Hose from a blowing machine.

Abstract

Blowing machine hose. The invention relates to an air-transport hose (4) for a bulk insulation product in a blowing machine for the insulation product, the hose (4) extending along a main longitudinal (L) direction (P) and comprising at least one cylindrical wall (20) which delimits a space configured for the circulation of at least the bulk insulation product, the hose (4) being characterized in that the cylindrical wall (20) comprises a plurality of sections (28), at least two of the sections (28) each comprising at least one discharge orifice (40) so as to form at least two perforated sections (42), the hose (4) comprising at least two closure means (48) movable in translation along the longitudinal (L) direction around the cylindrical wall (20), each of the closure means (48) being adapted to specifically cover one of the perforated sections (42). Fig 2

Description

Title of the invention: Hose of a blowing machine.

[0001] The present invention relates to a blowing machine for a loose insulating product, such as glass wool, rock wool, cellulose wadding, cotton fibers or any other similar materials, the blowing machine comprising a projection hose for said loose insulating product.

[0002] It is common to use loose-fill insulation products to insulate a dwelling, and more specifically to insulate the attic of such a dwelling. Using a blowing machine facilitates the projection of the insulation product into the dwelling by blowing it with pressurized air at a high flow rate. More precisely, the insulation product is projected through a hose connected to the base of the blowing machine, where the air and the loose-fill insulation are mixed. The air pressure and flow rate in the hose must be sufficient to transport the insulation product from the base of the blowing machine to the hose outlet.

[0003] This need for a significant air pressure to carry out the projection of insulating product must however be weighed against the disadvantages that an overly powerful projection of insulating products can generate, including, but not limited to, the raising of dust when the loose insulating product is projected into living attics and / or the excessive compaction of the loose insulating product which can lead to less effective insulation.

[0004] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above by proposing simple means applicable to existing blowing machines, allowing to increase the maneuverability of the hose as well as the precision of the spreading of the loose insulating product in the area to be insulated of the dwelling.

[0005] The invention therefore relates to a pipe for conveying a bulk insulation product for a blowing machine for the insulation product, the pipe extending along a main longitudinal direction and comprising at least one cylindrical wall that delimits a space configured for the circulation of at least the bulk insulation product, the cylindrical wall comprising at least a first end portion and a second end portion opposite each other along the longitudinal direction, the pipe being characterized in that the cylindrical wall comprises a plurality of sections between its first end portion and its second end portion, at least two of the sections each comprising at least one discharge orifice so as to form at least two perforated sections, the pipe comprising at least two closure means movable in translation along the longitudinal direction around the cylindrical wall, each of the means of sealing being suitable to specifically cover one of the drilled sections.

[0006] The blowing machine can be used to project loose-fill insulation, for example, glass wool, into an area to be insulated in a dwelling, for example, an attic. More precisely, the blowing machine's hose allows the spraying of a mixture of pressurized air and the insulation material into the area to be insulated, the mixing taking place in a base of the blowing machine. More precisely, the pressurized air in the hose allows the loose-fill insulation material to be projected from the first end portion of the cylindrical hose wall to at least the second end portion of the cylindrical hose wall, forming respectively the inlet and outlet of the hose, in the direction of the area to be insulated in the dwelling.

[0007] At least one discharge port on each of the at least two perforated sections allows air to pass from the inside of the pipe to the outside of said pipe in order to reduce the pressure and air flow rate in the pipe and thus adjust the output flow rate of the mixture without altering the air flow rate in the base of the blower. To this end, at least one discharge port on each of the at least two perforated sections is configured to open onto both the inside and the outside of the pipe.Reducing the output flow rate helps to prevent the raising of dust that may be present in the area to be insulated, and / or to prevent the blown loose insulation product from being too compacted in the final insulation layer, due to excessive pressure from the air blown simultaneously with the loose insulation product. The invention achieves these advantages without reducing the air flow rate at the inlet of the blowing machine, which would result in the loose insulation product circulating within the pipe at a speed insufficient for proper projection at the end of the pipe.

[0008] According to the invention, each of the sealing means is adapted to specifically cover one of the perforated sections, meaning that each sealing means is associated with one of the perforated sections. A disengaged position of a sealing means implies that it does not cover any of the perforated sections, and a covered position of this sealing means implies that it only covers the perforated section with which it is associated. In this way, each sealing means only affects the perforated section with which it is associated in modulating the passage of air through the exhaust orifices, in particular by allowing its passage or blocking its passage through the exhaust orifice.The multiplicity of sealing devices and the fact that they are specifically associated with a perforated section allows the pipe user to finely adjust the air flow and pressure in the pipe and therefore the projection power of the loose insulating product, covering or not all of the perforated sections depending on the number of sealing devices moved.

[0009] According to one feature of the invention, at least two of the sections are clearance sections distinct from the drilled sections, each sealing means being able to take a covering position in which it is opposite one of the drilled sections and a clearance position in which it is opposite one of the clearance sections.

