MANUFACTURING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING CERAMIC ARTICLES

Abstract

 A method and a system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (T), the system (1) comprising: a supply assembly (3) to supply ceramic powder (CP); a conveyor assembly (7); a compaction device (5); a cutting device (12) to cut the layer of compacted ceramic powder (KP) and obtain a plurality of groups (G) of articles of compacted ceramic powder (MCP); a trimming assembly (19), which is arranged at a trimming station (15) and is configured to trim at least one first transverse border (2) of each of said articles (MCP); an orientation assembly (31), which is arranged upstream of the trimming station (15) and comprises a plurality of orientation conveyors (33), each operable independently of the others to move the articles (MCP) so as to space them apart from one another and align them with one another; a detection assembly (24), configured to detect the development of the first transverse border (2) and estimate the orientation of each article (MCP); and a control assembly (21), configured to operate the trimming assembly (19) and the orientation assembly (31) based on information provided by the detection assembly (24).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102023000004035 filed on March 6, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and a system for manufacturing ceramic articles, such as ceramic slabs and tiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the field of the manufacturing of ceramic articles, in particular ceramic slabs and tiles, manufacturing plants are known which feed (typically, substantially continuously) semi-dry ceramic powder (i.e., with a moisture content of less than 10%, in particular between 5% and 6%) along a given path through a continuous compaction assembly, which subjects the ceramic powder to a compaction pressure, in order to obtain a layer of compacted ceramic powder in the form of a continuous strip of compacted ceramic powder, which is then cut to obtain a plurality of articles made of compacted ceramic powder, which will then be dried, possibly decorated, and fired to obtain the final ceramic articles.

[0004] During the cutting operations, imperfections may arise along the borders of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder, typically portions of excess compacted ceramic material protruding beyond the borders of the articles, the so-called burrs, due to inaccuracies during the cutting. The well-known ceramic production plants therefore provide trimming stations (i.e., deburring or finishing stations) at which the borders of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder are trimmed (i.e., finished or deburred) to eliminate the aforementioned burrs. In detail, the operations for trimming the transverse and longitudinal borders of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder are carried out using abrasive tools that intercept the border to be worked, remove any excess material and smooth the edges of said border. A well-known plant for the production of ceramic articles comprising a well-known trimming assembly is described, for example, in document WO2022234469 by the same applicant.

[0005] In order to trim (i.e., deburr or finish) all the borders of each article made of compacted ceramic powder, the trimming assembly usually has two linear guides arranged parallel to the feeding direction of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder for trimming the side borders of each article made of compacted ceramic powder as it moves in the feeding direction; and at least one additional linear guide arranged transversely to the feeding direction for trimming the front borders of the same article, when the latter is in a first position, and the rear borders of the article, when the latter is in a second position. The working of the transverse borders of each article made of compacted ceramic powder is more complex and takes longer than that of the longitudinal borders and often represents a real bottleneck for the ceramic production plant.

[0006] Further drawbacks are linked to the fact that the articles made of compacted ceramic powder coming out of the cutting station do not always arrive at the aforementioned trimming station (i.e., deburring or finishing station) perfectly aligned with each other and with the transverse borders perfectly perpendicular to the feeding direction. This could impair the success of the trimming operations, in particular of the transversal trimming operations, because the abrasive tool (moving along a path defined by the linear guide) would risk removing different quantities of material along the same border based on the inclination with which each article arrives at the trimming station, thereby compromising the quality of the final ceramic articles.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for manufacturing articles made of compacted ceramic powder, which allow the drawbacks of the prior art to be at least partially overcome.

SUMMARY

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a system and a method for manufacturing articles made of compacted ceramic powder are provided, according to what is claimed in the appended independent claims, and preferably, in any one of the claims depending directly or indirectly on the above-mentioned independent claims.

[0009] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention forming an integral part of the present specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show some non-limiting embodiments thereof, wherein:

• Figure 1 represents a schematic side view of a system for manufacturing ceramic articles according to the present invention;
• Figure 2 represents a top view of the area of the system for manufacturing ceramic articles shown in Figure 1 where the trimming operations take place;
• Figure 2A represents an enlarged scale view of part of the area represented in Figure 2;

• Figures 3, 4 and 5 are perspective views of part of the station for deburring the articles made of compacted ceramic powder, implemented according to an embodiment of the invention, during subsequent deburring operations;
• Figures 3A, 4A and 5A are side views of Figures 3, 4 and 5, respectively;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of part of the station for deburring the articles made of compacted ceramic powder, implemented in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 7 is a perspective view of a support device that is part of the transport assembly of the system for trimming articles made of compacted ceramic powder according to the present invention; and
• Figure 8 is a side view of Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] In the attached figures, number 1 indicates, as a whole, a system for manufacturing ceramic articles T, such as ceramic slabs and tiles, and number 100 indicates, as a whole, a system for trimming articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, which (advantageously, but not limitingly) is part of the system for manufacturing ceramic articles T.

[0012] In particular, the term "trimming articles made of compacted ceramic powder" as used herein refers to trimming, i.e., deburring, the borders of articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, i.e., removing excess portions of material, also called burrs, from one or more borders 2, 2', 2" and 2‴ of one or more articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP. In detail, advantageously, but not limitingly, the removal of these portions of material is aimed at smoothing the upper and lower edges of the borders 2, 2', 2" and 2‴ of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP. In greater detail still, advantageously, but not limitingly, these portions of material to be removed have an extension of not more than approximately 3 mm, in particular not more than approximately 2.5 mm, and, advantageously, but not limitingly, comprise (in particular, they consist of) parts of excess material, the so-called burrs, and/or additional parts of the (body) of the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP. Therefore, the trimming operations referred to herein are to be understood as operations for removing portions of material, the extension of which is advantageously, but not limitingly, not more than approximately 3 mm, in particular not more than approximately 2.5 mm, from one or more borders 2, 2', 2" or 2‴ of an article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

[0013] With particular reference to Figure 1, advantageously, but not limitingly, the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T comprises: a supply assembly 3, advantageously provided with at least one dispensing device (known per se and not further described herein) and configured to feed a given amount (i.e., a mass) of (uncompacted) ceramic powder CP at an input station 4; a compaction device 5, which is arranged at a compaction station 6 and configured to apply a compaction pressure to the (uncompacted) ceramic powder CP in order to compact the same ceramic powder CP and obtain a layer of compacted ceramic powder KP; and a conveyor assembly 7 to transport the ceramic powder CP along a given path P in a feeding direction A from the input station 4 to the compaction station 6, and the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP from the compaction station 6 to a cutting station 8, where articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP are formed.

