured to even out the surface S to be decorated . In further detail , the pre-compaction device 13 is configured to enable a displacement ( levelling) of the powders that define the layer LPM of powder material so that the surface S to be decorated has an even and identical height / distance from the conveyor belt 3 in all points . Preferably, the pre-compaction device 13 comprises an idle roller 16 . Alternatively, the pre-compaction device 13 comprises a motori zed roller 16 .

[0080] Figure 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the plant 1 for the production of a ceramic product CP such as , for example , ceramic tiles or slabs .

[0081] The plant 1 comprises a conveyor assembly 2 configured to trans fer in a substantially continuous manner a layer LPM of ceramic powder material along a path P in a conveying direction A from an input station 4 towards a processing station 5 .

[0082] The layer LPM of ceramic powder material is provided with a surface S to be decorated, defined by the surface which is intended, in use , to be on view (namely exposed) . Preferably, the surface S to be decorated is the surface facing downwards during conveying via the conveyor assembly 2 . In other words , again, the surface S to be decorated is substantially parallel to the conveying plane de fined by the conveyor assembly 2 , but it is not in direct contact with the conveying plane during conveying along the path P .

[0083] The conveyor assembly 2 is preferably provided in an initial segment by a belt conveyor 3 wound in a closed loop around rollers 35 . Advantageously, the belt conveyor 3 is made of a metal material , in particular steel .

[0084] The input station 4 comprises a feeding assembly 18 for feeding the powder material arranged upstream of the processing station 5 . The feeding assembly 18 comprises a feeding device for feeding a mixture of ceramic powders ( in particular, arranged above the conveyor assembly 2 ) for creating the layer LPM of ceramic powder material on the belt conveyor 3 .

[0085] The belt conveyor 3 is configured to convey the layer LPM of ceramic powder material from the input station 4 to the processing station 5 along the path P . In other words , the processing station 5 is arranged downstream of the input station 4 along the path P .

[0086] The processing station 5 comprises a pressing or compacting unit 6 configured to compact the layer LPM of ceramic powder material , so as to obtain a continuous strip SPM of compacted ceramic powder .

[0087] In the pressing unit 6 the belt conveyor 3 acts as a lower compacting belt . The pressing unit 6 comprises an upper compacting belt 36 which cooperates with the belt conveyor 3 to dry-compact the layer LPM of ceramic powder material and obtain the continuous strip SPM of compacted ceramic powder . The upper compacting belt 36 is preferably, at least partially, inclined with respect to the belt conveyor 3 towards which it converges in the conveying direction A to gradually increase the pressure on the layer LPM of ceramic powder material . Advantageously, the upper compacting belt 36 is wound around a front motor roller 39 and a rear driven roller 40 .

[0088] Furthermore , both the belt conveyor 3 and the upper compacting belt 36 are provided with respective compaction rollers ( or groups of rollers ) indicated respectively by 37 and 38 arranged in a central area .

[0089] The conveyor assembly 2 is preferably provided in an intermediate segment by means of a belt conveyor 90 wound in a closed loop around rollers . The belt conveyor 90 is arranged along the path P downstream of the conveyor belt 3 to which it is connected by a roller conveyor 91 . The plant 1 comprises a cutting station 7 arranged along the path P, downstream of the processing station 5 . The cutting station 7 is arranged in the area of the belt conveyor 90 . The cutting station 7 is designed to cut the continuous strip SPM of compacted ceramic powder transversely to the conveying direction A so as to obtain a plurality of compacted ceramic powder slabs BCS (namely a plurality of base or "green" ceramic slabs BCS ) .

[0090] The conveyor assembly 2 comprises a conveyor device 8 which receives the base ceramic slabs BCS exiting the cutting station 7 . The conveyor device 8 is configured to convey the base ceramic slabs BCS along a final segment of the path, downstream of the intermediate segment . The plant 1 comprises a dryer 14 arranged along the final segment of the path P, downstream o f the cutting station 7 . The dryer 14 is configured to heat the base ceramic slabs BCS to a temperature of at least approximately 100 ° C ( in particular, at least approximately 150 ° C ) .

