NL2007496A - MACHINAL SPRING AND CLEANING OF SIDE TILES. - Google Patents

Description

Machine harvesting and cleaning of sidewalk tiles.

This invention relates to the mechanical roll-up of sidewalk tiles, for example during re-paving work.

> The term sidewalk tile is here understood to mean a tile of about 30 cm * 30 cm or larger, square or rectangular, and much used in the Netherlands for pedestrian and bicycle paths.

As is known, during paving activities it is avoided as much as possible that workmen have to lug around tiles and clinkers. Especially when tiles and clinkers need to be reused, inventive measures are needed.

In the case of vowels, developments have meanwhile progressed to such an extent that the clearing, cleaning and reinsertion of used vowels can be carried out fully mechanized, with a sufficient financial rate of work. The recycling process uses the property of vowels that they can easily roll and tumble without being damaged. As a result, they can be cleared in disorder and cleaned with a mechanical digger or shovel. rotating drum, then turning back in an orderly pattern, without human intervention.

Used sidewalk tiles, on the other hand, cannot roll and tumble and are more sensitive to damage. Therefore they cannot be processed in the same way as used vowels.

In the meantime, sidewalk tiles are being cleared and laid using vacuum and suction cups. For example, a frame hanging from a crane arm comprises a number of suction cups, for example 11 or 12, to receive as many sidewalk tiles in, for example, 3 rows next to each other in one go. Zokan with the frame a contiguous two-dimensional field from, for example, 3 by 3 or 3 by 4 sidewalk tiles of an existing sidewalk can be completely rolled up by machine and laid as a single layer on a pallet in three adjacent rows of three or four sidewalk tiles. With a laying machine, the sidewalk tiles can then be laid back layer by layer in the sand bed.

With this mechanized procedure, too many sands are left dirty on the edges of the paved sidewalk tiles.

The inventor has found a solution to further mechanize the cleaning of the sidewalk tiles. In addition, the invention can preferably be used at low costs and with high effectiveness.

To this end, it is proposed to grub up a two-dimensional field of at least two rows with at least two adjacent sidewalk tiles, between which sidewalk tiles run in two mutually angular angles, for example of approximately 90 degrees, including first and second joining directions, using a apparatus equipped with as many suction cups as there are sidewalk tiles in the field, with suction cups in at least two rows with at least two suction cups per row, one for each sidewalk tile of the pitch, the suction cups sucking onto the sidewalk sidewalk tiles, so that each sidewalk tile is sucked firmly by its own suction cup, and wherein, after lifting the device with sucked sidewalk tiles, the suction cups are displaced relative to each other to slide the sidewalk tiles alongside each other in order to clean the joint between them.

For horizontal cleaning, one or more of the following is preferably provided: that at least a number (at least one) of the suction cups, or all of the suction cups, move successively in the first and second jointing direction, so that the respective sidewalk tile or sidewalk tiles in both) jointing directions sliding along adjacent sidewalk tiles, while preferably a number of (at least one) other suction cups are only moved in one of the first and second joint directions; that during sliding along sidewalk tiles move substantially parallel to the surface stretched by their upper side (i.e. substantially horizontally if their position has not changed with respect to their position in the road surface); that the suction cups move over a relative stroke of at least 5 or 10 centimeters or substantially the entire or half length or width of the tile.

) For vertical cleaning it is preferably ensured that: at least a number (at least one) of the suction cups, or all suction cups, move up and / or down, preferably over a relative stroke of at least 0.5 or 1 centimeter and / or at most substantially the whole or half or three-quarter thickness of the sidewalk tiles or 3, 4 or 5 centimeters. By the term "relative stroke" is meant here the> upward and / or downward displacement that two sidewalk tiles connecting to each other via the joint adjoin, so that the relative stroke does not matter whether one of the tiles moves non-vertically or both tiles move vertically, for example one downwards and simultaneously the other upwards, so that the relative stroke is the sum of the individual strokes of both tiles.

The suction cups preferably perform the stroke a number of times, for example at least 3 or 5 or 10 times; and / or when the device is clamped, the tiles are kept pressed against each other> during sliding along each other, while reducing the joint width.

