Insertion device for a section of padding

Abstract

Insertion device for a section of padding The present invention relates to an insertion device (5) for at least one section of padding (2) within a cylindrical ferrule (3), characterized in that a deployment module (8) comprises a main upright (9), centered around a main axis (11) of the insertion device, and a plurality of peripheral uprights (10) arranged circumferentially and regularly around the main axis (11), each of the peripheral uprights (10) comprising a hooking means (6) configured to grip a section of padding (2), the deployment module (8) comprising a plurality of branches (12) arranged in pairs of branches (13) connecting the main upright (9) to one of the peripheral uprights (10), the deployment module (8) being able to modify the dimension of the insertion device (5) by modifying a radial distance between the main upright (9) and each of the peripheral uprights (10).Figure from the summary: FIG. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for inserting a section of padding

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of liquid / gas separation columns and their assembly and it relates more particularly to a device for inserting packing sections into a shell in order to form these said liquid / gas separation columns.

[0002] Gas / liquid separation columns have been known for many years and allow, for example, the separation of different chemical elements in the composition of a homogeneous fluid, for example by distillation or by absorption.

[0003] The manufacture of a liquid / gas separation column includes, in particular, a step of gripping a packing section by a packing section insertion device in order to subsequently insert it into a cylindrical shell. Packing sections are used in columns to ensure the exchange of matter and heat between a rising gas and a descending liquid. These packing sections, which are typically made up of several overlapping corrugated strips, are often called "packs." The packing sections are conventionally stacked one on top of the other, possibly with interposed separators, in order to contribute to the separation of the fluid components along the axial dimension of the column.

[0004] The insertion device must include gripping means for gripping a packing section by its sides. However, gripping can be problematic because the ferrules of the separation columns into which the packing sections must be inserted do not all necessarily have the same diameter. In this context, the packing sections can have diameters ranging from 2.5 m to 5 m, making it difficult to optimally grip a range of packing sections.

[0005] It is conceivable to use an insertion device adapted to each diameter of lining section but such a solution requires too much financial resources to be viable.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context and makes it possible to consider the assembly of liquid / gas separation columns for all diameters of packing sections using a single device for inserting these packing sections within a shell. The present invention proposes a device for inserting at least one packing section within a cylindrical shell, characterized in that a module of the deployment comprises a main upright, centered around a main axis of the insertion device, and a plurality of peripheral uprights arranged circumferentially and regularly around the main axis, each of the peripheral uprights comprising a hooking means configured to grip a trim section, the deployment module comprising a plurality of branches arranged in pairs of branches connecting the main upright to one of the peripheral uprights, the deployment module being capable of modifying the dimension of the insertion device by modifying a radial distance between the main upright and each of the peripheral uprights.

[0007] Thanks to the insertion device according to the invention, and more particularly to the deployment module, the gripping means can grip any type of upholstery section, of any diameter. Before gripping the upholstery sections, the deployment module is configured to define the radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights, and thus to position the gripping means, which are arranged on the peripheral uprights, relative to each other to form a pattern, in particular a circular one, with dimensions complementary to the circumference of the upholstery section to be gripped. The radial distance is the same between the main upright and each of the peripheral uprights in order to obtain a virtual diameter defined by the gripping means and adapted to the diameter of the upholstery sections.

[0008] The main upright has a principal dimension coinciding with the main axis. The latter, around which the attachment means are arranged, may also pass through the center of the trim section when the latter is gripped and / or through the center of the ferrule. The peripheral uprights are all parallel or substantially parallel to the main axis. The attachment means may be arranged on all the peripheral uprights or only on some of them. In order to grip the trim section, the insertion device includes at least two attachment means. Advantageously, the attachment means are evenly distributed around the main upright in order to optimally grip the trim section.

[0009] The pairs of branches extend between the main upright and the peripheral uprights. Therefore, there are as many pairs of branches as there are peripheral uprights. The branches of each pair of branches intersect each other and are capable of tilting more or less synchronously with respect to each other. It is this change in the tilt of the branches of the pairs of branches that allows the radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights to be modified, and thus allows the radial dimension of the insertion device to be modified and adapted to the corresponding radial dimension of the section of filling to handle.

[0010] According to one feature of the invention, the main upright comprises a telescopic body capable of modifying a main dimension of the main upright. The main dimension of the main upright, that is, the dimension of the main upright parallel to the main axis, can therefore be modified by means of the telescopic body, to the extent that the latter allows. The telescopic body can extend over the entire main upright or only over a portion thereof. The deployment of the telescopic body can be controlled manually, via an operator acting on one of the end portions of the main upright, or it can be motorized and controlled remotely via an electric motor and an associated control module.

