EP4591007B1

EP4591007B1 - Flaming head and method for assembling and/or replacing

Info

Publication number: EP4591007B1
Application number: EP23787184.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lino MAZZI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-09-21
Filing date: 2023-09-15
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 2043-09-15
Also published as: EP4591007C0; IT202200019311A1; EP4591007A1; WO2024062355A1

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to the technical field of surface processing of products made of hard or semi-hard material, and in particular it relates to a flaming head for the surface flame processing of stone and/or ceramic materials.
The invention also relates to a method for assembling and/or replacing at least one nozzle and/or a first connection member, and/or the distribution manifold in the aforementioned flaming head.

Background art

Surface processing of products made of stone or ceramic material by directing one or more working fluid jets towards the surface of the product being processed is known.
The action of the jets is adapted to obtain the surface deformations, possibly associated with removal of material, to obtain surface alterations.
In particular, it is known to employ fluid jet processing heads moved above the surface of the product to be processed, generally in the form of a slab.
A typical processing which can be carried out with these processing heads is the flame treatment in which the surface of the product is exposed to local surface heating through the direct action of one or more high-temperature flames, generated through the combustion of a working fluid such as gas or mixture of gases ejected by one or more nozzles of the flaming head, as described e.g. in EP2194321 .
The action of the flames thus allows to obtain a surface texture whose configuration depends on various parameters, such as the distribution of the nozzles, distance, movement speed and trajectory thereof, as well as of the entire flaming head, with respect to the surface of the product, or of the outlet section of the nozzles.
The known surface processing apparatuses provided with multi-tool heads have nevertheless limitations in their operation, namely in maintenance operations with the replacement of various components of the flaming head thereof due to wear or upon reaching the maximum number of scheduled operation hours.
Indeed, typical maintenance operations consist in the replacement of ducts for conveying working fluids and/or the replacement of nozzles for dispensing the above fluids, as well as the mixer and/or of the connection members among the various components of the processing head.
Typically, the flaming heads comprise at least one connection member to which there are screwed the nozzles and the ducts for conveying the fluids. Such type of connection forces one to use manual tools for maintenance operations, such as wrenches or clamping piers.
As a result, the use of such tools requires expertise and an ensuing increase in the time required for the performance of manual activities such as the removal of the element to be subjected to maintenance and subsequent replacement thereof.
In an attempt to overcome the above problems various quick coupling systems have been proposed of the fitting engagement type between a working fluid supply conduit and a connection support which provides the use of retaining systems equipped with gaskets, elastic means and bolts as described e.g. in WO2013044403 or US5593279 .
Nevertheless, a drawback of this type of connection lies in that it forces the operator to use manual tools that are difficult to operate for the maintenance operations such as, wrenches or clamping piers.
Not least, the connections described in the state of the art complicate both the insertion and the removal of the various components as the working hours increase.

Technical problem

In the light of the prior art, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is to facilitate the maintenance of the worn-out elements of a flaming head.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problem by providing a flaming head for the surface flame processing of stone and/or ceramic materials which is highly effective and cost-effective.
A particular object of the present invention is to conceive a flaming head of the type indicated above which allows the quick replacement of the components thereof.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a flaming head of the type indicated above which meets the UNI EN 561 standard requirements.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a flaming head of the type indicated above which allows to overcome the drawbacks related to the maintenance operations in the event of replacement of worn-out components, reducing the replacement times thereof.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a flaming head and an assembly and replacement method of the type indicated above which allows to reduce the difficulties related to manual removal and new insertion activities.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a flaming head and an assembly and replacement method of the type indicated above which have high flexibility of use.
The objects mentioned above and others which will be more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a flaming head for the surface flame processing of stone and/or ceramic materials, according to claim 1, wherein the head comprises a mixer of two or more working fluids operatively connected to respective supply lines for supplying working fluids to be mixed, a distribution manifold which can be coupled to at least one nozzle for dispensing a flame and a first connection member for connecting the mixer to the distribution manifold.
According to a peculiar aspect of the invention, the at least one nozzle, the distribution manifold, the first connection member and the mixer are respectively provided with first, second and third quick coupling locking/unlocking elements adapted to reduce the assembly and/or replacement times.
Advantageously, the quick coupling locking/unlocking elements comprise at least one respective substantially cylindrical portion interacting with corresponding locking means for respectively locking the at least one nozzle to the distribution manifold, the distribution manifold to the first connection member and the latter to the mixer.
This combination of features allows an easy maintenance of the worn-out elements of a flaming head solely through simple manual pressing and without, or with limited aid of wrenches or clamping pliers.
Suitably, the quick coupling locking/unlocking elements meet the UNI EN 561 standard requirements.
The invention also relates to a method for assembling and/or replacing at least one nozzle and/or of the first connection member, and/or of the distribution manifold in the flaming head, according to claim 10.
Advantageous embodiments of the invention are attained according to the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent in the light of the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a flaming head for surface flame processing, like the one mentioned above, shown by way of non-limiting example with reference to the drawings below, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flaming head according to the invention;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively a cross-sectional view and an exploded view of the flaming head of Fig. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the mixer of the flaming head of Fig. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the first connection member of the flaming head of Fig. 1;
FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views respectively of the distribution manifold and of at least one nozzle of the head of Fig. 1.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