[0014] According to some advantageous but not exclusive embodiments (such as the one shown in Figure 1), the conveyor assembly 7 comprises at least one conveyor device 9 arranged and configured to receive the (uncompacted) ceramic powder CP at the input station 4 and transport it (substantially continuously) up to the compaction station 6, where the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP is formed, and then to transport this layer of compacted ceramic powder KP up to (in particular, up to the exit of) the cutting station 8. In greater detail still, advantageously, but not limitingly, the conveyor device 9 comprises (in particular, consists of) a conveyor belt which extends (and is configured to move) from the input station 4 to the (end of) the cutting station 8, passing through the compaction station 6.

[0015] According to some non-limiting embodiments (such as that schematically shown in Figure 1), the compaction device 5 comprises (in particular, consists of) a continuous compaction assembly arranged along the given path P downstream of the feeding station and known per se. In particular, this continuous compaction assembly comprises at least two compression rollers 10 arranged on opposite sides of (in particular, one above and one below) the conveyor device 9 (in particular, of the conveyor belt) to exert pressure on the (uncompacted) ceramic powder CP in order to compact said (uncompacted) ceramic powder CP and obtain the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP.

[0016] Also, advantageously but not necessarily (as shown, for example, in Figure 1), the continuous compaction assembly comprises a pressure belt 11, known per se, which converges towards the conveyor device 9 (in particular, towards the conveyor belt) in the feeding direction A so as to exert pressure (from top to bottom) which gradually increases in direction A on the ceramic powder CP so as to compact it as it moves along the given path P and possibly (as in the case shown in Figure 1) a contrast belt 11' arranged on the opposite side of the conveyor device 9 (in particular, of the conveyor belt) relative to the pressure belt 11 in order to cooperate with the conveyor device 9 and provide an adequate abutment to the downward force exerted by the pressure belt 11.

[0017] Advantageously, but not limitingly, the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T also comprises at least one cutting device 12, which is arranged at the cutting station 8 and is configured to cut the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP in order to obtain a plurality of articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP. In particular, according to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the cutting device 12 is configured to cut the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP, advantageously but not limitingly, both transversely and parallel to the feeding direction A in order to obtain a plurality of groups G of articles, each comprising at least two articles made of compacted ceramic powder at least partially arranged next to one another along a direction B transverse to the feeding direction A (as shown schematically in Figures 2 and 2A). In other words, advantageously but not necessarily, the cutting device 12 can give rise to different formats of articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP. In detail, the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP can only be cut transversely, i.e., only along (i.e., parallel to) the transverse direction B, giving rise to articles of ceramic powder MCP of large dimensions (designed to form large ceramic slabs, for example, having a cross-section of 1200/1800 x 2400/3600mm), or of smaller dimensions (designed to form ceramic tiles, for example having a cross-section of 900/1200x1800/2000mm up to 400x400mm), which are conveyed along the given path P organized into the aforementioned groups G of articles, also called square tiles, as shown in Figures 2 and 2A.

[0018] The term "articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP" as used herein refers to articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP which have not been fired yet; in other words, "articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP" refers to portions of the above layer of compacted ceramic powder KP which have been obtained, precisely, by cutting this layer of compacted ceramic powder KP and, possibly but not necessarily, treated, for example through heat treatments, such as drying, and/or through decoration treatments etc., but not yet fired.

[0019] Each of these articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP has two transverse borders 2, 2', i.e., in use, extending substantially transversely to the feeding direction A (when the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP is on the conveyor assembly 7), and two longitudinal borders 2" and 2‴, i.e., extending substantially along the feeding direction A (when the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP is on the conveyor assembly 7). Advantageously, but not limitingly, the transverse borders 2, 2' are substantially parallel to and opposite each other, and the longitudinal borders 2" and 2‴ are substantially parallel to and opposite each other, and orthogonal to the transverse borders 2, 2'. According to other embodiments, not shown, the angle that remains defined between the adjacent borders 2, 2", 2‴ and 2' of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP may be (albeit slightly) different from a right angle. Advantageously, but not limitingly, the above conveyor assembly 7 is configured to move these articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP (possibly organized into groups G of articles, as explained above) along the given path P from the cutting station 8 to an output station 14 passing through a trimming station 15.

[0020] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments (such as those shown in Figures 2, 2A, 3, 4, 5 and 6), the above conveyor assembly 7 comprises at least one transport unit 16, which is configured to receive the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP and transport (substantially continuously) each of these articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP along the given path P in the feeding direction A through the trimming station 15 with a first speed V1. In detail, advantageously but not limitingly, the transport unit 16 is configured to move each article made of ceramic powder MCP along a segment P1 of the above-mentioned feeding path P in said feeding direction A through the trimming station 15. (see Figure 1).

[0021] Advantageously, but not limitingly, the transport unit 16 comprises at least one closed-loop conveyor 17, which is configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, a first transport surface S1 with a variable length, and at least one additional closed-loop conveyor 18, which is configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, a second transport surface S2 with a variable length arranged downstream of the closed-loop conveyor 17 along the feeding direction A. Even more advantageously, these closed-loop conveyors 17 and 18 are arranged relative to one another so that, in use (i.e., in every instant), a work space W remains defined, in every instant, between said transport surface S1 and the transport surface S2.

[0022] Even more advantageously but not limitingly (according to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments such as those shown in Figures 2 to 6), the closed-loop conveyor 17 is wound around a first movable pulley system 17', which can be operated so as to translate in the feeding direction A in order to vary the extension of the transport surface S1; and the closed-loop conveyor 18 is wound around a second movable pulley system 18', which can be operated so as to translate in the feeding direction A in order to vary the extension of the second transport surface S2.

