US20080311824A1 - Apparatus for smoothing a product, in particular a semi-finished ceramic product - Google Patents
Apparatus for smoothing a product, in particular a semi-finished ceramic product Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080311824A1 US20080311824A1 US12/133,818 US13381808A US2008311824A1 US 20080311824 A1 US20080311824 A1 US 20080311824A1 US 13381808 A US13381808 A US 13381808A US 2008311824 A1 US2008311824 A1 US 2008311824A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- belt
- arm
- roller
- negative pressure
- way
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
- B24B19/00—Single-purpose machines or devices for particular grinding operations not covered by any other main group
- B24B19/008—Single-purpose machines or devices for particular grinding operations not covered by any other main group for grinding ceramics, pottery, table ware
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
- B24B21/00—Machines or devices using grinding or polishing belts; Accessories therefor
- B24B21/16—Machines or devices using grinding or polishing belts; Accessories therefor for grinding other surfaces of particular shape
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
- B24B55/00—Safety devices for grinding or polishing machines; Accessories fitted to grinding or polishing machines for keeping tools or parts of the machine in good working condition
- B24B55/06—Dust extraction equipment on grinding or polishing machines
- B24B55/08—Dust extraction equipment on grinding or polishing machines specially designed for belt grinding machines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
- B28B—SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS; SHAPING SLAG; SHAPING MIXTURES CONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
- B28B11/00—Apparatus or processes for treating or working the shaped or preshaped articles
- B28B11/08—Apparatus or processes for treating or working the shaped or preshaped articles for reshaping the surface, e.g. smoothing, roughening, corrugating, making screw-threads
- B28B11/0845—Apparatus or processes for treating or working the shaped or preshaped articles for reshaping the surface, e.g. smoothing, roughening, corrugating, making screw-threads for smoothing
Definitions
- This invention relates preferably to ceramics technology for the manufacture of ceramic products by casting a suspension in water of a clayey raw material (known as “slip”) in porous moulds to obtain semi-finished sanitaryware such as washbasins, bidets and similar articles.
- a clayey raw material known as “slip”
- the invention relates in particular to an apparatus for finishing these products by smoothing their surfaces during the manufacturing process while they are still in “states” that allow abrasive means to be used on them with the aid of liquids to facilitate their machinability, that is to say, when they are in the “green” and “leather hard” states.
- the surface smoothing of semi-finished ceramic products obtained by slip casting is preferably performed when the products are in the “green” state (that is to say, solid but still having a water content of between 17% and 20% by weight—and hence still subject to plastic deformation) or in the “leather hard” state (with a water content normally less than 13%, where the product, although rigid, can still be worked with a wet smoothing tool).
- smoothing can also be performed when the product is already in the “dry” state, that is, having a water content normally below 2%.
- a prior art apparatus (described in document EP 640.450—comprises a finishing tool that can be automatically regenerated continuously while working.
- the tool comprises a power-driven endless abrasive belt trained around three pulleys positioned in space in such a way as to subtend the belt to a form closed, three-sided figure comprising an active section, a passive section and a transmission section.
- the passive section is associated with a tank containing a liquid through which the passive section moves and remains permanently dipped.
- the semi-finished product to be smoothed held by a robot-controlled mechanical manipulator, is suitably oriented in space and moved into contact with the active belt section which slides tangentially over the surface of the semi-finished product to remove burs and other surface irregularities.
- the particles of ceramic material removed are trapped in the material structure of the abrasive belt's active section and are washed away when the active section moves on to become the passive section and is dipped into the tank.
- the method described above has inherent disadvantages, one of which is the fact that it involves moving the semi-finished product and keeping the smoothing apparatus stationary, the apparatus being much lighter in weight than the product.
- Another disadvantage is that smoothing using the method described above is relatively easy if the surfaces to be smoothed are convex but, on the contrary, is considerably difficult, or even impossible, if the surfaces are concave.
- the patterns of motion involved in the manipulation of the product may be very complicated, which means that the parts of the product that come into contact with the robot are subjected to stress that is not always negligible and are therefore liable to damage.
- rotary tools such as cylindrical sponges
- These tools are rotated while the product (especially “greenware”) is held stationary in a predetermined position.
- FIG. 1 is a front face view, with some parts shown schematically and others cut away, of the smoothing apparatus according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a scaled-up view of a detail from FIG. 2 illustrating some significant parts of the apparatus
- FIG. 4 is a front face view, with some parts cut away in order to better illustrate others, of another embodiment of the smoothing apparatus shown in the illustrations listed above;
- FIG. 5 illustrates the smoothing apparatus of FIG. 4 in a side view with some parts in cross section and others cut away in order to better illustrate certain details
- FIG. 6 is a rear face view of the smoothing apparatus of FIGS. 4 and 5 ;
- FIG. 7 illustrates a detail of the apparatus of FIG. 5 in a front face view and in a partly inoperative configuration
- FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a belt used in the smoothing apparatus of FIGS. 4 to 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view, with some parts cut away, of another embodiment of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3 .
- the smoothing apparatus according to the invention, labeled 1 in its entirety, is used to smooth a product 2 (illustrated schematically since it does not strictly form part of the invention), in particular, a semi-finished ceramic product obtained by casting a liquid mixture (known as “slip” in the jargon of the trade) in a molding cavity formed by at least two parts of a mould.
- a product 2 illustrated schematically since it does not strictly form part of the invention
- a semi-finished ceramic product obtained by casting a liquid mixture (known as “slip” in the jargon of the trade) in a molding cavity formed by at least two parts of a mould.
- the apparatus 1 basically comprises an abrasive tool 3 in the form of an endless belt 4 which (in the embodiment illustrated) is trained around at least one pair of pulleys 5 and 6 , at least one which is power-driven (by a respective motor 5 m ), and which defines an active section 7 and a passive section 8 of the belt 4 :
- the first, active section 7 identifies the part or branch of the belt 4 that is designed to remove material from the product 2 ;
- the second, passive section 8 is designed to receive a continuous regenerating treatment that restores the abrasive capacity of the tool 3 making it suitable for smoothing purposes when that section of the belt 4 becomes the active section again.
- the apparatus 1 also comprises:
- suction means 9 associated with the passive section 8 of the belt 4 and operating in such a way as to remove the liquid and the process waste materials retained by it, that is to say, the materials removed from the product 2 during the smoothing process and retained by the belt 4 .
- the means 20 enable the apparatus 1 to be associated with a manipulator 21 , preferably robot-controlled (partly illustrated since it is of known type).
