FR3056228A1 - MONOBLOC ANNULAR BANDAGE FOR DIFFUSER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a one-piece annular tire (20) of a horizontal diffuser cylinder (12) (10) for extracting juice from chips, the annular tire being formed in one piece and further comprising plurality of first orifices (30) opening into the first annular side face and a plurality of second orifices (60) opening into the first orifices (30) and into the inner peripheral face (22), the first and second orifices (30) , 60) being configured to receive adjusting members (70) of the position of the annular tire relative to the cylinder.

Description

Holder (s): CORDONNIER SA Société anonyme.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): CABINET BEAU DE LOMENIE Civil society.

W MONOBLOCK ANNULAR BANDAGE FOR DIFFUSER.

FR 3 056 228 - A1

The invention relates to a one-piece annular bandage (20) of a cylinder (12) of a horizontal diffuser (10) for extracting juice from chips, the annular bandage being formed in one piece and further comprising a plurality of first holes (30) opening into the first annular lateral face as well as a plurality of second holes (60) opening into the first holes (30) and into the inner peripheral face (22), the first and second holes (30 , 60) being configured to receive members (70) for adjusting the position of the annular tire relative to the cylinder.

Invention background

The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing sugar from a plant, and more specifically the step of extracting sugar from the plant. The extraction process consists of collecting the sweet juice, which is then filtered and concentrated by evaporation before crystallization.

The sweet juice is generally extracted by diffusion from thin strips of beet roots, called cossettes. This operation, based on the principle of osmosis, aims to pass the sugar contained in the pods into water.

To carry out this extraction by diffusion, a horizontal diffuser is generally used provided with a rotary cylinder, such as for example that described in GB 1 375 280. The pods penetrate there by a first end and move in the axial direction according to a first direction, while water, generally lukewarm, circulates in the axial direction of the cylinder, in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The water inlet generally takes place at the second end of the cylinder, opposite the first end.

During its axial movement towards the first end, the water is enriched with sugar from the pods, continuously. The sweet juice is then collected at the first end, while the spent sugar chips are discharged through the second end.

According to this continuous diffusion process, the cylinder is rotated about its longitudinal axis which is horizontal.

To do this, the cylinder is provided with several annular tires which cooperate with drive rollers, called rollers, actuated by motors. Generally, each annular tire is supported on a free roller (free roller) and a drive roller (drive roller) whose rotation causes the cylinder to drive in rotation.

Traditionally, the bandages are made in several parts to allow their mounting around the wall of the cylinder.

However, such a configuration requires precisely positioning the parts of the tire with respect to each other in order to ensure that the axis of the tire is well aligned with that of the cylinder, failing which the rotation of the cylinder is liable to generate vibrations which could damage the extraction device. Such precise positioning is however delicate and time-consuming to implement.

Subject and summary of the invention

An object of the invention is to propose an annular bandage making it possible to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks.

To do this, the invention relates to an annular bandage of a horizontal diffuser cylinder for extracting juice from cossettes, the one-piece annular bandage having a main axis and extending radially, at a radial height, between an inner peripheral face and an outer peripheral face, said one-piece annular bandage extending axially, in an axial thickness, between a first annular side face and a second annular side face, the one-piece annular bandage being formed in one piece and comprising furthermore a plurality of first openings opening into the first annular lateral face as well as a plurality of second openings opening into the first openings and into the inner peripheral face, the first and second openings being configured to receive members for adjusting the position of the one-piece annular bandage relative to the cylinder.

The fact that the annular bandage is formed in one piece, that is to say one piece, makes it possible first of all to avoid the risk linked to an incorrect positioning between the different parts of the bandage, a risk which is encountered the anterior bandages. Then, this reduces the assembly time, the bandage being simply threaded axially around the cylinder or else previously fixed to a ferrule which is then secured to the cylinder. The annular bandage according to the invention is also more robust thanks to its one-piece structure.

Furthermore, the mounting of the tire on the cylinder is facilitated by the fact that the adjustment members can be introduced laterally into the second orifices via the first orifices which open into the first annular lateral face.

