EP1691078A1 - Pump device for construction materials - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a tank (1) that receives a construction material to be projected under form of a mixture and communicates with a pump (11) which is actuated by a motor (7) through a reducing gear (8). A material routing tube (13) is connected in a pump outlet using the component that permits to couple and decouple the tube. A return tube (12) is connected in the outlet and is mounted in closed circuit on the tank.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a device for carrying out the pumping and the projection, the application, the coating or the grouting of building materials, and in particular mortar, plaster, cement or any other similar mixture, on all surfaces. , interior or exterior, vertical or not.

PRIOR STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

In order to produce, for example, the coating of a mortar, or of any other coating construction material, especially on a surface of any kind, and in particular consisting of stones or bricks, a ceiling, etc., it is well known to proceed manually using a trowel, possibly specifically dedicated and shaped for this purpose. In addition to the manual nature of this operation and the fatigue generated for the operator, experience shows that the result obtained is not always satisfactory, especially in terms of uniformity of the seal, the coating or coating thus produced.

Already, and in order to automate the projection or coating of said material on the surface, it has been proposed pumping machines, conventionally comprising a loading hopper of the material to be coated or sprayed, communicating with a pump either directly by gravity alone or by means of a spiral screw feeding system. This pump can be of any kind, including screw, piston, membrane or peristaltic. This pump is connected to a tube or pipe, intended to allow the transport of said material at the user's area of intervention, this tube having at its end a projection member, lance type or spray gun to be coated or This type of device is described, for example, in document FR-A-2 794 181.

If indisputably, this type of device facilitates the work of the user and improves its conditions of intervention, especially in terms of comfort, however its implementation faces a number of technical difficulties, among which it should be done. first, those related to the actual composition of building materials to be sprayed or coated.

Indeed, these consist of a mixture as homogeneous as possible of one or more powdery materials (cement, lime, sand, etc ...) associated with water, according to determined proportions and suitable to allow a congealing, and therefore a relatively fast solidification of said mixture once projected, coated, or applied.

In the context of performing such application, coating, grouting or projection work, it is common for the user to be interrupted for a number of reasons, so that the device of the aforementioned type must be stopped. to avoid the continuation of the projection in materials, with as a corollary, the risk of freezing of said material within the hopper, and thus the blocking, and at least the clamping of the pump, because of the formation of plugs constituted precisely by the freezing of said material.

Admittedly, it is possible to provide such devices engines powerful enough to allow the restart of the pump, after such interruptions. However, such cycles of stopping and restarting with a hopper full or substantially full very quickly result in the deterioration of the device, including the pump. It should be remembered that at least part of the materials used for the production of the organs forming part of the constitution of this type of device has a great hardness because of the components involved in its constitution.

In addition to this difficulty, is also grafted another technical problem related to the speed of operation of the pump. Indeed, if this operating speed is less than a determined value, segregation is observed between the water and the powdery products involved in the constitution of the mixture.

As a corollary, also because of this segregation, there is an increase in the temperature at the mechanical members inherent to the cavitation of the mixture in contact with the pump in operation.

In order to overcome this drawback, it has been suggested to simply increase the operating speed of the pump. However, such an increase in speed is necessarily accompanied by pumping and therefore the correlative projection of a larger amount of material, and is therefore unsatisfactory for the user.

The technical solution proposed in the aforementioned document is to implement a drive motor of the pump operating hydraulically variable displacement, associated with a particular automatic starting device and progressive. However, the principle recommended is relatively complex to implement, in addition to use.

As a corollary, if it proves to be satisfactory in order to overcome the defects encountered during the phases, in particular of starting or restarting the projection of materials, on the other hand, once these phases have been completed, the too high speed of operation of the pump no longer permits to reduce the amount of projected or coated materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages. It is aimed at a device of the type in question, that is to say intended to pump and spray, coat, join or apply a construction material, coated type, mortar and other cement, on any surface, and especially on a wall or a ceiling, which allows both an adjustment of the amount of material projected, without leading to the crippling result of the devices of the prior art, namely the segregation of the various constituents of the material, in addition to the alteration of mechanical parts of the structure of these devices.

• une cuve propre à recevoir le matériau à pomper et à projeter, enduire, jointer ou appliquer, dont le fond communique ou non avec un organe de gavage ;
• une pompe activée par un moteur, au niveau de laquelle est acheminé ledit matériau soit par gravité, soit par ledit organe de gavage, ladite pompe étant connectée à une canalisation d'alimentation dudit matériau jusqu'à la zone d'utilisation.

