PLANT FOR THE PRESSURE SLIP CASTING OF HYGIENIC-SANITARY ARTICLES

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles.

Background Art

[0002] Plants are known which, by means of the casting of ceramic material in the form of slip inside specific moulds, permit making hygienic-sanitary articles such as wash-basins, shower plates, WC cisterns, toilet bowls, bidets and the like.

[0003] A particular type of plant is known from document EP 0 999 021.

[0004] Such plant has a succession of moulds fitted in a suspended way underneath a horizontal longitudinal structure.

[0005] Each mould has two opposite shaped faces, suitable for cooperating with the previous mould and with the subsequent mould to define a series of hygienic-sanitary article forming cavities.

[0006] The plant has thrust means able to press the moulds and keep them strongly pressed the one against the other along a longitudinal direction.

[0007] It must in fact be underlined that during the casting, the ceramic material in the form of slip is introduced into the moulds at very high pressures and the moulds must be stably locked to avoid cracking which could cause the formation of burrs on the end pieces or even cause the slip to come out of the moulds.

[0008] The particular configuration of the moulds in this type of plant allows arranging them like packs, i.e., one against the other in succession, and pressing them all at the same time by means of the thrust means.

[0009] Once casting has been completed, the moulds are distanced from one another to allow picking up the hygienic-sanitary articles.

[0010] To make the discharge phase easier, plants are known wherein the moulds, besides being longitudinally sliding, are also rotatable around a horizontal axis. This way, the moulds are arranged face to face during casting and then rotated by 90° to allow the gravity exit of the hygienic-sanitary articles.

[0011] The placing in rotation of the moulds is usually by means of a plurality of pneumatic actuators or electric motors, mounted on each mould to be rotated, and a corresponding pneumatic or electronic operating and supply circuit. Once rotated, the pick-up of the hygienic-sanitary articles which have exited the mould can be done manually by an operator, or else using an automated collection system.

[0012] These plants of traditional type have a number of drawbacks concerning in particular the fact that they limit productivity.

[0013] In this respect, it is underlined that, while during the casting phase all the moulds are used at the same time, during the discharge phase they must necessarily be discharged in sequence, one by one, with particularly long execution times.

[0014] To this must be added that, during the discharge of a mould, the rest of the plant remains substantially inoperative and the possibility exists of starting a new casting phase only once the discharge phase of all the moulds has been completed.

[0015] It should not on the other hand be forgotten that the use of a series of electric motors for the placing in rotation of the moulds represents a particularly costly solution from an economic viewpoint, wasteful from an energy viewpoint and not very safe from a technical viewpoint.

[0016] The parts of the plant in the proximity of the moulds are in fact often exposed to contact with the slip which, having an aqueous base, can easily cause the electronic devices to short circuit, unless these are suitable protected.

[0017] It is furthermore underlined that traditional automated systems for picking up the hygienic-sanitary articles which have exited the mould more often than not are made up of scaffolding and machinery of dubious stability and efficiency, which occupy considerable space in the work area and consequently reduce the mobility of operators in the proximity of the machine for the carrying out of routine control, cleaning and maintenance operations.

[0018] Another plant for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles is disclosed in the patent document DE 197 25 942, which discloses the preamble of claim 1.

Description of the Invention

[0019] The main aim of the present invention is to provide a plant for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles with increased productivity and efficiency than traditional plants.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant which permits making products such as wash-basins, shower plates, WC cisterns, toilet bowls, bidets and the like in a practical and easy way and which is particularly simple from both the structural and functional viewpoint.

[0021] Not the last object of the present invention is to provide a plant with particularly reduced manufacturing, installation and management costs, so as to result very cheap for the final user, both in terms of less investment and operating expenses.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles that allows to overcome the mentioned drawbacks of the background art in the ambit of a simple, rational, easy, effective to use and low cost solution.

[0023] The above objects are achieved by the present plant for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles, having the features of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred, but not sole, embodiment of a plant for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles, illustrated purely as an example but not limited to the annexed drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the plant according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the plant according to the invention;

Figure 3 is an axonometric view of a mould of the plant according to the invention in work position;

Figure 4 is an axonometric view of a mould of the plant according to the invention in discharge position;

Figures 5 and 6 are side views of a detail of the plant according to the invention which show the discharge of the hygienic-sanitary articles;

Figures 7 and 8 are front views of another detail of the plant according to the invention which show the operation of one of the extension elements.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0025] With particular reference to such figures, globally indicated by 1 is a plant for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles.

[0026] The plant 1, in particular, is designed to make hygienic-sanitary articles 2 of the type of wash-basins, shower plates, WC cisterns, toilet bowls, bidets and the like.

[0027] For this purpose, the plant 1 comprises a base framework 3 provided with a ground supporting platform 4 from which rise up a first bearing structure 5, a second bearing structure 6 and an intermediate bearing structure 7.

[0028] The bearing structures 5, 6, 7 are aligned along a substantially horizontal longitudinal direction D, with the first bearing structure 5 and the second bearing structure 6 arranged at the extremities and the intermediate bearing structure 7 arranged in substantially median position and equidistant from the other two. At the top of the bearing structures 5, 6, 7 a guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 is fitted which extends along the longitudinal direction D.

[0029] The guide longitudinal structure 8,9 is split into:

• a first portion 8, arranged between the first bearing structure 5 and the intermediate bearing structure 7, and
• a second portion 9, arranged between the second bearing structure 6 and the intermediate bearing structure (7).