- the above mentioned structure 20 may comprise a swinging mounting arm 22 (see arrow F 22 ) pivoted at 22 a to a support 23 connected to flanged means 24 for connection to the manual or robot-controlled manipulator 21 .
- the lower pulley 6 of the belt 4 is rotatably connected to the first arm 22 , at the lower end of the first arm 22 .
- the upper end of the arm 22 is associated with a counterweight 25 for balancing the center of gravity of the first arm 22 itself, and hence of the belt 4 : in this way, the belt 4 is kept in a neutral positional configuration independent of the position adopted by the apparatus 1 as a whole. In other words, the belt 4 and the first arm 22 remain in a static, substantially stationary, configuration, especially during movements towards and away from the product 2 .
- the first arm 22 is also provided with adjustable limit stop and contact means 26 acting between the first arm 22 and the support 23 and designed to permit adjustment of at least one stable end position where the first arm 22 is angularly closest to the support 23 and where movement towards the belt 4 is stopped when the belt 4 comes into contact with the product 2 .
- the invention contemplates the provision of pushing means 100 composed of a cylinder 101 mounted on the support 23 and acting on a roller 102 that is keyed to the first arm 22 and positioned eccentrically with respect to its pivot point 22 a: in this way, the active section 7 of the belt 4 may apply a predetermined contact force on the product 2 , even in combination with the manipulator 21 , according to the pushing force exerted by the cylinder 101 (see arrow F 101 ) on the eccentric roller 102 .
- the numeral 103 indicates a block (see FIG. 1 ) representing control means acting on the cylinder 101 and designed to activate and deactivate the cylinder 101 , when required, deactivation of the cylinder 101 , obviously, causing the first arm 22 to return to a neutral position.
- the limit stop and contact means 26 are located at two different points of the first arm 22 and each consists of a threaded rod 27 protruding transversally from the first arm 22 and screwed into a respective hole 28 made in the first arm 22 .
- Each of the rods 27 has an end head 29 designed to come into contact, in use, with respective zones of the support 23 .
- the above mentioned lower pulley 6 is connected by its mounting shaft 6 a, to the inside of a slot 30 made in the first arm 22 and in such a way that, when required, it can be moved (arrow F 30 ) to adjust the tension of the belt 4 by slackening the shaft 6 a from the slot 30 and, if necessary, to change the belt 4 itself.
- the above mentioned upper pulley 5 of the belt 4 is connected to its drive 5 m which is in turn mounted on a bracket 32 protruding from the first arm 22 .
- the belt 4 is made of a material that absorbs liquid—for example water—which is sprayed on the belt 4 by the above mentioned spraying means 10 which the apparatus 1 is equipped with.
- the liquid spraying means 10 are located in the vicinity of the belt 4 itself.
- the means 10 may be mounted directly on contact means 18 (described in more detail below) and comprise nozzles for spraying liquid on the belt 4 .
- the spray means 10 may consist of a plurality of nozzles 10 a, fed by a respective source 10 b, positioned upstream of the negative pressure means 9 relative to a direction of rotation (indicated by the arrow S) of the belt 4 in such a way that they face a portion of the passive section 8 of the belt 4 .
- the apparatus 1 also comprises negative pressure means 9 which are associated with the passive section 8 of the belt 4 and which are designed to remove from the belt 4 the liquid sprayed onto it by the spraying means 10 together with the process waste material removed and retained by the belt 4 during the active stage of the smoothing process and transferred to the passive stage of the smoothing process.
- the negative pressure means 9 include, in particular, a roller 11 which rotates freely about its axis of rotation 15 and which is in direct, tangential contact with the passive section 8 of the belt 4 .
- the roller 11 cylindrical in shape, is rotatably coupled coaxially with a hollow pin 17 that defines a cavity 12 inside it.
- the roller 11 also has a cylindrical outside lateral operating surface 11 a provided with a plurality of through holes 11 b designed to allow the outside and the inside of the cavity 12 to communicate through a slot 17 c formed on the hollow pin 17 in such a way as to face the passive section 8 of the belt 4 .
- the lateral surface 11 a of the roller 11 has shoulders 16 having an enveloping shape matching the opposite longitudinal edges of the belt 4 .
- the cavity 12 inside the hollow pin 17 is designed to suck the liquid and the smoothing process waste material out through the roller 11 , that is to say, through the holes 11 b in the lateral surface 11 a and through the slot 17 c; the suction being produced by: the negative pressure created inside the cavity 12 by the fluid connection of the cavity 12 with vacuum generating means 31 m such as, for example, a vacuum pump, represented as a block in FIG. 3 since they are entirely conventional; as well as by the direct connection of the cavity 12 with the holes 11 b, through the slot 17 c in the pin 17 .
- vacuum generating means 31 m such as, for example, a vacuum pump, represented as a block in FIG. 3 since they are entirely conventional
- the roller 11 turns freely together with the belt 4 and when the portion of the roller 11 surface with the holes 11 b comes into contact with the passive section 8 and the holes coincide with the slot 17 c, the process waste material is removed from the passive section 8 by the suction produced.
- the roller 11 is held in direct, forced contact with the belt 4 by contact means 18 which include a mounting arm 18 a and elastic elements 19 interposed between the roller 11 and the first arm 22 and which operate in such a way as to compress the roller 11 against the belt 4 so as to maximize the effect of the seal and, hence, the effectiveness of suction.
- contact means 18 which include a mounting arm 18 a and elastic elements 19 interposed between the roller 11 and the first arm 22 and which operate in such a way as to compress the roller 11 against the belt 4 so as to maximize the effect of the seal and, hence, the effectiveness of suction.
- FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate a second embodiment of the apparatus 1 .
- the belt 4 mounting structure 20 comprises:
- a rigid support 35 associated with the box-shaped frame 33 and extending downwardly from the latter as far as the bottom end of the lower pulley 6 of the belt 4 .
- the support 35 also has in the middle of it an auxiliary idle wheel 36 that is rotatably connected to the support 35 and in bilateral contact with a protruding internal profile of the belt 4 in such a way as to enable the latter to slide more easily.
- the spraying means 10 , the negative pressure means 9 , the upper pulley 5 and the related drive 5 m are mounted on a first member 60 located inside the frame 33 and pivoted at end of it and at 60 a to the frame 33 itself.
- the member 60 is acted upon by tensioning means 61 , composed of a cylinder 62 located at the bottom of the frame 33 , protruding vertically inside the frame 33 and acting on an idle roller 63 connected, at 63 a, to the member 60 and positioned eccentrically with respect to the pivot point 60 a of the member: in this way, moving the member 60 up or down (see arrow F 60 , FIG. 4 ) moves the upper pulley 5 in such a way as to tension or slacken the belt 4 .