[0010] It is understood that the clearance sections are sections without an evacuation orifice. Thus, when the sealing means are positioned over the clearance sections, air can pass through the evacuation orifices formed on the perforated sections, whereas when the sealing means are positioned over the perforated sections, said sealing means block the passage of air through said evacuation orifices.

[0011] According to one feature of the invention, the sealing means and the associated drilled section are configured such that the sealing means completely covers the drilled section in the covering position. For each pair formed by a sealing means and its drilled section, the drilled section can only be in a fully open position, without being covered, or in a fully closed position, completely covered by the sealing means.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sealing means can be configured to assume at least one intermediate position between the fully open and fully closed positions. In other words, the intermediate position corresponds to a position of the sealing means in which it covers only a portion of the drilled section. It should be understood that in this case, the intermediate position is a position in which the sealing means can stop to partially cover the corresponding drilled section, this intermediate position being reliably repeatable with each use if necessary.

[0013] According to one feature of the invention, the at least two drilled sections are arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction of the pipe, the at least two clearance sections being arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction of the pipe.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the drilled sections are arranged alternately with the clearance sections, along the longitudinal direction of the pipe. In other words, one of the drilled sections is framed by two clearance sections along the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and / or vice versa.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the plurality of sections is formed on a module of the cylindrical wall which is arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion of the cylindrical wall of the pipe. This module can be made separately from the two end portions and then attached and fixed in a watertight manner to each of the end portions, or it can be made in one piece with at least one of these end portions.

[0016] According to one feature of the invention, the module includes translational stop elements for the sealing means. More precisely, the stop elements ensure the longitudinal translational locking of the sealing means around the module and allow the positioning of a sealing means opposite a drilled section so that it assumes an appropriate covering position and / or the positioning of a sealing means opposite a clearance section so that it assumes an appropriate clearance position.

[0017] According to a feature of the invention, a first stop member is disposed at a first longitudinal end of the module in contact with the first end portion and a second stop member is disposed at a second longitudinal end of the module in contact with the second end portion.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, each assembly formed by one of the drilled sections and one of the adjacent release sections along the longitudinal direction is longitudinally framed by two stop members. It is understood that when the drilled sections are arranged alternately with the release sections, stop members are positioned longitudinally on either side of each assembly formed by one of the release sections and one of the drilled sections in order to ensure the longitudinal translational blocking of one of the closing means associated with said assembly. Where applicable, a stop member may be common to two adjacent assemblies, with one face of the stop member allowing the translational blocking of a closing means of the first assembly and a second face of the stop member allowing the translational blocking of a closing means of the second assembly.This allows each of the sealing means associated with each of the assemblies formed by one of the drilled sections and one of the release sections to be locked in position.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, the stop members are collars that project from an external surface of the module. In other words, the stop members in the form of collars surround the external surface of the module.

[0020] According to a feature of the invention, at least one drainage orifice of each of the at least two drilled sections opens onto the space of the pipe and onto an environment external to said pipe.

[0021] According to a feature of the invention, at least one drainage orifice of each of the at least two drilled sections has a passage cross-section less than or equal to 5mm.

[0022] It is understood that such a dimension of the cross-section of the discharge orifice, for example the diameter of the discharge orifice when it has a circular shape, makes it possible to limit the passage of loose insulating product through said drainage orifice, the insulating fibers are mostly larger than 5mm. Such a sizing of the drainage orifice thus forms a means of blocking the insulating product, which also allows the passage of pressurized air to the outside of the pipe.

[0023] According to one feature of the invention, a filtration device is arranged covering each of at least one discharge orifice of each of the at least two drilled sections.

[0024] The filtration device helps to limit the passage of insulating material through each of the drainage orifices while allowing air to pass through the pipe. Such a filtration device can be positioned over a drainage orifice with a cross-sectional area of ​​5 mm or less in order to reinforce the blocking effect on the passage of insulating material through said drainage orifice.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, the filtration devices are grids comprising a plurality of holes with a cross-section less than or equal to 5 mm. Advantageously, the filtration devices are made of a flexible material such that the grids can conform to the shape of the cylindrical wall of the pipe.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, the filtration devices are arranged within the space defined by the cylindrical wall of the pipe. In other words, the filtration devices are pressed against the inner face of the cylindrical wall. In such an arrangement, the filtration devices do not obstruct the sliding of the sealing means along the cylindrical wall of the pipe.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device extends along an entire longitudinal dimension of the pipe. In other words, the filtration device extends along the entire length of the cylindrical wall delimiting the pipe, and in particular along the entire inner face of the cylindrical wall. Furthermore, the filtration device can be positioned within the pipe such that a gap remains between said filtration device and the cylindrical wall, this gap being between 2 mm and 4 mm measured along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe. This characteristic of the filtration device is advantageous because it facilitates its insertion and retention within the pipe.

[0028] According to a feature of the invention, at least one drainage orifice of each of the drilled sections extends in the cylindrical wall along an axis of elongation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe.

