FR2956059A1 - Vibrated concrete product e.g. tunnel quoin, manufacturing assembly, has unit to connect supply and connection device with inlet, and another unit to lock connection of device with inlet, where units are controlled in automated manner - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly (1) has a mould (2) with a pressurized gas supply inlet (6) connected to a pressurized gas supply system (3) associated to the mould. A positioning and guiding unit (42) positions and guides a pressurized gas supply and connection device (4) to connect the device with the supply inlet. A locking unit (43) locks the connection of the device with the supply inlet. The positioning and guiding unit and the locking unit are formed by a single apparatus and are controlled in an automated manner. The positioning and guiding unit can be a movable element such as motorized element and hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, and a motorized arm. The pressurized gas supply system can be a vibration system supplied in compressed air. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a vibrated concrete product from a mould.

Description

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a mold provided with at least one connected feed inlet. The invention relates to an assembly comprising a mold provided with at least one connected feed inlet. a system associated with the mold and to be supplied with pressurized gas, and at least one device for connecting and supplying gas under pressure. The invention will be more particularly described, but not limited thereto, to an assembly whose mold is used for the manufacture of vibrated concrete products, such as voussoirs, the system associated with the mold being a vibration system fed with compressed air. . The tunnel segments are made in a known manner with cast concrete in molds having the required shape and dimensions. It is also recommended that the pouring of concrete, it is vibrated to distribute it evenly and fully in the mold. To this end, vibration systems are associated against the walls of the mold, generally under the bottom of the mold, and generate a vibratory phenomenon through the mold structure, thereby vibrating the concrete.

Vibration systems, or vibrators, operate for this type of application under compressed air supply.

In a segment manufacturing plant, in known manner, the molds can be arranged in a fixed manner and a hopper is successively moved to the height of each mold for casting the concrete. In another known configuration, the molds are arranged on a carousel which successively brings each of the molds to a fixed station for delivering the concrete. The station is formed of a cabin in which the mold is introduced and comprising a device for supplying compressed air for feeding the vibrators. The inlet of the vibrator feed lines is positioned generally at a side wall of the mold.

At each introduction or removal of the mold from the cabin for the injection of the concrete or after pouring of the concrete, an operator is obliged to enter the cabin and manually make the connection or disconnection of the device. supply of compressed air to the inlet of the vibrator pipes. Indeed, it is necessary that the feed device can be separated from the mold when it is set in motion at each beginning and end of the molding cycle to enter and leave the cabin.

The connection and disconnection of the compressed air connections causes a loss of time which it would be desirable to minimize in order to increase productivity in the production cycle.

In addition, human intervention, although secure in the production plants, can always be a source of mishandling, which may inadvertently lead to incidents. The invention therefore aims to provide a method and a mold connection device requiring a pressurized gas supply, whose implementation time is reduced and allows to make reliable and secure intervention operations. The invention thus relates to an assembly comprising a mold provided with at least one feed inlet connected to a system associated with the mold and to be fed with pressurized gas, and at least one connection and feed device. in pressurized gas, characterized in that the assembly comprises means for guiding and positioning said device for its connection with the supply input, and means for locking the connection of said device with said supply input, all of these means being controlled in an automated manner.

Thus, this automated control of the connecting device and supply and eliminates human intervention, enhancing the safety and reliability of operations in the manufacturing process.

According to one characteristic, the cooperation of the connection and supply device with the feed inlet arranged at the level of the mold is coplanarly produced according to an abutment, or according to a mutual engagement cooperation of complementary forms of the male-female type. and / or by clipping, the connecting device and power supply or the supply input further comprising sealing means.

According to another characteristic, the guiding and positioning means consist of a movable element ensuring translational and possibly rotational movements, such as a motorized element, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

These movable means generate a feeding of the feeding device opposite and then in cooperation with the feed inlet of the mold, and subsequently a release of the device from the mold.

Preferably, the means for guiding and positioning said device and the connection locking means are formed by a unitary device. For example, the jack provides by its movable arm a translational movement guiding and positioning the connecting device and ensuring its locking by a pushing force. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly of the invention comprises several systems for supplying gas under pressure, the mold having a plurality of supply inlets each connected to a system, while a plurality of connecting devices. and power supply is provided to connect individually to each power input, or a single connecting device and power supply is provided to connect to a general input of the mold leading to a collector connected to each of the inputs or a single connecting and supplying device is provided and includes a plurality of connection and power outputs for each to connect to each system power input. Advantageously, at least one position sensor is associated with the guiding and positioning means of the connection and supply device in order to provide position information of said means and to adapt their position in return. The mold is preferably a mold for the manufacture of vibrated concrete products, such as voussoirs, railway sleepers, or beams, the systems fed with pressurized gas being air-powered vibration systems. compressed. The invention also relates, in particular, to a method of manufacturing vibrated concrete products from a mold, comprising a step of connecting the pressurized gas supply of at least one vibration system associated with the mold, characterized in that the connection step is performed in an automated manner.

This method is implemented by the whole of the invention, the characteristics of which are expressed above.

