(19)
(11)EP 3 271 125 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
08.11.2023 Bulletin 2023/45

(21)Application number: 16723155.4

(22)Date of filing:  21.03.2016
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B28B 7/36(2006.01)
(52)Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
B28B 7/366
(86)International application number:
PCT/IB2016/051583
(87)International publication number:
WO 2016/151474 (29.09.2016 Gazette  2016/39)

(54)

AN END PANEL GROUP OF A PRESS FOR CERAMIC PRODUCTS AND THE LIKE

ENDPLATTENGRUPPE EINER PRESSE FÜR KERAMISCHE PRODUKTE UND DERGLEICHEN

GROUPE DE PANNEAUX D'EXTRÉMITÉ D'UNE PRESSE POUR PRODUITS EN CÉRAMIQUE ET AUTRES


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 20.03.2015 IT UB20150563

(43)Date of publication of application:
24.01.2018 Bulletin 2018/04

(73)Proprietor: Siti - B&T Group S.p.A.
41043 Formigine (Modena) (IT)

(72)Inventor:
  • D' AULERIO, Antonio
    41043 Formigine (Modena) (IT)

(74)Representative: Feltrinelli, Secondo Andrea 
APTA S.r.l. Patent Department Via Ca' di Cozzi, 41
37124 Verona
37124 Verona (IT)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 1 595 665
FR-A1- 2 285 969
DE-A1- 2 915 161
GB-A- 1 206 172
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION



    [0001] The present invention refers to an end panel group of a press for ceramic products and the like.

    [0002] More in detail, the present invention refers to an end panel group of an industrial press for ceramic products such as tiles, plates or the like.

    STATE OF THE PRIOR ART



    [0003] Various types of industrial presses with hydraulic actuation for forming ceramic products such as tiles, plates or the like are known.

    [0004] In particular, some of the aforesaid presses are specifically designed and equipped for making large-size ceramic products, even up to several square meter surface area.

    [0005] According to a commonly widespread embodiment, a press for large-size products has a structure with a portal shape, provided with at least two lateral uprights connected by transverse portions; between the aforesaid uprights, a free opening is delimited which defines the inlet mouth for the material to be formed, such opening accessible from two opposite sides of the press, an inlet side and an outlet side.

    [0006] The press is normally associated with means for the supply of the material to be pressed, for example in the form of a conveyor belt movable through the free opening of the structure; the press also comprises power members adapted to exert the pressing force on the material to be formed, which generally is in powder form.

    [0007] One drawback of such type of industrial press regards the difficulty of obtaining, by means of only the pressing step, a finished product which meets the shape and finish requirements, such product thus requiring further processing, of mechanical type, in order to reach the desired shape and finish. In particular, it is observed that during the pressing step, the perimeter portion of the pressed product, pressed by an upper or lower punch, is not uniform and regular.

    [0008] In order to overcome this drawback, presses have been recently designed which comprise perimeter containment members, for example provided with respective end panels or the like, which suitably delimit the pressing cavity, in a manner so as to precisely define the shape and edges of the product produced: thus, further processing in order to confer the final shape and size to the product itself is thus not necessary.

    [0009] Currently, in the presses of known type, the aforesaid perimeter containment members are installed on respective actuation means between respective inactive positions and respective operating positions in which they delimit the pressing cavity.

    [0010] If it is necessary to carry out maintenance operations on the aforesaid containment members, or even in the case of variation of the size of the products made by the press, the operators are obliged to completely dismount the aforesaid members from the press, also possibly together with the respective actuation members, in order to execute the necessary operations. For this reason, the production plant comprising the press in question must be stopped, even for decidedly long time periods.

    [0011] Document DE 2915161 discloses a ceramic mold including an intermediate plate with a plurality of openings, each defining a molding cavity having the shape of the tiles to be produced. The inner or working surfaces of these openings are lined by four strips.

    [0012] In the region of the upper edge of the intermediate plate of the ceramic mold a recess is provided, in which a support plate is housed.

    [0013] The support plate includes a sawtooth shoulder which, in turn, houses the respective strip.

    [0014] The strip is held in position by an upper rod, fixed to the support plate by a series of screws.

    [0015] The rod has lower slanted portions corresponding to respective upper slanted portions of the strip, and of the upper edge of the support plate.

    [0016] Document EP 1595665 discloses a device for manufacturing green bricks including a plurality of mold containers, wherein each mold container defines a number of upright walls and is provided with a bottom movable between the walls.

    [0017] Each mold container includes support elements for respective lateral upright walls, which comprise respective strips which delimit the molding cavity. The lateral upright walls are connected to the respective support elements by means of side plates and screws.

    [0018] It is evident that this can cause quite considerable expense for the user of the plant.

    OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION



    [0019] The technical task of the present invention is to improve the state of the art. In the scope of such technical task, one object of the present invention is to implement an end panel group of a press for ceramic products and the like which allows overcoming the above mentioned drawbacks.

    [0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an end panel group of a press for ceramic products and the like which allows speeding up and facilitating the maintenance and/or size change operations to be conducted on the press.

    [0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide an end panel group of a press for ceramic products and the like which allows considerably reducing the production stop times of the press due to operations of maintenance/replacement of parts of the end panel group itself.

    [0022] A further object is to implement an end panel group of a press for ceramic products and the like which allows reducing the number of workers involved in the operations of maintenance/replacement of parts of the end panel group itself.

    [0023] This task and these objects are all achieved by the end panel group of a press for ceramic products according to the enclosed claim 1.

    [0024] The end panel group comprises at least one support associable with fixed or movable parts of the press and at least one terminal element associated with the support and adapted to delimit at least one side, or at least one portion of a side, of a pressing cavity provided in the press.