[0091] The conveyor device 8 is configured to convey the base ceramic slabs BCS through a decoration system 9 along the path P for decorating the base ceramic slabs BCS ; in particular, the decoration system 9 comprises at least a decoration station 12 arranged along the path P downstream of the dryer 14 . The decoration station 12 comprises a printing assembly 15 for applying a layer at least partially on the surface S to be decorated of each base ceramic slab BCS . Preferably, the printing assembly 15 comprises a digital depositing assembly configured to digitally apply the layer so as to reproduce a predetermined design or decorative pattern defined on the surface to be decorated . In other words , the printing assembly 15 is made in such a way that the layer defines a design on the surface to be decorated . Advantageously, the decoration system 9 can comprise further decoration stations and / or further electrostatic application stations .

[0092] Lastly, the plant 1 comprises a kiln 17 arranged along the path P downstream of the decoration station 12 to sinter the base ceramic slabs BCS so as to obtain the finished ceramic slabs CP . In particular, the kiln 17 is configured to set a temperature that varies from at least approximately 1000 ° C to at least approximately 1300 ° C .

[0093] Lastly, an electrostatic application station 11 is provided arranged along the path P upstream of the input station 4 . The electrostatic application station 11 comprises an electrostatic application unit 22 as better described below . The electrostatic application station 11 is configured to apply on the belt conveyor 3 a layer consisting of a powder covering material . According to possible embodiments alternative to one another, the powder covering material is a powder enamel or refractory material ( also known as engobe ) . The layer consisting of the covering material is then trans ferred by the belt conveyor 3 in a uni form manner onto the entire surface S to be decorated during the compaction .

[0094] According to a possible embodiment , the plant 1 comprises an overturning station 100 arranged along the intermediate segment of the path P, immediately downstream of the cutting station 7 ( interposed between the dryer 14 and the cutting station 7 ) and configured for overturning the compacted ceramic powder slabs BCS .

[0095] The electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a fluidi zed tank, which holds a powder fluidi zed with air . In particular, the fluidi zed tank is provided with a bottom wall having a plurality of through holes to allow inlet of the air .

[0096] The fluidi zed tank is connected to a pumping member that draws from the fluidi zed tank through a cannula and feeds the powder fluidi zed with air to any number of dispensing devices through respective ducts ( even one single dispensing device ) .

[0097] The powder electrostatic application process takes place in an application booth . The application booth is preferably made of plastic material and contains the dispensing devices . The application booth is arranged immediately above the belt conveyor 3 .

[0098] Advantageously, the electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a plurality of dispensing devices (namely, at least two dispensing devices ) . Preferably, the plurality of dispensing devices are arranged equally spaced from one another to guarantee an even electrostatic application on the conveyor belt 3 . According to a first variation, the electrostatic application unit 22 comprises three dispensing devices arranged in line .

[0099] The dispensing devices are provided with respective axes substantially parallel to one another and transverse to the conveying plane defined by the belt conveyor 3 . Pre ferably, the dispensing devices 27 are provided with respective axes orthogonal to the conveying plane defined by the belt conveyor 3 .

[0100] According to a first embodiment , the dispensing devices 27 comprise applying guns . Each applying gun is provided with a high-voltage electrode arranged in the area of a noz zle out of which the powders flow . The applying guns are designed to electrostatically charge the powder particles directed towards the surface to be decorated . The high-voltage electrode generates an electric field and emits electric charges which are trans ferred to the ceramic powders that fall by gravity and are attracted by the belt conveyor 3 . The electric charges emitted by the high-voltage electrode can be alternatively positive or negative .

[0101] Alternatively, the dispensing devices comprise triboelectric devices for ceramic powders which exploit the triboelectric ef fect that enables , by means of friction ( in particular with a plastic material ) , the trans fer ( in particular, the removal ) of electric charges from the ceramic powder that fall by gravity and are attracted by the belt conveyor 3 .

