IT201900016103A1 - EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING CERAMIC AND / OR STONE SLABS - Google Patents

Description

Patent Description for Industrial Invention entitled: "EQUIPMENT FOR THE REALIZATION OF CERAMIC AND / OR STONE SLABS".

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to equipment for the production of ceramic and / or stone slabs.

It is known that in many sectors of industrial activity, the need to renew the manufactured products and to search for new ones is particularly felt in order to better distinguish them from those of the competition.

This need is felt, in particular, in the industry that deals with the production of ceramic and / or stone slabs used for the construction, for example, of floors and / or walls.

To date, the market requires increasingly particular aesthetic effects, such as the reproduction of natural rocks, such as marble or granite, characterized by the presence of "veins", or streaks of a different color compared to the base material, having an irregular and that go through its entire thickness.

The production of ceramic and / or stone slabs, such as mineral grit slabs bonded with resins, generally involves a phase of deposition of a base material, which can be made up of ceramic materials or a mixture of mineral compounds in granular form (for example marble, granite), glass, fragments of mirrors, quartz powder, etc., as well as resins that act as binders, on a support surface, such as a tape or a mold, to form a plate to be compacted, and a subsequent pressing step, in order to obtain a compacted plate.

Depending on the type of mixture, further steps are then carried out, such as for example cooking and subsequent cooling, in order to obtain a product with particular mechanical and physical properties.

The equipment necessary for carrying out these phases therefore provides for the presence of means for dispensing the base material on a support surface, so as to form a plate to be compacted, and pressing means for obtaining a compacted plate. .

As known to those skilled in the art, according to the type of materials used, the embodiments and the technical characteristics of the devices that make up the relative equipment can vary.

A known type of equipment provides for the use of a hopper which extends for the entire width of the slab to be obtained and inside which the ceramic materials to be deposited on an extraction surface are loaded, a relative movement being provided between the latter and the hopper itself.

In order to obtain particular chromatic effects, such as for example a "veined" effect, a plurality of materials of different types are deposited inside the hopper, which stratify inside the hopper and which are then deposited in succession on the surface of extraction. Due to the friction of the material on the walls of the hopper, the outflow of the material outside the hopper is uneven and random, so the intensity of the color of the veins obtained is blurred or inaccurate.

Furthermore, the ceramic material exiting the hopper, coming into contact with the terminal portion of the walls, is partially dragged onto the surface of the slab with a consequent alteration of the desired aesthetic effect.

Last but not least, the slabs thus obtained have “longitudinal” veins with respect to the surface of the slab, that is, they do not cross its entire thickness. This drawback therefore prevents obtaining a so-called "passing vein", typical of natural rocks, and which is particularly evident in the case in which slabs have to be made having two surfaces orthogonal to each other, as in the case of tops for kitchens, bathrooms, or other similar applications, whereby it is not possible to obtain a substantially continuous vein along the two orthogonal surfaces.

The main task of the present invention is to devise an equipment for the production of ceramic and / or stone slabs that allows a wide variety of aesthetic effects to be obtained in a simple and reliable way.

Another object of the present invention is to devise an equipment for making slabs of ceramic and / or stone material which allows to reduce the effect of the friction of the walls of the hopper on the deposition of the material on the extraction surface and which allows a supply of the material contained within it as reproducible as possible over time.

A further object of the present invention is to devise an equipment for making slabs in ceramic and / or stone material that allows slabs to be obtained that reproduce the chromatic effect of natural rocks as faithfully as possible.

Another object of the present invention is to devise an equipment for making slabs in ceramic and / or stone material which allows to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in the context of a simple, rational, easy and effective solution to use and with low cost.

The aforementioned purposes are achieved by the present equipment for making slabs in ceramic and / or stone material having the characteristics of claim 1.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an equipment for the production of ceramic and / or stone slabs, illustrated by way of example, but not of limitation, in the join tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the equipment for making slabs in ceramic and / or stone material according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional side view of an embodiment of the equipment according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a sectional side view of a further embodiment of the equipment according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of a component of the equipment according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a rear view of the equipment according to the invention.

With particular reference to these figures, the number 1 globally indicates an equipment for the production of ceramic and / or stone slabs.

The equipment 1 comprises at least a hopper 2 defining a containment chamber 3 for ceramic and / or stone materials M and provided with at least one inlet 3a and at least one outlet 3b opposite each other.

In the context of this discussion, "ceramic and / or stone materials" means ceramic materials, in the form of atomized, grains or flakes, and / or stone, such as marble, granite, minerals or other natural stones, in the form of powder and / or granules and / or flakes and mixed with a cementitious binder or resins.

The equipment 1 is also provided with means 4 for dispensing a plurality of ceramic and / or stone materials M of different types and / or colors inside the containment chamber 3 through the inlet 3a.