[0011] According to one feature of the invention, the main upright comprises two fixed rings, each fixed ring being arranged at each of the end portions of the main upright, the two fixed rings being separated by a distance that can be modified by the telescopic body. Advantageously, the rings are arranged at each of the longitudinal ends of the main upright and are fixed thereto. Thus, when the main upright's main dimension is modified by the telescopic body, the fixed rings can be moved closer together or further apart depending on the configuration applied to the telescopic body. The distance between the rings can therefore be determined between a minimum and a maximum distance, both of which depend on the extension capacity of the telescopic body.The maximum distance thus corresponds to a configuration in which the main amount is fully deployed, while the minimum distance corresponds to a configuration in which the main amount is retracted to its maximum.

[0012] According to one feature of the invention, each arm of the arm pairs comprises a first end fixed to one of the fixed rings of the main upright and a second end fixed to the peripheral upright. In other words, each arm pair comprises a first arm whose first end is fixed to a first fixed ring of the main upright, and a second arm whose first end is fixed to a second fixed ring of the main upright. Thus, when the main dimension of the main upright is modified by extending the telescopic body, the distance between the fixed rings is also modified, and this results, by analogy, in a change in the distance between the first end of each arm of the arm pairs. The attachment between the fixed rings and the first end of the arms can be of various types but must nevertheless allow the arms to pivot relative to the fixed rings.

[0013] Since the second end of each branch is connected to the peripheral upright, each branch therefore extends between the main upright and one of the peripheral uprights peripherals. Just as the fixing between the first end of each branch and one or the other of the fixed rings of the main upright, the fixing between the second end of each branch and the peripheral upright must be made so that each branch can pivot relative to the peripheral upright.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, the second end of at least one of the arms of the pair of arms is able to slide along the peripheral upright. To this end, the peripheral upright may, for example, include a slide within which the second end of at least one of the arms of the pair of arms slides. Both arms can slide along the peripheral upright, but it is possible to make one of the second ends fixed while the other second end can slide.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the arms of a pair of arms are connected to each other by a pivot joint substantially at their center. In other words, the two arms of a pair of arms are arranged relative to each other so as to intersect, and a pivot joint is formed at the point of intersection of the two arms. When the length of the main upright is changed by means of the telescopic body, the distance between the fixed rings, and therefore the first ends of the arms of the pairs of arms, is changed. The pivot joint allows the inclination of the arms of the pair of arms to be changed relative to each other, which also changes the inclination of the arms relative to the corresponding peripheral upright, in particular through the sliding of at least one of the arms along a peripheral upright.

[0016] According to one feature of the invention, the insertion device includes locking means configured to fix the radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights. The locking means are engaged once the desired radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights is achieved by modifying the configuration of the deployment module. The positioning of the hooking means relative to each other and to the main upright is then fixed, allowing the trim section to be effectively gripped and held.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the locking means are formed by deployable rods extending between two adjacent peripheral uprights. Each peripheral upright is thus connected to two deployable rods extending towards the two adjacent peripheral uprights. The deployable rods are rigid and therefore stabilize the peripheral uprights relative to each other.

[0018] The invention also covers a system for inserting at least one section of packing within a cylindrical ferrule, comprising a supporting structure and an insertion device as described above, the insertion device being carried by the supporting structure. The insertion system as a whole performs additional functions such as moving the insertion device. The insertion system allows for the sequential insertion of multiple trim sections.

[0019] The supporting structure is in the form of a gantry capable of moving in at least one direction while carrying the insertion device that grips a section of lining. To achieve such movement, the supporting structure can, for example, be arranged on rails so that the movement takes place in the most precise direction possible.

[0020] As mentioned, the objective of the insertion system according to the invention is to grip sections of packing of different diameters, and then to insert these into a horizontally arranged ferrule.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the insertion device is capable of performing a translational movement relative to the supporting structure. Independently of the supporting structure, the insertion device can move, for example, vertically. This vertical movement is useful, for instance, for positioning the insertion device directly above a stack of packing sections, and then lowering it to grip the packing section located at the top of the stack. The vertical movement of the insertion device relative to the supporting structure is also useful for adjusting the position of the gripped packing section to correctly position it at the entrance of the ferrule and thus facilitate the pushing of the packing section into the ferrule.The relative movement of the insertion device with respect to the supporting structure can, for example, be achieved using a motor mounted on the supporting structure and configured to move a load-bearing element of the insertion device along the supporting structure.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the insertion device is capable of rotating as a whole relative to the supporting structure. In particular, the rotation allows the insertion device, with the supporting structure remaining fixed, to be tilted between a position where the insertion device is arranged vertically to grip a section of lining onto a vertical stack of lining sections, and a position where the insertion device is arranged horizontally to insert the gripped lining section into the ferrule. The rotation elements must therefore be configured to allow the insertion device to rotate by approximately 90° so that it can tilt between the aforementioned vertical and horizontal positions.The relative rotation of the insertion device with respect to the supporting structure can, for example, be achieved using a motor capable of driving a gear system that drives the rotation of the insertion device, or even via a chain system or a . hydraulic system.

