FR2672004A1 - Press for manufacturing blocks of hypercompressed earth for construction - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a press. The press is composed of a shuttle provided, at each end, with a compression head which moves in a horizontal plane in order to compress the earth in two moulds situated at each end of the working plane, the said shuttle is moved by two hydraulic cylinders (34), the hydraulic compression cylinders (34) are situated on the axis of the shuttle, laterally compared to the latter; the ends of the rods of the cylinders (34) are fixed to vertical reaction plates secured to the framework, the bodies of the cylinders (34) are connected to the shuttle and drive the latter in its movements; the vertical reaction plates are pierced with a hole for discharging the compressed block of earth, the opening of the said hole is controlled by a vertical flap actuated by a hydraulic cylinder (31); the said press is equipped with a device for hydraulic generation and distribution. Press for manufacturing blocks of hypercompressed earth for construction.

Description

 The subject of the invention is a press which manufactures, from natural raw earth, highly compressed blocks (by hypercompression), intended for the construction of buildings.

 The soil is loaded into a double hopper which feeds, by gravity, two molds located at each end of the press.

 Two double-acting cylinders move a shuttle which alternately compresses the soil in each mold.

 These molds are dies which define the section of the earth block whose length is adjustable, from the feed chute, by modifying its section using a movable flap.

 After compression, the earth blocks are pushed by the shuttle, outside the mold, and placed on an evacuation table from where they are taken up manually.

 In the mold, the earth is subjected to a progressive and adjustable compression.

 The generation of movements comes from a motor which drives hydraulic gear pumps.

 The press is attached to an autonomous and towable trailer.

The state of the art can be defined by the following patents
- WO 84/00514: "Method for compressing and vibrating molded blocks composed of fine gravel and cement, having the consistency of wet earth, in order to produce hard porous blocks."
- FR-A-1.527.681 "Molding press for clods called" earthen pots ", which comprises a container of earth to be molded in the form of earthen pots, a movable mold rising and falling, a movable bottom rising and falling in the mold, an organ bringing the earth from the container into the cavity of the press and an organ bringing out the molded earthen pots from this cavity, and which is characterized by the following points, separately or in combinations: the organ d feed brings the earth in a straight line into the press cavity and connects directly to the removal member, which reaches the ground surface, while the press as well as the feed and 'removal are supported by wheels rolling on the ground, and the press control mechanism is coupled with the supply and removal members and with at least one wheel, so that these members and the wheel remain stationary for each molding operation but c continue to advance during the time intervals separating two successive molding operations, and at the same time the press advances in the opposite direction over a distance corresponding to the length of a pot of soil. "
- FR-A-2.519.581: "Cam gear reduction press: The four boxes of a rotary mold appear successively under a compacting piston and a demoulding piston. Soil is introduced to be compacted and evacuated. piston is actuated by a cam driven in rotation by the shaft, which can be controlled by hand or by a motor. Rustic design and robust construction, this compactor offers a great compaction power and a high yield for a low investment . "
This patent describes a manual variable press means.

- FR-A-2.548.080: "The invention consists in the production of building materials and public works, without cooking and by hypercompression. It comprises three main phases
- the choice of gravelly earth as basic material,
- this material, mixed with natural or chemical binder and water-repellent product, in small quantities, will be mixed.

 - the mortar obtained will pass through a press with a tightening rate of 60 to 200 T, depending on the product requested.

This coercive force prevents the earth from decomposing and increases its mechanical and physical characteristics. The main applications are the production of construction and public works materials, with a low financial and energy profile. "
This patent describes a process for manufacturing a product using one or more binders, which is not the case with the invention.

- FR-A-2.575.694: "The object of the invention relates to a press device for obtaining a composite element in compressed earth. It is constituted by the combination of a successive double distribution by hoppers in capacities of different volume made on a sliding drawer and transferring the load in a mold subjected to the pressure of compression and extraction cylinders.It is intended for the construction of the masterpieces of a building, for coatings, pavings and other parts with integrated protection and decoration. "
This last patent only produces a single block by mounting a jack. The frame is movable. The earth is compressed from the bottom up.

Demoulding is manual. The production capacity can in no case exceed 200 blocks per hour.

 This machine is designed to make blocks of earth, intended for the construction of buildings.

 It improves the practices previously used for shaping earth blocks. It ensures the expected quality by producing blocks from natural soil, quickly and economically.

 The present machine saves time and energy by making blocks of earth at each of its ends.

 To obtain blocks of hypercompressed earth usable for construction, it is necessary to use presses providing very great efforts; for this purpose, the presses are oversized and cannot be available in the field to lower the compression ratio. Chemical binders are used in the manufacture of the blocks.

