FR2590516A1 - Multi-purpose installation for manufacturing cast products, particularly concrete products - Google Patents

Abstract

The field of the invention is that of installations for the automated manufacture of cast products. The problem posed is to produce such an installation making it possible to produce a large range of cast products, simultaneously or successively, according to various methods, with a high productivity. This objective is particularly attained by means of an installation having a vibrating table 4 which may be adjusted vertically and in degree of vibration, a multifunction gantry crane 5 having a cleared upper space comprising a cradle 8 for grasping pieces of equipment with locks having three positions and an offset rotation axis, a palletising zone B located inside the work station A, and sets of stackable removable raising blocks for storing cast products for drying. The invention finds a preferential application in the manufacture of cast products made of concrete, compacted unburned clay or other material.

Description

"Versatile installation for the production of molded products, including concrete products".

 The invention relates to a plant designed primarily for automated manufacturing of concrete products, but expandable in principle to the manufacture of all products made in a related manner.

 Such an installation is responsible for managing the entire manufacturing process of concrete or other material products, from receipt of the constituent fresh materials to drying storage and palletizing of dry products.

 The principle of continuously producing the manufacture of molded products made of concrete or the like, as described for example in the French patent application published under No. 2,540,033 (Humarbo Prance and Simo), is already known. According to this document the manufacturing device comprises a stationary molding machine, associated with a translatable gantry with a turning frame ensuring the transfer and handling of each piece molded along a series of stations, including demolding and stockaae Ôes molded parts as well as recycling trays.

In this type of installation, there are therefore a number of elements and critical phases, on which the performance of the entire installation depends.
- the molding machine, and more particularly the vibrating table for fresh concrete;
the very design of the translatable gantry, both as regards the rigid frame of the gantry, and the frame for gripping and turning the molds, movable inside the frame;
the method, and more specifically the handling logic which rationalizes the use of the linear area of displacement of the gantry.

 However, the installations known hitherto have a certain number of characteristics satisfying the result of a limited range of product types, but insufficient to extend the field of use while associating it with good productivity.

 Thus, one of the essential characteristics of known installations is their specialization, whether declared or ascertained by experience.

 In this respect, the design of the installation of the aforementioned application 2 540 033 is more particularly oriented towards the manufacture of very heavy plates of small thickness.

 A second French patent application published under number 2,517,288 (Bernard) describes a rotating "spreader" for 1 traveling cranes of concrete molding plants. Again, the device described is designed specifically for the production of poles and fences. It is totally unsuitable for working with heavy and eccentric loads. It is also relatively complex because of the simultaneous presence of grippers and grippers.

 Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to overcome these various drawbacks of the devices of the state of the art and to provide additional benefits to obtain a real versatility.

 For this purpose, a first object of the invention is to provide an installation actually ensuring the manufacture of many types of vibro-molded concrete products, whether high or low, light or heavy, hollow or flat, armed or no. The present invention also allows in particular the method of immediate demolding, that is to say the demolding before drying of fresh products that have just been molded and vibrated in a mold, as well as the method of delayed ddxxSaae, that is to say that is to say the demolding of the products after drying in the molds.

 A particular object of the invention is to allow the obtaining of very high products of the order of one meter, and / or fragile, and still molding (of one or more products) of high mass (productivity factor ) of the order of two tons currently (or more depending on the importance of the material used), with eecellentes performances in each case.

 A further object of the invention is to offer several different methods of use, in immediate and delayed release, related to obtaining the best and most productive of different types of products, with the possibility of conducting them concurrently alternately without modification of the elements of the installation, using the tools corresponding to the types of products manufactured. This means that two or more different fabrications and their associated processes can be grouped together, one after the other within each drying cycle, selectively using specific areas along the linear area of the drying cycle. This mixing ability, facilitated by the ability of each method of use to be automated, is extremely advantageous. In fact, the mixing allows in particular: the production followed by several types of products, to limit the number of tools relating to each, and to harmonize the availability of these different types of products.

It can also be noted that the invention also aims to provide significant productivity and quality regardless of the products. In particular, the development of a process
immediate demolding conjugate, in a single phase, stacking in the storage area for drying is a particularly interesting feature in the case of high and / or fragile products.

Indeed, the extremely delicate transfer of such fresh molded products is thus removed. Finally, the object of the invention is also to provide drying storage means for immediately demolded products, designed in a modular manner to be able to adapt to each type of manufactured products.