The dispensing means 4 comprise one or more dispensing devices 5 suitable for depositing on a dispensing surface 6 the different types of ceramic and / or stone materials M.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the dispensing surface 6, of the type of a conveyor belt or the like, can be moved along a sliding direction D1, so as to transport the ceramic and / or stone materials M towards the inlet 3a of the hopper 2. The dispensing devices 5 comprise a relative container movable along a direction transversal to the sliding direction D1 so as to deposit the ceramic and / or stone materials M for the entire width of the dispensing surface 6.

However, further embodiments are not excluded in which the ceramic and / or stone materials M are manually deposited by an operator above the dispensing surface 6, or in which the ceramic and / or stone materials M are loaded manually to the inside the hopper 2.

The equipment 1 comprises at least one extraction surface 7 of the ceramic and / or stone materials M contained in the containment chamber 3, arranged below the outlet 3b and movable along a direction of advancement D2.

The extraction surface 7 is of the type of a conveyor belt or the like. More in detail, the dispensing surface 6 and the extraction surface 7 are arranged on two distinct planes, substantially parallel to each other and arranged at a distance equal to the height of the hopper 2. The direction of advancement D2 is substantially parallel to the direction slide D1 of the dispensing surface 6.

The extraction surface 7, sliding along the direction of advancement D2, drags the ceramic and / or stone materials M away from the hopper 2, taking them from the outlet 3b.

In this way, the ceramic and / or stone materials M, stratified inside the containment chamber 3, are deposited in succession on the extraction surface 7 to form a slab to be compacted L, which is then directed towards further processing devices. to be subjected to subsequent manufacturing steps.

According to the invention, the hopper 2 comprises at least two walls 8,9 partially delimiting the containment chamber 3, arranged in succession along the direction of advancement D2 and inclined with respect to it.

Advantageously, the walls 8,9 comprise a lower wall 8 and an upper wall 9, mutually opposed, where the lower wall 8 is arranged upstream of the upper wall 9 with respect to the direction of advancement D2.

The lower wall 8 and the upper wall 9 are substantially parallel to each other.

The containment chamber 3 is further delimited by a pair of side walls 10 opposite and parallel to each other, and arranged transversely to the walls 8,9.

The particular inclined arrangement of the walls 8,9 ensures that the ceramic and / or stone materials M, transported from the dispensing surface 6 towards the inlet mouth 3a, fall by gravity into the containment chamber 3 and rest on the wall lower 8.

By doing so, the ceramic and / or stone materials M flow towards the outlet 3b, contacting only the lower wall 8, so the upper wall 9 does not limit the outflow of ceramic and / or stone materials towards the outside. In this way, the ceramic and / or stone materials M as they are extracted from the hopper 2, descend inside the containment chamber 3 towards the outlet 3b, defining a series of layers arranged one above the other and inclined with respect to the extraction surface The ceramic and / or stone materials M are then extracted in sequence due to the advancement of the extraction surface 7.

The slab to be compacted L that is obtained therefore reproduces a stratification and an effect that is extremely faithful to those of natural rocks, such as marble and granite.

According to the invention, the walls 8,9 are also mutually movable to vary the shape of the containment chamber 3.

This particular feature allows to vary the volume of the containment chamber 3 and the extension, in particular, of the outlet 3b according to the quantity of material to be loaded into the hopper 2, the type of stratification and, therefore , of the aesthetic effect you want to achieve.

By increasing the volume of the containment chamber 3, during the extraction of ceramic and / or stone materials M, it is possible, for example, to increase the output speed.

In a first embodiment, shown in Figure 2, at least one of the lower wall 8 and the upper wall 9 is movable in translation with respect to the other along the direction of advancement D2 so as to vary the distance between them.

In this embodiment, the shape of the containment chamber 3 remains substantially unchanged but its volume is modified; the extension of the inlet 3a and the outlet 3b remain coincident with each other.

Conveniently, the equipment 1 comprises translation means 11,12 of at least one of the walls 8,9 along the direction of advancement D2.

Preferably, the upper wall 9 is movable in translation with respect to the lower wall 8.

More in detail, the translation means 11, 12 comprise translation guides 11 associated with the upper wall 9 and sliding pins 12 associated with the side walls 10 and movable in sliding along the aforementioned translation guides 11.

In a further embodiment, shown in Figure 3, at least one of the lower wall 8 and the upper wall 9 is movable in rotation around an axis A transversal to the direction of advancement D2 so as to vary the reciprocal inclination of the walls themselves .

In particular, the axis A is substantially parallel to the dispensing surface 6 and perpendicular to the direction of advancement D2.

