Automatic plugging device and method for grouting

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of automatic plugging device and method of grouting, device includes elastic plug body, plug body is opened with axial exhaust hole, exhaust hole is provided with gas-permeable component, and outer port is provided with spring pressure cover sheet.Gas-permeable component is successively for conical gas-permeable component, blocking mechanism and filter screen from outside to inside;Blocking mechanism includes perforated conical cylinder, conical cylinder and connecting piece with communication channel, form zigzag gas path, realize smooth exhaust and multi-stage blocking slurry.Conical gas-permeable component is made of porous material, and micropore is rapidly blocked after contacting slurry.Cover sheet opens exhaust when air pressure reaches set value, and automatically closes after air pressure drops.Granite is inserted into slurry outlet hole or overflow hole when grouting, gas is discharged through gas-permeable component, and cover sheet is automatically plugged by blocking member after slurry is filled;Device can be repeatedly used by cleaning or replacing gas-permeable component.The application realizes automatic exhaust and plugging, guarantees grouting density, and is reliable in structure and low in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of building construction technology, and in particular to an automatic grouting sealing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] In the construction of vertical precast components for prefabricated buildings, steel reinforcement connections are often achieved using grouting sleeves. During construction, cement-based grout is injected into the sleeve through the lower grouting hole, and air inside the sleeve is expelled through the upper grout outlet or overflow hole. When grout flows out of the outlet hole, it indicates that the sleeve is full, and the outlet hole must be quickly sealed to prevent grout leakage.

[0003] The traditional sealing method is "grouting first, then plugging." After observing grout overflow from the outlet, construction workers insert rubber plugs or similar sealants into the hole. However, this method has significant drawbacks: there is a time lag between observing the overflow and completing the plugging. During this time lag, the grouting pressure continues to force grout out of the hole, resulting in significant waste of grout, increased costs, and contamination of the precast component surface and the construction environment. More seriously, excessive grout loss leads to insufficient grout saturation within the sleeve, creating cavities, air bubbles, and other defects that severely affect the mechanical properties of the steel reinforcement connections, posing a structural safety hazard.

[0004] Some existing technologies attempt to achieve simultaneous venting and sealing by creating micropores or slits in the plug. For example, they use extremely small channels to allow gas to pass through while using the surface tension of the liquid to prevent the slurry from flowing out; other solutions use water-swellable materials inside the plug or use the slurry to drive a float to close the valve. These solutions each have their own characteristics, but there is still room for improvement: micropores or slits are easily clogged by fine particles in the slurry, and their reliability decreases with repeated use; water-swellable materials are mostly disposable and cannot be reused; and the structure of moving parts such as floats is relatively complex, posing a risk of jamming in rough construction environments, and it is difficult to achieve both effective venting and reliable sealing.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device and method that is simple in structure, reliable in operation, capable of automatic exhaust sealing, and has the potential for multiple reuses. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic grouting sealing device to solve the problems of grout waste and grouting quality defects caused by untimely sealing in the prior art.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to provide an automatic grouting and sealing method based on the above-mentioned device, which has a more reasonable construction procedure and can fundamentally avoid sealing delays.

[0008] The automatic grouting sealing device of the present invention includes:

[0009] An elastic plug is used to plug the grout outlet, overflow hole or reserved hole of the grouting sleeve. The elastic plug has an vent hole that runs through it along its axial direction. The vent hole has an inner port facing the inside of the grouting sleeve and an outer port facing the outside.

[0010] A venting component, disposed within the vent hole, is used to allow gas to pass through while preventing grout from passing through;

[0011] A spring pressure cover is disposed at the outer port of the exhaust port. The spring pressure cover is configured to open when the gas pressure in the exhaust port reaches or exceeds a set pressure value, and to automatically close when the gas pressure drops below the set pressure value.

[0012] Furthermore, the ventilating assembly includes a tapered ventilating member, a blocking mechanism, and a filter screen arranged sequentially from the outer port to the inner port along the axial direction of the exhaust port; the tapered ventilating member is located near the outer port, and the filter screen is located near the inner port.

[0013] Furthermore, the conical breathable component is made of a porous material, having a smaller diameter end and a larger diameter end, with the smaller diameter end facing the outer port and the larger diameter end facing the inner port; the porous material is a sintered metal microporous material or a porous ceramic material with a pore size of 5-50 micrometers.

[0014] Furthermore, the blocking mechanism includes an open conical cylinder and a conical cylinder arranged sequentially from the outer port to the inner port along the axial direction of the exhaust hole. The bottom surfaces of the open conical cylinder and the conical cylinder both face the inner port. The open conical cylinder and the conical cylinder are fixed together by a connector, and the connector has a connecting channel.

