RU2595708C2 - Device and method for distribution of loose solid material - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: machine building.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a device for distribution of loose solid material, for example in grain or powder form, and may be used for distribution of colour material over the surface of the product, for example, for obtaining decorative effect. Device (100) for distribution of loose solid material comprises multiple vibration elements (210) arranged in one plane installed side by side to support material (P) from the bottom. Each of vibration elements is connected to the piezoelectric device (220) configured to convert electric excitation signal in mechanical vibrations that may cause falling material (P) from vibration element (210). Device (100) comprises heaters (240) for heating the vibration elements (210) which are in contact with material (P). Heaters (240) contain at least one heating element configured to emit heat. Heating element stays in contact with vibration elements (210) directly or indirectly via structure (215) from conductive material supporting vibrating elements (210). Method of the device functioning includes a step of heating the plane of vibration elements (210) being in contact with material (P) by means of heating devices (240).

EFFECT: technical result of the invention is possibility of uniform distribution of powder material over the surface, reduced production costs and simplified design.

14 cl, 8 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for the controlled distribution of granular solid material, for example, in granular or powder form, and also to a method of functioning of this device.

More specifically, this invention relates to a device for distributing granular and, depending on the circumstances, colored material over the surface of the product, for example, with the aim of obtaining a decorative effect on this surface.

Even more specifically, this invention relates to a device for distributing material on the surface of a ceramic substrate, for example, a layer of loose ceramic powder, partially densified ceramic tiles, fully densified ceramic tiles, dry ceramic tiles or dry ceramic tiles already partially decorated with liquid dyes.

BACKGROUND

In the field of ceramics, some decorating methods are already known, due to which they can create a certain graphic effect, for example, drawing, patterned structure, color spots or tint, by controlled distribution of a ceramic substrate of colored material in a loose solid state, including, for example, crushed mixtures, powdered glazes, fine particles, frits, etc.

This controlled distribution can be carried out using well-known special devices, such as printheads, which contain a hopper for the material to be distributed and a plurality of vibrating elements located laterally from each other so as to define an inclined storage plane configured to receive material from the bottom hopper holes. The storage plane is normally installed at a small distance under the outlet and is inclined at a smaller angle than the angle of friction created by the material on the storage plane. Thus, if the vibration elements are inactive, the storage plane is able to impede the flow of material and stop the flow of material exiting the hopper. If the vibrating element begins to oscillate, the material gradually moves along it until the material falls from the edge of the vibrating element, while new material is accumulated on the vibrating element, leaving the hopper.

More specifically, each vibratory element typically comprises a flexible plate suitable for determining a portion of the storage plane. Following the corresponding electric exciting signal, the body of the piezoelectric material enters the oscillation mode, simultaneously vibrating the entire vibrating element so that part of the material accumulated on the flexible plate falls onto the ceramic substrate located below it.

An electric exciting signal is supplied to the body of the piezoelectric material through the corresponding electric wire independently of other signals, therefore, each vibrating element can be oscillated and controlled separately, thus making very precise distribution on the surface of the underlying decorated substrate possible.

Electrical excitation signals are controlled using an appropriate automated control device, configured so that it can control the flow rate of material falling from each vibrating element and, thus, the amount distributed on each unit of the decorated surface, modulating the frequency and / or amplitude of the corresponding electrical excitation signal .

The above solution is described in document WO 2009/118611 A1, filed on behalf of the applicant.

The disadvantage of this solution is that the material located on the storage plane tends to adhere to the surface of the flexible plates, forming something like a crust that cannot be removed even if the flexible plate is vibrated. This phenomenon is more pronounced on those flexible plates, which are used to a lesser extent during the working stroke. The reason for it is mainly the moisture contained in the material. Contacting with the cold surface of the plate, it tends to condense, moistening the accumulated material, which is compacted and increases the degree of adhesion. This phenomenon is unacceptable, since the formation of a crust of material remaining adhered to the flexible plate reduces the output section of the hopper and gradually changes the dynamic characteristics of the flexible plate. Therefore, with the same electrical characteristics of the excitation signal, the crusty flexible plate is not able to relieve the amount of material installed during calibration, thus causing distribution errors, which jeopardizes or at least negatively affects the correct distribution of the material on the surface of the decorated product . Other methods and means are known that make it possible to achieve a uniform distribution of the powder material over the surface.

