SUCH APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY CUTTING STONE SLABS

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally finds application in the field of stone-working devices, and particularly relates to a support apparatus for supporting stone slabs as they are being cut.

[0002] The invention also relates to a plant and a method for simultaneously cutting stone slabs.

Background art

[0003] Stone slab-supporting devices are known in the field of stone working, particularly for use as the slabs are being cut by a multiple-blade machine, dividing them along a median plane substantially parallel to their side faces.

[0004] The purpose of these devices is to prevent slabs from being displaced or overturned during the movement of the blade, which would cause them to be broken or inaccurately cut.

[0005] Typically, these devices comprise a support frame upon which the slabs are loaded outside the multiple-blade machine, which frame is later placed below the machine when cutting has to take place.

[0006] Typically, in order to retain the slabs and prevent them from being damaged as they are being cut, panels are bonded to the side faces of the slabs, said panels being made of a rigid, light-weight material, e... having a composite honeycomb structure, to define slab-holder elements to be loaded on the frame in an upright position, for the slabs to be cut along a plane parallel to their side faces.

[0007] Slab support is ensured by appropriate spacer members, which are removably interposed between the panels, and allow the relative position of the slabs to be adjusted relative to the saws of the machine.

[0008] A first drawback of these arrangement is that these devices and sywings do not provide adequate stability to the slabs as the latter are being cut by the machine. [0009] A further drawback is that relative position adjustment as the slabs are loaded on the carriage is very complex and time-consuming and greatly relies on the skills of the operator.

[0010] Furthermore, due to the particular configuration of these devices, the steps for removal of the slabs that have been cut are also very complex.

[0011 ] In view of at least partially obviating these drawbacks, stone slab- supporting apparatus as described above have been developed, which also include clamping means that directly act upon the slab covering panels.

[0012] US 4,346,691 discloses a slab-supporting apparatus comprising suction cup clamping means connected to a vacuum pump and associated with the carriage. The clamping means are mounted to a plurality of levers and pins that can adjust their position according to the size of the slab to be supported.

[0013] One drawback of this prior art arrangement is that this apparatus has very large dimensions and has a very complex construction.

[0014] Due to this drawback, the support carriage can only accommodate one slab at a time, which considerably increases stone working times and complexity.

[0015] A further drawback is that the slabs are aligned with the cutting tools almost exclusively by manual arrangement. This also causes an increase of the overall stone working times and affects cutting accuracy.

Technical Problem

[0016] In light of the prior art, the technical problem addressed by the present invention consists in providing a support apparatus for supporting stone slabs as they are being cut, which is partially automated and repeatable, and is particularly simple and capable of ensuring accurate alignment of the slabs as they are being loaded, while requiring minor action by the operator.

Disclosure of the invention

[0017] The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned technical problem by providing a support apparatus for supporting stone slabs as they are being cut, that obviates the above drawbacks and is highly efficient and relatively cost effective.

[0018] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a stone slab-supporting apparatus that can be easily manufactured and has relatively small dimensions.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can provide stable support to a plurality of stone slabs as they are being cut by the machine.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a support apparatus that affords accurate centering of the slabs as they are being loaded on the carriage.

[0021 ] A further object of the present invention is to provide a support apparatus that affords quick removal of the slabs from the cart once they have been cut.

[0022] These and other objects, as better explained hereafter, are fulfilled by a support apparatus for supporting stone slabs as they are being cut as defined in claim 1 .

[0023] In another aspect, the invention relates to a stone slab cutting plant comprising the support apparatus, as defined in claim 1 3.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method of simultaneously cutting stone slabs, as defined in claim 1 5.

[0025] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the characteristics of the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a support apparatus for supporting stone slabs and a plant for simultaneous cutting of the slabs according to the invention, which is described as a non-limiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the stone slab-supporting apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the support apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a first detail of Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a lateral view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a broken-away front view of the support apparatus of Fig. 4, as taken along the vertical plane V-V;

FIG. 6 is a broken-away top view of the support apparatus of Fig. 4, as taken along the horizontal plane VI-VI;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a first detail of Fig. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a first detail of Fig. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a stone slab cutting plant comprising the support apparatus of the invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0027] Particularly referring to the figures, there is shown a support apparatus, generally designated by numeral 1 , for simultaneously cutting stone slabs L along planes substantially parallel to their side faces F.