[0023] In greater detail still, advantageously, but not limitingly, the closed-loop conveyor 17 and the additional closed-loop conveyor 18 are configured to receive, on the first transport surface S1 and on the second transport surface S2, respectively, the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP and to feed it along the feeding direction A, with the above-mentioned transverse border 2 to be trimmed arranged so as to project towards the above-mentioned work space W, which, advantageously but not limitingly, is sized to allow a trimming assembly 19 to work, as will be better described below.

[0024] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments such as those shown in the attached figures, each closed-loop conveyor 17, 18 comprises (in particular, is) a belt, and the transport unit 16 comprises (in particular, consists of) at least one first pair of belts spaced apart along the transverse direction B, each configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, at least part of the above-mentioned first transport surface S1 with a variable length, and a second pair of belts spaced apart along the transverse direction B, each configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, at least part of the above-mentioned first transport surface S1. In greater detail still, with reference to the attached figures, advantageously, but not limitingly, each closed-loop conveyor 17, 18 comprises four belts spaced apart in the transverse direction B, each configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, at least part of the above-mentioned transport surfaces S1, S2 with a variable length (see Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6).

[0025] It is understood that when the format of the ceramic articles to be transported changes, the number of belts may change.

[0026] According to other advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, each closed-loop conveyor 17, 18 comprises (in particular, is) a conveyor belt.

[0027] In particular, advantageously, but not limitingly, the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles comprises a trimming system 100 for trimming articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, and the aforementioned transport unit 16 is part of this trimming system 100 for trimming articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

[0028] In detail, advantageously, but not limitingly, the trimming system 100 comprises the aforementioned trimming assembly 19 for trimming (i.e., deburring or finishing, as mentioned above) at least the aforementioned transverse border 2 of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, said trimming assembly 19 being arranged at the trimming station 15 and operable (advantageously by a control assembly 21) to trim at least said border 2 as it moves along a trimming trajectory T. Said trimming trajectory T, advantageously, but not limitingly, extends within the above-mentioned work space W (as schematically shown in Figure 2A). Even more advantageously, but not limitingly, the trimming trajectory T comprises at least one transverse component extending transversely to the feeding direction A (schematically shown in Figure 2A) and one longitudinal component (not visible in the attached figures) extending parallel to the feeding direction A.

[0029] In detail, advantageously but not limitingly, the trimming assembly 19 comprises at least one abrasive tool 20, which is configured to intercept and trim said first border 2 of said article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, and a support structure 22 (partially shown in Figures 2, 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 5, 5A and 6), which carries said abrasive tool 20 and can be operated so as to move the abrasive tool 20 along the above-mentioned trimming trajectory T.

[0030] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments (such as that shown in Figures 2 and 2A), the trimming system 100 (in particular, the trimming assembly 19) comprises at least one additional abrasive tool 20' (similar to the abrasive tool 20), which is configured to intercept and finish (in particular, deburr/trim) an additional border 2', opposite the border 2, and an additional support structure 22' (similar to the support structure 22), which carries the additional abrasive tool 20' and can be operated by the control assembly 21 to move the additional abrasive tool 20' along an additional deburring/trimming trajectory (not shown).

[0031] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the abrasive tool 20 (in particular, each abrasive tool 20, 20') comprises (in particular, consists of) a pair of frusto-conical grinding wheels 23 arranged opposite each other and at a given distance from one another so as to receive therebetween and, in use, trim (in particular, deburr/finish) the border 2 or 2' to be worked.

[0032] Advantageously but not limitingly, these frusto-conical grinding wheels 23 are configured to be able to assume, in use (i.e., when the abrasive tool 20 is moved along the trimming trajectory T), a position, in relation to the border 2 or 2' to be worked, such as to allow both the upper edge and the lower edge of said border 2 or 2' to be trimmed (in particular, deburred/finished).

[0033] Advantageously but not limitingly, the trimming system 100 further comprises a detection assembly 24 (schematically shown in Figure 1) configured to detect at least one quantity correlated with the development of the first border 2 of the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP; and the above-mentioned control assembly 21 is configured to operate the trimming assembly 19 along the trajectory T depending on the information detected by the detection assembly 24. Even more advantageously but not limitingly, the control assembly 21 is configured to control the operation of the trimming assembly 19 and of the transport unit 16 so that the trimming assembly 19 trims the transverse border 2 (and/or the additional transverse border 2') by moving along the trajectory T with a second speed V2, which substantially is the same as the first speed V1 (see Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 in which the possible movements with the related speeds of both the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP and the trimming assembly 19 are indicated with arrows).

[0034] In other words, advantageously but not limitingly, the control assembly 21 is configured to control the operation of the trimming assembly 19 and of the transport unit 16 so as to synchronize the trimming assembly 19 and the transport unit 16 so that the trimming assembly 19 trims/deburrs the border 2 in a flash, that is, trims/deburrs the border 2 while the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP is moved by the transport unit 16.

[0035] Even more advantageously but not limitingly, the control assembly 21 is configured to operate the above-mentioned movable pulley systems 17' and 18' between a first position (see Figures 3 and 3A), in which the first transport surface S1 has a first given length and the second transport surface S2 has a second given length, which is greater than the first given length, and a second position (see Figures 5 and 5A), in which the first transport surface S1 has a third given length, which is greater than the first given length, and the second transport surface S2 has a fourth given length, which is smaller than the third given length and smaller than the second given length. In particular, advantageously but not limitingly, the first given length is substantially similar to the fourth given length (cp. Figures 3 and 3A, and 5 and 5A).