[0023] The invention also covers a method for inserting at least one section of packing into a cylindrical shell implemented by an insertion system as described above, comprising: • a step to adjust the radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights using the deployment module, • a step of gripping a section of the lining by the hooking means of the insertion device, • a rotation step of the entire insertion device relative to the supporting structure, • a step involving the movement of the insertion system to the ferrule using the supporting structure, • a step of positioning the packing section at the level of an inlet of the ferrule, • a pushing step of the packing section within the ferrule.

[0024] The steps of the process are carried out using the various previously mentioned elements of the insertion system. As described above, the deployment module adjusts the radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights. Subsequently, the gripping step is performed using the gripping means of the insertion device, the rotation step using the rotation elements mounted on the supporting structure, the movement step via the supporting structure, and the positioning step using the means for translating the insertion device relative to the supporting structure. Once these first five steps are completed, the pushing step can be carried out using telescopic devices that insert the lining section into the ferrule.It should be noted that this is a non-exhaustive list of steps for the proper execution of the process of inserting lining sections into the shell according to the invention. By way of non-limiting example, the process according to the invention may include a step for checking the correct positioning of the lining section once it has been inserted into the shell. This additional step, following the pushing step, consists of verifying and recording the correct position of the lining section that has just been inserted, using a measuring device accurate to the millimeter.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] is a general view of an insertion system according to the invention during the insertion of a section of filler material within a ferrule,

[0027] [Fig.2] represents the insertion system of [Fig.1] some elements of which are engaged on a section of padding, the figure notably shows the structure of a deployment module allowing padding sections of a desired size to be gripped,

[0028] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a detail of the deployment module visible in [Fig.2], in a first, narrowed position,

[0029] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a detail of the deployment module visible in [Fig.2], in a second deployed position,

[0030] [Fig.5] represents a gripping step of a lining section of a process insertion of trim sections,

[0031] [Fig.6] represents a rotation step of the insertion and displacement device of the insertion system for the lining section insertion process,

[0032] [Fig.7] represents a step of inserting the packing section of the process insertion of trim sections.

[0033] Figure 1 represents a system for inserting packing sections 2 into a shell to form a gas / liquid separation column. Such separation columns may, for example, be cylindrical with a circular or substantially circular cross-section. The separation columns may have a main dimension of several tens of meters and a cylindrical cross-section of several meters. The packing sections 2 to be inserted into these separation columns may have a circular or substantially circular cross-section with a diameter of approximately 2.5 m to 5 m.

[0034] Here, the insertion system 1 allows for the horizontal insertion of the lining sections within the ferrule. This can be particularly advantageous due to mechanical constraints in terms of height, which would make it impossible to insert the lining sections when the ferrule is arranged vertically. Here, this operation is performed with the ferrule in a horizontal position. It should be noted, however, that this arrangement of the insertion system and the insertion of the lining sections 2 in a horizontal direction, as illustrated, could be different without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that the insertion system includes a deployment module as described below.

[0035] The packing section insertion system 1 according to the invention allows for the insertion of said packing sections 2 into the shell. Such an insertion system 1 makes it possible, in particular, to grip a packing section 2 onto a vertical stack 24 of packing sections as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The insertion system 1 then allows for rotation to position the packing section 2 opposite an opening in the shell, to move to the opening of the shell, and then to push the packing section 2 to the bottom of the ferrule or against another section of packing 2 already inserted within the ferrule, ensuring the smoothest possible advance, i.e. with the fewest possible jolts, of the section of packing 2 within the ferrule.

[0036] To this end, the insertion system 1 comprises a support structure 4, as well as an insertion device 5 arranged on the support structure 4, and including in particular hooking means 6 for gripping the lining sections 2. The support structure 4 is in the form of a gantry comprising two pillars 7 between which rests the insertion device 5. The support structure 4 can, for example, be mounted on rails so that the insertion system 1 can operate a linear movement between the stack 24 of lining sections 2 and the shell.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the insertion system 1 includes a first motor 25 enabling the insertion device 5 to perform a translational movement relative to the support structure 4. The insertion system 1 also includes a second motor 26 for actuating a gear system 27 for moving the insertion device 5 as a whole so as to perform a rotation relative to the support structure 4. This rotation allows the insertion device to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position, so as to be able to arrange the lining section 2 opposite the entrance of the ferrule as mentioned previously.

[0038] As previously mentioned, the diameter of the lining sections can vary between 2.5 m and 5 m. Before gripping the lining sections, it is important to adapt the insertion device to the diameter of the lining section in question, so that the gripping means can grip the lining sections optimally and as reliably as possible. Thus, before proceeding with the gripping step of the lining section during its insertion process, the insertion device must be appropriately sized.