[0029] In other words, the drainage openings are straight openings, that is to say, respectively defined by a cylindrical shape around an axis of revolution which here corresponds to the axis of elongation of said drainage openings and which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of circulation of the air and the insulating product in bulk within the conduit delimited by the cylindrical wall of the pipe.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, at least one drainage orifice of each of the perforated sections extends into the cylindrical wall along an axis of elongation inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the pipe. More particularly, the drainage orifices are inclined such that they extend from the inside to the outside of the pipe, in the direction of the first end portion.

[0031] In other words, in this alternative, the discharge openings are inclined in the cylindrical wall so that the air passing through them flows in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of flow of the air and insulating material mixture in the pipe space, from the first end section to the second end section. Such an inclination limits the passage of loose insulating material through the discharge opening of each of the perforated sections.

[0032] According to one feature of the invention, each of the sections extends between the first end portion and the second end portion along an extension dimension taken along the longitudinal direction of the pipe, the extension dimensions of each of the sections being identical to each other, and the sealing means each having a longitudinal dimension taken along the longitudinal direction of the pipe identical to each of the extension dimensions of the sections. It is understood that such a feature allows each of the sealing means to cover the entirety of each of the drilled sections and / or each of the clearance sections of the pipe module.

[0033] According to a feature of the invention, at least one of the sealing means is capable of forming an intermediate stop element of another longitudinally adjacent sealing means.

[0034] According to one feature of the invention, each of the perforated sections comprises a plurality of drainage holes whose distribution on the cylindrical wall forms a pattern, the patterns formed being identical from one perforated section to another.

[0035] According to an alternative of the invention, each of the perforated sections comprises a plurality of drainage orifices whose distribution on the cylindrical wall forms a pattern, the patterns formed being different from one perforated section to another.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, the plurality of drainage ports of each of the drilled sections comprises at least two drainage ports having distinct passage sections.

[0037] According to one feature of the invention, the sealing means is a sleeve sliding longitudinally around the cylindrical wall of the pipe.

[0038] The invention also relates to a machine for blowing a bulk insulating product comprising at least a base and a pipe for conveying the following insulating product any one of the preceding characteristics, the base comprising at least one air inlet and one inlet of the loose insulation product, said inlets being connected to the pipe by means of respectively an air circulation channel and a circulation channel of the loose insulation product.

[0039] According to a feature of the blowing machine, a flow control device is disposed between the circulation channels and the pipe.

[0040] The flow control device allows in particular the flow rate of the mixture of air and insulating product to be adjusted upstream of its entry into the pipe through the first opening of the latter.

[0041] The invention also relates to a method of insulating an area to be insulated in which a bulk insulating product is blown by a blowing machine as previously described, a method in which a user is able to move in longitudinal translation at least one of the sealing means to evacuate a given quantity of air between the base and the second end portion of the pipe.

[0042] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, which is provided by way of example in conjunction with drawings in which:

[0043] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of a blow molding machine, comprising at least a base and a pipe for transporting a mixture of air and bulk insulating product, making visible in particular an evacuation orifice and a means of sealing;

[0044] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a pipe according to a first embodiment of the invention, suitable for equipping a blowing machine similar to that of [Fig.1], comprising at least one section pierced with evacuation orifices and at least one means of sealing;

[0045] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pipe of [Fig.2];

[0046] [Fig.4] is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the orientation of an orifice evacuation according to an example of embodiment, and also making visible a means of filtration suitable for equipping the pipe according to the invention;

[0047] [Fig.5] is a view similar to that of [Fig.4], with an oriented discharge orifice according to an alternative implementation example;

[0048] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the pipe of [Fig.2] in which a first the sealing means is arranged to cover a first pierced section, with two pierced sections remaining exposed;

[0049] [Fig.7] is a view similar to that of [Fig.6], in which a second means the sealing is arranged to cover a second pierced section, in addition to covering the first pierced section by the first sealing means, leaving only one pierced section exposed;

[0050] [Fig.8] is a view similar to that of Figures 6 and 7, in which a third the sealing means is arranged to cover a third pierced section, all the pierced sections then being covered;

[0051] [Fig.9] is a schematic view of a pipe according to a second embodiment of the invention, suitable for equipping a blowing machine similar to that of [Fig.1], in a configuration where all the drilled sections are exposed;

[0052] [Fig. 10] is a view similar to that of [Fig.9], in a configuration where one of the drilled sections is covered by the sealing means associated with it.

[0053] It should first be noted that while the figures illustrate the invention in detail for its implementation, these figures can, of course, also serve to further define the invention, if necessary. It should also be noted that these figures only show examples of embodiments of the invention. Finally, the same reference numerals designate the same elements throughout all the figures.

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a blowing machine 1 for a loose-fill insulation product according to the invention, comprising at least a base 2 and a pipe 4 for conveying the insulation product. The base 2 includes, in particular, at least one separate air inlet 6 and insulation product inlet 8, the insulation product inlet 8 being connected to a bulk insulation product reservoir located outside the blowing machine 1 and not shown here. An air circulation channel 10 and an insulation product circulation channel 12 each extend into the base 2 of the blowing machine 1, respectively from the air inlet 6 and the insulation product inlet 8, and are connected to an outlet 14 of the base 2 connected to the pipe 4.

