Mold for the manufacture of a product made of cementitious material

Abstract

Mold for manufacturing a product from cementitious material Mold (1) for manufacturing a product (90) from cementitious material (P), in particular a manhole cover, said mold (1) comprising a frame (10) comprising an envelope (12) internally delimiting a volume (13) for receiving the cementitious material (P), said envelope having at least one opening (14) opening into said volume (13), a core (20) arranged within the volume (13), At least one reservation means (30) arranged to make an imprint (92) of corresponding shape in the product (90), comprising first pneumatic means, a demolding system (40) comprising a demolding element (42) and second pneumatic means (46) for moving the demolding element (42) outwards for demolding the product (90), a pneumatic coupler (60) for supplying air to the first and second pneumatic means (38; 46). Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Mold for the manufacture of a product made of cementitious material Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sanitation and / or effluent collection networks, in particular wastewater or rainwater.

[0002] The invention is more particularly concerned with manholes and even more particularly with manhole bottoms. Technological background

[0003] In the field of sanitation and water pipelines, a manhole is a concrete device for inspecting an underground pipeline.

[0004] Manholes are generally manufactured by assembling several modular elements stacked on top of each other.

[0005] The modular element constituting the base or foot of the manhole is called the manhole bottom. The manhole bottom conventionally comprises a skirt closed at the bottom by a part called a channel. This channel may comprise one or more flow channels to which the pipes of the sanitation network are connected.

[0006] One of the existing techniques for manufacturing manhole covers is that which uses deferred demoulding concrete or "Wet Cast" in English. This method has the advantage of allowing better dimensional quality guaranteeing watertightness, and a beautiful surface appearance to the product which improves the flow of effluents, the ease of assembly on site. However, it requires a significant amount of human intervention thus impacting the production rate.

[0007] There is therefore a need to further improve the manufacture of manhole covers, in particular with a view to increasing the production rate. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention aims to meet this need, and according to a first of its aspects, has as its subject a mold for the manufacture of a product made of cementitious material, in particular a manhole base, said mold comprising - a frame comprising an envelope internally delimiting a volume for receiving the cementitious material, said envelope having at least one opening opening into said volume, - a core placed within the volume, - At least one reservation means arranged to make an imprint of corresponding shape in the product, in particular on a side wall of the product, the at least one reservation means comprising: • a movable reservation plate, in particular by translation relative to the chassis, said plate being arranged to pass at least partially through the opening made in the envelope, • a system for locking the reservation plate within said volume in a position called the “molding position”, • a system for unlocking the reservation plate comprising first pneumatic means, said unlocking system being arranged to move the reservation plate from its molding position to a position outside said volume called the “demolding position”, - a demolding system comprising; • a demolding element arranged at the bottom of the chassis, said element being movable, in particular by translation, relative to the chassis and configured to exert, during its movement relative to the chassis, a force on the product allowing the latter to be demolded, • second pneumatic means for moving the demolding element outwards for demolding the product, - a pneumatic coupler for supplying air to the first and second pneumatic means.

[0009] The coupling means make it possible to supply the first and second pneumatic means with air without human manipulation at the mold, in particular at the coupling with said mold.

[0010] Depending on the desired task, removal of the reservation plate or pushing of the demolding element onto the cementitious material, the coupling means allow the injection of air into the pneumatic means concerned.

[0011] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce human involvement and increase the production rate.

[0012] The demolding system may further comprise return means, in particular one or more springs, for returning the demolding element to an initial rest position after demolding from the manhole bottom.

[0013] The second pneumatic means of the demolding system may further comprise a pneumatic chamber housing said demolding element. Also, the injection of compressed air into said chamber causes the movement of the demolding element to promote the demolding of the manhole bottom.

[0014] The demolding system can be housed partly in the space taken up by a leg of the chassis. This allows for a certain compactness of the assembly.

[0015] The locking system may include return means, in particular fixed to the reservation plate, to maintain the reservation plate in its molding position. The return means may comprise one or more springs fixed at one of their ends to said reservation plate.

[0016] The first pneumatic means of the unlocking system may comprise at least one pneumatic cylinder, the actuation of which causes the reservation plate to move from its molding position to its demolding position, thus releasing the product.