[0036] Even more advantageously but not limitingly, in use, the control assembly 21 is configured to operate: the closed-loop conveyor 17 so as to feed the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP along the feeding direction A with a first end portion, comprising the border 2 to be worked, carried so as to project towards the work space W, shifting from the first position to the second position (see Figures 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 5 and 5A); the second closed-loop conveyor 18 so as to receive the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP from the first closed-loop conveyor 17 and feed it along the feeding direction A with a second end portion, comprising a second border 2' parallel to and opposite the border 2, carried so as to project towards the work space W, shifting from the second position to the first position; and the trimming assembly 19 along the trajectory T so as to trim the border 2 and the additional border 2' of the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

[0037] Advantageously but not limitingly, the above-mentioned first and second projecting portions carried by the transport unit 16, in particular by the closed-loop conveyors 17 and 18, have an extension of at least approximately 10 mm to at least 1000 mm. This advantageously allows the trimming assembly 19 to operate smoothly within the work space W, while limiting the projecting portion of the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP and thus the stresses to which the article made of compacted ceramic powder is subjected.

[0038] Also in order to reduce the bending stresses to which the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP is subjected as it moves along the feeding direction A, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP itself, according to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments schematically shown in Figures 7 and 8, the transport unit 16 comprises a support device 25, which is configured to support the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP as it moves along the feeding direction A through the trimming station 15 and comprises, in turn, a plurality of idle rolling elements 26, advantageously idle rollers 26; even more advantageously but not limitingly, held in place by a plurality of springs 27. According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments (such as that shown in Figures 7 and 8), the support device 25 comprises a frame 29, which is configured to support the idle rolling elements 26, and a plurality of springs 27, which are configured to hold these idle rolling elements 26 in place. Advantageously but not limitingly, the support device 25 extends between the above-mentioned closed-loop conveyors 17 and 18 (in particular, within the work space W which remains defined between these closed-loop conveyors 17 and 18) in order to provide a support for the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

[0039] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the detection assembly 24 is arranged at a detection station 28 arranged downstream of the cutting station 8 along the given path P and, advantageously but not limitingly, upstream of the trimming station 15 along said given path P. Alternatively, advantageously but not limitingly, the detection assembly 24 is connected (i.e., fixed) to the abrasive tool 20 (and/or) to the additional abrasive tool 20'.

[0040] Advantageously but not limitingly, the detection assembly 24 is configured to detect the position of at least two distinct points of at least one upper or lower edge of the at least aforementioned border 2. In this case, advantageously, the control assembly 21 comprises at least one memory (known per se and not shown or described herein) to receive and store setting data comprising at least the thickness of the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP (which the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T is designed to form) and is configured to determine a development of the border 2, depending on the information detected by the detection assembly 24 and on the setting data, and to operate the trimming assembly 19, based on the determined development and on the setting data, so that the trimming trajectory T (along which the abrasive tool 20 is moved to trim the border 2) coincides with the development of the border 2.

[0041] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the detection assembly 24 comprises (in particular, consists of) at least one camera (advantageously but not limitingly) arranged above the conveyor assembly 7, for example at a height relative to the conveyor assembly 7 such as to detect the position of the above-mentioned two points of an upper or lower edge of the border 2.

[0042] Advantageously but not limitingly, the detection assembly 24 is also configured to detect the position of at least two distinct points of an upper or lower edge of the additional transverse border 2', opposite the transverse border 2, of each of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, and the control assembly 21 is also configured to determine the development of the additional border 2', opposite the border 2. In this case, advantageously but not limitingly, the detection assembly 24 comprises (in particular, consists of) two cameras arranged so that one camera detects a quantity correlated with the development of the border 2 and the other camera detects a quantity correlated with the development of the additional border 2' .

[0043] Alternatively, the detection assembly 24 could be configured to detect the entire lateral profile of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP which, in use, moves on the conveyor assembly 7, for example by means of one or more cameras and/or other vision systems (known per se and not further described herein).

[0044] Due to the presence of at least one detection assembly 24, the trimming assembly 19, in use, follows the actual development of the border 2 or 2' to be worked, which allows the borders 2 or 2' to be trimmed more precisely.

[0045] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the (in particular, each) support structure 22 (and 22') supporting the trimming assembly 19 comprises (in particular, consists of) at least one linear guide (not visible in the attached figures), which is arranged above the conveyor assembly 7, in particular above the transport unit 16, at the trimming station 15 and extends substantially transversely to the feeding direction A, and at least one second linear guide, which is mounted so that it can move along the first linear guide and extends substantially parallel to the feeding direction A. In this case, the abrasive tool 20 (in particular, also the additional abrasive tool 20') is slidably connected to the linear guide.

[0046] Advantageously but not limitingly, each support structure 22, 22' can also move vertically. In greater detail still, advantageously, but not limitingly, the control assembly 21 is configured to move each support structure 22, 22' up to a height that depends on the thickness of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, so as to ensure the correct positioning of the abrasive tool 20 or 20' at the border 2 and/or 2'.

[0047] According to other non-limiting variants, each support structure 22, 22' could comprise a manual adjustment system to adjust the height of each support structure 22, 22' (in particular, of the first linear guide 29), in order to ensure the correct positioning of the abrasive tool 20 or 20'.

[0048] Again in order to ensure that the trimming, or deburring, operations are carried out as precisely as possible, advantageously but not limitingly, the transport unit 16, in particular the first closed-loop conveyor 17 and the second closed-loop conveyor 18 each comprise a suction system 30 configured to apply a suction force at the first transport surface S1 and the second transport surface S2, respectively, so as to hold in position the article made of ceramic powder MCP, which, in use, moves on these transport surfaces S1, S2. This advantageously allows the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP to be held in position while it is being trimmed (i.e., finished/deburred).

[0049] In detail, according to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, such as those shown in the attached figures, each belt or conveyor belt forming the first closed-loop conveyor 17 and the second closed-loop conveyor 18, respectively, comprises a plurality of holes 36 connected to the suction system 30 to transfer the aforementioned suction force to the transport surfaces S1, S2.

[0050] In addition, in order to further improve the effectiveness and precision of the trimming operations, advantageously but not limitingly, the trimming assembly 19 comprises at least one force detection device (e.g., a force sensor of a known type, not further described or illustrated herein), which is arranged and configured to continuously detect a contact pressure transmitted, in use, by the abrasive tool 20 (in particular, by each abrasive tool 20, 20') to the border 2 or 2' being trimmed; and the control assembly 21 is configured to adjust the trimming assembly 19, based on this contact pressure, so that the contact pressure transmitted, in use, by the abrasive tool 20, in particular, by each abrasive tool 20, 20', to the border 2 or 2' being trimmed is kept substantially constant throughout the trimming trajectory T.