[0055] In order to allow high-flow air circulation in the air circulation channel 10, the latter may, according to an example of the invention, include a ventilation device 16 ensuring air circulation from the air inlet 6 and at least to the outlet 14 of the base 2. This ventilation device 16 is further configured and dimensioned to push the mixture formed of the air and the insulating product, under pressure, at least to the free end of the pipe 4, opposite the base, so as to facilitate the spraying of the mixture in an area to be insulated from the dwelling.

[0056] Still according to the example of the invention in [Fig.1], a flow control element 18 is disposed between the air circulation channel 10, the insulating product circulation channel 12 and the outlet 14 of the base 2 and this flow control element can be configured by the user so as to mix the air and the insulating product in given proportions and adapt the quality of the insulation that can be obtained by projecting the insulating product in bulk into the pipe 4.

[0057] The pipe 4 according to the invention extends along a principal elongation direction P, here longitudinal L, and comprises at least one cylindrical wall 20 which delimits a space 22 configured for the circulation of the mixture of the bulk insulating product with air. The space 22 extends between a first end portion 24 of the cylindrical wall a cylindrical wall 20 and a second end portion 26 of the cylindrical wall 20, opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L of the pipe 4. As will be described in more detail below, at least one discharge orifice 40 is arranged in the cylindrical wall and an associated sealing means 48 is suitable to cover, where appropriate, this discharge orifice 40.

[0058] With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, the cylindrical wall 20 of the pipe 4 further comprises a plurality of sections 28 arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction L, between the first end portion 24 and the second end portion 26. More precisely, the cylindrical wall 20 comprises a module 30 on which the plurality of sections 28 of the pipe 4 are formed, the module being fixed on one side to the first end portion 24 and on the other side to the second end portion 26.

[0059] In the illustrated example, notably visible in [Fig.3], a first passage section SI of the module 30 and a second passage section S2 of the first end portion 24 and the second end portion 26 are defined, taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the pipe 4, and the first passage section SI has a value greater than that of the second passage section S2. It is then understood that one end of each of the first end portion 24 and the second end portion 26 is fitted into an internal volume 32 of the module 30, forming part of the space 22 of the pipe 4, and then locked onto the module, the junction between the end portions 24, 26 and the module 30 being watertight.Furthermore, it is understood that the free ends 34 of each of the first end portion 24 and the second end portion 26 form respectively an inlet of the pipe 36 for the mixture of insulating product and air into the pipe 4 and an outlet of the pipe 38 for the mixture of insulating product and air from the pipe 4. The inlet of the pipe 36 is thus fluidly connected to the outlet 14 of the base 2 of the blowing machine 1.

[0060] According to the various illustrated examples of the invention, the pipe 4 comprises six sections 28 formed on the module 30. An extension dimension DE is defined for each of the sections 28, visible in [Fig. 3] and measured along the longitudinal direction L of the pipe 4, each of the extension dimensions DE of each of the sections 28 being identical to the others. It should be noted, however, that the number of sections may be different without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that this number allows for the implementation of what follows, and that the extension dimension may vary from one section to another, provided that, again, the variation in the extension dimensions allows for the implementation of what follows.

[0061] According to the invention, at least two sections 28 of the pipe 4 each comprise at least one through discharge orifice 40, such as to form among the plurality of sections, at least two perforated sections 42. By "through," we mean that at least one discharge orifice 40 of each of the at least two sections 28 of the pipe 4 opens into the space 22 of the pipe 4 and to the outside of the pipe 4, so as to form a passage between the inside and outside of the cylindrical wall 20 of the pipe 4. According to the examples of the invention that follow, a first perforated section 42a, a second perforated section 42b, and a third perforated section 42c are defined, each comprising at least one discharge orifice 40. It should then be considered that all the characteristics described for the three perforated sections 42a, 42b, 42c apply mutatis mutandis to two perforated sections 42 or to more than three perforated sections 42.

[0062] Furthermore, at least two sealing means 48 are associated with the module and are movable along the longitudinal direction to respectively cover one of the perforated sections, when deemed necessary to optimize the flow rate of the mixture formed by the air and the bulk insulating product at the outlet of the blowing machine pipe. According to the examples of the invention that follow, a first sealing means 48a, a second sealing means 48b, and a third sealing means 48c are defined, respectively adapted to cover the first perforated section 42a, the second perforated section 42b, and the third perforated section 42c. Here again, it should be noted that all the characteristics described for the three sealing means 48 apply mutatis mutandis to two sealing means 48 or to more than three sealing means 48.

[0063] Each discharge orifice 40, distinct from the openings formed at each longitudinal end of the pipe, is formed through the cylindrical wall 20 of the pipe 4. More precisely, the discharge orifice 40 forms a passage between the space 22 internal to the pipe 4, where the mixture of air and insulating product circulates, and an environment external to the blowing machine 1. In other words, a part of the flow circulating within the pipe is able to escape from the pipe through each of the discharge orifices.