- tensioning means 61 composed of a cylinder 62 located at the bottom of the frame 33 , protruding vertically inside the frame 33 and acting on an idle roller 63 connected, at 63 a, to the member 60 and positioned eccentrically with respect to the pivot point 60 a of the member: in this way, moving the member 60 up or down (see arrow F 60 , FIG. 4 ) moves the upper pulley 5 in such a way as to tension or slacken the belt 4 .
- the numeral 64 indicates a block (see FIGS. 4 to 7 ) representing control means acting on the cylinder 62 and designed to activate and deactivate the cylinder 62 , when required and in such a way as to control the force applied by the cylinder 62 to the roller 63 , thus keeping the tension of the belt 4 under control.
- the spraying means 10 and the negative pressure means 9 are made in a portion 37 of the member 60 that is pivoted at 37 a to the member 60 itself, in such a way as to enable the portion 37 to rotate between:
- the negative pressure means 9 are composed of a closed cylindrical chamber 65 provided with a slit 65 a (see FIG. 7 ) that can be positioned to face the passive section 8 of the belt 4 when the portion 37 is in the lowered position.
- the negative pressure is generated in the chamber 65 using suitable means 65 b which, in this case, purely by way of example, are embodied by a Venturi unit, partly illustrated in FIG. 7 , through which the process waste material is removed by suction, channeled into the pipe 65 c (see arrow F 65 c ) and then expelled.
- suitable means 65 b which, in this case, purely by way of example, are embodied by a Venturi unit, partly illustrated in FIG. 7 , through which the process waste material is removed by suction, channeled into the pipe 65 c (see arrow F 65 c ) and then expelled.
- the spraying means 10 comprise two sets of nozzles 10 a made on the portion 37 on opposite sides of the cylindrical chamber 65 : the liquid supply means 10 b are, obviously, activated by one or the other of the sets of nozzles 10 a depending on the rotation direction S of the belt 4 and in such a way that the belt 4 is always sprayed before it moves past the cylindrical chamber 65 : that means the belt 4 can operate in both directions of rotation.
- Means 38 are provided between the portion 37 and the member 60 for locking the containing portion 37 in the lowered operating position so that it can be positioned stably over the belt 4 .
- the locking means 38 comprise a vertical lever 39 pivoted at one of it, at 39 a, to the member 60 and snappingly engageable, at it its free opposite end, with a pin 40 that protrudes laterally from the portion 37 and that can be positioned near the lever 39 when the portion 37 is in the lowered operating position.
- An elastic element 41 is interposed between the lever 39 and the member 60 so as to keep the lever 39 constantly in contact with the pin 40 .
- adjustable limit stop means 70 are provided between the portion 37 and the member 60 : the means 70 comprise a bolt 70 a screwed into a threaded through hole made in the portion 37 in such a way that its lower end comes into contact with a surface of the member 60 when the portion 37 is in the lowered position.
- Screwing or unscrewing the bolt 70 a thus moves the portion 37 towards or away from the belt 4 , according to the thickness of the belt 4 and its state of wear, and, hence, according to the need to move the cylindrical suction chamber 65 towards or away from the passive section 8 of the belt 4 .
- the belt 4 may have a quadrangular cross section and regular thickness, or a quadrangular cross section and regular thickness with an internal protruding profile running along the middle of it (see FIG. 8 ) to guide the belt 4 more effectively around the drive pulleys.
- the apparatus 1 made as described above makes it possible to smooth a generic product 2 of any shape held stationary while only the tool 3 moves.
- the robot-controlled manipulator required to drive the tool 3 may be relatively small and inexpensive.
- the possibility of orienting the belt 4 quite freely makes it possible to expose the product 2 not only to the active sections 7 of the belt 4 but also to the portions of it, for example, close to the curved area where the belt 4 moves around the pulleys.
- the tool 3 can work also on small and/or, if necessary, even concave, parts of the surface of the product 2 .
- the belt 4 is regenerated by a forced suction system that not only has no influence on the structure of the apparatus 1 but also has the advantage of being very effective in removing process waste material and thus provides high regenerating performance.
- Another advantageous aspect of the invention is due to the fact that the two drive units described above can be used for a plurality of products 2 of different shapes and sizes, with obvious advantages in terms of versatility because the apparatus 1 is applicable to a wide range of generic products 2 .
- the special structure of the rigid support 35 allows the belt 4 to be positioned even horizontally to be able to work even on parts of the product 2 that are difficult to access, which is added to the fact that use of the curved belt section at the upper pulley 5 as the regeneration area makes it possible to have two active sections of the belt 4 available at all times.
- the roller 11 is mounted laterally of the two pulleys 5 and 6 around which the belt is trained and acts as a tensioner of the belt 4 thanks to the compression it exerts on the passive section 8 .
- roller 11 could be integrated into one of the pulleys 5 or 6 around which the belt 4 is trained, the belt being in this case a Moebius belt (as clearly illustrated in FIG. 9 ).
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)
- Finish Polishing, Edge Sharpening, And Grinding By Specific Grinding Devices (AREA)
- Devices For Post-Treatments, Processing, Supply, Discharge, And Other Processes (AREA)
- Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
- Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
- Preparation Of Clay, And Manufacture Of Mixtures Containing Clay Or Cement (AREA)
- Ceramic Products (AREA)
- Moulds, Cores, Or Mandrels (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus (1) for smoothing a product (2), in particular a semi-finished ceramic product, comprises: an abrasive tool (3) in the form of an endless belt (4) which is trained around at least one pair of pulleys (5, 6), at least one of which is power-driven; the belt (4) has an active section (7) and at least one passive section (8); the active section (7) removes material from the product (2), while the passive section (8) receives a regenerating treatment that restores the abrasive capacity of the tool (3); drive means (20) acting on the belt (4) in such a way as to enable the belt (4) itself to move in the space surrounding the product (2); means (10) for spraying a liquid on the belt (4), which has liquid absorption properties, said means (10) being located in the vicinity of the belt (4) itself; and negative pressure means (9) associated with the passive section (8) of the belt (4) and operating in such a way as to extract the liquid and the materials retained by the belt (4) and removed from the product (2) during the smoothing process.
Description
- This invention relates preferably to ceramics technology for the manufacture of ceramic products by casting a suspension in water of a clayey raw material (known as “slip”) in porous moulds to obtain semi-finished sanitaryware such as washbasins, bidets and similar articles.
