WO2023233317A1

WO2023233317A1 - Compacting machine and plant for producing ceramic products

Info

Publication number: WO2023233317A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/055573
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea Valli
Original assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
Priority date: 2022-05-31
Filing date: 2023-05-31
Publication date: 2023-12-07

Abstract

A plant (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (T) comprising a feeding assembly (9) with at least two feeding devices (10, 11), each of which is configured to contain a powder material (CA, CB) of a respective type and feed said powder material to a conveyor assembly (5), in order for it to be compacted by a compacting machine (2), also claimed. The feeding assembly (9) comprises an operating device (18), which is configured to allow the powder material to pass selectively out through first and second passage zones (16, 17) of the feeding devices (10, 11) arranged in succession crosswise to the moving direction (A) of the conveyor assembly (5), by vertically and independently moving a plurality of transfer sliders (23) by means of operating units (22). Each operating unit (22) is connected for this purpose to a respective actuator (27) comprising a movable element (39). The directions (D) of motion of the movable elements (39) are different from and transverse to one another, so as to reduce the footprint of the actuators (27), while at the same time increasing the definition of the distribution of powder material.

Description

"COMPACTING MACHINE AND PLANT FOR PRODUCING CERAMIC PRODUCTS"

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102022000011543 filed on May 31 , 2022 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention relates to a compacting machine and plant for producing ceramic products .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of ceramic goods production ( in particular, slabs ; more particularly, tiles ) , the use of machines for compacting semi-dry powder ( ceramic powders ; moisture content about 5- 6% ) is known . These machines compri se ceramic powder feeding devices of di f ferent types .

These machines are often used to produce products that imitate natural stone , such as marble and/or granite .

These products have inner veins randomly distributed within the thickness of the products .

In alternative or in addition, it may be appropriate to use powders of di f ferent types to obtain products with particular structural and/or physical characteristics .

In some cases , mixtures of powders of di f ferent colours are brought with a random distribution into the cavities of steel moulds and then pressed to obtain, for example , compacted powder slabs .

It has also been proposed to produce slabs with random distribution of powders of di f ferent colours using continuous compaction machines comprising a conveyor assembly to transport ( substantially continuously) the powder material along a defined path through a work station, at which a compacting device is arranged, which is adapted, through the cooperation of pressure rollers , to compact the powder material so as to obtain a layer of compacted powder .

An example of a continuous machine for compacting ceramic powder is disclosed in the International Patent Application with publication number W02005/ 068146 by the same Applicant of the present Application .

WO9823424A2 discloses a method for pressing powder material to obtain tiles . The method involves distributing powders on flexible conveyor means and moving the powders in a moving direction through a pressing station provided with containment means . Containment means act on the powders to be pressed during pressing . The compacted layer is trans ferred to the printing means .

It is also known to realise ( e . g . by digital printing) a graphic decoration over the layer of compacted ceramic powder in order to make the end product visually more similar to a natural product .

The International Patent Application W02018 / 163124 by the same Applicant discloses a plant for producing ceramic products comprising two feeding devices , each of which is adapted to contain a powder material of a respective type and feed such powder material to a conveyor assembly; the plant further comprises an operating device , which is adapted to allow the powder material to get selectively out through areas of the feeding devices arranged in succession crosswise to the moving direction, and a control unit which controls the operating device according to a desired reference distribution and according to how far the conveyor assembly feeds the powder material . In particular, the operating device comprises a plurality of operating units , each of which is arranged at a respective zone to adj ust the passage of material through the same zone .

However, the plants available to date for the production of ceramic products have several drawbacks . These include the following ones . The devices that allow to selectively feed di f ferent types of powder material are relatively complex, bulky ( and therefore di f ficult to miniaturise - this also means that it is di f ficult to increase the resolution of distribution) and expensive . Moreover, they do not always allow to obtain a precise and repeatable powder distribution .

The aim of the present invention is to provide a compacting machine and a plant , which make it possible to overcome , at least partially, the drawbacks of the prior art and are , at the same time , easy and of cheap to make .

SUMMARY

According to the present invention, a compacting machine and a plant are provided for producing ceramic products as claimed in the following independent claims and, preferably, in any one of the claims dependent directly or indirectly on the independent claims .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings , which show some non-limiting embodiments thereof , wherein :

Figure 1 is a side and schematic view of a plant according to the present invention;

Figures 2 and 3 are side views of an inner part of the plant of Figure 1 in two di f ferent operational conformations ;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a component of Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view including the part of Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 6 is a perspective view, with some components removed for clarity, of a portion of Figures 2 and 3 ;

Figures 7, 8 and 9 are side views of a different embodiment of the part of Figures 2 and 3 in different operational conformations;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a component of Figures 7, 8 and 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective and schematic view of a part of the plant of Figure 1;

Figures 12 and 13 are side views of a different embodiment of the part of Figures 2 and 3 in different operational conformations;

Figure 14 is a front view of a different embodiment of the component of Figures 4 and 10;

Figure 15 is a virtual representation of a part of the plant control procedure of Figure 1;

Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19 are side views of a different embodiment of the part of Figures 2 and 3 in different operational conformations;

Figure 20 is a side view of the part of the Figures 16 to 19 with the addition of a component;

Figure 21 is an enlarged side view of the component added to Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the component of Figure 21; Figure 23 is a perspective view of a part of the component of Figures 21 and 22 ;

Figure 24 is a top view of the part of Figure 23 ;

Figure 25 is a side view of the part of Figures 23 and 24 ;

Figure 26 is a front view of the part of Figures 23 to 25 ;

Figure 27 is a perspective view of the part of Figure 20 ; and

Figure 28 shows an alternative embodiment of a detail of the plant of Figure 1 with some parts removed for clarity .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In Figure 1 , number 1 indicates as a whole a plant for producing ceramic articles T .

The plant 1 has a compacting machine 2 to compact powder material CP, comprising ceramic powder ( in particular, the powder material CP is ceramic powder ; more in particular, ceramic powder has a moisture content of about 5- 6% ) .

In particular, the ceramic articles T produced are slabs (more precisely, tiles ) .

The machine 2 comprises a compacting device 3 , which is arranged at a work station 4 and is adapted to ( configured to ) compact the powder material CP so as to obtain a layer of compacted powder KP ; and a conveyor assembly 5 ( configured) for conveying ( substantially continuously) the powder material CP along a segment PA of a determined path from an input station 6 to ( in particular, at ) the work station 4 in a ( in particular, substantially hori zontal ) moving direction A and the layer of compacted powder KP from the work station 4 along a section PB of the determined path to an output station 7 (in particular, in the direction A) . In particular, the determined path consists of segments PA and PB .