Conveniently, the upper wall 9 is movable in rotation around the axis A. In the embodiment represented in figure 3, the axis A passes through an intermediate area of the upper wall 9.

However, alternative embodiments in which the axis A is arranged in a different area from that represented in figure 3 are not excluded.

Again with reference to the present embodiment, following the rotation of the upper wall 9 around the axis A, the shape of the containment chamber 3 varies and the inlet 3a and the outlet 3b take on different extensions.

In other words, the hopper 2 assumes the shape of a funnel in which, depending on the direction of rotation of the upper wall 9 around the axis A, the extension of the inlet mouth 3a is smaller than the extension of the outlet mouth 3b and vice versa.

Advantageously, the upper wall 9 is provided with an end portion 9a delimiting the outlet mouth 3b and provided with a projection 13 suitable for contacting the ceramic and / or stone materials M arranged on the extraction surface 7 following their movement along the direction feed rate D2.

The protrusion 13 is intended to perform a leveling action on the ceramic and / or stone materials M exiting the containment chamber 3 and the distance between the extraction surface 7 and the protrusion itself determines the thickness of the slab to be compacted L.

Preferably, the projection 13 is rounded in shape.

In particular, the projection 13 is shaped so as to define a substantially linear contact with the ceramic and / or stone materials M arranged on the extraction surface 7.

In this way, the mutual contact between the terminal portion 9a and the ceramic and / or stone materials M is minimized and the aesthetic effect conferred by the layering is preserved.

Advantageously, the equipment 1 comprises vibrating means 14 associated with the lower wall 8 and designed to facilitate the sliding of the ceramic and / or stone materials M towards the outlet 3b.

The vibration of the lower wall 8, on which the ceramic and / or stone materials M rest, facilitates their fall downwards and facilitates their exit.

Preferably, the vibrating means 14 comprise a plurality of vibrating elements 15 which can be operated independently of each other to define a preferential exit path P of the ceramic and / or stone materials M.

As shown in Figure 5, in fact, the vibration of only some vibrating elements 15 causes the ceramic and / or stone materials M to be induced to follow the preferential exit path P, thus allowing to "select" the order of exit of ceramic and / or stone materials M through the outlet 3b.

Conveniently, the equipment 1 is provided with a movable closing device 16 to obstruct at least partially the outlet 3b. The closing device 16 allows, therefore, to interrupt or partialize the extraction of ceramic and / or stone materials M from the hopper 2.

In particular, the closing device 16 comprises a shutter 17 associated with the lower wall 8 and movable along the direction of advancement D2.

More specifically, the shutter 17 has a substantially sheet-like conformation and can be positioned between the hopper 2, in correspondence with the outlet mouth 3b, and the extraction surface 7.

The shutter 17 slides on guide elements 18 associated with the lower wall 8 and is operated by a hydraulic cylinder 19.

Conveniently, the closing device 16 comprises means for adjusting the movement speed of the shutter 17.

The adjustment means allow to set a displacement speed of the shutter 17 so as to avoid a relative movement with respect to the ceramic and / or stone materials M which are deposited on the extraction surface 7 and which would cause the deterioration of the chromatic composition obtained.

In other words, the adjustment means ensure that the shutter 17 does not exert a thrust action on the ceramic and / or stone materials M and therefore does not alter its surface composition.

Furthermore, the adjustment means allow even only partial obstruction of the outlet 3b, so as to vary the outflow of the ceramic and / or stone materials M through the outlet 3b, depending on the aesthetic effect to be conferred. to the slab to be compacted L.

Advantageously, the equipment 1 comprises at least one electronic control unit operatively connected to the extraction surface 7 and to the means for adjusting the speed of the shutter 17.

The electronic control unit is able to detect the advancement speed of the extraction surface 7, the position of the shutter 17 and its movement speed.

More in detail, the electronic control unit is programmed to actuate the adjustment means so that the speed of movement of the shutter 17 is substantially equal to the speed of advancement of the extraction surface 7.

The operation of the present invention is as follows.

The dispensing means 4 deposit a plurality of ceramic and / or stone materials M on the dispensing surface 6.

The latter, advancing along the sliding direction D1, transports the ceramic and / or stone materials M towards the inlet mouth 3a of the hopper 2.

The ceramic and / or stone materials M fall by gravity into the containment chamber 3, leaning against the lower wall 8 and arranging themselves in such a way as to define a plurality of inclined layers, superimposed on each other.

The extraction surface 7, in correspondence with the outlet 3b, sliding along the direction of advancement D2, extracts the ceramic and / or stone materials M from the hopper 2, forming a slab to be compacted L.

The projection 13 of the terminal portion 9a of the upper wall 9 performs a leveling on the ceramic and / or stone materials M without altering the aesthetic effect conferred by the stratification of the ceramic and / or stone materials contained in the hopper 2.

