EP2276638A1

EP2276638A1 - A machine for applying adhesive films on mosaic tiles

Info

Publication number: EP2276638A1
Application number: EP08789949A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gianluca Pizzo
Original assignee: Victrix Group Srl
Current assignee: Victrix Group Srl
Priority date: 2008-05-09
Filing date: 2008-05-09
Publication date: 2011-01-26
Also published as: WO2009136420A1

Abstract

A machine for applying support and protection elements (P; P1; P2) detachable from a continuous support strip (S; S1; S2) slidable along a feeding path (F1) on panels of tiles (T) for mosaics slidable along a path of advance (F2), comprising in combination at least one transfer device (11) to hold said support and protection elements (P; P1; P2) and release them on said panels of tiles (T) and a stripping elements (13) to strip said support and protection elements (P; P1; P2) from said support strip (S; S1; S2) and lay them on said at least one transfer device (11).

Description

A MACHINE FOR APPLYING ADHESIVE FILMS ON MOSAIC TILES

DESCRIPTION Technical Field The present invention relates to a machine and a related method for constructing artifacts of the mosaic type to tile walls and floors, specifically in civil or industrial buildings, commercial loft buildings, exhibition spaces, swimming pools or other similar environments.

State of the Art Since time immemorial, known mosaic artifacts have been manufactured with tiles of even very small sizes, i.e. with sides in the order of a few tens of millimeters, to cover walls or floors for decorative purposes.

These tiles present a decorated side, which may be for example colored, polished, enameled, which generally forms an ornamental pattern applied visibly on the wall or floor.

The patent IT-B-01244110 describes a method for the production of panels of tiles for mosaics in which the visible face of the tiles is oriented upwards and the panel is laid onto a support made of a sheet or net of paper or other material after spreading glue on the lower face of the panel and/or the upper face of the support; subsequently, a flow of hot air is provided to heat the lower surface of the panel, drying the glue.

The purpose of said method is to automate the application of a sheet of paper or net to a panel of tiles on the hidden face of the tiles.

Patent EP-B-1179439 discloses a machine for producing panels of tiles for mosaics in which at least one support and protection film is applied on a visible face of the tiles positioned within a frame, which comprises feeding devices and application devices for applying the film in co-operation with the advancement movement of the frame, wherein the application devices comprise cutting means for cutting a part of the film and a rotating drum with suction holes on its outer surfaces to hold at least temporarily the part of the film cut and release it on the mosaic tiles of the panel.

A disadvantage of this type of a machine is given by the fact that it is not possible to control the advance of the film accurately, so that the finished product can present imperfections and irregularities, such as folds or bubbles of the film, compromising the adherence of the tiles to the film itself and the quality of the finished product.

Another disadvantage is that the working rate is low, because it depends mainly on the velocity of rotation of the drum, which cannot be high in order not to compromise the laying of the film on the panel.

In the final analysis, with this type of machine the production costs and the times needed for the work processes and maintenance are high.

To date, in spite of technological developments, it is problematic and there is a need to build simple, low cost machines to produce panels of tiles for mosaics in still faster and economic fashion, whilst providing at the same time an improved, high quality finished product. Objects and Summary of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a machine for applying support and protection elements for panels of pre-sorted tiles for mosaics that is faster in its construction and utilization than current ones, overcoming at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks; another object is also to provide a related method for the application of the aforesaid support and protection elements in more effective and efficient manner with respect to prior art methods. The invention relates to a machine for applying support and protection elements, detachable from a continuous support strip that is slidable along a feeding path on panels of tiles for mosaics slidable along a path of advance, comprising in combination: at least a transfer device to hold the support and protection elements and release them on the panels of tiles, the transfer device being movable from a laying area to a release area, and vice versa; a stripping element to gradually strip the support and protection elements from the support strip and gradually lay them on the transfer device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine comprises a load-bearing support structure positioned under the feeding path of the film and above the path of advance of the panel whereon is associated at least one transfer device.

Advantageously, on the load-bearing structure is associated a plurality of transfer devices positioned opposite to one another, so that one of them is in the laying area when the other one is in the release area.