    [0025] According to the invention, the end panel group comprises means for the removable connection of the terminal element to the support.

    [0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the removable connection means are of clamping type.

    [0027] The dependant claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0028] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment of an end panel of a press for ceramic products and the like, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example in the enclosed drawings, in which:

    figure 1 is a front view of the end panel for a press according to the present invention;

    figure 2 is a sectional plan view of the end panel group according to the invention;

    figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the end panel group;

    figure 4 is a detailed perspective view of the support of the end panel group;

    figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of the terminal element of the end panel group;

    figure 6 is a detail of figure 2;

    figure 7 is a section of the end panel group carried out along the plane VII-VII of figure 2;

    figure 8 is a section of the end panel group carried out along the plane VIII-VIII of figure 2;

    figure 9 is a section of the end panel group carried out along the plane IX-IX of figure 2;

    figure 10 is an enlargement of figure 8.


    EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION



    [0029] With reference to the enclosed figures, an end panel group of a press for ceramic products and the like according to the present invention is generally indicated with reference number 1.

    [0030] According to one version of the present invention, the end panel group 1 is installable on a press for the pressing of a powder material, in order to make ceramic products such as tiles, plates or the like.

    [0031] Still according to one version of the present invention, the end panel group 1 can be installed on a press for large-size ceramic products, such as for example tiles or plates having surface area that even reaches several square meters.

    [0032] The ceramic material to be pressed for obtaining the aforesaid products can be selected between the ceramic powders in general, without any particular limitation; the aforesaid material can be, if necessary, mixed with further substances as a function of specific embodiment needs.

    [0033] The press on which the end panel group 1 is installable is not illustrated in the enclosed drawings since it does not constitute a specific object of the present invention.

    [0034] The end panel group 1 comprises at least one support 2.

    [0035] The support 2 is associable with fixed or movable parts of the press.

    [0036] The end panel group 1 also comprises at least one terminal element 3, associated with the support 2.

    [0037] The terminal element 3 is adapted to delimit at least one side, or at least one portion of a side, of a pressing cavity provided in the press, for making ceramic products.

    [0038] More in detail, and only as an example and in no way limitative, the pressing cavity of the press can have quadrilateral shape - typically a square or a rectangle - and the end panel group 1 according to the invention can be installed in order to delimit one of the sides of the quadrilateral or a portion of one of such sides.

    [0039] Of course, more generally, the pressing cavity could have any other shape suitable for the application.

    [0040] By using a series of end panel groups 1 of the same type - or even possibly of different type - installed at the sides of the pressing zone of the press, it is possible to obtain a cavity with perfect seal, within which the powder material can be deposited and pressed in order to obtain a product with the desired shape and size: in particular this can be obtained without having to conduct further processing - e.g. removing excess material - at the sides.

    [0041] The support 2 of the end panel group 1 is thus connected with fixed or movable parts of the press according to the modes most suitable for the application, and particularly such that the terminal element 3 is arranged along one of the sides, or along a portion of one of the sides, of the pressing cavity.

    [0042] According to an important aspect of the present invention, the end panel group 1 comprises removable connection means 4 of the terminal element 3 to the support 2.

    [0043] Due to this feature, and as better described hereinbelow, the terminal element 3 can be easily and quickly removed from the support 2 that connects it to the press, for any need: for example, the terminal element 3 can be removed from the support 2 for periodic or special maintenance reasons, or for size change reasons, i.e. variation of the size and/or shape of the product to produce.

    [0044] The support 2 of the end panel group 1 according to the present embodiment of the invention is illustrated in detail in figure 4.

    [0045] The support 2 comprises, at one of the sides thereof, at least one extension 5 intended to be in contact with the terminal element 3.

    [0046] In the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the support 2 comprises, at one of the sides thereof, a plurality of extensions 5 side-by-side each other in lengthwise sense.

    [0047] The features described hereinbelow could also be present in a possible embodiment of the invention comprising a single extension 5.

    [0048] The extensions 5, if more than two, are intended to be in contact with the terminal element 3.

    [0049] The extensions 5 are associated with the support 2 by means of respective screws 5a and alignment keys 5b, see for example figure 6.

    [0050] Each of the extensions 5 respectively defines a first upper zone 6 (or supper surface portion) and a second lower zone 7 (or lower surface portion) on which, as is better described hereinbelow, the removable connection means 4 act.

    [0051] In addition, each of the extensions 5 comprises a respective front surface, intended for coupling with the terminal element 3.

    [0052] According to another aspect of the invention, the removable connection means 4 are of clamping type.

    [0053] The latter technical solution, as will be clearer hereinbelow, is particularly advantageous since it allows removing the terminal element 3 from the support 2 in an extremely practical and facilitated manner.

    [0054] More in detail, the removable connection means 4 comprise means for locking 8, 9, 18 the terminal element 3 with respect to the support 2.

    [0055] The locking means 8, 9, 18 comprise at least one first member 8 and at least one second member 9 opposite each other.

    [0056] The first member 8 and the second member 9 can be fastened on respective first coupling seats 10 and second coupling seats 11 opposite each other, provided in the support 2 and in the terminal element 3.

    [0057] In the specific described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, the locking means 8, 9, 18 comprise a plurality of first members 8 and second members 9 which can be fastened on a respective plurality of first coupling seats 10 and second coupling seats 11, that are distributed, aligned with each other, substantially over the entire length of the support 2 and of the terminal element 3.

    [0058] In other words, along the support 2 and the terminal element 3, a plurality of pairs of first, second members 8, 9 are identified which can be fastened on respective pairs of first, second coupling seats 10, 11.