These and other objects of the invention which will appear hereinafter are obtained by means of a versatile installation for the manufacture of molded products, in particular vibrated concrete products, of the type consisting of a vibrating table, provided with means for feeding molds of molding material, a gantry for transferring, handling and recycling rolls, handling trays, stackable removable extensions and other tools, comprising a selective gripping cradle of these tools, in particular molds in combination with handling trays, rotatable about a horizontal axis to perform the turning and demolding of the molded products, as well as a storage area for drying in juxtaposed piles of products molded, a workstation to achieve various ocerations such as filling and return ment mussels and demolding products, and a paletti area for the removal of dry goods by a palletizer, the installation being characterized in that
said vibrating table is provided with means for adjusting its height relative to the ground, and vibration means with adjustable power and / or vibration frequency;
said gripping desk consists of a frame carrying tools frame provided with at least three locks with three positions for selectively gripping either a mold or a handling tray, or simultaneously a mold and of an associated platter, either from another tool <'e'
- The horizontal axis of rotation of said gripping cradle is outside the volume circumscribed by said carrier frame and said latches which it is provided, so as to be substantially offset by a distance "d" relative to the plane of joint of each mold with its associated plate, and thus pass by the middle center of gravity of the solid molds, for the important range of the heights of mussels manned
- The storage material for drying immediate molded products includes, for each set of products from the same molding, a handling plate associated, depending on the height of the products, a set of stackable removable uprights ensuring a quarter between the upper part of molded products and the next higher tray in the storage stack
said gantry comprises in its upper structure an unobstructed space perpendicularly vertical to the gripping cradle, so as to increase the volume of evolution of said cradle as well as the products and tools that said cradle handles.
said palletizing zone is located inside the workstation and comprises at least two locations for depositing trays or molds of dry products.

 Thus, the means for adjusting the height of the vibrating table make it possible to maintain the molding height constant regardless of the height of the molds, in particular to offer the operator a correct position on the float plane, and also to allow a distribution of the molding material in the mold by a possible drawer whose height can be rationally constant.

 The adjustment of the vibration means makes it possible to adapt their action to the mass to be vibrated and to the specificity of the molded products and the material used.

 The three-position selective gripping locks of the tools ensure simplicity of operation as well as an optimum safety of prinsion, even in the case of cornea of the OonEnde circuits.

 The offset of the axis of rotation of the cradle relative to the joint plane of the mold is a characteristic, which, far from nuireau good run of the mold reversal operation as it would appear at first, ensures the real versatility of the assembly which can thus accept very high products. Indeed, this offset of the axis of rotation causes an offset and therefore an unbalance of the load to be rotated, as well for the very low products as for the very products. high, but these imbalances require only a limited power of the reversing motors; it is however unthinkable to rotate a mold very high around an axis of rotation located in the immediate vicinity of one of its ends, as allowed only known installations.

 The use of modular and removable risers increases the operational flexibility and adaptability of the installation according to the invention.

The function of these risers appears in the drying phase of molded products
After manufacture, each plate loaded with fresh products from the same molding (case of immediate demolding) and possibly capped extensions whose number depends on the height of the products, or each mold of fresh products (case of delayed release) , is stored in stacks juxtaposed on the drying area and then taken again, after a drying cycle, to be brought to the palletizing station thus leaving room for fresh piles of fresh products.

 The clear space in the upper structure of the gantry increases the volume of evolution of the cradle and various tools and products, which promotes, among other things, the transfer of complete batteries and allows the application, at the top of the stack, of the process previously mentioned immediate demolding combined with the drying stack.

 Finally, the palletizing zone is integrated into the workstation in order to simplify the control, facilitate certain tasks and, above all, allow direct recycling of the tools by the gantry, which notably allows the application of processes using stacking on the workstation and whose cycles are described below. In addition, this zone has two locations in order to rationalize the cycles of the various methods of use of the installation according to the invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention given by way of illustration and the accompanying drawings in which
FIG. 1 represents an overall view of the installation according to the invention;
- Figures 2a and 2b show a longitudinal sectional view and a cross-sectional view respectively of the vibrating table adjustable in height of the installation according to the invention; ;
FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of the rotating cradle mounted in the translatable gantry of the installation according to the invention;
FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate the mode of operation of a preferred embodiment of the three-position latches of the rotary cradle of FIG. 3, for the operation of turning a mold over;
- Figures Sa and 5b illustrate the mode of operation of the same three-position latches for gripping a loaded tray and a solid mold respectively;
FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d show other possible embodiments of the three-position latches of the cradle of FIG. 3;
- Figure 7 shows the method of use modular risers for the stacking of fresh products on the drying area.