According to non-limiting embodiments, the compacting device 3 is configured to exert a pressure of at least about 350 kg/cm² (in particular, at least about 380 kg/cm²; more particularly, up to about 450 kg/cm²; more particularly, up to about 420 kg/cm²) on the powder material CP.

In particular, the compacting device 3 is configured to exert on (a layer of) ceramic powder CP a transverse pressure (in particular, normal) to the direction A (and to an extension direction DD - defined in more detail below) .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the compacting device 3 is configured to operate continuously. In particular, the (layer of) ceramic powder CP is compacted during its continuous movement.

Alternatively (according to some non-shown and nonlimiting embodiments) , the compacting device 3 is a discontinuous compacting device (commonly known as a press) . In detail, in this case, when compaction is carried out by means of a discontinuous compacting device, a given amount of ceramic powder is fed, in use, to a seat with a certain shape (typically rectangular or square - more precisely, of the shape the compacted ceramic article is to be obtained) of the compacting device 3. At this point, a pressure is applied to the ceramic powder CP arranged in the seat (and thus not moving in the direction A) in order to obtain the layer of compacted powder KP .

In particular, in this case, the layer of compacted powder KP has substantially the size of the compacted ceramic article (i.e. the size of a ceramic slab or tile) , and even more in particular, there is no need to cut the layer of compacted powder KP to obtain the slabs 48 (described in more detail below) .

Referring in particular to Figures 2, 3, 5-9, 12, 13 and 16-18, the machine 2 also has a feeding assembly 9, which comprises a feeding device 10 and at least one feeding device 11 arranged above the conveyor assembly 5. The feeding device 10 comprises a respective containing chamber 12 having at least one associated output mouth 13, the longitudinal extension of which is transverse (in particular, substantially perpendicular) to the moving direction A (this longitudinal extension is, in particular, substantially horizontal) . In other words, the output mouth 13 extends in an extension direction DD transverse (in particular, substantially perpendicular - see Figures 5 and 6) to the moving direction A (this extension direction DD is, in particular, substantially horizontal) .

The second feeding device 11 comprises at least one respective containing chamber 14 having a respective output mouth 15, the longitudinal extension of which is transverse (in particular, perpendicular) to the moving direction A (this longitudinal extension is, in particular, substantially horizontal) . In particular, the longitudinal extensions of the output mouths 13 and 15 are substantially parallel to each other.

In other words, the output mouth 15 extends in the extension direction DD transverse (in particular, substantially perpendicular) to the moving direction A (this extension direction DD is, in particular, substantially horizontal) .

More precisely but not necessarily, the containing chamber 12 is adapted to (configured to) contain a (ceramic) powder material CA of a first type and the containing chamber 14 is adapted to (configured to) contain a (ceramic) powder material CB of a second type.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, powder materials CA and CB (are ceramic and) have different colours. It is thereby possible to create colour effects in the thickness of the ceramic articles T. These colour effects are for example visible in the edges of ceramic articles. Alternatively or additionally, the powder materials CA and CB are adapted to (configured to) bring different physical characteristics to the ceramic articles T.

In particular, the powder material CP consists of one or both of the powder materials CA and CB . More precisely, the powder material CP comprises (consists of) the powder materials CA and CB (distributed in different areas of the powder material CP) .

According to some embodiments (such as those shown in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6) , the feeding device 10 comprises one (only) containing chamber 12 while the feeding device 11 comprises two containing chambers 14 and 14' (arranged on opposite sides of the containing chamber 12) . In addition, each of the containing chambers 14 and 14' has a respective output mouth 15 and 15' (in particular, substantially facing each other) .

The output mouth 13 has respective passage zones 16 (see, in particular, Figures 5 and 6) arranged in succession along the longitudinal extension of the output mouth 13. The output mouth 15 (and output mouth 15' ) has respective passage zones 17 arranged in succession along the longitudinal extension of the output mouth 15 itself. In addition, the feeding assembly 9 comprises an operating device 18 (see, in particular, Figures 2 and 3) , which is adapted to (configured to) allow the powder material to get selectively out through one or more of the passage zones 16 and 17. In particular, each passage zone 16 is arranged next to (more precisely, above; associated with) a respective passage zone 17.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the machine 1 further comprises (Figure 1) a control unit 20, which is adapted to (configured to) store (has stored) a reference distribution 21 (Figure 15) of the powder material CA and CB of the first and second type (desired) in the powder material CP conveyed by the conveyor assembly 5 and to control the operating device 18 according to the reference distribution 21. More particularly, the control unit 20 is adapted to (configured to) control the operating device 18 to reproduce (on the conveyor assembly 5) the reference distribution 21.

According to some non-limiting embodiments (see, in particular, Figure 11) , the machine 1 also comprises a detection device 19 (e.g. an encoder) to detect how far in length the conveyor assembly 5 transports the powder material CP along the given path (in the feeding direction A) , in particular, along the segment PA. In these cases, in particular, the control unit 20 is adapted to (configured to) control the operating device 18 depending on what is detected by the detection device 19 and the reference distribution 21. More in particular, the control unit 20 is adapted to (configured to) control the operating device 18 according to what is detected by the detection device 19 so as to reproduce (on the conveyor assembly 5) the reference distribution 21.

According to certain non-limiting embodiments (see, in particular, Figures 5 , 6 , 18-20 and 25 ) , the operating device 18 comprises a plurality of operating units 22 ( only six of which are partial ly shown in Figures 5 and 6 ; eight are shown in Figures 18-20 ; and twenty- four are partially shown in Figure 25 ) , each of which is adapted to ( configured to ) adj ust the passage of powder material through a respective passage zone 16 and 17 .

In particular, each operating unit 22 is arranged at a respective passage zone 16 and 17 .

According to some non-limiting embodiments , the operating units 22 are arranged in succession ( in a transverse direction - in particular, substantially perpendicular - to the moving direction A) along the longitudinal extension of the output mouth 13 and the output mouth 15 . More precisely, but not necessarily, each slider 23 ( described in more detail below) of the operating units 22 is arranged at a respective passage zone 16 and 17 .

In particular, the sliders 23 are arranged in succession ( in particular, in line ) in the extension direction DD ( in particular, substantially hori zontal ) .

More precisely, but not necessarily, the sliders 23 are arranged in succession ( in a transverse direction - in particular, substantially perpendicular - to the moving direction A) along the longitudinal extension of the output mouth 13 and output mouth 15 .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each slider 23 has a thickness ( in particular, measured in the extension direction DD) lower than or equal to 10 mm ( in particular, lower than or equal to 6 mm; in particular, greater than 2 mm) .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the control unit 20 is configured to control each operating unit 22 independently of the other operating units 22 (depending on what is detected by the detection device 19 and the reference distribution 21) .