These means of making blocks of earth intended for construction exist, from small manual presses to mechanical machines but,
1 / - with very low production rates; from a few dozen per hour on manual presses to a few hundred (2 to 3) for mechanical presses,
2 / - with the addition of stabilizers in the raw material requiring periods of drying before use,
3 / - the mechanical machines are very heavy, rustic in design. Note the dry metal-to-metal friction or the use of lightly lubricated metal slides in which the sand is entrained; also note, depending on the offset of the forces, the creation of parasitic couples creating deformations of an assembly then requiring too massive construction.

 The invention avoids these drawbacks. Presses that can be used on site, manual or not, present problems with the piston slides which, by soil and / or sand, are worn or deteriorated very quickly.

 To this end, the hydraulic press according to the invention is of the type using double action hydraulic cylinders, supplied with high pressure oil, which actuate a shuttle which compresses the earth in molds, the energy is supplied by a motor which drives hydraulic pumps, the assembly resting on the chassis of a towable trailer. Said press is characterized in that it is composed of a shuttle provided at each end with a compression head which moves in a horizontal plane to compress the earth in two molds located at each end of the work surface, said shuttle is driven by two hydraulic cylinders, said shuttle is provided with guide means which act as slides insensitive to abrasive dust, the hydraulic compression cylinders are located in the axis of the shuttle, laterally to it; the ends of the rods of the jacks are fixed to vertical reaction plates integral with the frame, the bodies of the jacks are connected to the shuttle and cause it to move; the vertical reaction plates are pierced with a hole for evacuating the block of compressed earth, the opening of said hole is produced by a vertical flap actuated by a hydraulic cylinder, when the mold is closed by the vertical flap, the head of compression of the shuttle compresses the earth against it; the earth is supplied vertically, by gravity, above the work surface from a hopper and a mobile screen; said press is equipped with a device for generation and hydraulic distribution.

 There is a flap at each end facing the discharge holes of the vertical reaction plates. When one of them is open, the other is closed. They are out of the mold.

 When the mold is closed by the shutter, the shuttle compresses the earth against it. After compression, the shutter is open, the shuttle continues its course in the same direction and expels the block of compressed earth out of the mold, on a plate, from which it is taken up manually.

 The flaps move vertically and are each moved by a hydraulic cylinder.

 The shuttle guide means are supports for balls, said supports are sealed and greased for life, said balls roll under the passage of the shuttle, said balls are held in position in support stations, each station contains two balls, said stations are fixed to the rigid frame.

 The press, object of the present invention, is equipped with a device for generating and distributing hydraulics. Hydraulic pumps are conventional gear pumps.

 The oil distribution device, generating the movements, is hydraulically managed and has the effect - a first rapid advance of the shuttle, until the earth is introduced from the pre-mold into the mold - in the second phase, the movement of the shuttle is very slow, while the rise in high pressure is essential for the proper formation of the earth block.

 There are three hydraulic pumps. There are therefore two pumps which actuate the shuttle and a third pump which is intended for the movement of the flaps.

 The machine, object of the present invention, is in operation, either controlled by a single man, or only monitored. In automatic mode, the various commands constituting a production cycle are carried out by a programmable controller.

 The automaton governs all operations in order to manufacture earth blocks at a very high rate while ensuring operational safety.

 The automaton also governs the hopper unloading cycles when it is desired to evacuate the soil loaded therein, without manufacturing a block.

 The automaton monitors the different operations; in manual mode, the man cannot carry out maneuvers dangerous for the material.

 The automated organization of the machine results in savings in maneuvering time and a very high production rate of around 700 blocks per hour. These blocks are therefore produced at low energy costs (of the order of ten grams of diesel per block).

 The earth used is natural raw earth requiring no stabilizer (cement, lime or other) due to its hypercompression.

 Indeed, the high pressure hydraulic pump can go up to 250 bars, this pressure is adjustable. At most, the block of earth receives an effort of 52 tonnes, or 195 kg / cm2.

 The blocks of hypercompressed earth, produced by the machine, object of the present invention, are therefore very resistant and suitable for implementation from their manufacture.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESS ACCORDING TO
THE INVENTION
The attached drawings are given as indicative and non-limiting examples. They represent a preferred embodiment according to the invention. They will make it easy to understand the invention,
Figure 1 is a schematic view of the press, viewed from one side along its longitudinal axis.

 Figure 2 is a schematic view of the press, front view, from the side of one of the press outlets.

 Figure 3 is a view of the press according to Figure 1, but seen from the other side.

 Figure 4 is a schematic view, top view, of the shuttle with, at its two ends, a compression head, laterally secured to two hydraulic cylinders; this figure highlights the compression of the earth in two molds located at each longitudinal end of said press; in this figure, the expulsion of a block takes place on the left of the press, while the mold on the right is filled with soil.

 Figure 5 is a view according to Figure 3 where the shuttle is in the intermediate position before going to compress the earth in the right mold.

 Figure 6 is a view according to Figure 4 where the shuttle, after compressing the earth in the right mold, expels the block of hypercompressed earth, the left mold is filled with earth.

 Figure 7 is a sectional view along the longitudinal axis of one end of the press, showing the compression head on the left side of the shuttle and the mold on the left side with its vertical flap.

