"MARKING DEVICE"

[0001 ] This invention relates to a marking device of a substrate, for example for marking glass.

[0002] Various types of sandblasting machines are known for engraving a mark or a sign on solid surfaces, such as marble or glass.

[0003] A common feature of many of the known devices is the specific sensitivity and precision of the operator who, wielding a sandblasting gun, arbitrarily determines the position and orientation of the figure to be applied to the surface.

[0004] It follows that, in the mass production of surfaces, the operator's subjective abilities play a large role in obtaining repeatable markings in a sufficiently precise manner .

[0005] This invention belongs to the preceding context, proposing to provide a device designed to apply various types of markings in a precise manner, always with the same orientation and the same position on the substrate to be marked.

[0006] This objective is achieved by means of a device according to claim 1. The claims dependent on this show variants of preferred embodiments.

[0007] The purpose of this invention will now be described in detail, with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figures 1, 2 and 3 show side views of the device of this invention, according to a possible embodiment, in distinct operating phases;

- Figures 4, 5 and 6 show side views corresponding to Figures 1, 2 and 3, but with part of the device in section;

- Figures 7 and 8 show a side view of the device, in correspondence of the marking head, according to an orientable embodiment of the jet;

- Figures 9, 11 and 10, 12 show side views of the device in correspondence of the marking head, according to an adjustable embodiment of the marking head;

- Figures 13, 14 and 15 schematically show the various phases of assembly and fine adjustment of a template in front of the nozzle of the marking head;

- Figures 16 ,and 17 illustrate sectional side views of devices according to this invention, according to further embodiments.

[0008] In the aforesaid drawings, reference numbers 1, 1' and 1" refer, in its entirety, to a marking device of a substrate 10, preferably glass.

[0009] In the illustrated embodiments, the substrate 10 is substantially flat. According to further not shown embodiments, this substrate could be partially concave or convex. More precisely, a front surface 50 - to be marked - delimited by the substrate 10, could be planar, concave or convex according to different embodiments.

[0010] According to different embodiments, such a device operates automatically (Figures 16-17) or semi- automatically (Figure 1).

[0011] Such a device 1, 1', 1" comprises a support element 2, a marking head 4 supported by that element 2 and guide means .

[0012] In the embodiments shown, the support element is schematically shown in the form of a plate or pedestal, advantageously restable on the floor.

[0013] However, this should not be considered as limiting the purpose of this invention since other variants of this element could comprise a frame, a bracket or other kind of support, for example hooked to a vertical wall or in hanging position.

[0014] Optionally, the device 1, 1', 1" could comprise an intermediate body 32 associated with the marking head 4. More precisely, such body 32 is fixed to the head 4.

[0015] In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 12 and Figure 17, the distance between the marking head 4 and the support element 2 is adjustable in a variety of different positions, preferably discreet positions. [0016] For example, with reference to Figure 10 or 17, the marking head 4 could be fitted to the intermediate body by means of one or more adjustment frames 64, 64', for example made from a bent metal sheet. In the variants shown, the head 4 is interposed between a pair of frames and is connected to these latter by means of a junction component 68, advantageously secured to both frames.

[0017] Preferably, the adjustment frame 64, 64' delimits a plurality of coupling points 66 for the marking head ^' 4 , spaced from the support element 2 (for example at a constant pitch) .

[0018] According to a possible variant, the coupling points 66 are realised through a plurality of slots distributed along the adjustment frame 64, 64' or the plurality thereof.

[0019] The marking head 4 identifies an abutment perimeter 6 with the substrate 10 and comprises a nozzle 8 disposed and/or oriented so as to project a jet 12 of abrasive material under pressure through a lumen 14 circumscribed by said perimeter 6.

[0020] More precisely, the aforesaid jet 12 comprises a mixture of pressurised air and abrasive material.

[0021] Preferably, the abrasive material is in powder form.

[0022] According to a particularly advantageous variant, the marking head 4 is mounted in an orientable manner with respect to the support element 2.

[0023] More precisely, with reference for example to the variants of Figures 7-8 or Figure 16, this head 4 is articulated around at least one rotation axis R which extends parallel to an extension plane P of the abutment perimeter 6.