It is most preferred if the device is oriented for sliding both horizontally and vertically, preferably simultaneously.

Preferably, the device is then brought above a pallet to orderly place the sidewalk tiles on it.

Optionally, the device may be equipped with vibrating means to vibrate the sidewalk tiles and thereby testify the cleaning.

The device preferably has a provision for switching on / off the vacuum of the suction cups, for example a valve. The device is preferably adapted to suck the suction cups substantially simultaneously at or to release them from the respective sidewalk tiles.

) The device will contain at least four suction cups and at least two rows of suction cups. In its most practical design, there are at least nine suction cups in at least three rows, for example three rows with three or four suction cups each. A suction cup can possibly be subdivided into several smaller ones, so that a sidewalk tile with more than one suction cup is picked up.

In an apparatus for processing nine sidewalk tiles in three rows of three sidewalk tiles each, in a preferred embodiment at least the middle and preferably precisely a single suction cup is successively moved in the first and second joint direction, while other suction cups are moved in only one of the first and second joint direction. ) moved.

When sliding past each other, one sidewalk tile silent can be kept and the other moved. For a compact construction and fast operation, it is preferable to have them move in both opposite directions. The movement is preferably caused by movement means which are preferably designed hydraulically or pneumatically, such as single piston / cylinder combination. Preferably, two or multiple track tiles are moved by a common moving means, preferably so that they move substantially in identical fashion simultaneously. For example, the device is such that one or more or all rows of sidewalk tiles move simultaneously, for example adjacent rows counter-current, and optionally that one or more rows of sidewalk tiles are stationary in the meantime.

The device is preferably arranged in such a way that, via a common energy supply, all suction cups that are currently displaced are displaced substantially simultaneously and thus the sidewalk tiles slide past each other.

This horizontal displacement possibility of the suction cup can also be used to be able to work easily with sidewalk tiles that are shifted transversely to the row length (such as, for example, in the case of connected sidewalk tiles).

The device preferably comprises a control unit for causing the sidewalks to slide along, optionally a predetermined number of times, at least partially automatically. For example, an automatic shift cycle is started after a command given by an operator. Or, the cycle is started automatically upon the expiration of a predetermined period of time which is measured, for example, by a timer belonging to the device, which is started, for example, when a predetermined state is reached, for example on sucking the sidewalk tiles of the suction cups. Or the cycle starts automatically upon detection of a predetermined condition by a detection means belonging to the device.

The suction cups preferably have a possibility of movement relative to the device, so that adaptation to local differences between the sidewalk tiles of the row is possible, for example one is slightly higher than the other or is slightly skewed. For this purpose, for example, a suction cup is pivotally swiveling over a limited free stroke and / or can be moved in height (based on the operating position during) picking up sidewalk pavements from the road surface) on the device, for example to be pressed against resilient pretension to the suspension.

The device can be equipped with a handle or a turning means, such as a rotor, to turn the device into the desired position in the plane of the hanging sidewalk tiles.

The device is preferably adapted to be attached to the free end of the boom of an excavator. The device can then use hydraulic pressing means for, for example, generating the vacuum and / or sliding the sidewalk tiles alongside each other. The excavator can provide one or more of the functionalities of the device, such as activating sliding the sidewalk tiles alongside each other. Preferably, the device is fixed to the boom about the vertically pivotable, either freely rotating or via a turning means.

The scope of non-limiting exemplary embodiments are as follows.

FIG. 1 and 2 show diagrammatically horizontally in plan view;

FIG. 3 shows special corner clamps in top view;

FIG. 4 shows a clamp in perspective;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device above tiles;

FIG. Fig. 6 shows the device of Fig. 5 with tiles included; 7 shows vertical sliding schematically from the side.

Viewed from the top view, the apparatus comprises three parallel rows of three suction cups on a straight line, each having a diameter of approximately 20 cm. In Fig. 1 the position of these nine suction cups is represented with a '0'. The suction cups have such a gap that when the appliance is placed directly above one another, in a square of three sidewalk tiles placed tightly against each other, 30 x 30 cm sidewalk tiles, each suction cup is located above the center of one of the sidewalk sidewalls.