- The invention relates in particular to an apparatus for finishing these products by smoothing their surfaces during the manufacturing process while they are still in “states” that allow abrasive means to be used on them with the aid of liquids to facilitate their machinability, that is to say, when they are in the “green” and “leather hard” states.
- This specification refers to this particular technology. It will be understood, however, that the description is provided purely by way of non-limiting example, since the characteristics of the invention are such that further, advantageous applications of it are possible in sectors other than the reference sector.
- The surface smoothing of semi-finished ceramic products obtained by slip casting is preferably performed when the products are in the “green” state (that is to say, solid but still having a water content of between 17% and 20% by weight—and hence still subject to plastic deformation) or in the “leather hard” state (with a water content normally less than 13%, where the product, although rigid, can still be worked with a wet smoothing tool). However, under certain conditions, smoothing can also be performed when the product is already in the “dry” state, that is, having a water content normally below 2%.
- A prior art apparatus—described in document EP 640.450—comprises a finishing tool that can be automatically regenerated continuously while working.
- The tool comprises a power-driven endless abrasive belt trained around three pulleys positioned in space in such a way as to subtend the belt to a form closed, three-sided figure comprising an active section, a passive section and a transmission section.
- The passive section is associated with a tank containing a liquid through which the passive section moves and remains permanently dipped.
- The semi-finished product to be smoothed, held by a robot-controlled mechanical manipulator, is suitably oriented in space and moved into contact with the active belt section which slides tangentially over the surface of the semi-finished product to remove burs and other surface irregularities.
- The particles of ceramic material removed are trapped in the material structure of the abrasive belt's active section and are washed away when the active section moves on to become the passive section and is dipped into the tank.
- The method described above has inherent disadvantages, one of which is the fact that it involves moving the semi-finished product and keeping the smoothing apparatus stationary, the apparatus being much lighter in weight than the product.
- The negative consequences of this are not difficult to imagine. The heavy weights that the robot is required to handle are reflected in the high cost of installation and in the equally high costs of running and maintenance, not to mention the extended process times.
- Another disadvantage is that smoothing using the method described above is relatively easy if the surfaces to be smoothed are convex but, on the contrary, is considerably difficult, or even impossible, if the surfaces are concave.
- Another disadvantage is that the robots must be provided with a different end effector for each different product to be manipulated, the wider the range products, the higher the number of different effectors required.
- Moreover, the patterns of motion involved in the manipulation of the product may be very complicated, which means that the parts of the product that come into contact with the robot are subjected to stress that is not always negligible and are therefore liable to damage.
- This makes it problematical to handle relatively large products such as articles of sanitaryware, which are heavy and fragile, and which cannot be held suspended in the air without the risk of breaking them.
- Yet another disadvantage, connected with the regeneration of the abrasive belt in a tank of water, is that the tank can have only one, predetermined and invariable orientation in space: this places considerable limitations on the versatility of the installation in terms of providing the best operating conditions for the finishing operations.
- To overcome the above disadvantages, rotary tools (such as cylindrical sponges) can be used. These tools are rotated while the product (especially “greenware”) is held stationary in a predetermined position.
- These tools, too, are not free of disadvantages, however. They have to be cleaned frequently to restore their effectiveness after just a few runs, which means their productivity is not very high. Above all, the inherent characteristics of the tools and of the rotary drive system require make it impossible to withhold the material removed from the products which ends up being splashed on the surrounding area and on the products themselves.
- It is therefore an aim of this invention to provide a finishing and surface smoothing apparatus which can overcome the disadvantages inherent in prior art smoothing belts while at the same time offering the advantages of rotary tools.
- In accordance with the above mentioned aim, this result is achieved by a smoothing apparatus whose technical characteristics may be easily inferred from the contents of the appended claims, especially
claim 1, and any of the claims that depend, either directly or indirectly, onclaim 1. - The advantages of the invention are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention provided merely by way of example without restricting the scope of the inventive concept, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front face view, with some parts shown schematically and others cut away, of the smoothing apparatus according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a scaled-up view of a detail fromFIG. 2 illustrating some significant parts of the apparatus; -
FIG. 4 is a front face view, with some parts cut away in order to better illustrate others, of another embodiment of the smoothing apparatus shown in the illustrations listed above; -
FIG. 5 illustrates the smoothing apparatus ofFIG. 4 in a side view with some parts in cross section and others cut away in order to better illustrate certain details; -
FIG. 6 is a rear face view of the smoothing apparatus ofFIGS. 4 and 5 ; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a detail of the apparatus ofFIG. 5 in a front face view and in a partly inoperative configuration; -
FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a belt used in the smoothing apparatus ofFIGS. 4 to 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view, with some parts cut away, of another embodiment of the apparatus ofFIGS. 1 to 3 . - With reference to
FIGS. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, the smoothing apparatus according to the invention, labeled 1 in its entirety, is used to smooth a product 2 (illustrated schematically since it does not strictly form part of the invention), in particular, a semi-finished ceramic product obtained by casting a liquid mixture (known as “slip” in the jargon of the trade) in a molding cavity formed by at least two parts of a mould. - The
apparatus 1 basically comprises anabrasive tool 3 in the form of anendless belt 4 which (in the embodiment illustrated) is trained around at least one pair ofpulleys respective motor 5 m), and which defines anactive section 7 and apassive section 8 of the belt 4: - the first,
active section 7 identifies the part or branch of thebelt 4 that is designed to remove material from theproduct 2; while - the second,
passive section 8 is designed to receive a continuous regenerating treatment that restores the abrasive capacity of thetool 3 making it suitable for smoothing purposes when that section of thebelt 4 becomes the active section again. - The
apparatus 1 also comprises: - drive means 20 acting on the
