EP3237218A1

EP3237218A1 - Digital decorating machine

Info

Publication number: EP3237218A1
Application number: EP14821188.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nigel Francis GEARING-THOMAS
Original assignee: Jolyan Holding SA
Current assignee: IRC INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COMPANY GMBH
Priority date: 2014-12-23
Filing date: 2014-12-23
Publication date: 2017-11-01
Also published as: WO2016101999A1

Abstract

A digital decorating machine (1) comprises a base (10), a conveyor (12) for transporting the products (2) to be decorated along a feed direction (A), at least one decoration module (30, 30'), associated with the base (10) and positioned above the conveyor (12), the module (30, 30') is provided with respective printing heads provided with nozzles for ejecting a fluid to be delivered on the surface of the products (2) to be decorated, and a box-like element (32) inside which means for supplying fluid to the heads are provided; the machine (1) is provided with one overpressure and air conditioning generator (70), that creates a pressurized and air- conditioned environment in the inner volume of the box- like element (32) of the module (30, 30').

Description

"DIGITAL DECORATING MACHINE"

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a digital decorating machine.

More in particular, the present invention relates to a digital decorating machine for products such as ceramic tiles, ceramic materials in general, as well as wood, fabric, and other similar materials.

In the following discussion specific reference will be made to ceramic tiles, but it must be considered that the present invention can be equally applied for the digital decoration of wood or fabric and other similar materials.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

In the field of the production of ceramic tiles and the like decoration lines are normally employed that apply inks and/or enamels to the surface of the ceramic support, to create both a certain aesthetic and decorative effect and a functional result of protection and coverage of the support itself.

Currently, digital decorating machines are increasingly used in the field, which apply ink and/or enamel on the ceramic support by means of heads that deliver a jet actuated by piezoelectric controlled nozzles or nozzles of other type whose actuation and adjustment are driven for the purposes of the decorative process in a digital manner.

The use of digital decorating machines is now widely preferred mainly because they allow obtaining a very high graphic resolution in the application of the decorative and/or protective product on the ceramic support, and on other supports as well.

Indeed, the current technologies allow simulating, with truly surprising results, natural materials such as wood, marble, granite, or the like.

The digital decorating machines of the aforementioned type provide for a printing area of the ceramic supports comprising a plurality of adjacent modules; each of the above modules is provided with respective heads for delivering ink or enamel on the surface of the supports themselves. Each printing module is equipped with means for supplying a single type of ink or enamel to said delivery heads; for example, each module is typically suitable for delivering one ink of a certain color.

The digital decorating machines currently present on the market are not free from drawbacks.

In fact, such machines are normally installed inside respective insulating pressurized and air-conditioned cabins that fully enclose the latter.

The purpose of the aforesaid cabins is mainly that of preserving and keeping stable the temperature of the heads, of the ink inside the respective tanks and the respective supply means, as well as the proper functionality of the local control units of the printing modules.

Moreover the purpose of such cabins, by keeping therein pressure levels above ambient pressure, is that of preventing any impurities coming from the surrounding working environment from penetrating inside them and being transported to the printing area, or even inside the modules themselves; in fact the correct operation of the heads of the printing modules requires constant and accurate cleaning conditions.

The use of such cabins is clearly disadvantageous in many respects.

In the first place, the aforesaid cabins have a significant footprint that requires arranging sufficient spaces for their installation in the decoration lines, with high costs for the user.

Moreover, given the considerable size of the cabin, the costs for generating a pressurized and air-conditioned environment with the desired characteristics can be high especially if the decoration line comprises a certain number of machines. In addition, since the operators must frequently approach the machines to carry out production checks and/or maintenance, the aforesaid cabins are often opened, with consequent sudden pressure drops and subsequent additional energy consumption to restore the desired pressure.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The technical task of the present invention is therefore to improve the state of the art.

Within such technical task, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital decorating machine that allows overcoming the previously lamented drawbacks. Another object of the present invention is to obtain a digital decorating machine that allows eliminating the need to install the machine itself inside a suitably pressurized and air-conditioned insulating cabin.

This task and these objects are attained by the digital decorating machine according to the enclosed claim 1.

The digital decorating machine according to the invention comprising a base, at least one conveyor, adapted to transport the products to be decorated along a feed direction, at least one decoration module, associated with the base and positioned above said conveyor.

The module comprises respective heads provided with nozzles for ejecting a fluid to be delivered on the surface of the products to be decorated, and a box-like element inside which means for supplying the fluid to the heads are provided.