US 2004/0101619 A1 discloses a method in which powder particles are included in a plurality of drops of liquid under the control of a computing device.

The document FR 1575436 A describes an apparatus for processing powder material and creating a flow of material falling on the receiving surface at right angles through a bunch of rods located in a horizontal plane parallel to and at some distance from each other.

The beam is vibrated and the material can be conveniently electrostatically charged and / or heated to order the distribution of the powder.

In addition, a structure containing this bundle can be heated to prevent powder from adhering to it.

For a ceramic area in which maintaining the required powder moisture is essential, heating the entire structure is not suitable.

Heating the entire structure or its main part can lead to an uneven change in the moisture content of the powder mass, which can adversely affect the next stages of ceramic technology.

The prior art does not say anything about controlling the flow of material falling from a vibrating element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Based on the foregoing, the purpose of this invention is to eliminate or at least partially eliminate the aforementioned disadvantage of the prior art. Another goal is to achieve the above goal with a simple, rational and relatively inexpensive solution.

These and other objectives are achieved thanks to the features of the present invention described in the independent clauses. The dependent claims describe preferred and / or particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.

In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, a device for distributing granular solid material is described, comprising a plurality of vibrating elements located laterally from each other so as to support a material from below, each of which is connected to a piezoelectric device for converting an electric exciting signal into mechanical vibrations that can cause material to fall from the vibrating element, and heating means for heating the vibrating elements comrade

Thanks to this solution, vibrational elements can advantageously be heated so as to cause local evaporation of moisture contained in the material, thereby preventing the formation of an unwanted crust.

Heating means act only on the lower layer of the material in contact with the vibration elements, while undesired changes in the moisture content of the mass of material are avoided, so that the material can maintain its usual and desirable humidity, suitable for the following steps.

In one embodiment of the invention, the heating means may comprise one or more heating elements, i.e. elements that are individually configured to emit a certain amount of heat, which is then transmitted to the vibration elements. Each of the heating elements, for example, may have electrical resistance.

This embodiment of the invention has the advantage that it provides several particularly simple and reliable solutions suitable for heating vibrating elements.

In one of these solutions, the heating means comprise a heating element that is designed so that it alone can heat a plurality of vibration elements. In this way, production costs are preferably reduced.

In yet another solution, the heating means comprise a plurality of heating elements, each of which is designed so that it can heat a corresponding vibrating element. Thus, improve the regulation and heating efficiency of each vibrating element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the above-described heating means can be designed to heat the vibration elements directly or indirectly, for example, by heating a structure of a heat-conducting material made as a support for the vibration elements.

An advantage of the first solution is a higher thermal efficiency, while an advantage of the second solution is that it is structurally simpler.

In yet another different embodiment of the invention, the switchgear may further comprise means for cleaning the vibrating element.

Thus, if an unwanted crust of the material to be distributed is formed on the vibration elements, this cleaning agent can be activated so as to remove the crust.

In addition, the cleaning agent can be activated and applied to remove particles of the material to be dispensed that can be introduced and stuck between two adjacent vibrating elements to prevent the vibration of one of these elements from being transmitted to the other element, resulting in an undesired or incorrect distribution of the material.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning agent may comprise at least a blower device configured to supply air flow to the vibration elements.

This embodiment of the invention is distinguished by the advantage that it provides a particularly simple solution with respect to cleaning the vibrating elements from the remains of the material being distributed.

In yet another different embodiment of the invention, the vibration elements can provide a non-stick coating, i.e. a coating having a low coefficient of friction with respect to the material to be distributed, for example, fluorinated ethylene-propylene mixtures or polytetrafluoroethylene.

Thanks to these solutions, the smoothness of the vibration elements is advantageously increased, reducing the likelihood that the material to be distributed adheres to them.

In yet another different embodiment of the invention, each vibratory element is made so that it has a reduced thickness at its sides facing the adjacent vibration elements.

This solution is distinguished by the advantage that the surface of each vibration element facing the adjacent vibration elements is reduced, which reduces the risk that, as explained above, the particles of the distributed material can get stuck between the two vibration elements and reduce their efficiency.