[0030] For the forming of the hygienic-sanitary articles 2 a plurality of moulds (10, 11) is provided, hanging sliding from the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9.

[0031] In this respect, it is underlined that in the present treatise to say that the moulds 10, 11 hang sliding from the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 means that they are housed in the space below the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 and are supported by it so as to slide along the longitudinal direction D.

[0032] In other words, the moulds 10, 11 do not rest on the ground supporting platform 4 and, on the contrary, remain substantially raised with respect to this, thus making it possible to leave the space underneath the moulds 10, 11 free and allow the discharge of the hygienic-sanitary articles 2, as will be better described below.

[0033] The moulds 10, 11 move longitudinally between a work configuration, wherein the moulds 10, 11 are arranged in a pack, each mould 10, 11 and the next defining at least an inner cavity for the pressure slip casting of ceramic material and the forming of hygienic-sanitary articles 2, and a discharge configuration, wherein the moulds 10, 11 are reciprocally moved away for the discharge of the hygienic-sanitary articles 2.

[0034] The moulds 10, 11 are split into:

• a first group 10 of moulds moving along the first portion 8 of the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9, and
• a second group 11 of moulds moving along the second portion 9 of the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9.

[0035] The moulds 10, 11 of the first and of the second group have a substantially flat conformation and have a first face 12 and a second face 13 opposite one another.

[0036] The faces 12, 13 are shaped so as to define the inner cavities for casting and forming the hygienic-sanitary articles 2.

[0037] In the figures 3 and 4, e.g., a particular embodiment is shown in detail of a mould 10 for making hygienic-sanitary articles 2 in the form of shower plates. The first face 12 of the mould 10 is grooved so as to obtain the shape of the shower plate while the second face 13 is substantially plain.

[0038] Generally speaking, the first face 12 of a mould 10, 11 is designed to cooperate with the second face 13 of the adjacent mould 10, 11 when, in work configuration, the moulds 10, 11 are arranged in a pack.

[0039] The moulds 10, 11 placed at the extremities of the first group 10 and of the second group 11, however, are adjacent to just one mould 10, 11 and cooperate with four auxiliary elements 14, if necessary shaped, arranged at the end and beginning of the two groups 10, 11.

[0040] More in detail, two auxiliary elements 14 are rigidly associated on opposite sides of the intermediate bearing structure 7 while two other auxiliary elements 14 are hanging from the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 in a similar way to the moulds 10, 11.

[0041] The moulds 10, 11 are associated with the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 by interposition of a plurality of supporting frames 15, 16, 17 that are sliding along the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 and support the moulds 10, 11.

[0042] The supporting frames 15, 16, 17 are C-shaped, with a first section 15 and a second section 16 substantially vertical, which are arranged on the sides of each mould 10, 11, and a third section 17 substantially horizontal and at right angles to the longitudinal direction D, which links the first section 15 and the second section 16 to the top of the moulds 10, 11.

[0043] The third section 17 of the supporting frames 15, 16, 17 is equipped with a series of carriages 18 sliding along the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9.

[0044] The supporting frames 15, 16, 17 comprise rotation means 19, 20 for rotating the moulds 10, 11 around an axis E substantially horizontal and at right angles to the longitudinal direction D.

[0045] The rotation means 19, 20, in practice, are suitable for allowing the rotation of the moulds 10, 11 between a work position, wherein the moulds 10, 11 are substantially vertical and the faces 12, 13 are substantially at right angles to the longitudinal direction D, and a discharge position of the hygienic-sanitary articles 2, wherein the moulds 10, 11 are substantially horizontal and the first face 12 is turned downwards to allow the release of the hygienic-sanitary articles 2 by gravity.

[0046] Advantageously, the rotation means 19, 20 comprise at least a rotoidal support 19, with which is associated one of the moulds 10, 11 and a driving system 20 for driving the rotoidal motion of the mould 10, 11 between the rotoidal support 19 and a command element 21 mounted on top of the supporting frame 15, 16, 17.

[0047] Preferably, in each supporting frame 15, 16, 17 the rotation means 19, 20 comprise two rotoidal supports 19, one fitted on the first section 15 and the other fitted on the second section 16, and just one transmission system 20, fitted in correspondence to the first section 15.

[0048] The transmission system 20 is defined by a lever crank gear comprising:

• a first crank 22, which is fitted in a rotatable way on the first section 15 and is rotatable around the axis E together with the mould 10, 11;
• a transmission connecting rod 23, which is associated with the first crank 22 and extends substantially vertical along the first section 15;
• a second crank 24, which is fitted on the third section 17 in a rotatable way around an axis parallel with the axis E and is associated with the transmission connecting rod 23;
• a transmission rod 25 substantially parallel with the third section 17, which is rigidly associated with the second crank 24 and which supports the command element 21 arranged substantially at the centre of the third section 17.

[0049] The supporting frames 15, 16, 17 are motorised and are moved together with the moulds 10, 11 along the longitudinal direction D thanks to a specific movement element 26.

[0050] The movement element 26 is associated sliding with the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 and is connectable alternately to one of the moulds 10, 11, or more correctly, to one of the supporting frames 15, 16, 17 to drag both the supporting frames 15, 16, 17 and the corresponding mould 10, 11 along the longitudinal direction D.