In this way it is possible to lay a support and protection element on one of said transfer devices and simultaneously to release another support and protection element from another transfer device on a panel of tiles. The operation of the machine is therefore extremely fast.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transfer device or devices are constructed with surfaces with pneumatic suction and/or mechanical gripping to hold the support and protection elements on a planar surface thereof and release them in open or extended configuration on the panel of tiles. The machine preferably comprises a translation system to translate the transfer devices (relative to the load-bearing structure whereon they are associated) in such a way as to approach them to the panel to lay thereon in more precise and efficient fashion the support and protection elements in extended or open configuration. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the aforesaid load-bearing structure is rotatable around a rotation axis that is approximately horizontal and it can be constructed with a polygonal frame presenting a geometric axis coinciding with the rotation axis; clearly, the load-bearing structure may be of any other type, depending on particular needs of construction or use. The stripping element is advantageously and preferably a stripping blade whereon slides the support strip and able to oscillate or swivel to compensate any tensions and reduce the friction generated on the strip when sliding during the processing phase, compensating the offsets in the advance. Said blade is preferably positioned inclined towards the transfer device whereon are to be gradually laid the support and protection elements and it presents a shaped final end for their stripping.

Advantageously, the stripping element moves or translates along a stripping path relative to the transfer device to gradually lay at least one of the support and protection elements thereon during the stripping operation. The support and protection elements usable with a machine according to the invention consist of elements roughly reproducing the geometric shape of the panel of tiles whereon they are to be applied and they are associated in detachable manner and in succession on the support strip along its direction of deployment; said support and protection elements can be obtained for example by die cutting the strip itself or in another way.

These support and protection elements can thus present a regular geometric shape, e.g. square or rectangular, or any other shape, e.g. reproducing a letter of the alphabet or a drawing with complex edges or still other shapes, according to the geometric shape of the panel of tiles whereon they are to be applied.

Although it is possible to hypothesize the use of various materials to construct the support and protection elements and the related support strip, e.g. paper or fabric, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention these elements are made of a plastic material and preferably of a transparent, semi-transparent or translucent plastic material; the strip is advantageously and preferably made of flexible and transparent or opaque plastic material, , such as of silicone-coated paper or Kraft paper; the elements and the support strip may be constructed each with more than one layer also of different materials.

The support and protection elements present an adhesive on their face in contact with the strip, which adhesive may an acrylic based or rubber based adhesive or another suitable adhesive to glue in detachable manner the element both on the strip and on the visible surface of the tiles of the panel. According to another aspects, the invention relates to a method for applying support and protection elements, detachable from a continuous support strip slidable along a feed path, on panels of tiles for mosaics slidable along a path of advance, which comprises at least one step for gradually stripping the support and protection elements from the strip and gradually laying them on a transfer device; holding the support and protection elements on the transfer device; releasing the support and protection elements on the panels of tiles, moving the transfer device from a laying area to a release area and vice versa.

An advantage of the present invention is that of allowing the rapid application of support and protection elements on a panel of tiles for mosaics, specifically for panels having any shape. In particular, it is possible to apply support and protection elements rapidly and in a simplified manner with respective to currently necessary operations, assuring more flexibility and rapidity in the management of the various formats (height, width, shape) of the panels.

Another advantage is that this application is extremely efficient and simplified both during the step of laying the support and protection element on the flat surface of the transfer device (by means of the stripping element) and during the step of laying on the same panel (by means of the transfer device). It is therefore possible to compensate at least in part the offsets in the advance of the strip and to correct any small imperfection, enormously reducing the possibility of formation of bubbles or folds in the stripping on the panel of tiles.

The step of laying the support and protection element on the panel of tiles is also extremely precise and efficient, so the positioning of the tiles is not compromised, even for panels with very small dimensions, such as those for mosaics, further improving the quality of the finished product.

Yet another advantage is that this system is extremely versatile, being able to apply support and protection elements of different types, formats and dimensions, according to the shape of the panel and to the work to be performed, without reducing the effectiveness and speed of the production.

In the final analysis the system according to the invention has high productivity, efficiency and versatility and at the same time it enables to obtain a finished product of high quality. Additional advantageous characteristics and embodiments of the method and of the device according to the present invention are indicated in the accompanying dependent claims and they shall be further described hereafter with reference to some non limiting examples of embodiment.