The decoration module comprises respective means for generating overpressure, to obtain a pressurized and air-conditioned environment in the inner volume of the respective box-like element.

The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics of the invention will be better understood by any man skilled in the art from the following description and the enclosed set of drawings, given as a non- limiting example, in which:

figure 1 is a front perspective view of a digital decorating machine according to the invention;

figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of a module of the decorating machine, with some parts removed for greater clarity;

figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the module of figure 2, in a different operative configuration and with some parts removed for greater clarity; figure 4 is a detailed rear perspective view of the machine with some parts removed for greater clarity;

figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of a module of the machine in a different operating configuration.

5 EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the enclosed figure 1, a digital decorating machine according to the present invention is indicated as a whole with 1.

The machine according to the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, intended for the application of decorative and/or protective fluids, such as inks, l o enamels and the like on products such as ceramic tiles and the like.

However, as already mentioned above, the machine according to the invention is absolutely for general use and could also be employed for other types of ceramic and non-ceramic products, without any limitation.

Furthermore, it is specified that the decorating machine 1 according to the present 15 invention is suitable for the application of fluids such as inks, enamels and the like on ceramic products in any state, that is for example green or fired.

In the following description, therefore, it is assumed that the products 2 to be decorated consist of ceramic tiles, of any form or shape, but one must take into account that the present invention can be equally applied for the digital decoration 20 of parts made of wood, fabric and other similar materials.

The machine 1 according to the invention can be installed in the context of a complete decoration line for ceramic tiles, which is assumed to comprise for example other machines of the same type, or possibly also of other type.

The machine 1 comprises a base 10, which comprises, for example, a plurality of 25 uprights 11 , or legs, for supporting the machine 1.

The base 10 comprises a conveyor for the products 2 to be decorated, indicated as a whole with 12.

The conveyor 12 is adapted to transport the products 2 to be decorated along a feed direction A.

30 In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor 12 comprises a belt 14. The belt 14 is developed along the feed direction A of the products 2.

The belt 14 is mounted on two rollers 16, 18, one of which is normally motorized and one of which is idle.

The rollers 16, 18 are rotatably supported by the base 10 of the machine 1 at two respective parallel rotation axes.

In the enclosed figures the rotatable support means of the rotation axes 16, 18 of the belt 14 are not illustrated for the sake of simplicity.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the base 10 of the machine 1 comprises support elements 20, 22.

The support elements 20, 22 are preferably two in number.

The support elements 20, 22 are developed parallel to the feed direction A and the sides of the conveyor 12.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support elements 20, 22 comprise, or consist of, longitudinal elements, oriented parallel to the feed direction A, and fixed for example to the top of the uprights 11.

The specific function of the support elements 20, 22 will be clearer in the following.

The machine 1 comprises at least one digital decoration module 30 for the products 2.

It is noted that in the context of the present description, as well as in the enclosed claims, with the term "decoration", referred in particular to the aforesaid at least one module 30, it is intended to indicate, in general, both the application, on the surface of the products 2, of decorative fluids in the strict sense, such as colored inks and the like, and the application of other products such as protective enamels, and still others, without any limitation to the objects of the present invention.

In other embodiments of the invention, of particular practical interest, the machine 1 may comprise a plurality of modules 30, 30' adjacent to each other along the feed direction A of the products 2.

For example, in figure 1, the possibility of installing two adjacent modules 30, 30' along the feed direction A is shown. It is however specified that the number of the modules 30, 30' provided in the machine could be any number, without any limitation.

The modules 30, 30' each comprise respective heads 31 provided with nozzles for ejecting a fluid - an ink, an enamel, etc. - to be delivered on the surface of the 5 products 2 to be decorated.

The heads 31 can be of any type and will not be further described in detail.

Each of the modules 30, 30' comprises means 40 for supplying the fluid to said heads 31.

The supply means 40 of each of the modules 30, 30' are placed in communication l o with a respective tank 50 containing the fluid to be delivered.

A tank 50 is schematically illustrated in figure 4.

The tank 50 of the module 30, or of the modules 30, 30' if present in a greater number, can be situated in any area of the machine 1.

For example, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment from the bulk 15 standpoint, the tank 50 can be housed inside a space 52 suitably provided for in the base 10, under the belt 14.

The transfer of the fluid from the tank 50 to the supply means 40 occurs, for example, through a conduit 54.

Along the conduit 54, quick connection/disconnection means can be provided, 20 possibly also for mutually and quickly exchanging the connections between the different modules 30, 30' and the respective fluid tanks 50, if present in a number greater than one.

