WO2019129906A1

WO2019129906A1 - Device for supplying at least one powdery substance, in particular for presses for forming ceramic parts

Info

Publication number: WO2019129906A1
Application number: PCT/ES2018/070813
Authority: WO
Inventors: Agustin Poyatos Mora
Original assignee: Macer, S.L.
Priority date: 2017-12-28
Filing date: 2018-12-18
Publication date: 2019-07-04
Also published as: EP3733369B1; ES2946749T3; EP3733369A1; ES2718257A1; EP3733369A4; ES2718257B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for supplying at least one powdery substance, in particular for presses for forming ceramic parts, with means for gradually unloading or supplying the powdery substances into the cavities of the lower female mould (19), which comprises an outer peripheral rack (1) or frame for supporting one or more receptacles (2) which have a substantially rectangular upper mouth (4), a lower outlet (5) with a surface area smaller than that of the mouth (4), an inverted frustoconical shape, and a height greater than the thickness or height of the rack (1). Said receptacle (2) or receptacles can be removable and movable horizontally to be placed at different positions inside the rack (1), which includes attachment plates (6) that can be moved and secured in different positions for said purpose. And a procedure for the operation of said device in a press for forming ceramic parts.

Description

DISPOSAL OF SUPPLY OF AT LEAST ONE SUBSTANCE

PULVERULTY, PARTICULARLY FOR CONFORMATION PRESSES

OF CERAMIC PIECES

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fits in the technical field of the devices for the supply and distribution of pulverulent substances for the manufacture of flat ceramic articles such as cladding tiles and paving tiles that require forming in presses of the raw material that composes them.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the manufacture of flat ceramic articles, such as tiles, slabs and tiles, it is usual to use shaping presses comprising a lower bed and an upper press passage, penetrating molds composed of two half-molds, one male upper provided with a plurality of upper compaction punches, and another lower female with a matrix of housings or alveoli, also provided with a plurality of lower compaction punches, in which there is disposed a raw or semi-processed pulverulent substance such as, for example, earth or clay, from which they are formed, through the pressing action of the punches, compacted pieces of a material called sponge from that moment, which is subsequently subjected to further treatments, such as enameling, decorating and cooking to obtain the flat ceramic articles corresponding finishes.

For the production of the compacted parts, a charge as homogeneous as possible of the pulverulent substance in the cavities of the matrix is required in order to obtain a pressed body with a density with the least possible variations, since this later affects the quality of the article Ceramic finish corresponding. In industrial practice it is very difficult to achieve a totally homogeneous load in all the alveoli of the matrix of the female mold.

In a stage prior to compaction and molding, the pulverulent substance is stored externally and it is necessary to supply and distribute it uniformly on the matrix provided with housings or receiving sockets of the female molds of the press.

For this, a filling hopper of the device for supplying and distributing the pulverulent substance is usually used, comprising at least one mobile carriage or conveyor provided with a supporting frame and several crosspieces or projections to serve as support and move on the matrix of the mold what is usually called a grill (because of its similarity with this utensil), and various elements that are used in the process of manufacturing and obtaining the cake, as for example and additionally, one or several scrapers, combs or blades that serve as elements of overspray of powdery substance that may remain on the surface of the female mold, and / or a pusher that in an anterior position with respect to the grid with respect to a direction of advance horizontally displaces by thrust a pre-shaped sponge cake, outside the area of the alveoli in which it has been pressed, leaving the latter free to receive a new load of powdery substance.

The aforementioned grill essentially consists of a perimeter frame in whose internal area a grid of different shapes (parallel linear, graticules ...) is disposed substantially with the same or lower height or thickness than that of said perimetric frame. This grate is incorporated into the mobile carriage or conveyor upperly and by means of various fitting or connection, usually by means of clamps or claws with an inverted "U" shape, in such a way that the grate is gravity-retained and removably fixed to the frame. carrier In a first stage of manufacture, the grate and the conveyor carriage are positioned horizontally and superiorly in a zone immediately before the location of the first of the sockets of the matrix of the female mold, and in said position the pulverulent substance stored externally is deposited and loaded on the grill; the lower part of the grill is completely supported and flush with the upper surface of the mold of the female mold, having a finish on its entire perimeter or generally flat elements or preferably in the form of an inverted "L", called scrapers among others denominations, of a resistant material and apt to bear abrasion and friction inevitably derived from friction and sliding between surfaces in direct contact.

