FR2526351A1 - SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR PORTABLE APPARATUS WITH ABRASIVE PROJECTION WHEEL - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO A PORTABLE ABRASIVE SPRAYING WHEEL SYSTEM. THIS SYSTEM INCLUDES A PORTABLE APPARATUS 20 WITH A ROTATING ABRASIVE SPRAY WHEEL UNDER A 110 TROLLEY SLIDING ON A BEAM 112, THE POWER SUPPLY CABLES FROM THE CONTROL MOTOR AND THE ABRASIVE SUPPLY LINE FROM A SOURCE OF ABRASIVE BOTH LOCATED IN HEIGHT. SUCH A SYSTEM DEVELOPS A RELATIVELY HIGH POWER WHILE REMAINING COMPACT AND HANDLING.

Description

The invention relates generally to improvements

  abrasive blasting equipment, and it relates more specifically to a

  portable abrasive blast wheel.

  It has been recognized as advantageous for years to have a blasting apparatus or an abrasive blasting wheel apparatus that would occupy the range of cleaning speed or projection power existing between a blast cleaning nozzle and a blast cleaning nozzle. Air-compressed, low power and handy, and a centrifugal, high-power and bulky projection wheel apparatus The obvious solution is a small, light-weight centrifugal projection wheel, which is manageable and can be handled by one man, in much the same way as the air stripping nozzle The idea of a portable abrasive blast wheel is not new In 1940, a portable wheeled device was developed abrasive blasting device which could be easily suspended and handled by one man, as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 2,263,321. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, that will not be listed, this unit does not have

been marketed.

  It should be noted, however, that in

  past, to obtain the great output power required

  In this case, it was necessary to use large electric motors which,

  consequently, rendered the apparatus heavy and cumbersome.

  Another way has been to use pneumatic motors

  This arrangement makes it possible to give the abrasive the necessary speed in a small volume. However,

  since the power is limited, usually

  less than 3.7 kilowatts for a practical device, the

  volume or mass of the abrasive is significantly reduced.

  More recently, manufacturers have developed high-speed hydraulic motors (up to 000 rpm). For example, a hydraulic motor can develop up to 24kW at 6000rpm while not weighing

than 7.8 kg.

  To the problem of weight and size of the engine, are added other practical problems that have not been solved so far. According to the invention, an abrasive projection wheel apparatus has been developed, which can be operated by hand and develops relatively high power.

being compact and manageable.

  The invention also relates to an abrasive feed device for feeding the wheel of

  projection throughout the range of positions and

  required, in practice, to carry out a cleaning

by stripping.

  The invention also relates to a mechanical assistance device which facilitates the manipulations of

  the projection wheel apparatus and participates in the resistance

  to the reaction forces developed by the wheel.

  The invention further relates to a wheel assembly

  of projection and enclosure, quite sure in terms of

  the protection of the operator, while having a resistance

  wear and tear giving it a reasonable service life.

  The invention further relates to a device for

  order making the use of the

  portable wheel with abrasive projection wheel.

  In particular, the projection wheel works in a substantially vertical plane which passes approximately by the operator so that the latter can easily react to the reaction thrust of the apparatus when the latter

is in a natural position.

  Another feature of the invention resides in the suspension of the apparatus, designed so that the motor and the abrasive supply device remain stationary, and that a relatively light enclosure can rotate around the axis of the engine so The invention also relates to a projection wheel assembly of very simple configuration and construction, which, however, does not run the risk of

  dissociate in a way that may injure the operator.

  An even more important feature is a suspension device for this portable abrasive blast wheel apparatus, whereby the apparatus is suspended from two cables, one of which is

  tilted upwards and forwards at an angle of

  450, and the other is inclined upwards and

  at a very closed angle, so that the weight of the apparatus itself is opposed to the backward movement normally resulting from the reaction forces of the projection wheel.

  Another feature of the suspension device

  sion is the presence of a simple mechanism for controlling the suspension cables allowing the device to be raised and lowered in accordance with the needs arising during use. The suspension device further comprises a brake which prevents a carriage, traversing a beam or support beam, from being released during the operation of the apparatus. Thus, the suspension is prevented from floating.

  freely while the device exerts a reaction force.

  Otherwise, the device could move freely towards the operator and transmit to the operator a

unforeseen strength.