    [0059] The number of such pairs of first, second members 8, 9 and of first, second coupling seats 10, 11 can be obviously any, in relation to the specific application needs, e.g. in relation to the length and shape of the terminal element 3, to the specific zone in which the end panel group 1 is fixed to the press, and still other needs.

    [0060] The support 2 and the terminal element 3 are associable with each other at at least one connection plane P, indicated for example in figure 9.

    [0061] Due to the existence of such connection plane P, the first coupling seats 10 comprise respective first proximal portions 10a and first distal portions 10b, provided on opposite sides with respect to such connection plane P.

    [0062] In detail, the first proximal portions 10a are provided in the first zones 6 of the extensions 5 of the support 2, while the first distal portions 10b are provided in the terminal element 3.

    [0063] More in detail, the first proximal portions 10a of the first coupling seats 10 are constituted by recesses made in the surface of the first zones 6 of the extensions 5 (as shown in figure 4). Likewise, the second coupling seats 11 comprise respective second proximal portions 11a and second distal portions 11b provided on opposite sides with respect to the connection plane P.

    [0064] The second proximal portions 11a are provided in the second zones 7 of the extensions 5 of the support 2, while the second distal portions 11b are provided in the terminal element 3.

    [0065] More in detail, the second proximal portions 11a of the second coupling seats 11 are constituted by recesses made in the surface of the second zones 7 of the extensions 5.

    [0066] The terminal element 3 is illustrated in detail in figure 5.

    [0067] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the terminal element 3 comprises at least one bar 12 associable with the support 2 by means of the aforesaid removable connection means 4.

    [0068] The terminal element 3 also comprises at least one strip of wear-resistant material 13.

    [0069] The strip of wear-resistant material 13 is fixed to the bar 12; in one embodiment of the present invention, the strip of wear-resistant material 13 is removably fixed to the bar 12.

    [0070] For such purpose, fixing screws 14 are provided - visible for example in figure 6 - arranged with respective axes orthogonal to the connection plane P. In particular, the strip of wear-resistant material 13 is, as stated, intended to laterally and sealingly close the pressing cavity of the press, and hence this is continuously and directly situated in contact with the material to be pressed: consequently, its surface characteristics must be naturally suitable for resisting the stresses - mechanical, thermal, etc. - that are developed inside the pressing cavity itself.

    [0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the end panel group 1 comprises means for centering 15, 17 the terminal element 3 with respect to the support 2.

    [0072] More particularly, such centering means 15, 17 comprise at least one longitudinal rib 15 provided in the terminal element 3.

    [0073] In addition, the centering means 15, 17 comprise a longitudinal recess 17. The longitudinal rib 15 is adapted to be engaged in the aforesaid longitudinal recess 17.

    [0074] The longitudinal rib 15 is provided in the bar 12.

    [0075] In the longitudinal rib 15, the holes 16 are provided for the insertion of the fixing screws 14 of the strip of wear-resistant material 13.

    [0076] The longitudinal recess 17 is provided, correspondingly, in the extensions 5 of the support 2.

    [0077] More in detail, the longitudinal recess 17 is provided along the front surface of each of the extensions 5, and is comprised between the first upper zone 6 and the second lower zone 7.

    [0078] As shown in figure 4, therefore, each of the extensions 5 has a longitudinal length extension such to comprise - in the specific illustrated embodiment - three pairs of first, second proximal portions 10a, 11a, equidistant from each other in longitudinal direction.

    [0079] The extensions 5 are mutually separated in longitudinal direction by suitable equidistant interruptions.

    [0080] Within the longitudinal recess 17, the longitudinal rib 15 of the terminal element 3 is intended to be engaged when the latter is connected to the support 2: thus, an effective reference and centering for the assembly of the parts is obtained.

    [0081] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking means 8, 9, 18 are of self-aligning type.

    [0082] As is clearer hereinbelow, due to such feature the locking means 8, 9, 18 are therefore capable of being adapted to possible misalignments between the first coupling seats 10 and the second coupling seats 11, and between the latter and the centering means 15, 17.

    [0083] The first proximal portions 10a and the first distal portions 10b which constitute the first coupling seats 10, as well as the second proximal portions 11a and the second distal portions 11b which constitute the second coupling seats 11 are in fact tilted, with respect to the connection plane P, respective preset angles α less than 90° (see for example figure 9).

    [0084] Correspondingly, the first member 8 and the second member 9 respectively define a first concave portion 8a and a second concave portion 9a.

    [0085] The first concave portion 8a and the second concave portion 9a have respective shapes and geometries complementary to those of the first coupling seats 10 second coupling seats 11.

    [0086] More in detail, the first concave portion 8a and the second concave portion 9a each define two tilted surfaces arranged according to incident planes: such planes form an angle between them that is double the preset angle α.

    [0087] As illustrated in particular in figures 8 and 9, in the support 2 and in the terminal element 3, observed in section, respective zones are defined - corresponding to the first and proximal and distal second portions 10a, 11a, 10b, 11b - substantially dovetail shaped, with vertices directed according to opposite senses, i.e. in use one is directed upward and the other downward.

    [0088] On the aforesaid zones, the first and the second member 8, 9 are respectively engaged, so as to make a connection, or a shape coupling, between the parts that is simple and quick, while simultaneously safe and effective.

    [0089] In addition, the connection plane P (see for example figure 9) between the extensions 5 of the support 2 and the terminal element 3 passes through the vertices of the aforesaid substantially dovetail shaped zones.

    [0090] This allows obtaining a connection between the two parts (the support 2 and the terminal element 3) that is particularly convenient and easy if one terminal element 3 must be substituted with another.

    [0091] In addition, this considerably increases the self-alignment capacity of the locking means 8,9,18.