[0028] Namely, this apparatus is particularly suitable for use in plants 2 comprising at least one machine 3 for cutting stone slabs L using a plurality of longitudinal tools 4, such as cutting blades or diamond wires.

[0029] Each tool 4 is adapted to be aligned with a respective slab L to make a cut along a substantially vertical median plane, to thereby obtain slabs L', L" of predetermined thickness, generally half the original thickness.

[0030] The material to be cut may be selected, for instance, from the group comprising stone, marble, granite, conglomerate concrete materials or the like, as typically used in the building industry.

[0031] In the basic configuration of the apparatus 1 , a plurality of slab- holder elements 5 are provided, each comprising one pair of panels 6, 7.

[0032] Conveniently, each panel 6, 7 has an inner surface 8 and an outer surface 9, with the inner surfaces 8 being designed to be secured to the opposite side faces S of each slab L, to thereby form with the latter a single multi-layer finished element that can be removably placed on the support parameters 1 .

[0033] Particularly, the inner surfaces 8 of the panels 6, 7 will be designed to be secured to the slabs L using a suitable adhesive, such that they may remain stably attached thereto even while they are being cut.

[0034] Furthermore, the panels 6, 7 will be made from a relatively lightweight material, e.g. aluminium or the like, and may have a honeycomb load-bearing structure interposed between a pair of continuous covering metal sheets, not shown, which define the inner faces 8 and the outer faces 9 of each panel 6, 7.

[0035] As best shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the apparatus 1 further comprises a bearing frame 1 0 which defines a longitudinal axis X and has a substantially horizontal base 1 1 .

[0036] Advantageously, the base 1 1 is adapted to removably support a pack 5' of slabs L contained in respective slabs-carrying elements 5 in a substantially upright position, to allow them to be cut by a respective tool 4 of the machine 3 along a plane that is is substantially parallel to the inner faces 8 of the panels 6, 7.

[0037] Furthermore, the frame 1 0 may be mounted to wheels 12 sliding along a pair of rails 13 that can be secured to the ground S, to be moved from a work position inside the machine 3, in which the slabs L are processed by the cutting tools 4, to a rest position, away from the machine 3, in which the slabs L and the corresponding slab-holder elements 5 are loaded on the base 1 1 by an operator.

[0038] Conveniently, the frame 10 has side edges 14, 1 5 with two series 1 6, 17 of substantially vertical retaining bars 1 8 fixed therealong to define abutments for the slab-holder elements 5.

[0039] The apparatus 1 further comprises a plurality of clamping means 19 which are secured to the frame 1 0 and adapted to hold the pack 5' of slabs L against the base 1 1 , by acting upon the outer faces 9 of the slab-holder elements 5 to align them with the cutting tools 5.

[0040] As best shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the clamping means 1 9 may include a plurality of sucker members 20, connected to vacuum means, located outside the apparatus 1 and comprising at least one vacuum pump, not shown. [0041 ] Advantageously, each sucker member 20 comprises a disk-like body 21 with a suction cup 22 fixed thereupon and adhering to the outer face 9 of a respective panel 6, 7 of a slab-carrying element 5 and a connector 23 connected to the vacuum means by a respective flexible hose, not shown.

[0042] Each disk-like body 21 comprises an air suction duct 24, as shown in FIG. 7, in fluid communication with a respective flexible hose.

[0043] The suction duct 24 comprises a substantially longitudinal section 25 having a first opening 26 at the suction cup 22, and connected to a substantially radial section 27 having a second opening 28 at the connector 23.

[0044] Furthermore, each suction cup element 20 may comprise a rigid pin 29 having one longitudinally projecting end 30 upon which the corresponding disk-like body 21 pivots, to be articulated and allow free rotation of the suction cup 22 about the corresponding longitudinal axis X-i .

[0045] As shown in the figures, the bearing frame 1 0 comprises a plurality of abutment members 31 that can be secured to the base 1 1 in transversely offset positions for laterally supporting the slab-holder elements 5.

[0046] Particularly, the clamping means 1 9 are secured to the frame 1 0 in such positions as to face such abutment members 31 and are adapted to cooperate therewith for holding a pack 5' of slab-holder elements 5 and their respective slabs L aligned with corresponding cutting tools 4.

[0047] Furthermore, each abutment member 31 defines a fixed reference position, relative to the frame 10, for a respective slab L to be cut, and is adapted to removably support the clamping means 1 9 in vertically offset positions.