[0015] The periphery of the cone-shaped tube with openings is fitted to the inner wall of the vent hole to form a seal, and the outer diameter of the cone-shaped tube is smaller than the inner diameter of the vent hole.

[0016] The conical cylinder is used to block the grout flowing in from the inner port and prevent the grout from directly impacting the conical ventilator, which would cause the conical ventilator to become blocked and fail before the grouting is completed.

[0017] Gas enters the space between the perforated cone and the cone through the gap between the outer wall of the cone and the inner wall of the exhaust hole, and enters the interior of the perforated cone through the connecting channel on the connector, and then enters the cone venting component from the end opening of the perforated cone toward the cone venting component.

[0018] Furthermore, the filter screen is made of a metal mesh with a pore size smaller than the maximum allowable solid particle size in the grout, and is used to block large particles in the grout.

[0019] Furthermore, the exhaust port is a conical hole, and several annular limiting shoulders are formed on the inner wall where the venting component is installed. The venting component is axially limited and pressed and fixed in the exhaust port by the annular limiting shoulders.

[0020] Furthermore, the spring pressure cover includes:

[0021] The cover plate body is hinged or elastically connected to the outer end face of the elastic plug;

[0022] A spring element is disposed between the cover body and the elastic plug body, and is used to apply a preload force toward the inner port of the vent hole to the cover body, the preload force being less than the set pressure value.

[0023] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the elastic plug is provided with at least one circumferentially continuous annular sealing protrusion.

[0024] An automatic grouting sealing method, using any one of the above-mentioned automatic grouting sealing devices, includes the following steps:

[0025] S1. Before injecting grout into the grouting sleeve, the elastic plug is tightly inserted into the grout outlet or overflow hole of the grouting sleeve, wherein the grout outlet or overflow hole is located at the highest point of the grouting sleeve.

[0026] S2. Grouting material is injected into the grouting sleeve through the grouting hole. The air in the grouting sleeve is discharged through the venting component and the exhaust hole and overcomes the pre-tightening force of the spring pressure cover plate.

[0027] S3. When the grouting material fills the grouting sleeve and contacts the conical venting component, the solid particles and water in the grouting material block the internal pores of the conical venting component, causing the gas pressure in the exhaust hole to drop and fall below the set pressure value. Then, the spring pressure cover automatically closes under its pre-tightening force, completing the sealing of the exhaust hole.

[0028] Furthermore, after the grout has hardened, the automatic grouting sealing device is removed from the grouting sleeve, and the permeability of the permeable component is restored by cleaning or backwashing, or the permeable component is replaced, so as to achieve the reuse of the device.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The automatic grouting sealing device and method of this invention, through the integrated design of the elastic plug, the venting component, and the spring pressure cover, achieves automatic venting and timely sealing throughout the grouting process. The venting component adopts a combination structure of a porous conical venting member, a blocking mechanism, and a filter screen, which ensures smooth gas discharge while effectively blocking the impact of grouting material and intercepting large particles, preventing the venting component from becoming clogged and failing before grouting is completed. The spring pressure cover automatically opens to vent when the air pressure in the venting hole reaches a set value. After the grouting material fills the sleeve and contacts the venting component, the venting component is blocked by the grout, causing the pressure to drop, and the cover automatically closes, preventing grout overflow and ensuring dense grouting. This device has a simple structure, requires no manual monitoring, operates reliably, and can be reused by cleaning or replacing the venting component, making it economical and environmentally friendly, and significantly improving construction efficiency and grouting quality. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the present invention.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Elastic plug; 2. Vent hole; 3. Conical venting component; 4. Barrier mechanism; 41. Perforated conical cylinder; 42. Conical cylinder; 43. Connecting channel; 5. Filter screen; 6. Annular limiting shoulder; 7. Annular sealing protrusion; 8. Cover body; 9. Spring component. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the present invention, as shown in the figure: The automatic grouting sealing device of this embodiment includes:

[0035] An elastic plug 1 is used to seal the grout outlet, overflow hole, or pre-reserved hole of the grouting sleeve. The elastic plug 1 is made of oil-resistant, water-resistant rubber or polyurethane material with good resilience, and can form a reliable seal with the hole wall through radial compression. The elastic plug 1 has an vent hole 2 that extends through it along its axial direction. The vent hole 2 has an inner port facing the inside of the grouting sleeve and an outer port facing the outside. The inner port is close to the inner cavity of the grouting sleeve and is used to receive the air pushed out during the grouting process and the grout material that finally arrives. The outer port is open to the atmosphere or the external environment.

