US 11,772,299 B2
Method and machine for the surface decoration of a ceramic article
Stefano Scardovi, Imola (IT); Claudio Ricci, Imola (IT); and Andrea Bresciani, Imola (IT)
Assigned to SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA, Imola (IT)
Appl. No. 16/611,823
Filed by SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA, Imola (IT)
PCT Filed May 16, 2018, PCT No. PCT/IB2018/053434
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Nov. 7, 2019,
PCT Pub. No. WO2018/211435, PCT Pub. Date Nov. 22, 2018.
Claims priority of application No. 102017000053047 (IT), filed on May 16, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2020/0139578 A1, May 7, 2020
Int. Cl. B28B 11/00 (2006.01); B28B 11/04 (2006.01); B28B 11/06 (2006.01); B05C 19/04 (2006.01); B41M 3/00 (2006.01); B41M 7/02 (2006.01)
CPC B28B 11/001 (2013.01) [B28B 11/049 (2013.01); B28B 11/06 (2013.01); B05C 19/04 (2013.01); B41M 3/006 (2013.01); B41M 7/02 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for the surface decoration of a basic article comprising ceramic material and having at least one surface, wherein the method comprises:
a conveying step, during which the basic article is conveyed along a given path through an application station, a work station, arranged downstream of the application station, and a removal station, arranged downstream of the work station;
an application step, during which a printing assembly arranged at the application station applies an adhesive material selectively in at least a defined area of the surface so that at least a further area of the surface different from the defined area is left without adhesive material;
a deposition step, during which a treatment assembly arranged in the work station deposits a powder material on the adhesive material selectively in the defined area of the surface so that the further area of the surface itself is left without powder; and
a removal step, during which the powder material in excess, not bound to the adhesive material, arranged on the basic article is removed in the removal station, wherein:
the basic article being conveyed through the work station in an advancing direction; and
the treatment assembly comprises:
at least a container, which is adapted to contain the powder material, and has an outlet mouth, whose longitudinal extension is transversal to the advancing direction;
a plurality of distribution members, which are arranged in series along the outlet mouth;
a plurality of actuators, each of which moves a respective distribution member between a closed position, wherein the respective distribution member blocks the passage of the powder material through the area of the outlet mouth in which it is arranged, and an open position, wherein the respective distribution member allows the passage of the powder material through the area of the outlet mouth in which it is arranged,
wherein during the deposition step, said plurality of actuators moves the respective distribution members between the closed position and the open position so as to deposit the powder material on the adhesive material selectively in the defined area of the surface so that the further area of the surface itself is left without powder.