 Figure 8 is a sectional view of the mold shown in Figure 6 along section AA.

 Figure 9 is a sectional view of the guide means acting as a slide and support for the shuttle.

 Figure 10 is a schematic view of the hydraulic generation and distribution device for understanding the different cycles.

 Figure 11 is a schematic view of the machine.

 The machine rests on a main chassis 1 completed with a secondary chassis 2. This main chassis 1 rests on an axle 3 by means of a spring suspension 4. The axle is equipped with a drawbar 6 with traction ring 7 and safety chain 8. With this equipment, the machine is towable, mobile, and can be moved to different sites.

The chassis is equipped with four adjustable stands 9 to ensure its stability in operation. A tube 10 securely attached to the main chassis 1 protects the wheel 5 on the loading side.

 A large double hopper 11, in which the earth is loaded, rests on four feet 12, on the main frame 1.

The upper opening of the hopper 11 is covered with a screen 13 intended to let pass only the earth as well as small stones. Large stones and other objects are eliminated by the sieve 13.

 The screen 13 is supported on one edge of the hopper 11 by solid hinges 14 around which it can rotate. The screen 13 is held in an inclined position by a protective apron 15. This apron prevents the earth from falling out of the hopper during loading. The apron 15 is fixed to the upper edge of the screen 13 by solid hinges 16 around which it can rotate. The lower part of the deck 15 rests in locks 17. For transporting the machine, the deck 15 is folded under the screen 13 using the hinges 16; this assembly is lowered into a horizontal position on the hopper 11 by rotation around the hinges 14; in this way the height of the machine is reduced.

 At the base of the hopper 11, two loading chutes 18 feed the earth by gravity, the walls of the hopper 11, vertical and strongly inclined, allowing this mode of earth feeding. The capacity of the hopper ll is, depending on the loading mode, from 2 to 2.5 cubic meters, which corresponds to 15 minutes of production of compressed earth blocks.

 The opening surface of the two loading spouts 18 can be adjusted by positioning two flaps 19 inside the hopper 11. These two flaps 19, one per chute 18, more or less obstructing the opening of the chute, allow adjusting the length of the earth block; this length is directly proportional to the volume of soil fed into the pre-mold 20.

 Next to the hopper 11, which is fixed to the main chassis 1, the additional equipment is placed on the secondary chassis 2.

 The diesel engine 21, with a power of 60 horsepower, which generates the energy of the machine, its battery box 22, the engine 21 and the batteries 22 are located towards the front of the machine and as close as possible to the axle 3. The diesel engine 21 drives, by means of a coupling 23, the hydraulic pumps 24 which supply the hydraulic oil under pressure and the flow required for the various cylinders by means of a hydraulic circuit of distribution which will be described later. The diesel engine 21 is fixed to the auxiliary chassis 2 by an anti-vibration system, it is equipped with its fuel tank.

 The hydraulic oil reservoir 26, with a capacity of 250 liters is located transversely under the hopper, in the free space between the two chutes 18. The reservoir 26 supplies the pumps 24 by gravity. The oil, before it returns to the reservoir 26, passes through a cooler 27.

 The refrigerant 27 is calculated so that the temperature of the hydraulic oil never exceeds 70 "C. The hydraulic oil tank 26 is equipped with the normal accessories, that is to say: suction strainers, ìlters twenty -five microns on the oil return, level, thermometer, filling and draining holes, isolation valves.

 In the center of the secondary chassis 2 and above the hydraulic pumps 24, there is a control box 28 which is electrically supplied with 24 volts, direct current, from the batteries 22. The control box 28 comprises, on its front face, the various machine control buttons; inside it houses a programmable automaton which manages and controls the movements of the machine. The circuits and sequences will be the subject of a detailed description.

 The earth, which has been loaded into the double hopper 11, descends by gravity passing through the troughs 18, adjustable by the flaps 19 in the pre-molds. The earth is then transformed into a compressed block, good for construction in the molds 29; the design of the mold 29 will be described with the comments of FIG. 6 and following.

 When the earth is compressed, the mold outlets 29 are closed by the flaps 30 which are moved by the hydraulic cylinders 31.

 When the earth block is formed, the jack 31 opens the shutter 30 and the block is pushed outside the machine onto the evacuation tables 50. The ends of the tables 50 rest on the ground using feet 36 adjustable in height and retractable.

 The 50 tables are designed to store a minimum of five blocks, which leaves the time necessary for handling the blocks during production. For transporting the machine, these tables 50 are placed in a vertical position.

 The compression of the earth in the mold is carried out as follows: the shuttle 32 is equipped at each of its ends with a compression head 37.