  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of non-limitative examples and in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view, partly in section, showing the general environment of use of the portable device to abrasive blasting wheel according to the invention, this view also showing the operation of the apparatus; Figure 2 is a partial vertical section of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing how this apparatus is normally operated; Figure 3 is a partial view from above showing the normal mode of use of the apparatus for etching a casting carried by a rail carriage; FIG. 4 is a vertical section, similar to that of FIG. 2, showing a variant of the suspension device, in which the beam is in the form of an arrow mounted so as to be pivotable about the axis of FIG. abrasive feed; FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-section of another variant of the suspension device, in which not only can the arrow rotate about the axis of the abrasive supply, but also in which the abrasive supply is movable on the along the chamber or stripping room; Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of the pickling chamber of Figure 5, showing in detail the suspension device of the apparatus; FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view

  showing particular details of a device for

  cable house intended for the apparatus according to the invention;

  Figure 8 is an elevation of a type of dis-

  positive abrasive supply; FIG. 9 is a partial longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, of one of the connections of the abrasive feed device of FIG. 8, this view showing how the movement of the abrasive is assisted by air; Figure 10 is a schematic elevation, partly in section, of a typical embodiment of the portable abrasive blasting wheel apparatus according to the invention with removable projection casing; Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view, partly in section, showing details of another embodiment of the abrasive supply device; Fig. 12 is a partial longitudinal section of a portion of the portable abrasive blast wheel apparatus showing how the drive air is separated from the abrasive; Figure 13 is an elevation, with partial cut and tear, of a preferred embodiment of the portable abrasive blasting wheel apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 14 is a partial vertical section along line 14-14 of Fig. 13 showing details of an air-assisted ejection plate for directing abrasive onto the projection wheel; Figure 15 is a partial vertical section, taken along the line 15-15 of Figure 13, showing generally the construction of the ejection wheel and its disposition relative to the associated enclosure;

  FIG. 16 is a diagram of the hydraulic circuits

  electric and electric control combination; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the projection wheel of the apparatus shown in Figure 13; Figure 18 is a horizontal section along the line 18-18 of Figure 17 showing construction details of the projection wheel; and Fig. 19 is a partial vertical section, taken along the line 19-19 of Fig. 18, showing one of the

fins of the projection wheel.

  It will be readily apparent from the various figures that the invention relates more particularly to a

  portable device with an abrasive blast wheel, or

  pickling, its construction details, its fashion

  abrasive feed and the way it is suspended.

  To better understand other characteristics of the

  In view of the above, it seems desirable to fully understand the embodiment of a preferred embodiment of the abrasive blasting wheel portable apparatus or pickling apparatus according to the invention.

  13 which represents such an apparatus under the numerical reference

  The apparatus 20 will be described in a

  general in the order of its assembly.

  The apparatus 20 comprises a mounting flange,

  The mounting flange 22 comprises a plate 23 whose first side has an annular mounting surface 24 defining a cylindrical recess 25 A free-running type hydraulic motor 26 comprises a part

  body end 27 which fits into the cylindrical recess

  The motor 26 also includes a flange 28 of

  mounting which is secured against the flange 24 by means of

  The motor 26 is thus fixed rigidly to the mounting flange 22. On the other side of the plate 23, the mounting flange 22 also has an annular flange 30 which carries a bearing assembly indicated generally by the

  31 This bearing assembly 31 is assembled

  wheat with the mounting flange 22 prior to mounting the motor 26 and includes an outer bearing mounting ring 32 which is secured in position by a plurality of bolts 33 and which is intended to clamp against the flange 30 a ring

  of a conventional radial radial bearing 34

  seems 31 tier also includes an inner ring

  of the bearing which is carried by the inner ring

  the bearing 34, in a manner described in more detail below. To support the apparatus 20 there is provided a suspension bracket 36 which includes a lower vertical leg 37 terminated by a mounting flange 38 which is secured to the outer bearing ring 32 by bolts 40. suspension comprises an upper horizontal leg 41 to which is fixed a bolt 42 suspension In the embodiment shown, the suspension bolt 42 is screwed into the branch 41 Furthermore, the branch 41 may be constituted by two pieces of which one can slide horizontally in the other so that it is possible to adjust the position of the suspension bolt 42 It should be emphasized in this regard that the pin 42 is used for the suspension of the device 20

in use.

  The apparatus 20 also comprises a projection or pickling wheel housing 43 which comprises an annular central portion 44 on the left side of which is connected a lateral plate 45 made in one piece with this portion 44. substantially annular profile and has an annular mounting flange 46 which projects outwardly.

  fastening members 47 which secure the inner ring

  35 mounting the bearing to the flange 46 and simultaneously tighten the inner ring of the bearing 34 against the flange

  In this way, the bearing assembly 31 carries the

  girdled or the body 43 so that it can rotate relative

  at mounting flange 22 and motor 26.