In addition, the present invention discloses a method of operating a device for distributing granular solid material containing a plurality of vibrating elements located laterally from each other so as to support a material from below, each of which is connected to a piezoelectric device configured to convert an electric exciting signal into mechanical vibrations , which can cause the material to fall from the vibrating element, characterized in that this method of functioning including m heating step of vibrating elements.

This method provides the advantage mentioned above with respect to the device, i.e. it causes local evaporation of moisture contained in the material to be distributed, thus preventing unwanted crusts.

In one embodiment of the invention, the step of heating includes heating the vibrating elements to a temperature of from 30 to 50 ° C.

This solution has the advantage that it gives good results in terms of efficiency and moderate energy consumption.

In yet another different embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of cleaning the vibrating elements.

This cleaning step can be carried out periodically or on command, as necessary. This step gives the advantage that it becomes possible to remove any crust from material deposits and / or particles of material formed on the vibration elements that may be stuck between adjacent vibration elements.

In order not to interfere with the correct distribution of the material during manufacture, the cleaning step is preferably carried out when the vibration elements are inactive, i.e. when the switchgear is stopped.

In yet another different embodiment, the cleaning step includes supplying an air stream to the vibrating elements.

As stated above, this embodiment of the invention is distinguished by the advantage that it provides a particularly simple solution with respect to cleaning the vibrating elements from the remains of the material being distributed.

In yet another embodiment, dry powder material may be added to the air stream in order to advantageously increase the mechanical cleaning efficiency of the vibration elements by the air stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent through the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example, and by the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus for distributing bulk solids over a surface treated with these materials.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of a device for controlled distribution of bulk solids related to the apparatus of FIG. one.

FIG. 3 is FIG. 2 as applied to a first alternative embodiment of an alternative heating device.

FIG. 4 is FIG. 2 as applied to a second alternative embodiment of an alternative heating device.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 2 along line VI-VI, shown on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 7 is FIG. 6 as applied to the first alternative embodiment of the vibration elements.

FIG. 8 is FIG. 6 as applied to a second alternative embodiment of vibratory elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 schematically depicts a blower device, for example, an apparatus 300 for the controlled distribution of bulk solids, for example, in granular and / or powder form, on surfaces treated with such materials. Apparatus 300 can be used in the field of ceramics to distribute one or more free-flowing, depending on circumstances, colored materials over the surface of a ceramic substrate, for example, in order to obtain a decorative effect on it. The ceramic substrate may be a layer of ceramic powder, a partially densified ceramic tile, a dry ceramic tile, as well as a dry ceramic tile already partially decorated with other liquid dyes. The bulk solids dispensed by the apparatus 300 may be crushed mixtures, crushed glaze, fine solids, frits, etc.

Schematically, the apparatus 300 comprises a support plane 400 for the ceramic substrate 8 to be treated, and at least a device 100 for controlled distribution of one of the above-mentioned bulk solids P. The device 100 is located above the support plane 400, so that the material P distributed with it can be laid on the located below the ceramic substrate S.

Apparatus 300 can be equipped with suitable means for moving, which, generally speaking, is made in order to enable relative and coordinated movements between the support plane 400 and the distribution device 100 located above it, so as not only to distribute the material P throughout the ceramic substrate S, but and perform drawings or decorative motifs. In this regard, in some embodiments of the invention, the support plane 400 is movable, for example, defined by a movable conveyor belt, and the dispenser 100 is mounted on a fixed structure. In other embodiments of the invention, the support plane 400 is fixed, and the switchgear is mounted on a means for moving, for example, a cart or an anthropomorphic robot, due to which the means for moving can be moved relative to a fixed supporting plane 400. In another embodiment, the invention can be provided as movable the supporting plane 400, and the means for moving the switchgear 100.

The dispenser 100 comprises a hopper 105 configured to fill it with distributable material P. Basically, the hopper 105 extends along a horizontal longitudinal axis A, about which it has a constant section, essentially trapezoidal, which tapers downward. At the top of the hopper 105 has a wide inlet 110 through which material P is loaded inside the hopper 105, while at the bottom of the hopper 105 there is a narrower outlet 115 that extends over the entire longitudinal extent and through which the material P exits downward. In some embodiments, in a horizontal projection, the outlet 115 may be divided into a series of separate passage openings (not shown in the drawing) arranged one after another in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. The passage openings may be determined by a series of vertical partitions attached to the hopper 105 under the exit hole 115.