 The shuttle 32 is maintained in its movement by two support stations 33 equipped with rolling balls 38. There is a station 33 on each side of the shuttle 32, each equipped with two lower balls 38. The movement of the shuttle 32 therefore drives the compression head 37 which pushes the earth from the pre-mold 20 into the mold 29, the flap 30 is kept closed by the jack 31. The shuttle 32 moves rapidly until the compression begins. up to the selected value, i.e. a maximum of fifty tonnes of thrust. At this moment, the pushing force is canceled, the flap 30 is opened by the jack 31 and the shuttle 32 evacuates the block of soil on the evacuation table 50.

 The mold consists of a base plate 39, this plate 39 has the length of the pre-mold 20 and the mold 29. The plate 39 is bolted to the plates 40 which constitute the sides of the mold 29, as well as the plate 41 which is the top of the mold 29. These four plates constitute the robust framework and are coated internally with wear plates 42 for the base 39; wear plates 44 for the top 41; wear plates 43 for the sides 40; only the plates 43 are held by screws on the sides 40, the wear plates 42 and 44 are simply placed.

To prevent the wear plates 42, 43 and 44 from being entrained outside the mold 29, by the friction of the block of compressed earth, they are held in their position by keys 45.

 The shutter 30 moves, moved by the jack 31, in a space created by: the plate 47, two spacers 48 for use of slides and the shutter coming to bear on the plate 47. The plate 47 is cut from rectangular openings 30 X 9 cm corresponding to the profile of the compressed earth block.

 The two vertical reaction plates 47, one at each end of the machine, are the frame of the machine.

 Indeed, these vertical reaction plates 47 are interconnected by four solid spacers or rods 49 which maintain their spacing.

 It is on these vertical reaction plates 47 that the mold sides 40 are fixed to which the base plates 39 and mold top plates 41 are bolted.

 The vertical reaction plates 47 serve as stops for the rods of the compression cylinders 34.

 During compression, the rods of the jacks 34 are supported on one of the plates 47, the earth is compressed against the flap 30 located on the other side of the machine which is supported on the other plate 47.

 The two end plates 47 are biased 1 apart but are held in good position by the rods 49 which are subjected to a tensile force.

 The shuttle 32, equipped with its two compression heads 37, is driven by the double-acting cylinders 34 in a reciprocating movement. The connection between the jacks 34 and the shuttle 32 is produced by yokes 64.

 The hydraulic system is schematically represented in FIG. 10. The oil supply comes from the reservoir 26, prefiltered by the suction strainers 51 and 52. At the outlet of a reservoir 26, two valves 53 and 54 on the pipes d aspiration allow it to be isolated from the downstream circuit.

 The hydraulic gear pumps 55, 56 and 57 are driven at the speed of 2,500 revolutions per minute by the diesel engine 21 via a coupling 23. The pump 55 is intended for moving the shuttle 32: its characteristics are : flow rate 330 liters per minute under operating pressure 70 bars, which generates rapid displacement at low pressure and the start of compression of the earth block. The pump 57 then takes over from the pump 55 and in turn generates a slow displacement of the shuttle accompanied by a gradual increase in pressure, its characteristics are: flow rate 27 liters per minute and possibility of rising in high pressure up to 250 bars. The pump 56, whose characteristics are: flow rate 85 liters per minute and operating pressure 180 bars, is specially assigned to the two jacks 31 for the opening and closing of the two flaps 30.

 The two pumps 55 and 57 deliver in the same circuit which supplies the jacks 34, until the compression of the earth block is started and the oil pressure reaches 70 bars.

At this moment, the valve 58 opens, controlled by the pressure generated and the pump 57 continues to flow in the circuit considered, it is then that the jacks 34 continue very slowly their advance until the compression of the earth block at the desired pressure. The pump 55 is protected by a safety valve 59 calibrated at 250 bars. A non-return valve 60 protects the low pressure pump 55 from the flow of the high pressure pump 57. The desired compression pressure is displayed on the pressure switch 61, when this pressure is obtained, the pressure switch 61 signals this to the programmable controller which cancels then the compression order.

A visual pressure gauge 62 makes it possible to check the adjustment, carried out on the pressure switch 61.

 The hydraulic oil generated by the two pumps 55 and 57 or only by the pump 57 is directed by a hydraulic solenoid valve 63 controlled hydraulically, either on one side of the jack 34, which will form a block of soil at one end of the machine, either on the other side of the jack 34, forming the block on the other side of the machine or, in the direction of the reservoir 26, if one does not want to form a block, machine stopped. The rods of the jacks 34 are fixed at their ends in abutment against the plates 47.

Only the bodies of these jacks are mobile, driving the shuttle 32 by a jack-shuttle connection produced by two yokes 64 which enclose the jacks 34, on the one hand, and are welded to the shuttle 32, on the other hand.

 The hydraulic oil emerging from the solenoid valve 63 is directed to an air cooler 27 to ensure an oil temperature below 70 "C and then to a filter 65 which will keep the oil clean by stopping all the impurities contained in it. oil and larger than 10 microns; output from the filter 65, the oil returns to the reservoir 26.