[0036] A venting component is disposed within the vent 2 to allow gas to pass through while preventing grout from passing through. During the normal grouting and venting phase, the venting component can form a gas flow path, and after the grout comes into contact with its internal structure, it can be quickly blocked by particles and water in the grout, thereby achieving automatic closure of the venting channel.

[0037] A spring-loaded pressure cover is disposed at the outer port of the vent 2. The spring-loaded pressure cover is configured to open when the gas pressure in the vent 2 reaches or exceeds a set pressure value, and to automatically close when the gas pressure drops below the set pressure value. This set pressure value is usually determined based on the air pressure inside the sleeve during the grouting process, allowing gas to be discharged smoothly. When the venting component is blocked, causing a drop in air pressure, the cover can promptly close the outer port to prevent grout from overflowing and to block external air or debris from entering.

[0038] In this embodiment, the venting assembly includes a conical venting member 3, a blocking mechanism 4, and a filter screen 5 arranged sequentially from the outer port to the inner port along the axial direction of the venting hole 2; the conical venting member 3 is located near the outer port, and the filter screen 5 is located near the inner port. The advantage of this arrangement is that the grout first contacts the filter screen 5 for coarse filtration, then the blocking mechanism 4 changes the flow direction and buffers the impact, and finally reaches the conical venting member 3, which is the key venting and grout-blocking element. This ensures smooth venting in the initial stage and prevents the conical venting member 3 from being prematurely submerged, blocked, or damaged by the grout before it becomes clogged.

[0039] In this embodiment, the conical permeable component 3 is made of porous material, having a smaller diameter end and a larger diameter end. The smaller diameter end faces the outer port, and the larger diameter end faces the inner port. The porous material is a sintered metal microporous material or a porous ceramic material with a pore size of 5-50 micrometers. The conical structure increases the contact area with the slurry, and as the slurry gradually penetrates from the larger diameter end to the smaller diameter end, the filter cake formed within the microporous channels can more quickly block gas passage. Sintered metal materials, such as sintered stainless steel powder, and porous ceramic materials, such as alumina or silicon carbide porous ceramics, both possess good hydrophilicity and corrosion resistance, maintaining stability in the alkaline environment of the slurry. The pore size range of 5-50 micrometers ensures smooth penetration of air molecules while generating capillary resistance to fine particles and moisture in the cement slurry, rapidly forming a blockage upon slurry contact.

[0040] In this embodiment, the blocking mechanism 4 includes a perforated conical cylinder 41 and a conical cylinder 42 arranged sequentially from the outer port to the inner port along the axial direction of the vent hole 2. The bottom surfaces of both the perforated conical cylinder 41 and the conical cylinder 42 face the inner port. The perforated conical cylinder 41 and the conical cylinder 42 are fixed together by a connector, and the connector has a connecting channel 43. The bottom surface of the perforated conical cylinder 41, i.e., the large-diameter end, faces the inside of the grouting sleeve, and its cone tip faces the outside. Similarly, the conical cylinder 42 has its large end facing inward and its small end facing outward. The periphery of the wall of the perforated conical cylinder 41 fits against the inner wall of the vent hole 2 to form a seal, which can be achieved by interference fit or by adding a sealing ring. The outer diameter of the conical cylinder 42 is smaller than the inner diameter of the vent hole 2, thereby forming an annular air passage gap between the outer wall of the conical cylinder 42 and the inner wall of the vent hole 2. The conical cylinder 42 is used to block the grout flowing in from the inner port. Its conical surface can guide the grout to the surrounding area, preventing the grout from directly impacting the conical venting member 3 behind it. This prevents the conical venting member 3 from becoming blocked and failing before grouting is completed due to kinetic energy impact or premature local contact. Gas enters the space between the perforated conical cylinder 41 and the conical cylinder 42 through the gap between the outer wall of the conical cylinder 42 and the inner wall of the vent hole 2. It then enters the interior of the perforated conical cylinder 41 through the connecting channel 43 on the connector, and then enters the conical venting member 3 through the end opening of the perforated conical cylinder 41 towards the conical venting member 3. This forms a tortuous gas passage, which not only ensures smooth venting but also causes the liquid and solid particles in the grout to be slowed down and blocked multiple times before reaching the conical venting member 3.