belt 4 in such a way as to enable thebelt 4 itself to move in the space surrounding theproduct 2; - means 10, located in the vicinity of the
belt 4, for spraying a liquid on thebelt 4 itself, which has liquid absorption properties; - suction means 9 associated with the
passive section 8 of thebelt 4 and operating in such a way as to remove the liquid and the process waste materials retained by it, that is to say, the materials removed from theproduct 2 during the smoothing process and retained by thebelt 4. - The
means 20 enable theapparatus 1 to be associated with amanipulator 21, preferably robot-controlled (partly illustrated since it is of known type). - The association of the
apparatus 1 with amanipulator 21 controlled by a robot or even manually by an operator, enables thebelt 4 to move in the space surrounding theproduct 2 in such a way as to orient itsactive section 7 relative to the lateral surfaces of theproduct 2 as required for smoothing. - In particular, again with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 3 , in a first embodiment, the above mentionedstructure 20 may comprise a swinging mounting arm 22 (see arrow F22) pivoted at 22 a to asupport 23 connected to flangedmeans 24 for connection to the manual or robot-controlledmanipulator 21. - The
lower pulley 6 of thebelt 4 is rotatably connected to thefirst arm 22, at the lower end of thefirst arm 22. - The upper end of the
arm 22 is associated with acounterweight 25 for balancing the center of gravity of thefirst arm 22 itself, and hence of the belt 4: in this way, thebelt 4 is kept in a neutral positional configuration independent of the position adopted by theapparatus 1 as a whole. In other words, thebelt 4 and thefirst arm 22 remain in a static, substantially stationary, configuration, especially during movements towards and away from theproduct 2. - The
first arm 22 is also provided with adjustable limit stop and contact means 26 acting between thefirst arm 22 and thesupport 23 and designed to permit adjustment of at least one stable end position where thefirst arm 22 is angularly closest to thesupport 23 and where movement towards thebelt 4 is stopped when thebelt 4 comes into contact with theproduct 2. - As regards the force of contact which the
active section 7 of thebelt 4 must possess to operate on theproduct 2, the invention contemplates the provision ofpushing means 100 composed of acylinder 101 mounted on thesupport 23 and acting on aroller 102 that is keyed to thefirst arm 22 and positioned eccentrically with respect to itspivot point 22 a: in this way, theactive section 7 of thebelt 4 may apply a predetermined contact force on theproduct 2, even in combination with themanipulator 21, according to the pushing force exerted by the cylinder 101 (see arrow F101) on theeccentric roller 102. - The
numeral 103 indicates a block (seeFIG. 1 ) representing control means acting on thecylinder 101 and designed to activate and deactivate thecylinder 101, when required, deactivation of thecylinder 101, obviously, causing thefirst arm 22 to return to a neutral position. - The limit stop and contact means 26 are located at two different points of the
first arm 22 and each consists of a threadedrod 27 protruding transversally from thefirst arm 22 and screwed into arespective hole 28 made in thefirst arm 22. - Each of the
rods 27 has anend head 29 designed to come into contact, in use, with respective zones of thesupport 23. - The above mentioned
lower pulley 6 is connected by itsmounting shaft 6 a, to the inside of aslot 30 made in thefirst arm 22 and in such a way that, when required, it can be moved (arrow F30) to adjust the tension of thebelt 4 by slackening theshaft 6 a from theslot 30 and, if necessary, to change thebelt 4 itself. - As clearly shown in
FIG. 3 , the above mentionedupper pulley 5 of thebelt 4 is connected to itsdrive 5 m which is in turn mounted on abracket 32 protruding from thefirst arm 22. - As stated earlier, in order to enable the abrasive properties of the
belt 4 to be regenerated continuously while working, thebelt 4 is made of a material that absorbs liquid—for example water—which is sprayed on thebelt 4 by the above mentioned spraying means 10 which theapparatus 1 is equipped with. - More specifically (see also
FIG. 3 ), the liquid spraying means 10 are located in the vicinity of thebelt 4 itself. - In one example embodiment, shown in
FIG. 2 , themeans 10 may be mounted directly on contact means 18 (described in more detail below) and comprise nozzles for spraying liquid on thebelt 4. - In particular, the spray means 10 may consist of a plurality of
nozzles 10 a, fed by arespective source 10 b, positioned upstream of the negative pressure means 9 relative to a direction of rotation (indicated by the arrow S) of thebelt 4 in such a way that they face a portion of thepassive section 8 of thebelt 4. - As just mentioned, the
apparatus 1 also comprises negative pressure means 9 which are associated with thepassive section 8 of thebelt 4 and which are designed to remove from thebelt 4 the liquid sprayed onto it by the spraying means 10 together with the process waste material removed and retained by thebelt 4 during the active stage of the smoothing process and transferred to the passive stage of the smoothing process. - The negative pressure means 9 include, in particular, a
roller 11 which rotates freely about its axis ofrotation 15 and which is in direct, tangential contact with thepassive section 8 of thebelt 4. - The
roller 11, cylindrical in shape, is rotatably coupled coaxially with ahollow pin 17 that defines acavity 12 inside it. - The
roller 11 also has a cylindrical outsidelateral operating surface 11 a provided with a plurality of throughholes 11 b designed to allow the outside and the inside of thecavity 12 to communicate through aslot 17 c formed on thehollow pin 17 in such a way as to face thepassive section 8 of thebelt 4. - The
lateral surface 11 a of theroller 11 hasshoulders 16 having an enveloping shape matching the opposite longitudinal edges of thebelt 4. - The
cavity 12 inside thehollow pin 17 is designed to suck the liquid and the smoothing process waste material out through theroller 11, that is to say, through theholes 11 b in thelateral surface 11 a and through theslot 17 c; the suction being produced by: the negative pressure created inside thecavity 12 by the fluid connection of thecavity 12 with vacuum generating means 31 m such as, for example, a vacuum pump, represented as a block inFIG. 3 since they are entirely conventional; as well as by the direct connection of thecavity 12 with theholes 11 b, through theslot 17 c in thepin 17. - In other terms, the
roller 11 turns freely together with thebelt 4 and when the portion of theroller 11 surface with theholes 11 b comes into contact with thepassive section 8 and the holes coincide with theslot 17 c, the process waste material is removed from thepassive section 8 by the suction produced. - More specifically, the
roller 11 is held in direct, forced contact with thebelt 4 by contact means 18 which include a mountingarm 18 a andelastic elements 19 interposed between theroller 11 and thefirst arm 22 and which operate in such a way as to compress theroller 11 against thebelt 4 so as to maximize the effect of the seal and, hence, the effectiveness of suction. - Obviously, the products sucked into the
cavity 12 and consisting, as already stated, of liquid and process waste, once they reach the interior of thecavity 12, are then carried by the negative pressure along aconveyor 31 circuitally connected with thevacuum pump 31 m (see arrow F31 m). -
FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate a second embodiment of theapparatus 1. - In this specific case, the
belt 4 mountingstructure 20 comprises: - a box-shaped