In addition, the switchgear 100 includes a storage plane, generally indicated by a reference sign 200, which is rigidly connected to the hopper 105 and is located at a small distance from the outlet 115. This distance can be, for example, from 0.2 to 1 cm. Storage plane 200 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the hopper 105 and is such that in horizontal projection it can cover the entire area of the outlet 115. Thus, the storage plane 200 is configured to receive sn from the material P leaving the outlet 115, until the material P is completely stopped lowering. In other words, the position and dimensions of the storage plane 200 relative to the hopper 105 are such that it is normally designed to accumulate a certain amount of material P blocking the outlet 115. The storage the plane 200 may be slightly inclined relative to the vertical, so that the accumulated material P tends to move in the direction of the discharge edge 205 of the accumulation plane 200, which is located behind the outlet 115. However, to allow the flow of material P coming out of the outlet 115 to stop, the angle of inclination of the storage plane 200 is less than the angle of friction created by the accumulated material P on the storage plane 200 itself. For example, the angle of inclination of the storage plane 200 may be less than 20 °.

More specifically, the storage plane 200 is defined by a plurality of separate flexible plates 210, generally rectangular in shape, which are located in the same plane, parallel and sequentially adjacent to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the hopper 105 (see FIG. 2). Flexible plates 210 are preferably made in the form of thin metal plates, for example, steel. In the lateral direction, the gap between each flexible plate 210 and the adjacent plate is small enough to prevent jamming between the plates of material P accumulated on the storage plane 200. The flexible plates 210 are attached to the common support structure 215 so that they protrude from it. The support structure 215 may comprise, for example, clamps adapted to clamp the end of each flexible plate 210, while at the same time leaving the other end free so that it can oscillate in the vertical direction. In the example shown in the drawings, the clamps contain two grippers, each of which is made in the form of a flat rod, mainly extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, i.e. upper grip 216 and lower grip 217, between which flexible plates 210 are located and clamped. In the initial positions, the free ends of all flexible plates 210 are aligned with each other so as to define the discharge edge 205 of the storage plane 200.

As shown in FIG. 6, the flexible plates 210 may have a completely flat and rectangular shape. In other embodiments, flexible plates 210, at least their free ends, may have a slightly concave shape. The concavity can be turned up to concentrate the material P in the center of each flexible plate 210, or it can be turned down to concentrate the material P along the lateral parts of each flexible plate 210 or between the flexible plate 210 and the adjacent flexible plate.

A corresponding body made of piezoelectric material 220 is attached to the inside of each flexible plate 210. The body of piezoelectric material 220 can be made, for example, in the form of a relatively thin plate glued under the corresponding flexible plate 210. The resulting vibration assembly 235 can be mounted with acting on the supporting structure 215, for example, holding it together with a flexible plate 210, with which it is directly connected. A corresponding electric cable 225 is connected to each body of piezoelectric material. An electric cable 225 can be connected to the body of piezoelectric material 220 using a weld 230. Of course, the weld 230 may not exist, it can be replaced by a different type of electrical connector, for example, a rubber contact . Using an appropriate electrical cable 225, each body of piezoelectric material 220 can receive electrical excitation signals, typically AC signals or voltage signals of a rectangular or sinusoidal shape. The body of the piezoelectric material 220 is designed to perform corresponding mechanical vibrations in response to the electric excitation signals, which are also transmitted to the corresponding flexible plate 210. In practice, the electric excitation signals supplied to the body from the piezoelectric material 220 excite mechanical vibrations of all a vibration assembly 235, which generally comprises the body of piezoelectric material 220 itself, a weld seam 230, as it is, which connects those of a piezoelectric material 220 with the electric cable 225 and the corresponding flexible plate 210.