In particular, in use, the control unit 20 moves (virtually) the reference distribution 21 along a virtual path VP (Figure 15) through a virtual reference front RP depending on (according to) what is detected by the detection device 19. The virtual reference front VP has a plurality of positions, each of which corresponds to a passage zone 16 and to a passage zone 17 associated with each other; the control unit 20 operates the feeding assembly 9 (in particular, the feeding devices 10 and 11; more particularly, the operating device 18; even more particularly, the operating units 22) in such a way as to allow the powder material to get out at a specific time through the passage zones 16 and/or 17 according to the type of powder material provided at the specific time, in the reference distribution 21, at the positions of the virtual reference front RP corresponding to said passage zones 16 and/or 17.

Advantageously but not necessarily (see, in particular, Figure 2-10, 12-14 and 16-20) , each operating unit 22 comprises a respective transfer slider 23 (some embodiments of which are specifically shown in Figures 4, 10 e 14) , which has a transit channel 24 (i.e. recessed corridor or a duct) provided with at least one entrance 25 and at least one output 26 arranged below the entrance 25, and a respective actuator 27 (Figures 20-22 e 27) to take the transfer slider 23 to a first position FP, wherein the transit channel 24 is put in connection with the containing channel 12 (Figures 3, 9, 13 and 16) so that the powder material CA of the first type passes from the containing chamber 12 to the transit channel 24 (in particular, through the channel 24 itself) ; more in particular, through the entrance 25; still more in particular, through the output mouth 13) , and at least in a second position SP, which is arranged below the first position FP and wherein the transit channel 24 is put in communication with the containing chamber 14 (Figures 2, 8, 12 and 18) so that the powder material CB of the second type passes from the containing chamber 14 (and/or 14' ) to the transit channel 24 (in particular, through the channel 24 itself; more in particular, through the entrance 25; still more in particular, through the output mouth 15) .

In other words, each actuator 27 is configured to move (in particular, substantially vertically) the slider 23 (at least) between the first position FP and the second position SP and vice versa.

In still other words, each actuator 27 is configured to move (in particular, substantially vertically) the slider 23 (at least) from the first position FP to the second position SP and vice versa.

Note that since the channel 24 is part of the slider 23, it (the channel 24) moves together with the slider 23.

Note that the structure and operation of the operating units 22 described above are particularly simple and cheap. For example, with a single actuator 27, it is possible to selectively and punctually feed two or (as will be explained in more detail below) more types of powder material to the conveyor assembly 5. In addition, the need for gaskets (and/or sealing systems) is greatly reduced.

In particular, the second position SP is placed lower (in particular, below) than the first position FP . In other words, the first position FP is placed higher than (above) the second position SP.

It is thereby possible to obtain a more precise powder feeding: each type of powder passes through the same output 26 (thus in the same position) .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each actuator 27 is configured to move the respective slider 23 between the first position FP and the second position SP in a transverse (in particular, substantially vertical) direction (in particular, substantially perpendicular) to the direction A.

According to some non-limiting embodiments (see, for example, Figure 4) , the transit channel 24 is configured (structured) in such a way that the powder material CA and/or CB flows (more particularly, due to the force of gravity) through the transit channel 24 itself (from the entrance 25 and/or from a further entrance 28 - described in more detail below - to the output 26) .

In addition or in alternative, the transit channel 24 is configured (structured) in such a way that the powder material CA and/or CB gets out (more in particular, by gravity) of the channel 24 through the output 26.

According to some non-limiting embodiments (see, in particular, Figures 3 and 16) , (each operating unit 22 is configured so that, when the transfer slider 23 is) in the first position FP, the entrance 25 is facing the output mouth 13.

More precisely but not necessarily, (each operating unit 22 is configured such that, when the transfer slider 23 is) in the first position FP, the slider 23 is (at least) partially arranged within the containing chamber 12 (in particular, the entrance 25 is within the containing chamber 12) .

In particular, each operating unit 22 is configured so that, when the transfer slider 23 is in the first position FP, the slider 23 plugs (at least partially; more in particular, completely) the output mouth 15.

In addition or in alternative, (when the transfer slider 23 is) in the second position SP, the entrance 25 is facing the output mouth 15.

Referring in particular to Figures 4, 10, 12 and 14, advantageously but not necessarily, each transit channel 24 has at least one further entrance 28. (each operating unit

22 is configured so that when the respective transfer slider

23 is) . According to some non-limiting embodiments (see, for example, Figures 3 and 9) , in the first position FP, the entrance 28 is connected to the containing chamber 12 so that the powder material CA of the first type passes from the containing chamber 12 to the transit channel 24 (through the entrance 28) .

In particular, (when the transfer slider 23 is) in the second position SP (Figure 2) , the entrance 28 is arranged so that the powder material CB of the second type passes (from the feeding device 11) to the channel 24 (also) through the entrance 28. More particularly, when the transfer slider 23 is) in the second position SP, the entrance 28 is arranged so that it is connected to the further containing chamber 14' (of the feeding device 11 and; more particularly, containing the powder material CB of the second type) so that the powder material CB of the second type passes from the containing chamber 14' to the transit channel 24 (through the entrance 28) . More in particular, the entrance 28 faces the additional output mouth 15' of the containing chamber For example, the containing chamber 12 is arranged between the containing chambers 14 and 14' .

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the entrance 25 and the additional entrance 28 are at least partially arranged on opposite sides of the respective transfer slider 23. In other words, the entrance 25 and the further entrance 28 face (at least partially) opposite sides of the respective slider 23.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each output 26 faces downwards.

Advantageously but not necessarily, as better shown in Figures 5 and 6, the transfer sliders 23 are arranged in succession transversely to the moving direction A (in particular, along the output mouth 13 and the second output mouth 15; more particularly, also along the output mouth 15' ; more particularly, along a further output mouth 29 of a further containing chamber 30 - described in more detail below) so that each slider 23 is in contact (in particular, tightly - i.e. so as to prevent the passage of particles of the powder material CP) with the adjacent transfer slider (s) 23.

It is thereby possible to avoid the use of expensive and complex (especially to assemble) bulkheads arranged between adjacent operating units 22 (as is appropriate in the machine described in Patent Application WO2018/ 163124 ) . In addition, the need for gaskets (and/or sealing systems) , which are relatively expensive, difficult to fit and prone to wear, is further reduced.

In particular, each actuator 27 is configured to move the respective transfer slider 23 so that the respective transfer slider 23 slides in contact with the adjacent transfer slider(s) 23.

According to some non-limiting embodiments (see in particular Figures 4, 10 and 14) , each transfer slider 23 comprises a respective base wall 32 which partially delimits the transit channel 24. In particular, each base wall 32 is transverse to a longitudinal extension direction of the output mouth 13 and, in particular, of the output mouth 15. More in particular, each base wall 32 is substantially parallel to the moving direction A.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each transfer slider 23 is without a wall opposite the base wall 32. In other words, the channel 24 is a recess (open at the top) in the body of the slider 23, which therefore has at least one raised portion 34 in relation to the channel 24 (see, in particular, Figures 4 and 10 - in this case, there are three raised portions 34) .