[0051] The movement element 26 moves both along the first portion 8 of the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 for dragging the first group 10 of moulds and along the second portion 9 of the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 for dragging the second group 11 of moulds.

[0052] In practice, the movement element 26 consists in a self-propelled carriage equipped with wheels 27 which slide along a track 28 housed inside the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9.

[0053] For moving the moulds 10, 11, the movement element 26 has fastening means 29 suitable for fastening the supporting frames 15, 16, 17.

[0054] The fastening means 29 consist, e.g., of a vertically-mobile rod able to unite with the third section 17 of the supporting frames 15, 16, 17 and to release this once the movement of the frame itself has ceased.

[0055] The movement element 26 also comprises actuator means 30 connectable to the command element 21 of the supporting frames 15, 16, 17 for placing in rotation the moulds 10, 11.

[0056] The actuator means 30 consist of a motorized element, driven by means of an electric motor or any other hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical system, which has the task of fastening onto the command element 21, causing it to rotate and, by means of the transmission system 20, cause the corresponding mould 10, 11 to rotate.

[0057] To discharge the hygienic-sanitary articles 2 is usefully provided an articulated robotic arm 31, of the anthropomorphic type, which is fitted in a sliding way on the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9.

[0058] More in detail, the articulated robotic arm 31 is fitted on a slide 32 which slides along a rail 33 arranged at the top of the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9.

[0059] The rail 33 is as long as the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9; the articulated robotic arm 31, in fact, moves along the first portion 8 of the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 for the discharge of the first group 10 of moulds and along the second portion 9 of the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 for the discharge of the second group 11 of moulds.

[0060] The articulated robotic arm 31 has a pickup extremity 34 which can be positioned below the mould 10, 11 during the discharge phase to collect up the hygienic-sanitary articles 2 which have just exited the mould and place them on a removal line 35 arranged in the proximity of the plant 1.

[0061] Alternative embodiments are nevertheless possible wherein the articulated robotic arm 31 is not provided and the collection operations of the hygienic-sanitary articles 2 are performed by one or more operators.

[0062] More in particular, the plant 1 can be supplied in the following three versions:

• automatic: wherein the moulds 10, 11 can be turned and opened automatically by means of the movement element 26, and the pickup of the hygienic-sanitary articles 2 occurs by means of the articulated robotic arm 31. Such version corresponds to the embodiment shown in the illustrations;
• semi-automatic (not part of the invention): with automatic opening of the moulds 10, 11 by means of the movement element 26, but without the transmissions system 20 and the actuator means 30, the rotation of the moulds 10, 11 being done manually by the operator. In this version, the collection of the hygienic-sanitary articles 2 can be performed by means of the articulated robotic arm 31 or else manually;
• manual (not part of the invention): without automatic opening of the moulds 10, 11, without the automatic rotation of the moulds 10, 11 and without the articulated robotic arm 31.

[0063] The plant 1 also comprises pressing means 36 suitable for pressing longitudinally the moulds 10, 11 one against the other in work configuration. The pressing means 36 comprise:

• a first hydraulic actuator 37 associated with at least one between the first bearing structure 5 and the intermediate bearing structure 7 and suitable for pressing longitudinally the first group 10 of moulds;
• a second hydraulic actuator 38 associated with at least one between the second bearing structure 6 and the intermediate bearing structure 7 and suitable for pressing longitudinally the second group 11 of moulds; and
• a pumping system of a hydraulic fluid suitable for operating the first hydraulic actuator 37 and the second hydraulic actuator 38.

[0064] More in detail, the first hydraulic actuator 37 is associated with the first bearing structure 5 while the second hydraulic actuator 38 is associated with the second bearing structure 6; in work configuration, therefore the first group 10 of moulds and the second group 11 of moulds are pressed against the intermediate bearing structure 7.

[0065] The pumping system is not shown in the illustrations and usefully consists in a pump or the like connected to a hydraulic circuit equipped with specific distribution valves.

[0066] The hydraulic circuit is connected to the hydraulic actuators 37, 38 and is suitable for supplying these in a way substantially independent the one from the other.

[0067] In other words, the pump is able to pressurize the hydraulic fluid both for the first hydraulic actuator 37 and for the second hydraulic actuator 38, while the hydraulic circuit is commanded so as to supply only the first hydraulic actuator 37, only the second hydraulic actuator 38, or both.

[0068] The pressing means 36 also comprise:

• a first extension element 39 that can be positioned between the first hydraulic actuator 37 and the first group 10 of moulds in work configuration; and
• a second extension element 40 that can be positioned between the second hydraulic actuator 38 and the second group 11 of moulds in work configuration.

[0069] The extension elements 39, 40 are hanging sliding from the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 and move along the longitudinal direction D in a way similar to the moulds 10, 11.

[0070] The extension elements 39, 40, are in fact also mounted on a corresponding supporting frame 15, 16, 17 and are rotatable around the axis E by means of a transmission system 20 similar to that provided for the moulds 10, 11.

[0071] In work configuration, the extension elements 39, 40 are arranged substantially horizontal, in a position of maximum overall dimensions suitable for connecting the hydraulic actuators 37, 38 to the moulds 10, 11 arranged in a pack.

[0072] In discharge configuration, on the other hand, the extension elements 39, 40 are arranged substantially vertical, in a position of minimum overall dimensions suitable for allowing the sliding of the moulds 10, 11 along the longitudinal direction D and their opening.

