Multi-tool jet apparatus for surface working of products of hard material

Abstract

 A multi-tool jet apparatus for surface working of products (P) of hard material, which is designed to be mounted to a plant having a fixed or movable support base (A) for supporting a product (P) with a surface (S) to be worked and means for feeding a working fluid, comprises a tool-holding head (3) adapted to be secured to a fixed or movable part of the plant and defining a longitudinal axis (L), a plurality of jet tools (4, 4', 4", ...) associated with the tool-holding head (3) and adapted to be connected to the working fluid feeding means to direct respective fluid jets (J, J', J",...) towards the surface (S) of the product (P), drive means (6) for moving the tools (4, 4', 4", ...) relative to the head (3) in at least one first direction (X); The drive means (6) are designed to translate each tool (4, 4', 4", ...) parallel to the first direction (X) in a mutually independent manner to change the relative orientation of the jets (J, J', J",...).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally finds application in the field of stone working and particularly relates to a multi-tool apparatus for surface working of products of hard material, particularly stone, cementitious materials, conglomerates, granites and the like.

Background art

[0002] Apparatus for surface working of stone, cementitious or the like materials are known in the art, which are equipped with a multi-tool head for directing a plurality of working fluid jets towards the surface of the product being worked.

[0003] This can create surface deformations on the product, possibly associated with material removal, and can provide technical and/or aesthetic effects, such as abrasion, roughening, scratching, marking or similar alterations of the processed surface.

[0004] A typical process that can be carried out with these apparatus is flaming, which consists in exposing the product surface to local surface heating by the direct action of one or more high-temperature flames, generated by burning a fluid, such as a gas or a gas mixture, that comes out of jet tools.

[0005] The action of flames creates a surface texture, whose configuration depends on various parameters, such as the arrangement of tools, the speed and direction of motion of such tools and the entire head relative to the surface of the product, the distance of the outlet section of the tools from the surface to be worked.

[0006] Nevertheless, prior art surface working apparatus with multi-tool heads are limited in their operativity, particularly in the control of the individual jet tools.

[0007] Prior art flaming heads comprise a tool-holding element which is joined to a common drive system, such that all the jet tools have the same speed and path.

[0008] As a result, the processed surface will be textured with successions of ridges or troughs following predetermined lines or contours, which will provide a repetitive pattern, as is typical in automatic processing, thereby affecting the aesthetic value of the final product.

[0009] In an attempt to at least partially obviate these drawbacks, multi-tool flaming apparatus have been developed, which are designed to form a more random surface texture, to optimize similarity to a manual processing effect.

[0010] For instance, the European Patent application EP2105275 by the applicant hereof discloses a multi-tool head for flaming apparatus in which the jet tools have nozzles mounted to a rotating tool-holding disk.

[0011] The nozzles on the support disk are in such an arrangement that each defines a different path from those of the other nozzles, whereby the surface working effect approximates manual working.

[0012] Nevertheless, the nozzles have a degree of constraint in that they are mounted on the disk, whereby the possibility of further differentiating processing can still be improved.

[0013] Furthermore, assuming the same arrangement and number of nozzles, different textures can be only obtained by changing the paths of motion of the entire head, which imposes a greater operational rigidity.

[0014] Another restriction of prior art solutions is that the tools are fed with flammable fluid through a common conduit that has end branches for feeding the individual nozzles, which inhibits the use of different working fluids.

[0015] In this respect also, EP2105275 provides some improvement as compared with the prior art, with one or more nozzles mounted on the tool-holding element to be fed with a cooling liquid, but a common feed is maintained for all flaming nozzles.

Disclosure of the invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to obviate the above drawbacks, by providing a multi-tool jet apparatus for surface working of products of hard material, such as stone, cementitious materials, conglomerates, granites and the like, that is highly efficient and relatively cost-effective.

[0017] A particular object is to provide a multi-tool apparatus for surface working of products of hard material, that can form non-schematic surface textures thereon.

[0018] A particular object is to provide a multi-tool apparatus that can simulate a manual working effect, to impart a high aesthetic quality to the finished product.

[0019] Another object is to provide a multi-tool apparatus that can create any decorative pattern, possibly of figurative type, without particular limitation, in a particularly quick and cost-effective manner and with a single jet tool driving cycle.