In a second stage, the transporter starts its movement and advances horizontally in a direction towards and over the location of the entire alveoli of the matrix of the female mold, in such a way that it positions the grate completely on said sockets, whose lower compaction punch is in a raised position and flush with the surface of the matrix of the female mold. Once this position has been reached by the grid and its loading of pulverulent substance, the lower compaction punch descends allowing the gravity of the pulverulent substance into the corresponding alveoli.

In a third stage, and the load is delivered to the alveoli, the transport carriage initiates a horizontal return movement to its initial position, during which there is a removal by dragging the excess powder substance deposited in the previous phase on the cells and that protrudes from its upper edge.

Said stage ends with the arrival of the transporting car and the grill to the initial exit position in the first stage.

The supply and distribution of the pulverulent substance is carried out by means of the dragging of the mobile trolley or conveyor that displaces the charged grate to the matrix of the mold and the mere action of gravity on said substance that remains deposited in a single phase and in a joint on the entire surface of all the alveoli, and a subsequent movement of drag and sweep of the mobile carriage on the matrix of the mold.

This determines that the load as the distribution of the pulverulent substance over the whole alveolus is of an irregular density and homogeneity, since at present it presents irregularities in the same alveolus, as a result of which the different amount and density of the pulverulent substance in a given point differs from that of another point, depending on the quantity and density of substance that in the previous process of loading the grill from external storage and in the first stage has been arranged on said grid, and the fact that the transfer to the alveolus takes place in block and unit of time over all the alveoli and over its entire surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the state of above-described technique, by means of a device for supplying at least one pulverulent substance, particularly for presses for shaping ceramic pieces, which dispenses with the conventional grill and replaces it by means that enable a progressive supply and gradual distribution of the pulverulent substance by a continuous flow per curtain in the alveoli during the entire second stage referred to above and with the additional difference that instead of what is referred to with the conventional method in said second stage, according to the invention the lower compaction punches are in a position of rest from the beginning of the second stage, leaving the alveoli exposed to receive the pulverulent substance according to and since the transport carriage and the device object of the invention start the advance in the second stage, and during the entire phase of horizontal movement of the same

With all this a practical advantage derived from said progressive, gradual and successive loading of the cavity of the alveoli is obtained, which produces a greater homogeneity of the density of the pulverulent substance that is deposited therein in a more uniform and controlled manner, with a better result of the subsequent compaction to which this substance will be subjected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Next, aspects and embodiments of the invention are described on the basis of schematic drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the device object of the invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view and side elevations of the device object of the invention;

Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the progressive discharge means comprising the device object of the invention and an explosion of some parts thereof;

Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the external perimetric support frame or frame of the device object of the invention, of various elements it comprises, and an explosion of some parts thereof;

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the device object of the invention and a pusher comprising one of its embodiments in position previous to it with respect to a forward direction (A);

Figure 6 is a schematic section in side elevation of a ceramic forming press in which the device object of the invention is positioned in the first stage of manufacture;

In these figures references that identify the following elements appear:

A sense of advance

1 frame

2 receptacle

3 longitudinal linear strips

4 upper embouchure of the receptacle

5 lower outlet of the receptacle

6 coupling plates for the receptacle

7 outer ribs of the receptacle

8 means for locking and unlocking the coupling plates

9 pusher

10 scrapers

11 longitudinal linear scraper inside the frame

12 plate

13 closing elements or lid

14 grooves in the upper embouchure of the receptacle

15 intern element for immobilization of the strips

16 clamps or clamps

17 device filling hopper

18 male upper mold

19 lower female mold

20 press bench

21 press counter

22 alveolus

23 linear longitudinal element of the free end of the pusher

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The device object of the invention is intended to be used in presses for shaping ceramic pieces comprising at least one mobile carriage or conveyor provided with a supporting frame and various crosspieces or projections to serve as support and move on the matrix of the lower female mold ( 19) the device itself object of the present invention and other additional elements. The device for supplying at least one pulverulent substance, particularly presses for shaping ceramic pieces whose embodiment is shown in Figure 1 comprises a frame (1) or external perimetric frame that serves as support in its interior to different elements, which are used in the process of manufacturing and obtaining the sponge cake, as for example and additionally, one or more scrapers, combs or blades that serve as leftover elements of powdery substance that may remain on the surface of the lower female mold (19), and / or a pusher that in an anterior position with respect to the grid with respect to a forward direction (A) of the device during its operation in the forming press.