[0102] According to a further variation, the dispensing devices comprise electrostatic rotary bell atomi zers for ceramic powders .

[0103] More generally, the dispensing devices comprise any type of device configured to enable the electrostatic deposition of the ceramic powders .

[0104] The electrostatic application unit 22 comprises a recovery system, designed to remove the excess powders , preferably by suction, in particular the powders that do not deposit on the belt conveyor 3 . The recovery system comprises a suction inlet adapted to extract upwards the powders not adhered to the belt conveyor 3 and to feed them to the fluidi zed tank .

[0105] The layer consisting of the covering material applied on the belt conveyor 3 is then transferred in a substantially continuous manner from the belt conveyor 3 to the layer LPM of powder material during the compaction .

[0106] It is important to highlight that in this case the layer consisting of the covering material is applied indirectly on the surface S to be decorated . In other words , the layer consisting of the covering material is applied on the surface S to be decorated by the electrostatic application unit 22 with the interposition of the belt conveyor 3 .

[0107] According to a possible further embodiment (not illustrated) of the plant for the production of a ceramic product CP such as , for example , ceramic tiles or slabs , a conveyor assembly is provided configured to trans fer in a non-continuous manner a given quantity of ceramic powder material along a path .

[0108] The given quantity of ceramic powder material is provided with a surface to be decorated, defined by the surface which is intended, in use , to be on view (namely exposed) . Preferably, the surface to be decorated is the surface facing upwards during conveying by means of the conveyor assembly . In particular, said quantity of ceramic powder material is fed to a processing station . Advantageously, the processing station is a pressingenamelling station . In fact , the processing station comprises a pressing or compacting unit configured to compact the given quantity of ceramic powder material so as to obtain a base ceramic slab BCS of compacted ( and enamelled) ceramic powder .

[0109] The pressing unit comprises a lower hal f-mould and an upper hal f-mould which cooperate to obtain the base ceramic slab BCS made of compacted ceramic powder . In further detail , the lower hal f-mould comprises a plate provided with a movable die and actuation means of said die (preferably hydraulically operated cylinders ) . The die is provided with a work surface facing in use towards the upper hal f-mould and configured for loading the given quantity of ceramic powder material . The upper hal f-mould comprises a punch also provided with a work surface facing in use towards the lower hal f-mould with which it cooperates to dry-compact and obtain the base ceramic slab BCS made of compacted ceramic powder .

[0110] Furthermore , the pressing unit comprises an electrostatic application unit . In further detail , the electrostatic application unit is arranged in the area of a first hal f-mould . According to a preferred embodiment , the electrostatic application unit is arranged in the area of the upper hal fmould .

[0111] The electrostatic application unit is configured to apply on the work surface of the first upper hal f-mould a layer consisting of a covering material , in particular a powder enamel . The layer consisting of the covering material is then trans ferred from the work surface of the first hal f-mould in a uni form manner onto the entire surface to be decorated during the compaction .

[0112] The electrostatic application unit comprises a fluidi zed tank which holds a powder fluidi zed with air . In particular, the fluidi zed tank is provided with a bottom wall having a plurality of through holes to allow inlet of the air . The fluidi zed tank is connected to a pumping member that draws from the fluidi zed tank through a cannula and feeds the fluidi zed powder with air to any number of dispensing devices through respective ducts ( also one single dispensing device ) .

[0113] Advantageously, the electrostatic application unit comprises a plurality of dispensing devices (namely, at least two dispensing devices ) . Preferably, the plurality of dispensing devices are arranged equally spaced from one another to guarantee an even electrostatic application on the work surface of the first hal fmould . The dispensing devices are provided with respective axes substantially parallel to one another and transverse to the work surface of the first hal f-mould . Preferably, the dispensing devices are provided with respective axes orthogonal to the work surface of the first hal f-mould .