[0017] The reservation plate may include at least one protruding or recessed relief. These reliefs thus make it possible to produce the impression with the desired shape.

[0018] The imprint may correspond to a pattern, an inscription or even a through hole, this list not being exhaustive.

[0019] The mold may include means for gripping by a handling gantry, in particular for the purpose of turning said mold over, for example by rotating said mold through 180°.

[0020] The mold can be cylindrical.

[0021] The invention also relates to a device for manufacturing a product made of cementitious material, in particular a manhole base, comprising: - A mold according to the invention, - A pneumatic coupling device arranged to be connected to the pneumatic coupler of the mold and configured to control the air supply to the first and second pneumatic means of the mold.

[0022] Preferably, the coupling device is fixed to a handling gantry of said mold.

[0023] The invention also relates to a system for manufacturing a product made of cementitious material, in particular a manhole cover, comprising: - A mold according to the invention, - A handling gantry for handling the mold, comprising a pneumatic coupling device arranged to be connected to the pneumatic coupler of the mold and configured to control the air supply to the first and second pneumatic means of the mold.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a product made of cementitious material, in particular a manhole base using a mold according to the invention, a manufacturing device according to the invention, or a system for manufacturing according to the invention, the method comprising - a molding phase comprising the step of injecting the cementitious material into the volume of the mold, the reservation plates being held in the molding position by the respective locking systems, - a demolding phase comprising the steps of: • b) supply air to the pneumatic means of the unlocking systems to move the reservation plates to their demolding position and release the product, • c) supplying air to the pneumatic means of the demolding system to push the demolding element against the product and cause the demolding of said product.

[0025] Preferably, the demolding phase comprises, prior to step b), a step a) in which the mold is turned over, in particular by 180°. Also, in step c), the air supply to the pneumatic means, in particular the injection of air into the pneumatic chamber, causes the demolding element to move downwards. The demolding of the product is thereby facilitated on the one hand under the effect of the force exerted by the demolding element and on the other hand under the effect of the weight of said product itself.

[0026] Preferably, steps b) and c) of air supply are carried out via the pneumatic coupler of the mold.

[0027] Preferably, the air supply in steps b) and c) is controlled using the pneumatic coupling device connected to the pneumatic coupler of the mold.

[0028] The invention also relates to a product made of cementitious material, in particular a manhole base, obtained by the method according to the invention. Brief description of the figures

[0029] The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the appended figures:

[0030] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] a top view of a mold according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a side view of the mold of Fig. 1;

[0032] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a cross-section of the mold of [Fig.l];

[0033] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents in isolation a demolding system according to the invention;

[0034] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a handling gantry according to the invention;

[0035] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates examples of manhole covers obtained according to the invention; And

[0036] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a block diagram illustrating the manufacturing process according to the invention. Description of embodiment(s)

[0037] In the figures, and unless otherwise provided, identical elements will bear the same reference signs.

[0038] Figures 1 to 3 show a mold 1 for manufacturing a manhole bottom. 90 in cementitious material P according to the invention.

[0039] As illustrated, the mold 1 comprises a frame 10 provided with a cylindrical envelope 12 which internally delimits a volume 13 for receiving the cementitious material P. The envelope has a plurality of openings 14 each opening into said volume 13.

[0040] The mold further comprises a core 20 arranged inside the casing 12. This core 20 makes it possible to define the desired shape for the channel of the manhole bottom 90.

[0041] The mold 1 further comprises reservation means 30 arranged to produce an imprint 92 of corresponding shape on the side wall 91 of the manhole bottom 90. This imprint 92 may correspond to a pattern, a through hole, a logo, information, etc.

[0042] As illustrated in [Fig.3], each reservation means 30 comprises a reservation plate 32 movable by linear translation relative to the chassis along a horizontal axis X. This plate 32 is arranged to pass at least partially through the opening 14 formed in the envelope 12. The reservation plate 32 allows, after setting of the cemetery material P, to produce the aforementioned impression 92. To this end, the reservation plate 32 may comprise one or more reliefs 32a set back or projecting depending on the shape of the desired impression.

[0043] In the example illustrated, the mold 1 comprises two reservation means 30. Each of the reservation plates 32 of these means 30 may be of a different shape and / or comprise reliefs different from the other reservation plates 32. Alternatively, the reservation plates 32 comprise similar reliefs 32a.