[0051] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the force detection device is arranged on the abrasive tool 20 (in particular, on each abrasive tool 20, 20'). Alternatively or additionally, the force detection device may be arranged on the support structure 22 (and, where applicable, on the additional support structure 22').

[0052] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the detection assembly 24 is also configured to estimate at least one quantity correlated with the orientation of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, and the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T also comprises an orientation assembly 31, which is arranged in the area of an orientation station 32 upstream of said trimming station 15 along the given path P and can be operated so as to move each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of each group G of articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, which, in use, moves along the given path P so as to space the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP apart from one another and align them with one another, at least along the direction B. In this case, advantageously but not limitingly, the control assembly 21 is configured to operate the orientation assembly 31 depending on the estimate of said detection assembly 24.

[0053] Advantageously but not limitingly, the quantity correlated with the orientation comprises at least one inclination of at least one side of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP relative to the feeding direction A; even more advantageously, said quantity correlated with the orientation comprises at least one inclination of the above-mentioned at least one border 2 relative to the feeding direction A.

[0054] The presence of the above-mentioned orientation assembly 31 advantageously ensures that the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP arrive at the trimming station 15 aligned with each other at least along the direction B, thereby facilitating and speeding up the transversal trimming operations.

[0055] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T (more specifically, the detection assembly 24) comprises a detector (not shown) located upstream of the orientation station 32 and configured to detect the aforementioned quantity correlated with the orientation of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP which, in use, moves along the given path P towards the orientation station 32. According to other advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the detection assembly 24 and said detector coincide.

[0056] Advantageously but not limitingly, the orientation assembly 31 comprises a plurality of orientation conveyors 33, each capable of being operated, independently of the others, so as to move along the feeding direction A, each with a defined feeding speed VI and so as to translate along the transverse direction B (moving closer to/away from the other orientation conveyors 33), so as to move each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of each group G of articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, which, in use, moves along the given path P so as to space the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP apart from one another and align them with one another along said direction B (as schematically shown in Figure 2A with grey arrows indicating the possible movements of the orientation assembly 31) . Advantageously but not limitingly, each of these orientation conveyors 33 comprises, in particular, a belt or conveyor belt.

[0057] Even more advantageously but not limitingly, the orientation assembly 31 comprises: a plurality of orientation guides (not shown and known per se), each configured to carry a respective orientation conveyor 33; a first movement assembly (known per se and not described or illustrated herein) configured to move each orientation guide, and therefore each orientation conveyor 33, so as to space the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP apart from one another and align them with one another at least along the direction B, by varying the mutual distance between the orientation conveyors 33 and the aforementioned defined feeding speed of each orientation conveyor 33.

[0058] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the orientation assembly 31, too, comprises a plurality of support devices 25 of the type described above and arranged between the orientation conveyors 33 to support the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP as they move through the orientation station 32 and are moved by the orientation assembly 31.

[0059] Advantageously, but not limitingly, the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T comprises a processing unit configured to control the operation of said orientation assembly 31; the processing unit, advantageously but not limitingly, being part of (even more advantageously coinciding with) the control assembly 21.

[0060] In particular, when provided, this processing unit is configured to operate the orientation assembly 31 depending at least on the estimate of the detection assembly 24 (in particular, when provided by the above-mentioned detector) and on the format of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, so as to level (i.e., align along the direction B) and space out the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

[0061] In detail, advantageously but not limitingly, the control assembly 21 (i.e., when the processing unit is provided) is configured (i.e. the processing unit is configured) to operate the orientation assembly 31 depending on the quantity correlated with the orientation, so as to vary the mutual distance between the orientation conveyors 33 by driving them away or toward each other along the direction B, in order to space the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of each group G of articles apart from one another and place them at a distance such as to facilitate the trimming operations and/or to vary the feeding speed of each orientation conveyor 33 relative to the adjacent orientation conveyors 33, in order to rotate the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP that are on these orientation conveyors 33 and level them (i.e., align them along the transverse direction B).

[0062] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the manufacturing system for manufacturing ceramic articles T comprises a memory (which, advantageously but not limitingly, is part of the control assembly 21 or, when provided, of the processing unit) which, in turn, comprises setting data comprising at least the format of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of the various groups G of articles, and the control assembly 21 (or, when provided, the above-mentioned processing unit) is configured to cause the orientation conveyors 33 to translate also depending on the data stored in said memory, so that each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP moving along the given path P at the orientation station 32 engages/is supported by at least two orientation conveyors 33 (as schematically shown in Figure 2A).

[0063] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments (such as the one schematically shown in Figures 2 and 2A), the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T also comprises at least one additional trimming assembly 34 (in particular, a plurality of additional trimming assemblies 34), known per se and therefore not described in detail, arranged at an additional trimming station 35 along the given path P; advantageously, but not limitingly, upstream of the trimming station 15; and even more advantageously, but not limitingly, downstream of the orientation station 32, along the given path P. In particular, this additional trimming assembly 34 is configured to trim the longitudinal borders 2", 2‴ of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

[0064] Advantageously, but not limitingly, the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T also comprises at least one dryer 37, to dry the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, which is advantageously, but not limitingly, arranged downstream of the cutting station 8 but upstream of a firing furnace 38, where these articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP are sintered to obtain the finished ceramic articles T (as schematically shown in Figure 1). Even more advantageously, but not limitingly, the dryer 37 is arranged along the given path P upstream of the trimming station 15. In other words, advantageously but not limitingly, the trimming system 100 for trimming articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of the present invention is configured to operate (in particular, to trim; i.e., to finish or deburr) articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP that are already dried.