The adjustment members serve to correct the coaxiality of the bandage by aligning the main axis of the annular bandage with that of the cylinder before the bandage is secured to the cylinder.

It is understood that the adjustment members are positioned in the second orifices during the adjustment operation. To do this, the adjustment members are first introduced into the first orifices before being positioned in the second orifices. The arrangement of the first and second orifices makes it possible to quickly position the adjustment members, which also contributes to facilitating the operations of mounting the tire to the cylinder. After the adjustment operation, the adjustment members are removed from the annular bandage. It is specified here that the tire can be mounted directly on the cylinder or else indirectly via a ferrule which is fixed to the cylinder.

Advantageously, the annular tire also includes a plurality of third holes, similar to the first holes but opening into the second annular side face, and a plurality of fourth holes, similar to the second holes and opening into the third holes and into the inner peripheral face. Preferably, the third and fourth holes are symmetrical to the first and second holes with respect to a median plane which is orthogonal to the main axis of the annular bandage. The third and fourth ports are also configured to receive adjusting members.

It is specified that the terms “axial”, “radial”, and “orthoradial” are defined in the present description with respect to the main axis of the annular tire. This annular bandage is preferably made of steel.

Advantageously, the first orifices are cavities formed in the annular bandage, while the second orifices are holes extending radially between the inner peripheral face and the cavities.

The holes are dimensioned to receive the adjustment members, the latter extending radially to come into contact with the cylinder. Preferably, the adjustment members are jack screws, the head of which protrudes into the cavities formed by the first and third orifices, which allows easy adjustment. These jack screw rods extend into the holes formed by the second and fourth holes.

Preferably, the bandage according to the invention has a central part which extends radially over substantially half of the radial height of the annular bandage from the inner peripheral face, and said central part comprises said cavities.

In other words, the cavities are arranged in the central part of the annular bandage, near the cylinder. This configuration makes it possible to offer a large radial thickness of material between the cavities and the external peripheral face, which improves the robustness of the tire.

Preferably, the axial depth of the cavities is less than a quarter of the axial thickness. This configuration makes it possible to offer a large axial thickness of material between the cavities, which further improves the robustness of the tire.

Advantageously, the length of the cavities, considered in an orthoradial direction, is at least equal to 1.5 times the radial width of the cavities. Also, the cavities have an oblong shape large enough to allow the operator to easily position the adjustment members in the second cavities, or to remove them from the tire after the adjustment operation.

Preferably, the radial width of the cavities is less than half the radial height of the annular bandage. The cavities therefore occupy a volume substantially less than that of the material constituting the tire, so as to ensure the mechanical robustness of the tire.

Advantageously, the axial thickness of the annular band considered between two first adjacent orifices, is constant over substantially the entire radial thickness of said annular band. The bandage according to the invention is therefore massive, which also contributes to its robustness.

Preferably, the cross section of the annular bandage, considered in a plane containing the main axis, has a general shape that is at least quadrangular, for example rectangular or trapezoidal. Still advantageously, the inner peripheral face having a convex shape. The convex shape of the inner peripheral face makes it possible to position adjustment shims between the annular tire and the cylinder.

More preferably, the convex inner peripheral face comprises at least two annular faces inclined relative to one another.

Thanks to this conformation, the convex inner peripheral face of the bandage comes to rest plane on plane against the adjustment shims, thereby improving the stability of the assembly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the one-piece annular bandage according to the invention further comprises a plurality of recesses, formed in the first annular lateral face, the recesses being arranged between some of the first orifices and the inner peripheral face.

These recesses have the function of receiving blocking members which are fixed relative to the cylinder, in order to immobilize the tire with respect to the cylinder. The recesses preferably have an orthoradial length which is less than that of the cavity.