  The motor 26 comprises a control shaft 48 which passes through the mounting flange 22 and penetrates substantially into the enclosure 43. The control shaft 48 carries at its end a conventional two-piece clamping hub assembly.

  globally identified by reference numeral 50

  50 has a clamping hub and includes an inner portion 51 which is secured to the control shaft 48 by means of a

  key 52 An outer portion 53 is mounted telescope

  on the inner part 51 and the contiguous surfaces

  opposite sides of these two parts serve to lock them in position.

  When desired, the inner portion 51 may be

  split embodiment so that it can be compressed radially

  inwardly to be tightened on the shaft 48 of

command.

  The hub assembly 50 is intended for mounting a

  wheel 54 of projection or stripping on the shaft 48 of com-

  to rotate with the latter, inside the enclosure 43 The wheel 54 is of special construction,

  as best shown in Figures 17, 18 and 19.

  The wheel 54 includes a mounting hub 55 in the left surface of which is formed a substantially cylindrical recess 56 sized to fit snugly on the portion 53 of the hub assembly 50. The hub 55 is secured to the portion 53 by fixing members 57, as best

shown in Figure 13.

  The wheel 54 also comprises two annular flanges

  58 crossed each by a large central opening

  Finally, the wheel 54 comprises a plurality of fins 61

  radially and circumferentially spaced apart

others, between flasks 58.

  As best shown in FIG. 18, each fin 61 comprises, on its opposite sides, tabs 62 which have

  all the same size and aligned with each other.

  In addition, each of the flanges 58 is traversed by slots

  each of which is intended to receive a corresponding tab

62.

  The flanges 58 and the fins 61 are assembled

  by inserting the tabs 62 into the slots corresponding to

  The flanges being tightly closed,

  the tabs 62 are fixed in position by welding their periphery to the flanges 58.

  strength of assembly, weld fires may also be

  They are formed along the lateral edges of the fins 61 and against the inner surfaces of the flanges 58. Finally, the hub 55 is fixed to the adjacent flange 58 by welding to the flanges 58.

the periphery of this hub 55.

  The wheel 54 thus produced is slid into the

  43 by the open right side thereof, and is assembled with the hub assembly 50 with the help of

bolts 57.

  In order to prevent the abrasive from coming into contact with the fixing members 57 and thus risking destroying the connections between the wheel 54 and the hub assembly 50, a deflector plate 64 is provided. This plate 64 is fixed to the face right of the hub 55 by a bolt 65 which is

  normally screwed into the end of the control shaft 48.

  FIG. 13 shows that the risk of introduction of abrasive into the zone comprised generally between the hub assembly and the flange 22 for mounting is small. However, although the motor 26 carries its own shaft seal, another seal shaft 66 is mounted in the plate of the mounting flange 22 to oppose any possible movement

  abrasive to the engine area 26.

  The enclosure 43 is completed by a flange 67 which is fixed to the central annular portion 44 by suitable fastening members 68. The flange 67 itself carries a

  second stage assembly, indicated overall by the reference

digital conference 70.

  The bearing assembly 70 includes an outer ring

  71 of mounting a bearing to which is associated

  an annular flange 72 for tightening bolts 73 passing through

  71 the mounting ring 71 and the clamp 72 and they are intended to tighten in the ring 71 a ring

  exterior of a conventional radial radial bearing 74.

  The bearing assembly 70 also includes a

  special inner annular block 75 for mounting the bearing.

  This annular mounting block 75 comprises an element 76 having a roughly C-shaped section and an annular element 77. This annular element 77 is fixed to the element 76 by several bolts 78 and it co-operates with the element 76 to clamp the ring. The element 77 also delimits with the element 76 an annular air collector 80. Finally, the element 77 is traversed with several elements.

  inclined bores circumferentially spaced apart,

  The element 76 internally forms an abrasive feed sleeve or tube 82 having a tapered outer portion 83 and a cylindrical inner portion 84. A mounting flange 85 is provided in the manifold 80 to form air nozzles 81. an abrasive supply hose connection 86 is also tightened by bolts 87 against the outer face of the element 76. As a result, abrasives are introduced into the tube 82

abrasive feed.

  It should be noted that the flange 67 has a central opening 88 through which a portion 90 of an abrasive feed spout, indicated generally by the reference 91, passes. The abrasive feed spout 91 has a mounting flange 92 which is fixed to the outside face of the flange 67, around the opening 88, by

several bolts or screws 93.

  The nozzle portion 90 is of convergent profile and terminates in a circular abrasive supply opening 94 located inside the wheel 54 for directing abrasive particles towards the fins 61,

  substantially in a plane parallel to the plane of the flanges 58.