 The pump 56, intended for the movements of the flaps 30, is protected by a safety valve 66, it supplies the jacks 31 via a hydraulic solenoid valve 67 which, depending on the direction in which the oil is directed, opens a flap 30 on one side of the machine and simultaneously closes the other flap 30 and reversibly. So that the flaps 30 remain in position when the control is at rest, the two jacks 31 remain under pressure by virtue of two piloted non-return valves 68.

 The hydraulic oil, emerging from the solenoid valve, is directed to a filter 69 which stops impurities larger than 25 microns in order to keep the hydraulic oil clean, then is returned to the reservoir 26.

The hydraulic diagram (fig. 10) also indicates
- 24V electric coils. CC 74 and 75 which control the hydraulic solenoid valve 63.

 - the coils 80 and 81 which control the hydraulic solenoid valve 67.

 - the position detectors 76, 77 and 78, 79 of the flaps 30.

 - the position detectors 72, 73 and 82, 83 actuated by the contact cam 71 of the jack 34.

 The adjustable pressure switch 61 gives an electrical signal when the compression value of the earth block is reached. The pressure gauge 62 displays the set pressure.

 The flap position detectors 30 are respectively actuated in pairs: either 77 and 78 corresponding to a flap at the top and the other at the bottom, or 76 and 79 when the positions are reversed.

 The position detectors 72, 73 and 82, 83, two on each side of the machine indicate that the compression head has arrived near the flap 30 for the detectors 72 and 82; the detectors 73 and 83 signal that the jack 34 is at its maximum limit and that the compressed earth block has left the machine and is on the evacuation table 50.

 The programmable controller processes positioning information called inputs and gives action orders which are outputs. Figure 9 details the inputs and outputs used.

 A control cabinet 28 for the machine is located in the center of the machine and on the side opposite the earth load. It houses the programmable controller as well as the 24 V DC electrical control relays.

 The cabinet door 28 is equipped with a machine control panel. These commands make it possible to make a choice between three operating modes of the machine which are Automatic = the programmable automaton controls only the machine and manufactures compressed earth blocks.

 Manual: 1 man can operate the machine, the action of the programmable logic controller then consisting only of surveillance: prohibiting man from carrying out maneuvers detrimental to the machine and checking safety.

 In manual mode, it is possible to move the shuttle 32, either to the right or to the left of the machine, as well as to control the movements of the flaps; either open the left shutter and simultaneously close the right shutter, or open right and simultaneously close left.

 The cabinet door is therefore equipped with all the buttons necessary for the various commands. It is in this cabinet that all the information intended for the programmable controller ends. In addition to the machine positions transmitted by the detectors, the automaton receives the signal signifying that pressure on the block is obtained; the automaton also has a monitoring mission which results in a machine stop with light or audible fault signaling, either by hydraulic oil level, or by too high temperature of this oil.

SEQUENCES: MANUAL - UNLOADING - AUTOMATIC
Referring to Figure 10, we can follow the entire system operation. The diesel engine 21 is running, the hydraulic pumps 55, 56 and 57 deliver oil.

 If no command is actuated, the flow rates of the pumps 55 and 57 go to the solenoid valve 63 and come out immediately there to pass into the refrigerant 27, then into the filter 65, and finally return to the reservoir 26.

 The flow from pump 56 goes to the distributor, leaves it to pass through filter 69 and returns to tank 26.

If the "MANUAL" mode is selected, the PLC must be informed to validate this decision by activating the "START"
CYCLE ". The machine can then be maneuvered manually. The diesel engine 21 operates and drives the hydraulic pumps 55, 56, 57 which deliver. It is assumed that there is no earth in the hopper II.

 It is possible, by manually operating the switches placed on the control panel 28, to give orders to the machine.

 We first ask to open the flap 30 on the left, the automaton which has been electrically supplied by the ignition key of the diesel registers the input then, at the output, electrically supplies the coil 81, the oil then passes in the distributor 67 and the two jacks 31 move, causing the opening of the left shutter 30 and the closing of the right shutter; if the control is insisted on, the flaps having finished their stroke, the pressure increases in the jacks 31 until the safety valve 66 opens sending the oil flow to the reservoir 26. At release of the control, the distributor 67 returns to the central position, the non-return valves 68 ensure that the flaps 30 remain in the position.

 After opening the left flap 30, the automatic device is informed by the position detectors 76 and 79 that the left is open and the right closed. We then request the displacement of the shuttle to the left, the solenoid 74 of the distributor 63 is then electrically supplied by the automaton, the oil supplied by the pumps 55 and 57 is then directed into the jacks 34 which move to the left by driving the shuttle 32. The cam 71 fixed on the body of the jack 34 first comes into contact with the detector 72 then with the detector 73 signaling that the hydraulic pressure increases in the jacks and the safety valve 58 opens, leaving the oil overflow return to tank 26.

 By releasing the "left" control, the distributor 63 returns to the central position.