[0073] The plant 1 is completed by pressure feeding means for feeding the ceramic material, which are suitable for pressurizing the ceramic material in the state of slip and for pushing it inside the moulds 10, 11 arranged in work configuration. The pressure feeding means are not shown in detail in the illustrations and consist of a pumping device for pumping the ceramic material which is connected to a distribution circuit communicating with the moulds 10, 11.

[0074] The moulds of the first group 10 can be fed with the ceramic material independently from the moulds of the second group 11, and vice versa; in other words, the pumping device is able to pressurize the ceramic material both for the first group 10 and for the second group 11 of moulds and the distribution circuit is commanded so as to supply only the first group 10, only the second group 11, or both.

[0075] The first group 10 of moulds is placeable in discharge configuration when the second group 11 of moulds is in work configuration and, similarly, the second group 11 of moulds is placeable in discharge configuration when the first group 10 of moulds is in work configuration.

[0076] For this purpose a processing and control unit 41 is provided suitable for commanding the discharge of the first group 10 of moulds when the second group 11 of moulds is in work configuration and for commanding the discharge of the second group 11 of moulds when the first group 10 of moulds is in work configuration.

[0077] In other words, the processing and control unit 41 controls the operation of the pressing means 36, of the ceramic material pressure feeding means, of the movement element 26 and of the articulated robotic arm 31 in the following way.

[0078] While the first group 10 of moulds is arranged in work configuration and starts the casting operation, the second group 11 of moulds is in discharge configuration (figures 1 and 2).

[0079] In these conditions, only the first hydraulic actuator 37 is started and the pressure feeding means only push the ceramic material inside the first group 10 of moulds.

[0080] In the meantime, the moulds of the second group 11 are opened one by one to take out the hygienic-sanitary articles 2.

[0081] For this purpose, the movement element 26 only operates along the second portion 9 gripping the supporting frames 15, 16, 17 one by one by means of the fastening means 29 and causing the moulds 11 to rotate from the work position to the discharge position by means of the actuator means 30.

[0082] The hygienic-sanitary articles 2 which have exited the mould are placed on the pickup extremity 34 of the articulated robotic arm 31 and then transferred to the removal line 35.

[0083] Once all the moulds have been unloaded, the second group 11 can also undergo a new casting phase.

[0084] For this purpose, the movement element 26 drags all the moulds of the second group 11 in work configuration, together with the second extension element 40. At this point, the second hydraulic actuator 38 is started and the pressure feeding means also push the ceramic material inside the second group 11 of moulds.

[0085] Meanwhile, the movement element 26 and the articulated robotic arm 31 transfer onto the first portion 8 of the guide longitudinal structure 8, 9 waiting for the first group 10 of moulds to complete the casting phase to perform their discharge.

[0086] The figure 9 schematically illustrates the time alternation of the casting phases and of the discharge phases for the two groups 10, 11 of moulds.

[0087] In this illustration, indicated by A₁ is the casting phase of the first group 10, by B₁ the discharge phase of the first group 10, by A₂ the casting phase of the second group 11 and by B₂ the discharge phase of the second group 11.

[0088] As will be seen, the casting phases A₁, A₂ last for a time substantially identical the one to the other, which depends on the nature of the ceramic material and on the conformation of the moulds 10, 11.

[0089] Diversely, the time taken by the discharge phases B₁, B₂ depends on the quantity of moulds in each group 10, 11, inasmuch as they are discharged one at a time.

[0090] In the embodiment shown in the illustrations, e.g., each group 10, 11 is made up of seven moulds and the time required to discharge this number of moulds is considerably shorter than the time dedicated to casting; for this reason, the discharge phases B₁, B₂ shown in the figure 9 take less time compared to the casting phases A₁, A₂.

[0091] The figure 9 also shows the time alternation of the casting phase (indicated by A_PA) and of the discharge phase (indicated by B_PA) of a traditional casting plant with a single group of moulds, wherein the total number of moulds is the same as the sum of the moulds of the first group 10 and of the second group 11 (i.e., fourteen moulds).

[0092] In this case, the casting phase A_PA substantially lasts for the same amount of time as the casting phases A₁, A₂, while the discharge phase B_PA is considerably longer than the discharge phases B₁, B₂ inasmuch as it involves a higher number of moulds.

[0093] Compared to a traditional plant with the same total number of moulds, therefore, the plant 1 has a much higher productivity because it is able to perform the casting, forming and discharge of the hygienic-sanitary articles 2 in all fourteen moulds 10, 11 in much less time (about 25% less).

[0094] In this respect, it is underlined that compared to the same traditional plant with the same number of moulds, the plant 1 has very few extra components (such as the intermediate bearing structure 7, the second hydraulic actuator 38 and the second extension element 40).

[0095] As regards the rest, most of the components of plant 1, such as, e.g.:

• the movement element 26;
• the articulated robotic arm 31;
• the pumping system for supplying the hydraulic actuators 37, 38; and
• the ceramic material pumping device;

are exploited in an upgrading way to operate the first group 10 and the second group 11 of moulds in an independent way the one from the other.

[0096] Other parameters being equal therefore, the plant 1 has a cost not much different to that of a traditional plant with the same number of moulds but is able to achieve considerable improvements as regards greater productivity and efficiency.