[0064] Each discharge orifice 40 is more particularly configured to allow the passage of air to the outside of the pipe 4, while blocking the passage of the loose insulating product to the outside of said pipe 4. In other words, the discharge orifice 40 allows the evacuation of a portion of the air circulating in the space 22 within the pipe while channeling the insulating product within the pipe 4 to bring it from the first end portion 24 to the second end portion 26. For this purpose, the discharge orifice may have appropriate dimensions allowing the blocking of the loose insulating product, or may be associated with a filtration device which will be described below.

[0065] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the drainage holes can, according to the invention Each discharge opening 40 of each of the perforated sections 42 can be defined by a cylindrical shape about an axis of elongation A, or axis of revolution. Each discharge opening can be a straight opening, that is, with an axis of elongation A that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the pipe 4, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. According to another example of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 4], each discharge opening can be inclined, that is, it extends into the cylindrical wall such that its axis of elongation A is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the pipe at an angle, for example, between 10° and 80°. Furthermore, and still according to this other example of the invention, at least one discharge opening can be inclined against the flow of air and loose insulating material.In other words, this discharge opening extends from the inside of the pipe towards the external environment, in the direction of the pipe inlet formed at the free end of the first end section of the pipe. The advantage of such a counterflow configuration is that it limits the occlusion of the discharge opening by the loose insulation material as it circulates within the pipe space, said insulation material flowing from the first end section to the second end section.

[0066] Regardless of the orientation of the drainage holes, each of the drainage holes 40 may have a third passage cross-section S3, taken in a plane perpendicular to its elongation axis A, which is less than or equal to 5 mm. Such a dimension of the passage cross-section of the drainage hole makes it possible to limit the passage of the loose-fill insulation product through the drainage holes 40, since the fibers of said loose-fill insulation product usually have a diameter greater than 5 mm.

[0067] As mentioned previously, and as can be seen in particular in Figures 4 and 5, a filtration device 44 can be arranged covering at least one discharge opening 40 of each of the perforated sections 42. The filtration device 44 can, for example, be a grid comprising a plurality of holes 46 with a cross-sectional area T allowing air to pass through while blocking the passage of the loose insulation material. By way of example, the cross-sectional area T of each hole can be less than or equal to 5 mm. In the example illustrated here, the grid is arranged in addition to what has been previously described regarding the dimensions of the cross-sectional areas S3 of the discharge openings, but it should be noted that the grid could be used independently by being associated with discharge openings of a larger cross-sectional area, the filtration of the loose insulation material then being ensured solely by the grid.

[0068] The filtration device 44 is positioned against one face of the cylindrical wall 20, covering the entire discharge opening. For this purpose, the filtration device 44 is made of a flexible material allowing the filtration device a partially cylindrical shape with a curvature identical to that of the cylindrical wall. The filtration device is arranged in the space within the cylindrical wall 20 defining the pipe 4. Such positioning of the filtration device, against the inner face of the cylindrical wall, makes it possible, in particular, to avoid forming a protrusion on the outer face of the cylindrical wall of the pipe, outside of it, and therefore to avoid blocking the translation of one of the sealing means 48.

[0069] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the filtration device 44 can be arranged in the space 22 along the entire length of the cylindrical wall 20 of the pipe 4, that is to say, over substantially the entire longitudinal dimension between the first opening 24 formed at the first end 26 of the pipe 4 and the second opening 28 formed at the second end 30 of the pipe 4, so as to form a cylindrical sleeve in the space 22 of the pipe 4.Such a dimensioning of the filtration device 44 makes it possible to ensure proper coverage of each of the evacuation orifices and to facilitate the positioning and maintenance of the filtration device 44 in the space 22 of the pipe 4. More particularly, the filtration device extends along the entire inner face of this cylindrical wall 20, .

[0070] Furthermore, a gap may be provided between the cylindrical wall 20 and the filtration device 44 such that they are not in contact with each other. According to a non-limiting example of the invention, the gap may have a dimension, measured perpendicular to the inner face of the cylindrical wall, of between 2 mm and 4 mm.

[0071] The sealing means 48 here each take the form of a sleeve adapted to slide around the cylindrical wall 20 of the pipe 4, and more precisely around the module 30. More precisely, each sealing means is movable in longitudinal translation along the module 30 between a first clearance position, which is such that the evacuation orifices are not covered by the corresponding sealing means and can allow air to pass to the outside of the pipe, and a second covering position, which is such that all the evacuation orifices of a perforated section are covered by the corresponding sealing means and that air cannot escape from the pipe except through the second end, with the loose insulating product.

[0072] In other words, each sealing means 48 is associated with a perforated section 42 and is capable of covering, in a second covering position, or uncovering, in a first uncovered position, this specifically associated perforated section, in order to block or allow the passage of air through it. The translation of the sealing means 48 can, in particular, be controlled manually by a user of the blowing machine 1 or via electronic remote control means, not shown here.

