EP1699609B1 - Method and device for artificially aging stones - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for artificially ageing blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, provides that the blocks are applied to an underlying surface. Essentially freely movable distressing bodies are applied to the surface to be worked of the blocks. The blocks and the distressing bodies are brought into movement in relation to one another by a vibrating motion of the underlying surface in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the adjoining, exposed edges of the blocks.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the artificial aging of stones, in particular of concrete blocks, brick clinkers and natural stones. The present invention also relates to a device for the artificial aging of stones.

A method and an apparatus according to the preamble of claims 1 and 16 are out WO 02/45 928 known. A method and an apparatus according to the preamble of claims 2 and 17 are made US 6,279,291 B1 known.

Stones, such as covering elements, facade elements, sand-lime bricks, concrete blocks, brick or brick clinker, natural stones and the like, are often subjected to a post-treatment, regardless of their material properties, thereby losing their artificial appearance.

Especially often freshly made, hardened concrete blocks, especially concrete paving stones, subjected to such a treatment, in the course of which the surfaces and / or edges are struck or broken, in order to adapt in this way the appearance of natural stones. For this purpose, the concrete blocks are introduced in larger numbers in a rotary drum and there "rumble", with the surfaces and edges of the stones strike each other and leave the stones thus treated in an "aged" state the drum. Such a device is known from DE-OS 29 22 393 known.

When treating the concrete blocks in a rotary drum also surfaces and edges are processed, which, for example, when using the aged stones in a plaster even are not visible. In that regard, an unnecessary waste of energy and time is operated. Furthermore, it is necessary to apply the treated and the rotary drum leaving concrete blocks for shipping in a regular arrangement on a pallet, which requires an unduly high work and time.

From the prior art, an alternative to the rotary drum method is known, in which the stones to be aged are placed together with a plurality of impactors on an inclined channel, so that the stones strike each other and the impactors. This gives the stones an aged look, which approximately corresponds to the result of the above-described rotary drum. Due to the inclination of the channel, the stones to be processed as well as the impactors migrate from an upper end to a lower end of the channel. After the stones and the impactors have left the gutter at their lower end, the impactors are separated from the stones. The impactors are again fed to the upper end of the channel, while the stones are conveyed to a sorting device.

From the state of the art sorting systems are known for sorting the stones, which align the stones accordingly and arrange them in a pallet. Such sorting systems cause high acquisition and operating costs and also have a corresponding space requirement.

From the DE 36 21 276 C2 a method is known in which concrete blocks in a single layer in a regular arrangement on a tabular Pad are applied. Subsequently, the exposed surface and the adjacent exposed edges or substantially only the edges of the concrete blocks are struck irregularly by means of a vibrating beater or beater.

By this method can be dispensed with a subsequent sorting device, since the production situation is not changed. Before being processed by the beating or striking devices, the stones are pushed together and aligned on the tabular base; so that the stones lie close to each other and there are no gaps left between them. The percussion tools of the impactor are mounted on a movable carriage which guides them over the surfaces of the stones, so that the free surfaces and the upper edges of the stones are struck irregularly by the impact tools.

The disadvantage of this method, however, is that the so aged stones look artificially and do not look naturally aged. An ideal edge fracture of the stones, as produced by the rumbling of the stones in a rotary drum, does not result from the application of the method of the generic document.

From the WO 02/45928 is a device for edge breaking not yet cured concrete blocks known. It is envisaged that the not yet cured concrete blocks are placed on a shelf. This shelf is pushed under a hammer mechanism, the hammers are pendulum suspended from lifting drives. The oscillating suspension of the hammers should have a gentle effect on the linear actuators and enable a simple and robust mechanical design. Driven From the linear drive, the hammers strike the stones resting on the shelf.

The disadvantage here, however, that the impact strength of the hammer mill is difficult to dose. In addition, the edges of the stones are only insufficiently processed and the overall aging pattern of the stones is too regular and thus works artificially.