 By actuating the "right" command, the automaton electrically supplies the solenoid 74 and the shuttle 32, driven by the jacks 34, moves to the right until the cam 71 reaches the detector 82. At this time, the automaton is informed that movement to the right is requested, but the detector 79 informs the automaton that the right shutter 30 is closed. To prevent the compression head 37 from coming into contact with the shutter 30, the automaton - which has a monitoring mission - stops the movement by stopping the supply of the solenoid, which puts the distributor in the center and the shuttle 32 can only move if you open the right pane 30.

 The automaton, in second monitoring, prohibits the closing of the right flap 30 if it is informed by the detector 83 that the shuttle is in the maximum position on the right. The purpose of this prohibition is to protect the compression head.

 If the "DOWNLOAD" mode is selected, the automaton - as soon as the "Start cycle" has been confirmed - executes the maneuvers.

The automaton knows by the information transmitted to it by the detectors 76 and 78, which shutter is open; detectors 77 and 79 confirm that the opposite flap is closed. Then the unloading cycle can begin, the automaton gives the order electrically so that the shuttle leaves towards the open shutter, in order to expel the earth outside the machine without compressing it.

 It is assumed that the flap 30 on the left is open 76 and 79, the automaton feeds the solenoid 74, putting the distributor 63 in position and the shuttle 32 moves to the left, pushed by the jack 34. The cam reaches the detector 72 , passes it and comes into contact with the detector 73: at this time, the automaton cuts the supply of the solenoid 74, the distributor 63 returns to the center, and the shuttle 32 stops. Immediately, the movement to the right begins. The controller supplies the solenoid 75, the shuttle 32 moves to the right, the cam 71 leaves the detector 73. When this cam 71 releases the detector 72, the controller cuts the supply of the solenoid 75 and reverses the positions of the flaps 30 by supplying the coil 80, the jacks 31 come into action, the left shutter is closed at 77, the right shutter is open at 78, the automaton cuts the current at the solenoid 80, feeds at 75 and the shuttle 32 goes back to the right to detector 83 and the cycle repeats. The unloading sequence is stopped by operating the "Cycle stop" command.

 The sequence in DOWNLOAD mode is described in appendix II.

 If the "AUTOMATIC" mode is selected, the automaton, after the start order is given to it by the signal "start cycle", controls all the operations for manufacturing the earth block.

 In order to work in good conditions, the machine first performs a cleaning of the molds 29 by carrying out an unloading cycle, then it begins manufacturing.

 It is assumed that the shuttle 32 is at the right end 82 and 83, the left flap 30 is closed at 77 and 78 and the earth is lowered into the premould 20 on the left. The shuttle 32 moves to the left, the compression head 37 drives the earth into the mold 29 and begins compression until the flow rate of the pump 55 is hydraulically disconnected by opening the valve 58. At this time, only the pump 57 very slowly achieves the end of compression of the block until the desired pressure is reached. The pressure switch 61 gives the signal, the machine returns the distributor 63 to the center and the pressure drops in the jacks 34. The machine opens the flap 30 to the left 76 and 79, restarts the shuttle to the left until end 72 and 73, then the compressed block is removed from the machine on the evacuation table 50. Immediately, the automaton orders the shuttle 32 to leave to the right and the cycle continues until there is no soil in the hopper or decision to stop manufacturing by activating the "cycle stop" signal.

 The sequence in AUTOMATIC mode is described in appendix III.

APPENDIX I SEQUENCE IN MANUAL MODE 1. Closing of the 24 V DC electrical circuit
Diesel engine in operation 2. Selection of "MANUAL" mode 3. Press on "START CYCLE" button 4. Visually determine the position of the flaps 5. Positioning of the flaps 6. Positioning of the shuttle
- towards the left
- to the right 7. Press the "CYCLE STOP" button
Possibility of selecting another mode
APPENDIX II
SEOUEWCE IN DErgARGENzNT MODE 1. Closed electrical circuit
Diesel in operation 2. Selecting the "DOWNLOAD" mode 3. Pressing the "START CYCLE" button
If the left flap 30 is open 76, 79, the shuttle 32
will go to the left or vice versa.

4. Shuttle to the left and near the left pane 72 5. Shuttle to the left and left end 73 6. Shuttle to the right leaves end and proximity
left 73 and 72 7. Rise right flap 78 and 77 8. Shuttle to the right 9. Shuttle to the right and near right door 82 10. Shuttle to the right and right end 82 and 83 11. Shuttle to the left leaves end and proximity
right 83 and 82 12. Left flap up 76 and 79 13. Shuttle to the left 14. Resumption of the cycle at point 4 15. To stop the cycle press on "stop cycle" button
APPENDIX III
SEQVRNCE IN wAUTOMATIC MODE 1. Closed electrical circuit
Diesel in operation 2. Selection of the "AUTOMATIC" mode 3. Press on the "START CYCLE" button 4. The automaton first controls an unloading cycle
before starting the automatic sequence, either towards the
right or to the left (review sequence
unloading) 5. If left flap closed 77 and 78 6. Shuttle 32 to the left 7. Block compression
Pressure reached 61 8. Left flap opening 76 and 79 9. Exit from the block
Left end shuttle 73 10. Right shuttle 11. Block compression (see 7) 61 12. Right shutter opening 78 and 77 13. Block exit 83 14. Left shuttle 15. Resumption of the cycle at point 7 16. To stop the cycle, press the "stop cycle" button
NB: - due to lack of soil in the hopper, the machine stops at point 7 or 11, because the detector 72 or 82 is reached by the cam 71, without the pressure signal reached being given by the pressure switch 61.