Preferably, the second orifices have radial axes which are arranged axially between the first and second annular lateral faces. Thanks to this conformation, the mounting members, considered in the axial direction of the annular bandage, extend between the first and second lateral faces.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the outer peripheral face of the one-piece annular bandage has a roughness Ra, according to ISO standard 4287, less than or equal to 7 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 4 micrometers. This particular surface condition allows a "soft" drive while avoiding the appearance of vibrations during the drive in rotation of the cylinder by the rollers.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a one-piece annular bandage according to the invention, in which the annular bandage is molded in one piece, the first and second orifices then being produced by removing material after molding.

Such a method has the advantage of being simple to implement and makes it possible to obtain a one-piece bandage which is solid and robust, and therefore having a longer service life than traditional bandages. In addition, it makes it possible to easily obtain the aforementioned advantageous surface finish.

The invention also relates to a drive assembly comprising a ferrule having a first axis, and an annular bandage according to the invention, as well as a plurality of wedges, the annular bandage being disposed around the ferrule, the wedges being disposed between the shell and the inner peripheral face of the annular bandage.

The ferrule has a cylindrical shape and is intended to be fixed to the diffuser cylinder.

To manufacture the drive assembly, the ferrule is placed so that its first axis is vertical. Then put on the annular bandage from above. Then the coaxiality of the annular band is adjusted relative to the ferrule, after which a part of the shims is placed between the ferrule and the annular band. The annular bandage is then fixed to the ferrule using the locking members described below. The ferrule is then tilted with the annular bandage so that the first axis of the ferrule is horizontal. The ferrule is then welded to the cylinder before checking the coaxiality of the annular band with respect to the cylinder. Then place the remaining shims between the annular bandage and the ferrule, then weld the shims with the ferrule.

Advantageously, the drive assembly according to the invention further comprises adjustment members, disposed in the first and second orifices and configured to cooperate with the peripheral surface of the ferrule to allow adjustment of the coaxiality of the first axis of the ferrule and the main axis of the one-piece annular bandage.

The actuation of the adjustment members, preferably but not exclusively constituted by jack screws, makes it possible to rotate the annular bandage relative to the ferrule, which makes it possible to quickly adjust the position of the main axis of the bandage relative to the ferrule, so that the main axis of the tire is coaxial with the first axis of the ferrule.

To secure the one-piece annular bandage to the ferrule, the drive assembly also preferably includes locking members fixed to the ferrule and cooperating with the recesses in the bandage. These blocking members preferably have the form of blocks which are housed in the recesses before being welded to the shell. These blocks are preferably made of metal.

The invention finally relates to a horizontal diffuser for extracting juice from chips, comprising a diffusion cylinder having a longitudinal axis which is horizontal, said diffusion cylinder comprising at least one drive assembly according to the invention, in which the main axis of the annular tire, and the longitudinal axis of the diffusion cylinder are coaxial.

The attachment of the drive assembly to the cylinder is preferably carried out by welding.

It is also understood that the invention makes it possible to efficiently and quickly carry out operations for replacing damaged cylinder parts. Another advantage of the invention is to be able to easily manufacture the drive assembly in the workshop, unlike the prior art which generally requires assembly on site.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a horizontal diffuser according to the invention comprising a drive assembly provided with a one-piece annular bandage according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a front view of the one-piece annular bandage according to the invention;

- Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the tire of Figure 2, illustrating a first orifice;

- Figure 4 is a detailed front view of the bandage of Figure 2, illustrating a cavity associated with a recess;

- Figure 5 is an axial sectional view of the bandage of Figure 2, taken along the cutting board V-V showing the cavity of Figure 4;

- Figure 6 is a sectional view of the bandage of Figure 5, taken along the section plane VI-VI;

- Figure 7 is a side view of the drive assembly according to the invention;

- Figure 8 is a front view of the drive assembly of Figure 7; and

- Figures 9 to 11 are detailed sectional views of the drive assembly of Figure 7, taken along the sectional planes IX-IX, X-X and XI-XI.

Detailed description of the invention

FIG. 1 partially illustrates a horizontal diffuser 10 for the extraction of sweet juice from beet root chips. The horizontal diffuser 10 comprises a diffusion cylinder 12 having a longitudinal axis A which is horizontal. In this example, the cylinder has a diameter of about six meters, and a length of about fifty meters. The horizontal diffuser 10 comprises extraction means by diffusion arranged in the cylinder 12. These means are known elsewhere and will not be described in detail here. An exemplary embodiment of such extraction means is described in particular in document GB 1 375 280.