 - Figure 8 illustrates an operating cycle of a method of manufacturing molded products according to the invention.

 FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a production mix of three different types of products according to the invention.

 Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, it is noted that the versatile installation for the production of molded products according to the invention comprises successively a carpet hopper 1, pivoting, supplied with molding materials by a conveyor 2, and likely to dump its load in the mold 3 located on the vibrating table 4.

 The vibrating table is located at the entrance of a rectilinear working and storage area along which the frame 5 moves on rails 6.

In order to draw landmarks in this straight-line area of work and storage, one can distinguish
the actual workstation (zone A) in which it is possible, for example, to perform the filling and overturning of the molds, and then the demoulding of the products
- the palletizing zone (zone B) on which are brought the dry products which, in order to be removed, are taken in charge by the palletizer with tools 9, vacuum pliers or suckers, interchangeable tools , specific to the types of products to seize
- the drying area (zone C), on which the fresh products are stored in juxtaposed piles.

 it is important to note that. the objective which led to the development of the present invention, sarroir obtaining a facility with a real versatility, intervention intervention Their many elements of the installation.

 First of all, the vibrating table 4 has benefited both from the modifications leading to make it adjustable in height and from a vibration design which ensures its progressive operation, so as to adapt it to the different dimensions of molds, the mass and specificity of the different products and their constituent material.

 In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the height adjustment of the vibrating table 4 is carried out by the extension of the support 20 inside a profile 22 or equivalent sealed in the ground. The support 20 is extended downwards by feet 24 pierced at regular intervals with orifices 23 intended to receive stop pins 25 located in at least two notches, or symmetrical receiving holes, at the upper end of each of the hollow profiles 22.

 The height positioning of the table before stalling is preferably provided by the gantry which is quite capable of taking charge of the weight of the assembly.

 According to the embodiments, the wedging is carried out by telescopic feet with quick release, or by jacks, or even by sets of removable shims, quick-fixing, put in place by the gantry (after removal of the vibrating table and before its restoration, also by the portico).

 According to another embodiment, two telescopic quick-lock legs, or jacks, can be both the height-setting elements and, by the sole intermediary of damping blocks, the direct supports of each vibrating beam.

 The height of the vibrating table 4 for each application is a function of the height of the molds, and is chosen so that the bottom carpet of the carpet hopper (or any other system) can properly discharge the molding material into the mold. , and so as to provide the operator with the most comfortable working position.

 The vibrators 21 are associated for example two by two, by independent beam 26. These beams are connected to the support 20 by means of damping blocks 27.

 The two vibrators 21 of the same beam are rotated in opposition as shown schematically in Figure 2a, so as to print the beam 26 a unidirectional vibratory motion. The axis of the vibrators may be perpendicular, camp shown in Figure 2, or longitudinal to the beams.

 The vibrators are coupled so as to render all the active or inactive beams, in whole or in part. The vibration power is thus adjustable. Via a converter and a frequency converter, it is also possible to modulate the vibration frequency.

 These provisions make it possible to adapt the vibration to the mass to vibrate and the specificity of the molded products and the material used.

 In the embodiment shown, where the vibrating table is shown in the lower position to receive high B molds, it can be interesting, if. the mass is important, to vibrate the three beams 26 (Figure 2b) ensenL3e. But for other configurations, it is possible to vibrate only the central beam, or the two only extreme beams. It is also conceivable to equip each of the beams 26 with only one vibrator 21, whose axis is necessarily longitudinal to the beam in this case, and to request the beams in pairs, vibrators in opposition to ensure the unidirectional vibration (even number of beams 26 in this solution).

In the case where vibrators are kept inactive, the dampers 27 can isolate them and thus prevent their deterioration by vibrations,
Finally, note that a centering system 28, with or without quick attachment, keeps the molds in good position on the vibrating table. Removable stages 29 are placed, if necessary, around the vibrating table in order to adjust the position of the operator with respect to the mold float plane.

 The second element of the installation which undergoes fundamental modifications compared to the state of the art is the rotating cradle 8 of the gantry 5.