[0065] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for trimming an article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

[0066] The method for trimming an article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP comprises the following steps: a feeding step, during which an article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP is fed in a feeding direction A through at least one trimming station 15 with a first feeding speed V1 by a transport unit 16 (advantageously of the type described above); a trimming step (at least partially) simultaneous with the feeding step, during which a trimming assembly 19, advantageously but not limitingly of the type described above, which is arranged at a trimming station 15, trims at least one border 2, which is transverse to the feeding direction A, of each one of these articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP; a detection step, (at least partially) prior to the trimming step, during which at least one detection assembly 24 detects at least one quantity correlated with the development of said at least one first transverse border 2, and an operating step, (at least partially) subsequent to the detection step and (at least partially) simultaneous with the trimming step and the feeding step, during which a control assembly 21 operates the trimming assembly 19 depending on the information detected by the detection assembly 24 and controls the operation of the transport unit 16 depending on the operation of the trimming assembly 19, so that the trimming assembly 19 trims the first border 2 by moving along the trajectory T described above with a second feeding speed V2, which substantially is the same as said first feeding speed V1.

[0067] Advantageously, the transport unit 16 is of the type described above with reference to the trimming system 1, i.e., it comprises the above-mentioned closed-loop conveyors 17 and 18 arranged successively along the feeding direction A and configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, the above-mentioned first variable-length transport surface S1 and the above-mentioned second variable-length transport surface S2, respectively, so that, in use (i.e., in every instant), the above-mentioned work space W remains defined between these transport surfaces S1, S2. Even more advantageously but not limitingly, as already explained above in relation to the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T and to the trimming system 100 for trimming articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, the closed-loop conveyor 17 is wound around a movable pulley system 17', which can be operated so as to translate in the feeding direction A in order to vary the extension of the first transport surface S1, and the closed-loop conveyor 18 is wound around an additional movable pulley system 18', which can be operated so as to translate in the feeding direction A in order to vary the extension of the transport surface S2.

[0068] Advantageously but not limitingly, as already fully explained with reference to the trimming system 1, during the feeding step, the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP is moved along the feeding direction A with the first border 2 of the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP projecting towards the work space W, and during the trimming step, the trimming assembly 19 moves the abrasive tool 20 along a trimming trajectory T within this work space W.

[0069] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, the feeding step comprises a chasing sub-step, during which the movable pulley systems 17', 18' are operated so as to translate by shifting from a first position (see Figures 3 and 3A), in which the transport surface S1 has a first given length and the second transport surface S2 has a second given length, which is greater than the first given length, to a second position (see Figures 5 and 5A), in which the first transport surface S1 has a third given length, which is greater than the first given length, and the second transport surface S2 has a fourth given length, which is smaller than the third given length and smaller than the second given length. In detail, during this chasing sub-step, the closed-loop conveyor 17, by shifting from the first position to the second position, feeds the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP along the feeding direction A with a first end portion, comprising the above-mentioned transverse border 2, carried so as to project towards the work space W (as already explained with reference to the trimming system 100 for trimming an article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP), and the closed-loop conveyor 18 receives the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP from the first conveyor 18 and, by shifting from the second position to the first position, feeds said article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP with a second end portion, comprising the above-mentioned transverse border 2' parallel to and opposite the transverse border 2, carried so as to project towards the work space W. Advantageously but not limitingly, the trimming step comprises a first trimming sub-step, (at least partially) simultaneous with the chasing sub-step and during which the trimming assembly 19 moves along the trajectory T and trims the first border 2 of the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, and a second trimming sub-step, (at least partially) simultaneous with the chasing sub-step and (at least partially) subsequent to the first trimming sub-step and during which the trimming assembly 19 moves along the trajectory T and trims the second border 2' of the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

[0070] According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing ceramic articles T, such as ceramic slabs or tiles.

[0071] The method for manufacturing ceramic articles T comprises: a compaction step, during which a ceramic powder CP is compacted by a compaction device 5, which is arranged at a compaction station 6, said compaction device 5 (advantageously but not limitingly of the type described above) applying a compaction pressure to the uncompacted ceramic powder CP so as to obtain a layer of compacted ceramic powder KP; and a conveying step, during which a conveyor assembly 7 (advantageously but not limitingly of the type described above) conveys the powder material CP along the given path P in the feeding direction A, from an input station 4 (where this uncompacted ceramic powder CP is fed by a feeding assembly 3 of the type described above) to the above-mentioned compaction station 6, and the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP from the compaction station 6 to (in particular, to the exit of) a cutting station 8.

[0072] Advantageously but not limitingly, the method also comprises a cutting step, during which a cutting device 12 (advantageously, but not limitingly, of the type described above), which is arranged at the cutting station 8, cuts, at least crosswise, the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP in order to obtain a plurality of articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

[0073] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments, during the cutting step, the cutting device 12 cuts the layer of compacted ceramic powder KP both transversely and parallel to the feeding direction A in order to obtain groups G of articles, each comprising (in particular, consisting of) at least two articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP at least partially arranged next to one another along the direction B (as schematically shown in Figures 2 and 2A).

[0074] In other words, as already explained above in relation to the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T, advantageously but not necessarily, during the cutting step, the cutting device 12 may give rise to different formats of articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, each of the type described above.

[0075] Advantageously but not limitingly, the conveying step comprises a feeding step, during which the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP (possibly organized into groups G of articles) are fed by the transport unit 16 through the trimming station 15 along the given path P in the above-mentioned direction A with the above-mentioned first forward speed V1.

[0076] Advantageously but not limitingly, the method also comprises a trimming step, during which a trimming assembly 19 (advantageously, but not limitingly, of the type described above with reference to the trimming system 100), which is arranged at a trimming station 15, trims (in particular, deburrs/finishes) at least the above-mentioned border 2, which is transverse to the feeding direction A, of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP. In detail, advantageously but not limitingly, the trimming step is carried out according to the method for trimming the article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of the previous aspect of the present invention.

[0077] According to some advantageous, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, during the detection step, the detection assembly estimates at least one quantity correlated with the orientation of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of the above-mentioned groups G of articles, and the method for manufacturing ceramic articles T also comprises an orientation step, which is at least partially prior to the trimming step, during which an orientation assembly 31, advantageously of the type described above with reference to the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T, moves each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of each group G of articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP which, in use, moves along the given path P so as to space the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP apart from one another and align them with one another along the direction B. In this case, advantageously but not limitingly, during the operating step, the above-mentioned control assembly 21, in addition to operating the trimming assembly 19 depending on the information detected by the detection assembly 24 as mentioned above, operates the orientation assembly 31 depending on the estimate of the detection assembly 24.