[0114] According to a first embodiment , the dispensing devices comprise applying guns . Each applying gun is provided with a high-voltage electrode arranged in the area of a noz zle out of which the powders flow . The applying guns are designed to electrostatically charge the particles of the powders directed towards the work surface of the first hal f-mould . The high- voltage electrode generates an electric field and emits electric charges which are trans ferred to the ceramic powders which fall by gravity and are attracted by the work surface of the first hal f-mould . The electric charges emitted by the high-voltage electrode can be alternatively positive or negative .

[0115] Alternatively, the dispensing devices comprise triboelectric devices for ceramic powders that exploit the triboelectric ef fect which enables , by friction ( in particular with a plastic material ) , the trans fer ( in particular, the removal ) of electric charges from the ceramic powders that fall by gravity and are attracted by the work surface of the first hal f-mould . According to a further variation, the dispensing devices comprise electrostatic rotary bell atomi zers for ceramic powders .

[0116] More generally, the dispensing devices comprise any type of device configured to allow the electrostatic deposition of the ceramic powders .

[0117] Advantageously, the first hal f-mould is made of metal material .

[0118] The layer consisting of the covering material applied on the work surface of the first hal f-mould is then trans ferred from the first hal f-mould to the predetermined quantity of ceramic powder material during the compaction .

[0119] It is important to highlight that in this case the layer consisting of the covering material is applied indirectly on the surface to be decorated . In other words , the layer consisting of the covering material is applied on the surface to be decorated by the electrostatic application unit with the interposition of the first hal f-mould .

[0120] According to an alternative embodiment , the layer consisting of the covering material is applied on the surface to be decorated by the electrostatic application unit with the interposition of the second hal f-mould ( lower ) .

[0121] According to a possible embodiment , the pressing unit comprises a pre-compacting device configured to even out the surface to be decorated of the predetermined quantity of ceramic powder material .

[0122] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method for the production of slabs CP comprising ceramic material is also provided .

[0123] According to a f irst embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , the method comprises a preliminary step of electrostatic application on the layer LPM of powder material comprising ceramic powder, carried out in the area of an electrostatic application station 11 arranged along the path P downstream of the input station 4 and in which an even layer consisting of a covering material , in particular a powder enamel , is applied on the surface S to be decorated .

[0124] Subsequently, a first processing step is scheduled during which the layer LPM of powder material is processed by at least one compaction machine arranged in the area of a processing station 5 to compact the layer LPM of powder material so as to obtain a continuous strip LPM of compacted powder . The method further comprises a conveying step, during which the continuous strip LPM of compacted powder is conveyed by a conveyor assembly 2 along a path P in a conveying direction A from the processing station 5 through a cutting station 7 in which base ceramic slabs BCS are obtained, in which each base ceramic slab BCS is provided with a surface 10 to be decorated, which is intended, in use , to be on view, namely exposed .

[0125] The method then comprises a drying step, during which each base ceramic slab BCS is dried inside a dryer 14 arranged downstream of the cutting station 7 along the path P .

[0126] The method then comprises an application step, carried out in the area of a decoration station 12 arranged downstream of the dryer 14 along the path P and comprising a printing assembly 15 for applying a layer 16 at least partially on the surface S to be decorated .

[0127] Lastly, the method comprises a firing step, during which each base ceramic slab BCS is fired in a kiln 17 arranged downstream of the decoration station 12 along the path P so as to obtain a finished ceramic slab CP .

[0128] According to a second embodiment illustrated in figure 4 , the method comprises a first processing step during which the layer LPM of powder material is processed by at least one pressing unit 6 and by an electrostatic application unit 22 arranged in the area of a processing station 5 . In particular, the processing station 5 is configured to compact the layer LPM of powder material so as to obtain a continuous strip LPM of compacted powder and simultaneously apply on the surface S to be decorated an even layer consisting of a covering material , in particular a powder enamel .