    [0092] The locking means 8, 9, 18 also comprise screw clamping means 18 for each pair of first, second members 8, 9 on the respective first, second coupling seats 10, 11.

    [0093] More in detail, such screw clamping means 18 comprise, for each pair of first and second members 8, 9, a bolt comprising a screw 19 having axis substantially lying on the connection plane P between the terminal element 3 and the support 2.

    [0094] The screw clamping means 18 also comprise, for each screw 19, a respective through hole 20 in which the screw 19 itself is engaged.

    [0095] More in detail, each through hole 20 comprises two respective half-holes 20a, 20b.

    [0096] The two half-holes 20a, 20b, for each pair of first and second members 8,9, are respectively provided in the terminal element 3 and in the extensions 5 of the support 2 at the first, second proximal portions 10a, 11a and first, second distal portions 10b, 11b, see in particular the figures 4 and 5.

    [0097] As it is observed in figure 8, in the first members 8 and second members 9 respective first, second embedded seats 21, 22 are provided respectively for the heads 19a of the screws 19 and for the respective nuts 19b; see in particular the enlargement of figure 10.

    [0098] As stated above, the locking means 8, 9, 18 of self-aligning type are designed such that they can autonomously and automatically adapt to possible misalignments (due for example to errors of positioning and/or errors or imprecisions in the mechanical processing, and/or the like) which possibly affect the coupling between the support 2 and the terminal element 3.

    [0099] More in detail, the first member 8 and the second member 9 are designed in a manner so as to provide for a mechanical clearance between the same and the screw clamping means 18.

    [0100] Such mechanical clearance is provided at least between each screw 19 and the internal surface of the respective through hole 20, or better yet of the two half-holes 20a, 20b: each screw 19 is consequently free, after suitable clamping, to arrange according to any axis, also different from that of the respective through hole 20, so as to reach a stable locking configuration of the various parts, in which it is mainly, if not exclusively and correctly, tensile-stressed.

    [0101] Due to this feature, the first and second members 8, 9 are able to effectively connect together the terminal element 3 and the support 2, even in the presence of possible misalignments between the first and second, proximal and distal, portions 10a, 11a, 10b, 11b, and between these and the coupling surfaces between the longitudinal rib 15 and the longitudinal recess 17, which actually constitute the primary coupling zone between the support 2 and the terminal element 3.

    [0102] In other words, the screw clamping means 18 have a certain possibility to transversely move and automatically align with respect to the first and to the second members 8, 9, and hence also with respect to the support 2 and to the terminal element 3, in a manner so as to ensure an effective grasping action on the first and second, proximal and distal, portions 10a, 11a, 10b, 11b.

    [0103] The grasping action of the screw clamping means 18 hence also occurs in the presence of possible misalignments between these and the coupling surfaces provided in the longitudinal rib 15 and in the longitudinal recess 17.

    [0104] In other embodiments of the invention, the locking means 8, 9, 18 could have shape different from that described above.

    [0105] The bar 12 of the terminal element 3 comprises a plurality of bushes 23, fixed with respective screws 23a, whose lateral surfaces partially project with respect to the connection plane P.

    [0106] The lateral surface of such bushes 23 also partially project with respect to the junction plane between the bar 12 and the strip of wear-resistant material 13. The bushes 23 facilitate the correct alignment, in longitudinal sense, of the strip of wear-resistant material 13 with respect to the bar 12.

    [0107] According to still another aspect of the invention, the end panel group 1 comprises actuation means 24 associated with the support 2.

    [0108] The actuation means 24 are adapted to selectively move the terminal element 3 between an inactive position and an operating position in which it is suitable for delimiting the pressing cavity of the press, as described above.

    [0109] More in detail, the actuation means 24 allow selectively translating the terminal element 3, together with the support 2, with a motion trajectory having a component orthogonal to the connection plane P.

    [0110] The actuation means 24 can be of any type suitable for the application.

    [0111] For example, in the specific embodiment illustrated in the figures, the actuation means 24 comprise a plurality of first tilted profiles 25 provided in the rear face of the support 2, i.e., during use, the face opposite that where the extensions 5 are provided.

    [0112] The actuation means 24 also comprise a plurality of second tilted profiles 26, associated with an element 27 movable in longitudinal sense.

    [0113] The movable element 27 is housed inside a box-like structure 28, which also encloses the support 2, as illustrated for example in figures 7, 8 and 9.

    [0114] The second tilted profiles 26 are coupled to the first tilted profiles 25 in the manner illustrated in figure 6.

    [0115] As can be observed, a longitudinal translation of the movable element 27 causes a movement of the support 2 - which is instead longitudinally constrained - according to a direction orthogonal to the connection plane P: in this manner, the actuation of the movable element 27 selectively causes the movement of the support 2, and hence of the terminal element 3, from the inactive position to the operating position and vice versa.

    [0116] The actuation of the movable element 27 can for example occur with oil-pressure, pneumatic, electric means or means of any other type suitable for this specific use.

    [0117] It is specified that in other embodiments of the invention, the actuation means 24 could be absent: in other words, the terminal element 3 of the end panel group 1 could be situated permanently mounted in the relative operating position of sealing closure of the pressing cavity.

    [0118] Or, still alternatively, the terminal element 3 could be moved in the operating position by means of manual actuation means.

    [0119] The operation of the end panel group 1 according to the invention is, in light of that described above, quite evident.

    [0120] During the operation of the press, the terminal element 3 of the end panel group 1 is brought into the respective operating position in the manner described above, if the actuation means 24 are actually present.

    [0121] If multiple end panel groups 1 according to the present invention or even of another type are present in the press, the respective terminal elements 3 are situated in mutual contact, and hence realize a seal along the perimeter of the pressing cavity.