frame 33 equipped at the top of it, with flange means 34 for connection to the above mentionedmanipulator 21 and mounting the above mentioned spraying means 10 inside it, the negative pressure means 9 acting (in this case) at an arc-shapedpassive section 8 of thebelt 4 passing over theupper pulley 5 that is rotatably mounted inside theframe 33 and equipped with arespective drive 5 m; - a
rigid support 35 associated with the box-shapedframe 33 and extending downwardly from the latter as far as the bottom end of thelower pulley 6 of thebelt 4. - The
support 35 also has in the middle of it an auxiliaryidle wheel 36 that is rotatably connected to thesupport 35 and in bilateral contact with a protruding internal profile of thebelt 4 in such a way as to enable the latter to slide more easily. - The spraying means 10, the negative pressure means 9, the
upper pulley 5 and therelated drive 5 m are mounted on afirst member 60 located inside theframe 33 and pivoted at end of it and at 60 a to theframe 33 itself. - The
member 60 is acted upon by tensioning means 61, composed of acylinder 62 located at the bottom of theframe 33, protruding vertically inside theframe 33 and acting on anidle roller 63 connected, at 63 a, to themember 60 and positioned eccentrically with respect to thepivot point 60 a of the member: in this way, moving themember 60 up or down (see arrow F60,FIG. 4 ) moves theupper pulley 5 in such a way as to tension or slacken thebelt 4. - The numeral 64 indicates a block (see
FIGS. 4 to 7 ) representing control means acting on thecylinder 62 and designed to activate and deactivate thecylinder 62, when required and in such a way as to control the force applied by thecylinder 62 to theroller 63, thus keeping the tension of thebelt 4 under control. - As regards the spraying means 10 and the negative pressure means 9, the latter are made in a
portion 37 of themember 60 that is pivoted at 37 a to themember 60 itself, in such a way as to enable theportion 37 to rotate between: - a lowered operating position, where the spraying and negative pressure means 10, 9 are in contact with the
passive section 8 of the belt 4 (arrow F37,FIG. 4 ); and - a raised, non-operating position where the spraying and negative pressure means 10, 9 are away from the
upper pulley 5 and from thebelt 4 in such a way that the latter can be substituted (see arrow F37 a,FIG. 7 ) while thecylinder 62 is deactivated. - In this case, the negative pressure means 9 (see
FIGS. 4 and 7 ) are composed of a closedcylindrical chamber 65 provided with aslit 65 a (seeFIG. 7 ) that can be positioned to face thepassive section 8 of thebelt 4 when theportion 37 is in the lowered position. - The negative pressure is generated in the
chamber 65 usingsuitable means 65 b which, in this case, purely by way of example, are embodied by a Venturi unit, partly illustrated inFIG. 7 , through which the process waste material is removed by suction, channeled into thepipe 65 c (see arrow F65 c) and then expelled. - The spraying means 10 comprise two sets of
nozzles 10 a made on theportion 37 on opposite sides of the cylindrical chamber 65: the liquid supply means 10 b are, obviously, activated by one or the other of the sets ofnozzles 10 a depending on the rotation direction S of thebelt 4 and in such a way that thebelt 4 is always sprayed before it moves past the cylindrical chamber 65: that means thebelt 4 can operate in both directions of rotation. - Means 38 are provided between the
portion 37 and themember 60 for locking the containingportion 37 in the lowered operating position so that it can be positioned stably over thebelt 4. - The locking means 38 comprise a
vertical lever 39 pivoted at one of it, at 39 a, to themember 60 and snappingly engageable, at it its free opposite end, with apin 40 that protrudes laterally from theportion 37 and that can be positioned near thelever 39 when theportion 37 is in the lowered operating position. - An
elastic element 41 is interposed between thelever 39 and themember 60 so as to keep thelever 39 constantly in contact with thepin 40. - In other words, when the
portion 37 is lowered towards thebelt 4, thepin 40 comes into contact with the rounded head of thelever 39 which in turn withdraws to allow the passage of theportion 37 and of thepin 40, thus extending the elastic element, or spring, 41; once thepin 40 has passed, thelever 39, under the pulling action of thespring 41, returns to the advanced position, thereby locking thepin 40 under it and thus holding theportion 37 in place: this keeps theportion 37 correctly positioned against thepassive section 8 of thebelt 4, allowing thecylindrical chamber 65 to remove the material from thebelt 4 by suction. - For obtaining the optimum position of the
portion 37 at all times, adjustable limit stop means 70 (see alsoFIGS. 5 and 6 ) are provided between theportion 37 and the member 60: themeans 70 comprise abolt 70 a screwed into a threaded through hole made in theportion 37 in such a way that its lower end comes into contact with a surface of themember 60 when theportion 37 is in the lowered position. - Screwing or unscrewing the
bolt 70 a thus moves theportion 37 towards or away from thebelt 4, according to the thickness of thebelt 4 and its state of wear, and, hence, according to the need to move thecylindrical suction chamber 65 towards or away from thepassive section 8 of thebelt 4. - The
belt 4 may have a quadrangular cross section and regular thickness, or a quadrangular cross section and regular thickness with an internal protruding profile running along the middle of it (seeFIG. 8 ) to guide thebelt 4 more effectively around the drive pulleys. - The
apparatus 1 made as described above makes it possible to smooth ageneric product 2 of any shape held stationary while only thetool 3 moves. - This offers numerous advantages.
- Since the moving part of the apparatus is the
tool 3, which is considerably lighter than the product 2 (at least when the latter is a semi-finished ceramic product), the robot-controlled manipulator required to drive thetool 3 may be relatively small and inexpensive. - Also, the possibility of orienting the
belt 4 quite freely makes it possible to expose theproduct 2 not only to theactive sections 7 of thebelt 4 but also to the portions of it, for example, close to the curved area where thebelt 4 moves around the pulleys. - That means the
tool 3 can work also on small and/or, if necessary, even concave, parts of the surface of theproduct 2. - Further, the
belt 4 is regenerated by a forced suction system that not only has no influence on the structure of theapparatus 1 but also has the advantage of being very effective in removing process waste material and thus provides high regenerating performance. - Another advantageous aspect of the invention is due to the fact that the two drive units described above can be used for a plurality of
products 2 of different shapes and sizes, with obvious advantages in terms of versatility because theapparatus 1 is applicable to a wide range ofgeneric products 2. - In the second embodiment described, the special structure of the
rigid support 35 allows thebelt 4 to be positioned even horizontally to be able to work even on parts of theproduct 2 that are difficult to access, which is added to the fact that use of the curved belt section at theupper pulley 5 as the regeneration area makes it possible to have two active sections of thebelt 4 available at all times. - In the first preferred embodiment of the invention as described above, the
roller 11 is mounted laterally of the twopulleys belt 4 thanks to the compression it exerts on thepassive section 8. - It will be understood, however, that numerous variants of this embodiment are possible, the easiest one to imagine being that the
roller 11 could be integrated into one of thepulleys belt 4 is trained, the belt being in this case a Moebius belt (as clearly illustrated inFIG. 9 ). - The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.
