Mould and method for producing a product made of cementitious material

Abstract

Disclosed is a mould (1) for producing a product (90) made of cementitious material (P), in particular a manhole, said mould (1) comprising: - a frame (10) comprising a casing (12) internally delimiting a volume (13) for receiving the cementitious material (P) and having at least one opening (14) opening towards said volume (13), - a core (20) within the volume (13), - at least one reservation means (30) for producing a cavity (92) of corresponding shape in the product (90), comprising a reservation plate (32) and systems (31) for locking and (35) for unlocking the plate, the latter system comprising first pneumatic means (38), - a demoulding system (40) comprising a demoulding element (42) and second pneumatic means (46) for moving said element (42) outwards, - a pneumatic coupler (60) for supplying air to the first and second pneumatic means (38; 46).

Description

Description MOLD AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR A CEMENTITIOUS PRODUCT 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 particularly interested in eyes and even more particularly in the depths of the eyes.

[0003] Technological background

[0004] In the field of sanitation and water supply, a manhole is a concrete device used to inspect an underground pipe.

[0005] Manholes are generally manufactured by assembling several modular elements stacked on top of each other.

[0006] The modular element forming the base or foot of the manhole is called the manhole base. Typically, the manhole base has a skirt that closes at the bottom with a section called a channel. This channel may contain one or more drainage channels to which the sewer pipes are connected.

[0007] One of the existing manufacturing techniques for manhole bases uses delayed-release concrete, also known as "wet-cast" concrete. This method offers the advantage of improved dimensional accuracy, ensuring watertightness, and a smooth surface finish that enhances effluent flow and ease of on-site installation. However, it requires a significant amount of manual labor, thus impacting production rates.

[0008] There is therefore a need to further improve the manufacturing of manhole covers, particularly with a view to increasing the production rate. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to meet this need, and according to a first aspect, relates to a mold for manufacturing a product made of cementitious material, in particular a manhole base, said mold comprising - a frame comprising an envelope internally delimiting a volume to receive the cementitious material, said envelope having at least one opening leading into said volume, - a nucleus arranged within the volume, - At least one reservation means arranged to create an impression of the corresponding shape in the product, in particular on a side wall of the product, at least one reservation means comprising: o a movable reservation plate, in particular by translation relative to the frame, said plate being arranged to pass at least partially through the opening made in the envelope, o a locking system for the reservation plate within said volume in a position called the "molding position", o 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: o a demolding element disposed at the bottom of the chassis, said element being mobile, in particular by translation, relative to the chassis and configured to exert, during its movement relative to the chassis, a force on the product enabling its demolding, o 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.

[0010] The coupling means allow the first and second pneumatic means to be supplied with air without human intervention at the mold level, in particular at the coupling level with said mold.

[0011] Depending on the desired task, whether removing the backing plate or pushing the release element onto the cementitious material, the means of couplings allow the injection of air into the relevant pneumatic means.

[0012] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce human involvement and increase the production rate.

[0013] The demolding system may also include return means, including one or more springs, to return the demolding element to an initial rest position after the demolding of the manhole base.

[0014] The second pneumatic means of the demolding system may also include a pneumatic chamber housing the demolding element. Furthermore, the injection of compressed air into this chamber causes the demolding element to move, thus facilitating the demolding of the manhole base.

[0015] The demolding system can be partially housed within the footprint of one of the chassis legs. This allows for a certain compactness of the whole assembly.

[0016] The locking system may include return means, particularly those attached to the mounting plate, to maintain the mounting plate in its molded position. These return means may include one or more springs attached at one end to the mounting plate.

[0017] The first pneumatic means of the unlocking system may include at least one pneumatic cylinder whose actuation causes the reservation plate to move from its molding position to its demolding position, thus releasing the product.

[0018] The reservation plate may include at least one raised or recessed relief. These reliefs allow the impression to be made in the desired shape.

[0019] The imprint can correspond to a pattern, an inscription or even a hole going through, this list is not exhaustive.

[0020] The mold may include means of gripping by a handling gantry, in particular for the purpose of turning over said mold, for example by rotating said mold by 180°.

[0021] The mold can be cylindrical.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Preferably, the coupling device is fixed to a handling gantry for said mold.

[0024] The invention further relates to a system for manufacturing a product made of cementitious material, in particular a manhole base, comprising: - A mold according to the invention, - A handling gantry for manipulating 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.

[0025] 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 retaining plates being held in the molding position by the respective locking systems, - a demolding phase comprising the steps of ob) supplying air to the pneumatic means of the unlocking systems to move the reservation plates to their demolding position and release the product, oc) supply air to the pneumatic means of the demolding system to push the demolding element against the product and cause the demolding of said product.

[0026] Preferably, the demolding phase includes, prior to step b), a step a) in which the mold is inverted, in particular by 180°. Also, in step c), the supply of air 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 thus facilitated, firstly, by the force exerted by the demolding element and secondly, by the product's own weight.

[0027] Preferably, steps b) and c) of air supply are carried out via the pneumatic coupler of the mold.

[0028] Preferably, the air supply at steps b) and c) is controlled using the pneumatic coupling device connected to the pneumatic coupler of the mold.