 - the machine stops if the oil temperature is too high.

The press object of the present invention is characterized by:
1 / - its very high production rate; 700 blocks of earth per hour with a very low production cost since its driving energy is provided by a 60 horsepower diesel engine.

 2 / - its compression mode, the transmission of forces of which is carried out along the very axis of the formation of the earth block.

 3 / - the means which allows the forces to be transmitted in the compression axis is the use of two hydraulic cylinders, double acting, double rod.

 These two cylinders, whose fixed rods bear on reaction plates, cause a compression shuttle by the displacement of the bodies of the cylinders on the rods.

 The cylinder bodies are connected to the shuttle.

 The two jacks are located laterally to the shuttle, in a horizontal plane coincident with the axis of formation of the blocks.

 4 / - The design of the two vertical reaction plates is characterized by their connection by four threaded rods at their ends, nuts and locknuts ensuring the spacing between the two plates, as well as their parallelism. These four threaded rods balance the assembly, work only in traction, since when the rods of the jacks are supported on a plate, the other plate resists the compressive force of the block, the force of separation of the two plates being canceled by the work of the four rods.

 5 / - The guidance of the shuttle is characterized by the use of carrier balls which maintain the weight of the assembly "shuttle and compression cylinders". The bearing balls are in sealed supports, they are greased for life. The carrier balls are located under the compression shuttle and therefore protected from falling raw material. They contribute to an effortless movement of the shuttle, without any friction between metal parts.

 6 / - The production cycle of a block of earth is characterized by its short time, just over five seconds, while ensuring a homogeneity of forces throughout the block during its creation. The two conditions: time and homogeneity of forces are obtained by an original hydraulic system.

 Hydraulic power is generated for compression by two standard model gear pumps.

 A first high-flow, low-pressure pump is used for the rapid displacement of the shuttle during the introduction of the earth into the compression chamber, during the start of compression, as well as for the expulsion of the block formed.

 A second pump with low flow and high pressure is operational, alone, to complete the compression of the block, by moving the shuttle very slowly and ensuring a regular growth of the compression force.

 7 / - The operation of the press according to the invention is original due to its automatic mechanisms.

The machine has three modes of operation:
- in "manual" mode, the man controls the movements, he is under surveillance
- in "automatic unloading" mode, when it is desired to remove the raw material from the hopper without manufacturing a compressed block,
- in "automatic" mode, the machine manufactures the blocks alone, it monitors itself.

 These three modes are managed by a programmable automaton which, in addition to its production functions, has monitoring missions, either so that the man does not carry out a damaging maneuver, or to check that all the conditions are good in automatic modes.

 REFERENCES 1. Main chassis 2. Secondary chassis 3. Axle 4. Spring suspension 5. Wheel 6. Tow bar 7. Drawbar 8. Safety chain 9. Adjustable crutches 10. Protective tube 11. Large double hopper 12 Hopper feet 13. Screen or sieve 14. Hinges 15. Protective apron 16. Hinges 17. Locks 18. Loading spouts 19. Shutters (block length adjustment) 20. Pre-mold 21. Diesel engine 22. Batteries 23. Coupling 24. Hydraulic pumps 26. Hydraulic oil tank 27. Refrigerant 28. Control box 29. Molds 30. Vertical flap 31. Hydraulic cylinder of vertical flap 32. Shuttle 33. Support stations 34. Double-acting cylinders 36 Table legs 37. Compression head 38. Ball bearings 39. Base plate 40. Mold side plates 41. Mold top plate 42. Wear plates for base 39 43. Wear plates for sides 40 44. Wear plates for the top 4 1 45. Keys for holding the wear plates 47. Vertical reaction plates 48. Spacer spacers 49. Reaction rods 50. Evacuation tables 51. Suction strainers 52. Suction strainers 53. 54. Valves 55.56.57. Hydraulic gear pumps 58. Valve 59. Safety valve 60. Non-return valve 61. Pressure switch 62. Visual pressure gauge 63. Hydraulic solenoid valve 64. Yokes 65. Filter 66. Safety valve 67. Hydraulic solenoid valve 68. Non-return valves 69. Oil filter 71. Contact cam 72. 73. Position sensors 74. 75. Electric or solenoid coils 76. 77. 78. 79. Flap position sensors 30 80.81. Coils 82.83. Cylinder position sensors 34

Claims (10)