Claims (36)
1. An apparatus (1) for smoothing a product (2), in particular a semi-finished ceramic product, comprising an abrasive tool (3) in the form of an endless belt (4) trained around at least one pair of pulleys (5, 6), at least one of which is power-driven; and having at least one active section (7) and at least one passive section (8); the active section (7) being adapted to remove material from the product (2) while the passive section (8) receives a regenerating treatment that restores the abrasive capacity of the tool (3); the apparatus (1) further comprising:
drive means (20) acting on the belt (4) in such a way as to enable the belt (4) itself to move in the space surrounding the product (2);
means (10), located in the vicinity of the belt (4), for spraying a liquid on the belt (4) itself, which has liquid absorption properties;
negative pressure means (9) associated with the passive section (8) of the belt (4) and operating in such a way as to remove the liquid and the process waste materials retained by it.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the spraying means (10) are nozzles designed to direct the liquid at a precise area of the belt (4).
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the spraying means (10) are composed of a plurality of nozzles (10 a) positioned in such a way as to face a portion of the passive section (8) of the belt (4), upstream of the negative pressure means (9) relative to a rotation direction (S) of the belt (4).
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the negative pressure means (9) comprise a cylindrical roller (11) having an internal cavity (12) and external lateral surface (11 a) through which at least one hole (11 b) and which delimits a vacuum chamber (12) communicating with the outside through the hole/each hole (11 b); the roller (11) being in direct contact with the passive section (8) of the belt (4).
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the roller (11) is freely rotatable about its rotation axis (15).
6. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the roller (11) is integrated into one of the pulleys (5, 6) around which the belt (4) is trained.
7. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the roller (11) is a tensioner of the belt (4).
8. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the lateral surface (11 a) has a plurality of holes (11 b) passing through it.
9. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the lateral surface (11 a) of the roller (11) has shoulders (16) that envelope the opposite longitudinal edges of the belt (4).
10. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the roller (11) is coaxially and freely rotatable on a hollow pin (17) defining the cavity (12); the hollow pin (17) also having a slot (17 c) facing the passive section (8) of the belt (4); the cavity (12) inside the hollow pin (17) being designed to remove the liquid and the smoothing process waste material by suction from the passive section (8) of the belt (4) through the roller (11), that is to say, through the holes (11 b) in the lateral surface (11 a) and through the slot (17 c).
11. The apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the hollow pin (17) is acted upon by vacuum generating means (31 m) adapted to produce a negative pressure in the cavity (12) in such a way as to remove the process waste material by suction passing directly from the passive section (8) through the holes (11 b) and slot (17 c) in the pin (17).
12. The apparatus according to claim 10 , comprising means (18) for keeping the roller (11) in forced contact with the belt (4).
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the forced contact means (18) comprise a mounting arm (18 a) and elastic elements (19) interposed between the roller (11) and the first arm (22) and operating in such a way as to apply sufficient compression between the roller (11) and the belt (4).
14. The apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising a manipulatable structure (20), constituting said drive means, which mounts the belt (4) and the negative pressure means (9).
15. The apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the structure (20) can be manipulated manually by an operator.
16. The apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the structure (20) is associated with a mechanical and/or robot-controlled manipulator (21).
17. The apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the structure (20) comprises a first swinging mounting arm (22) pivoted at (22 a) to a support (23) connected to means (24) for connection to the manual or robot-controlled manipulator (21); a lower pulley (6) of the belt (4) being rotatably connected to the first arm (22), at the lower end of the first arm (22); the upper end of the arm (22) being associated with a counterweight (25) for balancing the center of gravity of the first arm (22) and of the belt (4), in such a way that the belt (4) can apply to the active section (7) a predetermined contact force on the product (2) in combination with the manipulator (21).
18. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the first arm (22) is provided with adjustable limit stop and contact means (26) acting between the first arm (22) and the support (23) and designed to permit adjustment of at least one stable end position where the first arm (22) is angularly closest to the support (23) and where movement towards the belt (4) is stopped.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18 , wherein the limit stop and contact means (26) are located at two different points of the first arm (22) and each comprises a threaded rod (27) protruding transversally from the first arm (22) and screwed into a respective hole (28) made in the first arm (22); each rod (27) having an end head (29) designed to come into contact, in use, with respective zones of the support (23).
20. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the lower pulley (6) is connected by its mounting shaft (6 a), to the inside of a slot (30) made in the first arm (22) and in such a way that, when required, it can be moved to adjust the tension of the belt (4) by slackening the shaft (6 a) from the slot (30).
21. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the upper pulley (5) of the belt (4) is connected to a respective drive (5 m) which is in turn mounted on a bracket (32) protruding from the first arm (22).
22. The apparatus according to claim 17 , comprising pushing means (100) composed of a control cylinder (101) mounted on the support (23) and acting on a roller (102) that is keyed to the first arm (22) and positioned eccentrically with respect to its pivot point (22 a) in such a way that the belt (4) applies a predetermined contact force on the product (2) according to the pushing force exerted by the cylinder (101) on the eccentric roller (102); control means (103) being provided to act on the cylinder (101) and to activate and deactivate the cylinder (101) when required.
23. The apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the mounting structure (20) comprises:
a box-shaped frame (33) equipped at the top of it, with flange means (34) for connection to the manipulator (21) and mounting the spraying (10) inside it, the negative pressure means (9) acting at an arc-shaped passive section (8) of the belt (4) passing over the upper pulley (5) that is rotatably mounted inside the frame (33) and equipped with a respective drive (5 m);
a rigid support (35) associated with the box-shaped frame (33) and extending downwardly from the latter as far as the bottom end of the lower pulley (6) of the belt (4).
24. The apparatus according to claim 23 , wherein the support (35) is provided in the middle of it with an auxiliary idle wheel (36) that is rotatably connected to the support (35) and in bilateral contact with a protruding inside profile of the belt (4).
25. The apparatus according to claim 23 , wherein the spraying means (10), the negative pressure means (9) and the upper pulley (5) and its drive (5 m) are mounted on a first member (60) located inside the frame (33), the first member (60) being pivoted at one end of it (60 a) to the frame (33).