[0048] Conveniently, the abutment members 31 may comprise rows 32 of posts 33 arranged along respective longitudinal and transverse directions, that are mutually offset by a substantially constant transverse pitch p .

[0049] The posts 33 are substantially vertical and their lower ends 34 are adapted to be secured to the base 1 1 along the respective longitudinal direction for the entire extent of the bearing frame 1 0.

[0050] In accordance with a peculiar aspect of the invention, the slabs L and the panels 6, 7 are arranged on the base 1 1 to form a one-piece pack 5', and the posts 33 of each row 32 are adapted to simultaneously support a pair of slabs L with their respective panels 6, 7 placed on opposite sides with respect to the same row 32.

[0051 ] Particularly, each row 32 comprises a plurality of posts 33 that are longitudinally offset by a constant longitudinal pitch p ₂ .

[0052] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, eight transversely offset rows 32 are provided, each comprising four longitudinally offset posts 33.

[0053] Of course, this configuration is provided by mere way of example and without limitation to the invention, as a different number of rows and posts for each row may be provided.

[0054] Each post 33 may have a wider base 35 at its lower end 34 with a substantially flat bottom surface 36 designed to rest upon the base 1 1 of the frame 1 0.

[0055] Also, interlock means 37 are provided, which are associated with the frame 10 and the posts 33 for easy removable coupling of the latter.

[0056] Particularly, the interlock means 37 comprise a plurality of specially shaped seats 38 formed on the base 1 1 for receiving corresponding matingly-shaped projections 39 vertically extending from the bottom surface 36 of the wider base 35 of each post 33.

[0057] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, each post 33 may comprise a double-T beam with a pair of transverse wings 40, 41 joined by a substantially longitudinal web 42.

[0058] Advantageously, each post 33 may have a plurality of vertically offset longitudinal plates 43 having respective passages 44 therebetween, and whose outer faces are adapted to define abutments surfaces 45 for the flab-carrying elements 5.

[0059] Particularly, each abutment surface 45 will define a respective fixed reference position for the slab L to be cut and the corresponding slab-holder elements 5.

[0060] Two series 46, 47 of a longitudinal plates 43 are provided for each post 33, arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal web 42 and coupled to the transverse wings 40, 41 .

[0061 ] Furthermore, the clamping means 1 9 may comprise, for each post 33, a plurality of sucker members 20 disposed in the respective passages 44 formed between the plates 43.

[0062] As best shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the sucker members 20 may be secured to the web 42 of the posts 33 in opposed outwardly oriented pairs, to extend through the passages 44 and hold the slab-holder elements 5 against the abutment surfaces 45, and on opposite sides of each row 32 of posts 33.

[0063] Therefore, the suction cups 20 will afford retention of the slab- carrying element 5 by causing the outer face 9 of the panel 6, 7 to abut the corresponding abutment surface 45.

[0064] Furthermore, as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each suction cup element 20 will be connected to the corresponding longitudinal web 42 by its rigid pin 29 through appropriate connection means 48.

[0065] Conveniently, the frame 1 0 may be designed to support a single slab-carrying element 5 between two rows 32 of posts 33.

[0066] Alternatively, according to the illustrated embodiment, the frame 10 may be designed to support two mutually facing slab-holder elements 5 between two adjacent rows 32 of posts 33.

[0067] Also, as best shown in FIG. 5, the frame 10 is adapted to support a slab-carrying element 5 in the corresponding gap between the outermost post 33 and its respective series 1 6, 1 7 of retaining bars 1 8. In this case, the abutment surface 25 for the outermost slab-carrying element 5 of the pack 5' will correspond to the inner surface 49 of the retaining bars 1 8.

[0068] In order to facilitate alignment with the cutting tools 4, spacer members 50 may be also provided, which are adapted to be interposed between the slab-holder elements 5 as they are being loaded on the bearing frame 1 0 and to be removed prior to cutting by the machine 3.

[0069] These spacer members 50 may comprise a plurality of transverse profiles 51 , each having a plurality of longitudinal pegs 52 designed to be interposed between the slab-holder elements 5 to keep them at a distance from each other. [0070] Furthermore, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, as the slabs are being cut a substantially inverted C-shaped section 54 will be laid on the upper free end 53 of each post 33, to convey the cooling liquid used during the cutting step, into the gap between two adjacent slab-holder elements 5.