Brief description of the drawings The present invention can be better understood and its numerous purposes and advantages shall be readily apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which show a practically non limiting example of the invention. In the drawing: figure 1 shows a schematic vertical view of a machine according to an embodiment of the invention; figure 2 shows an enlarged, partially sectioned view of the detail H-Il of figure 1 ; figures 3A-3C show an enlarged detail of the machine of figure 1 in different positions during use; figure 4 shows a detail of the machine of figure 1 in another configuration of use; figures 5A and 5B show part of two continuous support strips whereon are obtained protection and support elements for the panels of tiles. Detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention

In the drawings, in which to equal numbers correspond equal parts in all the different figures, a machine for support and protection elements P, hereinafter generically indicated with the term "films" and reversibly glued to a continuous support strip S, to be applied on panels of tiles T for mosaics is indicated with the reference number 1 , see figure 1 , and it comprises a feeding path (arrow F1) for the strip S that unwinds from a feeding reel 3 to a recovery reel 5 and a path of advance (see arrow F2) for the panels T followed by a conveyor strip 7.

Between the feeding path F1 of the strip S and the path of advance F2 of the panels T is advantageously provided a load-bearing structure 9 obtained, in the embodiment described herein, with a hexagonal support polygon rotating by means of a motorization M4 around a rotation axis X1 that is also the geometric center of the polygon. On each side of the support polygon 9 is associated a respective transfer device 11 constructed, in this case, with a pneumatic gripping panel, see also the description in reference to figure 2.

It is clear that this hexagonal support polygon 9 is shown schematically herein by way of example, since it can be embodied by any other type suitable for the purpose, e.g. it can be a polygon with a different number of sides or it can be embodied with a system of guides or in yet other manners, see description above.

The gripping panel 11 that is positioned farthest down on the load-bearing structure 9 is movable radially relative to the same structure 9 along sliding guides 11G by means of a translation system 12 in order to approach the panel of tiles T to lay the film P thereon. In the embodiment shown therein, this translation system 12 is shown schematically with a piston associated to the axis X1 presenting a stroke oriented towards the path of advance F2 (see also description of figure 4); clearly, this translation system 12 could be of any other type suitable for the purpose. Moreover, the gripping panel 11 is advantageously pneumatic, comprising a pneumatic system 14 able to hold at least one of the films P on a flat surface thereof.

In particular, this pneumatic system 14 comprises, in the embodiment described in figure 1 , a main feeding conduit 14A that passes within the axis X1 and that divides into a plurality of flexible conduits 14B to feed each panel 11 fluidly, on each of these conduits 14B are provided respective valves 14C controlled electronically for their opening and closing. A pump 14D of the pneumatic system 14 sucks air by creating a vacuum within each panel 11 sufficient to hold the film P, see also the description below in reference to figure

2.

It is clear that the aforesaid pneumatic system 14 is described by way of indication, for it can be of any other type suitable for the purpose, e.g. it can comprise a compressor with a Venturi tube 14D instead of the pump 14H or it can comprise a different configuration of the feeding conduits. Moreover, the film P can be held on each transfer panel 11 with a gripping system that is at least partly different, e.g. mechanical pincers can be used alternatively to, or in combination with, the pneumatic system 14.

Advantageously, a compensation system 17 is also provided for the tension of the strip S upstream of the load-bearing structure 9 along the feeding path F1 to maintain the strip S sufficiently tensioned, whilst preventing it from tearing, during all the steps of the work process.

This compensation system 17 is preferably obtained with two transmission rollers 17R mounted idle on a small frame 17B whereon the strip S is deviated alternatively by respective transmission rollers 15A mounted idle on the structure T1 of the machine 1 ; the small frame 17B is therefore suspended and it subjects the strip S to a continuous traction thanks to its own weight, exploiting gravity.

To adjust and optimize the tensioning of the strip S it is therefore sufficient to establish an adequate weight for the compensation system 17 (small frame 17B and rollers 17R).

Clearly, this compensation system 17 can comprise a different number of transmission rollers 17R depending on particular construction or utilization needs; moreover this element 17R can be of a different type or in a different position along the path F1 according to particular applications.