Four suction cups form the corner points of an imaginary square with three suction cups per side, which, viewed in top view, is clamped by the nine suction cups. The other five suction cups are slidably mounted. These five suction cups are located on an imaginary plus sign, with one of them (represented in Fig. 1 with an "X" located at the intersection of the plus sign and the other four each on one of the four legs of the plus sign, which four are also located on one from the sides of the imaginary square.

To shift the five slidable suction cups, in each case two legs of the plus sign located in line with each other are mounted on a respective subframe, for example an elongated profile (standing or lying profile, not shown) which is mounted and driven parallel to itself. The suction cup located at the intersection of the plus sign is mounted in such a way that from its position in the center of the plus sign (neutral) position it can alternately be taken along by the standing or lying profile. The upright and horizontal profiles are alternately moved back and forth whereby each time three suction cups located in a straight line (of which the suction cup located at the crossroads of the plus sign) are always moved) so that the sucked three sidewalk tiles slide along the other six sidewalk tiles and thus the two joints between the moving and stationary sidewalk tiles are scraped clean.

FIG. 1 shows, from left to right, the three consecutive phases during the sideways sliding of the sidewalk tiles. Left the starting position, middle sliding in the first direction, right sliding in the second direction (the sliding direction is indicated by an arrow). After sliding in the first direction, the machine returns to the starting position and then starts sliding in the second direction. FIG. 1 shows that only the central suction cup 'X' moves in both directions, while the four suction cups '0' never move at the four corner points.

A hydraulic cylinder is associated with each subframe. When the piston rod is extended, the subframe is shifted so that, when a sidewalk tile is sucked onto each suction cup, the sidewalk tiles make a longitudinal sliding movement in their plane.

The two hydraulic cylinders are connected to a specific hydraulic line, whereby they can be energized one after the other by supplying press medium.

The suction cups are mounted with some play so that their distance and position relative to the main frame of the device can adjust to the uneven location of the sidewalk tiles in the path.

A vibrating motor is mounted on the main frame.

) With this device, sidewalk tiles are cleared as follows: the operator positions from his cabin the boom-mounted device above nine sidewalk tiles in a square then lowers the device, by manipulating the boom, rotor and tracks of his excavator. Then he switches on the vacuum so that each suction cup sucks itself onto an associated tile. The operator then lifts the device by manipulating the boom. The operator then switches on the vibrating motor and operates a number of times the trade with which medium is supplied to the two cylinders driving the two subframes, first in one direction and then in the direction perpendicular thereto. Thus, the sidewalk tiles with all their edges slide together. The operator then switches off the vibrating motor and operates the drive of the subframes such that the nine sidewalk tiles hang substantially aligned with the device. Then he brings the device above a pallet, lowers the device on it and interrupts the suction action of the suction cups to leave the sidewalk tiles on the pallet.

The vibrating motor may be switched on continuously. For the suction action of the suction cups, it is conceivable that the essential thing is continuous and only interrupted for a short time when the appliance has placed the sidewalk tiles on the pallet. For sliding the edges of the sidewalk tiles alongside each other, it is conceivable that the relevant drive ( for example, moving the subframes) is substantially continuous and is interrupted for short periods of time when the apparatus picks up sidewalk tiles from the path and when the apparatus deposits sidewalk tiles on the pallet. In this way the control tasks of the driver are kept to a minimum.

On the basis of Fig. 2 (which shows three-phase similar to Fig. 1) an alternative embodiment with nine suction cups is described: The central suction cup 'X' now moves in only one direction, the two suction cups 'O' move in both directions and the two suction cups '+' do not move at all. Three portable subframes are required for this version.

)

The second invention relates to the clamps of the device pressing on the outside of the package consisting of a single brick layer. The known clamps extend substantially the entire length of the edges along the length, as Fig. 4 shows with numbers 3 and 5. In Fig. 3 the terminals 3 and 5 are operated by the cylinders 4 and 4, respectively. 6. The device hangs on the boom 2 of a construction machine. As with the invention, the clamps can be moved towards each other (for example hydraulically) to press the bricks against each other and preferably be operated in pairs independently of each other, so that optionally or simultaneously against two pairs of opposing pairs outer edges are printed.