[0071 ] In a further aspect, the invention provides a plant 2 for simultaneous cutting of stone slabs L along respective median planes substantially parallel to their side faces F, to obtain slabs L', L" of substantially half the original thickness.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 9, the plant 2 comprises a cutting machine 3 with a plurality of substantially longitudinal cutting tools 4, which are transversely offset relative to previously indicated directions for the support apparatus 1 .

[0073] Conveniently, the cutting tools 4 may be selected from the group comprising the blades of a marble- or granite-cutting gangsaw or, alternatively, diamond wires of multi-wire cutting machines, not shown.

[0074] The plant 2 further comprises a support apparatus 1 as disclosed herein for supporting a plurality of slabs L in respective slab-holder elements

5, substantially packed and parallel to the tools 4.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plant 2 may comprise a plurality of support apparatus 1 , 1 ', which are adapted to be alternately moved to the machine 3, for continuous cutting of the slabs L.

[0076] The cutting tools 4 are transversely offset to be aligned with the slabs L contained in their respective slab-holder elements 5 throughout the working process.

[0077] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 is designed to be translated along a pair of longitudinal rails 1 3 which extend across the structure of the cutting machine 3, between an operative position in which the slabs L are moved toward the tools 4 during cutting, and an inoperative position in which the slabs L are moved away from the tools 4 after cutting, to make room for another apparatus 1 ' containing new slabs L to be cut.

[0078] For example, while a first support apparatus 1 is in an operative position at the machine 3 for the slabs L to be cut, a second apparatus 1 ' is in an inoperative position, for the slab-holder elements 5 to be loaded, with their respective slabs L, on the frame 10.

[0079] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of simultaneously cutting stone slabs L supported by the apparatus 1 as disclosed herein.

[0080] The slabs L have a predetermined original thickness s and are cut along respective median planes substantially parallel to their side faces F to plates L', L" of relatively small thickness s ₂ .

[0081] The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of cutting tools 4 substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and preferably consisting of a plurality of blades of a frame or a plurality of diamond wires of a multi-wire machine.

[0082] This step is followed by a step of providing a plurality of pairs of panels 6, 7 made of a compression-resistant material, each having an inner surface 8 and an outer surface 9, and a step of sandwiching each slab L between a pair of panels 6, 7.

[0083] Particularly, the sandwiching step is carried out while adhering the opposite faces F of each slab L to the inner surfaces 8 of the panels 6, 7 to define a respective slab-carrying element 5.

[0084] This is followed by a step of providing a bearing frame 10 defining a longitudinal axis X and having a substantially horizontal base 1 1 , and a step of providing a plurality of abutment members 31 that are designed to be secured to the base 1 1 in transversely offsets positions.

[0085] Furthermore, the method comprises the step of loading a pack 5' of slab-holder elements 5 on the frame 10 in a substantially upright position, with the lower edges resting on the base 1 1 and abutting respective abutment members 31 , a step of providing a plurality of clamping means 19 that are designed to be secured to the frame 10 in positions facing the abutment members 31 and a step of actuating the clamping means 19 to hold the pack 5' of slab-holder elements 5, with their respective slabs L against the abutment members 31 substantially aligned with the cutting tools 4.

[0086] Particularly, an outer face 9 of one of the panels 6, 7 that form the slab-carrying element 5 is moved to abutment against a respective abutment surface 45 of a post 33, whereupon the vacuum means are actuated to promote adhesion of the suction cup 22 of the holding elements 1 9 to the corresponding outer face 9 of the panel 6, 7 and stable holding thereof against the abutment surface 45.

[0087] Next, the frame 1 0 loaded with the pack 5' of slab-holder elements 7 held by the clamping means 1 9 against the abutment members 31 is moved to such a position that the slabs L contained in the slab-holder elements 5 are aligned with the cutting tools 4.

[0088] Finally, the method comprises a step of moving the cutting tools 4 until the slabs L are entirely cut and a step of unloading the slab-holder elements 5 from the frame 1 0.

[0089] This will provide a plurality of plate-like products P made of a composite material, each composed of a plate L', L" of relatively small thickness, and a respective panel 6, 7 coupled thereto.

[0090] The support apparatus and the stone slab-cutting plant of the invention are susceptible of a number of changes and variants, within the inventive principle disclosed in the appended claims.

[0091 ] 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.

[0092] While the support apparatus and the stone slab-cutting plant have 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.

Industrial applicability

[0093] The present invention may find application in industry, because it can be produced on an industrial scale in factories in the field of stone and stone-like material processing.