During the formation of the slab to be compacted L it is possible to modify the volume or the shape of the containment chamber 3 by acting on the upper wall 9.

By translating or rotating the upper wall 9 it is possible to vary the stratification of the ceramic and / or stone materials and their speed of exit from the hopper 2, so as to give the slab to be compacted a particular aesthetic effect.

Furthermore, it is possible to activate the vibrating means 14 to determine the preferential exit path P of the ceramic and / or stone materials M contained within the containment chamber 3.

The vibrating means 14 act on the lower wall 8 to favor the downward sliding of the ceramic and / or stone materials M.

More specifically, the vibrating elements 15 are vibrated independently of each other to determine the preferential exit path P. (Figure 5)

In order to perform a partial extraction, or at the end of the extraction itself, the closing device 16 is operated to partially or totally obstruct the outlet 3b.

For this purpose, the shutter 17 is moved along the direction of advancement D2 to position itself between the hopper 2 and the extraction surface 7.

The electronic control unit communicates with the adjustment means to determine the speed of movement of the shutter 17 suitable for the partial or total closure of the outlet 3b.

In practice it has been found that the described invention achieves the proposed aims and in particular it is emphasized that the equipment for making slabs in ceramic and / or stone material according to the present invention allows a simple and reliable way to be obtained. '' wide variety of aesthetic effects, thanks to the effective layering and extraction of the ceramic materials from the hopper.

The particular shape of the hopper and the mutual mobility of the walls reduce the effect of friction on the deposition of ceramic and / or stone materials and facilitate their outflow thus allowing the desired aesthetic effect to be obtained.

Finally, the equipment for the production of ceramic and / or stone slabs according to the invention allows to obtain slabs that faithfully reproduce the stratification of the mineral compounds of natural rocks.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS 1) Equipment (1) for the production of ceramic and / or stone slabs comprising: - at least one hopper (2) defining a containment chamber (3) for ceramic and / or stone materials (M) and provided with at least one inlet (3a) and at least one outlet (3b) opposite each other; - delivery means (4) of a plurality of ceramic and / or stone materials (M) of different types and / or colors within said containment chamber (3) through said inlet (3a); - at least one extraction surface (7) of the ceramic and / or stone materials (M) contained in said containment chamber (3), arranged below said outlet mouth (3b) and movable along a direction of advance (D2); characterized by the fact that said hopper (2) comprises at least two walls (8,9) partially delimiting said containment chamber (3), arranged in succession along said direction of advancement (D2) and inclined with respect to it, and by the fact that said walls (8,9) are reciprocally movable to vary the conformation of said containment chamber (3). 2) Equipment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said walls (8,9) comprise a lower wall (8) and an upper wall (9), opposite each other, where said lower wall (8) is arranged upstream of said upper wall (9) with respect to said direction of advancement (D2), said ceramic and / or stone materials (M) resting on said lower wall (8). 3) Equipment (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of said lower wall (8) and said upper wall (9) is movable in translation with respect to the other along said direction of advancement (D2) so as to vary the distance between them. 4) Equipment (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises translating means (11,12) of at least one of said walls (8,9) along said direction of advancement (D2). 5) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said lower wall (8) and said upper wall (9) is movable in rotation around an axis (A) transversal to said direction of advancement (D2) so as to vary the reciprocal inclination of the walls themselves. 6) Equipment (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said upper wall (9) is movable in rotation around said axis (A). 7) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said upper wall (9) is provided with an end portion (9a) delimiting said outlet mouth (3b) and provided with a projection (13) suitable to contact said ceramic and / or stone materials (M) arranged on said extraction surface (7) following their movement along said direction of advance (D2). 8) Equipment (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said projection (13) is shaped so as to define a substantially linear contact with said ceramic and / or stone materials (M) arranged on said extraction surface (7) . 9) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises vibrating means (14) associated with said lower wall (8) and able to favor the sliding of said ceramic and / or stone materials (M) towards said outlet mouth (3b). 10) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said vibrating means (14) comprise a plurality of vibrating elements (15) which can be operated independently from each other to define an exit path (P) preferential of said ceramic and / or stone materials (M). 11) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a closing device (16) which can be moved to at least partially obstruct said outlet mouth (3b). 12) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said closing device (16) comprises a shutter (17) which can be moved along said direction of advance (D2). 13) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said closing device (16) comprises means for adjusting the speed of movement of said shutter (17). 14) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one electronic control unit operatively connected to said extraction surface (7) and to said adjustment means, said electronic control unit being programmed to operate said adjustment means so that the speed of movement of said shutter (17) is substantially equal to the speed of advancement of said extraction surface (7).