Manufacturing sliders 23 with this shape is particularly easy. This also makes it more difficult for obstructions (e.g. caused by lumps of powdery material) to form along the channel 24.

According to certain non-limiting embodiments (Figures 5 and 6) , at least one of the channels 24 (in particular, each channel 24 except one) is delimited on the opposite side of the respective base wall 32 (in other words, of the base wall 32 of the respective slider 23) by the base wall 32 of the adjacent transfer slider 23 (arranged on the opposite side of the respective base wall 32) .

In particular, each actuator 27 is configured to move the respective transfer slider 23 so that the respective transfer slider 23 slides in contact with the adjacent transfer slider (s) 23. In other words, each slider 23 is moved so that its own base wall 32 slides in contact with the portion (s) 34 of the adjacent slider 23 and/or its own portion (s) 34 slides in contact with the base wall 32 of the adjacent slider.

Referring in particular to Figures 2, 3, 7-9, 12, 13 and 16-20 (in which what is described below is exemplified) , advantageously but not necessarily, each operating unit 22 comprises a respective operating connection 33 (in particular, a respective operating rod 33; in some nonlimiting cases, the operating rod 33 is a wire) , which is connected (in particular, integral) to the respective slider 23 and is connected to the respective actuator 27 (Figures 18-20) so as to transfer a movement (generated) from the actuator 27 towards (in particular, to) the slider 23. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the operating connection (in particular, the rod) 33 extends from the slider 23 (in particular, from an upper end of the slider 23) upwards (in particular, vertically; according to some embodiments, through the containing chamber 12) .

For example, the actuator 27 comprises a pneumatic actuation or an electric motor (in particular, linear) . Advantageously, but not necessarily, the actuator 27 is arranged above the containing chamber 12.

According to certain non-limiting and not shown embodiments, each actuator 27 is configured to bring the respective transfer slider 23 to an intermediate position (in particular, so as to keep it in that position) , which is between the first position FP and the second position SP and in which the respective transit channel 24 is connected to the containing chamber 12 so that the powder material CA passes from the containing chamber 12 to the transit channel 24 ( through the output mouth 13 ) and is connected to the containing chamber 14 so that the powder material CB passes from the containing chamber 14 to the transit channel 24 ( in particular, through the output mouth 15 ) .

Referring in particular to Figures 7 to 9 , advantageously but not necessarily, the feeding assembly 9 comprises at least another feeding device 30 ' , which is arranged above the conveyor assembly 5 ( in particular, at the input station 6 ) and comprises a respective containing chamber 30 configured to contain a powder material of a third type ( ceramic material not speci fically illustrated) and having a respective output mouth 29 , the longitudinal extension of which is transverse ( in particular, perpendicular ) to the moving direction A ( said longitudinal extension being, in particular, substantially hori zontal ) . In particular, the longitudinal extension of the output mouth 29 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the output mouth 15 ( and poss ibly of the output mouth 13 ) .

According to some embodiments , the powder material of the third type has a di f ferent colour than the powder materials CA and CB . It is thereby possible to create colour ef fects in the thickness of ceramic articles T . Such colour ef fects are for example visible in the edges of ceramic articles T . Alternatively or additionally, the powder material of the third type is adapted ( configured) to provide ceramic articles T with di f ferent physical characteristics i f compared to powder materials CA and CB .

In particular, the powder material CP consists o f one of the powder materials of the three types or ( advantageously) of the powder materials of all three types . More precisely, the powder material CP comprises ( consists of ) the powder material of the third type and the powder materials CA and CB ( distributed in di f ferent areas of the powder material CP ) .

The output mouth 29 has respective passage zones 31 arranged in succession along the longitudinal extension of the third output mouth 29 itsel f .

In particular, each passage mouth 31 is arranged next to (more precisely, between; in particular, associated with) a respective passage zone 17 and a respective passage zone 16 .

In particular, the operating device 18 is configured to allow ( in particular, and/or prevent ) powder material of the third type to get out through the respective passage zones 31 ; each operating unit 22 is arranged at a respective passage zone 31 , is configured to adj ust the passage of powder material of the third type through the respective passage zone 31 . More particularly, each actuator 27 is configured to move the trans fer slider 23 to at least a third position TP ( Figure 8 ) , whereby the transit channel 24 is connected to the containing chamber 30 so that the powder material of the third type passes from the containing chamber 30 to the transit channel 24 ( in particular, through the output mouth 29 ) .

More precisely but not necessarily, ( each driving unit 22 is configured so that , when the trans fer slider 23 is ) in the third position TP, the input 28 is facing the output mouth 29 .

In particular, the third position TP is between the first position FP and the second position SP . According to some non-limiting embodiments, the third position TP is placed lower than (in particular, below) the first position FP . In other words, the first position FP is placed higher than (above) the third position TP.

In addition or in alternative, the second position SP is placed lower than (in particular, below) the third TP position. In other words, the third position TP is placed higher than (above) the second position SP.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each actuator 27 is configured to move the respective slider 23 between the first position FP and the third position TP and between the third position TP and the second position SP in a direction (in particular, substantially vertical) that is transverse (in particular, substantially perpendicular) to the direction A.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, (each operating unit 22 is configured so that, when the transfer slider 23 is) in the third position TP, the powder material CA and/or CB from the feeding devices 10 and/or 11 (in particular, from the containing chambers 12 and/or 14) does not enter the transit channel 24.

In addition or in alternative (similarly) , (each operating unit 22 is configured so that, when the transfer slider 23 is) in the second position SP, the powder material CA of the first type and/or the powder material of the third type coming from the feeding devices 10 and/or 30' (in particular, from the containing chambers 12 and/or 30) does not enter the transit channel 24.

In addition or in alternative (similarly) , (each operating unit 22 is configured so that, when the transfer slider 23 is) in the first position FP, the powder material CB of the second type and/or the powder material of the third type coming from the feeding devices 11 and/or 30' (in particular, from the containing chambers 14 and/or 30) does not enter the transit channel 24.

According to certain non-limiting embodiments (see, in particular, Figures 16 to 19) , the feeding assembly 9 comprises at least a further (in the present case, a fourth) feeding device 10' (structurally and functionally similar to the feeding device 30' ) , which is arranged above the conveyor assembly 5 (and below the feeding device 30' ) and comprises a respective containing chamber 12' (similar to the containing chamber 30) configured to contain a powder material of a fourth type (ceramic material not specifically shown) and having a related (fourth) output mouth 57 (similar to the output mouth 29) , the longitudinal extension of which is transverse (in particular, perpendicular) to the moving direction A (said longitudinal extension being, in particular, substantially horizontal) .