[0073] Furthermore, each sealing means 48 can be moved and held in position in an intermediate position between the first clearance position and the second covering position. In other words, each of the sealing means 48 can partially cover the drilled section 42 to which it is associated.

[0074] In this context, we can define a longitudinal dimension DL of each of the sealing means 48, visible in [Fig.2] and taken along the longitudinal direction L of the pipe 4, the longitudinal dimension DL of each of the sealing means 48 being identical to each of the extension dimensions DE of the sections 28 mentioned previously.

[0075] It is understood from the foregoing that each of the movable sealing means 48 is capable of covering the entirety of the perforated section 42 associated with it, by being movable in translation along the cylindrical wall 20 of the pipe 4 in its longitudinal direction L. The module 30 comprises, within the plurality of sections, at least two clearance sections 50, distinct from the perforated sections 42 and without drainage orifices. More precisely, as many clearance sections 50 are provided as there are perforated sections and sealing means 48, each sealing means being configured to move between its first clearance position, in which it is opposite a dedicated clearance section, and its second covering position, in which it is opposite a dedicated perforated section.In the illustrated example, a first clearance section 50a, a second clearance section 50b and a third clearance section 50c are defined, distinct from the three drilled sections 42. It is also understood that the characteristics of the three clearance sections 50 that follow apply mutatis mutandis to a configuration with two clearance sections 50 and to more than three clearance sections 50.

[0076] As just mentioned, each of the three sealing means 48 is capable of taking a covering position by fully covering one of the drilled sections 42, an intermediate position by partially covering one of the drilled sections 42 and a clearance position by fully covering one of the clearance sections 50.

[0077] We will now describe in more detail a first embodiment, with reference to figures 2 to 8, in which the drilled sections 42, here therefore three in number, are arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction L of the pipe 4 and in which the clearance sections 50, here therefore three in number, are arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction L of the pipe 4.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the three drilled sections 42 are formed on the module 30 such that they are closer to the second end portion 26 of the cylindrical wall 20 than to its first end portion 24. In other words, the The evacuation ports 40 are closer to the outlet of the air and bulk insulation mixture from pipe 4 than to its inlet into said pipe 4, so that the pressure and flow rate in the space 22 of pipe 4 remain sufficient to bring the mixture from the inlet to the outlet of pipe 4. This allows efficient evacuation of part of the air circulating in the space 22 of pipe 4 while maintaining sufficient projection of the mixture at the outlet of pipe 4.

[0079] In this context, and as can be seen in the figures, the three clearance sections 50 are formed on the module 30 in such a way that they are closer to the first end portion 24 of the pipe 4 than to the second end portion 26 with respect to the longitudinal direction L and that they are thus arranged between the first end portion of the pipe and the drilled sections 42.

[0080] Furthermore, the arrangement of the drilled sections 42 on the module 30 is such that the first drilled section 42a is closest to the second end portion 26 of the pipe 4, the third drilled section 42c being furthest from this second end portion 26, while the arrangement of the clearance sections 50 on the module 30 is such that the third clearance section 50c is closest to the first end portion 24, the first clearance section 50a being furthest from the first end portion 24. Thus, the first clearance section 50a is in the vicinity of the third drilled section 42c and these two sections are adjacent in the illustrated example.

[0081] The pipe includes thrust bearings 52 for the translation of the sealing means 48 so that the latter can assume a suitable position with respect to the drilled sections or the clearance sections. More specifically, a first thrust bearing 52a is disposed at a first longitudinal end 54a of the module 30 in contact with the first end portion 24 of the pipe 4, and a second thrust bearing 52b is disposed at a second longitudinal end 54b of the module 30 in contact with the second end portion 26 of the pipe 4. According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first thrust bearing 52a and the second thrust bearing 52b takes the form of a collar projecting from an external surface 56 of the module 30.In other words, each of the stop members 52a, 52b forms an overthickness around the module 30 at each of its first longitudinal end 54a and its second longitudinal end 54b, the overthickness blocking the translation of the sealing means 48 along the longitudinal direction L. .

[0082] In this arrangement, Figures 2 and 6 illustrate more particularly the possible positions of the first closing means 48a, which is movable in translation between a clearance position, visible in [Fig. 2], in which it completely covers the first clearance section 50a, and a covering position, visible in [Fig. 6], in which it completely covers the first drilled section 42a. In its position In the clearance position, the first closing means 48a is abutted against the other closing means and is close to the third drilled section 42a, without covering it. To reach its covering position, the first closing means 48a is translated to the second stop member 52b, arranged at one end of the module 30, and in this position it completely covers the first drilled section 42a, leaving the second drilled section 42b directly adjacent to the first drilled section exposed.

[0083] It is noteworthy that in this first embodiment, this first shuttering means 48a must be moved first when all the shuttering means are previously in a clearance position, since in its clearance position it is against the other shuttering means and more particularly here against the second shuttering means 48b.