  In fact, when the enclosure 43 is in its normal position, the abrasive particles are directed towards the wheel 54 in the 4 ½ hours position, as shown in FIG.

13.

  The abrasive feeding spout 91 has another feature of including a projection 95 located on the outer zone of the portion 90, in alignment with the bolt 65. The protrusion 95 is in the form of a stop which, although it is spaced from the head of the bolt, prevents it from loosening and therefore maintains

  constantly the deflector plate 64 in position.

  It should be noted that the abrasive particles arriving at the apparatus 20 are fluidized and preferably

  However, to ensure the flow of

  In the case of the abrasive particles in and through the spout 91, the cylindrical portion 84 of the abrasive feed tube 82, as can be seen, is smaller in diameter than the inlet diameter of the spout portion 90. It also appears that the air nozzles 81 are directed to open into the conical outer zone of the part

  spout and that they serve to ventilate and assist the flow of

  abrasives in and through the beak 91 It is

  however, it is evident that the air nozzles 81 located

  in the lower part of the 90 beak portion can create undesirable turbulence.

  the air nozzles 81 are removed on a sector of envi-

  It should be noted that the circumferential extent of the zone of the element 77 without nozzles results from the fact that the enclosure 43 is turned

  relative to the spout 91 during the operation of the apparatus

  20, as described in more detail below.

  It should also be noted that the training air

  The abrasive particles in the feed tube or sleeve 82 must be removed. In addition, some abrasive particle loss occurs as the feed sleeve 82 passes to the nozzle 91. annular 71 has, at its bottom, one or more suitable openings 96 evacuation

  also see, in the lower right part of the appa-

  20, a connector 97 of an air supply duct 98 opens into the manifold 80 to supply it with compressed air that exits through the nozzles 81. It should be noted that the motor 26 is preferably a hydraulic motor which is associated with a hydraulic fluid supply duct, a duct

  hydraulic fluid return and vent pipe.

  These ducts are obviously relatively rigid They are

  also associated with the abrasive supply duct.

  Consequently, the mounting flange 22 and the feed sleeve 82 are held rotatably. On the other hand, the enclosure or casing 43 of the wheel and the associated parts of the assemblies 31 and 70 to

  bearings can rotate freely, practically

  By rotating the envelope 43 in a manner described in more detail below, the

direction of the abrasive jet.

  FIG. 15 shows that the casing 43 has an abrasive discharge opening 100. This opening actually has a diameter smaller than that of the wheel 54 and, in the case where the latter is detached, its members

  can not be easily projected through the opening

  For example, the opening 100 of discharge

  load can have a height of the order of 10 cm, while

  that the wheel 54 may have a diameter of the order of 17.5 cm.

  It also appears that, although the jet of abra-

  sif emitted by the wheel 54 is normally controlled by said wheel 54, to adjust the projected abrasive current, there is provided a housing 101 which is an extension of the envelope 43 or which may be in the form of a piece

  separately molded, as described in more detail below.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that the annular portion 44 has a channel 102 formed in its inner surface. The depth of this channel 102

  incrementally increases and so the channel allows for listening

  Firstly, the casing 43 is made so that the lateral portions of the central annular portion 44 are substantially in the form of ribs 103. These ribs are spaced apart from one another. a distance greater than the width of the fins 61, but less than the width of the wheel 54

  generally, the flanges 58 are aligned with the nerves

  103 so that, in the case where the wheel 54 partially disengages or disassembles, the flanges 58

  strike against reinforcements or overthicknesses of the enve-

  43, formed by the ribs, and are retained in the casing 43 until the apparatus 20 can be stopped. If desired, the same set of ribs

  103 can be extended in the housing 101.

  It should be noted that by rotating the

  veloppe or enclosure 43 around the axis of rotation of the wheel 54, it is possible to vary the angular position of

  the discharge opening 100 Therefore, the jet of abra-

  sif can be tilted up or down next-

  In addition, since the abrasive feed spout 91 is attached to the envelope

  43, it turns with it Therefore, the cir-

  However, the relative positions of the discharge aperture 94 and the discharge aperture remain unchanged from the normal 4 1/2 position shown in FIG. fixed, so that the abrasive particles directed towards the fins 61 rotate on the same angle, whatever the position in which the envelope 43 is turned and, consequently, they are

  projected wings 61 in an optimal position.

  FIG. 10 shows that, if desired, the abrasive blasting housing 101 may be in the form of a separate molded piece 104. The casing 43 is also a molded piece to allow

  easily removable mounting of the housing 104 This assembly comprises

  takes a pivoting joint 105 and a flange 106 of

  locking bearing a locking bolt 107.