In particular, the longitudinal extension of the output mouth 57 is in the direction DD.

In alternative or in addition, the longitudinal extension of the output mouth 57 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the output mouths 13, 15 and 29.

According to some embodiments, the powder material of the fourth type has a different colour from that of the powder materials CA and CB and of the third type. It is thereby possible to create special colour effects in the thickness of ceramic articles T. Such colour effects are for example visible in the edges of ceramic articles T. Alternatively or additionally, the powder material of the fourth type is adapted ( configured) to provide ceramic articles T with di f ferent phys ical characteristics i f compared to the powder materials CA and CB and the third type .

In particular, the powder material CP consists o f one of the powder materials of the four types or ( advantageously) of powder materials of all the four types . More precisely, the powder material CP comprises ( consists of ) the powder material of the fourth type , of the third type and the powder materials CA and CB .

The fourth output mouth 57 has respective fourth passage zones 58 ( similar to the passage zones 31 ) arranged in succession along the longitudinal extension of the fourth output mouth 57 itsel f .

In particular, each fourth passage zone 58 is arranged next to (more precisely, between; in particular, associated with) a respective passage zone 31 , a passage zone 17 and a respective passage zone 16 .

In particular, the operating unit 18 is configured to allow ( in particular, and/or prevent ) the powder material of the fourth type to get out through the respective fourth passage zones 58 ; each operating unit 22 is arranged at a respective fourth passage zone 58 , is configured to adj ust the passage of the powder material of the fourth type through the respective fourth passage zone 58 . More particularly, each actuator 27 is configured to move the trans fer slider 23 to at least a fourth pos ition FFP, wherein the transit channel 24 is connected to the containing chamber 12 ' of the fourth feeding device so that the powder material of the fourth type passes to the transit channel 24 ( in particular, through the fourth output mouth) . More precisely but not necessarily, (each operating unit 22 is configured so that, when the transfer slider 23 is) in the fourth position FFP, the input 28 is facing the fourth output mouth 57.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, (each operating unit 22 is configured so that, when the transfer slider 23 is) in the fourth position FFP, the powder material of the third type and/or CA and/or CB from the feeding devices 30' and/or 10 and/or 11 (in particular, from the containing chambers 30 and/or 12 and/or 14) does not enter the transit channel 24.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the fourth position FFP is placed lower than (in particular, below) the first position FP . In other words, the first position FP is placed higher than (above) the fourth position FFP.

In addition or in alternative, the fourth position FFP is placed lower than (in particular, below) the third position TP. In other words, the third position TP is placed higher than (above) the fourth position FFP.

In addition or in alternative, the fourth position FFP is placed lower (in particular, below) the second position SP. In other words, the second position SP is placed higher than (above) the fourth position FFP.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each actuator 27 is configured to move the respective slider 23 between the first position FP and the fourth position FFP, between the third position TP and the fourth position FFP and between the second position SP and the fourth position FFP in a direction (in particular, substantially vertical) that is transverse (in particular, substantially perpendicular) to the direction A. Advantageously, but not necessarily, the feeding assembly 9 compri ses a trans fer chamber 35 , which is shaped to contain the powder material CP received from the feeding device 10 (more precisely, from the containing chamber 12 ) and from the feeding device 11 (more precisely, from the containing chamber 14 ) ( in particular, also from the feeding device 30 ' ; more precisely, from the containing chamber 30 ) , through the channels 24 and to trans fer the powder material CP to the conveyor assembly 5 at the input station 6 .

The trans fer chamber 35 is arranged between the feeding device 10 (more precisely, the containing chamber 12 ) and the feeding device 11 (more precisely, the containing chamber 14 ) ( in particular, also the feeding device 30 ' ; more precisely, the containing chamber 30 ) on one side and the conveyor assembly 5 on the other side ; in particular, the trans fer sliders 23 are slidably mounted along at least a part of the discharge chamber 35 .

The trans fer chamber 35 has a first wall 36 ( in particular, transverse to the moving direction A) and at least a second wall 37 ( in particular, transverse to the moving direction A, in particular, parallel to the wall 36 ) , facing the wall 36 and arranged upstream of the wall 36 with respect to the moving direction A.

The trans fer chamber 35 has a loading segment CT ( in particular, substantially vertical ) transverse ( in particular, substantially perpendicular ) to the moving direction A and arranged below the containing chamber 12 and the containing chamber 14 ( in particular, also the containing chamber 30 ) , a discharge segment DT provided with a discharge opening DO oriented at least partially in the moving direction A for trans ferring the powder material CP onto the conveyor assembly 5 and a connecting section RT, which is curved and arranged between the loading segment CT and the discharge segment DT .

It was experimentally observed that this particular structure leads to a deformation of the relative distribution of powder materials CA and CB as these powder materials pass from the feeding assembly 9 to the conveyor assembly 5. Referring for example to Figure 11, it can be seen that the powder material CA tilts, forming a kind of smudge.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each slider 23 is configured to at least partially compensate for the different lengths followed by the different parts of powder material CP along the connecting segment RT (Figures 12-14) .

In particular, each transfer slider 23 has a rear side wall 34' and a front side wall 34' ’ arranged in succession (the side wall 34' ’ downstream of the side wall 34' ) in the moving direction A and laterally restricting the respective transit channel 24. Note that the side walls 34' and 34' ’ are part of the raised portions 34.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the slider

23 also has an upper wall 34*, which delimits the respective transit channel 24 at the top. The upper wall 34* is part of the raised portion 34.

According to some non-limiting embodiments (Figure 14) , the side wall 34' ’ has a convex inward curve of the channel

24 that is greater than the inward curvature of the side wall 34' . Thus, the path of the particles of powder material CP close to the side wall 34' ’ and the aforementioned deformation of the relative distribution of powder materials CA and CB is at least partially compensated for.

Alternatively or in addition (Figures 12 and 13) , the entrances 25 and 28 are at a different height. In particular, the entrance 28 arranged upstream of the input 25 with respect to direction A is at a greater height than the entrance 25. In this case also, the aforementioned deformation of the relative distribution of the powder materials CA and CB is at least partially compensated for.

Referring in particular to Figures 20 to 22 and 27, the compacting machine 2 comprises a plurality of groups 38 of the operating units 22. Each group 38 comprises at least two operating units 22 contiguous to each other. In other words, the sliders 23 of a same group 38 are arranged in succession (in particular, without interruptions; more particularly, in contact) transversely (in particular, perpendicularly) to the moving direction A (in particular, along the longitudinal extensions of the output mouths 13 and 15) .

In particular, the sliders 23 of a same group 38 are arranged in succession (in particular, without interruptions; more in particular, in contact) substantially in the extension direction DD.