[0039] To this end, the insertion device 5 comprises a deployment module 8 including the attachment means 6. More specifically, the deployment module 8 comprises a main upright 9 and a plurality of peripheral uprights 10 parallel to the main upright 9. The main upright 9 extends primarily along a main axis 11 passing through the center or substantially through the center of the gripped trim section 2. The peripheral uprights 10 are arranged circumferentially and regularly around the main upright 9. The attachment means 6 mentioned above are arranged at the level of the peripheral uprights 10. The deployment module 8 comprises at least two peripheral uprights 10. Advantageously, and as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 2], the deployment module comprises at least six peripheral uprights.

[0040] Each peripheral upright 10 is mechanically connected to the main upright 9 by two branches 12 forming a pair of branches 13. Each of the two branches 12 comprises a first end 14 connected to the main upright 9, and a second end 15 connected to the peripheral upright 10. In addition, the two branches 12 of the pair of branches 13 are intersecting and are connected at their point of intersection, i.e. substantially at their center, by a pivot joint 16. In the illustrated example, each branch 12 is formed of two parallel uprights made fixed to each other by a spacer 120, these spacers maintaining the spacing of the branches from each other. For a pair of branches 13, the branches 12 have a different spacing between their uprights, so that a first branch, whose uprights are more spaced apart than those of the second branch, frames the second branch at the point of intersection.The uprights of one of the branches each have a pawl facing the uprights of the other branch and capable of engaging respectively in a corresponding hole formed in one of the uprights of the other branch.

[0041] It is thanks to the pairs of arms 12 of the deployment module 8, and more specifically to the modification of the inclination of the arms of each pair of arms, that a radial distance between the main upright 9 and the peripheral uprights 10 can be adjusted and that the attachment means 6, arranged on said peripheral uprights 10, can thus be moved closer to or further from the main axis according to an adaptable diameter, thereby ensuring compatibility with a wide range of upholstery section diameters. This modification of the radial distance is carried out simultaneously between the main upright and all the peripheral uprights. Details concerning the operation of the deployment module will be described later.

[0042] Thanks to the deployment module, the hooking means are thus positioned, and in particular spaced apart from each other, to correctly grasp the section of the lining, regardless of its diameter.

[0043] Once the desired radial distance has been established, it can be fixed by a locking means 20. The locking means 20 can for example be associated with a plurality of deployable rods 21 extending between two adjacent peripheral uprights 10, as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0044] Due to the edge gripping of the trim section 2, combined with the fact that the trim sections 2 have a cylindrical shape with a circular or substantially circular cross-section, the gripping means 6 have an arc-shaped form, so that the entire gripping means 6 intended to be in contact with the trim section 2 follows a radius of curvature of the latter. Gripping the trim section 2 is thus facilitated and more stable. In order for gripping the trim section filling 2 by the attachment means 6 is optimal, the curvature of the arc of the circle formed by the attachment means 6 is adjustable in order to adapt to all diameters of filling sections 2.

[0045] After the lining section 2 is gripped by the gripping means 6, these means can be individually controlled relative to each other in order to apply pressure to a specific point on the lining section 2 and locally deform it. Such local deformation may be desirable when there is a difference in shape between the lining section 2 and the ferrule into which the lining section 2 is intended to be inserted. The local deformation thus makes it possible to slightly modify the shape of the lining section 2 so that it can subsequently be inserted into the ferrule more easily.

[0046] At least two peripheral uprights 10 each include a hook 28. When the insertion device 5 is positioned near the ferrule 3 for the purpose of subsequently inserting a trim section 2, the hooks 28 close around the ferrule 3, for example, onto a collar 29 extending circumferentially around the ferrule 3 at the end of the ferrule 3 through which the trim sections 2 are inserted. The hooks 28 thus provide mechanical support for the ferrule 3 against the insertion device 5, including during the insertion of the trim section 2 into the ferrule 3. The presence of these hooks 28 provides sufficient counterweight to retain the ferrule 3 despite the forces exerted on it during the insertion of the trim sections 2.The hooks 28 thus avoid the presence of a bulky counterweight placed at the rear of the ferrule 3 to block it during the pushing of the lining section 2. .