[0084] The movement of the second sealing means 48b is made possible when the first sealing means 48a is in the overlapping position, away from the clearance sections, and is no longer abutting the other sealing means. Figures 2 and 7 illustrate more particularly the possible positions of this second sealing means 48b, which is movable in translation between a clearance position, visible in [Fig. 2], in which it completely covers the second clearance section 50a, abutting the third sealing means, and an overlapping position, visible in [Fig. 7], in which it completely covers the second drilled section 42b.To reach its covering position, the second sealing means 48a is translated until the first sealing means already in place covering the first drilled section 42a, this first sealing means forming an intermediate stop element ensuring that the second sealing means completely covers the second drilled section 42b, while leaving the third drilled section 42c directly adjacent to the second drilled section exposed.

[0085] Advantage is taken of the fact that each of the sealing means 48 has a longitudinal dimension DL identical to the extension dimension DE of its associated drilled section, in that this allows the sealing means 48 already in the overlapping position to form a longitudinal stop for an adjacent sealing means 48 coming to assume such an overlapping position. Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 7], the first sealing means 48a positioned overlapping the first drilled section 42a forms an intermediate stop 52c for the second sealing means 48b when the latter slides longitudinally from the second clearance section 50b to the second drilled section 42b, and the same is true in [Fig. 8] between the second sealing means 48b and the third sealing means 48c, when the second sealing means 48n is already in the overlapping position. positioned over the second drilled section and forms an intermediate stop element for the third sealing means 48c when the latter slides longitudinally from the third release section 50c to the third drilled section 42c.

[0086] It follows from the above that the movement of the sealing means can only occur in a specific order, depending on whether one wishes to move the sealing means from a covering position to a discharging position or vice versa. By way of example, the second sealing means 48b can only be moved if the first sealing means 48a and / or the third sealing means 48c are in positions that allow the movement of the second sealing means.

[0087] Each of the perforated sections 42 may include a plurality of drainage holes 40. More particularly, in the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 2 to 8, the perforated sections 42 comprise a number, size, and distribution of drainage holes 40 that are identical from one perforated section 42 to another. In other words, the drainage holes 40 of each of the perforated sections 42 form an identical pattern from one perforated section 42 to another.

[0088] By way of example, at least two discharge ports 40 of a perforated section 42 may have different passage cross-sections S3, provided that these remain equal to or less than a value of 5 mm² as previously described, and / or provided that the discharge ports are covered, particularly with respect to an inner face of the cylindrical wall, by a filtration device as previously mentioned. Such a configuration with discharge ports having different passage cross-sections can notably be combined with the possibility of having intermediate positions of the sealing means 48, in order to create a large number of air passage levels that differ from one another.

[0089] A second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. It should be considered that all the structural and functional characteristics of the pipe 4 described in the first embodiment apply mutatis mutandis to the second embodiment, and that only the characteristics distinct from the first embodiment will be described. For common characteristics, reference should therefore be made to the first embodiment.

[0090] In this second embodiment of the pipe 4, each of the drilled sections 42, again three in number for the sake of example, is arranged alternately with each of the clearance sections 50 along the longitudinal direction L of the pipe 4. Thus, the module 30 comprises, from its second longitudinal end 54b to its first longitudinal end 54a, the first drilled section 42a, the first clearance section engagement 50a, the second drilled section 42b, the second clearance section 50b, the third drilled section 42c and the third clearance section 50c. The clearance section associated with a drilled section is thus directly adjacent to it and the closing means intended to move in translation between a position opposite this clearance section and a position opposite this drilled section thus has less distance to travel to go from one position to the other.

[0091] Contrary to what was described for the first embodiment, the sealing means cannot therefore serve as a stop for the positioning of another sealing means, since each sealing means can be manipulated independently of the others. Thus, according to this second embodiment of the invention, each assembly formed by one of the drilled sections 42 and one of the release sections 50 is framed by two stop members 52. More precisely, the module comprises the first stop member 52a and the second stop member 52b respectively at its first longitudinal end 54a and its second longitudinal end 54b, and also comprises a third stop member 52d between the first release section 50a and the second drilled section 42b, as well as a fourth stop member 52e between the second release section 50b and the third drilled section 42c.The third stop member 52d and the fourth stop member 52e can take the form, for example, of a lug protruding from the external surface 56 of the module 30 or of a ring clamping said module 30. .

[0092] In this way, the first sealing means 48a is able to translate between a clearance position, visible on [Fig.9] and in which it is against a first face of the third stop member 52d and opposite the first clearance section 50a, and a cover position, not illustrated here and in which it is against a face of the second stop member 52b and opposite the first drilled section 42a.

[0093] Similarly, the third sealing means 48c is able to translate between a clearance position, visible in [Fig.9] and in which it is against a face of the first stop member 52a and opposite the third clearance section 50c, and a cover position, not illustrated here and in which it is against a face of the fourth stop member 52e and opposite the third drilled section 42c.

[0094] The second sealing means is capable of moving in a similar manner, and [Fig. 10] illustrates the overlapping position of this second sealing means, in which it is against a second face of the third stop member 52d so as to be opposite the second drilled section 42b. It should be noted that in this second embodiment, the second sealing means could be moved without the other two sealing means being moved.