The method consists in particular in making voussoirs, all of the invention being enclosed in a cabin, and the automated control of the connecting device and supply being controllable remotely from a control panel outside the cabin.

The present invention is now described by way of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view partly in section ( in a vertical transverse plane) and on the side of an assembly according to the invention comprising a mold and a device for connecting and supplying pressurized gas; Figure 2 is a bottom view of Figure 1 according to an exemplary embodiment; Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the connection and supply device in the respective positions, disconnected and connected with the feed inlet of the mold; Figures 5 and 6 are schematic views from below of two respective variants of connecting device (s) connection and supply to a mold.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an assembly 1 according to the invention comprising a mold 2, a system 3 to be fed with gas under pressure and associated with the mold, and a device 4 for connecting and supplying pressurized gas to the system 3 .

As an illustration, this set is typically applied to the manufacture of molded concrete products such as tunnel segments, developed from the mold 2 and a plurality of vibration systems 3 supplied with compressed air. The vibration systems 3 generate vibrations propagating through the mold, so that the concrete discharging into the mold vibrates and spreads fully into the mold in a homogeneous manner. Set 1 is in this application contained in a cabin not shown in the figures.

The mold 2 is in particular formed by a bottom 20 defining a curved surface, side and opposite cheeks 21 and 22, and two covers which are not shown here.

Under the mold, and associated with the outer face of the bottom 20, are associated the vibrators 3, one of which is visible in FIG. 1 and three are shown in FIG. 2. These vibrators are located in a known manner in the central zone of the mold and distributed according to the length of said mold. Their number varies according to the dimensions of the mold. They are usually fixed by bolting.

The mold is movable via a carousel, not shown in the figures, allowing the introduction of the mold in the concrete distribution booth, and its output once the concrete casting operation performed. Centering, positioning and holding means 7 of the mold inside the cabin provide the mold with its appropriate arrangement facing the concrete distribution hopper and the compressed air supply device 4, as well as its temporary fixation.

With particular reference to the supply of compressed air to each of the vibrators 3, a rigid supply line 5 (FIGS. 1 and 2) travels in the free space below the mold, from each vibrator to an inlet of feeding 6 at a side cheek 21.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in particular with reference to FIG. 2, each pipe 5 opens onto a supply inlet, here at the number of three inputs 60, 61, 62, which are connected to a collector 64 comprising a general feed inlet 63. The general feed inlet 63 is intended to be connected to a single connecting and feeding device 4. Alternatively, and as schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, the mold could have three supply inputs 60, 61 and 62 distributed at the wall of the cheek 21 of the mold, and three separate devices 4 connection and supply would then be provided to connect to these three inputs respectively.

In yet another variant (FIG. 6), the mold could have three supply inlets 60, 61 and 62 distributed at the level of the wall of the cheek 21 of the mold, while a single connection and feeding device 4 would be provided, this device comprising three connection and supply outputs 40a intended to cooperate with each of the inputs 60 to 62.

With reference to FIG. 1, the connection and supply device 4 lo comprises a connection head 40, a supply duct 41 with compressed air, means 42 for guiding and positioning the head 40 so that it can be connected to the feed inlet 6 of the mold, and locking means 43 ensuring the connection and its sealing. According to the invention, the connecting device, in particular the guiding and positioning means 42 and the locking means 43 are controlled in an automated manner, without requiring human intervention directly on said device. The guiding, positioning and locking means are controlled by an electronically controlled system 8 (FIG. 1), such as a programmable automaton, itself connected to the outside of the booth to a non-illustrated desk, to from which an operator can intervene to control operations.

The guiding and positioning means 42 consist, for example, of a motorized system or arm.

Furthermore, the delivery of a pressurized gas imposes a blocking of the connection and a guarantee of tightness, which are provided according to the invention by the locking means 43.

These locking means 43 may advantageously be constituted by the guide and positioning means 42. By way of example, the use of a pneumatic or hydraulic jack 44 (FIGS. 2 to 4) provides a translational movement advancing the connecting head, and also exerts at the end of stroke the thrust force necessary to maintain the seal.

Position sensors 45 illustrated in FIG. 1 are advantageously associated with the guide and positioning means 42 to indicate in return to the controller 8 the position state of said means and consequently of the connection.

With regard to the connection and with reference to FIG. 1, the connection head 40 comprises a connection and supply outlet 40a which is intended to cooperate with a connection input 6a of the supply input 6.

The cooperation between the outlet 40a and the inlet 6a can be made according to a mutual engagement of complementary forms, of the male-female type, as represented in FIGS. 2 to 4. The female part 6a is for example associated with the 63, while the male portion 40a corresponds to the connection output of the head 40, or vice versa.

In an alternative embodiment, the cooperation in a general manner between the head 40 and the inlet 6 is obtained by a simple but coplanar abutment.

Combined with one of the embodiments above or according to yet another variant, the cooperation can also be done by clipping. In the case of a male-female combination, the female part 6a, seen in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, is preferably funnel-shaped with a flared shape at its opening 6b opposite the outside, with generatrices 6c and 6d converging in the opposite direction of the opening. This shape advantageously participates in guiding the complementary male part 40a of here frustoconical shape.