From the EP 0 860 258 B2 a device and a method is known in which the stones are arranged in one or two layers, preferably in their production position, between two elements, preferably plates. The bottom plate, on which the concrete blocks rest, stands in Operative connection with a vibration device. The vibration device causes the stones to move so that they move back and forth between the plates. The stones hit each other as well as on the upper and the lower plate, whereby the edges are broken at the top and bottom. In addition, the top and bottom of the stones are struck by the respective associated plates. The vertical side edges of the concrete blocks and the side surfaces are broken or struck by the adjoining concrete blocks.

In tests, it has been found that the edge break is the worse, the larger the aging stone. This results from the fact that the stop angle becomes flatter the larger the stone placed between the plates. The flat stop angle results in an unfavorable breakage of the edges.

Analogous to the aging process by means of the rotary drum, there is the disadvantage that surfaces and edges of the stones are processed, which may not even be visible, whereby an unnecessary waste of energy and time is operated. In addition, the necessary processing time, especially in hardened concrete blocks, high and the edge breakage is not ideal.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and an apparatus for the artificial aging of stones, especially concrete blocks, brick clinker and natural stones, creating an energy and Time-saving aging with a favorable edge break is possible.

This object is achieved with regard to the method to be created by the features of claim 1 and 2.

This object is achieved with respect to the device to be created by the features of claim 16 and 17.

Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims 3 to 15 and 18 to 36.

Surprisingly, the inventor has found that the solution according to the invention results in rapid and effective aging of the top of the bricks and the exposed edges adjacent thereto. The vibrating movement of the base causes the impactors and, to a lesser extent, the stones to move.

The strength of the movement of the stones and the impactors is due to the vibration as well as the number of stones and impactors and their weight. In a simple way can thereby achieve that the impactors are repelled from the surface of the stones on which they rest, upwards. Due to gravity, the impactors then fall back to the surface of the stones and beat together with these or act on these "aging". The stones are struck irregularly by the random flinging of the impactors and the also accidental falling back of the impactors. This creates an appearance that corresponds to that of a naturally aged stone.

As the inventor has found, the impact of the impactor on the edges of the stones is particularly effective, so that they within a short time in the desired Way, and thereby get the aged look.

It may be advantageous if the stones a certain amount of space is provided, which allows lateral movement of the stones, so that the edges of the stones can take a distance from each other. It is not important that by this distance (due to the vibration), the edges of the stones can strike each other, but that hit the impactors particularly effective in the space or gap between two edges and thus break the edges visually advantageous , In principle, a breaking or editing of the edges is possible even without such a distance.

It is advantageous if the free space available to the stones for lateral movement is less than the minimum diameter of the impactors. This prevents the impactors from entering the gap between two edges of two adjacent stones. If the impactors have a minimum diameter of, for example, 5 cm, it may be provided that the free space available to the stones as a whole for lateral movement is 4 cm.

The device can be designed, for example, in the form of a channel, which walk through the stones individually or in one or more rows. The impactors are applied to the surface of the stones at least in one region of the channel. The channel can in this case be connected to a vibration device, for example with unbalance generators, which set the channel in a vibrating motion. The vibrating motion is transmitted through the stones to the impactors, which are thus repelled by the surface of the stones and fall back under striking action on them. The channel may laterally preferably be designed such that a lateral boundary for the stones and for the impact body is created so that both the stones and the impact body includes and are prevented from leaving the gutter.

The stones can be placed in any way on the gutter and removed from it. It can also be provided that the channel is provided with a conveyor belt.

It is advantageous if the stones are aged in their production situation. The stones can be applied in one layer in their production position on the preferably tabular pad. For this purpose, a variety of options are available from the general state of the art.

Then the impactors are placed on the surface of the stones, the pad is then added or already before placing the striker in vibration. The aging of an entire production of stones can thus be carried out time and energy saving. The result corresponds at least to the result of stones aged in a rotary drum.