[0047] In order to close onto the collar 29 of the ferrule 3, the hooks 28 must extend along each of the peripheral uprights 20, beyond the attachment means 6 also supported by the peripheral uprights 20. This extension can create mechanical interference when the attachment means 6 grip a section of upholstery 2 on the stack of upholstery sections, particularly when the last section of upholstery 2 in the stack is gripped, as the hooks 28 may abut against the ground. To overcome this, each of the hooks 28 is mounted on a retractable cylinder 30 to retract the hooks 28 and avoid any mechanical stress related to an extended hook 28.The hooks 28 are thus movable between a retracted position, in particular when the insertion device 5 is in the vertical position to grip the trim sections 2, and a deployed position allowing the insertion device 5 to be fixed to the ferrule 3 when the gripped trim section 2 is held at the end of the ferrule 3. When the hooks 28 are in the deployed position, they are configured to avoid any mechanical interference with the hooking means 6 arranged on the same peripheral upright 10. In order to avoid said interference, mechanical, the hooks 28 may have a particular shape and / or retract and extend by pivoting around the peripheral upright 10 considered, the pivoting being done in the opposite direction to the main upright so as not to come into contact with the hooking means 6.

[0048] At least two of the peripheral uprights 10 are equipped with telescopic devices 22. The telescopic devices 22 can be arranged on a peripheral upright 10 also equipped with a fastening means 6, the essential point being that all these elements do not mechanically interfere with each other. The telescopic devices 22 allow the lining section 2 to be pushed once it has been positioned opposite the ferrule. This push is performed as soon as the fastening means 6 have been activated to release the lining section 2. The telescopic devices 22 extend to push the lining section 2 to the end of the ferrule, regardless of the ferrule's length.If one or more packing sections 2 have already been previously inserted into the shell, the telescopic devices push the packing section 2 until it is in contact with the previously inserted packing section 2.

[0049] In order to ensure that the insertion of the lining section 2 into the ferrule is carried out uniformly, with minimal jolting, the insertion device 5 includes a thrust means 23 fixed to the end of each telescopic device 22, as can be seen more particularly in [Fig. 7]. This thrust means is intended to be in direct contact with the lining section 2 during insertion. The thrust means 23 mechanically distributes the forces exerted by each of the telescopic devices 22 by pressing on the entire circumference of the lining section 2, so as to prevent the forces from being concentrated solely at the end of the telescopic devices 22. The thrust means 23 thus prevents damage to the inserted lining section 2 due to a localized thrust force. When the telescopic devices 22 are folded, the pushing means 23 is positioned in the vicinity of the peripheral uprights 10.The telescopic devices and the thrust means as illustrated in [Fig. 1] constitute an example of means for inserting the lining section, but the latter could be inserted in other ways and with other means without departing from the context of the invention, provided that the insertion device implements a deployment module in accordance with the invention.

[0050] By way of example, as illustrated in [Fig.1], the insertion device 5 comprises six peripheral uprights 10, three of which are provided with telescopic devices 22. The distribution of the telescopic devices 22 is carried out in a regular manner around the main axis 11.

[0051] In order to proceed with the insertion of trim sections 2 that can reach Given their substantial diameters, each of the telescopic devices 22 exhibits a thrust force of at least 1t. This thrust force is distributed around the entire perimeter of the lining section 2 by means of the thrust means 23.

[0052] The telescopic devices 22 extend when the lining section 2 is positioned opposite the entrance of the ferrule 3. When the insertion of the lining section 2 begins, the thrust means 23 is driven by the extension of the telescopic devices 22 and comes into contact with the lining section 2. The contact area of ​​the thrust means 23 with the lining section 2 corresponds at least to a peripheral annular zone 31 projected onto the pushed lining section 2. The peripheral annular zone 31 is thus opposite a periphery of the lining section 2, that is to say, in the vicinity of an edge of the lining section 2.

[0053] During the pushing of the lining section 2, the force exerted by the telescopic devices 22, and by analogy by the pushing means 23, is preferentially located at the periphery of the lining section 2 because it is at the periphery that the forces opposing the pushing are manifested, in particular the friction forces of the lining section 2 against the walls of the ferrule 3. The pushing carried out at the level of the peripheral annular zone 31 therefore makes it possible to compensate for the friction forces exerted on the lining section 2 during its insertion into the ferrule 3. The compensation of the friction forces is particularly effective with the insertion device 5 according to the invention because the pushing means 23 is arranged as close as possible to the location of these friction forces. As illustrated in [Fig.l], the thrust means 23 advantageously has an annular shape whose radial dimension corresponds to the dimension of the peripheral annular zone 31 of the lining section 2. .

[0054] The deployment module allows adaptation to different diameters of the lining section 2, several thrust means 23 of different dimensions are designed and the installation of the appropriate thrust means 23 is carried out after determining the appropriate radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights 10.

[0055] Despite the regular distribution of the telescopic devices 22 and the presence of the thrust means 23, it is possible that a friction force exerted on the lining section 2 during insertion may be locally more intense. This localized friction force may be due to a horizontal position of the ferrule 3 and / or that of the lining section 2. Gravity may indeed cause a stronger contact of the lining section 2 against the wall of the ferrule 3, thus causing an asymmetry in the forces resulting from the contact of the lining section 2 against the ferrule 3. Other factors generating a localized friction force may also be involved. This includes factors such as the surface finish of the ferrule wall 3 or the surface finish of the lining section 2. To balance the thrust force, each telescopic device 22 can be individually controlled relative to the other to intensify one or the other thrust force in order to compensate for a high local friction force. To detect these local friction forces, each end of each telescopic device 22 can, for example, include a resistance sensor that measures friction forces and is therefore capable of detecting a high friction force.