Each actuator 27 comprises a movable element 39, which is connected (in particular integral) to the respective operating connection 33, and a moving system 39' (in itself of a substantially known type - for example, a linear motor, in particular an electric motor) to move the movable element 39 in a respective defined direction D. The defined directions D (of the movement systems) of the operating units 22 belonging to a same group 38 of the operating units 22 being different from each other and transverse to each other.

It was observed that, in this way, it is possible to surprisingly increase the definition of the distribution of the different types of powder material (e.g. powder material CA and powder material CB ) in the powder material CP .

This is because it is possible to distribute the footprint of the actuators 27 in all the directions and thus have a large number of actuators 27 . Consequently, it is possible to reduce the distance between two adj acent sliders 23 and thus also obtain a large number of sliders 23 per unit length . The actuators 27 are no longer only arranged in succession in the direction ( in the extension direction DD) perpendicular to the direction A and/or immediately above the respective passage zones 16 and 17 . For example , the actuators 21 may also be arranged downstream and upstream (with respect to the direction A) of the output mouths 13 and 15 ( as shown in Figures 20-22 ) and/or also beyond the ends of the outputs 13 and 15 ( e . g . therefore al so beyond the side edges of the conveyor belt 53 ) .

It is thereby also possible to reduce the overall si ze of the actuators 27 in the direction ( in the extension direction DD) perpendicular to the direction A.

According to some non-limiting embodiments , the movable element 39 is part of the respective operating connection 33 . In these cases , more precisely but not necessarily, the movable element 39 defines one end of the respective operating connection 33 .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each group 38 of the operating units 22 comprises at least three ( in particular, at least four ; more particularly, at least six ; even more particularly, at least eight ) operating units 22 ( contiguous to each other ) .

According to certain non-limiting embodiments , the actuators 27 of a same group 38 of the operating units 22 are arranged in succession ( one after the other, in particular in a l ine ) transverse to the extension direction DD of the output mouths 13 and 14 . In particular, the actuators 27 of a same group 38 of the operating units 22 are arranged in succession substantially in the moving direction A.

More precisely, but not necessari ly, the actuators 27 of a same group of operating units 22 are arranged substantially in a same plane ( in particular, transverse to the longitudinal extension direction DD of the outputs 13 , 14 ; more particularly, substantially in moving direction A) .

According to alternative , non-limiting embodiments (not shown) , the actuators 27 of a same group 38 are arranged of fset from each other (not in line and/or on a plane with respect to the other actuators 27 of the same group 38 ) . For example , some actuators 27 can also be arranged beyond the ends of the outputs 13 and 15 ( e . g . therefore al so beyond the side edges of the conveyor belt 53 ) .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each operating connection 33 comprises ( in particular, is ) at least one operating rod, in particular flexible ( and, more particularly, with a small deformation memory) .

According to some non-limiting embodiments , this operating rod is made of metal ( in particular of steel ) , in particular with a high tensile strength .

In particular, in the present document , a flexible operating rod is a rod configured to (made of a material such that it can) deform by moving along a respective guide channel 40 ( described in more detail below - adapting to the shape of that guide channel 40 ) while continuing to perform its function of trans ferring the movement generated by the actuator 27 towards the slider 23 . In some non-limiting cases, the operating rod (each rod) has a tensile strength Rm greater than about 800 MPa (in particular, greater than about 1200 MPa; more in particular, greater than about 1600 MPa) .

In addition or in alternative, the operating rod (each rod) has a tensile strength Rm of up to about 3000 MPa (in particular, up to about 2800 MPa) .

In particular, the tensile strength Rm of the rod is measured in accordance with ISO 6892-1:2019 (in particular, operating under standard conditions) .

In addition or alternatively, the operating rod (each rod) has (in particular, consists of a material having) an elastic modulus (Young modulus) of at least about 170 GPa (in particular, at least about 180 GPa; more in particular, at least about 190 GPa) .

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the operating rod (each rod) has (in particular, consists of a material having) an elastic modulus (Young modulus) of at least about 200 GPa (in particular, at least about 205 GPa) .

In addition or in alternative, the operating rod (each rod) has (in particular, consists of a material having) an elastic modulus (Young modulus) of up to about 300 GPa (in particular, up to about 260 GPa; more in particular, up to about 250 GPa) .

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the operating rod (each rod) has (in particular, consists of a material having) an elastic modulus (Young modulus) of up to approximately 240 GPa (in particular, up to approximately 230 GPa; more in particular, up to approximately 210 GPa) .

In some specific and non-limiting cases, the operating rod (each rod) has (in particular, consists of a material having) an elastic modulus (Young modulus) of about 210 GPa.

In particular, the elastic modulus is measured using the method specified in ISO 6892-1 (in particular, see its Annex G) . Alternatively, the elastic modulus is measured using the method specified in ASTM D790-17.

For example, the rod is made of spring steel C72 UNI 10270-1 and/or 52SiCrNi5 UNI 10270-2, ASTM-A36 steel and the like .

According to some non-limiting embodiments, such an operating rod has a cross section with an area of between about 1 and about 4 mm² (in particular, with a diameter from about 1 to about 2 mm) .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, each group 38 of the operating units 22 comprises at least two (in particular, at least four; more particularly, at least six; even more particularly, at least eight) guide channels 40 (see, in particular, Figures 20 and 23-26) , within each of which one of said operating connections 33 (in particular, the operating rod) extends at least partially and slidably.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, each guide channel 40 is at least partially curved and has an upper open end 41 and a lower open end 42, which is at least partially pointing downwards. More precisely, but not necessarily, each lower open end 42 is placed above (in particular, facing) the respective slider 23 (i.e. the slider 23 of its own operating unit 22) .

In particular, each guide channel 40 at least partially flexes the respective operating connection 33 (in particular, the operating rod) . More in particular, in use, as each operating connection 33 (in particular, the operating rod) slides along the respective guide channel 40 it deforms to fit the shape of the guide channel 40.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the lower open ends 42 of the guide channels (of a same group 38 of operating units 22) are arranged substantially transversely in succession (in particular, in a transverse line) (in particular, perpendicularly) to the moving direction A (in particular, they are arranged in succession - more particularly, in a line - in the direction DD) .

In some non-limiting cases, at least some of the upper open ends 41 of a same group 38 of operating units 22 have different orientations (e.g. some face upwards and some face horizontally) .

According to some non-limiting embodiments, each of said groups 38 of the operating units 22 comprises a manifold 43, wherein said guide channels 40 are obtained. In particular, each collector 43 is (substantially) solid (i.e. it has no voids) except for the guide channels.

Alternatively, and in accordance with further embodiments, the operating connection 33 comprises (instead of the flexible operating rod) a first rack shaft RS directly connected to a respective actuator 27 (more precisely, to the movable element 39) adapted to move it (longitudinally) ; a second rod S having a first end linked (integrally) to a respective slider 23 and a second rack end; and an intermediate kinematic chain TW configured to transfer the movement from the first rack shaft RS to the second rod S and comprising, in particular, a plurality of toothed wheels meshed to each other (see Figure 28) .