[0020] A further object is to provide a multi-tool jet apparatus that affords high operational flexibility, with the possibility of changing the surface texture even while the head is moving.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-tool jet apparatus that can feed the nozzles with different working fluids.

[0022] These and other objects, as better explained hereafter, are fulfilled by a multi-tool jet apparatus for surface working of products of hard material as defined in claim 1, which is designed to be mounted to a plant having a fixed or movable support base for supporting a product with a surface to be worked and means for feeding a working fluid, wherein the apparatus comprises a tool-holding head adapted to be secured to a fixed or movable part of the plant and defining a longitudinal axis, a plurality of jet tools associated with the tool-holding head and adapted to be connected to the working fluid feeding means to direct respective fluid jets towards the surface of the product, means for driving the tools relative to the head in at least one first direction.

[0023] The apparatus is characterized in that the driving means are designed to translate each of the tools parallel to the first direction in a mutually independent manner to change the relative orientation of the jets and direct them in mutually independent directions.

[0024] With this particular configuration, the individual fluid jets may be directed in directions that may be mutually oriented in multiple, virtually infinite patterns, which will prevent the formation of repetitive patterns on the surface of the product and will simulate the typical random character of manual working or allow the creation of complex decorative patterns, possibly of figurative type, with a single pass of the jets.

[0025] In a preferred, non-limiting variant of the invention, each of these tools may include a substantially longitudinal conduit and the first direction of motion may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head.

[0026] This will allow adjustment of the distance of each jet tool from the support base, and hence from the surface of the product being processed, in an independent manner for each nozzle, which will increase the customization potential.

[0027] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in accordance with the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent upon reading of the detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of a multi-tool apparatus of the invention, which is described as a non-limiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of the invention in a first operational configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of the invention in a second operational configuration;

FIG. 3 is a lateral perspective view of the apparatus in a second operational configuration.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0029] Referring to the above mentioned figures, a multi-tool jet apparatus of the invention, generally designated by numeral 1, may be used in plants for processing products of hard material, such as stone, marble, granite or stone materials in general, cementitious materials, conglomerates or the like, for surface working thereof.

[0030] The working process may be a flaming, sanding, abrasion process or else, performed by fluid jets directed on the surface S of the product P to create deformations thereof, possibly caused by material removal, thereby forming a predetermined pattern or texture, or an image, even a complex image.

[0031] The product P may be in the form of a slab, a block or have a not necessarily regular three-dimensional shape.

[0032] A plant in which the apparatus 1 may be used, not shown and known per se, essentially comprises a support base A upon which the product P may be laid with its surface S exposed.

[0033] The support base A is possibly horizontal, for the product P to be laid thereon with its surface to be processed S facing upwards. Nevertheless, the apparatus 1 can also process inclined surfaces, lying on a support base that is inclined to the horizontal, possibly even vertical.

[0034] The plant also comprises a load-bearing surface, also movable or stationary, for the apparatus 1 to be secured thereon, and means for feeding the apparatus 1 with one or more working fluids, such as flammable gases or liquids, cooling liquids, such as water, or abrasive liquids, e.g. water with the addition of abrasive powders.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2 for securing it to the fixed or movable load-bearing structure and a tool-holding head 3, which is mounted to the this fixation frame 2 and defines a longitudinal axis L.

[0036] A plurality of jet tools 4, 4', 4", 4"', 4^iv... are associated to the tool-holding head 3 and are adapted to be connected to the working fluid feeding means to direct respective fluid jets J, J', J",... towards the surface S of the product P to be processed.

[0037] While reference will be made herein, for simplicity, to a single tool, designated with numeral 4, unless otherwise stated all the parts related to such tool 4 shall apply in a substantially identical and operatively equivalent manner to the other tools 4', 4", 4"', 4^iv.

[0038] If one or more tools 4 are designed to operate with a flammable gas or fluid, possibly a liquid, appropriate ignition means, not shown, may be provided, for igniting the flammable jet J, which means are disposed in the proximity of the outlet sections 5 of the tool 4.

[0039] Driving means 6 are also provided for moving the tools 4 relative to the head 3 in at least one first predetermined direction X.

[0040] According to a peculiar feature of the invention, the driving means 6 are designed to translate each of the tools 4 parallel to the first direction X in a mutually independent manner.