With reference to the figures, there is shown a flaming head, indicated in its entirety with reference numeral 1, for the surface flame processing of stone and/or ceramic materials.
In particular, the head 1 may be used for processing products made of basic material of the stoneware type, such as stone, marble, granite, concrete material, conglomerates or the like or ceramic materials, and its derivatives, for carrying out surface processing thereon.
The processing may be directed to obtain on the surface of a product, deformations possibly associated with removal of material to achieve a predetermined pattern or texture.
For example, the processing may be carried out on the surface to create an ageing effect or an image, even complex.
The product may be in the form of a slab, plank, block or three-dimensional shaped not necessarily even.
A machine or system on which the head 1 can be applied, which is not shown in the figures as it is of the well-known type, will essentially comprise a support surface on which the product is to be placed.
The support surface may possibly be horizontal for arranging the vacant surface of the product facing upwards and, therefore, towards the flaming head 1. However, the head 1 may also process surfaces which are inclined or arranged on an inclined support surface with respect to the horizontal one, or even vertical at most.
The machine or system will further comprise a stationary or movable load-bearing structure, to which the head 1 is to be anchored, and supply means for supplying the head 1 with one or more working fluids, such as oxygen, gas, additives or flammable liquids.
According to the invention, the flaming head 1 comprises a mixer 2 of two or more working fluids operatively connected to respective supply lines 3 for supplying working fluids to be mixed, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
The head 1 further comprises a distribution manifold 4 which can be coupled to at least one nozzle 5 for dispensing a flame, and a first substantially tubular-shaped connection member 6 for connecting the mixer 2 to the distribution manifold 4.
As better shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the head 1 comprises a torch 7 for the connection and distribution of at least one first working fluid and connected to the mixer 2 through a second connection member 8.
Preferably, the second connection member 8 is of the bayonet type and comprises at least one pair of pins 9 which can be snap fitted on the torch 7.
As better shown in FIG. 4 , the mixer 2 is substantially cylindrical and comprises a plurality of inlets 10 for respective working fluids, an inner mixing chamber 11 and at least one outlet 12 for the mixed fluid.
In a per se known manner, one or more first gaskets 13 may be inserted between the torch 7 and the second connection member 8, and between the torch 7 and the mixer 2 to ensure the airtight sealing between these components of the head 1.
As better shown in the figures, the distribution manifold 4 comprises a hollow body 14 which is substantially prismatic and closed at the ends 15 thereof.
Furthermore, the manifold 4 is provided on one side 14A of the hollow body 14 thereof with a plurality of seats 16 for a first cylindrical end 17 of the at least one nozzle 5 and on an opposite side 14B with a fitting 18 for the connection of the manifold 4 to the first connection member 6.
Advantageously, the first cylindrical end 17 of the at least one nozzle 5 can be inserted into the seat 16 by simple pressure and with the interposition of at least one second heat-resistant gasket 19, as better shown in FIGS. 6, 7 .
In a per se known manner, the at least one nozzle 5 has on the side 20 opposite to the first cylindrical end 17 several orifices 21 for directing the mixed fluid and a flame towards the surface of the product being processed, as shown in FIG. 3 .
In the figures, a plurality of nozzles 5 which can be connected to the working fluids to direct respective fluid jets is associated with the hollow body 14 of the manifold 4.
Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, reference will be made to a single nozzle 5, it being understood that, unless indicated otherwise, all the parts referring to such nozzle 5 will be substantially identical and operatively equivalent even in the other nozzles 5.
Should one or more nozzles 5 be designed to operate with a gas or other inflammable fluid, even liquid, suitable igniting means for the flammable jet may be provided, not illustrated in the drawings, which ignition means are arranged in proximity of the side 20 opposite to the first cylindrical end 17 or in proximity of the series of orifices 21 of the nozzle 5.
Preferably, the mixer 2, the distribution manifold 4 and/or the first connection member 6 may comprise a refrigeration system of the per se known type.
For example, the distribution manifold 4 may comprise a first 22 and a second opening 23 respectively configured for the inflow and outflow of a coolant.
According to a peculiar aspect of the invention, the at least one nozzle 5, the distribution manifold 4, the first connection member 6 and the mixer 2, are respectively provided with first 24, second 25 and third quick coupling locking/unlocking elements 26 adapted to reduce the assembly and/or replacement times.
In particular, the quick coupling locking/unlocking elements 24, 25, 26 are provided with safety catches of the pin and/or fork type which act as anti-release safety elements.
Such locking/unlocking elements 24, 25, 26 comprise at least one respective preferably cylindrical portion 27, 28, 29 and respective locking means 30, 31, 32.
Thus, the portions 27, 28, 29 interact with the respective locking means 30, 31, 32 for respectively locking the at least one nozzle 5 to the distribution manifold 4, the latter to the first connection member 6 and the first connection member 6 to the mixer 2.
In other words, as better shown in FIG. 3 :