 The gantry name is here used to designate the translatable assembly 5 shown in FIG. 1, because of the general appearance of the frame of this assembly. But it should be noted that this gantry 5 fulfills many different functions in the installation, namely including the transfer, handling and recycling of molds, trays and other tools, turning and demolding products, go transfers and return of the products to the drying area, adjustment of the position of the vibrating table 4, the rollover and uncoupling of the stacks of products located in the drying area, etc.

 It is therefore in fact a real multifunction machine, term used later, unlike most installations of the prior art.

 In addition, the word tooling is used here to designate both the molds and trays sWWposables removable uprights and any other accessory necessary for the manufacture of molded products and can be seized by the multifunction machine.

 With reference to FIG. 3, it will be possible to take cognizance of the geometry of the cradle according to the invention, making it possible to obtain an offset "d" between the axis of rotation 31 and the joint plane 32 mold-plate , as well as an embodiment of the latch 30 with three positions.

 Note also that the cradle 8 is also movable in vertical translation in the gantry 5.

 As explained above, the axis of rotation 31, around which the cradle 8 must be able to pivot on at least 180-, passes closer to the center of gravity of the solid mold.

This therefore limits the maximum imbalance that will have to support the turning means. This allows the manufacture of heavy parts under good mechanical conditions. Another advantage is to limit the volume occupied by: the overturning of the high molds. Preferably, 11 reversal operation is performed by rotating hydraulic jack, secured to the turning support elements 33 in which the cradle 8 is journalled.

 It is these same supports 33 which ensure the vertical guidance of the cradle 8 in the gantry 5. The movement takes place by a system of columns or rails with friction bearings or with rollers or others. The vertical translation is preferably also effected by hydraulic motorization, and by means of a transmission by winch, cable cylinders, channes, rod cylinders, worm or other.

The gripping system of the molds, trays and
other tools by the cradle 8 is provided by locks 30
enslaved by cylinders 34.

The number of locks is preferably four,
two on each side. They can be more numerous for
long lengths. Their action is carried out alongside
walls of transported tools, preferably longitudinally
the turning axis.

Due to the three-position operation, the cylinders
34 incorporated in the carrier frame 36 can also take
three positions (stem retracted, stem halfway, stem out).

Locks 30 located on the same side of the cradle can
to be interconnected by links, which allows the enslaved
by a single jack 34.

As can also be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the
three-position lock preferably takes the form of a
n S t OR of a "Z" in front view.

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show successively
the three phases of turning over a solid mold, with a view to
demoulding of products 40.

In phase a, the multifunction machine 5 has entered
a free handling plate 41, mnni on each side of two pins 42, by
through one of the locks latches 30. These locks
30 are here mounted in pairs on each inner face of the cradle
8, and operate in opposition.

The plate 41 is then returned, then adjusted to
the upper face of the solid mold 43.

The next phase b is to return the whole
formed by the plate 41 and the mold 43. This is achieved very
simply by passing locking actuators locks
30 at the intermediate position. At this moment, the beaks of the locks
30 engaging the tenons 42 of the plateau 41 are still in
outlet. . But the opposite beaks also came into play
with the pins 44 salient- on the sides of the mold 43. The multifunction machine then reverses the assembly to reach the position shown in right view.

 Finally, FIG. 4c shows the demolding phase, in which the locks 30 have been shifted by one additional step towards the outside under the action of the servo jacks, so as to disengage the lugs 42 from the plate. 41 which remains on the ground and supports the products 40. In contrast, the spout of the latches 30 engaging the tenons 44 of the mold 43 ensures the recovery of the empty mold.

 Figures Sa and Sb illustrate, for their part, the taking of a plate 41 load, and taking a mold 43 full, resPectively, for their transfer. It can be seen that the geometry of the embodiment of the latch 30 at three positions shown imposes a different spacing for the pins 42 of the plate 41, relative to the pins 44 of the mold 43. There is therefore no risk of mishandling a mold instead of a tray, or vice versa.

 In the case of total automation of the process, the approach and stop control, on descent and ascent, of the cradle 8 is provided by proximity sensors or position switches and possibly by pulse counting. as well as with possibly a "soft cable" safety in the case of a winch transmission. Electrical safety avoid false maneuvers.

 While keeping the same principle of use of three-position latches, other embodiments are possible, as shown in Figures 6a to 6d.

 Each of these devices is designed so that, by a movement of rotation (FIGS. 6a to 6c) or translational movement (6d), simple notches 64 (6c) or ribs 63 t6a, 6b, 6d? engage either one of the pins 61, the other 62, or both simultaneously.