[0024] Merely by way of example, the marking head 4 or the adjustment frame 64, 64' (when provided) could be connected in an articulated manner to the intermediate body 32, for example through one or more support arms 70.

[0025] The guide means are mechanically interposed between the support element 2 and the marking head 4 to guide the abutment perimeter 6 from a separation position (for example shown schematically in Figure 1) to an abutment position (for example illustrated in Figure 2 or Figure 3) with respect to the substrate 10, and vice versa, in a repeatable manner.

[0026] In other words, the guide means accompany the movement of the abutment perimeter between the aforesaid positions, which differ by a spacing or a contact of the perimeter 6 with a front surface 50 of the substrate 10 to be marked.

[0027] Merely by way of example, the separation position and the abutment position could be spaced apart in a substantially horizontal direction (as shown for example in Figure 1 or 16) , in a substantially vertical direction (Figure 17), or in an inclined direction with respect to a horizontal direction (variation not shown) .

[0028] According to a not illustrated embodiment, the guide means could comprise a linear guide on which the marking head 4 is mounted in a slidable manner.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the guide means comprise at least a first 28 and a second 30 lever spaced along a movement direction M of the marking head 4, each lever 28, 30 being hinged to the support element 2 and to the intermediate body 32.

[0030] In this way, the marking head with its perimeter follows an oscillating trajectory between the two discussed positions, while maintaining the intermediate body 32 always with the same orientation, for example substantially horizontal or vertical.

[0031 ] Preferably, the first 28 and the second 30 lever are substantially of the same length.

[0032] The marking device 1, 1', 1" also comprises a source 16 of pressurised air (shown only schematically in Figures 4 to 6 and in Figures 16, 17), and one or more driving-actuating elements 20, 82, 84, 86, for example comprising a lever 22, a button or a slider.

[0033] The aforesaid source 16 is fluidically connected to the marking head 4 to transport the abrasive material to the nozzle 8.

[0034] More precisely, since the nozzle 8 is preferably located downstream of a Venturi tube 52, this transport occurs through a suction of the abrasive material from a storage compartment 54, connected to this tube 52.

[0035] Specifically, the pressurised air coming from the source 16 enters a first branch 56 of the Venturi tube 52 through a first duct 58, and exists through the nozzle 8 passing over to a branching 60 of the Venturi tube 52. To this branching 60 is fitted a second duct 62 that terminates in the storage compartment 54, through which the abrasive material is sucked to exit from the nozzle 8 with the pressurised air.

[0036] According to a variant, the driving-actuating element 20 is disposed in correspondence of the intermediate body 32, for example in a projecting position from this body. Advantageously, this element 20 could project from an upper surface 78 of the body 32.

[0037] In the variants shown in Figures 4 to 6, the driving-actuating element 20 extends at least for a section parallel to the first lever 28.

[0038] The aforesaid one or more driving-actuating elements 20,82,84,86 is movable or actuatable (for example manually) to move the marking head 4 through the guide means. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, in the abutment position of the perimeter 6, the driving- actuating element 12 also promotes the projection of the jet 12 of abrasive material for marking the substrate 10.

[0039] It follows that, innovatively, the movement of the marking head is always guided in the same way, in a controlled and precise manner. Advantageously, the element (or plurality of elements) assigned to the movement of the head is also responsible for the projection of the jet 12.

[0040] According to a variant, for example shown schematically in Figures 16 to 17, the driving-actuating elements 20, 82, 84, 86 comprise a driving element 82, an actuating element 84, and management and control means 86, functionally connected to the source 16 of pressurised air. These means 86 are commandable through the driving element 82 to move the abutment perimeter 6 between the aforesaid positions through the actuating element 84.

[0041] In the variants shown, the driving element 82 is part of a control panel, for example a button, advantageously inserted into a touch screen.

[0042] According to a variant, the actuating element 84 comprises a linear actuator.

[0043] According to a preferred variant, the actuating element 84 comprises a linear actuator comprising a piston 88 whose stroke is adjustable in a calibrated manner to ensure that, in the abutment position, the abutment perimeter 6 is pressed on the substrate 10 with a smaller force than a predetermined value. Merely by way of example, the predetermined value may be a function of the thickness and/or mechanical resistance of the substrate 10.