[0056] When the telescopic devices 22 are extended to push the lining section 2 into a ferrule 3 of considerable length, for example, several tens of meters, the telescopic devices 22 extend to a significant length that could compromise their stability. The insertion device 5 may therefore include a retaining member 32 connected to all the telescopic devices 22 and arranged so as to be approximately equidistant between the pushing means 23 and the entrance of the ferrule 3. The retaining member 32 has the function of maintaining the position of each of the telescopic devices 22 as well as the distance between each of them. The retaining member 32 thus contributes to the distribution of the forces exerted on the inserted lining section 2.The retaining member 32 also ensures the stability of the telescopic devices 22, preventing potential bending of the latter that could occur if said telescopic devices 22 are extended to a great length. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the retaining member 32 has a triangular shape in order to hold three telescopic devices 22 evenly distributed around the main axis 11. The shape of the retaining member 32 may, however, vary depending on the number of telescopic devices 22 included in the insertion device 5. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the retaining member 32 may include a set of rollers, each arranged in line with the arms of the retaining member, beyond the telescopic devices, which are respectively in contact with the inner face of the peripheral wall of the ferrule.The aim is to ensure continuous guidance of the retaining element within the shell during the deployment of the telescopic devices and the insertion of a packing section. This continuous guidance, achieved by contact of at least one of the rollers against the shell, facilitates insertion despite the weight of the assembly formed by the telescopic arms and the thrust means 23, which could otherwise cause the assembly to become misaligned. Alternatively or in addition, the thrust means may also include one or more rollers arranged around the periphery to be in contact with the inner face of the tubular wall of the shell during the insertion of the packing sections into the shell.

[0057] Figure 2 makes the deployment module, shown here, more particularly visible. without the associated supporting structure. The operation of the deployment module will be described in more detail with reference to this [Fig.2] and to figures 3 and 4, and it will notably describe how the radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights is modified.

[0058] The main upright 9 comprises two fixed rings 17, each fixed ring 17 being positioned at each end portion of said main upright 9. The main upright 9 includes a telescopic body 18 capable of modifying a principal dimension of the main upright 9. Thus, by modifying the length of the main upright 9, it is possible to increase or decrease the distance between the two fixed rings 17. The length of the main upright 9 can be adjusted manually or via a control element not shown. The telescopic body 18 allows the length of the main upright 9 to be modified by extending or retracting at least one of its end portions.

[0059] The first end 14 of each arm 12 of the pair of arms 13 connecting the main upright 9 to one of the peripheral uprights 10 is specifically linked to one of the fixed rings 17 arranged on the main upright 9. Each pair of arms 13 thus comprises a first arm 12a whose first end 14 is linked to a first fixed ring 17a, and a second arm 12b whose first end 14 is linked to a second fixed ring 17b. The second end 15 of the two arms 12 is fixed to the peripheral upright 10, and at least one of them can slide along it, for example by means of a slide 19 formed on one of the faces of the peripheral upright 10.In the illustrated example, two slides 19 are shown so that each of the second ends 15 is mounted to slide along the corresponding peripheral upright, but it should be noted that only one of the two second ends 15 could cooperate with a slide without going out of the scope of the invention, since the sliding of this second end does not block the deployment of the telescopic body.

[0060] Thus, when the length of the main upright 9 is changed by means of the telescopic body 18, the distance between the fixed rings 17, and therefore the distance between the first ends 14 of each of the two arms 12, is also changed. Since the arms 12 are connected at a pivot point 16, this point tends to move closer to or further from the main upright 9 depending on whether the first ends 14 move closer together or further apart. The movement of the telescopic body 18 thus causes a change in the inclination of the arms 12 of each pair of arms 13 and thereby modifies the radial distance between the main upright 9 and the peripheral uprights 10.

[0061] As mentioned previously, deployment module 8 thus has as The function is to modify the radial distance between the main upright 9 and each of the peripheral uprights 10. The gripping means 6 for gripping the upholstery section are arranged on said peripheral uprights 10, whether or not these are associated with telescopic devices 22 as previously mentioned, for which an actuating housing for the telescopic device is shown in dashed lines in [Fig. 2]. The gripping means 6 can thus be spread apart to engage around upholstery sections 2 of different diameters. The greater the length of the main upright 9, the further apart the fixed rings 17 are, and the closer the peripheral uprights 10 are to the main upright 9, adapting the insertion device 5 to a small diameter of upholstery section 2.Conversely, the shorter the main upright 9, the closer the fixed rings 17 are to each other, and the further the peripheral uprights 10 are from the main upright 9, adapting the insertion device 5 to a large diameter of the lining section 2. The deployment module 8 as just mentioned therefore allows the insertion device 5 to be adapted to a plurality of diameters of lining sections 2 and ferrules.