This device comprises:

• a tank adapted to receive the material to be pumped and sprayed, coated, joined or applied, the bottom of which does or does not communicate with a force-feeding device;
• a pump activated by a motor, at which said material is conveyed either by gravity or by said feeding member, said pump being connected to a feed pipe of said material to the area of use.

According to the invention, the outlet of the pump is also connected in closed circuit with the tank by means of a so-called "return" pipe, said return pipe on the tank being permanently supplied with material intended to be sprayed, coated applied or joined.

In addition, said return pipe is closable on command of an adjustable regulation system.

In other words, the invention consists in continuously subjecting the constituent mixture of the material to be sprayed, coated, joined or applied within the vessel to agitation resulting from its continuous progression at least in a closed circuit, and to to vary the amount of material conveyed necessary to the user, by mounting a bypass at the pump outlet, thus reducing or increasing the quantity available at the end of the projection pipe, and without varying the nominal speed of the pump. pump operation. In doing so, it can be set at a value both sufficient to avoid segregation phenomena mentioned above, without the risk of routing too much material at the place of use.

According to the invention, the control system controls the closing and opening of the return pipe, and integrates a member acting on this closure and on this opening, said member being controlled by an adjustable time delay relay.

This control system is operated pneumatically, electrically or hydraulically.

In addition, and according to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the control system is itself under the control of a remote control distributor, advantageously located at the level of the projection member, coating, grouting or application, positioned, in a known manner, at the end of the projection pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The way in which the invention can be realized and the advantages which result therefrom will emerge more clearly from the exemplary embodiment which follows, given by way of indication and not limitation, in support of the appended figures. This example illustrates a mode of operation using the pneumatic energy as the operating energy of the regulation system.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention.
Figures 2 and 3 respectively show a pneumatic diagram of the operating principle of the device according to the invention, respectively in connection with a projection member consisting of a plaster gun and a gun to join.

Figures 4 and 5 are schematic representations in section of the shutter member of the return line on the tank, and in this case basically consists of a double-acting cylinder.
Figure 6 is a schematic perspective representation of said organ in question.

FIG. 1 therefore shows a general view of the pumping and projection device according to the present invention.

Basically, it consists of a tank (1), in this case hopper-shaped, intended to receive the material to be sprayed in the form of a mixture, typically a coating, a mortar or a cement, in order to be projected on an interior or exterior surface, a ceiling, a wall etc ...

This tank (1) rests in the example described on a carriage (4) provided with wheels (5), to allow the transfer of the device in the vicinity of the place of use. Of course, this carriage is provided with stabilization means, in addition to a hitch (not shown so as not to overload the figures unnecessarily).

This tank (1) is further partially closed at about two-thirds of its height by a grid (3) for protection and safety, to avoid the introduction into its useful volume, bulky objects and especially hard, likely to deteriorate the various mechanical organs forming part of the device of the invention.

The tank (1) communicates with a pump (11), the contents of said tank, and thus the constituent mixture of the material to be sprayed to the pump by simple gravity. However, for larger devices, the bottom of the tank may be provided with a feeding member, ensuring the progression of said material at the pump.

The pump (11) consists for example of a worm (not shown), actuated by a motor (7), via a gear (8). Said engine can be of any kind, including thermal, electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic.

The motor assembly (7) + gearbox (8) is furthermore advantageously protected by a hinged folding cover (9), especially in view of the risks of projection of the material to be sprayed in question.

A pipe for routing the material to be sprayed (13) is connected at the output of the pump (11), this connection being made by conventional means, schematically represented by the reference (14). Such means make it possible to easily couple and uncouple the tube (13), in particular to make it possible to vary the diameter and the length thereof, or simply to clean it.

The end of said tube (13) also receives, also removably, a projection member, for example consisting of an attachment gun (15) or a plaster gun (16), obviously a function of envisaged use of the device of the invention.

In addition and according to a characteristic of the invention, a pipe (12) called "return" is connected at the output of the pump, and is mounted in a closed circuit on the vessel (1). In doing so, this assembly is likely to ensure agitation of the mixture, because of the permanent movement to which it is subjected.