According to other embodiments not shown, the operating connection 33 comprises other types of kinematic mechanisms.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the plant 1 comprises a printing device 44 ( Figure 1 ) , which is adapted to produce a graphic decoration above ( over ) the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP transported by the conveyor assembly 5 and is arranged at a printing station 45 ( arranged upstream of the output station 7 ) along the determined path ( in particular, along the segment PB ) downstream of the work station 4 . The control unit 20 i s adapted to control the printing device 44 so as to produce a graphic decoration coordinated with said reference distribution 21 , in particular so that at a graphic decoration of a particular colour is ( selectively) displayed at the powder material CA ( or CB ) .

Advantageously but not necessarily, the plant 1 comprises an additional application unit 46 to at least partially cover the layer of compacted powder KP with a layer of an additional powder material . In particular, the application unit 46 is arranged along the determined path (more precisely along the segment PA) upstream of the work station 4 ( and upstream of the printing station 45 ) .

In particular, the machine 1 also includes a cutting assembly 47 to cut transversely the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP to obtain slabs 48 , each of which has a portion of the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP . More in particular, the cutting assembly 47 is arranged along the segment PB of the determined path (between the work station 4 and the printing station 39 ) . The slabs 48 comprise ( consist of ) compacted ceramic powder KP .

Advantageously but not necessarily, the cutting assembly 47 comprises at least one cutting blade 49 , which is adapted to come into contact with the layer of compacted powder KP and to cut it crosswise . According to some non-limiting embodiments , the cutting assembly 47 also comprises at least two further blades 50 , which are arranged on opposite s ides of the segment PB and are adapted to cut the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP and define the lateral edges of the slabs 48 ( and substantially parallel to the direction A) -possibly subdividing the slab 48 into two or more longitudinal portions . In some speci fic cases , the cutting assembly 47 is as described in the Patent Application with publication number EP1415780 .

In particular, the plant 1 comprises at least one firing kiln 51 for sintering the layer of compacted powder KP of the slabs 48 in order to obtain the ceramic articles T . More particularly, the firing kiln 51 is arranged along the determined path (more precisely, along the segment PB ) downstream of the printing station 45 ( and upstream of the output station 7 ) .

According to certain non-limiting embodiments , the plant 1 also comprises a dryer 52 arranged along the segment PB downstream of the work station 4 and upstream of the printing station 45 .

According to some non-limiting embodiments , the conveyor assembly 5 comprises a conveyor belt 53 extending ( and adapted to move ) from the input station 6 and through the work station 4 , along (more precisely, part of ) the aforementioned determined path .

In some cases , the feeding assembly 9 is adapted to bring a layer of (uncompacted) powder material CP to ( on) the conveyor belt 53 ( at the input station 6 ) ; the compacting device 3 is adapted to ( configured to ) exert , on the layer of ceramic powder CP, a pressure transverse ( in particular, normal ) to the surface of the conveyor belt 53 .

According to some non-limiting embodiments , a succession of transport rollers is provided downstream of the belt 53 .

According to some embodiments , in particular, the compacting device 3 comprises at least two compression rollers 54 arranged on opposite sides of the ( one above and one below the ) conveyor belt 53 to exert a pressure on the powder material CP in order to compact the powder material CP itsel f ( and obtain the layer of compacted powder KP ) .

Although only two rollers 54 are shown in Figure 1 , according to some variants , it is also possible to provide a plurality of rollers 54 arranged above and below the conveyor belt 53 , as for example disclosed in Patent EP1641607B1 , from which further details of the compacting device 3 can be derived .

Advantageously ( as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ) but not necessarily, the compacting device 3 comprises a pressure belt 55 , which converges towards the conveyor belt 53 in the moving direction A. A pressure is thereby exerted ( from the top downwards ) that gradually increases in the direction A on the powder material CP in order to compact it .

According to speci fic embodiments ( such as the one shown in Figure 1 ) , the compacting device also comprises a contrast belt 55 ' arranged on the opposite side of the conveyor belt 53 from the pressure belt 55 to cooperate with the conveyor belt 53 to provide an adequate feedback to the force exerted downward by the pressure belt 55 . In particular, the pressure belt 55 and the contrast belt 55 ' are (mainly) made of metal ( steel ) so that they cannot be substantially deformed while a pressure is applied to the ceramic powder.

According to some embodiments not shown, the contrast belt 55' and the conveyor belt 53 coincide. In these cases, the belt 53 is (mainly) made of metal (steel) and the contrast belt 55' is absent.

Advantageously, but not necessarily (referring in particular to Figures 16-19) , the operating device 18 comprises a protection system for the operating units 22 (in particular, for the operating connections 33) ; in particular, the protection system being adapted to reduce the risk (in particular, to prevent) that the operating connections 33 (and the upper part of the sliders 23; more precisely, but not necessarily, the upper part 34*) come into contact with the powder material (e.g. CA and/or CB) .

This improves the operation of each operating unit 22 by reducing the force required to move (especially upwards) the sliders 23 and the wear of the different parts.

More particularly, such a protection system comprises two protection walls 59 arranged crosswise to the direction A (in particular, substantially perpendicularly) , on opposite sides of the operating connections 33, in succession in the direction A. In other words, the walls 59 delimit a sliding channel (in particular, transversely to the direction A; more particularly, substantially vertically) for the operating connections 33 and (partially) for the slider 23 (in particular, for the upper wall 34*) .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the walls 59 have a length and the upper wall 34* has a thickness such that at least part of the upper wall 34* lies within the channel delimited by the walls 59 at any position FP and SP (and possibly TP; and possibly FFP) the slider 23 is located. The plant and method according to the present invention achieves several advantages over the state of the art. These include: lower costs and complexity; the possibility of obtaining a reproducible and precise distribution of even more than two types of powder; a reproducible creation of veins of different materials (and thus, for example, of different colours - even more than two) in the thickness of the articles; and the creation of veins obtained in the thickness of the articles (and thus visible when looking at the edge of the articles) in a coordinated position with respect to the surface decorations obtained by printing.

In particular, with respect to the Patent Application W02018/ 163124 , it should be noted that according to the present invention it is possible to reduce the number of actuators by as much as half, with consequent cost savings, technical simplification (also with respect to the handling of the relevant material) and the possibility of miniaturisation (and thus greater precision and definition in the implementation of particular embodiments of powder material CA in the powder material CB) .