Upstream of the transmission rollers 15A there is a junction plane 3P with an additional transmission roller 3R for the strip S in proximity to the feeding reel 3, which in turn is associated to a base 1A of the machine 1 and connected to a motor M1 through a strip element 3B.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a movable stripping element 13, see figure 1 , is obtained with a sliding blade, inclined towards the load-bearing structure 9 and placed in such a position as to be able gradually to strip and lay one of the films P from the strip S on the panel 11 that is in the highest position in the structure 9, see description below. Downstream of the stripping element 13 are provided a series of additional transmission rollers 15B and a rewinding system M2 represented schematically with a series of rollers (some of them are motorized) to feed the strip S to the recovery reel 5.

Figure 2 shows an advantageous embodiment for the pneumatic gripping panels 11 , each of which can include an upper closing plate 11A fastened on a container 11 B to form an inner cavity 11 C and a flat surface 11 D provided with a plurality of holes 11 E of small diameter (e.g. about 1 millimeter). A closing gasket 11 F is provided between the upper closing plate 11A and the container

11 B to seal the cavity 11C whilst a bearing gasket 11 G, made of "mousse" rubber or the like, is advantageously provided on the flat surface 11 D to facilitate the adhesion and the subsequent detachment of the support element

P.

Figure 2 shows, moreover, one of the flexible conduits 14B of the pneumatic circuit 14 that connects the pump 14D to the cavity 11C through a suctionhole 14H, in such a way as to create a vacuum in the same cavity 11C able to hold the film P against the bearing gasket 11 G.

In this figure, moreover, a guiding bar 111) is shown, which guides the translation movement of the panel 11 towards the panel of tiles T; on the bar 11 U can be associated a helical spring 11 M that recalls the panel 11 against the force of the translation system 12, see description in reference to figure 4.

Furthermore, a pressure sensor can be provided - not shown in the figure for the sake of simplicity - in the cavity 11C to measure a value of vacuum that can be set by the operator, able to indicate that the transfer plane 11 has gripped the film P. Figures 3A to 3C show the stripping blade 13 in different positions during use.

In particular, these figures show how the stripping blade can slide along a stripping path (Arrow F3) parallel to the flat surface 11 D of the transfer panel 11 which is in the highest position with respect to the others on the load-bearing structure 9; clearly, the blade 13 may be provided in a different position relative to the load-bearing structure 9, depending on particular construction needs.

In an advantageous embodiment, the blade 13 is hinged on movable lateral plates 13A (only one of which is shown in figures 3A-3C) in such a way as to oscillate or swivel slightly around an axis of oscillation X2; the movable plates 13S of the blade 13 translate on guides 13G along the stripping path F3 from a stripping-start position L1 (figure 3A) passing to a stripping-end position l_2 (figure 3B) to a resting position L3 (figure 3C) preferably defined by an extra travel beyond the stripping-end position (L2), and vice versa. An actuation device M3 is also provided (see figure 1) to translate the blade 13 along the stripping path F3, which can formed by an electronically controlled motor, e.g. a stepped or brushless, or a pneumatic motor or by a spring device or in yet other manners.

A sensing system 22, e.g. a feeler pin, can be provided upstream of the blade 13 along the feeding path F1 of the strip S to sense the position of the initial edge of each label P on the same strip S simply and automatically, as shall be explained in greater detail below.

Figure 4 shows in particular the piston translation system 12 activated in such a way as to translate the panel 11 that is in the lowest position of the load- bearing structure 9, i.e. in proximity to the path of advance F2, to lay the film P on one of the panels of tiles T.

In the embodiment shown in these figures, the load-bearing structure 9 is formed by a hexagonal frame on the sides of which are associated six transfer panels 11 arranged opposite to one another. In this way it is possible to provide a step of gradually laying the film P on a transfer panel 11 in an upper laying area and at the same time a step of releasing another film P from another transfer panel 11 on a panel of tiles T in a lower release area; the other panels 11 are placed in intermediate waiting positions: two of which (to the left in figure 4) with the film P associated on their respective flat surface 11 D and the other two (to the right in figure 4) without film P.

Clearly a different load-bearing structure 9 suitable for the same purpose can be provided, as mentioned above, e.g. it can be obtained with a square or triangular frame or it can be obtained with a system of guides or with a conveyor belt for the panels 11 or with a different system able to translate and rotate said panels 11.