For its rotation of the cylinder 12 around its longitudinal axis A, the diffuser comprises a drive assembly 14, fixed to the cylinder 12, and carried by two rollers 16 arranged on the ground, namely a free roller and a roller training. These rollers are rotatable around horizontal axes of rotation, and parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the cylinder 12.

The drive assembly 14 includes a ferrule 18 which is fixed around the cylinder 12. More specifically, the ferrule 18 is welded to the cylinder 12, the latter being fitted inside the ferrule 18.

The drive assembly 14 also comprises an annular tire 20, in accordance with the present invention which is fixed to the ferrule 18.

As can be understood with the aid of FIG. 1, the annular bandage 20 surrounds the cylinder 12 and rests on each of the two rollers 16. The rotation of the drive roller causes the drive in rotation around the longitudinal axis A of the annular tire 20 and, consequently, the rotation of the cylinder 12.

With the aid of FIGS. 2 to 6, a description will now be given in more detail of the annular bandage according to the invention.

In FIG. 2, the one-piece annular bandage 20 has been illustrated in front view. The annular tire 20 has a main axis C which is perpendicular to the plane of the view in FIG. 2.

The annular tire 20 extends radially along a radial height H between an inner peripheral face 22 and an outer peripheral face 24. In this example, the radial height H is of the order of 450 mm.

The one-piece annular bandage 20 also has an internal diameter D which is of the order of 6400 mm.

Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 5, it can be seen that the annular bandage 20 extends axially along an axial thickness E between a first annular lateral face 26 and a second annular lateral face 28. In this example, the axial thickness E of the annular bandage 20 is of the order of 730 mm.

Referring again to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the annular bandage 20 has a plurality of first orifices 30. The first orifices 30 constitute cavities 32 of oblong shape which are formed in the annular bandage. As can be understood from with the aid of FIGS. 1, 5, 6, the first orifices 30 open into the first annular lateral face 26.

In this example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the annular bandage 20 has sixteen first orifices 30 which are angularly distributed in a regular manner along the circumference of the bandage. Obviously, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the annular bandage 20 could comprise a different number of first orifices 30.

As mentioned previously, the first orifices constitute cavities 32. These cavities 32 are arranged in a central part 20a of the annular bandage 20, this central part 20a extending radially over substantially half of the radial height H of the one-piece annular bandage 20 from the inner peripheral face 22 towards the outer peripheral face 24.

Furthermore, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 5 and 6, the axial depth P of the cavities 32 is less than a quarter of the axial thickness E.

Furthermore, the cavities 32 have a length L - considered in an orthoradial direction - as well as a radial width t. The length L of the cavities 32 is, in this example, substantially equal to 15 times the radial width t of said cavities 32.

It is also noted that the radial width t of the cavities is less than half the radial height H of the annular tire.

Using FIG. 3, it can be seen that the axial height H of the one-piece annular bandage 20, considered between two first adjacent holes 30, is substantially constant over the entire radial thickness E of the one-piece annular bandage. that the first and second annular lateral faces 26, 28 are substantially parallel to each other.

In this example, the one-piece annular tire 20 furthermore comprises a plurality of third orifices 30 ', constituting cavities 32' which open into the second annular lateral face 28. More specifically in this example, the first and third orifices 30.30 ' are symmetrical with respect to a plane Q which is orthogonal to the main axis C of the one-piece annular bandage.

Referring to Figure 5, we see that the cross section of the one-piece annular bandage 20, considered in a plane R containing the main axis C, has a general quadrangular shape, in this example substantially rectangular, it being specified that the peripheral face interior 22 has a convex shape.