 Each of these embodiments of the three-position latch is in any case intended to integrate with the cradle 8 for gripping and reversing of FIG. 3.

 With regard to the gap "d" between the axis of rotation 31 and the plane of joint 32 mold-plate shown on this ifre Figure 3, it can not be held as a quantitative illustration. A value of 350 to 400 minutes corresponds to an order of magnitude of the difference.

 In any case, the invention requires that the axis of rotation 31 be outside the volume circumscribed by the carrier frame 36 of the tools 41, 43, 70 and by the gripping means (verraus 30 and cylinders 34). Indeed, this is the result of the two constraints imposed by the extreme molds of the wide range of molds that one wants to be able to handle: the lowest molds 43 and the trays 41, placed on the ground, must be able to be grasped by the the support frame 36 nuai latches 30, which implies that the height of said carrier frame 36 and said latches 30 is sufficiently low so that the studs 42, 44 of the tools on the ground reach the height of the latches 30; simultaneously the axis of rotation must be sufficiently offset to substantially correspond to the average height of the center of gravity of the high and low molds.

 According to another embodiment not shown, the deviation wd "can be adjustable, for example by allowing the sliding, with locking, of the carrier frame 36 in the side flanks 35 journalled in the turning supports 33.

 According to another advantageous feature of 1'En tion, the carrier frame 36 delimits a free internal space allowing the integral passage, from one side to the gabaris of the rings 41, 43, 70 between the peripheral centering stops 37. This thus makes possible the handling of complete batteries.

Finally, the carrier frame 36 is for a retractable electrical socket 38 having at least one contact pin, connected to the control circuits of the multifunction machine, possibly at low voltage, and capable of taking two positions servocontrolled by jack or other means
a rest position, in which said catch 38 is retracted into the cradle 8 so as to be disconnected from the tool used 43 or other
a work position, in which said plug 38 comes to ensure contact on a complementary socket of the tool used or other means, said complementary socket being itself connected to equipment or accessories of said tooling to ensure their power supply and their order.

 This retractable plug is useful for some immediate release molds, or other tools. Electrical safety, integrated into the control circuits of the multifunction machine, can ensure that the retractable plug 38 is turned on only when it is in the working position.

 FIG. 7 illustrates the use of removable stackable risers 70, standardized, prehensile by the machine, functions 5, for storing fresh products on the drying area, in immediate demoulding.

 Each of these extensions 70 has lateral tenons 71 whose spacing corresponds to that of the tenons 42 of the trays 41.

 Advantageously, fingers or tongues 73 located on the outer periphery of the upper opening of each riser and on the upper periphery of each plate ensure the centering of the riser or the tray located immediately above.

This centering system guarantees the stability and geometry of the batteries, and avoids any fixing systems.

 The number of extensions chosen for each type of product is ottinalised so as to obtain a minimum distance between the upper end of the products 40 and the lower face of the tray 41a supporting the products located immediately above. This modular design thus streamlines the space occupied by trays loaded with products. Indeed, this design avoids trays having, in the lower part, a recess sufficient to receive the highest products; the size of such trays being prohibitive for the stacking of low products, for the height lost by the transfers above the piles, and finally for the volume occupied by the reversal. This characteristic is extremely advantageous insofar as the stacking of the products is of course limited to the effective height that can reach the cradle 8 inside the multifunction machine 5.

It will be noted in this respect that the embodiment of the multifunctional machine 5 represents in FIG. 1cursions substantially vertical uprights 80 surmounted by a superior structure.
81 is constituted by a frame of substantially quadrangular rigidity,
delimiting in its center an open space.

This feature allows for the reversal and undoing
at the top of the pile, fresh and / or high
fragile directly to their drying location (pro
immediate demolding process combined with the stacking of
drying, previously mentioned), as well as
possible overrun of the tools or products in
upper part of the multifunctional machine (case of complete batteries by exesple) during their handling above the batteries
According to other embodiments of the multi-function machine, the uprights may or may not have trianulation and the upper structure may comprise one or more beams constituting a single beam, offset in order to disengage a vertically plumbed space. gripping cradle 8; said upper structure then taking a horizontal shape substantially in "U".

 The stacking confinement of the fresh products on the drying area allows a kind of self-baking suitable for drying.

