FR2855865A1 - Tubes coupling control device for pulverized products receiver installation, has lever arm with end folded in position and just before end of one tube for preventing connection of tube and another tube - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a case (1) that is fixed on a tube (A) by locking collars (9, 10). A lever arm (3) has an end that is folded in a primary position and is situated just before an end of tube (A) for preventing connection of two tubes (A, B). The case has a clearance (12) on a vertical side for articulating the lever arm towards an end of the case.

Description

The present invention relates to a pendulum device made of steel

or stainless material and

  fixed to a tube which, actuated by an original thrust X, makes it possible to lower and block a lever 5 in a position such that the coupling of two connections of two tubes is not possible. This device, mounted on a tubing for receiving the pulverulent material from an installation, makes it possible to avoid untimely or erroneous connections, forcing the delivery agent to comply with the delivery procedures of the receiving agent. The electromagnetic, electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic thrust devices, with or without position detector, will make it possible to make manual or automated use thereof without fundamental modification of the device.

  Certain devices, such as electropneumatic, pneumatic, electric or manual valves do not prevent untimely connections. On the other hand, these devices, forming an internal body with the tubing, are subject to the phenomenon of erosion and cavitation of the flows, in particular highly abrasive mineral powders. They can also lead to a reduction in flow rates due to their internal size.

  Other devices, such as screw caps (some fitted with inductive position detectors) which are not part of the tubing, are often lost or are not replaced after use: they are therefore difficult to manage 30 by an automaton.

  Certain more mechanical systems (against code connection, padlock locking) do not allow electrical or automated use and oblige the receiving agents to move to the connection site.

  Most of the devices listed require regular maintenance and are not specifically adapted to the corrosive environment that many powders constitute.

  The device according to the invention overcomes these drawbacks. I1 has, in fact, a first characteristic which is the housing made of steel or of stainless material and having a clearance (12) by which a lever arm, forming the end of a counter-balance (made of steel or made of stainless material), is articulated in the housing.

  In the lower part of the housing, a collar for fixing to a tube is formed of two parts (made of steel or of stainless material) drilled symmetrically: this allows the assembly of the two parts by bolting. The upper part of the collar forms part of the housing.

  The housing is closed by a cover made of steel or of stainless material, folded and pierced in such a way that its attachment to the housing is permitted. A hole (8) on the small upper face (inclined) of the cover reveals a code of two colors (red and green) affixed on the rounded part of the counter-balance.

  A plate (6), made of steel or of stainless material and pierced on its axis, is fixed on the upper part of the counter-balance. This drilling allows the insertion of a plunger bolt or a jack rod in order to block the movement of the balance in a position such that the lever arm prevents the coupling of another fitting.

  The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention: Figure 1 shows in section, the device of the invention at rest.

  Figure 2 shows in section, the device of the invention actuated.

  With reference to these drawings, the device comprises a housing (1) closed by a cover (2), a collar for fixing to a tube made up of two parts (9) and (10). The housing (1) contains a counterbalance mass (4) articulated around an axis (5) and ending in a lever (3) whose end is bent.

  This lever is fixed to earth. A perforated plate (6) fixed to the mass (4) will block the movement when inserting the bolt or the rod of the apparatus (7) in the orifice of the plate (6).

  The apparatus (7) constitutes an external element and attached to the device of the invention and is therefore not claimed in the invention.

  An orifice (8) on the small inclined face of the cover (2) reveals a two-color code affixed 15 on the rounded part (11) of the mass (4).

  A thrust device (7) (electromagnetic, electro-pneumatic, electro-hydraulic or mechanical), equipped with position detectors or not, has a rest position which is such that the plunger bolt (or the cylinder rod) will be released and will exert a very low pressure on the plate (6) thus setting in motion the counter balance (4) and therefore lowering the lever (3). The alignment of the orifice of the plate (6) and of the bolt (or of the rod) of the apparatus (7) causes the insertion of the latter in the orifice of the plate (6) thus blocking lever movement.

  Therefore, the lever (3) is in the low position and its curved part prevents the insertion of a fitting into its coupling receptacle. Any attempt to lift the lever (3) will be in vain because the force is then refocused in shear between the edge of the orifice of the plate (6) and the upper part of the bolt or of the stem of the apparatus (7 ). In this position, the device of the invention reveals, through the orifice (8) of the cover (2), the red color affixed on the rounded part (11) of the mass (4). - 4

  By this red colored visual, the user can realize that the device does not allow the coupling of the couplings mechanically. An electrified variant, with a light or sound indicator, can be adapted to the device of the invention and thus constitute part of the device.

  The disengagement of the bolt or the rod of the apparatus (7) caused by the tensioning of this apparatus (7) causes the mass (4) to collapse by gravity and consequently, the lever (3) is raised ). The weight of the mass (4) will be reduced according to the inclination of the tubes, or else the device will be fixed while retaining a slight tendency to collapse of the mass (4). The device therefore adapts to an inclination of the tubing which goes from 0 to 90.

  This option allows the use of single-acting apparatus (7) to thereby reduce the energy consumption costs and the time of use of the energized apparatus (7). In fact, the power-up only takes place during the connection time of the pipes.

  In the lifting position, the orifice (8) reveals the green color which is juxtaposed with the red color on the rounding (11) of the mass (4). The device then allows the couplings to be mechanically coupled and this is visually remarkable.

  The dimensions of the housing (1) and of all the elements 30 which are attached to it are not limiting and take account of the size of the apparatus (7) used, the inclination of the tubing and the distance from the end of this tubing.

  The dimensions and shapes of the fixing collar (9) 35 and (10) are not limiting and take account of the diameter and the shape of the tube around which it is fixed.

  The device according to the invention is particularly intended for installations receiving powdery products where inventory management (inputs and outputs) is manual or automated. - 6

Claims (9)

  1) Device for controlling the coupling of two pipes (A and B), characterized in that it comprises a housing (1) which fits onto a first pipe by a fixing collar (9 and 10), and a lever arm 5 (3) whose end is bent and which, in a first position, prevents the connection of the two tubes, said end being located just in front of the end of the tube (A) to prevent (by obstruction) that another tube (B) is connected to it.   2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper part of the fixing collar constitutes a part of the housing and is assembled to the lower part of the collar by bolting.   3) Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the housing has a clearance (12) on a vertical side by which the lever arm is articulated towards the outside of the housing.   4) Device according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the housing, closed by a cover (2), contains a counterbalance mass (4) articulated with the lever arm (3) around a cylindrical axis (5).   5) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that a single-acting locking system blocks the pivoting of the counterbalancing mass.   6) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, characterized in that the locking system consists of a plate (6), fixed on the upper part of the counterbalancing mass in the housing and pierced to allow a rod or a bolt (7) to be inserted therein, automatically or not.   7) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - 7 and 6, characterized in that, in the first position, the presence of the bolt or the rod in the orifice of the plate maintains the mass of counterbalance in the high position, the lever in the low position to prevent the connection of the two pipes.   8) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, characterized in that the action of withdrawing the bolt or the rod from the orifice of the plate causes the lowering of the counter mass -balancing and raising the lever arm to allow the connection of the two tubes in this second position.   9) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, characterized in that the housing has an orifice (8) on the inclined part of the cover to visualize the two positions of the arm of lever and counterweight mass.