In the example of FIG. 5, the convex inner peripheral face comprises three annular faces 40,42,44 which are inclined with respect to each other. More specifically, the inner peripheral face 22 comprises a first annular face 40, which is inclined relative to the main axis C, opening towards the first annular side face, a second annular face 42 which is parallel to the axis main C, and a third annular face 44 which is inclined relative to the main axis C, opening towards the second circular lateral face. The second annular face 42 is disposed between the first and third annular faces 40,44. The advantage of this configuration will be explained below.

The one-piece annular bandage 20 further comprises a plurality of first recesses 50 which are formed in the first annular lateral face 26. These recesses open into the first annular lateral face 26. Said recesses 50 are arranged radially between some of the first orifices and the face inner ring 22.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the orthoradial length R of the first recesses 50 corresponding to approximately one third of the orthoradial length L of the cavities 32.

Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the one-piece annular bandage 20 has eight recesses 50 opening into the first annular lateral face 26. More precisely, one out of two cavities 30 is associated with a recess 50. The annular bandage further comprises second reinforcements 50 ′, symmetrical to the first reinforcements with respect to the plane Q.

The interest of the recesses 50 and 50 'will be detailed below.

The annular bandage 20 also comprises a plurality of second orifices 60 which open into the first orifices 30 and into the inner peripheral face 22. These second orifices 60 are better visible in FIGS. 3 to 6.

According to the invention, the first and second orifices 30, 60 are configured to receive members 70 for adjusting the position of the annular tire with respect to the cylinder. These adjusting members 70 will be described in more detail below.

It can be seen that the second orifices 60 are holes 62 which extend radially between the inner peripheral face 22 and the cavities 32.

It is also found that the annular tire 20 has a plurality of fourth holes 60 'constituting holes 62', which are symmetrical to the second holes 60 relative to the aforementioned plane Q.

In this nonlimiting example, the holes 62, 62 ′ have a diameter of the order of 35 mm and extend radially along approximately 80 mm.

Referring to Figure 6, we see that the holes 62 have radial axes Y which are arranged axially between the first and second annular lateral faces 26,28.

Referring again to Figure 2, it is noted that the annular bandage 20 also includes holes 17 for gripping and moving the bandage when it is mounted on the shell.

Furthermore, the outer peripheral face 24 of the one-piece annular bandage 20 has a roughness Ra according to ISO standard 4287 which, in this example, is equal to 3.2 μm.

Referring to FIG. 1, it is understood that the outer peripheral face 24 is in contact with the rollers 16.

According to the invention, the annular bandage is in one piece. It is therefore a one-piece annular bandage. To do this, the annular bandage is molded in one piece. The first and second orifices 30, 60 as well as the third and fourth orifices 30 ', 60' are then produced by removing material after molding. It is also understood that the first and second recesses 50, 50 'are made by removing material after molding.

With the aid of FIGS. 7 to 11, it can be seen that the drive assembly 14 furthermore comprises a plurality of first wedges 80 and second wedges 82, visible in particular in FIGS. 7, 8, 10 and 11, which are disposed between the ferrule 18 and the inner peripheral face 22 of the annular bandage. The first and second shims are arranged between the shell and the inner peripheral face of the one-piece annular bandage. After having put the annular bandage around the ferrule in the vertical position, a part of the first and second wedges is force-fitted in order to block the bandage relative to the ferrule. More precisely, some of the first and second shims 80, 82 are arranged between the outer peripheral surface 18a of the shell 18 and the first and third annular faces 40.

As explained above, the drive assembly further comprises adjustment members 70.70 ′, visible in FIG. 11, constituted in this example by jack screws, which extend into the holes 62.62 ′ and which are configured to bear on the peripheral surface 18a of the ferrule 18. The actuation of the jack screws has the effect of moving the annular tire 20 relative to the ferrule 18 in order to adjust the coaxiality of the main axis C of the annular bandage 20 relative to the axis of the ferrule.

The drive assembly further comprises locking members 90, 92, visible in FIG. 9, and having the form of blocks, which are welded to the ferrule and which cooperate with the recesses 50, 50 'to maintain the tire. monobloc annular 20 relative to the ferrule

18.