[0129] The method further comprises a conveying step, during which the continuous strip LPM of compacted enamelled powder is conveyed by a conveyor assembly 2 along a path P in a conveying direction A from the processing station 5 through a cutting station 7 in which to obtain base ceramic slabs BCS , in which each base ceramic slab BCS is provided with a surface S to be decorated which is intended, in use , to be on view, namely exposed .

[0130] The method then comprises a drying step, during which each base ceramic slab BCS is dried in a dryer 14 arranged downstream of the cutting station 7 along the path P . The method then comprises an application step, carried out in the area of a decoration station 12 arranged downstream of the dryer 14 along the path P and comprising a printing assembly 15 for applying a layer 16 at least partially on the surface S to be decorated .

[0131] Lastly, the method comprises a firing step, during which each base ceramic slab BCS is fired in a kiln 17 arranged downstream of the decoration station 12 along the path P so as to obtain a finished ceramic slab CP .

[0132] According to a third embodiment illustrated in figure 6 , the method comprises a preliminary electrostatic application step carried out via an electrostatic application unit 22 in which an even layer consisting of a powder covering material is applied on the belt conveyor 3 .

[0133] Subsequently, a processing step is provided during which the layer LPM of powder material is processed by at least one pressing unit 6 in the area of a processing station 5 . In particular, the processing station 5 is configured to compact the layer LPM of powder material so as to obtain a continuous strip LPM of compacted powder and simultaneously apply on the surface S to be decorated an even layer consisting of a covering material , in particular a powder enamel via the belt conveyor 3 .

[0134] The method further comprises a conveying step, during which the continuous strip LPM of compacted enamelled powder is conveyed by a conveyor assembly 2 along a path P in a conveying direction A from the processing station 5 through a cutting station 7 in which to obtain base ceramic slabs BCS , in which each base ceramic slab BCS is provided with a surface S to be decorated which is intended, in use , to be on view, namely exposed .

[0135] The method then comprises a drying step, during which each base ceramic slab BCS is dried in a dryer 14 arranged downstream of the cutting station 7 along the path P .

[0136] The method then comprises an application step, carried out in the area of a decoration station 12 arranged downstream of the dryer 14 along the path P and comprising a printing assembly 15 for applying a layer 16 at least partially on the surface S to be decorated .

[0137] Lastly, the method comprises a firing step, during which each base ceramic slab BCS is fired in a kiln 17 arranged downstream of the decoration station 12 along the path P so as to obtain a finished ceramic slab CP .

[0138] According to a further embodiment not illustrated, the method comprises a first processing step during which the given quantity of powder material is processed by at least one pressing unit and by an electrostatic application unit arranged in the area of a processing station . In particular, the processing station is configured to compact the given quantity of powder material so as to obtain a compacted base ceramic slab and simultaneously apply on the surface to be decorated an even layer consisting of a covering material , in particular a powder enamel .

[0139] The method further comprises a conveying step during which the compacted enamelled base ceramic slab is conveyed by a conveyor assembly along a path in a conveying direction from the processing station .

[0140] The method then comprises a drying step, during which each base ceramic slab is dried in a dryer arranged downstream of the processing station along the path .

[0141] The method then comprises an application step, carried out in the area of a decoration station arranged downstream of the dryer along the path and comprising a printing assembly for applying a layer at least partially on the surface to be decorated .

[0142] Lastly, the method comprises a firing step during which each base ceramic slab is fired in a kiln arranged downstream of the decoration station along the path P so as to obtain a finished ceramic slab .

[0143] In the di f ferent embodiments described above , the electrostatic application unit 22 allows direct application (namely, without the interposition of further application devices or elements ) or indirect application (namely, via the interposition of further application devices or elements such as the first compacting belt ) and in a uni form manner of the layer consisting of a powder covering material on the surface S to be decorated in the area of the electrostatic application station 11 .

[0144] The present invention of fers several advantages with respect to the state of the art . In particular, the applicant has ascertained that the plant 1 for the production of ceramic products allows perfect integration to be obtained between the layer of powder covering material and the ceramic powder material . Furthermore , the electrostatic application station 11 is always arranged at a considerable distance from the decoration system 9 , so as to feed to the decoration system 9 base ceramic slabs BCS in which the portion of water contained in the powder covering material is completely evaporated and the subsequent decoration step is optimi zed .