[0097] Having said this, it is underlined that similar performance levels to those of the present invention could be obtained using two separate traditional plants, each of which equipped with a single group of seven moulds.

[0098] In this case however, the total cost of the two separate plants would be considerably higher than that of the plant 1, inasmuch as affected by the presence of two distinct oil pumping systems, two distinct slip pumping devices, two discharge systems for the hygienic-sanitary articles, and a total of four bearing structures (two for each plant).

[0099] For all these reasons, the solution proposed by the present invention cannot be deemed a banal juxtaposition of known elements but rather a new and inventive solution.

[0100] It has in practice been ascertained how the described invention achieves the proposed objects.

[0101] In this respect, it is underlined that the present plant for the pressure casting of hygienic-sanitary articles is distinguished by a higher productivity and efficiency compared to traditional plants, is usable in a practical and easy way, is particularly simple from a structural and functional viewpoint and is distinguished by a relatively low cost.

[0102] It is also pointed out that the particular solution of providing a transmission system fitted on each supporting frame allows putting each single mould into rotation with just one motor.

[0103] For this purpose in fact, the present invention contemplates the use of actuator means arranged in raised position and therefore well away from the moulds, which are more exposed to contact with the slip.

[0104] Finally, it must not be forgotten that the particular solution of providing an anthropomorphic robotic arm arranged at the top of the guide longitudinal structure allows leaving free the entire work area close to the plant, thus favouring the mobility of the operators and plant management, cleaning and maintenance jobs.

Claims

1. Plant (1) for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles, comprising:

- at least a base framework (3) with a first bearing structure (5), a second bearing structure (6) and an intermediate bearing structure (7) aligned along a substantially horizontal longitudinal direction (D);

- at least a guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) which is fitted on top of said bearing structures (5, 6, 7), extends along said longitudinal direction (D) and is split into:

- at least a first portion (8), arranged between said first bearing structure (5) and said intermediate bearing structure (7), and

- at least a second portion (9), arranged between said second bearing structure (6) and said intermediate bearing structure (7);

- a plurality of moulds (10, 11), hanging sliding from said guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) and moving longitudinally between a work configuration, wherein said moulds (10, 11) are arranged in a pack, each mould (10, 11) and the next defining at least an inner cavity for the pressure slip casting of ceramic material and the forming of hygienic-sanitary articles (2), and a discharge configuration, wherein said moulds (10, 11) are reciprocally moved away for the discharge of said hygienic-sanitary articles (2), said moulds (10, 11) being split into:

- at least a first group (10) of moulds moving along said first portion (8) of the guide longitudinal structure (8, 9), and

- at least a second group (11) of moulds moving along said second portion (9) of the guide longitudinal structure (8, 9);

- pressing means (36) suitable for pressing longitudinally said moulds (10, 11) one against the other in said work configuration;

- pressure feeding means of said ceramic material inside said moulds (10, 11) in said work configuration;

wherein:

- said first group (10) of moulds is positionable in said discharge configuration when said second group (11) of moulds is in work configuration and said second group (11) of moulds is positionable in said discharge configuration when said first group (10) of moulds is in work configuration; and

- said moulds (10, 11) are associated with said guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) by interposition of a plurality of supporting frames (15, 16, 17) that are sliding along said guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) and support said moulds (10, 11);

characterized by the fact that said supporting frames (15, 16, 17) comprise rotation means (19, 20) for rotating said moulds (10, 11) around an axis (E) substantially horizontal and at right angles to said longitudinal direction (D), said rotation means (19, 20) being suitable for allowing the rotation of said moulds (10, 11) between a work position and a discharge position of said hygienic-sanitary articles (2) and comprising at least a rotoidal support (19) with which is associated one of said moulds (10, 11) and a driving system (20) for driving the rotoidal motion of said mould (10, 11) between said rotoidal support (19) and a command element (21) mounted on top of said supporting frame (15, 16, 17).

2. Plant (1) according to the claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least a processing and control unit (41) suitable for commanding the discharge of said first group (10) of moulds when said second group (11) of moulds is in work configuration and for commanding the discharge of said second group (11) of moulds when said first group (10) of moulds is in work configuration.

3. Plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said driving system (20) comprises a lever crank gear.

4. Plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least a movement element (26) associated sliding with said guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) and connectable to at least one of said moulds (10, 11) to drag it along said longitudinal direction (D).

5. Plant (1) according to the claim 4, characterized by the fact that said movement element (26) moves along said first portion (8) of the guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) for dragging said first group (10) of moulds and along said second portion (9) of the guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) for dragging said second group (11) of moulds.

6. Plant (1) according to the claim 5 characterized by the fact that said movement element (26) comprises fastening means (29) suitable for fastening said supporting frames (15, 16, 17).

7. Plant (1) according to the claim 6 characterized by the fact that said movement element (26) comprises actuator means (30) connectable to said command element (21) of said supporting frames (15, 16, 17) for placing in rotation said moulds (10, 11).

8. Plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least an articulated robotic arm (31) for the discharge of said hygienic-sanitary articles (2).

9. Plant (1) according to the claim 8, characterized by the fact that said articulated robotic arm (31) is associated sliding with said guide longitudinal structure (8, 9).