According to the invention, each clamping edge forms a corner piece, so preferably four corner pieces per device, so that the edges are substantially free over the entire length, with the exception of the corner region. A corner piece simultaneously engages both edges that meet in the corner. With clamps, the package is compressed more or less diagonally.

With sidewalk tiles, a corner piece will as a rule act on a single sidewalk tile. Thus, in the case of a package from 3 to> 3 sidewalk tiles, the middle sidewalk tile will each time engage with the corner pieces along an edge and thus be free to slide while all four corner pieces grip clampingly on the four sidewalk tiles in the package corners.

Clamping with corner pieces therefore offers an advantage in any case when sliding the sidewalk tile while hanging from the suction cups of the device. Also for other applications, the clamping corner pieces offer advantages over the straight clamping edges, for example for sliding the sidewalk tiles alongside each other, or also vowels, in order to bring them into a desired relationship while the brick package is received by the device.

FIG. 3 shows schematically the application of the clamping corner pieces to a package of a single layer of sidewalk tiles in a square pattern of 3 by 3, so in total 9 sidewalk tiles.

As can be seen, there is a corner piece at each corner of the package. These corner pieces are moved towards each other in diagonal direction (represented by the diagonal arrows) to clamp the package. Shifting the sidewalk tiles as shown in Fig. 1 is possible while the four corner pieces are constantly clamped by all four corner pieces.

In the apparatus of Fig. 5, the clamps are open and is ready to be lowered onto the tiles. As soon as the suction cups have sucked themselves onto the tiles, the middle row of suction cups is moved to align all the tiles and a square package of tiles, seen in top view, is created. Subsequently, the clamps 3 and 5 close, so that the condition of fig. The suction cups are then moved vertically so that the tiles slide along their joint edges.

FIG. 7 shows in the end view three tiles next to each other, the middle one of which is moved vertically. Shown is the lower extreme line with the solid line and the upper extreme position of the middle tile with the dotted line. The relationship record is approximately the thickness of the tile.

Claims (2)

Method for mechanically harvesting and cleaning sidewalk tiles lying in a two-dimensional field of at least three rows, each with at least three adjacent sidewalk tiles, between which sidewalls join run in two mutually an angle of approximately 90 degrees, first and second joining directions, to be raised with using a device equipped with at least as many suction cups) as there are sidewalk tiles in the field, with those suction cups in at least three rows with at least three suction cups per row, one for each sidewalk tile of the field, the suction cups sucking onto the road surfaces sidewalk tiles, so that each sidewalk tile is sucked through its own suction cup, and wherein, after lifting the device with sucked sidewalk tiles, a cleaning cycle is carried out with the device, while the tiles hang on the suction cups, whereby by means of driving means of the device at least a number of suction cups themselves up and down) move over a relative stroke of at least the half tile thickness and at most the entire tile thickness, so that no tile whole is above or below an adjacent tile sharing the joint with it during the sliding, which stroke is repeated at least five times while during the cleaning cycle by clamping> (3, 5) of the device, the tiles are pressed against each other during sliding along each other, while reducing the joint width, so that the tiles with their joint edges support each other and the joint width further decreases due to the disappearance of dirt between them during the cleaning cycle) so that the suction cups relative to each other be moved to slide all sidewalk tiles vertically alongside each other so as to clean all joints between them, so that all joints are cleaned by vertical relative movement, and after completion of the cleaning cycle the device is brought above a pallet to orderly lay the sidewalk tiles thereon. 2. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, during the cleaning cycle, a number of the suction cups, or all suction cups, are moved successively in the first and the second joining direction by drive means of the device, so that the respective sidewalk tile or sidewalk tiles slide along adjacent sidewalk tiles in both joint directions. at least one other suction cup is only moved in one of the first and second joint directions; which move) in the joint direction is such that, if the vertical movement is absent, the sidewalks move parallel to the surface stretched through them (ie substantially horizontally if their position is not changed with respect to their position in the road surface), and the suction cups move in the joint direction about half the size of the tile in the relevant joint direction and this displacement is repeated at least five times during the cleaning cycle, so that the suction cups are displaced relative to each other to slide all sidewalk tiles horizontally alongside each other in order to clean all joints between them. , so that all joints are cleaned by moving vertically and horizontally,