The means for supplying 40 the fluid to the heads 31, which do not constitute an object of the present invention, are of a type suitable, in the context of the same

25 module 30, 30', for generating an autonomous fluid circulation during the operation of the machine 1 : such autonomous circulation allows keeping the fluid under optimal conditions also during times of inactivity of the heads 31.

For example, for this purpose the supply means 40 of each module 30, 30' can comprise multiple tanks inserted in series in a circuit through which the fluid is

30 made to circulate. Each module 30, 30' also comprises a respective local control unit 60 of the operation of the heads 31, adapted to specifically manage the modes of fluid supply by the same.

The local control unit 60 can consist of, for example, an electronic board, or similar control elements.

Each of the modules 30, 30' comprises a respective containment box-like element 32.

The supply means 40 and the local control unit 60 as well as all the components necessary for the operation of the module itself are completely housed inside the box- like element 32.

The module 30, or each module 30, 30', comprises and houses therein a frame 34. The printing heads 31, the supply means 40 and the local control unit 60 are associated with the frame 34.

The frame 34 is slidably associated with the box-like element 32 according to a substantially horizontal direction.

More in detail, as illustrated schematically in figure 5, the frame 34 is slidably associated with the box-like element 32 by interposition of at least one guide 26, of any type.

For simplicity, only two guides 26 are illustrated in figure 5; obviously any number of guides 26 can be provided for, to ensure the correct and effective sliding of the frame 34 with respect to the box-like element 32.

The frame 34 can thus be completely translated outside of the box- like element 32, and possibly also completely extracted and removed, for the sake of maintenance, replacement, or others.

An easy lateral access to the frame 34 by operators is therefore ensured, the operators thus being able to carry out any maintenance intervention or the like. For this purpose, the box-like element 32 frontally defines an opening 35 closed by a respective door 36.

The door 36 can be for example of concealed type, that is recessed inside the box- like element 32 to allow access to the opening 35 and at the same time to limit bulk.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention the module 30, or each module 30, 30', comprises a relative protection element 24 of the heads 31.

More in detail, the protection element 24 - as schematically illustrated in figure 2 - has the function of shielding the lower delivery surface of the heads 31 from agents that could compromise its proper functionality, such as for example, as mentioned above, heat, suspended fluid particles or still others.

The protection element 24 is for example shaped as a tray, and can be removably associated with the lower portion of the frame 34 so as to completely cover the lower surface of the heads 31.

In the figures 3 and 4 the protection element 24 is shown removed from the lower portion of the frame 34.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the at least one module 30,30' of the machine 1 is associated with the support elements 20, 22 in a removable manner.

Due to this solution, each module 30,30' is virtually an independent operative unit, complete with all the necessary components.

Therefore, if needed it is possible to completely remove a certain module 30, 30' from the support elements 20, 22, for example in order to mount them on another machine.

In consideration of the fact that each module 30, 30' normally operates with a single fluid- for example an ink of a certain color- it is clear that this solution allows each machine 1 present in the decoration line to be equipped with the modules 30,30' of the desired colors, in an absolutely free and highly versatile manner.

In other words, if multiple digital decorating machines 1 according to the invention are present along the decoration line, the user can rapidly and easily exchange with each other the modules 30, 30' that, in the context of a certain decoration work, are associated with certain machines 1, to obtain different color combinations suitable for carrying out a different decoration work. The same operation can obviously be performed between machines 1 belonging to distinct decoration lines.

The machines 1 thus become completely universal and completely interchangeable, as well as being able to be prepared in a different way from time to time in relation 5 to the specific work to be performed.

For this purpose, the machine 1 comprises removable coupling means provided between the ends 33a, 33b of the base of the box-like element 32 of each module 30, 30' and suitable coupling areas 29 of the support elements 20,22.

In one embodiment of the invention of particular practical interest, such removable l o coupling means may be of self-centering type.

The base 33 of the box-like element 32 therefore has a substantially bridge-like conformation, which allows positioning the heads 31 at the correct height with respect to the surface of the products 2 passing freely below the same, and at the same time allows the box- like element 32 itself to be coupled to the base 10 of the

15 machine 1 in a practical and precise manner, without it being necessary to use other support structures or frames of the module 30,30' above the conveyor 12.

Moreover, the removal of the module 30, 30', for example for replacement or installation on another machine, is particularly quick and easy.

According to another aspect of the invention, the machine 1 comprises a central

20 processing unit 80.

The central processing unit 80 is adapted, in particular, to manage the coordinated operation of the at least one module 30, 30' during a certain decoration work.

The central processing unit 80 is associated with the support elements 20, 22 of the base 10 for example by removable coupling means.