The ferrule is then pivoted so that its first axis is horizontal. The ferrule is then welded to the cylinder. The first and second remaining wedges 80, 82 are then placed between the third section 44 of the shell and the annular bandage. After ensuring the coaxial axis of the annular tire with the cylinder axis, the first and second shims are welded to the ferrule. Finally, the jack screws are removed.

Claims (17)

1. Annular bandage (20) of a cylinder (12) of horizontal diffuser (10) for extracting juice from pods, the one-piece annular bandage having a main axis (C) and extending radially, according to a radial height (H), between an inner peripheral face (22) and an outer peripheral face (24), said annular band extending axially, along an axial thickness (E), between a first annular lateral face (26) and a second annular side face (28), the annular band being formed in one piece and further comprising a plurality of first openings (30) opening into the first annular side face as well as a plurality of second openings (60) opening into the first holes (30) and in the inner peripheral face (22), the first and second holes (30, 60) being configured to receive members (70) for adjusting the position of the annular tire relative to the cylinder. 2. Annular bandage according to claim 1, in which the first orifices (30) are cavities (32) formed in the annular bandage, while the second orifices (60) are holes extending radially between the inner peripheral face ( 22) and the cavities (32). 3. Annular bandage according to claim 2, characterized in that it has a central part (20a) which extends radially over substantially half of the radial height (H) of the one-piece annular bandage (20) from the inner peripheral face (22), and in that said central part (20a) comprises said cavities (32). 4. Annular bandage according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the axial depth (P) of the cavities (32) is less than a quarter of the axial thickness (E). 5. Annular bandage according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the length (L) of the cavities (32), considered in an orthoradial direction, is at least equal to 1.5 times the radial width (t) of the cavities. 6. Annular bandage according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the radial width (t) of the cavities is less than half of the radial height (H) of the annular bandage. 7. Annular bandage according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the axial thickness (E) of the annular bandage (20), considered between two first adjacent orifices (30), is constant over substantially the entire radial height (E) said annular bandage. 8. Annular bandage according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cross section of the annular bandage (20), considered in a plane (R) containing the main axis (C), has a general at least quadrangular shape, the inner peripheral face (22) having a convex shape. 9. Annular bandage according to claim 8, wherein the inner peripheral face (22) convex comprises at least two annular sides (40,42,44) inclined relative to each other. 10. Annular bandage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of recesses (50), formed in the first annular lateral face (26), the recesses (50) being arranged between certain first orifices and the inner peripheral face (22). 11. Annular bandage according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second orifices (60) have radial axes (Y) which are arranged axially between the first and second annular lateral faces (26,28). 12. Annular bandage according to claim 1, in which the external peripheral face (24) of the annular bandage (20) has a roughness Ra, according to ISO standard 4287, less than or equal to 7 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 4 micrometers. 13. A method of manufacturing a one-piece annular bandage according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the annular bandage is molded in one piece, the first and second orifices (30,60) then being produced by removal of material after molding. 14. Drive assembly (14) comprising a ferrule (18) having a first axis (B), and an annular tire (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, as well as a plurality of shims (80 , 82), characterized in that the annular bandage (20) is arranged around the ferrule (18), the shims being disposed between the ferrule (le) and the inner peripheral face (22) of the annular bandage. 15. Drive assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises adjustment members (70), disposed in the first and second orifices (60) and configured to cooperate with the peripheral surface (18a) of the ferrule (18) to allow adjustment of the coaxiality of the first axis (B) of the ferrule and the main axis (C) of the annular tire (20). 16. Drive assembly according to claim 10 and either of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that it further comprises locking members (90, 92) fixed to the shell and cooperating with the recesses (50.50 ⁷ ) to immobilize the annular bandage relative to the ferrule. 17. Horizontal diffuser (10) for extracting juice from chips, comprising a diffusion cylinder (12) having a longitudinal axis (A) which is horizontal, said diffusion cylinder comprising at least one drive assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the main axis of the annular tire and the longitudinal axis of the diffusion cylinder are coaxial. 30¾ ⁶²²⁸ Ali » 2/5