According to an essential feature of the present invention, this return pipe (12) is closed in a predetermined sequence, by means of a control system (17) described in more detail later.

Finally, the entire device is controlled by a number of elements, also described below, centralized at a control box (10).

In order not to overload Figure 1, the various pneumatic connections necessary for the operation of the device have not been shown.

The principle and the regulation system according to the present invention will be described in more detail below. Basically, they are based on the variation of the relative amount respectively of material to be sprayed and circulating material closed circuit within the tank (1), driven by the pump (11).

In other words, the pipe (12) said return, is fed continuously by said material. However, this pipe is likely to be closed cyclically or periodically, the closing frequency or opening of this pipe may be directly a function of the amount of material used by the user of the machine at the level of the end of the pipe (13) for conveying said material.

For this purpose, the return pipe (12) is provided, in the example described near its end, with a regulation system (17), shown in more detail in section in FIGS. 4 and 5, and in perspective in Figure 6.

• l'arrivée (40), destinée à permettre le pilotage de la fermeture du système de régulation, autorise l'introduction d'air comprimé dans la chambre arrière du vérin, induisant la poussée du piston (sur la figure 4 vers le bas), et corollairement l'obturation, par un clapet (42) ménagé à l'extrémité libre du piston, de la zone (43) de débouchement de la canalisation (12) ;
• et l'arrivée (41), permettant le pilotage de l'ouverture dudit système, autorise l'introduction d'air comprimé dans la chambre avant du vérin, induisant alors au contraire le recul du piston au fond du cylindre le recevant (figure 5 vers le haut), et corollairement l'ouverture dudit clapet (42), libérant ainsi l'accès pour le matériau à projeter à la zone (44) de débouchement dans la cuve (1), assurant ainsi l'ouverture du circuit fermé précité.

In this case, this system basically comprises a double-acting cylinder (20), provided with two compressed air inlets, respectively (40) and (41):

• the inlet (40), intended to control the closure of the control system, allows the introduction of compressed air into the rear chamber of the cylinder, inducing the thrust of the piston (in Figure 4 downwards), and corollairement the closure, by a valve (42) formed at the free end of the piston, the region (43) of uncoupling of the pipe (12);
• and the inlet (41), allowing control of the opening of said system, allows the introduction of compressed air into the front chamber of the cylinder, while inducing instead the recoil of the piston at the bottom of the cylinder receiving it (FIG. upwards), and correspondingly the opening of said valve (42), thus releasing the access for the material to be sprayed to the zone (44) of uncorking in the tank (1), thus ensuring the opening of the aforementioned closed circuit .

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the skilled person will easily understand the path of the pneumatic circuit acting on this regulating member.

As can therefore be seen in the figures, the general control system, bearing the reference (19), basically incorporates the system (17) above, and in particular the double-acting jack (20).

The control of the compressed air at the inlets (40) and (41) of said cylinder is subjected to a pneumatic distributor (22). This distributor (22) is of type 5-2. It is associated with a mechanical spring drive, and is controlled by an adjustable timing relay (21), such as for example marketed by the company CROUZET under the reference "81506710", carrying at its level a clean compressed air flow to oppose the stress generated by said spring. This delay thus makes it possible to have an adjustable duration of supply of compressed air flow, which therefore makes it possible, according to the value of the time delay established by the user, to switch the distributor according to its two positions according to the desired period or frequency, and therefore corollary increase or decrease the amount of material to be conveyed to the end of the pipe (13) according to the needs of the user.

The compressed air for operating the cylinder (20) is conveyed to the distributor (22) via a pipe (33), itself under the control of an assembly (18) of two pneumatic safety valves, respectively ( 31) and (32). The distributor (32) is itself in direct relationship with the compression chain of the compressed air. This basically comprises and in a known manner a compression motor (38) associated with a lubricator (37), a pressure gauge (36), a pressure regulating member (35), and a filter (34).

This engine is itself indirectly related to a source of compressed air (24), closable by means of a valve (25), and whose connection to the pneumatic circuit is also provided with a filter (26).

When implementing a plaster gun (16), it is necessary to have at its level a source of compressed air. For this purpose, via a pipe (28), the compressed air is conveyed to a pneumatic distributor (29) of type 3-2, allowing after passing through a variable flow restriction member (30). ), to distribute the compressed air at an integrated air intake nozzle within said plaster gun (16) (see Figure 2). However, for the implementation of a gun jointer (15), this feature is superfluous (see Figure 3).