 1. Hydraulic press of type TB 700 using hydraulic cylinders (34) with double action, supplied with high pressure oil which actuates a shuttle (32) which compresses the earth in molds (29), the energy is supplied by a motor (21) which drives hydraulic pumps (24), characterized by the fact  that it consists of a shuttle (32) provided at each end with a compression head (37) which moves in a horizontal plane to compress the earth in two molds (29) located at each end of the work plan , said shuttle (32) is driven by two hydraulic cylinders (34), said shuttle (32) is provided with guide means which act as bearings insensitive to abrasive dust, the hydraulic compression cylinders (34) are located in the axis of the shuttle (32), laterally to the latter; the ends of the reaction rods (49 are fixed to vertical reaction plates (47) integral with the frame, the bodies of the jacks (34) are connected to the shuttle (32) and cause the latter to move; the vertical plates reaction (47) are drilled with a hole for evacuating the block of compressed earth, the opening of said hole is controlled by a vertical flap (30) actuated by a hydraulic cylinder (31); when the mold (29) is closed by the vertical flap (30), the compression head (37) of the shuttle (32) compresses the earth against it; the earth is supplied vertically above the work surface by a hopper (11) and a mobile screen (13); said press is equipped with a device for hydraulic generation and distribution.  2. Hydraulic press according to claim 1, characterized in that  that the shuttle guide means (32) are supports (33) for balls (38), said balls (38) are sealed and greased for life, said balls (38) roll under the passage of the shuttle, said balls (38) are held in position in support stations (33), each station (33) contains two balls (38), said stations (33) are fixed to the rigid frame.  3. Hydraulic press, according to claim 1, characterized in that  that the means which allows the forces to be transmitted in the compression axis is the use of two hydraulic cylinders (34), double acting, double rod; these two jacks (34), whose fixed rods bear on reaction plates (47), drive a compression shuttle (32) by the displacement of the bodies of the jacks (34) on their rods; the cylinders bodies (34) are connected to the shuttle (32); the two jacks (34) are located laterally to the shuttle (32), in a horizontal plane coincident with the axis of formation of the blocks; the two vertical reaction plates (47) are held in connection by four rods (49) threaded at their ends, nuts and lock nuts ensuring the spacing between the two plates (47), as well as their parallelism; the four threaded rods (49) balance the assembly, work only in traction, since when the cylinders rods (34) bear on a plate (47), the other plate (47) resists the compressive force of the block, the spacing force of the two plates (47) being canceled by the work of the four rods (49).  4. Hydraulic press, according to claim 1, characterized in that  that hydraulic power is generated for compression by two gear pumps; a first pump (55) with high flow rate, low pressure, is used for the rapid displacement of the shuttle (32) during the introduction of the earth into the compression chamber, during the start of compression, as well as for expulsion of the block formed; a second pump (57) at low flow rate and high pressure is operational, alone, to complete the compression of the block, by moving the shuttle very slowly (32) and ensuring a regular growth of the compression force.  5. Hydraulic press according to claim 1, characterized in that  that the third pump (56) is intended for the movement of the vertical flaps (30).  6. Hydraulic press according to claim 1, characterized in that  that there is a flap (30) at each end facing the discharge holes of the vertical reaction plates (47); when one of them is open, the other is closed; when the mold (29) is closed by the flap (30), the shuttle (32) comes to compress the earth against it; after compression, the flap (30) is open, the shuttle (32) continues to run in the same direction and expels the block of compressed earth from the mold (29), on a plate, from which it is taken up manually; the flaps (30) move vertically and are each moved by a hydraulic cylinder (31).  7. Hydraulic press according to claim 1 characterized in that  that it rests on a main chassis (1) supplemented with a secondary chassis (2); this main chassis (1) rests on an axle (3) by means of a spring suspension (4) the axle is fitted with a drawbar (6) with drawbar (7) and chain security (8).  8. Hydraulic press according to claim 1, characterized in that  that the hopper (11) is double and that it rests on four feet (12), on the main frame (1); the upper opening of the hopper (11) is covered with a screen (13).  9. Hydraulic press according to any one of claims l or 8, characterized in that  that the screen (13) is supported on one edge of the hopper (11) by hinges (14); the screen (13) is held in an inclined position by a protective apron (15); the apron (15) is fixed to the upper edge of the screen (13) by hinges (16); the lower part of the deck (15) rests in locks (17)  for transporting the machine, the apron (15) is folded under the screen (13) using the hinges (16); this assembly is lowered into a horizontal position on the hopper (11) by rotation around the hinges (14).  10. Hydraulic press, according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that  that at the base of the hopper (11), two loading chutes (18) feed the earth by gravity, the walls of the hopper (11), vertical and strongly inclined, allowing this mode of earth feeding; the opening surface of the two loading chutes (18) can be adjusted by positioning two flaps (19) inside the hopper (11); these two flaps (19), one per chute (18), more or less obstructing the opening of the chute, allow the length of the earth block to be adjusted