[0145] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0146] 1 plant

[0147] 2 conveyor assembly

[0148] 3 conveyor belt

[0149] 4 input station

[0150] 5 processing station 6 pressing unit

[0151] 7 cutting station

[0152] 8 conveyor belt

[0153] 9 decoration system

[0154] 10 application booth

[0155] 11 decoration station

[0156] 12 decoration station

[0157] 13 pre-compaction device

[0158] 14 dryer

[0159] 15 printing assembly

[0160] 16 roller

[0161] 17 kiln

[0162] 18 feeding assembly

[0163] 22 electrostatic application unit

[0164] 23 fluidi zed tank

[0165] 24 bottom wall

[0166] 25 pumping member

[0167] 26 cannula

[0168] 27 dispensing device

[0169] 28 ducts

[0170] 29 electrode

[0171] 31 removal system

[0172] 32 tank

[0173] 33 duct

[0174] 34 hopper

[0175] 35 roller

[0176] 36 upper compacting belt

[0177] 37 lower compactor roller

[0178] 38 upper compactor roller

[0179] 39 front motor roller

[0180] 40 rear driven roller

[0181] 90 belt conveyor

[0182] 91 roller conveyor

[0183] 100 overturning station

[0184] CP ceramic product

[0185] LPM layer of ceramic powder material P path

[0186] A conveying direction

[0187] SPM strip of compacted powder material

[0188] BCS base ceramic slab

[0189] S surface to be decorated

Claims

CLAIMS1.- A plant (1) for the production of ceramic products (CP) comprising : a conveyor device (2) configured to transfer a ceramic powder material along an initial segment of a path (P) in a conveying direction (A) ; the ceramic powder material being provided with a surface (S) to be decorated; a ceramic powder material input station (4) arranged along the initial segment of the path (P) and comprising a feeding assembly for feeding a mixture of ceramic powders; and a processing station (5) arranged along the path (P) downstream of the input station (4) and comprising a pressing unit (6) configured to compact the ceramic powder material; the system is characterized in that it comprises an electrostatic application unit (22) arranged along the path (P) upstream and / or in the area of the processing station (5) and configured to evenly apply a layer of powder covering material on the surface (S) to be decorated of the powder material and comprising a fluidized tank (23) , which holds the powder covering material fluidized with air, and at least one pumping member (25) , which draws from the fluidized tank (23) and feeds the powder covering material fluidized with air to a number of dispensing devices (27) .2.- The plant according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic application unit (22) is configured to directly apply the layer of powder covering material on the surface (S) to be decorated; and wherein the dispensing devices (27) are provided with respective axes transverse to the conveying direction (A) and are arranged, in use, facing the surface (S) to be decorated.3.- The plant according to claim 2, wherein the electrostatic application unit (22) is interposed between the input station (4) and the processing station (5) .4.- The plant according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic application unit (22) is configured to indirectly apply the layer of powder covering material on the surface (S) to be decorated .5.- The plant according to claim 4, wherein the electrostatic application unit (22) is arranged upstream of the input station (4) and is configured to apply the layer of powder covering material on a conveyor belt (3) of the conveyor device (2) .6.- The plant according to claim 4, wherein the electrostatic application unit (22) is arranged in the area of the processing station ( 5 ) .7 The plant according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the pressing unit (6) comprises an upper compacting belt (36) for dry compacting a layer (LPM) of ceramic powder material transported by the conveyor device (2) and obtaining a continuous strip (SPM) of compacted ceramic powder; the electrostatic application unit (22) is configured to apply the layer of powder covering material on the upper compacting belt (36) , from which it is evenly transferred onto the surface (S) to be decorated.8.- The plant according to claim 7, wherein the dispensing devices (27) are arranged, in use, facing the upper compacting belt (36) and are provided with respective axes substantially parallel to one another and transverse to the conveying plane defined by the upper compacting belt (36) .9.- The plant according to claim 7 or 8 and comprising a precompaction device (13) arranged upstream of the pressing unit (6) along the path (P) in the conveying direction (A) and configured to even out the surface (S) to be decorated of the layer (LPM) of ceramic powder material.10.