[0041] In this embodiment, the filter screen 5 is made of a metal mesh with a pore size smaller than the maximum allowable solid particle size in the grout, used to block large particles in the grout. The metal mesh is preferably stainless steel wire mesh, and the mesh size can be determined according to the actual particle size distribution of the grout. For example, for commonly used cement-based grout with a maximum particle size not exceeding 2 mm, a 20-mesh to 40-mesh filter screen 5 can be selected. The filter screen 5 can be configured as a planar circular or slightly conical structure, installed on the annular limiting shoulder 6 on one side of the inner port of the vent 2, serving as the first line of defense to intercept larger sand particles or clumps, protecting the small channels of the rear blocking mechanism 4 and the conical venting component 3 from being instantly blocked by large particles, ensuring a stable venting process.

[0042] In this embodiment, the exhaust port 2 is a conical hole, and several annular limiting shoulders 6 are formed on the inner wall where the venting component is installed. The venting component is axially limited and pressed and fixed in the exhaust port 2 by the annular limiting shoulders 6. The large-diameter end of the conical hole can be set on one side of the inner port, so that the venting component can be installed sequentially from the inner port. Each annular limiting shoulder 6 is distributed along the axial direction, supporting and positioning the filter screen 5, the blocking mechanism 4 and the conical venting component 3 respectively, ensuring that each component will not move under the impact of airflow and slurry. After the venting component is installed, a pre-tightening force can be applied by the annular limiting shoulders 6 and the elastic plug 1 to make each component tightly installed in the exhaust port 2, ensuring sealing and structural integrity.

[0043] In this embodiment, the spring pressure cover includes:

[0044] The cover body 8 is hinged or elastically connected to the outer end face of the elastic plug 1; the cover body 8 may be a circular sheet made of metal or hard plastic, and is connected to the elastic plug 1 by a hinge or elastic arm so that it can be flipped relative to the outer port.

[0045] A spring element 9, disposed between the cover body 8 and the elastic plug 1, applies a preload force to the cover body 8 toward the inner port of the vent hole 2. This preload force is less than the set pressure value. The spring element 9 can be a helical compression spring or a leaf spring. The preload force can be set by adjusting the initial compression of the spring, ensuring that the cover is in contact with the outer port of the vent hole 2 under normal conditions, forming an initial seal to prevent the entry of foreign objects. When the gas pressure inside the vent hole 2 exceeds the spring preload force, the cover is pushed open, allowing gas to escape.

[0046] In this embodiment, at least one continuous annular sealing protrusion 7 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic plug 1. The annular sealing protrusion 7 is preferably integrally formed with the elastic plug 1, and its cross-sectional shape can be triangular, semi-circular, or trapezoidal. Two to three protrusions are arranged axially at intervals. When the elastic plug 1 is pressed into the grout outlet or overflow hole, these annular sealing protrusions 7 are compressed, generating significant local contact stress, forming multiple sealing lines. This effectively prevents grout leakage along the outer periphery of the plug, while also accommodating a certain range of hole diameter deviations and hole wall roughness, ensuring the reliability of the seal.

[0047] The present invention also discloses an automatic grouting sealing method, which uses the automatic grouting sealing device described in any of the above claims, and includes the following steps:

[0048] S1. Before injecting grout into the grouting sleeve, the elastic plug 1 is tightly inserted into the grout outlet or overflow hole of the grouting sleeve, wherein the grout outlet or overflow hole is located at the highest point of the grouting sleeve. This ensures that during the grouting process, the air inside the grouting sleeve concentrates at a higher position and is smoothly discharged through the vent hole 2, avoiding the formation of air cavitation. When tightening, ensure that the annular sealing protrusion 7 is fully inserted into the hole and generates uniform radial compression, serving a positioning and sealing function.

[0049] S2. Grout is injected into the grouting sleeve through the grouting hole. The air in the grouting sleeve is discharged through the venting component and the exhaust hole 2 and overcomes the pre-tightening force of the spring pressure cover. Under the continuous grouting pressure, the internal gas passes smoothly through the filter screen 5, the tortuous channel of the blocking mechanism 4 and the micropores of the conical venting component 3, and finally pushes open the spring pressure cover to discharge to the atmosphere. The grout is restricted inside the sleeve due to the interception of the venting component.

[0050] S3. When the grouting material fills the grouting sleeve and contacts the conical venting component 3, the solid particles and moisture in the grouting material block the internal pores of the conical venting component 3. This causes the gas pressure in the vent hole 2 to drop below the set pressure value. At this point, the spring pressure cover automatically closes under its pre-tightening force, completing the sealing of the vent hole 2. No manual intervention is required during this process; the vent hole 2 automatically closes after the grouting material completely fills the sleeve, thus preventing grout overflow and backflow of external air, ensuring the density of the grouting material inside the grouting sleeve.