  It should be noted that the casing 43 and the wheel 54 are made of hard, wear-resistant materials. For example, they may be made of hardened manganese steel or any other equivalent materials commonly used in abrasive blasting. FIGS. 7 and 13, in which the apparatus is shown as being suspended from the console 36, show that this apparatus 20 is suspended by means of a device indicated overall by the reference numeral 108. The suspension device 108 is carried by a trolley 110 which is mounted by means of wheels or suitable carrying wheels 111 on a support beam 112 The carriage has suitable brackets 113 and 114 which project downwards The console 113 carries a single groove pulley, while the console 114 is wearing a

pulley 116 with two grooves.

  A first support cable 117 is connected at its lower end to the pin 42 and passes first on the pulley 115 and then on the pulley 116. A second support cable 118 is connected at its lower end to the

  piton 42 and it passes on the pulley 116 that it bypasses.

  The support cables 117 and 118 then pass around a pulley 120 with two grooves, and their ends are anchored at 121 to the console 114. The pulley 120 is carried by a yoke 122 which itself is positioned by means of a cable 123 wound on a winch 124 which is

  controlled by a reversible hydraulic motor 125.

  It should be noted that the apparatus 20 has a weight of the order of 45 kg. It should also be noted that the thrust or reaction force F is of the order of

  N Therefore, if the apparatus 20 is suspended uni-

  With the aid of the cable 118, while it would assume a normal position in which the cable 118 is vertical, the reaction force F would pivot it backwards.

  on an angle A of the order of 20. However, by using

  of the two support cables 117 and 118, a minimum value is given to the movement towards the rear and towards the

  right of the apparatus 20 under the effect of the reaction force F

  It can be seen that the support cable 117 is arranged

  to form an angle of the order of 450 with the

  As a result, the vertical component of any resulting motion of the apparatus 20 should overcome about 310 N in a vertical direction.

  The force exerted backwards on a device 20 during operation is therefore maintained at a minimum value

  by the suspension device 108.

  It should be noted that by starting the winch 124 to move the pulley 120 to the left or right, the operator can vertically adjust the

position of the device 20.

  At this time, it should be noted that the carriage 110 is normally held stationary on the beam 112 by means of a brake 126 which is normally spring-loaded against the beam 112.

  127 mechanism for loosening which can be electrically operated

  if this is desired This will be described further in

detail below.

  It should be emphasized at this stage that the

  veloppe 43 of the wheel has a positioning arm 128

  protruding rearward and carrying a positioning crossbar which, itself, carries two handles

  131, 132 facing downwards These handles 131, 132 carry

  control switches 133, 134 which must both be closed so that the motor

26 be turned on.

  The handle 131 also carries a switch 136 for controlling the motor 125 of the winch, while the handle 132 carries a switch 137 for controlling the

coil 127 of the brake.

  Figure 16 schematically shows the cir-

  The hydraulic circuit comprises a reservoir 138 to which is connected a supply duct 140 leading to a hydraulic pump 141. A pressure duct 142 starts from the pump 141 and a discharge duct 143 is connected to a hydraulic duct 141. connected to this conduit 142, near the pump, and returns to the reservoir 138 This conduit 143 carries a relief valve 144. A conduit 145, carrying a pressure gauge 146, also leaves the pressure conduit 142. A conduit 147 for supply extends from the conduit

  142 to the hydraulic motor 26 and a con-

  return duit 148 returns from the hydraulic motor 26 to

  reservoir 138 A discharge duct 150 also returns

to tank 138.

  The supply conduit 147 carries a regulator

  compensation flow rate 151 which is preset to determine

  to reduce the volume of hydraulic fluid flowing to the hydraulic motor 26 and, therefore, to regulate

  the speed of operation of this engine.

  A control valve 152, normally closed and also mounted between the supply conduit 147 and the return conduit 148, can be controlled by any type

  However, in the embodiment shown in FIG.

  felt, it comprises an actuator or control member

  153 to coil which brings it into its flow position.

  A discharge duct 154 also extends between the supply duct 147 and the return duct 148,

  close to the motor 26 An adjustable valve 155 of

  load, pressure actuated, is mounted in the duct

154 discharge.

  A conduit 156 for supplying the motor or

rotary neuron 125 is also connected to the conduit 142 of pres-

  The supply duct 156 leads to a distributor 157 to which is also connected a return duct 158 also connected to the reservoir 138. The supply duct carries a pressure reduction valve 160.

  whose output is connected to the conduit 158 return.