[0041] Thus, the relative orientation of the outgoing fluid jets J may be changed into a plurality of patterns, thereby changing the configuration of the surface marks formed by each tool 4 and hence, the surface texture imparted to the product P.

[0042] In a first preferred non-limiting variant embodiment of the invention, as shown in the figures, the driving means 6 may be designed to move the individual tools 4 independently of each other, parallel to a first direction X which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0043] In a further variant, not shown, the drive means 6 may be designed to move the individual tools 4 independently of each other, parallel to a first direction X which is substantially orthogonal or inclined to the longitudinal axis L.

[0044] In yet another variant, also given by way of illustration, the driving means 6 may be designed to move the individual tools 4 independently of each other, both in a first direction X substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L and in a second direction Y transverse and possibly substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, or anyway inclined relative thereto.

[0045] Further solutions may be also envisaged, in which two or more tools 4 of the set move in integral fashion in one and/or more directions of motion X, Y and are independent of the other tools.

[0046] The apparatus 1 may also comprise electronic control means, not shown, which are adapted to interpolate the various movements of each tool 4 relative to the directions of motion X, Y to obtain combined motions that can lead to a rotation to the tool 4 in a respective plane of rotation π parallel to the first and second direction of movement X, Y.

[0047] While five tools 4, 4', 4", 4"', 4^iv are present in the illustrated configuration, any number thereof may be provided, preferably greater than three.

[0048] In the illustrated preferred, non-limiting configuration of the present invention, each tool 4 comprises a substantially longitudinal conduit 7 secured to the tool-holding head 3 and accommodated in a box-like container body of the latter.

[0049] Each conduit 7 is designed to be connected to the upper end 9 of the fluid feeding means and has a nozzle 11 at the lower end 10 for delivering a corresponding jet J.

[0050] With this configuration, each tool 4 may be independently connected to the fluid feeding means.

[0051] This will also allow each tool 4 to be fed with a different working fluid, according to the desired effects, with the possibility of combining the action of one or more hot fluids with that of one or more cold fluids.

[0052] In the illustrated configuration, the driving means 6 comprise, for each tool 4, a first actuator 12 integral with its conduit 7 and operating in the first direction of motion X.

[0053] The first actuator 12 comprises a first portion integral with the head 3, e.g. secured within the containing enclosure 8, and a second portion associated with the conduit 7 and movable relative to the latter to cause the tool 4 to translate parallel to the first direction X.

[0054] In a further configuration, not shown, for each tool 4 the drive means 6 may include, in addition to or instead of the first actuator 12, a second actuator integral with the conduit 7 and operating in the second direction Y, which may be, without limitation, substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and possibly to the first direction X.

[0055] Each first actuator 12 and each second or further actuators, if any, may either be selected from the group comprising hydraulic, oleodynamic, pneumatic, electric, electromechanical or the like actuators, or be of manual drive type, and be controlled independently of the other actuators for controlling the other tools.

[0056] Furthermore, for each tool 4 the first actuator 12 may be different from the corresponding second actuator.

[0057] The fixation frame 2 may in turn comprise guide means 15 for the tool-holding head 3.

[0058] The guide means 15 may be designed to move the container body 8, as well as the tools 4, in at least one working plane, e.g. parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0059] The guide means 15 may include a drive mechanism, not shown, which connects the frame 2 to the container body 8, and may assume various configurations.

[0060] By way of example, the drive mechanism may include one or more levers or similar members, junction systems and the like, to move the container body 8 by translation and/or rotation relative to one or more directions in one or more planes, anyhow oriented in a Cartesian space having a fixed part of the plant as a reference.

[0061] In the illustrated configuration, the guide means 15 are substantially curved, to cause the head 3 to rotate about a transverse axis W substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, leading to a first common rotation of all the tools 4.

[0062] Particularly, the frame 2 comprises a rear bracket 16 for connection to the load-bearing structure of the plant and a pair of parallel side plates 17, 18 with the container body 8 of the head 3 mounted thereto, which are equipped with the guide means 15.

[0063] By way of illustration, the latter may include respective substantially curvilinear sliding tracks, 19 and 20 respectively, extending in respective lying planes π' substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L, with any radius of curvature r.

[0064] For example, the sliding tracks 19, 20 may be grooves formed in the respective plates 17, 18, which are slideably engaged by corresponding engagement elements 21, 22 laterally projecting out of the container body 8.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the curved guide means 15 may include sliding tracks formed on the side walls 23, 24 of the enclosure and designed to be engaged by male elements inwardly projecting out of the plates 19, 20.