Subsequent sorting of the stones is not necessary in the method according to the invention.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the pad is provided with a border, by which the applied stones are limited in their lateral movement. It is advantageous if the border surrounds the stones with play, so that the stones can take a distance from each other, which allows the action of the impactor between two adjacent edges of the stones and / or a stone and the border. It is particularly advantageous if the border projects over the surface of the stones in the vertical direction, so that a lateral boundary is formed for the impactors. The lateral boundary limits the movement of the impactors substantially on the surface of the stones.

After machining, the impactors can be easily removed again from the surface of the stones. For this purpose, various technical configurations are possible.

It is advantageous if the striking bodies are made of hard metal, metal or steel and the impactors are magnetically lifted off the surface after the processing of the surface and / or the edges of the stones. For this purpose, for example, a magnet can be arranged above the surface of the stones. The distance of the magnet from the surface of the stones may preferably be selected such that the impactors do not touch the magnet during the processing of the surface of the stones. Preferably, the magnet can be magnetized by applying a corresponding current. It can also be provided that the magnet is guided by means of a guide device for lifting the striker from the surface of the stones to the striker.

As an alternative or in addition to the magnet, it is also possible to provide a depositing and removing device which has a stripping member which can be guided over the surface of the bricks in order to remove the striker. For this purpose, for example, two opposite sides of the border can be deflected or folded away, so that the wiper member inserted accordingly and the striker can be ejected.

The solution according to the invention makes it possible to machine the surface or the edges which form the visible side in the later, installed state of the stones or enclose them. Consequently, no energy and time is wasted on the processing of edges or surfaces that are not visible at a later use of the stones.

Advantageously, the implementation of the aging process is also possible for concrete blocks that are made relatively fresh. Such freshly made and therefore not yet sufficiently hardened concrete blocks can generally not be processed by other methods or devices, e.g. when aging in a rotary drum, the risk of breakage of the whole stone is too high or a correspondingly high rejects must be accepted or high additional costs for rapid setting of the stones are required.

The device according to the invention makes it possible in an advantageous manner that the production position can be maintained, whereby a time-consuming and costly sorting system can be omitted.

The pad or the border of the pad may be adapted to the various dimensions and shapes which the production plies of stones may have. For example, the pad or the border of the pad may have a circular shape, for example, if concrete paving stones are produced, which should represent a circular pavement.

Advantageous developments and refinements emerge from the further subclaims and from the exemplary embodiments illustrated in principle below with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf eine Produktionslage von Stei- nen, die auf eine Unterlage aufgebracht sind;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf eine Produktionslage von Stei- nen, die auf eine Unterlage aufgebracht sind, wobei auf die Oberfläche der Steine Schlagkörper aufgelegt sind;

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht der in Fig. 2 dargestellten Anordnung im Betrieb, wobei die Steine aufgrund der Vibration der Unterlage einen Abstand zueinander eingenommen haben;

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie IV-IV der Fig. 3 mit einer Darstellung eines Magneten;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf einen Produktionslage von Stei- nen nach Beendigung des Alterungsprozesses, mit ei- nem Abstreifglied zum Entfernen der Schlagkörper von der Oberfläche der Steine; und

Fig. 6

einen alternative Darstellung einer Unterlage mit einer reihenförmigen Anordnung von Steinen, wobei auf die Oberfläche der Steine Schlagkörper aufbracht sind.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a production situation of stones, which are applied to a substrate;

Fig. 2

a plan view of a production situation of stones, which are applied to a substrate, wherein on the surface of the stones rappers are placed;

Fig. 3

a view of in Fig. 2 illustrated arrangement in operation, wherein the stones have taken a distance to each other due to the vibration of the pad;

Fig. 4

a section along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3 with a representation of a magnet;

Fig. 5

a plan view of a production situation of stones after completion of the aging process, with a Abstreifglied for removing the impactor from the surface of the stones; and

Fig. 6

an alternative representation of a pad with a row-shaped arrangement of stones, are applied to the surface of the stones impactors.

According to the invention, any stones, for example covering elements, facade elements, sand-lime bricks, concrete blocks, bricks or brick clinker or natural stones can be aged independently of their material properties. following is based on the embodiments, the aging of stones 1, which are designed as a concrete block outlined. However, the invention is of course not limited thereto.