25 The central processing unit 80 comprises a respective box- like support 82, for example having a structure similar to that of the box-like element 32 of the module 30, 30'.

Inside the box- like support 82, a machine control group 1, for example a PLC {programmable logic controller) of the machine 1, or a microprocessor, or another 30 processor equivalent thereto is installed; the electric power supply of the machine 1, and/or any other component necessary to manage its operation can also be housed inside the box-like support 82.

Outside the box-like support 82, a user interface 84 can also be provided, operatively connected to the machine control group 1 , for setting and controlling decoration programs and/or operation parameters of the same.

The aforesaid decoration programs can also be imported from a memory unit external to the central processing unit 80.

As illustrated schematically in the rear view of figure 4, the machine 1 comprises electric connectors 27 that allow connecting the central processing unit 80 to the at least one module 30, 30', both as regards the power and the control logic.

The electrical connectors 27, both for their conformation and for their positioning, must allow a quick and easy electric attachment or detachment of the at least one module 30, 30', to allow the easy removal/replacement thereof.

Alternatively, between the central processing unit 80 and the at least one module 30, 30' wireless connection means may be provided, mainly with regard to control aspects.

The central processing unit 80 can possibly be permanently associated with the base 10 of a certain machine 1.

As already explained above, the at least one module 30, 30' of the machine 1 can be quickly and easily replaced, at all times, with other modules 30, for example also coming from other machines of the same type, since they constitute independent operative units.

The modules 30, 30' of the machine are therefore fully functionally interchangeable elements, i.e. installable on various machines of the same type and in accordance with the present invention.

An important characteristic of the present invention, is that the machine 1 comprises means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70, to create a pressurized and air-conditioned environment in the inner volume of the box-like element 32 of the respective at least one module 30, 30'.

In particular, the generation of overpressure - with respect to atmospheric pressure - inside the box-like element 32 of the at least one module 30, 30', allows preserving and keeping stable the temperature of the printing heads 31, of the ink inside the supply means 40, as well as the proper functionality of the local control unit 60 also providing the cooling of the electronic components.

Moreover the means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70 prevent impurities, possibly coming from the surrounding working environment, from entering inside the box-like element 32, which is thus kept under optimum clean conditions.

More in detail, the means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70 comprise an air intake manifold 72 and delivery manifold 74.

As an alternative to air, another gas could be used, for example an inert gas.

The intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 can be connected, for example, to the compressed air system of the premises where the decoration line is installed, the air being suitably cooled, filtered and dehumidified.

The intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 are associated with the base 10 and/or the conveyor 12 of the machine 1, and are placed in fluid communication with the box-like element 32 of the at least one module 30, 30'.

More in particular, the intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 can be arranged on a same side of the base 10, and parallel with the feed direction A.

In this manner the above manifolds 72, 74 are in minimum bulk positions and normally not used for other functions.

In other embodiments of the invention, the intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 could be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the base 10.

In still other embodiments of the invention, the manifolds 72, 74 could have yet another different arrangement, in relation to specific application needs.

As illustrated schematically in figures 2 and 4, the intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 are arranged in fluid communication with the inner volume of the box- like element 32 by means of an intake duct 76 and a delivery duct 78, respectively, for example, but not necessarily, at the rear portion of the box-like element 32 itself. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the intake manifold 72 comprises - for each of the modules 30, 30' possibly present in the machine 1 - at least one intake opening 72a, inside which the intake duct 76 is engaged.

The intake opening 72a is provided at a respective coupling area 29 of the support 5 elements 20, 22.

The intake duct 76 can be rigid or flexible.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the intake duct 76 is substantially shaped as an "L", and mouths inside the box- like element 32 substantially at its lower portion.

o The intake duct 76 may be engaged inside the intake opening 72a in a removable manner, to facilitate the change in height of the module 30 or even its complete removal.

A sealing gasket of lip type may be provided between the intake duct 76 and the intake opening 72a, allowing the translation of the intake duct 76 orthogonal to the5 intake manifold 72 while still ensuring an optimum seal.

The delivery manifold 74 comprises - for each of the modules 30, 30' possibly present in the machine 1 - at least one delivery opening 74a, inside which the delivery duct 78 is engaged.

The delivery opening 74a is provided at a respective coupling area 29 of the o support elements 20, 22.

The delivery duct 78 can be rigid or flexible.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the delivery duct 78 is substantially shaped as an "L", and mouths inside the box-like element 32 substantially at its upper portion.