[0062] Figure 3 illustrates a first example of inclining the pair of arms 13 to define a minimum radial distance between the main upright 9 and the peripheral uprights 10. In this configuration, the telescopic body 18 is fully extended so that the length of the main upright 9 is as great as possible and the fixed rings 17a, 17b are separated from each other by the longest possible distance. For each pair of arms 13, the first ends 14 of each arm 12 follow the spreading movement of the fixed rings and are thus moved as far apart as possible, which affects the opening angle between the two arms at the pivot joint 16.This modification of the configuration of the pair of arms 13, here its flattening, and the connection between the second end of each arm 12 of this pair of arms 13 and the corresponding peripheral upright 10, results in the peripheral upright in question moving closer to the main upright and thus reducing the radial distance between them. In order not to impede the radial movement of the peripheral upright towards the main upright 9, at least one of the second ends 15 of the arms 12 of the pair of arms 13 slides along the corresponding peripheral upright 10. In this configuration, the attachment means 6 are thus brought as close as possible to each other, which is suitable for gripping small-diameter trim sections.

[0063] It should be noted that the deployment of the single main amount 9 generates a simultaneous and equal modification of the configuration of each pair of branches. It is understood that in this context, the peripheral amounts 10 approach the main amount simultaneously and in the same proportions.

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates a second example of inclining the pair of arms 13 to define a maximum radial distance between the main upright 9 and the peripheral uprights 10. In this configuration, the telescopic body 18 is retracted to its maximum extent so that the length of the main upright 9 is as short as possible and the fixed rings 17a, 17b are separated from each other by the shortest possible distance. For each pair of arms 13, the first ends 14 of each arm 12 follow the movement of the fixed rings towards each other and are thus brought as close together as possible, which affects the opening angle between the two arms at the pivot joint 16.This modification of the configuration of the pair of arms 13, here its widening, and the connection between the second end of each arm 12 of this pair of arms 13 and the corresponding peripheral upright 10, results in the peripheral upright in question moving away from the main upright, thus increasing the radial distance between them. In order not to impede the radial movement of the peripheral upright towards the main upright 9, at least one of the second ends 15 of the arms 12 of the pair of arms 13 slides along the corresponding peripheral upright 10. In this configuration, the attachment means 6 are thus as far apart as possible, which is suitable for gripping large-diameter upholstery sections.

[0065] Figures 5 to 7 schematically illustrate an example of the process of inserting a section of trim 2 according to the invention.

[0066] As described previously, it is the insertion system 1 as a whole, i.e., the insertion device 5 and the support structure 4, that enables the insertion process to be carried out. Figures 5 to 7 illustrate the insertion process once the adjustment step is complete, i.e., after the radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights of the deployment module has been determined and the gripping means are ready to grip the trim sections. Thus, [Fig. 5] notably represents a gripping step of a trim section 2 onto the vertical stack 24 of trim sections 2. For this purpose, the insertion system 1 can move as a whole to the stack 24 of trim sections, for example, using rails 34 as mentioned previously.

[0067] The insertion device 5 is capable of performing, as a whole, a translational movement 35 relative to the supporting structure 4, for example, a translation vertically along the pillars 7, i.e., parallel to said pillars 7. This translational movement 35 can be ensured, for example, by the first remotely operated motor 25. This translational movement 35 is used, for example, so that the insertion device 5 reaches the top of the vertical stack 24 of packing sections 2 and overhangs it, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. This being done, and once the support structure 4 is arranged around the vertical stack 24 of lining sections 2, the translational movement 35 allows the insertion device 5 to be brought closer to the stack 24 of lining sections 2 in order to grip the lining section 2 at the top of said stack 24 via the gripping means 6. Once a lining section 2 is gripped, the insertion device 5 is again moved vertically in order to lift the gripped lining section 2.

[0068] Figure 6 illustrates a rotation step of the insertion device 5 and a movement step of the insertion system 1 to the ferrule 3. These two steps occur after a section of the lining 2 has been gripped by the gripping means 6. To ensure the rotation step of the insertion device 5 relative to the support structure 4, the insertion device 5 includes means for rotation, here via the gear system illustrated in Figure 1, ensuring at least one rotation 36 at 90° or substantially 90° of the insertion device 5 relative to the support structure 4. The second motor 26 can be supported by the support structure 4 and driven so that the motor output shaft drives the gear system and thus the rotation 36 of the insertion device 5 relative to the support structure 4.This rotation device driven by the second motor 26 thus allows the insertion device 5 to switch between a first position called vertical, allowing the packing sections 2 to be gripped on the stack 24 of packing sections 2 as illustrated in [Fig.5], and a second position called horizontal in order to arrange the gripped packing section 2 opposite the horizontal ferrule 3 as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0069] Subsequently, the supporting structure 4 can move while carrying the insertion device 5 in order to bring the gripped lining section 2 closer to the ferrule 3 so that it can be inserted, for example by means of the rails 34 as mentioned previously. In order to stabilize the ferrule 3, it can be placed on supports 37.