10. Plant (1) according to the claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that said articulated robotic arm (31) moves along said first portion (8) of the guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) for the discharge of said first group (10) of moulds and along said second portion (9) of the guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) for the discharge of said second group (11) of moulds.

11. Plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said pressing means (36) comprise:

- at least a first hydraulic actuator (37) associated with at least one between said first bearing structure (5) and said intermediate bearing structure (7) and suitable for pressing longitudinally said first group (10) of moulds;

- at least a second hydraulic actuator (38) associated with at least one between said second bearing structure (6) and said intermediate bearing structure (7) and suitable for pressing longitudinally said second group (11) of moulds; and

- at least a pumping system of a hydraulic fluid suitable for operating said first hydraulic actuator (37) and said second hydraulic actuator (38).

12. Plant (1) according to the claim 11, characterized by the fact that said first hydraulic actuator (37) is associated with said first bearing structure (5) and said second hydraulic actuator (38) is associated with said second bearing structure (6), said first group (10) of moulds and said second group (11) of moulds in work configuration being pressed against said intermediate bearing structure (7).

13. Plant (1) according to the claim 11 or 12, characterized by the fact that said pressing means (36) comprise:

- at least a first extension element (39) that can be positioned between said first hydraulic actuator (37) and said first group (10) of moulds in work configuration; and

- at least a second extension element (40) that can be positioned between said second hydraulic actuator (38) and said second group (11) of moulds in work configuration.

14. Plant (1) according to the claim 13, characterized by the fact that said extension elements (39, 40) are hanging sliding from said guide longitudinal structure (8, 9) and move along said longitudinal direction (D).

Ansprüche

1. Anlage (1) zum Druckschlickergießen von Hygiene-Sanitärartikeln, mit:

- wenigstens einem Grundrahmen (3) mit einer ersten Trägerstruktur (5) einer zweiten Trägerstruktur (6) und einer Zwischen-Trägerstruktur (7), die in einer im Wesentlichen horizontalen Längsrichtung (D) ausgerichtet sind;

- wenigstens einer Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9), welche oben auf den Trägerstrukturen (5, 6, 7) angebracht ist, sich in der Längsrichtung (D) erstreckt und unterteilt ist in:

- wenigstens einen ersten Abschnitt (8), der zwischen der ersten Trägerstruktur (5) und der Zwischen-Trägerstruktur (7) angeordnet ist, und

- wenigstens einen zweiten Abschnitt (9), der zwischen der zweiten Trägerstruktur (6) und der Zwischen-Trägerstruktur (7) angeordnet ist;

- einer Mehrzahl von Formen (10, 11), die gleitend von der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) herabhängen und sich in Längsrichtung bewegen zwischen einer Arbeitskonfiguration, in welcher die Formen (10, 11) in einem Paket angeordnet sind, wobei jede Form (10, 11) und die nächste wenigstens einen inneren Hohlraum für das Druckschlickergießen von Keramikmaterial und das Formen von Hygiene-Sanitärartikeln (2) bilden, und einer Ausgabekonfiguration, in welcher die Formen (10, 11) zur Ausgabe der Hygiene-Sanitärartikel (2) voneinander weg bewegt sind, wobei die Formen (10, 11) untereilt sind in:

- wenigstens eine erste Gruppe (10) von Formen, die sich entlang des ersten Abschnitts (8), der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) bewegen und

- wenigstens eine zweite Gruppe (11) von Formen, die sich entlang des zweiten Abschnitts (9) der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) bewegen;

- einer Presseinrichtung (36), die zum Aneinanderpressen der Formen (10, 11) in der Arbeitskonfiguration in Längsrichtung geeignet ist;

- Druckmitteln zum Zuführen des keramischen Materials in der Arbeitskonfiguration in die Formen (10, 11);
in welcher:

- die erste Gruppe (10) von Formen in der Ausgabekonfiguration positionierbar ist, wenn sich die zweite Gruppe (11) von Formen in der Arbeitskonfiguration befindet und die zweite Gruppe (11) von Formen in der Ausgabekonfiguration positionierbar ist, wenn sich die erste Gruppe (10) von Formen in der Arbeitskonfiguration befindet; und

- wobei die Formen (10, 11) mit der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) durch Einfügung einer Mehrzahl von Tragrahmen (15, 16, 17) verbunden sind, die entlang der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) gleiten und die Formen (10, 11) tragen;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Tragrahmen (15, 16, 17) eine Dreheinrichtung (19, 20) zum Drehen der Formen (10, 11) um eine Achse (E) im Wesentlichen horizontal und unter rechten Winkeln zur Längsrichtung (D) umfasst, wobei die Dreheinrichtung (19, 20) dazu geeignet ist, die Drehung der Formen (10, 11) zwischen einer Arbeitsposition und einer Ausgabeposition der Hygiene-Sanitärartikel (2) zu erlauben und wenigstens einen rotoiden Träger (19) umfasst, mit welchem einer der Formen (10, 11) verbunden ist, und ein Antriebssystem (20) zum Antreiben der rotoiden Bewegung der Formen (10, 11) zwischen dem rotoiden Träger (19) und einem Steuerelement (21), das auf der Oberseite des Tragrahmens (15, 16, 17) angebracht ist.