[0078] Advantageously but not limitingly, as already mentioned above in relation to the manufacturing system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles T, the orientation assembly 31 comprises a plurality of orientation conveyors 33, each capable of being operated, independently of the others, so as to move along said feeding direction A with a defined feeding speed and so as to translate along the transverse direction B relative to (in particular, moving closer to/away from) the other orientation conveyors 33. Even more advantageously but not limitingly, the orientation step comprises: a spacing sub-step, during which the orientation assembly 31 varies the mutual distance between the orientation conveyors 33 depending on the aforementioned quantity correlated with the orientation in order to space the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of each group G of articles apart from one another along the direction B and/or a rotation sub-step, during which the orientation assembly 31 varies the feeding speed of each orientation conveyor 33 relative to the adjacent orientation conveyors 33 in order to rotate the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of each group G of articles and align them at least along the direction B.

[0079] Even more advantageously but not limitingly, the method also comprises at least one setting step, during which setting data is provided, which comprises at least the format of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of said groups G of articles. In this case, during the spacing sub-step, the orientation assembly 31 varies the mutual distance between the orientation conveyors 33 also depending on the setting data, so that each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP of the groups G of articles moving along the given path P at the orientation station 32 engages (or is supported by) at least two orientation conveyors 33 of the aforementioned plurality of orientation conveyors 33.

[0080] In addition, the method and the system 1 for manufacturing ceramic articles of the present invention, due to the presence of the above-described orientation assembly 31, allow the transverse borders 2 and 2' of each article made of compacted ceramic powder MCP to be worked (in particular, trimmed or deburred or finished) faster compared to the well-known methods and systems, as they comprise aligning the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP before the trimming station 15 without ever coming into contact with said articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP, thereby facilitating the operations of the trimming assembly 19. In this way, the method and the system 1 of the present invention at the same time enable the trimming operation to be quicker and more precise without risking damage to the articles made of compacted ceramic powder MCP.

Claims

1. A manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (T) comprising:

a supply assembly (3), which is configured to supply ceramic powder (CP) at an input station (4);

a compaction device (5), which is arranged at a compaction station (6) and is configured to apply a compaction pressure to said ceramic powder (CP) in order to obtain a layer of compacted ceramic powder (KP);

a cutting device (12), which is arranged at a cutting station (8) and is configured to cut said layer of compacted ceramic powder (KP) in order to obtain a plurality of groups (G) of articles, each comprising at least two articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) at least partially arranged next to one another;

a conveyor assembly (7) to transport, along a given path (P) in a feeding direction (A), said ceramic powder (CP) from said input station (4) to said compaction station (6), the layer of compacted ceramic powder (KP) from said compaction station (6) to said cutting station (8) and said articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of said groups (G) of articles from said cutting station (8) to an output station (14) through a trimming station (15);

a trimming assembly (19), which is arranged at said trimming station (15) and is configured to trim at least one first border (2), which is transverse to the feeding direction (A), of each one of said articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP), said trimming assembly (19) comprising at least one abrasive tool (20), which is configured to intercept and trim said at least one first border (2), and a support structure (22), which carries said abrasive tool (20) and can be operated so as to move said abrasive tool (20) along a trimming trajectory (T);

an orientation assembly (31), which is arranged at an orientation station (32) upstream of said trimming station (15) along said given path (P), comprises a plurality of orientation conveyors (33), each capable of being operated, independently of the others, so as to move along said feeding direction (A) with a defined feeding speed and so as to translate along a direction (B), which is transverse to said feeding direction (A), in order to move each article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of each group (G) of articles, which, in use, moves along said given path (P), so as to space said articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) apart from one another and align them with one another along said direction (B);

a detection assembly (24) configured to detect at least one quantity correlated with the development of said at least one first border (2) and to estimate at least one quantity correlated with the orientation of each article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of said groups (G) of articles; and

a control assembly (21), which is configured to operate said trimming assembly (19) depending on the information detected by said detection assembly (24) and said orientation assembly (31) depending on the estimate of said detection assembly (24).

2. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (T) according to claim 1, wherein said control assembly (21) is configured to operate said orientation assembly (31), depending on said quantity correlated with the orientation, so as to vary the mutual distance between said orientation conveyors (33) in order to space the articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of each group (G) of articles apart from one another and/or so as to vary the feeding speed of each orientation conveyor (33) relative to the adjacent orientation conveyors (33) of said plurality of orientation conveyors (33) in order to rotate said articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of each group (G) of articles and level them along said direction (B).

3. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (T) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a memory in turn comprising setting data comprising at least the format of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of said groups (G) of articles;
said control assembly (21) is configured to cause said orientation conveyors (33) to translate also depending on the data stored in said memory, so that each article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of said groups (G) of articles moving along said given path (P) at said orientation station (32) engages at least two orientation conveyors (33) of said plurality of orientation conveyors (33).

4. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of said orientation conveyors (33) comprises, in particular is, a belt or a conveyor belt.

5. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said orientation assembly (31) comprises a plurality of support devices (25) arranged between said orientation conveyors (33) and each comprising a plurality of idle rolling elements (26) and configured to support said article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) while it moves along said feeding direction (A) through said orientation station (32).

6. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said at least one detection assembly (24) is configured to detect the position of at least two distinct points of at least one edge of said at least one first border (2) transverse to said feeding direction (A); and
said control assembly (21) comprises at least one memory to receive and store setting data comprising at least the thickness of said layer of compacted ceramic powder (KP) and is configured to determine a development of said first border (2) depending on the information detected by said at least one detection assembly (24) and on said setting data and to operate said trimming assembly (19) based on said development and on said setting data, so that the trimming trajectory (T) coincides with said development of said at least one first border (2).