[0044] The reservation means 30 each further comprise a locking system 31 for the reservation plate 32 within said volume 13 in a position called the “molding position”.

[0045] In this example, this locking system 31 comprises a plurality of springs 34 connecting the reservation plate 32 to a support plate 36. Each reservation means 30 also comprises an unlocking system 35 for the reservation plate which allows the reservation plate 32 to be released for the purpose of demolding the bottom of the manhole 90.

[0046] The unlocking system 35 comprises a pneumatic cylinder 38, the actuation of which causes the reservation plate 32 to be withdrawn from the volume 13 according to the arrow F1 visible in [Fig.3].

[0047] The unlocking system 35 further comprises a guide unit comprising a plurality of guide columns 37. Each column comprises an outer guide sleeve 37b and an inner guide sleeve 37a. As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the inner guide sleeve 37a is placed in abutment on the outer guide sleeve 37b. This makes it possible to define the retracted movement stroke of the reservation plate 32. The guide columns 37 are fixed on the one hand to the reservation support plate 36 and on the other hand to a pneumatic cylinder thrust plate 39. As illustrated, the three plates, reservation plate 32, support 36 and cylinder thrust 39 are parallel to each other.

[0048] The mold 1 further comprises a demolding system 40 for the manhole bottom 90. This demolding system comprises a demolding element 42 arranged in a bottom of the chassis 10 and movable by translation relative to the chassis 10. The demolding element 42 makes it possible to exert, during its movement relative to the chassis, a force on the manhole bottom 90 promoting the demolding thereof.

[0049] The demolding system 40 also comprises a pneumatic chamber 46 intended to receive air and housing said demolding element 42. Seals 43 are provided to seal the assembly. The injection of compressed air into said chamber 46 causes the movement of the demolding element 42 leading to the demolding of the manhole bottom.

[0050] The demolding system 40 further comprises return means 44 for returning the demolding element to a rest position after demolding the manhole bottom and stopping the injection of compressed air into the pneumatic chamber 46. In this example, the return means 44 comprises a spring. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spring is housed in the encroachment 16 of the mold.

[0051] The mold 1 further comprises gripping means 50 for its handling by a gantry 80. An example of a handling gantry 80 is presented in [Fig.5]. As illustrated, the gantry 80 comprises gripping means 82 for the mold 1.

[0052] The handling of the mold 1 by the handling gantry 80 involves turning the mold 1 downwards, i.e. by a rotation of 180°.

[0053] This turning over is prior to the demolding of the manhole bottom 90. Also this demolding is carried out by pushing, using the air injected into the pneumatic chamber, the demolding element downwards according to the arrow F2 shown in [Fig.4]. The movement of the demolding element 42 is carried out by translation along a vertical axis Y.

[0054] In order to supply the various pneumatic means with air, the mold 1 comprises a pneumatic coupler 60. This pneumatic coupler 60 is arranged to be connected to a pneumatic coupling device 70 illustrated in [Fig. 5]. This pneumatic coupling device 70 is configured to control the air supply to the unlocking 35 and demolding 40 systems.

[0055] As illustrated, the coupling device 70 includes centering pins configured to fit into corresponding housings of the pneumatic coupler 60.

[0056] A method of manufacturing a manhole cover 90 according to the invention will now be described with reference to [Fig.7].

[0057] During the molding phase A, cementitious material P is injected into the volume 13 of the mold 1, which corresponds to step 101 of the method. In this phase A, the reservation plates 32 are held in the molding position using the springs 34 of the locking system 31. This molding phase A can last for example 23h30.

[0058] During the demolding phase B, the mold 1 is first turned upside down by the handling gantry 80 using the gripping means 50 present on the mold for this purpose, which corresponds to step 103.

[0059] The coupling device then controls in step 105 the movement of the reservation plates towards their demolding position according to the arrow F1 by injecting air into the pneumatic cylinders 38 of the unlocking system 35 by means of the pneumatic coupler 60.

[0060] The coupling device controls, in step 107, the movement of the demolding element 42 by injecting air into the pneumatic chamber 46, which causes the bottom of the manhole to be demolded downwards under the effect of the force exerted by said demolding element and under the effect of its own weight.