the first quick coupling locking/unlocking elements 24 comprise at least one first substantially cylindrical portion 27 interacting with the first locking means 30 for locking the at least one nozzle 5 to the distribution manifold 4;
the second quick coupling locking/unlocking elements 25 comprise at least one second substantially cylindrical portion 28 interacting with the second locking means 31 for locking the distribution manifold 4 to the first connection member 6;
the third quick coupling locking/unlocking elements 26 comprise at least one third substantially cylindrical portion 29 interacting with the third locking means 32 for locking the first connection member 6 to mixer 2.

As better shown in FIGS. 3-7 , the first locking means 30 for locking the at least one nozzle 5 to the distribution manifold 4 comprise a grooved profile 33 formed in the first cylindrical end 17 of the nozzle 5, and a first pair of holes 34 formed in the distribution manifold 4.
Of course, the holes of the first pair of holes 34 will be aligned with the grooved profile 33 in the insertion direction of the respective first cylindrical portion 27.
Thus, in order to replace the at least one nozzle 5 from the distribution manifold 4 all one will need to do is to disinsert the first cylindrical portion 27 of the first locking/unlocking elements 24, removing it from the grooved profile 33 of the nozzle 5 and from the pair of holes 34 of the manifold 4.
Similarly, the second locking means 31 comprise a second pair of holes 35 formed in the fitting 18 of the manifold 4, and a third pair of holes 36 formed in a first tubular portion 37 of the first connection member 6.
As better shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the first connection member 6 has the first tubular portion 37 facing towards the distribution manifold 4.
Just like in the case of the first pair of holes 34, even the holes of the second pair of holes 35 will be aligned with the holes of the third pair of holes 36 in the direction of insertion of the second cylindrical portion 28.
Hence, in order to replace the distribution manifold 4 all one will need to do is to replace the second cylindrical portion 28 of the second locking/unlocking elements 25 removing it from the second 35 and third pair of holes 36.
Lastly, the third locking means 32 comprise a fourth pair of holes 38 formed in a second tubular portion 39 of the first connection member 6, and a pair of grooves 40 formed in the mixer 2.
As better shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the first connection member 6 has the second tubular portion 39 facing towards the mixer 2.
Also in this case, the holes of the fourth pair of holes 38 and the pair of grooves 40 of the mixer 2 will be aligned to each other in the insertion direction of the third cylindrical portion 29 of the third locking/unlocking elements 26.
Thus, to replace the first connection member 6, or the mixer 2, all one will need to do is disinsert the third cylindrical portion 29 of the third locking/unlocking elements 26 removing it from the fourth pair of holes 38 and from the grooves 40.
It is observed that to replace the mixer 2, one will also have to disconnect the second connection member 8 from the torch 7 by rotating the pair of pins 9 of the bayonet coupling.
It is apparent that the quick coupling locking/unlocking elements 24, 25, 26 and therefore the respective substantially cylindrical portion 27, 28, 29 and the locking means 30, 31, 32 as described above allow to facilitate the maintenance of the wearing out elements of the flaming head 1.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling and/or replacing the at least one nozzle 5 and/or the first connection member 6 and/or the distribution manifold 4 in a flaming head 1 of the type described above.
The method provides at least the following steps:

releasing the at least one substantially cylindrical portion 27, 28, 29 from the respective locking means 30, 31, 32 of the locking/unlocking elements 24, 25, 26;
removing from the distribution manifold 4 of the at least one nozzle 5 and/or of the distribution manifold 4 from the first connection member 6 and/or of the latter from the mixer 2;
replacing at least one new nozzle 5 and/or the distribution manifold 4 and/or the first connection member 6 and/or the mixer 2;
introducing the respective substantially cylindrical portion 27, 28, 29 in the respective locking means 30, 31, 32 of the locking/unlocking elements 24, 25, 26.