[0044] According to a not illustrated embodiment, the device comprises interception means, fluidically arranged between the nozzle 8 and the air source 16 to. allow/prevent pressurised air from flowing to the nozzle 8.

[0045] Advantageously, the shut-off means are commandable from the driving-actuating element 20, 82, 84, 86 or from the plurality of them (for example from the management and control means 86) to allow/prevent the projection of the jet 12 of abrasive material.

[0046] It follows that, as long as the abutment perimeter 6 is not brought in contact with the substrate 10 through the driving-actuating element 20, 82, 84, 86 or plurality thereof, the jet 12 cannot be projected by virtue of the absence of a command signal to the interception means.

[0047] Preferably, the device 1, 1', 1" comprises timing means 18 operatively connected to the driving-actuating element 20, 82, 84, 86 or plurality of them (and/or optionally connected to the interception means) , to allow the projection of the jet 12 for a pre-set time, for example for a time range of 1-10 seconds. For example', the timing means are functionally connected to the management and control means 86.

[0048] According to the variant shown in Figure 1, the device 1, 1', 1" comprises suction means 24, connected to the marking head 4 in correspondence of the nozzle 8 for conveying the abrasive material - after the impact with the substrate 10 - externally to the head 4.

[0049] It follows that, according to this variant, the abrasive material can be taken from the marking head, and can also advantageously be re-used for a subsequent marking cycle.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the marking head 4 comprises at least one fitting for suction pump 72 to which a third duct 74 is connected terminating in the suction means 24.

[0051 ] Since the suction means 24 and the storage compartment 54 are preferably housed within the same unit 76 (for example, an external unit), the abrasive material sucked from the marking head is made available to the air source 16 for a subsequent marking.

[0052] Preferably, the driving-actuating element 20, 82, 84, 86, or plurality thereof, is operatively connected to the suction means 24 so that such means create an outgoing flow from the marking head 4 at least in the abutment position. According to a variant, the suction means 24 are operatively connected to the management and control means 86.

[0053] According to a variant, the device 1 comprises at least one on/off (micro- ) switch 26 of the power supply to the suction means 24, for example disposed in correspondence of the intermediate body. Preferably, at least in the abutment position, the driving-actuating element 20 acts mechanically on this switch 26 to electrically power the suction means 24.

[0054] It follows that, as long as the driving-actuating element 20 is not moved, suction of the abrasive material cannot take place. According to one of the previously discussed variants, as long as this element 20 is not moved, no marking of the substrate can take place.

[0055] By way of example, the stroke of the driving- actuating element 20 could be selected in such a way that the suction means 24 create the outgoing flow before, and/or at least at the same time as, the projection of the jet 12 of abrasive material.

[0056] According to a preferred variant, the device comprises safety means configured to prevent the projection of the jet 12 of abrasive material when the abutment perimeter 6 lies in the separation position.

[0057] Advantageously, the safety means comprise at least one sensor 92, preferably a contact or proximity sensor, disposed for example in correspondence of the guide means .

[0058] According to a further embodiment, the guide means comprise at least one first lever 28 hinged to the support element 2, the safety means comprise at least one safety lever 90 hinged to the first lever 28, and an actuating element 84 movable to rotate - in sequence - the first lever 28 with respect to the support element 2 to reach the abutment position, and the safety lever 90 with respect to the first lever 28 for a detection by the sensor 92, so as to allow the projection of the jet 12.

[0059] With reference, for example, to the variant of Figure 16, the actuating element 84 extends between the support element 2 and the safety lever 90. When the actuating element 84 is put into operation by the driving element 82, the safety lever and the first lever 28 are initially moved together (since the safety lever 90 preferably has greater inertia than the first lever 28), in this way bringing the abutment perimeter in the abutment position.

[0060] Once this position is reached, the substrate 10 will resist the further movement of the first lever 28, due to which the actuating element 84 - which will continue its stroke - will only move the safety lever, which will be detected by the sensor 92 (for example through closing of a contact ) .

[0061 ] Obviously, in the absence of the detection of the safety lever by sensor 92, no projection of the jet will be permitted.