2. Anlage (1) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese wenigstens eine Verarbeitungs- und Steuereinheit (41) umfasst, die geeignet ist zum Steuern der Ausgabe der ersten Gruppe (10) von Formen, wenn sich die zweite Gruppe (11) von Formen in der Arbeitskonfiguration befindet, und zum Steuern der Ausgabe der zweiten Gruppe (11) von Formen, wenn sich die erste Gruppe (10) von Formen in der Arbeitskonfiguration befindet.

3. Anlage (1) nach ein oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Antriebssystem (20) einen Kugelwellenantrieb umfasst.

4. Anlage (1) nach ein oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese wenigstens ein Bewegungselement (26) umfasst, das gleitend mit der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) verbunden ist und mit wenigstens einer der Formen (10, 11) verbunden werden kann, um diese entlang der Längsrichtung (D) zu ziehen.

5. Verfahren (1), nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich das Bewegungselement (26) bewegt entlang des ersten Abschnitts (8) der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9), um die erste Gruppe (10) von Formen zu ziehen, und entlang des zweiten Abschnitts (9) der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9), um die zweite Gruppe (11) von Formen zu ziehen.

6. Anlage (1) nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Bewegungselement (26) eine Befestigungseinrichtung (29) umfasst, die zum Befestigen der Tragrahmen (15, 16, 17) geeignet ist.

7. Anlage (1) nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Bewegungselement (26) eine Betätigungseinrichtung (30) umfasst, die mit dem Steuerelement (21) der Tragrahmen (15, 16, 17) zum in Drehung Versetzen der Formen (10, 11) verbunden werden kann.

8. Anlage (1) nach ein oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese wenigstens einen gelenkigen Roboterarm (31) für die Ausgabe der Hygiene-Sanitärartikel (2) umfasst.

9. Anlage (1) nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der gelenkige Roboterarm (31) gleitend mit der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) verbunden ist.

10. Anlage (1) nach dem Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich der gelenkige Roboterarm (31) bewegt entlang des ersten Abschnitts (8) der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) für die Ausgabe der ersten Gruppe (10) von Formen und entlang des zweiten Abschnitts (9) der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) für die Ausgabe der zweiten Gruppe (11) von Formen.

11. Anlage (1) nach ein oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Presseinrichtung (36) umfasst:

- wenigstens ein erstes hydraulisches Stellglied (37), das mit wenigstens einem von der ersten Trägerstruktur (5) und der Zwischen-Trägerstruktur (7) verbunden ist und zum Pressen der ersten Gruppe (10) von Formen in Längsrichtung geeignet ist;

- wenigstens ein zweites hydraulisches Stellglied (38), das mit wenigstens der zweiten Trägerstruktur (6) und/oder der Zwischen-Trägerstruktur (7) verbunden ist und zum Pressen der zweiten Gruppe (11) von Formen in Längsrichtung geeignet ist; und

- wenigstens ein Pumpsystem für ein Hydraulikfluid, das zum Betreiben des ersten hydraulischen Stellglieds (37) und des zweiten hydraulischen Stellglieds (38) geeignet ist.

12. Anlage (1) nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste hydraulische Stellglied (37) mit der ersten Trägerstruktur (5) verbunden ist und das zweite hydraulische Stellglied (38) mit der zweiten Trägerstruktur (6) verbunden ist, wobei die erste Gruppe (10) von Formen und die zweite Gruppe (11) von Formen in der Arbeitskonfiguration gegen die Zwischen-Trägerstruktur (7) gepresst werden.

13. Anlage (1) nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Presseinrichtung (36) umfasst:

- wenigstens ein erstes Anbauelement (39), das zwischen dem ersten hydraulischen Stellglied (37) und der ersten Gruppe (10) von Formen der Arbeitskonfiguration positioniert werden kann; und

- wenigstens ein zweites Anbauelement (40), das zwischen dem zweiten hydraulischen Stellglied (38) und der zweiten Gruppe (11) von Formen in Arbeitskonfigurationen positioniert werden kann.

14. Anlage (1) nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Anbauelemente (39, 40) gleitend von der Längs-Führungsstruktur (8, 9) herabhängen und sich in der Längsrichtung (D) bewegen.

Revendications

1. Installation (1) pour la coulée en barbotine sous pression d'articles sanitaires, comprenant :

- au moins un bâti de base (3) avec une première structure porteuse (5), une seconde structure porteuse (6) et une structure porteuse intermédiaire (7) alignées selon une direction longitudinale sensiblement horizontale (D) ;

- au moins une structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) qui est montée pardessus lesdites structures porteuses (5, 6, 7), s'étend selon ladite direction longitudinale (D) et est subdivisée en :

- au moins une première portion (8), agencée entre ladite première structure porteuse (5) et ladite structure porteuse intermédiaire (7), et

- au moins une seconde portion (9), agencée entre ladite seconde structure porteuse (6) et ladite structure porteuse intermédiaire (7) ;

- une pluralité de moules (10, 11), suspendus de façon coulissante à ladite structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) et se déplaçant longitudinalement entre une configuration de travail, dans laquelle lesdits moules (10, 11) sont rassemblés les uns contre les autres, chaque moule (10, 11) et le suivant définissant au moins une cavité interne pour la coulée en barbotine sous pression de matériau céramique et le formage d'articles sanitaires (2), et une configuration de déchargement, dans laquelle lesdits moules (10, 11) sont écartés les uns des autres pour le déchargement desdits articles sanitaires (2), lesdits moules (10, 11) étant subdivisés en :