[0066] Thus the head 3 may be arranged to slide on the curved guide means 15 either manually or using a suitable automatic or semiautomatic actuator, operatively associated with the head 3 and not shown in the annexed figures.

[0067] The tools 4 may be also capable of a second independent rotation if the drive means 15 are designed to operate in two orthogonal directions X, Y with interpolated movements, as mentioned above.

[0068] In a further aspect of the invention, means are provided for selective fluid connection of the tools 4 with the means for feeding the working fluid/s.

[0069] This will allow one or more nozzles 11 to be selectively enabled/disabled to emit jets J in preset sequences.

[0070] The apparatus 1 may be further driven along one or more axes by connecting it to a movable structure of the plant, such as a bridge sliding in one or more directions, or an anthropomorphic arm.

[0071] The movements of the movable structure may be continuous or discrete, and adjusted according to preset patterns, to change the working sequences.

[0072] Likewise, the product P may be continuously or discontinuously moved on the support base A, possibly at the same time as the apparatus.

[0073] For example, the support base A may be a continuously or discontinuously moving belt or roller bed, or any other translatable system.

[0074] The combined movements of the apparatus 1 and the individual tools 4, as well as any movement imparted by the load-bearing structure of the plant and/or the movements of the product P will afford actually infinite customization of operating sequences, and hence of patterns that can be formed on the surface S of the product P, thereby fulfilling the intended objects.

[0075] The apparatus 1 of the invention is susceptible of a number of changes and variants, within the inventive principle disclosed in the appended claims. All the details thereof may be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of the invention.

[0076] While the apparatus has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

Claims

1. A multi-tool jet apparatus for surface working of products (P) of an hard material, designed to be applied to a plant having a fixed or movable support plane (A) for supporting a product (P) with a surface (S) to be worked and means for feeding a working fluid, wherein the apparatus comprises:

- a tool-holding head (3) anchorable to a fixed or movable part of the plant and defining a longitudinal axis(L);

- a plurality of jet tools (4, 4', 4", ...) associated to said tool-holding head (3) and connectable to the working fluid feeding means to direct respective fluid jets (J, J', J",...) toward the surface (S) of the product (P);

- means (6) for driving said tools (4, 4', 4", ...) with respect of said head (3) along at least one first direction (X);
characterized in that said driving means (6) are designed to translate each of said tools (4, 4', 4", ...) parallel to said first direction (X) in a mutually independent manner to modify the relative orientation of the jets (J, J', J",...).

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each of said tools (4, 4', 4", ...) comprises a substantially longitudinal conduit (7) having at one end (10) a nozzle (11) for emitting the fluid jet (J, J', J",...) and at the opposite end (9) being connectable to the fluid feeding means.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, for each of said tools (4, 4', 4", ...), said driving means (6) comprise a first actuator (12) unitary with said conduit (7) and acting along said first direction (X).

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said first direction (X) is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (L), said driving means (6) comprising, for each of said tools (4, 4', 4", ...), a second actuator unitary with said conduit (7) and acting along a second direction (Y) substantially orthogonal to said longitudinal axis (L).

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said first actuator (12) and/or said second actuator are selected between the group including the hydraulic, oleodynamic, pneumatic, electric, electromechanical, hand-actuatable or similar actuators.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said head (3) comprises a body (8) for housing said tools (4, 4', 4", ...) and a frame (2) for anchoring to the fixed or movable part of the plant, said frame (2) having guide means (15) for said housing body (8).

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said guide means (15) comprise at least one substantially curved sliding track (19, 20) which extends in a lying plane (π') substantially parallel to said axis (L).

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said housing body (8) comprises at least one engagement element (21, 22) slidable in said curved track (19, 20) for rotating about a transverse axis (W) substantially orthogonal to said longitudinal axis (L).

9. Apparatus as claimed in any claim 6 to 8, characterized in that said moving means (5) comprise at least one third actuator interacting with said head (3) for promoting the sliding thereof along said guide means (15).

10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized by comprising means for the selective fluidic connection of said tools (4, 4', 4", ...) with the fluid feeding means and/or electronic means for controlling said driving means (6) and/or e/o said fluidic connection means.

Drawing