    [0122] The realized shape of the pressing cavity substantially corresponds with the final shape of the ceramic product, such as a tile, a plate or the like, that one intends to make.

    [0123] In a particular production configuration, therefore, the pressure element of the press, the laterally provided end panel groups 1, if more than one of these are present, and a suitable lower support provided in the press - opposite the pressure element, e.g. a conveyor belt for the material to be pressed - form a mold with movable walls for making products such as tiles, plates or the like. The pressing cavity thus delimited, being sealed, effectively prevents the leak of powder material; in such a manner, optimal pressing conditions are achieved, along with regular and repeatable shapes of the products.

    [0124] The pressed product thus obtained does not require further mechanical processing adapted to eliminate, for example, scraps or parts of the perimeter portion of the obtained tile or plate.

    [0125] According to the present invention, if it is necessary to carry out maintenance operations, size change operations or the like on the end panel group 1, it is sufficient to operate on the removable connection means 4 in order to remove the terminal element 3 from the support 2.

    [0126] In particular, it is sufficient to remove the screw clamping means 18 and consequently the first and second members 8, 9, in order to release the terminal element 3 from the support 2.

    [0127] It is observed that it is not necessary to completely remove the screw clamping means 18 and the first, second members 8, 9 in order to release the terminal element 3: indeed, it is sufficient to loosen the screws 19 so as to move the first member 8 and the second member 9 slightly apart from each other, thus removing the latter from the first, second distal portions 10b, 11b of the first, second coupling seats 10, 11.

    [0128] The reassembly of the same terminal element 3, or the assembly of another terminal element 3 with different features and/or different sizes, is easily obtained by repeating the above-described operations in reverse manner.

    [0129] As can be understood, the dismounting and mounting operations for the terminal element 3 on the support 2, for any reason they occur, are particularly quick and simple since they only require operating on a series of screws 19.

    [0130] The machine stop times are therefore considerably reduced with respect to those necessary for operating on the end panels of known type, currently installed on the presses.

    [0131] Also the number of workers engaged in the operation is certainly less than that necessary for operating on the end panels of presses of known type. These results are obtained with a particularly simple and inexpensive structural solution, installable on any press, even one already existing and functioning.


    Claims

    1. End panel group (1) of a press for ceramic products and the like, comprising at least one support (2) associable with fixed or movable parts of the press and at least one terminal element (3) associated with said support (2) and adapted to delimit at least one side, or at least one portion of a side, of a pressing cavity provided in the press, and means for the removable connection (4), of clamping type, of said terminal element (3) to said support (2), wherein said removable connection means (4) comprise means for locking (8,9,18) said terminal element (3) with respect to said support (2), and wherein said support (2) comprises, at one of its sides, at least one extension (5) intended for contact with said terminal element (3), said locking means (8,9,18) comprising at least one first member (8) and at least one second member (9) opposite each other, which can be clamped in a clamp-like manner on respective first coupling seats (10) and second coupling seats (11) opposite each other, provided in said extension (5) and in said terminal element (3), characterized in that it comprises means for centering (15,17) said terminal element (3) with respect to said support (2), wherein said centering means (15,17) comprise at least one longitudinal rib (15) provided in said terminal element (3), adapted to be engaged in a respective longitudinal recess (17) provided in said support (2).
     
    2. End panel group according to claim 1, wherein said extension (5) defines a respective first upper zone (6) and a second lower zone (7) on which said removable connection means (4) act.
     
    3. End panel group according to claim 1, wherein said longitudinal recess (17) is provided along the front surface of said extension (5) intended to be contact with said terminal element (3), and is comprised between said first upper zone (6) and said second lower zone (7).
     
    4. End panel group according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said locking means (8,9,18) comprise a plurality of first members (8) and second members (9) which can be fastened on a respective plurality of first coupling seats (10) and second coupling seats (11) distributed, aligned with each other, along said extension (5).
     
    5. End panel group according to claim 4, wherein said locking means (8, 9, 18) are of self-aligning type, suitable for being adapted to possible misalignments between said first coupling seats (10) and second coupling seats (11), and between the latter and said centering means (15, 17).
     
    6. End panel group according to claim 5, wherein said support (2) and said extension (5) can be associated with each other at at least one connection plane (P), said first coupling seats (10) and said second coupling seats (11) respectively comprising proximal and distal first portions (10a, 10b), and proximal and distal second portions (11a, 11b) provided on opposite sides with respect to said connection plane (P).
     
    7. End panel group according to claim 6, wherein said first proximal portions (10a) are provided in said first zone (6) of said extension (5), and said first distal portions (10b) are provided in said terminal element (3).
     
    8. End panel group according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said second proximal portions (11a) are provided in said second zone (7) of said extension (5), and said second distal portions (11b) are provided in said terminal element (3).
     
    9. End panel group according to one of claims 6-8, wherein said proximal and distal first portions (10a, 10b), and proximal and distal second portions (11a, 11b) of said first and second coupling seats (10,11) are tilted, with respect to said connection plane (P), at respective preset angles (α) less than 90°.
     
    10. End panel group according to one of claims 9, wherein said first member (8) and second member (9) respectively comprise a first concave portion (8a) and a second concave portion (9a) having geometries complementary to those of said proximal and distal first portions (10a,10b) and proximal and distal second portions (11a,11b).
     
    11. End panel group according to claim 10, wherein said first proximal portions (10a) and second proximal portions (11a) are constituted by recesses respectively made in the surface of said first zone (6) and of said second zone (7) of said extension (5).
     
    12. End panel group according to claim 11, wherein in said support (2) and in said terminal element (3), observed in section view, respective zones are defined, corresponding to said proximal and distal first and second portions (10a, 11a, 10b, 11b), substantially dovetail shaped, with vertices directed according to opposite directions, said connection plane (P) passing through said vertices of the aforesaid substantially dovetail shaped zones.
     