  A first flow conduit 161 and a second flow conduit 162 are connected to the motor or actuator

  These conduits are connected to the opposite side of the disc.

  tributor 157 which is normally in the fully closed position When the distributor 157 is moved downwards, in the orientation of FIG. 16, the first duct 161 is connected to the supply duct 156 and the second duct 162 is connected to the duct 158 back in order to rotate the motor 125 and the associated winch 124 in a first direction when the dispenser 157 is

  moved upwards, the duct 161 is put in communication with

  with the conduit 158 back, while the conduit

  162 is connected to the food conduit 156

  tation to run the 125 engine and the winch

partner in the opposite direction.

  The ducts 161 and 162 may comprise pilot-operated check valves 163 and flow regulators

164 of classical types.

  The dispenser 157 may be actuated in any desired manner. However, by way of example, it is equipped with two control coils 165 and 166. When the control coil 165 is energized, the distributor 157 moves downwards and when the coil 166 is excited,

he moves upwards.

  The electrical control circuit is schematically shown and includes a power source 167 which is grounded and has a conductor

  168 A conductor 170 extends from the main conductor

  to the coil 153 and it carries the control switches 133 and 134 It can be seen that when the two switches 133 and 134 are closed, the coil 153 is energized to change the position of the valve 152 to

operate the engine 26.

  Another driver 171 leaves the driver 168 and divides into drivers 173 and 174, the driver 173

  carrying the switch 136 and ending at the coil 127.

  The driver 173 is also connected to a relay 172 com-

  coil, which is normally closed, but which opens automatically when the switches 133 and 134 are both closed Thus, when the relay 172 is closed and the switch 136 is actuated in its closed position, the coil 127 is excited, which causes the brake 126 to be released and allows the carriage

  to be moved along the beam 112.

  The conductor 174 carries a normally open, two-position selector switch 137 capable of selectively energizing a conductor 175 or conductor 176 which terminates, respectively,

  to the coils 166 and 165 Therefore, when the selec-

  The actuator 137 is actuated in one of its two working positions, the apparatus 20 can be raised or lowered according to

the position of the selector 137.

  Figure 8 shows, under the numerical reference

  In general, 177, an abrasive feed device of the apparatus 20 The feed device 177 is

  simply represented in the form of a hopper 178 receiving

  An abrasive line 180 descends from the hopper 178 and carries a device 181 for controlling the abrasive.

  the size of the abrasive grains This device 181 com-

  takes a chamber 182 in which is releasably disposed a sieve 179 of size control The sieve 179 has the function of ensuring the operator of the apparatus 20 that no particle other than the abrasive particles of predetermined size The risk of the arrival of previously detached bolts or casing elements, etc., to the apparatus 20 and the risk of deterioration of the projection or pickling wheel 54

are thus eliminated.

  The power supply device 177 includes several

  183 sections of conduits that may be straight or

  various sections of adjacent ducts 183 are

  connected by connections generally indicated by the reference

ence 184.

  Figure 9 shows that each connection is con-

  two rooms 185 and 186 connected by

suitable bolts 187.

  The piece 185 is placed downstream and has, in its downstream face, a bore 188 sized to receive the upper end of a pipe section 183. In a similar manner, the piece 186 has a bore 190 intended to receive the downstream end of a section 183 of conduit immediately above the ends of the

  two sections 183 of conduits are spaced axially.

  The piece 185 has an annular recess 191 formed in its upstream end and closed by the piece 186 so as to form an air manifold 191 The inner part of the part 185 is widened at 192, upstream of the associated conduit end , in order to have an annular surface 193 oriented substantially towards the downstream side and traversed by several air nozzles 194, circumferentially spaced and which open into the collector

  191 to get compressed air It seems easy to

  compressed air introduced into the upper end of the

  The upper portion of the duct section 183 through the nozzles 194 serves to drive the abrasive particles passing through the duct sections 183 and to direct them towards the appliance.

  portable 20 wheel abrasive blasting.

  It should be noted that two compressed air ducts are used, namely the duct or the aforesaid compressed air duct 98 and a duct or an air duct. The duct 98 is connected to each of the connectors 184 by a connection. The air duct 195 is connected to the air duct 98 at a point between the last connector 184 and the connector 97 of FIG. 13 by means of a T-connector 197. The second duct air 195 has for

  function of establishing a constant air drop in the con-

  duit 98 and to ensure against-feeding of the latter

as well as the collector 80.

  It should be noted that there is a tendency for the air pressure to accumulate in the pipe sections 183. Therefore, the downstream ends of these pipe sections 183 have vent holes 198 placed at the appropriate locations. The vent holes 198 are located on the upper parts of the sections of

  ducts 183 to prevent abrasive loss.