Figures 5A and 5B show two support strips S1 and respectively S2 whereon are (detachably) applied support and protection elements or labels P1 and respectively P2 having different shape. In particular, in figure 5A the labels P1 have rectangular shape and are obtained on the strip S1 attached to each other, whilst in Figure 5B the labels P2 have a contoured shape and are positioned distanced from each other on the strip S2.

The operation of the machine 1 advantageously provides making the support strip S advance from the feeding reel 3 along the feeding path F1 until one of the films P is at the transfer panel 11 positioned higher on the load- bearing structure 9, i.e. until an edge of said film P is in the stripping-start position L1 ; the stripping blade 13 is also in the position L1 (figure 3A).

In this step the driving speed of the motorization M1 and of the rewinding system M2 must be at least partly synchronized with each other; it should be noted that the adjustment system 17 can translate vertically, maintaining the strip S tensioned and also compensating any small differences in the driving speed of the two motorizations, preventing or enormously reducing the formation of folds or creases.

The positioning of the film P above the panel 11 can be obtained automatically through the feeler pin 22 that indicates the passage of the edge of a film P so that, considering the distance between the initial point L1 and the feeler pin 22 and the sliding speed of the strip S, it is possible to stop each film

P in a desired position. Clearly, this system for positioning the film P at a panel

11 is indicative, since it can be obtained in different manners and with different components according to particular needs.

Subsequently, the blade 13 slides from the stripping-start position L1 to the resting position L3 (figures 3B and 3C) in such a way as to remove or strip the film P from the strip S and at the same time lay it gradually on the flat surface 11 D of the underlying panel 11. The resting position L3 (figure 3C) is distanced relative to the load-bearing structure 9 to enable its rotation, preventing a panel 11 from impacting against the blade 13.

During the stripping operation, the strip S turns around the end 13E sliding above the blade 13 to be rewound in the recovery reel 5. In this step, therefore, the rewinding system M2 (downstream of the blade

13) drives the strip S towards the recovery reel 5 whilst the motor M1 (upstream of the blade 13) is inactive and the feeding reel 3 is halted. In this step, too, the compensation system 17 can translate vertically against its own weight in such a way as to maintain the strip S sufficiently tensioned. Moreover, during stripping the panel 11 whereon the film P is laid can be activated in such a way as to facilitate its laying; therefore, the valve 14C can be opened to generate vacuum in the inner compartment 11C of the panel 11 and to suck air from the holes 11 E in such a way as to attract the film P that is in proximity to the surface 11 D (both the part of film P just stripped and the part of film P still glued on the strip S).

At the end of the stripping operation, the film P is securely extended on the surface 11D of the panel and the load-bearing structure 9 can rotate (arrow F4 of figure 4) by means of the motor M4 (figure 1) in such a way as to place a new panel 11 parallel and underneath the stripping path F3 and at the same time to place a panel 11 whereon the film P is held parallel and above the path of advance F2. The latter panel 11 is translated radially relative to the load- bearing structure 9 by means of the piston translation system 12 to apply the label P extended on an underlying panel of tiles T; the valve 14C is therefore closed to interrupt the air suction from the lower transfer panel 11. In this step, pressurized air may also be blown in the same transfer panel

11 , to facilitate both the detachment and the gluing of the label P on the underlying panel of tiles T through a pressurized air supply system, not shown for the sake of simplicity in the figures.

The conveyor belt 7 stops when a panel of tiles T is at the lower transfer panel 11 ; the position of the panel T can be sensed and controlled by a sensor 24.

During the rotation of the load-bearing structure 9, the blade 13 can translate again from the resting position L3 towards the stripping-start position L1 ; in this step, too, the motorization M1 can be inactive and the feeding reel 3 halted whilst the recovery reel 5 can be free to rotate to provide the length of stripped strip N needed to return the blade 13 to the point L1.

Subsequently, the operation of the machine resumes as explained above. Downstream of this machine there may be a series of pressure rollers to press the film on the panel of tiles T and also a printer able to print a progressive identification number on each panel T.

In another embodiment, the rewinding system M2, and optionally also the recovery reel 5, may be kept integral relative to the stripping blade 13 in order to simplify the operation of the machine 1. In particular it is possible to provide lateral plates, similar to the plates 13S slidable on the guides 13G, able to support both the blade 13 and the rewinding system M2 and the recovery reel 5.