Due to the vibrations of the vibrating assembly 235, the material accumulated on the corresponding flexible plate 210 gradually moves to the discharge edge 205 of the storage plane 200, from which it falls due to gravity in the downward direction and, thus, is unloaded onto the surface of the underlying ceramic substrate 3. Since the material P falls from discharge edge 205, another material P exits from outlet 115 of hopper 115 to provide a constant and continuous flow of discharge material P. If the electric enabling signal is interrupted, the vibrating unit 235 returns to the quiescent state, which stops the movement of material P on the flexible plate 210 and hence its distribution.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, on each flexible plate 210 there is a coating of non-stick material 211. This coating covers at least the upper surface 211 of each flexible plate 210, i.e. that surface, which is part of the definition of the storage plane 200. However, each flexible plate 210 may be completely covered with non-stick coating material 211. Compared to the material P, the non-stick coating material 211 generally has a lower coefficient of friction than the coefficient of friction of the flexible plate 210, in order to increase the smoothness of the storage plane 200 and thus contribute to the unloading of the material P if the flexible plate 210 is oscillated. In particular, the coating 211 can be carried out using a mixture based on fluorinated ethylene propylene or polytetrafluoroethylene. Coating 211 is applied and tightly bonded to flexible plates 210 using known methods. Of course, non-stick coating material 211 can be applied to flexible plates 210 of any shape and size, therefore, to flexible plates 210 having a different shape than that shown in FIG. 7.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, each flexible plate 210 is shaped so that it has a reduced thickness at the sides 212 facing adjacent adjacent flexible plates 210, thereby correspondingly reducing the surface of the sides. Thus, particles of material P, which can be accidentally sandwiched between two adjacent flexible plates 210, will be removed faster downward, preferably reducing the risk of them becoming stuck and thus adversely affect the reliable functioning of the individual flexible plates 210. B In the illustrated example, this reduction in thickness is obtained by shaping the lateral sides 212 of each flexible plate 210 so that they have a countersink 213 extending in the longitudinal direction. Countersink 213 has a rounded cross-sectional profile, and its concavity is turned outward and downward. Thus, each flexible plate 210 has a substantially trapezoidal profile, the larger base of which is turned upward to define the storage plane 200. Although not explicitly shown in the drawings, the flexible plates 210 of this embodiment can also be coated with a non-adhesive coating material 211, as described above.

From the point of view of driving an electric signal, the switchgear 100 can be connected to a voltage generator 500, which is electrically connected to a body of piezoelectric material 220 of each vibration unit 235 using its electric cable 225. The voltage generator 500 is configured so that it can generate and supply corresponding electrical excitation signals to each body of piezoelectric material 220, so that each vibration unit 235 of the switchgear 100 mo can vibrate independently of other vibration nodes. Typically exciting signals are voltage signals of a sinusoidal or rectangular shape. In addition, the dispenser 100 includes heating means for heating during operation of the flexible plates 210 to cause localized evaporation of the moisture contained in the material P accumulated on the plates 210, mainly to prevent the formation of unwanted crusts.

The heating means is preferably capable of heating the flexible plates 210 to a temperature of 30 to 50 ° C. The heating means may comprise one or more heating elements, i.e. elements capable of generating and emitting heat, which is then supplied to the flexible plates 210.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 and 2, the heating means comprise, for example, a heating element 240 configured so that it can itself heat all the flexible plates 210 of the switchgear 100. The heating element 240 contains one or more resistive heating elements (not shown), by electrical connection 241 connected to a current generator 255. Thus, the current generator 255 can generate electric current passing through the heating elements, while creating heat. Resistive heating elements are enclosed in an outer casing 242 of a heating element 240 made of heat-conducting material. The outer casing 242 is in the form of a flat rod extending mainly in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the hopper 105, and it is brought into direct contact with all flexible plates 210, being located between the upper gripper 216 of the supporting structure 215 and the fixed ends of the flexible plates 210. Thus, the heat emitted from the outer casing 242 of the heating element 240 is transmitted directly to the flexible plates 210.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the heating means comprise a heating element 240, completely similar to the above. In this case, the heating element is also configured so that it can itself heat the flexible plates 210 of the switchgear 100, but indirectly. In particular, the outer casing 242 of the heating element 240 is not in direct contact with the flexible plates 210, but in direct contact with the upper grip 216 of the supporting structure 215. Thus, the heat radiated from the outer casing 242 of the heating element 240 is transferred to the supporting structure 215 and from the supporting structure 215, indirectly to the flexible plates 210. Of course, in this embodiment, at least the upper grip 216 of the supporting structure 215 is made of heat-conducting material.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the heating means comprise a plurality of heating elements 245, each of which is capable of heating a corresponding flexible plate 210. Each heating element 245 contains at least one resistive heating element (not shown), mounted in an external heat-conducting material. The electrical resistance of each heating element 245 is connected to a current generator 255 using a conventional electrical connection (not shown), so that power to each heating element 245 can be supplied independently of other heating elements 245. In the example shown, the outer casing 246 has a block shape, located so that it is in direct contact with the corresponding flexible plate 210, being located between the upper grip 216 of the supporting structure 215 and the fixed end flexibly plate 210. The outer shell 246 of each heating element 245 is also located at a distance from the outer shell 246 of all the other heating elements. Thus, the heat radiated from the outer casing 246 of each heating element 245 is transferred essentially only to the corresponding flexible plate 210.