 One can also provide the use of a range of extensions of different dimensions. The underside of the trays 41 is preferably hollowed out to also play the role of spacer which is sufficient, without extensions, for low products. Peripheral openings may be provided through the trays 41 for, for example, the injection of hot air from the ground, in order to cause the parboiling and accelerate the drying.

 The technical characteristics conferred by the present invention to the various elements of the molded product manufacturing facility, allow the versatility of the installation and its automation, and allow the implementation of high-performance work cycles, each of them being adapted to a given type of products. In addition, in terms of productivity, it is favored by the simultaneity of certain phases of molding fresh products, palletization of dry products and movement of the multifunction machine on the drying area, conducted in front as a rule.

 Tables I and II illustrate a few possible operating cycles, in case of immediate demoulding, or delayed, respectively. These cycles represent different methods of using the plant according to the invention related to obtaining the best and most productive of the different types of products.

 Cycle A of Table I thus corresponds to the process schematized in FIG.

 Each of the steps a - g is readily understandable by reading the headings in the table, simultaneously displaying the corresponding diagrams in Figure 8.

 It can be seen that the successive phases are defined in such a way as to avoid unnecessary movements of the multifunction machine and to reduce the cycle time. Thus, each displacement corresponds to a function, noting that the machine goes to the drying area to deposit fresh products and returns by bringing dry products during each cycle. The plural is used here to designate the products resulting from the same molding insofar as the same mold may have several molding cavities. In addition, the alternative use of two locations on the palletizing area allows the removal of a tray of dry products on one of them before recycling the tray previously released by the palletizer and occupying the other. The palletizing can thus be performed during the movement of the multifunction machine on the drying area.

 These advantageous phases of this first cycle presented are often used in the cycles described below, according to the particularity of the methods of use to which these cycles correspond.

 On the other hand, with reference to FIG. 8, in order to define the storage principle for drying, it can be seen that a pile of fresh products has just been completed (steps d and e). In the next cycle, the fresh produce platter will be placed in the free space next to this completed stack, so that a new one begins.

When this new stack is completed in its turn, the next stack, where the trays of dry products are currently previsited, will be exhausted and leave a new free space. And so on. It should also be noted that the number of batteries in the drying area corresponds at least to the production carried out during a drying cycle, that is to say between the drying time of a product and the time of drying. its withdrawal when it is dry enough to be palletized (8h to 24h in general, depending on the drying conditions).

 This principle of storage is valid in broad outline for the different processes of use of the installation.

 The cycle B shown schematically in Table I shows a process which differs from the cycle of FIG. 8 since the fresh products are demolded directly on the drying zone. This cycle is of interest for high and / or fragile products and corresponds to the previously mentioned process of immediate demolding, combined with the drying stack. As in cycle A, the demoulding is carried out after turning over, on plateau.

The cycle C corresponds to a third possibility according to which the fresh products are first ensiled on the workstation simultaneously with their demolding after turning over, on their trays, each complete stack then being transferred to the drying area, then brought back into the palletising zone after completion of a drying cycle. This solution is suitable for low and light products and allows to limit the movements of
the multifunction machine on the drying area in order to
do not relent manufacturing, fast, light products. The importance of batteries is in this cycle C, de
completed to allow the transfer of batteries by
above the others and not to exceed the power of the multifunction machine.

Table II illustrates three
preferential cycles in the case of delayed release, this is
to say for products of simple forms and of which one
requires good geometry and a beautiful molding appearance.

Indeed, the products drying in their molds do not suffer from
deformations and retain smooth surfaces. On the other hand, we must say
laying of molds in quantity and the simplicity of forms allows to limit-
the cost. The cycles A and B of Table II constitute
versions according to which the full molds are
transferred one by one to the drying area and then brought
in the pallet box, or proimit4 for demoulding and pallet
after completion of a drying cycle.

However, in order to allow the molding operation of the following products to take place during the movement, on the drying area, of the multifunction machine, it first deposits the solid mold near the vibrating table. from where she seized it, to then seize the next empty mold in the palletizing area, and place it as quickly as possible on the vibrating table. It is only after this operation that the multifunction machine comes back to the fresh mold to bring it into the drying zone.

Cycle A of Table II applies to high or medium products. The turning and demolding are carried out after drying, by the multifunction machine, on a single tray released at each cycle by the palletizer,
Cycle B is, for its part, adapted to low products, their demolding is carried out, after drying, by extraction from the mold in conjunction with the palletization, using the palletizer equipped with a vacuum suckers tool, and during the movement of the multifunction machine on the drying area.