[0051] In this embodiment, after the grout has hardened, the automatic grout sealing device is removed from the grouting sleeve. The permeability of the permeable component is restored by cleaning or backwashing, or the permeable component is replaced, allowing for reuse of the device. During cleaning, high-pressure water or compressed air can be introduced through the outer port of the exhaust hole 2 to backwash the conical permeable component 3 and the blocking mechanism 4, flushing out the blocked grout particles. If the blockage is severe or the micropores are irreversibly blocked, the permeable component can be replaced individually, while components such as the elastic plug 1 and the spring pressure cover can continue to be used, significantly reducing operating costs and material waste.

[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic grouting sealing device, characterized in that: include: An elastic plug is used to plug the grout outlet, overflow hole or reserved hole of the grouting sleeve. The elastic plug has an vent hole that runs through it along its axial direction. The vent hole has an inner port facing the inside of the grouting sleeve and an outer port facing the outside. A venting component, disposed within the vent hole, is used to allow gas to pass through while preventing grout from passing through; A spring pressure cover is disposed at the outer port of the exhaust port. The spring pressure cover is configured to open when the gas pressure in the exhaust port reaches or exceeds a set pressure value, and to automatically close when the gas pressure drops below the set pressure value.

2. The automatic grouting sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The breathable assembly includes a tapered breathable member, a blocking mechanism, and a filter screen arranged sequentially from the outer port to the inner port along the axial direction of the exhaust port; the tapered breathable member is close to the outer port, and the filter screen is close to the inner port.

3. The automatic grouting sealing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conical breathable component is made of porous material and has a smaller diameter end and a larger diameter end. The smaller diameter end faces the outer port and the larger diameter end faces the inner port. The porous material is a sintered metal microporous material or a porous ceramic material with a pore size of 5-50 micrometers.

4. The automatic grouting sealing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The blocking mechanism includes an open conical cylinder and a conical cylinder arranged sequentially from the outer port to the inner port along the axial direction of the exhaust hole. The bottom surfaces of the open conical cylinder and the conical cylinder both face the inner port. The open conical cylinder and the conical cylinder are fixed together by a connector, and the connector has a connecting channel. The periphery of the cone-shaped tube with openings is fitted to the inner wall of the vent hole to form a seal, and the outer diameter of the cone-shaped tube is smaller than the inner diameter of the vent hole. The conical cylinder is used to block the grout flowing in from the inner port and prevent the grout from directly impacting the conical ventilator, which would cause the conical ventilator to become blocked and fail before the grouting is completed. Gas enters the space between the perforated cone and the cone through the gap between the outer wall of the cone and the inner wall of the exhaust hole, and enters the interior of the perforated cone through the connecting channel on the connector, and then enters the cone venting component from the end opening of the perforated cone toward the cone venting component.

5. The automatic grouting sealing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The filter screen is made of a metal mesh with a pore size smaller than the maximum allowable solid particle size in the grout, and is used to block large particles in the grout.

6. The automatic grouting sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust port is a conical hole, and several annular limiting shoulders are formed on the inner wall where the venting component is installed. The venting component is axially limited and pressed and fixed in the exhaust port by the annular limiting shoulders.

7. The automatic grouting sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring pressure cover plate includes: The cover plate body is hinged or elastically connected to the outer end face of the elastic plug; A spring element is disposed between the cover body and the elastic plug body, and is used to apply a preload force toward the inner port of the vent hole to the cover body, the preload force being less than the set pressure value.

8. The automatic grouting sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer circumferential surface of the elastic plug is provided with at least one circumferentially continuous annular sealing protrusion.

9. An automatic grouting sealing method, using the automatic grouting sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Before injecting grout into the grouting sleeve, the elastic plug is tightly inserted into the grout outlet or overflow hole of the grouting sleeve, wherein the grout outlet or overflow hole is located at the highest point of the grouting sleeve. S2. Grouting material is injected into the grouting sleeve through the grouting hole. The air in the grouting sleeve is discharged through the venting component and the exhaust hole and overcomes the pre-tightening force of the spring pressure cover plate. S3. When the grouting material fills the grouting sleeve and contacts the conical venting component, the solid particles and water in the grouting material block the internal pores of the conical venting component, causing the gas pressure in the exhaust hole to drop and fall below the set pressure value. Then, the spring pressure cover automatically closes under its pre-tightening force, completing the sealing of the exhaust hole.

10. The automatic grouting and sealing method according to claim 9, characterized in that: After the grout has hardened, the automatic grouting sealing device is removed from the grouting sleeve. The permeability of the permeable component is restored by cleaning or backwashing, or the permeable component is replaced, so that the device can be reused.

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