From the foregoing, it is clear that a specialist in this field can design heating means in many different and different ways, without showing, as far as the foregoing, any inventive activity and, therefore, without departing from the general concept underlying the proposed solution.

The dispenser 100 comprises a means for cleaning the flexible plates 210, which can be activated manually or automatically, periodically or only by command, for example, to remove particles of material P that form a crust on the flexible plates 210 and / or get stuck in the spaces between the flexible plates 210. In the illustrated example, the cleaning agent comprises devices, including one or more blowers 260 (of a known type), each of which can create and at a high speed supply air flow to a plate 210 to mechanically remove the crusty and / or stuck material P. Each blower 260, for example, may include a supply pipe 261 configured to connect a distribution nozzle 262 to a reservoir 263 containing compressed air, and a valve 264, preferably electrically controlled, which is installed along the supply pipe 261 and is designed to selectively prevent or release the air outlet. In addition, each blower 260 may be coupled to means for adding dry powder material to the air stream supplied to the flexible plates 210 in order to increase the mechanical cleaning effect produced by the air stream. The dry powder, for example, may be sand. The means for adding dry material to the air stream may include a hopper for dry powder material and a pipe 271 configured to connect the hopper 270 to the supply pipe 261. Thus, if the valve 264 is open, the air that flows in the supply pipe 261 entrains dry powdered material in the direction of the dispensing nozzle 262, from which essentially air mixed with dry powder material exits. The dry powder material displaced by the air stream is continuously replaced with new dry powder material falling from the hopper 270 through a pipe 271.

An electronic control unit 600 for generating and transmitting control signals to a voltage generator 500 can be connected to a switchgear 100. These control signals can activate, interrupt and regulate electrical excitation signals supplied to each body from the piezoelectric material 220 of the switchgear 100. The electronic control unit 600 can also be configured to generate and transmit control signals to a device configured to create relative movement between reference plane 400 and dispenser 100 to coordinate them based on the distribution of material P, which should be radiated on a ceramic substrate 3.

In addition, the electronic control unit 600 is configured to generate and transmit control signals to the current generator 255. These control signals can activate, interrupt and regulate the electrical power of the heating elements of the flexible plates 210, i.e. heating elements, in accordance with this embodiment, denoted by reference signs 240, 245. During the operation of the switchgear 100, i.e. when the dispenser 100 is used productively to distribute the bulk material P on the ceramic substrate 3, the electronic control unit 600 can maintain a constant active state of the heating elements 240, 245, or it can activate the heating elements 240, 245 only for a limited time period, which can periodically to repeat. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the electronic control unit 600 can also selectively activate only one or more heating elements 245, for example, to heat only those flexible plates 210 that are used to discharge material P to a lesser extent.

In addition, the electronic control unit 600 is connected to a valve device 264 of each blower device 260 and is configured so that it can generate and transmit control signals capable of selectively opening and closing the valve 264 to make it possible (or impossible) to supply an air stream, preferably hot dry powder containing air flow towards flexible plates 210 to clean them. In particular, the electronic control unit 600 can activate the air flow automatically or manually on command. In both cases, the electronic control unit 600 is designed to activate the air supply only if the switchgear 100 does not work, i.e. if it is not used to distribute bulk material P on a ceramic substrate 3.

To perform these functions, the electronic control unit 600 may comprise a central processor coupled to a storage device 605 and an interface bus, which may be used to transmit control signals generated by the central processor to a voltage generator 500, as well as various means for moving. Storage device 605 may include various types of storage systems, including optical, magnetic, solid state, and other non-volatile storage devices. The central processor is designed to execute instructions of one or more control programs (software) stored in the storage device 605. In particular, control programs are designed to implement all of the calibration, control, and control methods described below, making it possible for the central processor to execute all the steps of these methods.