The connection head 40 has a supply duct 41 opening into the connection outlet 40a and connected at its opposite end to a not shown compressed air supply system. The air distribution is controlled automatically and / or manually via a valve upstream of the duct 41.

The connection inlet 6a of the supply inlet 63 is connected opposite its mouth to the manifold 64 or supply line 5 of the vibrator or vibrators.

Since the feed consists of a gas under pressure, it is important that the connection is tight. For this purpose, an O-ring 9 (FIG. 3) is arranged around the opening 6a of the supply inlet 6, or in a variant that is not illustrated, at the periphery of the supply outlet 40a of the connection head. .

According to the invention, the connection device 4 is brought into the connection or disconnection position with the supply input 6 or 63 via the guiding and positioning means 42. These means ensure a translational and possibly rotational movement. of the connection head. FIG. 3 illustrates part of the device that is the connection head 40 and the guide and positioning means 42, in the disconnected position and away from the supply inlet 6.

s In the disconnected position, the device is arranged sufficiently far away from the supply inlet 63 and therefore the wall 21 of the mold, so that the mold can be released from the cabin and a next mold takes place.

4 shows the connection head 40 in the connected position, the male part 40a of the head being perfectly engaged in the female part 6a of the feed inlet 6. The pneumatic cylinder 44 has translated the head 40 to the feed inlet 6, using its arm 44a, and advantageously exerts a thrust force ensuring the connection, and therefore its sealing.

The implementation of the combined assembly, connection device and mold, is now described with regard to a molding cycle of a concrete product. Molds, arranged on a carousel, are successively set up in a concrete distribution booth, inside which is the connecting device.

A mechanical system ensures the exit of a mold which has been filled with concrete, while an empty mold is introduced into the cabin, placed and held under the hopper by the centering, positioning and holding means 7 .

Stopping in the mold position automatically triggers an order of advance for the guiding and positioning means 42 (advancement of the jack 44, for example) which make the connection of the connection head 40 with the feed inlet 6 associated with the mold.

An equally automated control of the locking means 43 leads to guarantee the connection sealing (maintained thrust force of the jack 44, for example).

The lock is then displayed on the control panel, lo the operator triggers the pouring of the concrete and the feeding of the vibrators 3. The supply of compressed air is carried out from a manual order from the control console, or may be triggered automatically, after locking the connection of the connection head 40 with the supply input 6. 15 Once the concreting operation is completed and the effective stop of the supply of the vibrators 3, an order automated is sent to the locking means 43 and guiding and positioning means 42 which disconnect the connecting head 40 and away from the mold (recoil 20 of the cylinder 44).

The solid mold is then released from the cabin, while a new empty mold is introduced.

Thus, the invention provides a fully automated connection of the pressurized gas supply of a system associated with a mold, in particular for a mold of large size ensuring the manufacture of concrete products.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Assembly (1) comprising a mold (2) provided with at least one feed inlet (6, 63) connected to a system (3) associated with the mold and to be fed with gas under pressure, and at least one device for connection and supply (4) pressurized gas, characterized in that it comprises means for guiding and positioning (42) of said device for its connection with the feed inlet (6), and means for locking (43) the connection of said device with said feed inlet, all of these means being controlled automatically. 2. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooperation of the connecting device and supply (4) with the feed inlet (6) arranged at the mold is coplanarly performed according to an abutment, or according to a mutual engagement cooperation of complementary forms of the male-female type, and / or by clipping, the connection and supply device (4) or the supply inlet (6) further comprising sealing means (9). 3. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guiding and positioning means (42) consist of a movable member ensuring translational and possibly rotational movements, such as a motorized element, a jack pneumatic or hydraulic. 4. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guiding and positioning means (42) and the locking means (43) of the connection are formed by a unitary apparatus. 5. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises several systems (3) for supplying gas under pressure, the mold (2) having a plurality of supply inlets (60, 61, 62) each connected to a system (3), while a plurality of connection and supply devices (4) are provided for individually connecting to each supply input, or a single connecting device and power supply (4) is provided to connect to a general input (63) of the mold opening on a collector (64) connected to each Io of the power supply inputs (60, 61, 62) of the systems, or a single device connection and power supply (4) is provided and includes a plurality of connection and power outputs (40a) for each to connect to each power input (60, 61, 62) of the systems. 15 6. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one position sensor (45) associated with the guide means and positioning (42) of the connecting device and supply. 7. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mold (2) is a mold for the manufacture of vibrated concrete products, such as voussoirs, railway ties, or beams, the systems (3) fed with pressurized gas being vibration systems fed with compressed air. 25 8. A method of manufacturing vibrated concrete products from a mold (2), comprising a step of connecting the gas supply under pressure of at least one vibration system (3) associated with the mold, characterized in that that the connection step is performed automatically. 9. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is implemented by an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that it consists in manufacturing voussoirs, all (1) being enclosed in a cabin, and the automated control of the connecting device and supply (4) being controllable remote from a control console outside the cab.