- au moins un premier groupe (10) de moules se déplaçant le long de ladite première portion (8) de la structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9), et

- au moins un second groupe (11) de moules se déplaçant le long de ladite seconde portion (9) de la structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) ;

- des moyens de pression (36) aptes à presser longitudinalement lesdits moules (10, 11) les uns contre les autres dans ladite configuration de travail ;

- des moyens d'alimentation en pression dudit matériau céramique à l'intérieur desdits moules (10, 11) dans ladite configuration de travail ;

dans laquelle :

- ledit premier groupe (10) de moules peut être positionné dans ladite configuration de déchargement lorsque ledit second groupe (11) de moules est en configuration de travail et ledit second groupe (11) de moules peut être positionné dans ladite configuration de déchargement lorsque ledit premier groupe (10) de moules est en configuration de travail ; et

- lesdits moules (10, 11) sont associés à ladite structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) par interposition d'une pluralité de cadres porteurs (15, 16, 17) qui coulissent le long de ladite structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) et portent lesdits moules (10, 11) ;

caractérisée en ce que lesdits cadres porteurs (15, 16, 17) comprennent des moyens de rotation (19, 20) pour entraîner en rotation lesdits moules (10, 11) autour d'un axe (E) sensiblement horizontal et perpendiculaire à ladite direction longitudinale (D), lesdits moyens de rotation (19, 20) étant aptes à permettre la rotation desdits moules (10, 11) entre une position de travail et une position de déchargement desdits articles sanitaires (2) et comprenant au moins un support rotoïde (19) auquel est associé l'un desdits moules (10, 11) et un système d'entraînement (20) destiné à entraîner le mouvement rotoïde dudit moule (10, 11) entre ledit support rotoïde (19) et un élément de commande (21) monté sur le dessus dudit cadre porteur (15, 16, 17).

2. Installation (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins une unité de traitement et de commande (41) apte à commander le déchargement dudit premier groupe (10) de moules lorsque ledit second groupe (11) de moules est en configuration de travail et à commander le déchargement dudit second groupe (11) de moules lorsque ledit premier groupe (10) de moules est en configuration de travail.

3. Installation (1) selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ledit système d'entraînement (20) comprend un mécanisme de transmission par manivelle à levier.

4. Installation (1) selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins un élément de déplacement (26) associé de façon coulissante à ladite structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) et pouvant être relié à au moins l'un desdits moules (10, 11) pour le traîner selon ladite direction longitudinale (D).

5. Installation (1) selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que ledit élément de déplacement (26) se déplace le long de ladite première portion (8) de la structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) pour traîner ledit premier groupe (10) de moules et le long de ladite seconde portion (9) de la structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) pour traîner ledit second groupe (11) de moules.

6. Installation (1) selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que ledit élément de déplacement (26) comprend des moyens d'attache (29) aptes à attacher lesdits cadres porteurs (15, 16, 17).

7. Installation (1) selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que ledit élément de déplacement (26) comprend des moyens d'actionnement (30) reliables audit élément de commande (21) desdits cadres porteurs (15, 16, 17) pour la mise en rotation desdits moules (10, 11).

8. Installation (1) selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins un bras robotique articulé (31) pour le déchargement desdits articles sanitaires (2).

9. Installation (1) selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que ledit bras robotique articulé (31) est associé de manière coulissante à ladite structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9).

10. Installation (1) selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisée en ce que ledit bras robotique articulé (31) se déplace le long de ladite première portion (8) de la structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) pour le déchargement dudit premier groupe (10) de moules et le long de ladite seconde portion (9) de la structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) pour le déchargement dudit second groupe (11) de moules.

11. Installation (1) selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de pression (36) comprennent :

- au moins un premier actionneur hydraulique (37) associé à au moins une parmi ladite première structure porteuse (5) et ladite structure porteuse intermédiaire (7) et apte à presser longitudinalement ledit premier groupe (10) de moules ;

- au moins un second actionneur hydraulique (38) associé à au moins une parmi ladite seconde structure porteuse (6) et ladite structure porteuse intermédiaire (7) et apte à presser longitudinalement ledit second groupe (11) de moules ; et

- au moins un système de pompage d'un fluide hydraulique apte à faire fonctionner ledit premier actionneur hydraulique (37) et ledit second actionneur hydraulique (38).

12. Installation (1) selon la revendication 11, caractérisée en ce que ledit premier actionneur hydraulique (37) est associé à ladite première structure porteuse (5) et ledit second actionneur hydraulique (38) est associé à ladite seconde structure porteuse (6), ledit premier groupe (10) de moules et ledit second groupe (11) de moules en configuration de travail étant pressés contre ladite structure porteuse intermédiaire (7).

13. Installation (1) selon la revendication 11 ou 12, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de pression (36) comprennent :

- au moins un premier élément d'extension (39) qui peut être positionné entre ledit premier actionneur hydraulique (37) et ledit premier groupe (10) de moules en configuration de travail ; et

- au moins un second élément d'extension (40) qui peut être positionné entre ledit second actionneur hydraulique (38) et ledit second groupe (11) de moules en configuration de travail.

14. Installation (1) selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que lesdits éléments d'extension (39, 40) sont suspendus de façon coulissante à ladite structure longitudinale de guidage (8, 9) et se déplacent selon ladite direction longitudinale (D).

Drawing