    13. End panel group according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said locking means (8,9,18) comprise screw clamping means (18) for said first member (8) and second member (9) on said first and second coupling seats (10, 11).
     
    14. End panel group according to claim 13, wherein said screw clamping means (18) comprise at least one screw (19) having axis substantially lying on said connection plane (P).
     
    15. End panel group according to claim 14, wherein said screw clamping means (18) comprise a through hole (20) in which said screw (19) is engaged, said through hole (20) comprising two half-holes (20a, 20b) respectively provided in said terminal element (3) and in said front surface of said extension (5).
     
    16. End panel group according to claim 15, wherein between said two half-holes (20a,20b) and said screw (19), a suitable mechanical clearance is provided which allows achieving the effective connection of said terminal element (3) to said support (2) even in the presence of possible misalignments between said proximal and distal first and second portions (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), and between the latter and the coupling surfaces provided in said longitudinal rib (15) and in said longitudinal recess (17).
     
    17. End panel group according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said support (2) comprises a plurality of extensions (5) side-by-side each other in longitudinal direction, separated by suitable interruptions.
     
    18. End panel group according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said terminal element (3) comprises at least one bar (12) associable with said support (2), and at least one strip of wear-resistant material (13) removably fixed to said bar (12).
     
    19. End panel group according to one of the preceding claims, comprising actuation means (24) associated with said support (2), said actuation means being adapted to selectively move said terminal element (3) between an inactive position and an operating position in which it is suitable for delimiting the pressing cavity of the press.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Endplattengruppe (1) einer Presse für keramische Produkte und dergleichen, umfassend mindestens einen Träger (2), der mit festen oder beweglichen Teilen der Presse verbindbar ist, und mindestens ein Anschlusselement (3), das mit dem besagten Träger (2) verbunden ist und dazu ausgelegt ist, mindestens eine Seite oder mindestens einen Abschnitt einer Seite einer in der Presse vorgesehenen Presskavität zu begrenzen, und Mittel für die lösbare Verbindung (4), des Klemmtyps, des besagten Anschlusselements (3) mit dem besagten Träger (2), worin die besagten lösbaren Verbindungsmittel (4) Mittel zum Verriegeln (8, 9, 18) des besagten Anschlusselements (3) in Bezug auf den besagten Träger (2) umfassen, und worin der besagte Träger (2) an einer seiner Seiten mindestens eine Verlängerung (5) umfasst, die zum Kontakt mit dem besagten Anschlusselement (3) bestimmt ist, wobei die besagten Verriegelungsmittel (8, 9, 18) mindestens ein erstes Element (8) und mindestens ein zweites Element (9), die einander gegenüberliegen, umfassen, die in einer klammerartigen Weise in jeweilige einander gegenüberliegende erste Verbindungssitze (10) und zweite Verbindungssitze (11), die in der Verlängerung (5) und in dem Anschlusselement (3) vorgesehen sind, geklemmt werden können, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie Mittel zum Zentrieren (15, 17) des besagten Anschlusselements (3) in Bezug auf den besagten Träger (2) umfasst, worin die besagten Zentriermittel (15, 17) mindestens eine Längsrippe (15), die in dem besagten Anschlusselement (3) vorgesehen ist, umfassen, die dazu ausgelegt ist, in eine jeweilige Längsaussparung (17), die in dem besagten Träger (2) vorgesehen ist, einzugreifen.
     
    2. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 1, worin die besagte Verlängerung (5) jeweils einen ersten oberen Bereich (6) und einen zweiten unteren Bereich (7) definiert, auf die die besagten lösbaren Verbindungsmittel (4) wirken.
     
    3. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 1, worin die besagte Längsaussparung (17) entlang der vorderen Oberfläche der besagten Verlängerung (5), die für den Kontakt mit dem besagten Anschlusselement (3) bestimmt ist, vorgesehen ist und zwischen dem besagten ersten oberen Bereich (6) und dem besagten zweiten unteren Bereich (7) liegt.
     
    4. Endplattengruppe nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, worin die besagten Verriegelungsmittel (8, 9, 18) eine Vielzahl von ersten Elementen (8) und zweiten Elementen (9) umfassen, die an einer jeweiligen Vielzahl von ersten Verbindungssitzen (10) und zweiten Verbindungssitzen (11), die miteinander ausgerichtet entlang der besagten Verlängerung (5) verteilt sind, befestigt werden können.
     
    5. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 4, worin die besagten Verriegelungsmittel (8, 9, 18) vom selbstausrichtenden Typ sind, der geeignet ist, an mögliche Fehlausrichtungen zwischen den besagten ersten Verbindungssitzen (10) und zweiten Verbindungssitzen (11) und zwischen letzteren und den besagten Zentriermitteln (15, 17) angepasst zu werden.
     
    6. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 5, worin der besagte Träger (2) und die besagte Verlängerung (5) an mindestens einer Verbindungsebene (P) miteinander verbunden werden können, wobei die besagten ersten Verbindungssitze (10) und die besagten zweiten Verbindungssitze (11) jeweils proximale und distale erste Abschnitte (10a, 10b) und proximale und distale zweite Abschnitte (11a, 11b) umfassen, die auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten in Bezug auf die besagte Verbindungsebene (P) vorgesehen sind.
     
    7. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 6, worin die besagten ersten proximalen Abschnitte (10a) im besagten ersten Bereich (6) der besagten Verlängerung (5) vorgesehen sind und die besagten ersten distalen Abschnitte (10b) im besagten Anschlusselement (3) vorgesehen sind.
     