  Although only the abrasive supply device is shown in FIG. 8, it should be noted that the hydraulic lines for the motor 26 and the electrical cables for the control switches are also connected to the supply device. an air line leading to a helmet for the operator can also be connected

in order to be part of the device.

  FIGS. 11 and 12 show a variant of the abrasive feed device. This device comprises an abrasive duct 200 whose upper end comprises a blower 201 which supplies

  air at a predetermined speed and pressure.

  An abrasive supply duct 202 opens into the

  abrasive conduit 200, downstream of the fan 201

  duit 202 carries a rotary valve 203 which makes it

  with an abrasive hopper 204, while preventing

reflux of the air under pressure.

  The abrasive duct 200 is connected to a shape

  slightly modified version of the handwheel

  abrasive discharge, this embodiment being identical.

  globally by the reference number 205.

  205 comprises an air separator 206, as described

in more detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 12, it can be seen that the apparatus 205 comprises a casing or enclosure 207 in which is mounted a projection wheel 208 which may be of any suitable embodiment, but

  which is preferably of the same design as the wheel 54.

  The envelope 207 comprises a flange 210 on which

  the air separator 206 is mounted.

  The flange 210 carries an inner deflector plate 211

  which is connected to the flange 210 by a substantially frustoconical web 212.

  A stator or housing 213, mounted on the plate 211 and advancing inside

  of the wheel 208, has a fixed opening 214 for dispensing abrasive.

  The latter is directed, via the opening 214, on the fins of the wheel 208 by a pulse member 215 which presents

  substantially the shape of a cup and which also has

  spaced circumferentially distributed openings 216

  The pulse member 215 is connected to the wheel 208 by a shaft section 217 in order to rotate with this wheel. The abrasive passes from the abrasive conduit 200 into the pulse member 215 through an abrasive feed sleeve 218. The sleeve 218 has an outer cylindrical portion 220 whose diameter is greater than that of the conduit 200. The sleeve 218 comprises then, a frustoconical intermediate section 221 which leads to a cylindrical section 222 of smaller diameter and whose free end is disposed inside the pulse member 215. It can be seen that the abrasive passing from the duct abrasive 200 in the air separator 206 gets into

  the feed sleeve 218.

  has a tendency to expand and move to the ex-

  The air path is delimited by an outer sleeve 223 for guiding which comprises a cylindrical portion 224 for mounting, a portion

  intermediate flared 225, a cylindrical intermediate portion

  228 and a flared end portion 227 which leads to a mounting flange 228 fixed to the flange 210 The abrasive supply sleeve 218 also carries a frustoconical and flared guide member 230 which cooperates with the sleeve 223 to define an annular channel opening inside the casing 207 by several openings 231 circumferentially spaced and formed in the flange The air entering the casing 207 exits through

  opening 232 discharge, with the abrasive jet.

  The mounting portion 224 is connected to a conduit fitting sleeve 233 by means of a rotating union

having a bearing 234.

  In the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus 205, the wheel 208 is driven by a motor 235. It should be emphasized at this point that although the depicted arrangement of the elements of the apparatus 205 is substantially different from that of the elements of the apparatus 20, the abrasive feeding device shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be honed

  for use with the device 20.

  Reference can now be made to FIGS. 1 to 6 which show various methods of mounting the portable abrasive blasting wheel apparatus. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, it can be seen that the apparatus 20 is used in a stripping chamber 236 This chamber 236 is constructed in a conventional manner and includes

  237 and a roof 238 made of metal sheets or plates.

  It also includes a grid type floor 240 so that used abrasive particles and removed materials can be collected in a manner that is

described below.

  A hopper 241, located below the floor 240, collects all materials passing through the grid 240 The hopper 241 opens into a vertical conveyor 242 which serves to raise the collected material at the upper end of the elevator 242, the collected material is poured into a trough 243 which passes it into a separator 244 This separates the materials

  coarse, including pieces of metal,

  The thinner material then descends through a chute 245 into a conduit 246. The lower section of the chute 245 encloses a screen or screen 247 with small openings. The screen 179 shown in FIG. 8, which may be in the chamber 236. and which constitutes a final protection, limited to the size of the abrasive particles all the materials going towards the apparatus

portable 20.

  In the simplest embodiment of the invention, the hopper 178 is attached to the roof 238, as is the support beam 112. This obviously limits the possible movements of the portable apparatus. However, as shown clearly in FIG. 2, the portable apparatus 20 may be inclined so that the abrasive stream may be substantially horizontal or directed upward or downward. In a similar manner, the portable apparatus 20 may be raised or lowered so that a cleaned article 248 can be scoured over its entire height It should also be noted that the portable apparatus 20 can be tilted both to the left and to the right so that all

  surfaces of the workpiece 248 can be cleaned.