The production of concrete blocks 1, in particular concrete paving stones, is well known, which is why will not be discussed in more detail below. The concrete blocks 1 leave the production plant in general in a production situation, ie in an arrangement in which a plurality of concrete blocks 1 are arranged side by side in single layer. Such a production situation is exemplary in the FIGS. 1 to 5 shown.

How out Fig. 1 it can be seen, the concrete blocks 1 are applied in one layer in a regular arrangement on a tabular pad 2. The concrete blocks 1 are arranged such that in each case the edge to be machined 1b or the surface to be machined 1a (= usually the later visible side) of the stone 1 is above.

How out Fig. 1 it can be seen, the pad 2 has a border 3, which surrounds the stones 1. The area enclosed by the border 3 surface of the pad 2 is greater than the area occupied by the stones 1. Thus, the stones 1 - due to a vibrating movement of the pad 2 - the possibility of taking a distance from each other. This is in Fig. 3 shown.

Fig. 2 shows a plurality of impactors 4, which are applied or placed on the surface 1a of the stones 1 are. The impactors 4 are freely movable relative to the surface 1a. The impactors 4 are also freely movable relative to each other. The impactors 4 can be made of any material. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the impactors are formed of hard metal, metal or steel. The shape of the impactor 4 can also be chosen arbitrarily, it has been found to be advantageous to form the impactor 4 spherical, annular, polygonal or cylindrical. In the illustrated embodiment, the impactor 4 are spherical.

In order to deposit the striker 4 on the surface 1a of the stones 1 and to remove it again from this, a storage and removal device 5 is provided in the embodiment. For this purpose, various embodiments are conceivable. In Fig. 4 an embodiment of the storage and removal device 5 is provided as a magnet. By appropriately magnetizing or demagnetizing the magnet 5, the impactors 4 are either attracted to the magnet 5 or fall from this in the direction of the surface 1 a of the stones 1 from.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the storage and removal device 5 with a scraper member 6, which pushes the impactor 4 after completion of the aging process, for example, by a linear movement of the surface 1a of the stones 1 and outputs in a collecting container 7. From this sump 7, the striker 4 can be easily transported further, so that the Impactor 4 can be applied to a newly applied to the pad 2 layer of stones 1.

After the striker 4 according to Fig. 2 rest on the surface 1a of the stones 1, the vibration or the actual aging process begins. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the vibration process is already running while the impact bodies 4 are being applied. Fig. 3 shows a possible representation or arrangement of the stones 1 during the aging process, ie during the vibration of the pad 2. To generate the vibration, a vibration device 8, as for example in Fig. 4 is shown used. The vibration device 8 may have, for example, unbalance generators. By means of the vibration device 8, the stones 1 and the impactors 4 are set in motion in such a way that the impactors 4 act on the surface 1a and the exposed edges 1b of the stones 1. The impactors 4 are repelled by the vibrating movement of the pad 2 of the surface 1a of the stones 1 to then fall back on the surface 1a and the edges 1b. The lateral or horizontal movement of the impactors 4 is thereby essentially limited to the surface 1 a of the stones 1. For this purpose, lateral boundaries 9 are provided, which comprise the impactors 4 such that the lateral or horizontal movement of the impactor 4 is essentially limited to the surface 1 a of the stones 1.

Fig. 4 shows the lateral boundary 9 for the striker 4 in section.

Analogous to the limitation of the lateral or horizontal movement of the impact body 4, the border 3 limits the lateral or horizontal movement of the applied to the pad 2 stones 1. It is provided that the stones 1 can take a distance from each other, the effect of the Impactor 4 allows two adjacent edges 1b of two stones 1 and / or a stone 1 and the border 3, without the impactor 4 can completely penetrate into the resulting spaces.

The border 3 can be designed in such a way that two adjoining stones or a stone 1 and the border 3 can assume a maximum distance from one another which is smaller than the minimum diameter of the impact body 4 placed on the surface 1a.