[0070] Figure 7 illustrates the positioning step of the insertion device 5 at the entrance of the ferrule 3 and the pushing step of the packing section 2 within the ferrule 3. In order to correctly position the packing section 2 at the entrance of the ferrule 3, the vertical position of the insertion device 5 can optionally be adjusted by means of the vertical translational movement along the pillars 7 of the supporting structure 4 so that the gripped packing section 2 is perfectly aligned with the entrance of the ferrule 3. Once this is done, the hooks 28 close on the collar 29 of the ferrule 3 in order to hold the insertion device 5 opposite the entrance of the ferrule 3.

[0071] The pushing step begins after the gripping means 6 release the lining section 2. After the lining section 2 is released by the gripping means 6 and before the telescopic devices 22 are deployed to insert the lining section 2, the latter may, for example, rest on a support The holding mechanism 38 ensures that the lining section 2 remains correctly positioned opposite the ferrule inlet. The telescopic devices 22 then extend so that the thrust means 23 inserts the lining section 2 into the ferrule 3, as described previously. Once the lining section 2 has been inserted, the telescopic devices 22 can retract, and the insertion system 1 can move again to retrieve the next lining section 2. The insertion process then restarts from the gripping step described in [Fig. 5].

[0072] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0073] The invention, as described above, achieves its intended purpose and provides a device for inserting a section of packing into a ferrule comprising a deployment module that allows packing sections of different diameters to be gripped. Variations not described here could be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they include an insertion device conforming to the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. An insertion system (1) for at least one packing section (2) for a gas / liquid separation column within a cylindrical shell (3), comprising a support structure (4) and an insertion device (5) characterized in that a deployment module (8) comprises a main upright (9), centered around a main axis (11) of the insertion device, and a plurality of peripheral uprights (10) arranged circumferentially and regularly around the main axis (11), each of the peripheral uprights (10) comprising a hooking means (6) configured to grip a packing section (2), the deployment module (8) comprising a plurality of branches (12) arranged in pairs of branches (13) connecting the main upright (9) to one of the peripheral uprights (10),the deployment module (8) being capable of modifying the dimension of the insertion device (5) by modifying a radial distance between the main upright (9) and each of the peripheral uprights (10), the insertion device (5) being supported by the supporting structure (4) so ​​as to be able to perform as a whole a rotational movement relative to the supporting structure (4).

2. Insertion system (5) according to claim 1, wherein the main post (9) comprises a telescopic body (18) capable of modifying a main dimension of the main post (9).

3. Insertion system (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein the main upright (9) comprises two fixed rings (17, 17a, 17b), each fixed ring being arranged at each of the terminal portions of the main upright (9), the two fixed rings (17, 17a, 17b) being separated by a distance modifiable by the telescopic body (18).

4. Insertion system (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein each branch (12) of the branch pairs (13) comprises a first end (14) fixed to one of the fixed rings (17, 17a, 17b) of the main upright and a second end (15) fixed to the peripheral upright (10).

5. Insertion system (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second end (15) of at least one of the branches (12) of the pair of branches (13) is able to slide along the peripheral upright (10).

6. Insertion system (5) according to any one of the preceding claims preceding, in which each branch (12) of the pairs of branches (13) is linked to each other by a pivot link (16).

7. Insertion system (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising locking means (20) configured to fix the radial distance between the main upright (9) and the peripheral uprights (10).

8. Insertion system (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking means (20) are formed by deployable rods extending between two adjacent peripheral uprights (10).

9. Insertion system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion device (5) is carried by the supporting structure (4) so ​​as to be able to perform as a whole a translational movement relative to the supporting structure (4).

10. A method for inserting at least one section of padding (2) into a cylindrical ferrule (3) implemented by an insertion system (1) according to any one of claims 119, comprising: • a step of adjusting the radial distance between the main upright (9) and the peripheral uprights (10) of the deployment module (8), • a step of gripping a section of padding (2) by the gripping means (6) of the insertion device (5), • a step of rotating the insertion device (5) as a whole relative to the supporting structure (4), • a step of moving the insertion system (1) to the ferrule (3) by means of the supporting structure (4), • a step of positioning the section of padding (2) at an entrance of the ferrule (3), • a step of pushing the section of padding (2) into the ferrule (3).

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