[0095] As can be seen in [Fig. 5], each of the perforated sections 42 comprises a plurality of drainage orifices 40, each having a distribution over the module 30 different from one perforated section 42 to another. In other words, the vent holes 40 of a perforated section 42 may have a different number and different cross-sectional areas compared to a neighboring perforated section. As a result, the amount of air that can escape from the pipe differs from one perforated section to another, and the impact of covering a perforated section with a sealing device on the flow rate of the mixture circulating in the pipe varies depending on which perforated section the user decides to seal.

[0096] The advantage of the pipe as just described is that it allows, by simple means, namely perforated sections and mobile sealing means, for a blowing operation of bulk insulating product that can be adapted to confined environments in which the bulk insulating product must be deposited while avoiding raising too much dust during projection and / or that can offer insulation in which the bulk insulating product is not too compacted under the effect of too much air pressure.

[0097] The invention as just described cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations exclusively described and illustrated, and also applies to all equivalent means or configurations and to any combination of such means or configurations.

Claims

Demands

1. Pipe (4) for conveying a bulk insulation product for a blowing machine (1) of the insulation product, the pipe (4) extending along a principal longitudinal (L) direction (P) and comprising at least one cylindrical wall (20) which delimits a space (22) configured for the circulation of at least the bulk insulation product, the cylindrical wall (20) comprising at least a first end portion (24) and a second end portion (26) opposite each other along the longitudinal (L) direction, the pipe (4) being characterized in that the cylindrical wall (20) comprises a plurality of sections (28) between its first end portion (24) and its second end portion (26), at least two of the sections (28) each comprising at least one discharge port (40) so as to form at least two perforated sections (42),the pipe (4) comprising at least two movable sealing means (48) in translation along the longitudinal direction (L) around the cylindrical wall (20), each of the sealing means (48) being capable of specifically covering one of the perforated sections (42).

2. Conveying pipe (4) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least two of the sections (28) are clearance sections (50) distinct from the drilled sections (42), each sealing means (48) being able to assume an overlapping position in which it is opposite one of the drilled sections (42) and a clearance position in which it is opposite one of the clearance sections (50).

3. Transport pipe (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the at least two drilled sections (42) are arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction (L) of the pipe (4), the at least two clearance sections (50) being arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction (L) of the pipe (4).

4. Transport pipe (4) according to claim 2, in which the drilled sections (42) are arranged alternately with the clearance sections (50), along the longitudinal direction (L) of the pipe (4).

5. Conveying pipe (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of sections (28) is formed on a module (30) of the cylindrical wall (20) which is arranged between the first end portion (24) and the second end portion (26) of the cylindrical wall (20) of the pipe (4).

6. Transport pipe (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the module (30) includes stop members (52) in translation of the sealing means (48).

7. Conveying pipe (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one discharge port (40) of each of the at least two drilled sections (42) opens onto the space (22) of the pipe (4) and onto an environment outside said pipe (4).

8. Transport pipe (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one discharge orifice (40) of each of the at least two drilled sections (42) has a passage cross-section (S3) less than or equal to 5mm.

9. Transport pipe (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a filtration device (44) is arranged covering each of the at least one discharge orifice (40) of each of the at least two drilled sections (42).

10. Conveying pipe (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the sections (28) extends between the first end portion (24) and the second end portion (26) along an extension dimension (DE) taken along the longitudinal direction (L) of the pipe (4), the extension dimensions (DE) of each of the sections (28) being identical to each other and the sealing means (48) each having a longitudinal dimension (DL) taken along the longitudinal direction (L) of the pipe (4) identical to each of the extension dimensions (DE) of the sections (28).

11. Transport pipe (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each of the perforated sections (42) comprises a plurality of discharge orifices (40) whose distribution on the cylindrical wall (20) forms a pattern, the patterns formed being identical from one perforated section (42) to another.

12. Transport pipe (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the perforated sections (42) comprises a plurality of discharge orifices (40) whose distribution on the cylindrical wall (20) forms a pattern, the patterns formed being different from one perforated section (42) to another.

13. Conveying pipe (4) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of discharge ports (40) of each of the drilled sections (42) comprises at least two discharge ports (40) having distinct passage sections (S3).

14. Transport pipe (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing means (48) is a sleeve sliding longitudinally around the cylindrical wall (20) of the pipe (4).

15. Blowing machine (1) of a bulk insulating product comprising at least a base (2) and a pipe (4) for conveying the insulating product according to any one of the preceding claims, the base (2) comprising at least an air inlet (6) and an inlet for the bulk insulating product (8), said inlets (6, 8) being connected to the pipe (4) by means respectively of an air circulation channel (10) and a circulation channel for the bulk insulating product (12).

16. Method of insulating an area to be insulated in which a bulk insulating product is blown by a blowing machine (1) according to the preceding claim, method in which a user is able to move in longitudinal translation (L) at least one of the sealing means (48) to evacuate a given quantity of air between the base (2) and the second end portion (26) of the pipe.

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