In this way it is possible to translate the blade 13 from the position L1 to the position L2 synchronizing the rewinding system M2 with the actuation device

M3 whilst the compensation system 17 is substantially motionless in an intermediate position. Subsequently, the rewinding system M2 can be deactivated whilst the blade 13 translates from the position L2 to the position

L3, enabling at the same time the compensation system 17 to translate downwards by gravity. Hence, the rewinding system M2 can be maintained inactive when the blade 13 translates to return from the position L3 to the position L1 , and the compensation system 17 translates upwards against gravity.

To make the labels P or the strip S advance along the feeding path F1, an operation similar to the previous one may be provided, in which the motorization M1 and the rewinding system M2 are activated whilst the blade 13 is halted in the position L1.

It is understood that what is illustrated herein represents only some non limiting embodiments of the invention, which can vary in the forms and arrangements without departing from the scope of the concept underlying the invention. The presence of any reference number in the appended claims has the sole purpose of facilitating reading thereof in light of the above description and of the accompanying drawings and does in no way limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1) A machine for applying support and protection elements (P; P1; P2), detachable from a continuous support strip (S; S1 ; S2) that is slidable along a feeding path (F1) on panels of tiles (T) for mosaics slidable along a path of advance (F2), comprising in combination: at least one transfer device (11) to hold said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) and release them on said panels of tiles (T); - a stripping element (13) to strip said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) from said support strip (S; S1 ; S2) and lay them on said at least one transfer device (11).

2) The machine as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that at least one transfer device (11) is positioned between said feeding path (F1) and said path of advance (F2).

3) The machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a movable load-bearing structure (9) whereon is associated said at least one transfer device (11).

4) The machine as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said load- bearing structure (9) comprises a plurality of transfer devices (11).

5) The machine as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said at least one transfer device (11) includes a plane presenting a surface whereon each of said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) are laid to transfer them in open or extended configuration on one of said panels of tiles (T).

6) The machine as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said at least one transfer device (11) is at least in part pneumatic, e.g. comprising a pneumatic aspiration system (14) to grip and hold each of said support and protection elements (P; P1; P2).

7) The machine as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said at least one transfer device (11) is at least in part mechanical, e.g. comprising pincers to grip and hold said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) or the like.

8) The machine as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a translation system (12) to translate said at least one transfer device (11) in such a way as to approach it to said path of advance (F2) to lay said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) on said panels of tiles (T).

9) The machine as claimed in at least claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said load-bearing structure (9) includes a polygonal frame rotatable or rotating around an axis of rotation (X1) coinciding with its geometric axis.

10) The machine as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that said stripping element (13) is a blade whereon slides said support strip (S; S1 ; S2) and presenting a final end (13E) contoured to strip said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) from said support strip (S; S1 ; S2). ll)The machine as claimed in at least claim 10, characterized in that said flat blade (13) is inclined towards said at least one transfer device (11) to gradually lay said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2); said blade (13) may be swiveling or oscillating.

12) The machine as claimed in at least one of claims 1 , 10 or 11, characterized in that said stripping element (13) translates along a stripping path (F3) to gradually lay said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) on said transfer devices (11).

13)The machine as claimed at least in claim 12, characterized in that said stripping path (F3) comprises a stripping-start position (L1), a stripping-end position (L2) and a resting position (L3) for said stripping element (13); said rest position (L3) being preferably defined by an extra travel beyond the stripping- end position (L2).

14) The machine as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a system (17) for adjusting the tension of said support strip (S; S1 ; S2) able to maintain it sufficiently tensioned without tearing it during the work process.

15) The machine as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensing system (22) for controlling the position of said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) in such a way as to halt the advance of said support strip (S; S1 ; S2) as soon as the leading edge of one of said elements (P; P1 ; P2) is in the stripping-start position (L1).

16) A method for applying support and protection elements (P; P1; P2), detachable from a continuous support strip (S; S1 ; S2) that is slidable along a feeding path (F1) on panels of tiles (T) for mosaics slidable along a path of advance (F2), comprising at least the following steps: gradually stripping said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) from said strip and at the same time gradually laying them on a transfer device (11); - holding said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) on said transfer device (11); releasing said support and protection elements (P; P1 ; P2) on said panels of tiles (T), moving said transfer device (11) from an area of laying to a release area and vice versa.