In the embodiment, such as, for example Fig. 4 can be seen provided that the lateral boundaries 9 are formed by a vertical, the surface 1a of the stones 1, superior extension of the border 3. The pad 2 is thus formed cup or cup-shaped.

The in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrated aging process, ie the processing time in which the impactors 4 act on the surface 1a and the edges 1b of the stones 1, for example, 5 to 50 seconds, preferably 15 to 30 seconds amount. Preferably, the vibration of the pad 2 is selected by means of the vibration device 8 such that the impactors 4 are moved at a high amplitude.

In the in Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment, in which it is provided that the impactor 4 are magnetically lifted from the surface after machining the surface 1a and the edges 1b of the stones 1, a movable guide of the magnet 5 may be provided, so that the impactor 4 in a particularly simple manner can be attracted. How out Fig. 4 it can be seen, the magnet 5 is arranged above the stones 1 applied to the base 2. As an alternative to a movable embodiment of the magnet 5, it may also be provided that the magnetic force of the magnet 5 is selected to be so strong that the impact bodies 4 are lifted off the surface 1a without movement of the magnet 5 and pulled against the magnet 5. It is envisaged that the magnetic force of the magnet 5 for depositing the stones 1 can be reduced such that the impactors 4 can fall back on the surface 1a of the stones 1 due to their own weight or gravity.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the number of impactors 4 is selected such that 30 to 90%, preferably 70%, of the surface 1a of the stones 1 are covered. In an embodiment, not shown, it can also be provided that the pad 2 is inclined. It can also be provided that the inclination of the pad 2 is continuously changed, so that the impactor 4 and the stones 1 are additionally set in motion.

An inclination of the pad 2 may also be suitable for removing the impactors 4, in particular if they are spherical. An inclination of the base 2 can be an embodiment of the storage and removal device 5 according to Fig. 5 support, if the inclination of the pad 2 slopes down in the direction of the collecting container 7. To the striker 4 according to Fig. 5 can advantageously be removed from the surface 1a of the stones 1, it can be provided that at least the the output area, ie the collecting container 7 facing side boundary 9 and the corresponding extension of the border 3 can be removed or opened. In order to be able to feed the wiper member 6 as simply as possible, it can also be provided that the opposite lateral boundary 9 or the corresponding vertical extension of the border 3 is removable or can be opened.

The pad 2 may optionally be provided with a conveyor belt for feeding and / or removing the stones 1.

Fig. 6 shows a trough-shaped configuration of the base 2. Here, the use of a conveyor belt 10 is provided on the stones 1 are placed. The stones 10 pass through an area provided with impactors 4 area. The pad 2 is continuously vibrated by the vibration device 8, so that the impactors 4 are continuously repelled from the surface 1a of the stones 1 upwards, and then fall down again on the surface 1a and the edge 1b. By a suitable choice of the distance between the stones performed 1 and an adapted speed of the conveyor belt 10 can be achieved in a simple manner that continuously new stones 1 are supplied, to which the struck impactors 4 impinge. An interruption of the aging process or a special storage and removal device 5 for the impact body 4 is thus not necessary.

Preferably, the pad 2 can be inclined so that the pad 2 rises slightly in the direction of passage and thus counteracts a pulse which the striker 4 get by the movement of the stones 1.

The region in which the impactors 4 are arranged, for example, by a partition wall 11 at the beginning and at the end of this area are limited. The partition wall 11 is preferably arranged such that the stones 1 can be transported underneath, however, the distance between the partition wall 11 and the surface 1 a of the stones 1 is not so large that in addition to the stones 1 and 4 impactor below the partition 11th can be transported through. In addition, the partition wall 11 preferably extends in the vertical direction such that the impactors 4 can not be pushed over the partition wall 11. The partition 11 can be flush with the lateral boundaries 9 and the vertical extension of the border 3 at its top.

According to Fig. 6 is provided that the distance between the individual stones 1 and the stones 1 and the border 3 is selected such that the impactor 4, the edges 1b can be processed well, but it is excluded that the Impactor 4 can completely penetrate into the gap formed by the distance.