Of course, the removal and insertion steps are solely carried out by simple manual pressure and without or with limited aid of wrenches or clamping pliers.
It is apparent that the quick coupling locking/unlocking elements 24, 25, 26 and the respective substantially cylindrical portion 27, 28, 29 and the locking means 30, 31, 32 as described above allow to reduce difficulties relating to the manual removal and new insertion into the flaming head 1.
In view of the foregoing it appears that the flaming head and the assembly and replacement method according to the invention achieve the preestablished objects and in particular they allow to facilitate the maintenance of the wearing out elements of the flaming head.
The head and the method according to the invention are susceptible to numerous modifications and variants all falling within the scope of the attached claims.
Although the head and method have been described by way of the attached figures, the reference numerals used in the description and in the claims are meant to improve the intelligibility of the invention and do not limit the claimed scope of protection in any whatsoever manner.
Throughout the description, reference to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" or "some embodiments" indicate that a particular characteristic, structure or element described is comprised in at least one embodiment of the object of the present invention.
Finally, the particular features, structures or elements may be combined in any appropriate manner in one or more embodiments.

Industrial applicability

The present invention is applicable at industrial level because it can be manufactured on industrial scale by industries belonging to the field of surface processing of products made of stone and/or ceramic material.

Claims

A flaming head (1) for surface flame processing of stone and/or ceramic materials, comprising:
- a mixer (2) for two or more working fluids operatively connected to respective supply lines (3) for supplying working fluids to be mixed;

- a distribution manifold (4) which can be coupled to at least one nozzle (5) for dispensing a flame;

- a first connection member (6) for connecting said mixer (2) to said distribution manifold (4);
characterised in that said at least one nozzle (5), said distribution manifold (4), said first connection member (6) and said mixer (2) are respectively provided with first (24), second (25) and third quick coupling locking/unlocking elements (26) adapted to reduce the assembly and/or replacement times thereof, said quick coupling locking/unlocking elements (24, 25, 26) being provided with safety catches of the pin and/or fork type and comprising at least one respective substantially cylindrical portion (27, 28, 29) interacting with corresponding locking means (30, 31, 32) to respectively lock said at least one nozzle (5) to said distribution manifold (4), said distribution manifold (4) to said first connection member (6), and said connection member (6) to said mixer (2).
Head as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said distribution manifold (4) comprises a hollow body (14) which is substantially prismatic and closed at the ends (15), provided on one side (14A) with a plurality of seats (16) for a first cylindrical end (17) of said at least one nozzle (5) and on an opposite side (14B) with a fitting (18) for connection to said first connection member (6).
Head as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that said first cylindrical end (17) of said at least one nozzle (5) is insertable by simple pressure into said seats (16) and with the interposition of at least one heat-resistant gasket (19).
Head as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that said locking means (30) of said first locking/unlocking element (24) comprise a respective grooved profile (33) formed in said first cylindrical end (17) of said at least one nozzle (5) and a first pair of holes (34) formed in said distribution manifold (4).
Head as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that said locking means (31) of said second locking/unlocking element (25) comprise a second pair of holes (35) formed in said fitting (18) and a third pair of holes (36) formed in a first tubular portion (37) of said first connection member (6).
Head as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that said locking means (32) of said third locking/unlocking element (26) comprise a fourth pair of holes (38) formed in a second tubular portion (39) of said first connection member (6) and a pair of grooves (40) formed in said mixer (2).
Head as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said mixer (2) is substantially cylindrical and comprises a plurality of inlets (10) for respective working fluids, an inner mixing chamber (11) and at least one outlet (12) for the mixed fluid.
Head according to claim 2, characterised in that said at least one nozzle (5) has a series of orifices (21) located on the side (20) opposite to said first cylindrical end (17) to direct the mixed fluid and a flame towards the surface of the product being processed.
Head as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a torch (7) for connection and distribution of at least one first working fluid, said torch (7) being suitable to be coupled to said mixer (2) by means of a second connection member (8) of the bayonet-like type.
Method of assembling and/or replacing said at least one nozzle (5) and/or said first connection member (6) and/or said distribution manifold (4) in said flaming head (1), as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least the following steps:
- releasing the at least one substantially cylindrical portion (27, 28, 29) from the respective locking means (30, 31, 32) of said quick coupling locking/unlocking elements (24, 25, 26);

- removing from said distribution manifold (4) said at least one nozzle (5) and/or said distribution manifold (4) from said first connection member (6) and/or said connection member (6) from said mixer (2);

- replacing at least one new nozzle (5) and/or said distribution manifold (4) and/or said first connection member (6) and/or said mixer (2);

- inserting the respective substantially cylindrical portion (27, 28, 29) into the respective locking means (30, 31, 32) of said quick coupling locking/unlocking elements (24, 25, 26);
wherein said removal and insertion steps are solely carried out by simple manual pressure and without or with limited aid of wrenches or clamping pliers.