[0029] The invention also relates to a product made of cementitious material, in particular a manhole base, obtained by the process according to the invention. Brief description of the figures

[0030] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. Regarding the accompanying figures:

[0031] [fig. 1] Figure 1 is a top view of a mold according to the invention;

[0032] [fig. 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the mold of fig 1;

[0033] [fig. 3] Figure 3 is a cross-section of the mold in figure 1;

[0034] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows in isolation a demolding system according to the invention;

[0035] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a handling gantry according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 illustrates examples of manhole covers obtained according to the invention; and

[0037] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the manufacturing process according to the invention. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0038] In the figures, and unless otherwise specified, identical elements shall bear the same reference symbols.

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 show a mold 1 for the manufacture of a manhole base 90 in cementitious material P according to the invention.

[0040] As illustrated, the mold 1 comprises a frame 10 with a cylindrical envelope 12 which internally delimits a volume 13 to receive the cementitious material P. The envelope has a plurality of openings 14 each opening into said volume 13.

[0041] The mold also includes a core 20 arranged inside the envelope 12. This core 20 allows the desired shape to be defined for the channel of the bottom of the manhole 90.

[0042] The mold 1 further includes reservation means 30 arranged to make an impression 92 of corresponding shape on the side wall 91 of the bottom of the manhole 90. This impression 92 can correspond to a pattern, a through hole, a logo, information, etc.

[0043] As illustrated in Figure 3, each reservation device 30 comprises a reservation plate 32 that is movable by linear translation relative to the frame along a horizontal axis X. This plate 32 is arranged to pass at least partially through the opening 14 formed in the casing 12. After the cemetery material P has set, the reservation plate 32 allows the aforementioned impression 92 to be made. To this end, the reservation plate 32 may have one or more recessed or projecting reliefs 32a, depending on the desired shape of the impression.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the mold 1 has two means of reservation 30. Each of the reservation plates 32 of these means 30 can be of a different shape and / or have different reliefs from the other reservation plates 32. Alternatively, the reservation plates 32 have similar reliefs 32a.

[0045] The reservation means 30 each further comprise a locking system 31 for the reservation plate 32 within said volume 13 in a position referred to as the "molding position". In this example, this locking system 31 includes a plurality of springs 34 connecting the reservation plate 32 to a support plate 36. Each reservation means 30 also includes a release 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 includes a pneumatic cylinder 38 whose actuation causes the removal of the reservation plate 32 from the volume 13 according to the arrow F1 visible on figure 3.

[0047] The unlocking system 35 further comprises a guide unit with a plurality of guide columns 37. Each column has an outer guide sleeve 37b and an inner guide sleeve 37a. As shown in Figure 2, the inner guide sleeve 37a is abutted against the outer guide sleeve 37b. This defines the retraction stroke of the mounting plate 32. The guide columns 37 are fixed on one side to the mounting support plate 36 and on the other side to a push plate for the pneumatic cylinder 39. As illustrated, the three plates—mounting plate 32, support plate 36, and cylinder push plate 39—are parallel to each other.

[0048] The mold 1 further includes a demolding system 40 for the bottom of the manhole 90. This demolding system includes a demolding element 42 disposed in a bottom of the frame 10 and movable by translation relative to the frame 10. The demolding element 42 makes it possible to exert, during its movement relative to the frame, a force on the bottom of the manhole 90 which promotes the demolding of the latter.

[0049] The demolding system 40 also includes a pneumatic chamber 46 for receiving air and housing the demolding element 42. Sealing gaskets 43 are provided to seal the assembly. The injection of compressed air into the chamber 46 causes the demolding element 42 to move, resulting in the demolding of the manhole base.

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

[0051] The mold 1 also includes gripping means 50 for its handling by a gantry 80. An example of a handling gantry 80 is shown in Figure 5. As illustrated, the gantry 80 includes gripping means 82 for the mold 1.

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

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

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

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

[0056] We will continue to describe a manufacturing process for a 90 mm manhole base according to the invention with reference to figure 7.

[0057] During molding phase A, cementitious material P is injected into volume 13 of mold 1, which corresponds to step 101 of the process. In this phase A, the retaining plates 32 are held in the molding position by means of the springs 34 of the locking system 31. This molding phase A can last, for example, 23 hours and 30 minutes.

[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, at step 105, the movement of the reservation plates to their demolding position according to arrow F1 by injecting air into the pneumatic cylinders 38 of the unlocking system 35 via 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 demolding to move downwards from the bottom of the manhole under the effect of the force exerted by said demolding element and under the effect of its own weight.

[0061] This phase B of demolding can last, for example, 30 minutes.

[0062] Examples of eyelid depth are shown in Figure 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), the at least one reservation means (30) comprising: o 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) made in the envelope (12), o a locking system (31) of the reservation plate (32) within said volume (13) in a position called the “molding position » J o an unlocking system (35) of 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 “demolding position”, - a demolding system (40) comprising; o 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, o 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 bottom, 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 base 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 ob) 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), oc) 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. Method according to claim 12, the steps a) and c) of air supply 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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