  Whereas the stroke of the portable apparatus 20 is limited in the installation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, so that the piece 248 can be completely etched, a turntable 250 is provided mounted on a suitable support 251 If this is desired, the carrier 251 may be in the form of a trolley on rails and the floor of the stripping chamber 236 may comprise

recessed rails.

  Reference will now be made to the installation shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this installation, the beam 112 is in the form of an arrow which is carried by a rotating support 252 mounted in the center of the roof 238 of the chamber 236. The duct 246 passes through the rotary coupling 252, the hopper 178 being able to turn around

of the same axis as the arrow 112.

  It appears easily, in FIGS. 3 and 4,

  that an operator of the portable apparatus 20 can not only

  This unit can be moved up and down as well as tilted as described for the mounting installation of FIGS. 1 and 2, but it can also move the portable apparatus 20 all around the room 248 to be cleaned. 20, it is not necessary to place the part to be cleaned on a turntable. On the other hand, the part is mounted on a carriage 253 on rails which is moved so as to pass through the center of the machine.

  room, on suitable rails 254.

  We will now describe a mounting installation

  allowing maximum use of the portable device 20.

  As before, the floor of the stripping chamber 236 comprises rails 254 which carry a trolley

  253 to properly support the 248 coin

  However, in this case, the carriage 253 can be elongate, as best shown in FIG. 6, so that by using the boom installation shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operator can not pass the portable apparatus 20 around the ends of the workpiece 248 For this purpose, the rotary support 252 is carried by a support member 255 which itself can be moved along the stripping chamber 236 on rails 256 suspended

  roof 238 The latter has a central opening allo-

  258 in which the conduit 246 can be moved. Therefore, the arrow 112 is moved along the chamber, as shown schematically in FIG. 6. In order for the opening 258 to be always closed, two flexible curtains 260 are wound in of the

  housings 261 and attached to opposite ends of the carriage 255.

  In addition, if desired, the carriage 255 can be

  equipped with a suitable device 262 for easy training

  both his movement along the 236 stripping chamber.

  So that the hopper 178 can be moved along the pickling chamber, it should be noted that

  upper hopper 263 is mounted on the carriage 255,

  A flexible conduit 264, which is flexible, introduces the abrasive into the upper hopper 263.

  It is readily apparent from the foregoing that the

  The invention is intended not only for a portable abrasive blast wheel apparatus which is industrially feasible, but also for abrasive feeders.

  suitable for such apparatus In addition, provision is made

  positive suspension solution only very slightly soliciting an operator, so that the manipulation of

  the portable apparatus 20 is not too tiring for the operation.

  In fact, the tests carried out with the device

  20 have shown that the work required of the operator

  is much lower than that demanded by a tire machine.

  In addition, suitable support means are provided which can be easily modified according to the pickling facilities, so that

  that all types and sizes of parts can

to be stripped.

  It goes without saying that many modifications can be made to the apparatus described and shown

  without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

  1 portable abrasive blasting wheel system, characterized in that it comprises a portable device (20) wheel (54) abrasive blasting, comprising a motor (26) control, a beam (112) placed in height, a   abrasive feed source, also placed in high   as well as a power supply link, a   carriage (110) being movable along the beam and the   portable wheel with abrasive projection wheel being suspended   from this carriage with a suspension device,   in order to be able to pivot, power cables extend   from said link to the control motor, and an abrasive supply line extending from the device   abrasive supply to the portable device.   2 System according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension device comprises a suspension element (36) directly supporting a tool, a first flexible element (117> support going towards the front and up the element at a first angle to the horizontal, and a second flexible support member (118) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the suspension member at a second angle, larger than the first, with the horizontal, so that a force exerted backwards on the suspension element applies to the latter a lifting force that resists the   rearward movement of said suspension member.   3 System according to claim 1, characterized in that the beam and the abrasive feed are fixed. 4 System according to claim 1, characterized in that the beam is in the form of an arrow   (112) mounted so as to be able to turn around the food   abrasive treatment, the latter being able to be   mounted so that it can move on a fixed path.   A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the portable abrasive blast wheel apparatus (20) comprises manual positioning means (130, 131, 132), engine controls (133, 134)   (26) and carried by said manual positioning means   a normally-held brake (126) carried by the truck   and in contact with the beam, a command (127) of   brake applied by the manual means of posi-   and a lock created between the order   the engine and the brake release control to prevent   loosen the brake when the driving motor is activated.