 Cycle C of Table II shows a process in which the fresh mussels are first stacked on the work station, transported by whole piles to the drying area, then brought back to the palletization area also by whole stacks after drying. This solution, applicable to low and light products (flat products for example, such as fencing panels, like cycle C in Table I), limits the movement of the multifunction machine, the importance of batteries has, for The same characteristics apply as in cycle B above, the demolding takes place by extraction in conjunction with the palletization and this, from the mold on the pile of dry products.

 These six different methods of using the installation according to the invention, and of which a cycle has just been defined for each, admit variants at the discretion of the user. In addition, as previously explained; Another advantage of the installation according to the invention is the mixing of these processes for the production followed by several types of products, alternately during each drying cycle.

 Figure 9 illustrates this capacity of the plant, showing how the drying area can be divided by way of example into two areas, the first corresponding to the implementation of the manufacture of a given product "a". , and the second hosting two types of products b and "c", whose fabrications are chained one behind the other ("a", then "b" and "c", for example).

 The advantages of the installation described above are therefore numerous, both from the point of view of the wide range of products it allows to manufacture, and the productivity obtained.

 By way of example, the high and / or fragile products which can be produced without difficulty are, for example, sanitary fittings, bollards, tanks, troughs, one-piece hulls, planters, and the like, of the order of one meter in height.

 For this type of products, the installation is particularly advantageous for replacing known artisanal or semi-artisanal processes, such as the use of "layers".

 Note also that the installation according to the invention is not limited to the production of molded concrete objects, but also applies without difficulty to the production of compacted earth products, or other.

Claims (8)

 10) Versatile installation for the manufacture of molded products, in particular vibrated concrete products, of the type consisting of a vibrating table, provided with means for feeding molds of molding material, a gantry for transfer, handling and recycling molds, handling trays, stackable removable extensions and other tools, comprising a selective gripping cradle of these tools, including molds in combination with handling trays, rotatable about a horizontal axis to perform the reversal and demolding the molded products, as well as a storage area for drying in juxtaposed piles of the molded products, a workstation for carrying out various operations such as filling and overturning the molds and demolding the products, and a palletizing area for the removal of dry goods by a palletizer,  facility characterized in that  - said vibrating table (4) is provided with means for adjusting (22, 23, 24, 25) its height relative to the ground, and vibration means (21, 26), power and / or vibration frequency adjustable  said gripping cradle (8) consists of a frame (36) for framing the tools provided with at least three locks (30) with three positions assuring the selective gripping of either a mold (43); ), either of a handling plate (41), or of a mold (43) and an associated plate (41), or of any other tooling  the horizontal axis (31) of rotation of the said gripping cradle (8) lies outside the volume circumscribed by the said support frame (36) and by the said locks (30) of which it is provided, so as to be substantially offset by a distance (d) relative to the joint plane (32) of each mold (43) with its plate (41) worried, and thus pass through the center of gravity men molds full, for the wide range of heights of molds handled  - The storage material for drying products (40) immediately demolded comprises, for each set of products from the same molding, a handling plate (41) associated, depending on the height of the products, to a set of detachable extensions stackable (70j ensuring a gap between the top of the molded products (40) and the tray (41a) immediately higher in the storage stack  said gantry (5) has in its upper structure an unobstructed space perpendicularly vertical to the gripping cradle (8), so as to increase the evolution volume of said cradle (8) as well as products (40) and tooling (41, 43, 70) that said cradle (8) handles  said palletizing zone (zone B) is situated inside the work station (zone A) and comprises at least two locations for removing trays (41) or means (43) for dry products (40).  20) Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said three-position locks (3C) consists of a movable part mounted on the gripping cradle (8), and having two opposite notches, each cooperating with a tenon ( 42, 44, 71i salient body with a tool (41, 43, 70).  30) Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration means (21, 26) of said vibrating table (4) adjustable in height are constituted by at least two substantially parallel beams (26) resting on at least one support ( 20) through dampers (27), each of said beams (26) being provided with at least one vibrator (21).  40) Installation according to claim 3, characterized in that said vibrators (21): mounted on the same beam (26) or two symmetrical beams (26) are driven in opposition two by two, each group of two being independently controlled  50) Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that said support frame (36) framing tools (41, 43, 70) of the gripping cradle (8) is movably mounted in translation relative to lateral flanks (35). ) journalled in support elements (33) of the gantry (5), so as to be able to modify the distance (d) separating the axis of rotation (31) of the journals, of the joint plane (32) mold (43) - plateau (41).  60) Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that said support frame (36) for framing tools defines a free internal space allowing the integral passage, from one side, templates tools (41, 43, 70) between peripheral centering stops (37), so as to allow the handling of complete batteries.  70) Installation according to claim 1, characterized in oe said support frame (36) is provided with a retractable electric plug (38) having at least one contact pad, connected to the gantry control circuits (5), and likely to take two actuated positions by cylinder or other means  - A rest position, in which said socket (38) is retracted into the cradle (8) so as to be disconnected from the tool used (43 or other)  a working position, in which said plug (38) comes to ensure contact on a complementary socket of the tool used (43 or other), said complementary plug being itself connected to equipment or accessories of said tool (43 or other ) to ensure their power supply and control.  80) A method of manufacturing molded products, in particular vibrated concrete products, by means of an installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said gantry (5) performs a precautionary immediate demolding process consisting of gripping the fresh-filled mold (43) on the vibrating table (4), after having associated a handling plate (41), transferring and returning said mold and the associated tray to near the storage location for drying the fresh products (40) contained in said mold (43) and demolding these fresh products directly to said location on said tray (41), then returning and resting the empty mold (43) in its initial position on the vibrating table (4) for a new molding cycle