5 The delivery duct 78 may be provided with small holes along its lateral surface, and possibly be closed at the end.

The delivery duct 78 may be engaged inside the delivery opening 74a in a removable manner, to facilitate the change in height of the module 30 or even its complete removal.

0 A sealing gasket of lip type may be provided between the delivery duct 78 and the delivery opening 74a, allowing the translation of the delivery duct 78 orthogonal to the delivery manifold 74 while still ensuring an optimum seal.

However, different configurations of the means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70 are obviously possible, still falling in the scope of the same inventive concept.

The intake openings 72a and the delivery openings 74a that are possibly unused - since the corresponding modules 30, 30' are not present, or also in case the same are inactive - may be closed with suitable means such as plugs or the like.

Along the intake ducts 76 and/or the delivery ducts 78, valves and/or other interception means may be provided that also allow activating/deactivating, for each module 30, 30' possibly present in the machine 1, the respective means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70.

Such interception means can also be of automatic type and therefore they can be controlled by the central processing unit 80.

The operation of the machine 1 according to the invention is, in the light of that described, completely intuitive.

During the operation of the at least one module 30, 30' present in the machine 1 , the means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70 allow creating, inside the respective box-like element 32, a pressurized and air-conditioned environment that preserves the operation of the heads 31, of the supply means 40 and of the local control unit 60.

Moreover, such pressurized and air-conditioned environment prevents impurities possibly present in the surrounding working area from entering inside the box-like element 32.

The constructive solution for obtaining the means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70 of each module 30, 30' present in the machine 1 is also particularly simple and suitable for allowing the quick and easy installation/removal of the modules 30,30' for purposes of maintenance or installation on other machines.

The need to resort to bulky and expensive external pressurization and air conditioning cabins is thus eliminated, since the proposed solution allows achieving even higher quality results with significantly lower installation and handling costs.

It has thus been shown how the invention achieves the intended objects.

The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants can be conceived without departing from the scope of protection offered by the following claims.

Claims

1. Digital decorating machine (1) comprising a base (10), at least one conveyor (12), adapted to transport the products (2) to be decorated along a feed direction (A), at least one decoration module (30, 30'), associated with said base (10) and positioned above said conveyor (12), said module (30, 30') comprising respective printing heads (31) provided with nozzles for ejecting a fluid to be delivered on the surface of the products (2) to be decorated, and a box-like element (32) inside which means (40) for supplying fluid to said printing heads (31) are provided, characterized in that said module (30, 30') comprises respective means for generating overpressure and air conditioning (70), to obtain a pressurized and air-conditioned environment in the inner volume of said box-like element (32).

2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein said means for generating overpressure and air conditioning (70) comprise at least one intake manifold (72) and at least one delivery manifold (76) of air or another gas, associated with said base (10) and/or with said conveyor (12), and communicating with the inner volume of said box-like element (32).

3. Machine according to claim 2, wherein said intake manifold (72) and said delivery manifold (74) are arranged on a same side of said base (10) and/or of said conveyor (12), and parallel with said feed direction (A).

4. Machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said intake manifold (72) and said delivery manifold (74) are placed in fluid communication with the inner volume of said box-like element (32) by means of an intake conduit (76) and a delivery conduit (78), respectively, provided at the rear portion of said box-like element (32).

5. Machine according to claim 4, wherein said intake manifold (72) comprises at least one respective intake opening (72a), inside which said intake conduit (76) is removably engaged.

6. Machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said intake conduit (76) is substantially shaped as an "L", and mouths inside said box-like element (32) substantially at its lower portion.

7. Machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein between said intake conduit (76) and said intake opening (72a) at least one sealing gasket of lip type is provided, adapted to allow the translation of said intake conduit (76) orthogonal to said intake manifold (72) ensuring an optimal seal.

8. Machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said delivery manifold (74) comprises at least one respective delivery opening (74a), inside which said delivery conduit (78) is removably engaged.

9. Machine according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein said delivery conduit (78) is shaped substantially as an "L", and mouths inside said box-like element (32) substantially at its upper portion.

10. Machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein between said delivery conduit (78) and said delivery opening (74a) at least one sealing gasket of lip type is provided, adapted to allow the translation of said delivery conduit (78) orthogonal to said delivery manifold (74) ensuring an optimum seal.

11. Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said intake opening (72a) and/or said delivery opening (74a) possibly unused can be closed with suitable means such as plugs or the like.

12. Machine according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein said intake conduit (76) and/or said delivery conduit (78) are of rigid or flexible type.

13. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of modules (30, 30') associated with said base (10) and side by side along said feed direction (A).