[0062] According to an advantageous variant, the marking

t device 1, 1', 1" comprises at least one impression template 34 that comprises a template wall 36 delimiting one or more through apertures 38 of a shape corresponding to the sign to be marked on the substrate 10.

[0063] The marking head 4 advantageously delimits at least one housing seat 40 for the aforesaid template 34, the seat being configured to maintain at least one through opening 38 at least partially aligned with the lumen 14 circumscribed by the abutment perimeter 6. In this way transit of the jet 12 of abrasive material toward the substrate 10 is allowed.

[0064] In fact, the alignment of lumen 14 and through opening 38 along the projection direction of the jet ensures the impact with the substrate 10.

[0065] The housing seat 40 is for example shown schematically in Figure 7, located upstream of the abutment perimeter with respect to the aforesaid projection direction.

[0066] Preferably, the impression template 34 is housed in the housing seat 40 in a removable manner.

[0067] Yet more preferably, the impression template 34 is housed in the housing seat 40 in a rotatable manner around an axis X substantially parallel to the direction of projection of the jet 12.

[0068] Therefore, with reference for example to Figure 15, this template can be rotated depending on the contingencies, and with it also the sign to be marked on the substrate can assume different orientations.

[0069] According to an advantageous variant, the abutment perimeter 6 is delimited by an annular surface 42, disposed frontally to the marking head.

[0070] Preferably, the impression template 34 and the annular surface 42 comprise means 44, 46 for the reciprocal fine adjustment of the angular position of the impression template 34 around said axis X.

[0071] In the embodiments shown in the Figures 13 to 15, the means 44, 46 of fine adjustment comprise a plurality of scores, which are alignable radially into a plurality of predefined angular positions of the impression template 34. For example, the plurality of scores could develop in a radial direction with respect to the aforesaid axis X. [0072] According to an advantageous variant, at least the scores 44 of the template 34 are in the form of a notch or protrusion to be engaged by a complementary key-tool 48 for rotating the template 34 in the seat 40.

[0073] According to a preferred variant, also the scores 46 of the annular surface 42 are in the form of a notch or projection so that, when a desired angular position of the template 34 is reached, the complementary key tool 48 can snap on or in the score 46 so as to determine reaching of the predefined position.

[0074] In the variant shown, the scores 44 , 46 are in the form of a notch, and the key tool 48 comprises at least one projection 80, 80' engageable in the notches. A variant not shown could provide a disposition contrary to that shown with protruding notches on the template and on the annular surface, and recesses on the key-tool.

[0075] According to a preferred variant, the means 44, 46 for fine adjustment are positioned in correspondence of an outer circumference (or outside edge) of the impression template 34 and an inner circumference (or inner edge) of the annular surface 42.

[0076] Innovatively, the device of this invention allows brilliantly overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0077] More precisely, the device described provides a semi-automatic solution for marking substrates in a guided manner, always in the same place and with the same orientation, regardless of the operator's sensitivity.

[0078] Advantageously, the device of this invention allows obtaining a sign of desired depth or visibility, in particular through the setting of a predefined blasting time.

[0079] Advantageously, the device of this invention allows obtaining a recirculation of the abrasive material, so that the material initially loaded may be reused for an indefinite number of markings.

[0080] Advantageously, the device of this invention allows easily controlling the different marking phases, including the possible sequence of jet projection suction of the material.

[0081 ] Advantageously, the device of this invention can be managed automatically, being in particular actuatable through external impulses received from a production line of the substrate.

[0082] In fact, in a preferred variant, the management and control means are driven by an operating element associated to an external machine, for example a transport line of the substrate.

[0083] Advantageously, the device of this invention allows adjusting/orienting the projection of the jet with a plurality of different ways, and with high accuracy. [0084] Advantageously, the device of this invention ^' device is designed to be able to customise the sign to be marked on the substrate, and to be able to orient it at will independently of the position of the head.

[0085] Advantageously, the precise adjustment of the template is achieved through means that are simple but highly accurate, designed to stand up to marking conditions over time.

[0086] To the embodiments of the aforesaid device, one skilled in the art, in order to meet specific needs, may make variants or substitutions of elements with others functionally equivalent.

[0087] Even these variants are contained within the scope of protection, as defined by the following claims.

[0088] Moreover, each of the variants described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be realised independently of the other variants described.