    8. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, worin die besagten zweiten proximalen Abschnitte (11a) im besagten zweiten Bereich (7) der besagten Verlängerung (5) vorgesehen sind und die besagten zweiten distalen Abschnitte (11b) im besagten Anschlusselement (3) vorgesehen sind.
     
    9. Endplattengruppe nach einem der Ansprüche 6-8, worin die besagten proximalen und distalen ersten Abschnitte (10a, 10b) und proximalen und distalen zweiten Abschnitte (11a, 11b) der besagten ersten und zweiten Verbindungssitze (10, 11), in Bezug auf die besagte Verbindungsebene (P), um jeweils voreingestellte Winkel (α) von weniger als 90° geneigt sind.
     
    10. Endplattengruppe nach einem der Ansprüche 9, worin das besagte erste Element (8) und zweite Element (9) jeweils einen ersten konkaven Abschnitt (8a) und einen zweiten konkaven Abschnitt (9a) mit Geometrien umfassen, die komplementär zu denen des besagten proximalen und distalen ersten Abschnitts (10a, 10b) und proximalen und distalen zweiten Abschnitts (11a, 11b) sind.
     
    11. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 10, worin die besagten ersten proximalen Abschnitte (10a) und zweiten proximalen Abschnitte (11a) durch Aussparungen gebildet werden, die jeweils in der Oberfläche des besagten ersten Bereichs (6) und des besagten zweiten Bereichs (7) der besagten Verlängerung (5) ausgebildet sind.
     
    12. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 11, worin in dem besagten Träger (2) und in dem besagten Anschlusselement (3), in der Schnittansicht betrachtet, jeweilige Bereiche definiert sind, die den besagten proximalen und distalen ersten und zweiten Abschnitten (10a, 11a, 10b, 11b), im Wesentlichen schwalbenschwanzförmig, mit in entgegengesetzte Richtungen gerichteten Scheitelpunkten, entsprechen, wobei die besagte Verbindungsebene (P) durch die besagten Scheitelpunkte der vorgenannten im Wesentlichen schwalbenschwanzförmigen Bereiche verläuft.
     
    13. Endplattengruppe nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, worin die besagten Verriegelungsmittel (8, 9, 18) Schraubklemmmittel (18) für das besagte erste Element (8) und zweite Element (9) an den besagten ersten und zweiten Verbindungssitzen (10, 11) umfassen.
     
    14. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 13, worin die besagten Schraubenklemmmittel (18) mindestens eine Schraube (19) mit einer Achse, die im Wesentlichen auf der besagten Verbindungsebene (P) liegt, umfassen.
     
    15. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 14, worin die besagten Schraubenklemmmittel (18) ein Durchgangsloch (20) umfassen, in das die besagte Schraube (19) eingreift, wobei das besagte Durchgangsloch (20) zwei Halblöcher (20a, 20b) umfasst, die jeweils in dem besagten Anschlusselement (3) und in der besagten vorderen Oberfläche der besagten Verlängerung (5) vorgesehen sind.
     
    16. Endplattengruppe nach Anspruch 15, worin zwischen den besagten zwei Halblöchern (20a, 20b) und der besagten Schraube (19) ein geeignetes mechanisches Spiel vorgesehen ist, das es ermöglicht, die Wirkverbindung des besagten Anschlusselements (3) mit dem besagten Träger (2) selbst bei Vorhandensein möglicher Fehlausrichtungen zwischen den besagten proximalen und distalen ersten und zweiten Abschnitten (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) und zwischen den letzteren und den in der besagten Längsrippe (15) und in der besagten Längsaussparung (17) vorgesehenen Verbindungsflächen zu erreichen.
     
    17. Endplattengruppe nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, worin der besagte Träger (2) eine Vielzahl von Verlängerungen (5) nebeneinander in Längsrichtung umfasst, die durch geeignete Unterbrechungen getrennt sind.
     
    18. Endplattengruppe nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, worin das besagte Anschlusselement (3) mindestens einen Stab (12), der mit dem besagten Träger (2) verbindbar ist, und mindestens einen Streifen aus verschleißfestem Material (13), der lösbar an dem besagten Stab (12) befestigt ist, umfasst.
     
    19. Endplattengruppe nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, umfassend Betätigungsmittel (24), die mit dem besagten Träger (2) verbunden sind, wobei die besagten Betätigungsmittel dazu ausgelegt sind, das besagte Anschlusselement (3) selektiv zwischen einer inaktiven Position und einer Betriebsposition, in der es zur Begrenzung der Presskavität der Presse geeignet ist, zu bewegen.
     


    Revendications

    1. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité (1) d'une presse pour produits céramiques et analogues, comprenant au moins un support (2) associable avec des parties fixes ou mobiles de la presse et au moins un élément terminal (3) associé audit support (2) et adapté pour délimiter au moins un côté, ou au moins une partie d'un côté, d'une cavité de pressage disposée dans la presse, et des moyens de raccordement amovible (4), du type à serrage, dudit élément terminal (3) sur ledit support (2), dans lequel lesdits moyens de raccordement amovibles (4) comprennent des moyens de verrouillage (8, 9, 18) dudit élément terminal (3) par rapport audit support (2), et dans lequel ledit support (2) comprend, sur l'un de ses côtés, au moins une extension (5) destinée à entrer en contact avec ledit élément terminal (3), lesdits moyens de verrouillage (8, 9, 18) comprenant au moins un premier élément (8) et au moins un deuxième élément (9) opposés l'un à l'autre, qui peuvent être serrés d'une manière semblable à une pince sur des premiers sièges de couplage (10) et des deuxièmes sièges de couplage (11) respectifs opposés les uns aux autres, disposés dans ladite extension (5) et dans ledit élément terminal (3), caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens pour centrer (15, 17) ledit élément terminal (3) par rapport audit support (2), dans lequel lesdits moyens pour centrer (15, 17) comprennent au moins une nervure longitudinale (15) disposée dans ledit élément terminal (3), adaptée pour être insérée dans un encastrement longitudinal (17) respectif disposé dans ledit support (2).
     