<tb> <SEP> - <SEP> p <SEP> <tb> <SEP> PÀIEITISATRN <SEP> a. <SEP> iur <SEP> friend <SEP> a. <SEP> trval <tb> <SEP> on <SEP> table <SEP> I <SEP> I <tb> <SEP> Set <SEP> rEhitses <SEP> pla- <SEP> Set <SEP> rdhiui-s <SEP> Tray <SEP> (rCuasis <SEP> Not useful. <SEP> "" r <tb> <SEP> tffu <SEP> L1st <SEP> on <SEP> - <SEP> suiant <SEP> on <SEP> pla- <SEP> products <SEP> bis? <SEP> n0 <tb> <SEP> Stack <SEP> zone <tb> <SEP> r <tb> <SEP> I <SEP> 1 <SEP> L <tb>,} <SEP> 1tt <tb> <SEP> t <SEP> E3: <SEP> PA = TDig = CN <SEP> (panel <SEP> lJbre <SEP> 11ecJ <SEP> = <SEP> stack <SEP> <tb> <SEP> ors <SEP> of <SEP> the <SEP> palettisatin1 <Tb>

 <SEP> TABLBAU <SEP> XX <tb> <SEP> DBMOULAGE <SEP> DXFF "E <tb> <SEP> I <tb> <SEP> KMI <tb> <SEP> SE <SEP> Dry <SEP> SEP Jobs <tb> <SEP> Install <SEP> <SEP> empty <SEP> Install <SEP> inls <SEP> vLde <tb> on <SEP> table <SEP> vibrating <SEP> on <SEP> '90k <SEP> W <tb> <SEP> sfert <SEP> and <SEP> 'pilap <SEP> nle <SEP> 1 <tb> <SEP> charge <SEP> on <SEP> area <SEP> of <SEP> - <SEP> e <SEP> <tb> <SEP> yes <SEP> e <tb> 1 <SEP> stack <SEP> it <tb> <SEP> "'t5potr;; e <SEP> Stack <SEP> Dry <SEP>" s, nin "' <SEP> D6aapota <; e <SEP> Stack <SEP> e <tb> <SEP> I (XILAC; E <SEP> from <SEP> sec <SEP> - <SEP> PAIFITISATICH <SEP> 1 <tb> <SEP> work <SEP> by <SEP> eztracS <SEP> of <SEP> pZtdllitB <tb> <SEP> <C5 <SEP> pXts <SEP> mule <SEP> empty <SEP> 16 <SEP> D <tb> <SEP> on <SEP> p} <SEP> W <tb> <SEP> and <SEP> get <SEP> on <SEP> zo, e <SEP> this <tb> <SEP> tisation <tb> <SEP>, 'iss <SEP> 1' '<SEP> Stt-Lte <SEP> U1e <tb> <SEP> vi <SEP> on <SEP> extension <SEP> of <SEP> work <tb> <SEP> o <SEP> t * W <SEP> S <tb> <SEP> (dbmlage <SEP> pr <SEP> extractim <SEP> nnle <tb> <SEP> s <SEP> <SEP> surDUe <SEP> *) <tb> <SEP> D <Tb>