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the timer (21) is itself under the direct control of a control device consisting in this case of a remote control distributor (27), advantageously associated with the gun (15). , 16). This is a pneumatic distributor type 3-2, and is actuated by a push user. This distributor is connected by a pipe (23) to the timer (21), as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3. In addition, it is also associated with a mechanical spring drive, and the constraint generated by the spring is neutralizable with a push user operated.

In doing so, and in the absence of positive action on the pusher, the dispenser (27) is in the closed position. When the user wishes to proceed with the projection of coating, he presses the pusher of the distributor (27), switching it to the passing path of the compressed air, which, acting through the pipe (23) on the delay (21), first induces the closing of the valve (42) within the system (17), and consequently the routing of the coating at the end of the pipe (13) and therefore the gun (15) or (16).

In other words, the distributor (27) operates in "all or nothing" mode, that is to say that its actuation induces the communication of the pneumatic distributor (21) associated with the delay with the pneumatic distributor (22). actuating the system (17). Then, only the timer, depending on the setting that has been assigned to it, allows to vary the amount of material conveyed to the end of the pipe (13).

When this operation is completed, the user releases the pressure on the pusher, inducing, due to the spring associated with the distributor (27), the switching of the latter in the blocking position, eliminating the actuation of compressed air at the level of the delay (21) and corollairement inducing the opening of the valve (42) and the circulation in closed circuit of the coating in the tank through the return pipe (12).

Advantageously, the distributor (27) acts simultaneously on the timer or relay (21) and on the spray gun (15, 16), so that its actuation, positive in the example described, induces both the opening said gun and conveying the material to be projected at its level.

It is therefore understood that whatever the mode of operation of the device of the invention, ie in the active mode of projection of the construction material or in the temporary mode of stopping the projection, said material is permanently under agitation due to its continuous movement, under the action of the pump (11).

In doing so, there is no risk of segregation of the material into its basic components, especially powdery materials and water. In other words, the operating speed of the pump can be constant and set at a value such that any risk of segregation is zero. The invention is therefore not to act on this speed, but on the other hand to vary the amount of material sent to the coating guns.

This therefore makes it possible to maintain said speed above the aforementioned critical threshold in relation with the description of the prior art, thus also avoiding the overheating of the mechanical components forming part of the device and, consequently, their premature wear.

In addition, it is easy to see that the user located at the end of the pipe (13) and therefore now the gun joining (15), or plaster (16), and in this case provided with an additional air supply , can very easily, induce the projection of materials, giving it a great comfort of use.

In addition, it can act on the quantity or the projected flow by simply varying the delay time acting on the shutter member of the return line.

Finally, the control system is likely to act as a safety device, when an untimely stop occurs at the output of the guns (15, 16). Indeed, if the user fails to release the push button associated with the remote control distributor (27), the pressure inside the pipe increases, but however limited to the value of the maximum pressure likely to reign in the cylinder rear chamber (20). Indeed, when the pressure in the pipe (13) reaches the maximum in said rear chamber, the latter back and thus releases the orifice (44) connecting the return line (12) in the tank (1).

Claims (6)

Device for pumping, spraying, applying, coating and grouting construction materials, including plaster, mortar, cement, or any other similar mixture, on any surface, including a vessel ( 1) adapted to receive the construction material, and communicating with a pump (11) activated by a motor (7), said pump being connected to a supply pipe (13) of said material to the area of use;
characterized In that the outlet of the pump (11) is also connected in closed circuit with the tank (1) by means of a return line (12), said return line to the tank being continuously supplied with material intended for to be projected; • and in that the return pipe is closable at the request of an adjustable regulation system (19). Device for pumping, spraying, applying, coating and grouting construction materials according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustable control system comprises a member controlled by an adjustable delay time relay (21). ). Device for pumping, spraying, applying, coating and grouting construction materials according to claim 2, characterized in that the control system is actuated pneumatically, electrically or hydraulically. Device for pumping, spraying, applying, coating and grouting construction materials according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shutter member of the return pipe is controlled by a double-acting cylinder (20). Device for pumping, spraying, applying, coating and grouting construction materials according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the adjustable control system itself is dependent on a remote control distributor (27). Device for pumping, spraying, applying, coating and grouting construction materials according to claim 5, characterized in that the remote control valve (27) is located at the projection member (15, 16).

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