    2. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite extension (5) définit une première zone supérieure (6) et une deuxième zone inférieure (7) respectives, sur lesquelles lesdits moyens de raccordement amovibles (4) agissent.
     
    3. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit encastrement longitudinal (17) est disposé le long de la surface frontale de ladite extension (5) destinée à être en contact avec ledit élément terminal (3), et est compris entre ladite première zone supérieure (6) et ladite deuxième zone inférieure (7).
     
    4. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits moyens de verrouillage (8, 9, 18) comprennent une pluralité de premiers éléments (8) et de deuxièmes éléments (9) qui peuvent être fixés sur une pluralité de premiers sièges de couplage (10) et de deuxièmes sièges de couplage (11) respectifs répartis, alignés les uns avec les autres, le long de ladite extension (5).
     
    5. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 4, dans lequel lesdits moyens de verrouillage (8, 9, 18) sont du type à auto-alignement, prévus pour s'adapter aux désaxements possibles entre lesdits premiers sièges de couplage (10) et deuxièmes sièges de couplage (11), et entre ces derniers et lesdits moyens pour centrer (15, 17) .
     
    6. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit support (2) et ladite extension (5) peuvent être associés les uns avec les autres sur au moins un plan de connexion (P), lesdits premiers sièges de couplage (10) et lesdits deuxièmes sièges de couplage (11) comprenant respectivement des premières parties proximales et distales (10a, 10b), et des deuxièmes parties proximales et distales (11a, 11b) disposées sur les côtés opposés par rapport audit plan de connexion (P) .
     
    7. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 6, dans lequel lesdites premières parties proximales (10a) sont disposées dans ladite première zone (6) de ladite extension (5), et lesdites premières parties distales (10b) sont disposées dans ledit élément terminal (3) .
     
    8. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 6 ou 7, dans lequel lesdites deuxièmes parties proximales (11a) sont disposées dans ladite deuxième zone (7) de ladite extension (5), et lesdites deuxièmes parties distales (11b) sont disposées dans ledit élément terminal (3) .
     
    9. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon l'une des revendications 6 à 8, dans lequel lesdites premières parties proximales et distales (10a, 10b), et lesdites deuxièmes parties proximales et distales (11a, 11b) desdits premiers et deuxièmes sièges de couplage (10, 11) sont inclinés, par rapport audit plan de connexion (P), selon des angles prédéterminés (α) respectifs de moins de 90°.
     
    10. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 9, dans lequel lesdits premier élément (8) et deuxième élément (9), respectivement, comprennent une première partie concave (8a) et une deuxième partie concave (9a) dont les géométries sont complémentaires à celles desdites premières parties proximales et distales (10a, 10b) et deuxièmes parties proximales et distales (11a, 11b) .
     
    11. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 10, dans lequel lesdites premières parties proximales (10a) et deuxièmes parties proximales (11a) sont constituées d'encastrements réalisés respectivement dans la surface de ladite première zone (6) et de ladite deuxième zone (7) de ladite extension (5).
     
    12. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 11, dans lequel dans ledit support (2) et dans ledit élément terminal (3), observés en coupe, des zones respectives sont définies, correspondant auxdites premières et deuxièmes parties proximales et distales (10a, 11a, 10b, 11b), sensiblement en forme de queue d'aronde, avec des sommets dirigés selon les directions opposées, ledit plan de connexion (P) traversant lesdits sommets des zones susmentionnées sensiblement en queue d'aronde.
     
    13. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits moyens de verrouillage (8, 9, 18) comprennent des moyens de serrage à vis (18) pour ledit premier élément (8) et ledit deuxième élément (9) sur lesdits premiers et deuxièmes sièges de couplage (10, 11).
     
    14. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 13, dans lequel lesdits moyens de serrage à vis (18) comprennent au moins une vis (19) dont l'axe repose sensiblement sur ledit plan de connexion (P).
     
    15. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 14, dans lequel lesdits moyens de serrage à vis (18) comprennent un trou traversant (20) dans lequel ladite vis (19) est insérée, ledit trou traversant (20) comprenant deux demi-trous (20a, 20b) disposés respectivement dans ledit élément terminal (3) et dans ladite surface frontale de ladite extension (5).
     
    16. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon la revendication 15, dans lequel entre lesdits deux demi-trous (20a, 20b) et ladite vis (19), un espace mécanique adapté est disposé qui permet d'obtenir le raccordement efficace dudit élément terminal (3) audit support (2) même en présence de désaxements possibles entre lesdites premières et deuxièmes parties proximales et distales (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), et entre ces dernières et les surfaces de couplage disposées dans ladite nervure longitudinale (15) et dans ledit encastrement longitudinal (17).
     
    17. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit support (2) comprend une pluralité d'extensions (5) côte-à-côte les unes des autres dans la direction longitudinale, séparées par des interruptions appropriées.
     
    18. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit élément terminal (3) comprend au moins une barre (12) associable audit support (2), et au moins une bande de matière résistante à l'usure (13) fixée de manière amovible à ladite barre (12).
     
    19. Groupe de panneaux d'extrémité selon l'une des revendications précédentes, comprenant des moyens d'actionnement (24) associés audit support (2), lesdits moyens d'actionnement étant adaptés pour déplacer sélectivement ledit élément terminal (3) entre une position inactive et une position d'utilisation dans laquelle il est adapté pour délimiter la cavité de pressage de la presse.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description