In one too Fig. 6 Alternatively, it can also be provided that a plurality of rows of bricks 1 are arranged parallel to each other and pass through the area provided with the impactors 4 analogous thereto.

In principle, an entire production of stones 1 according to Fig. 6 to be edited. Preferably, whole production positions - analogously to the individual bricks 1 - are strung together in a row provided with impact bodies 4.

For aging by means of the solution according to the invention even a small vibration with a low frequency is sufficient, since the stones 1, as has been found in experiments, can be processed quickly and effectively with the impactor 4.

In addition, a processing of the stones 1 in a relatively soft state (ie, after a short drying time) is possible because breaking of the stones 1 is not to be feared. By processing relatively soft concrete blocks, the device according to the invention is only slightly worn. In addition, short processing times are possible. A further advantage is that breaking of the stones 1 is not to be expected since the cement content of the concrete blocks can be reduced.

The device according to the invention or the method according to the invention are suitable for the aging of any kind of bricks and are not limited to concrete blocks 1 or a specific intended use. Optionally, the stones 1 can be inserted several times, differently oriented, into the device according to the invention, so that several edges 1b or surfaces 1a are aged.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the impactors 4 are completely free to move. According to the invention, however, it may also be provided that the impactors 4 are substantially freely movable, ie, for example, the impactors 4 could be interconnected, so that a kind of network of impactors 4 on the surface 1a of the stones 1 can be applied. The connection between the impactors 4 could be designed such that it allows a certain movement of the impact body 4 within the network in relation to the other impactors 4. Thus, a random impact of the impactor 4 is still ensured on the surface 1a within a certain space. Furthermore, it could be provided that the impactors 4 are suspended in each case on flexible wires, ropes, chains or the like, so that the impactors 4 can be lowered onto the surface 1a. It can be provided that the movement of the impactors 4 is limited only slightly by the wires or cables to which they are suspended. It can also be provided that the wires allow a movement of the impactors 4 within a certain radius, so that a random impact on the surface 1a of the stones 1 is still ensured. To remove the striker For example, the storage and removal device 5 can be used. At this the impactor 4 can be attached via the wires or ropes. By lifting the storage and removal device 5 or a winding of the wires, the impactors 4 - similar to cones on the bowling alley - raised and thus removed from the surface 1 a.

In principle, various embodiments are conceivable which allow a substantially freely movable arrangement of the impactors 4, in particular with respect to the surface 1a and the edges 1b of the stones 1.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the solution according to the invention is also suitable for the aging of split or split stones, which generally have an uneven surface or surface provided with elevations and depressions. Aging of these stones is not possible due to the uneven surface with the methods of the prior art. However, the invention freely movable impactor 4 are also suitable for these stones to age the edges and the surface.

Claims (36)