26. The apparatus according to claim 25 , comprising tensioning means (61) acting on the first member (60) and composed of a cylinder (62) located at the bottom of the frame (33), protruding vertically into the frame (33) and acting on an idle roller (63) connected, at (63 a), to the first member (60) and positioned eccentrically with respect to the pivot point (60 a) of the first member (60) so as to allow the member (60) to move in both directions in such a way as to move the upper pulley (5), thereby tensioning or slackening the belt (4).
27. The apparatus according to claim 26 , comprising control means (64) acting on the cylinder (62) and designed to activate and deactivate the cylinder (62), when required and in such a way as to control the force acting on the roller (63) and thus the tension of the belt (4).
28. The apparatus according to claim 25 , wherein the spraying means (10) and the negative pressure means (9) are made on a portion (37) of the first member (60); the portion (37) being pivoted to the first member (60) at (37 a) in such a way as to enable the entire portion (37) to rotate between a lowered operating position, where the spraying and negative pressure means (10, 9) are in contact with the passive section (8) of the belt (4), and a raised, non-operating position where the spraying and negative pressure means (10, 9) are away from the upper pulley (5) and from the belt (4).
29. The apparatus according to claim 28 , wherein the negative pressure means (9) are composed of a closed cylindrical chamber (65) formed in the portion (37) and provided with a slit (65 a) that can be positioned to face the passive section (8) of the belt (4) when the portion (37) is in the lowered position; the vacuum being generated inside the chamber (65) by respective means (65 b) which enable the process waste material to be channeled out by suction through a pipe (65 c).
30. The apparatus according to claim 28 , wherein the spraying means (10) comprise two sets of nozzles (10 a) made on the portion (37) on opposite sides of the negative pressure means (9); each set of nozzles (10 a) being connected to liquid supply means (10 b) that can be individually activated in accordance with the rotation direction (S) of the belt (4) and in such a way that the belt (4) is sprayed before it moves past the negative pressure means (9).
31. The apparatus according to claim 28 , wherein means (38) are provided between the portion (37) and the first mounting member (60) for locking the portion (37) in the lowered operating position so that the negative pressure means (9) and the spraying means (10) can be positioned near the passive section (8) of the belt (4).
32. The apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein the locking means (38) comprise a vertical lever (39) pivoted at one end of it, at (39 a), to the member (60) and acting at it its free opposite end on a pin (40) that protrudes laterally from the portion (37) and that can be positioned near the lever (39) when the portion (37) is in the lowered operating position; an elastic element (41) being interposed between the lever (39) and the member (60) so as to keep the lever (39) constantly in contact with the pin (40).
33. The apparatus according to claim 32 , comprising adjustable limit stop means (70) interposed between the portion (37) and the first member (60) and designed to enable the portion (37), when in the lowered position, to be positioned correctly relative to the belt (4); said means (70) comprising a bolt (70 a) screwed into a threaded through hole made in the portion (37) in such a way that its lower end comes into contact with a surface of the member (60) when the portion (37) is in the lowered position.
34. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the belt (4) has a quadrangular cross section and regular thickness.
35. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the belt (4) has a quadrangular cross section and regular thickness with an internal protruding profile running along the middle of it.
36. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the belt (4) is in the form of a “Moebius” belt trained around the two pulleys (5, 6).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITBO2007A000411 | 2007-06-12 | ||
IT000411A ITBO20070411A1 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2007-06-12 | APPARATUS FOR SMOOTHING A PRODUCT, IN PARTICULAR A CERAMIC SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCT. |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080311824A1 true US20080311824A1 (en) | 2008-12-18 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/133,818 Abandoned US20080311824A1 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2008-06-05 | Apparatus for smoothing a product, in particular a semi-finished ceramic product |
Country Status (9)
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---|---|
US (1) | US20080311824A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2002929B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101323134B (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0801682A2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2391423T3 (en) |
IT (1) | ITBO20070411A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2008007636A (en) |
PL (1) | PL2002929T3 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2458789C2 (en) |
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CN109623590A (en) * | 2018-11-23 | 2019-04-16 | 华中科技大学 | A kind of accurate power control grinding and polishing apparatus of full digital Coupled Rigid-flexible and control method |
DE102017124326A1 (en) * | 2017-10-18 | 2019-04-18 | Ferrobotics Compliant Robot Technology Gmbh | Robotic grinding device |
CN109773658A (en) * | 2019-01-25 | 2019-05-21 | 福建省国巨智能科技有限公司 | A kind of efficient sanding and polishing system and method for environment-friendly type outer surface of workpiece |
US11491606B2 (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2022-11-08 | ST Engineering Aerospace Ltd. | Grinding module, a grinding machine and a method for grinding |
CN117697556A (en) * | 2024-02-05 | 2024-03-15 | 江苏海龙电器有限公司 | Valve section grinding device |
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CN113579943B (en) * | 2021-08-06 | 2023-07-18 | 江苏库纳实业有限公司 | Aluminum profile surface treatment equipment and surface treatment method thereof |
CN115946007B (en) * | 2023-03-13 | 2023-06-02 | 南通亿卡迪工业科技有限公司 | Polishing equipment for air compressor accessory production |
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Cited By (5)
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US11491606B2 (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2022-11-08 | ST Engineering Aerospace Ltd. | Grinding module, a grinding machine and a method for grinding |
DE102017124326A1 (en) * | 2017-10-18 | 2019-04-18 | Ferrobotics Compliant Robot Technology Gmbh | Robotic grinding device |
CN109623590A (en) * | 2018-11-23 | 2019-04-16 | 华中科技大学 | A kind of accurate power control grinding and polishing apparatus of full digital Coupled Rigid-flexible and control method |
CN109773658A (en) * | 2019-01-25 | 2019-05-21 | 福建省国巨智能科技有限公司 | A kind of efficient sanding and polishing system and method for environment-friendly type outer surface of workpiece |
CN117697556A (en) * | 2024-02-05 | 2024-03-15 | 江苏海龙电器有限公司 | Valve section grinding device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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RU2458789C2 (en) | 2012-08-20 |
ITBO20070411A1 (en) | 2008-12-13 |
BRPI0801682A2 (en) | 2009-01-27 |
MX2008007636A (en) | 2009-03-04 |
CN101323134B (en) | 2012-07-04 |
EP2002929A1 (en) | 2008-12-17 |
RU2008123216A (en) | 2009-12-20 |
CN101323134A (en) | 2008-12-17 |
ES2391423T3 (en) | 2012-11-26 |
PL2002929T3 (en) | 2012-11-30 |
EP2002929B1 (en) | 2012-07-11 |
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