In conclusion, it is necessary to clarify that the apparatus 300 may comprise a plurality of control devices 100 of the above type, each of which may be configured to distribute a different material P, for example, having a different color, to create more complex finishes.

Switchgears 100 of this set can be arranged laterally apart so that the longitudinal axes A of the respective hoppers 105 are arranged in a line or one after the other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes A, as the case may be, with a slight offset relative to each other, so that to obtain such graphic compositions that include powders of various types. In this case, the plurality of dispensers 100 can also be mounted rigidly with respect to the movable support plane 400, or they can be mounted on the moving means to move this plurality of dispensers relative to the fixed support plane 400, or both solutions can be applied.

It is clear that a specialist in this field for industrial use can make various modifications of the apparatus 300 and the switchgear 100, without going beyond the scope of the invention, the formula of which is given below.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 switchgear

105 storage bin

110 inlet

115 outlet

200 storage plane

205 discharge edge

210 flexible plate

211 coverage

212 side

213 countersink

215 support structure

216 upper grip

217 bottom grip

220 body of piezoelectric material

225 electric cable

230 weld

235 vibration unit

240 heating element

241 electrical connections

242 outer housing of the heating element

245 heating element

246 outer housing of the heating element

255 current generator

260 blower

261 supply pipe

262 distribution nozzle

263 tank

264 valve

265 heating element

270 bunker

271 pipeline

300 apparatus

400 reference plane

500 voltage generator

600 electronic control unit

605 storage device

A longitudinal axis of the hopper

S ceramic backing

P material

Claims (14)

1. A device (100) for distributing granular solid material (P), comprising a plurality of vibrational elements (210) located in the same plane, mounted laterally from one another so as to support from below the material (P) flowing vertically from the hopper (105) ), each of which is connected to a piezoelectric device (220), configured to convert the electric exciting signal into mechanical vibrations that can cause the material (P) to fall from the vibrating element (210), characterized in that it contains heating means (240, 245) for heating the vibration elements (210), which are in contact with the material (P), and the heating means contain at least one heating element (240, 245), configured to radiate heat and in contact with vibration elements (210) directly or indirectly through a structure (215) of a heat-conducting material supporting the vibrating elements (210). 2. The device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that each heating element contains an electrical resistance. 3. The device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the heating element (240) is configured to heat the entire set of vibration elements (210). 4. The device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the heating means comprise a plurality of heating elements (245), each of which is configured to heat a corresponding vibration element (210). 5. The device (100) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, characterized in that it contains means (260) for cleaning vibrating elements (210). 6. The device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the means for cleaning contain at least a blower device (260) configured to supply air flow to the vibration elements (210). 7. The device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the blower device (260) is connected with means (270, 271) for adding dry powder material to the air stream. 8. The device (100) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, 6, 7, characterized in that the vibration elements (210) are provided with a coating (211) of non-stick material. 9. The device (100) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, 6, 7, characterized in that each vibration element (210) is made so that it has a reduced thickness on the sides (212) facing the adjacent vibration elements (210). 10. The method of operation of the device (100) for distributing granular solid material (P), moreover, the device (100) contains a plurality of vibrational elements (210) located in the same plane, located laterally from each other so as to support the material (P) from below. of which is connected with a piezoelectric device (220), configured to convert the electric exciting signal into mechanical vibrations that can cause the material (P) to fall from the vibrating element (210), characterized in that The method of operation comprises the step of heating the plane of the vibration elements (210) in contact with the material (P) by means of heating means (240, 245), the heating means comprising at least one heating element (240, 245) configured to radiate heat and in contact with the vibration elements (210) directly or indirectly through a structure (215) of a heat-conducting material supporting the vibrating elements (210). 11. The method according to p. 10, characterized in that the heating step comprises heating the vibration elements (210) to a temperature of from 30 to 50 ° C. 12. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 10, 11, characterized in that it comprises the step of cleaning the vibration elements (210). 13. The method according to p. 12, characterized in that the cleaning step comprises supplying an air stream to the vibration elements (210). 14. The method according to p. 13, characterized in that dry powder material is added to the air stream.

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