Inside said frame (1) are disposed, among others, means for progressive unloading of at least one pulverulent substance, configured in one or several receptacles (2), four in the embodiment shown in figure 1, which they present an upper embouchure (4) of substantially rectangular area, a lower mouth (5) whose surface is smaller than that of the mouthpiece (4), an inverted truncated-pyramid shape, and a height greater than the thickness or height of the frame ( one). Said receptacle (2) or receptacles can be removable according to the embodiment shown in the figures. For this, the receptacle has connection means such as external ribs on its lower external part, in correspondence with grooves in some coupling plates (6) arranged inside the frame (1). Said latching plates (6) in turn can have means for locking and unlocking their position and are horizontally displaced on the inside of the frame (1) in order to be able to locate the receptacle (2) in different positions and enable for example , the use and parallel adjustment of several receptacles with different sizes of embouchure (4).

The frame (1) comprises means of coupling to an external conveyor element that moves the device object of the invention in the forming press, which can be configured as shown in figures 1 and 2 in the form of claws or clamps in the form of "U" inverted in different locations of the said exterior of said frame (1). Also, and according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the frame (1) comprises internally latching plates (6) for the receptacle (2), additional fastening means for scraper elements (11) arranged inside the frame ( 1) and in position posterior to the receptacle or receptacles in a forward direction (A), to reinforce the sweeping and removal of excess powdery substance during the operation procedure of the device in the forming press, as well as upper closing or lid elements (13) intended to prevent unwanted or accidental entry of pulverulent substance in certain areas of the device object of the invention.

The device object of the invention, whose embodiment is shown in Figure 3 may comprise one or more longitudinal strips (3) in the mouth (4) of the receptacle (2), which are releasably fixed in respective grooves (14) made in the upper ends of the embouchure (4), and contribute to a better distribution of the powdery substance inside the receptacle (2). In turn, said strips (3) can be immobilized together by a through element (15) that interconnects them and immobilizes them in the body of the receptacle by means of threaded fasteners that fix the through element (15) on the outside of the sides of the embouchure (4) of the receptacle (2), to prevent the accidental exiting of the strips (3) of the grooves (14) and also keeping them equidistant from each other in their central area, for which the element passes through it may incorporate intermediate separating elements of greater section or diameter than the connecting through holes, in such a way that they keep the strips (3) in the same relative position with each other despite the forces that may affect them during the procedure of operation of the device in the forming press.

The device object of the invention according to the embodiment shown in figure 3, incorporates in the lower mouth (5) of the receptacle (2) perimeter scraper elements (10), some or all of which have a section in the shape of " L "inverted or" V "; they comprise a material apt to support a friction and fulfill a purpose of adjustment and perimeter closure of said mouth (5) with the surface of the lower female mold (19); said scrapers (10) comprise a plate (12) preferably removable to facilitate replacement by wear, to which is fixedly fixed said material suitable to withstand a friction, said material including for example polymers. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 5 the device object of the invention comprises a pusher element (9) of equal or greater depth than that of the frame (1), located on the outside of said frame (1) and in a previous position with regarding a sense of advancement (A). Said pusher (9) presents frontally at its free end at least one longitudinal linear element (23) whose purpose is to successively move the compacted pieces or sponge cake already formed outside the forming press, once each third stage of operation of the device object ends of the invention in the forming press, for which once said third stage is completed, the lower compaction punches ascend to leave said compacted pieces or sponge cake exposed to the advance of the device during an initial phase of the second stage, and then descend for the phase of supply and distribution of pulverulent substance to the alveoli (22) that takes place during said second stage progressively as the device advances on each part of the cavity of the alveoli (22).

Finally, the device object of the invention whose embodiment is shown in Figure 6 is fed from a filling hopper (17) that pours thereon from an external storage at least one powdery substance, and once loaded on the device this starts its advance in a forming press comprising a lower bed (20) and a top press (21) press, penetrating molds composed of two half-molds, one male upper (18) provided with a plurality of superior compaction punches , and another lower female (19) with a matrix of housings or alveoli (22), also provided with a plurality of lower compaction punches, in which the device object of the invention supplies and distributes at least one pulverulent substance, from of which they are formed, through the subsequent pressing action of the punches, compacted pieces of material called sponge cake that is later subjected to treatments c For example, enameling, decorating and cooking to obtain finished ceramic articles.

In accordance with what follows from the foregoing, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art and provides an evolutionary alternative by means of an improved device.

Claims

1. Supply device of a! less a pulverulent substance, particularly for presses for shaping ceramic pieces, of the type comprising at least one frame (1) or an external perimetric support frame characterized in that it comprises means for progressive unloading of at least one pulverulent substance.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for progressive discharge of at least one powder substance comprise at least one receptacle element (2) with an upper mouth (4) and a lower mouth (5).

Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper embouchure (4) and the lower opening (5) of the receptacle (2) have a substantially rectangular area.

Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the receptacle (2) has a height that is greater than the thickness or height of the frame (1).

Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the height of the receptacle (2) is equal to or greater than twice the thickness or height of the frame (1).

Device according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the height of the receptacle (2) is between 40 and 150mm.

Device according to claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the mouth (4) of the receptacle (2) has a larger surface area than the mouth (5).

Device according to any of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the receptacle (2) has a substantially inverted truncated-pyramidal shape.

Device according to any of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the receptacle (2) is removable and immovable in the interior of the frame (1) or outer peripheral support frame.

Device according to any of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the mouth of the receptacle (2) comprises one or more longitudinal linear strips (3).

Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the terminal strip or strips (3) are removable and immovable in the mouth (4) of the receptacle (2).

Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the removable terminal strip or strips (3) are fixed by corresponding grooves (14) at the ends of the mouth (4) of the receptacle (2).

Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the removable terminal strip or strips (3) are immobilized by means of a through element (15) connecting said strip or strips to the sides of the mouth (4) of the receptacle (2).

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that latching plates (6) for the receptacle (2) are arranged in the internal part of the frame (1) or external support frame.

Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the coupling plates (6) for the receptacle (2) have grooves in correspondence with ribs (7) on the outside of the receptacle (2).

Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the latching plates (6) for the receptacle (2) are horizontally displaceable and comprise locking and unlocking means (8) for fixing them at any point of the horizontal plane in which they are placed. they move.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower opening (5) of the receptacle (2) incorporates at least one or more perimeter scraper elements (10) comprising a material apt to support a friction.

Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one perimeter scraper element (10) comprises a plate (12).

19. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the material! apt to support a friction is fixed integrally to the plate (12).

Device according to the preceding claims 17 to 19, characterized in that at least one material comprising the scraper element or perimeter elements

(10) is a polymer.

Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the scraper element (s) (10) are removable.

Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the scraper element (s) (10) comprise holes in correspondence with other holes included in the lower opening (5) of the receptacle (2) for its interconnection and fixing by means of through elements, particularly screws or rivets.

23. Device according to previous claims 17 to 23, characterized in that a! minus one of the scraper perimeter elements (10) has an inverted "L" shaped section.

Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pusher element (9) of equal or greater depth than that of the assembly of the device, located on the outside of the frame (1) and in an anterior position with respect to a direction of advance (A), which presents frontally at its free end a linear longitudinal element (23).

25. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to! receptacle (2) comprises at least one scraper element

(11) linear longitudinal located inside the frame (1) in a position posterior to the receptacle (2) with respect to a direction of advance (A).

26. Device, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the scraper (11) is removable and immobilizable inside the frame (1).

27. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (1) externally comprises at least one claw or clamp (16) in the form of an inverted "U" for the coupling of the device to the transporting carriage of the ceramic forming machine.

28. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the interior area of the frame (1) comprises one or more closing elements or cover (13).

29. Device, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the closing element or elements (13) is removable.

Device, according to previous claims 28 or 29, characterized in that the closing element or elements (13) comprises one or more plates.

31. Device, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the iron or plates of the closing element or cover (13) has an "L" -shaped section.

Method for operating a device according to any of the preceding claims in a ceramic forming press, comprising a first stage in which a conveyor carriage is positioned horizontally and superiorly in a zone immediately before the location of the first from the alveoli of the matrix of the female mold, and in said position an externally stored pulverulent substance is deposited and loaded onto the device for supplying and distributing the pulverulent substance; in a second stage the transporting carriage starts its horizontal movement and advance toward and over the location of the alveoli of the matrix of the female mold, in such a way that it gradually and successively positions the device for supplying the pulverulent substance on different parts of said sockets , and a third stage, in which the conveyor carriage initiates a horizontal return movement to its initial position, during which there is a withdrawal by dragging the excess powder substance deposited in the previous phase on the cells and protruding from its upper edge; said step ends with the arrival of the conveyor carriage and the device for supplying and distributing the pulverulent substance to the initial exit position in the first stage, characterized in that the lower compaction punch or punches of the press are in a lowered position at least from the phase of the second stage immediately prior to the first overlap of the opening (5) of the receptacle (2) or receptacles on it or the alveoli (22), in such a way that the entry and distribution of the pulverulent substance takes place in the corresponding alveoli (22) progressively, gradually and successively due to the combined effect of gravity and the horizontal movement of advancement of the delivery device, and a supply of said pulverulent substance by a constant flow through curtain.