1. Method for artificially aging stones (1), in particular concrete stones, tile clinkers, and natural stones, wherein the stones (1) are located on an underlay (2), after which suspended impact bodies (4), essentially freely movable within a radius, are placed onto the surface (1a) of the stones (1) to be treated, characterised in that the stones (1) and the impact bodies (4) are set in motion in relation to one another by a vibrating movement of the underlay (2) in such a way that the impact bodies (4) are projected from the surface (1a) of the stones (1) and then fall back again, as a result of which the impact bodies (4) impact on the surface (1a) and the adjacent free-lying edges (1b) of the stones (1).
2. Method for artificially aging stones (1), in particular concrete stones, tile clinkers, and natural stones, wherein the stones (1) are located in a single layer on an underlay (2), after which impact bodies (4), essentially freely movable in relation to one another and in relation to the surface (1a) of the stones (1), are placed onto the surface (1a) of the stones (1) to be treated, wherein the stones (1) and the impact bodies (4) are set in motion in relation to one another by a vibrating movement of the underlay (2) in such a way that the impact bodies (4) are projected upwards from the surface (1a) of the stones (1) and then fall back again, as a result of which the impact bodies (4) impact on the surface (1a) and the adjacent free-lying edges (1b) of the stones (1) aging them, characterised in that the impact bodies are formed of metal.
3. Method according to Claim 2,
   characterised in that
   the lateral or horizontal movement of the impact bodies (4) is essentially restricted to the surface (1a) of the stones (1).
4. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that
   the stones (1) located on the underlay (2) are limited in their lateral or horizontal movement.
5. Method according to Claim 4,
   characterised in that
   the stones (1) can adopt a distance between one another which allows an impact of the impact bodies (4) on two adjacent edges (1b) of two stones (1) and/or on one stone (1) and the periphery (3), without the impact bodies (4) being able to penetrate fully into the intermediate space which occurs.
6. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5,
   characterised in that
   the vibration of the underlay (2) is selected in such a way that the impact bodies (4) are moved with a high amplitude.
7. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6,
   characterised in that
   impact bodies (4) are used which are made of hard metal, metal, or steel.
8. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7,
   characterised in that
   the stones are laid on a conveyor belt (10) and run through an area provided with the impact bodies (4).
9. Method according to Claim 8,
   characterised in that
   the underlay (2) is set continuously in vibration, such that the impact bodies (4) set in motion impact on the new stones (1) which are continuously being introduced by the conveyor belt (10).
10. Method according to Claim 8 or 9,
    characterised in that
    the underlay (2) is inclined in such a way that the underlay (2) rises slightly in the run-through direction, and therefore a thrust which the impact bodies (4) receive due to the movement of the stones (1) is counteracted.
11. Method according to Claim 8, 9 or 10,
    characterised in that
    the area in which the impact bodies (4) are arranged is restricted by a partition wall (11) at the beginning and end of this area, wherein the partition wall (11) is arranged in such a way that the stones (1) are conveyed through beneath it, but the distance interval between the partition wall (11) and the surface (1a) of the stones (1) is not so great that, in addition to the stones (1), impact bodies (4) are also conveyed through beneath the partition wall (11).
12. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7,
    characterised in that
    after processing of the surface (1a) and/or of the edges (1b) of the stones (1), the impact bodies (4) are removed from the surface (1a) of the stones (1).
13. Method according to Claims 7 and 12,
    characterised in that
    after processing of the surface (1a) and/or of the edges (1b) of the stones (1), the impact bodies (4) are lifted from the surface (1a) magnetically.
14. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 13,
    characterised in that
    the number of impact bodies (4) is selected in such a way that 70% of the surface (1a) of the stones (1) is covered.
15. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 14,
    characterised in that
    the processing time in which the impact bodies (4) impact on the surface (1a) and/or the edges (1b) of the stones (1) amounts to 5 to 50 seconds, preferably 15 to 30 seconds.
16. Device for artificially aging stones (1), in particular concrete stones, tile clinkers, and natural stones, with an underlay (2) on which the stones (1) can be laid in such a way that the surface (1a) to be treated and the adjacent edges (1b) lie free, and with suspended impact bodies (4), essentially freely movable within a radius, to be imposed onto the surface (1a) to be treated and the adjacent edges (1b), characterised by a vibration device (8) in order to set the underlay (2) in motion, such that, conditioned by the movement of the underlay (2), the stones (1) and impact bodies (4) lying on the underlay (2) are set in motion in relation to one another in such a way that the impact bodies (4) are projected from the surface (1a) of the stones (1) and then fall back again, as a result of which the impact bodies (4) impact on the surface (1a) and the free lying edges (1b) of the stones (1).