7. The manufacturing system (1) for manufacturing ceramic articles (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

said conveyor assembly (7) comprises a transport unit (16), which extends at said trimming station (15) and is configured to feed, with a first speed (V1), said article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) along said feeding direction (A) through said trimming station (15) with at least said at least one first border (2) projecting from said transport unit (16) in order to be intercepted by said abrasive tool (20); and

said control assembly (21) is configured to control the operation of said trimming assembly (19) and of said transport unit (16) so that the trimming assembly (19) trims said first border (2) by moving along said trimming trajectory (T) with a second speed (V2), which substantially is the same as the first speed.

8. The manufacturing system (1) to manufacture ceramic articles (T) according to claim 7, wherein said transport unit (16) comprises at least one first closed-loop conveyor (17), which is configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, a first transport surface (S1) with a variable length, and at least one second closed-loop conveyor (18), which is configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, a second transport surface (S2) with a variable length arranged downstream of the first closed-loop conveyor (17) along said feeding direction (A), so that, in use, a work space (W) remains defined between said first transport surface (S1) and said second transport surface (S2);

said first closed-loop conveyor (17) and said second closed-loop conveyor (18) are configured to receive, on the first transport surface (S1) and on the second transport surface (S2), respectively, said article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) and to feed it along said feeding direction (A) with said at least one first border (2) arranged so as to project towards said work space (W); and

said trimming trajectory (T) extends along said work space (W).

9. A manufacturing method to manufacture ceramic products (T); the method comprises the following steps:

a compaction step, during which a ceramic powder (CP) is compacted by a compaction device (5), which is arranged at a compaction station (6), said compaction device (5) applying a compaction pressure to the ceramic powder (CP) so as to obtain a layer of compacted ceramic powder (KP);

a cutting step, during which a cutting device (12), which is arranged at a cutting station (8), cuts said layer of compacted ceramic powder (KP) in order to obtain a plurality of groups (G) of articles, each comprising at least two articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) at least partially arranged next to one another;

a conveying step, during which said powder material (CP) is conveyed by a conveyor assembly (7), along a given path (P) in a feeding direction (A), from an input station (4) to said compaction station (6), said layer of compacted ceramic powder (KP) is conveyed, along said given path (P), from said compaction station (6) to said cutting station (8) and said articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of said groups (G) of articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) are conveyed from said cutting station (8) to an output station (14) through a trimming station (15);

a trimming step, during which a trimming assembly (19), which is arranged at said trimming station (15), trims at least one first border (2), which is transverse to the feeding direction (A), of each one of said articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP); the trimming assembly (19) comprising at least one abrasive tool (20) to trim said at least one first border (2) and a support structure (22), which carries said abrasive tool (20) and can be operated so as to move said abrasive tool (20) along a trimming trajectory (T);

a detection step, which is at least partially prior to said trimming step and during which at least one detection assembly (24) detects at least one quantity correlated with the development of said at least one first border (2) and estimates at least one quantity correlated with the orientation of each article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of said groups (G) of articles;

an orientation step, which is at least partially prior to said trimming step and during which an orientation assembly (31), which comprises a plurality of orientation conveyors (33), each capable of being operated, independently of the others, so as to move along said feeding direction (A) with a defined feeding speed and so as to translate along a direction (B), which is transverse to said feeding direction (A), moves each article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of each group (G) of articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP), which, in use, moves along said given path (P), so as to space said articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) apart from one another and align them with one another along said direction (B);

an operating step, which is at least partially subsequent to said first detection step and at least partially simultaneous with said trimming step and during which a control assembly (21) operates said orientation assembly (31) depending on the estimate of said detection assembly (24) and said trimming assembly (19) depending on the information detected by said detection assembly (24).

10. The manufacturing method to manufacture ceramic products (T) according to claim 9, wherein said orientation step comprises: a spacing sub-step, during which said orientation assembly (31) varies the mutual distance between said orientation conveyors (33) depending on said quantity correlated with the orientation in order to space the articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of each group (G) of articles apart from one another along said direction (B) and/or a rotation sub-step, during which said orientation assembly (31) varies the feeding speed of each orientation conveyor (33) relative to the adjacent orientation conveyors (33) in order to rotate said articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of each group (G) of articles and align them along said direction (B).

11. The manufacturing method to manufacture ceramic products (T) according to claim 10, comprising at least one setting step, during which setting data is provided, which comprises at least the format of the articles made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of said groups (G) of articles; and wherein
during said spacing sub-step, said orientation assembly (31) varies the mutual distance between said orientation conveyors (33) also depending on said setting data, so that each article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) of said groups (G) of articles moving along said given path (P) at said orientation station engages at least two orientation conveyors (33) of said plurality of orientation conveyors (33) .

12. The manufacturing method to manufacture ceramic products (T) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein:

the setting data provided during said setting step comprises the thickness of said layer of compacted ceramic powder (KP); and

during said detection step, said at least one detection assembly (24) detects a position of at least two points of a first edge of said at least one first border (2) and said control assembly (21) determines a development of said at least one first border (2) depending on the information detected by said at least one detection assembly (24) and on said setting data and operates said trimming assembly (19) based on said development and on said setting data, so that said trimming trajectory (T) coincides with said development of said at least one first border (2).

13. The manufacturing method to manufacture ceramic products (T) according to any one of the claims from 10 to 12, wherein:

said conveying step comprises a feeding sub-step, during which an article made of compacted ceramic powder (MCP) is fed in a feeding direction (A) through at least said trimming station (15) with a first feeding speed (V1) by a transport unit (16), said transport unit (16) comprising, in turn, at least one first closed-loop conveyor (17), which is configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, a first transport surface (S1) with a variable length, and at least one second closed-loop conveyor (18), which is configured to define, with an upper branch thereof, a second transport surface (S2) with a variable length arranged downstream of said first closed-loop conveyor(17) along said feeding direction (A), so that, in use (in particular, in every instant), a work space (W) remains defined between said first transport surface (S1) and said second transport surface (S2); and

during said operating step, said control assembly (21) controls the operation of said trimming assembly (19) and of said transport unit (16) so that the trimming assembly (19) trims at least said first border (2) by moving along said trimming trajectory (T) with a second speed (V2), which substantially is the same as the first speed (V1).

Drawing