Unless the contrary is explicitly indicated, the content of the references (articles, books, patent applications, etc.) cited in this text is referred to in full herein. In particular, the aforementioned references are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

C L A I M S

1.- A compacting machine (2) for compacting a powder material (CP) comprising ceramic powder; the compacting machine (2) comprises a compacting device (3) , which is arranged at a work station (4) and is configured to compact the powder material (CP) so as to obtain a layer of compacted powder (KP) ; a conveyor assembly (5) to transport the powder material (CP) along a first segment (PA) of a given path in a moving direction (A) from an input station (6) towards the work station (4) and the layer of compacted powder (KP) along a second segment (PB) of the given path from the work station (4) to an output station (7) ; and a feeding assembly (9) , which is configured to feed the powder material (CP) to the conveyor assembly (5) at the input station (6) ; the feeding assembly (9) comprises a first feeding device (10) and at least one second feeding device (11) , which are arranged above the conveyor assembly (5) ; the first feeding device (10) comprises at least one respective first containing chamber (12) , which is configured to contain a powder material (CA) of a first type and has at least one relative first output mouth (13) having a longitudinal extension that is transverse (in particular, perpendicular) to the moving direction (A) ; the second feeding device (11) comprises at least one respective second containing chamber (14) , which is configured to contain a powder material (CB) of a second type and has a relative second output mouth (15) having a longitudinal extension that is transverse (in particular, perpendicular) to the moving direction (A) ; the first output mouth (13) has respective first passage zones (16) arranged in succession along the longitudinal extension of the first output mouth (13) ; the second output mouth (15) has respective second passage zones (17) arranged in succession along the longitudinal extension of the second output mouth (15) ; the feeding assembly (9) further comprises an operating device (18) , which is configured to allow and/or prevent the passage of the powder material (CA; CB) through the first and second passage zones (16, 17) , and comprises a plurality of operating units (22) , each of which is configured to adjust the passage of the powder material (CA; CB) through the respective first and second passage zones (16, 17) ; the compacting machine (2) being characterized in that each operating unit (22) comprises a respective transfer slider (23) , which has a transit channel (24) provided with at least one entrance (25; 28) and at least one output (26) arranged under the entrance (25; 28) , and a respective actuator (27) to move the transfer slider (23) to a first position (FP) , in which the transit channel (24) is connected to the first containing chamber (12) so that the powder material (CA) of the first type moves from the first containing chamber (12) to the transit channel (24) , and at least to a second position (SP) , in which the transit channel (24) is connected to the second containing chamber (14) so that the powder material (CB) of the second type moves from the second containing chamber (14) to the transit channel (24) ; each operating unit (22) further comprising a respective operating connection (33) , which is connected to the respective slider (23) and to the respective actuator (27) so as to transfer a movement generated by the actuator (27) to the slider (23) ; the compacting machine (2) comprises a plurality of groups (38) of said operating units (22) ; each group (38) comprises at least two operating units (22) contiguous with one another; each actuator (27) comprising a movable element (39) , which is connected to the respective operating connection (33) , and a moving system (39' ) to move the movable element (39) in a respective defined direction (D) ; the defined directions (D) of the moving systems (39' ) of the operating units (22) belonging to a same group (38) of operating units (22) being different from and transverse to one another.

2.- The compacting machine according to claim 1, wherein each one of said groups (38) of operating units (22) comprises at least four operating units (22) contiguous with one another.

3.- The compacting machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuators (27) of a same group (38) of operating units (22) are arranged in succession crosswise to a longitudinal extension direction (DD) of the output mouths (13, 15) .

4.- The compacting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said operating connection (33) comprises at least one flexible operating rod with a small deformation memory.

5.- The compacting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said operating connection (33) comprises at least one operating rod made of material with a high tensile strength (in particular, with Rm exceeding 1600 Mpa) , such as, for example, C72 UNI 10270-1 spring steel and/or 52SiCrNi5 UNI 10270-2 spring steel and the like.

6.- The compacting machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said operating rod (33) has a cross section having an area of 1 to 4 mm² (in particular, with a diameter of 1 to 2 mm) in particular, the operating rod has an elastic modulus of at least about 170 GPa (more particularly, at least about 180 GPa; even more particularly, at least about 200 GPa) .

7.- The compacting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of said groups (38) of operating units (22) comprises at least two (in particular, a plurality of) guide channels (40) , within which a respective operating connection (33) (in particular, the operating rod) extends at least partially and in a sliding manner .

8.- The compacting machine according to claim 7, wherein each guide channel (40) is at least partially curved and has an upper open end (41) and a lower open end (42) , which at least partially faces downwards (in particular, each lower open end is arranged above the respective slider (23) ) .

9.- The compacting machine according to claim 8, wherein the lower open ends (42) of the guide channels are substantially arranged in succession crosswise (in particular, perpendicularly) to the moving direction (A) .

10.- The compacting machine according to any one of the claims from 7 to 9, wherein each one of said groups (38) of operating units (22) comprises a manifold (43) where said guide channels (40) are defined; in particular, each manifold (43) is solid, with the exception of the guide channels (40) .

11.- The compacting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second position (SP) is arranged lower than (in particular, under) the first position (FP) ; in particular, in the first position (FP) , the entrance (25; 28) faces the first output mouth (13) or is inside the first containing chamber (12) and, in the second position (SP) , the entrance (25; 28) faces the second output mouth (15) .

12.- The compacting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer sliders (23) are arranged in succession crosswise to the moving direction (A) (in particular, along the first output mouth (13) and the second output mouth (15) ) , so that each transfer slider (23) is in contact with the adjacent transfer slider/s (23) ; in particular, each actuator (27) is configured to move the respective slider (23) in such a way that the respective transfer slider (23) slides in contact with the adjacent transfer slider/s (23) .

13.- The compacting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each slider (32) as a thickness (in particular, measured crosswise - more particularly, perpendicularly - to the moving direction (A) ; more particularly, in the longitudinal extension direction (DD) of the output mouths) which is smaller than or equal to 10 mm (in particular, smaller than or equal to 6 mm; in particular, greater than 2 mm) .

14.- The compacting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (18) comprises a protection system for the operating units (22) , said protection system being provided with two protection walls (59) and being designed to reduce the risk that the operating connections (33) come into contact with the powder material .

15.- The compacting machine according to claim 5, wherein each said operating connection (33) comprises at least one operating rod having an elastic modulus of at least about 170 GPa (more particularly, at least about 180 GPa; even more particularly, at least about 200 GPa) .

16.- A plant for manufacturing ceramic articles (T) ; the plant (1) comprises a compacting machine (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, a cutting assembly (47) for cutting the layer of compacted powder (KP) crosswise so as to obtain slabs (48) , each having a portion of the layer of compacted powder (KP) ; and at least one firing kiln (51) for sintering the layer of compacted powder (KP) of the slabs (48) so as to obtain the ceramic articles (T) ; in particular, the firing kiln (51) is arranged along the given path downstream of a printing station (39) of said plant.