17. Device for artificially aging stones (1), in particular concrete stones, tile clinkers, and natural stones, with an underlay (2) on which the stones (1) can be laid in a single layer in such a way that the surface (1a) to be treated and the adjacent edges (1b) lie free, and with impact bodies (4), essentially freely movable in relation to one another and in relation to the surface (1a) of the stones (1), to be imposed onto the surface (1a) to be treated and the adjacent edges (1b), and with a vibration device (8) in order to set the underlay (2) in motion, such that, conditioned by the movement of the underlay (2), the stones (1) and impact bodies (4) lying on the underlay (2) are set in motion in relation to one another in such a way that the impact bodies (4) are projected upwards from the surface (1a) of the stones (1) and then fall back again, as a result of which the impact bodies (4) impact on the surface (1a) and the free lying edges (1b) of the stones (1) aging them, characterised in that the impact bodies are formed of metal.
18. Device according to Claim 17,
    characterised in that
    the impact bodies (4) laid on the surface (1a) of the stones (1) are circumscribed by side limitations (9) which restrict the side or horizontal movement of the impact bodies (4) essentially to the surface (1a) of the stones (1).
19. Device according to any one of Claims 16 to 18,
    characterised in that
    the underlay (2) is provided with a periphery (3), which circumscribes the stones (1) brought onto it in such a way that their side or horizontal movement is restricted.
20. Device according to Claims 18 and 19,
    characterised in that
    the side limitations (9) for the impact bodies (4) are formed by a vertical prolongation of the periphery, projecting over the surface (1a) of the stones (1).
21. Device according to Claim 19 or 20,
    characterised in that
    the periphery (3) is formed in such a way that two adjacent stones (2) or one stone (1) and the adjacent periphery (3) can adopt a maximum distance interval to one another which is smaller than the minimum diameter of the impact bodies (4) introduced onto the surface (1a).
22. Device according to any one of Claims 16 to 21,
    characterised in that
    the vibration device (8) produces a high amplitude.
23. Device according to any one of Claims 16 to 22,
    characterised in that
    the impact bodies (4) are formed of hard metal, metal, or steel.
24. Device according to any one of Claims 16 to 23,
    characterised in that
    the impact bodies (4) are designed in a spherical, ring-shaped, polygonal, or cylindrical shape.
25. Device according to any one of Claims 16 to 24,
    characterised in that
    a deposition and removal device (5) is provided, in order to introduce the essentially freely moving impact bodies (4) onto the surface (1a) of the stones (1) and remove them again.
26. Device according to Claim 25,
    characterised in that
    the deposition and removal device has a magnet (5).
27. Device according to Claim 26,
    characterised in that
    the magnet (5) is arranged above the stones (1) located on the underlay (2).
28. Device according to Claim 25,
    characterised in that
    the deposition and removal device (5) has a scraper element (6), which can be moved over the surface (1a) of the stones (1) to remove the impact bodies (4).
29. Device according to any one of Claims 16 to 28,
    characterised in that
    the underlay (2) is provided with a conveyor belt (10) for the introduction and/or removal of the stones (1).
30. Device according to any one of Claims 16 to 29,
    characterised in that
    the underlay (2) is designed or adapted to accommodate a production location for stones (1).
31. Device according to any one of Claims 16 to 30,
    characterised in that
    the underlay (2) is formed in the shape of a channel.
32. Device according to any one of Claims 29, 30, or 31
    characterised in that
    the stones (1) laid on the conveyor belt (10) run through an area provided with the impact bodies (4).
33. Device according to Claim 32,
    characterised in that
    the underlay (2) is set continuously in vibration by the vibration device (8) such that the impact bodies (4) set in motion impact on the new stones (1) which are continuously being introduced by the conveyor belt (10), as a result of which an interruption to the aging process is not necessary.
34. Device according to Claim 32 or 33,
    characterised in that
    the underlay (2) rises slightly in the run-through direction, and therefore a thrust which the impact bodies (4) receive due to the movement of the stones (1) is counteracted.
35. Device according to Claim 32, 33, or 34
    characterised in that
    the area in which the impact bodies (4) are arranged is restricted by a partition wall (11) at the beginning and end of this area, wherein the partition wall (11) is arranged in such a way that the stones (1) are conveyed through beneath it, but the distance interval between the partition wall (11) and the surface (1a) of the stones (1) is not so great that, in addition to the stones (1), impact bodies (4) are also conveyed through beneath the partition wall (11).
36. Device according to any one of Claims 16 to 35,
    characterised in that
    the number of the impact bodies (4) is selected in such a way that 70% of the surface of the stones (1) is covered.

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