[0061] This demolding phase B can last for example 30 min.

[0062] Examples of manhole covers are shown in [Fig.6].

Claims

Claims

1. Mold (1) for manufacturing a product (90) made of cementitious material (P), in particular a manhole base, said mold (1) comprising - a frame (10) comprising an envelope (12) internally delimiting a volume (13) for receiving the cementitious material (P), said envelope having at least one opening (14) opening towards said volume (13), - a core (20) arranged within the volume (13), - At least one reservation means (30) arranged to make an imprint (92) of corresponding shape in the product (90), At least one reservation means (30) comprising: • a reservation plate (32) movable, in particular by translation relative to the chassis (10), said plate being arranged to pass at least partially through the opening (14) formed in the envelope (12), • a locking system (31) of the reservation plate (32) within said volume (13) in a position called the “molding position”, • an unlocking system (35) for the reservation plate comprising first pneumatic means (38), said unlocking system (35) being arranged to move the reservation plate (32) from its molding position to a position outside said volume (13) called the “demolding position”, - a demolding system (40) comprising; • a demolding element (42) arranged at the bottom (11) of the chassis (10), said demolding element (42) being movable, in particular by translation, relative to the chassis (10) and configured to exert, during its movement relative to said chassis (10), a force on the product (90) allowing the demolding thereof, • second pneumatic means (46) for moving the demolding element (42) outwards for demolding the product (90), - a pneumatic coupler (60) for supplying air to the first and second pneumatic means (38; 46).

2. Mold according to the preceding claim, the demolding system (40) comprising return means (44), in particular one or more springs, for returning the demolding element to an initial rest position after demolding the bottom of the manhole.

3. Mold according to one of claims 1 and 2, the second pneumatic means (46) comprising a pneumatic chamber (46) housing said demolding element (42).

4. Mold according to any one of the preceding claims, the locking system (31) comprising return means (34) for holding the reservation plate (32) in its molding position, the return means (34) comprising in particular one or more springs fixed at one of their ends to said reservation plate (32).

5. Mold according to any one of the preceding claims, the first pneumatic means (38) comprising at least one pneumatic cylinder, the actuation of which causes the displacement of the reservation plate (32) from its molding position to its demolding position.

6. Mold according to any one of the preceding claims, the reservation plate (32) comprising at least one protruding or recessed relief (32a).

7. Mold according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising gripping means (50) by a handling gantry (80), in particular for the purpose of turning over said mold, for example by rotating said mold through 180°.

8. Device for manufacturing a product made of cementitious material (90), in particular a manhole cover, comprising: - A mold (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - A pneumatic coupling device (70) arranged to be connected to the pneumatic coupler (60) of the mold and configured to control the air supply to the first and second pneumatic means (38; 46) of the mold.

9. Device according to the preceding claim, the pneumatic coupling device (70) being fixed to a handling gantry (80) of the mold (1).

10. System for manufacturing a product made of cementitious material (90), in particular a manhole cover, comprising: - A mold (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, - A handling gantry for handling the mold (1), comprising a pneumatic coupling device (70) arranged to be connected to the pneumatic coupler (60) of the mold and configured to control the air supply to the first and second pneumatic means (38; 46) of the mold.

11. Method for manufacturing a product made of cementitious material, in particular a manhole cover using a mold according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a manufacturing device according to claim 8 or 9, or a system according to claim 10, the method comprising - a molding phase (A) comprising the step of injecting the cementitious material (P) into the volume (13) of the mold (1), the reservation plates (32) being held in the molding position by the respective locking systems (31), - a demolding phase (B) comprising the steps of • b) supplying air to the first pneumatic means of the unlocking systems (35) to move the reservation plates (32) to their demolding position and release the product (90),• c) supplying air to the second pneumatic means (46) of the demolding system (40) to push the demolding element (42) against the product (90) and cause the demolding of said product (90).,

12. Method according to the preceding claim, the demolding phase (B) comprising, prior to step b), a step a) in which the mold (1) is turned over, in particular by 180°.

13. A method according to claim 12, steps a) and c) of supplying air being carried out via the pneumatic coupler (60) of the mold.

14. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, the air supply in steps b) and c) being controlled using a pneumatic coupling device (70) connected to the pneumatic coupler (60) of the mold.

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