- The plant according to claim 9, wherein the pre-compactiondevice (13) is configured to enable a displacement (levelling) of the powders defining the layer (LPM) of powder material, so that the surface (S) to be decorated has an even and identical height / distance from the conveyor device (2) in all points, and comprises an idle or motorized roller (16) .11.- The plant according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the pressing unit (6) comprises a lower half-mould and an upper half-mould and the lower half-mould is configured for loading a predetermined amount of ceramic powder material and for cooperating with the upper half-mould so as to obtain a base ceramic slab (BCS) made of compacted ceramic powder; the electrostatic application unit (22) is configured to apply the layer of powder covering material on a first half-mould, from which it is evenly transferred onto the surface (S) to be decorated .12.- The plant according to claim 11, wherein the dispensing devices (27) are arranged, in use, facing the first half-mould and are provided with respective axes substantially parallel to one another and transverse to the first half-mould.13.- The plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrostatic application unit (22) comprises a plurality of dispensing devices (27) , which are equally spaced apart from one another to ensure an even electrostatic application .14.- The plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrostatic application unit (22) comprises a recovery system designed to remove excess powders, preferably by means of suction.15.- The plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one dispensing device (27) comprises an applying gun (27) having a nozzle, in the area of which it isprovided with a respective high-voltage electrode (29) .16.- The plant according to any one of the claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one dispensing device (27) comprises a triboelectric device for ceramic powders.17.- The plant according to any one of the claims from 1 to 14, wherein at least one dispensing device (27) comprises an electrostatic rotary bell atomizer for ceramic powders.18.- The plant according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising : at least one decoration station (12) arranged along the path (P) and comprising an application assembly (15) , in particular a printing assembly (15) , provided with a preferably digital depositing member; a dryer (14) , which is arranged along the path (P) upstream of the decoration station (12) in the conveying direction (A) and is configured to heat base ceramic slabs (BCS) to a temperature of at least approximately 100°C; and a kiln (17) arranged along the path (P) downstream of the decoration station (12) in the conveying direction (A) and configured to set a temperature ranging from at least approximately 1000°C to at least approximately 1300°C for each base ceramic slab (BCS) in order to fire it.19.- A method for the production of ceramic products (CP) comprising : an electrostatic application step, during which a layer of powder covering material is evenly applied on a surface (S) to be decorated of a ceramic powder material; a processing step carried out in the area of a processing station (5) arranged along the path (P) for compacting the ceramic powder material ; a drying step, which is subsequent to the processing step and during which base ceramic slabs (BCS) are dried inside a dryer(14) arranged along said path (P) ; and a firing step, which is subsequent to the drying step and during which each base ceramic slab (BCS) is fired in a kiln (17) , which is arranged along the path (P) downstream of the dryer (14) and is configured to set a temperature ranging from at least approximately 1000°C to at least approximately 1300°C.20.- The method according to claim 19, wherein the electrostatic application step is prior to the processing step.21.- The method according to claim 20, wherein, in the electrostatic application step, the layer of powder covering material is directly applied on the surface (S) to be decorated.22.- The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, in the electrostatic application step, the layer of powder covering material is indirectly applied on the surface (S) to be decorated .23.- The method according to claim 22 and comprising: an electrostatic application sub-step for the electrostatic application of the layer of powder covering material on an intermediate device (35, 3) ; and a transfer sub-step for transferring the layer of powder covering material from the intermediate device (35, 3) to the surface (S) to be decorated.24.- The method according to claim 22 or 23 and comprising a further pre-compaction step for pre-compacting the ceramic powder material, which is prior to both the electrostatic application step and the processing step.

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