FR3135711A1 - Tool for pre-assembling panels of a tank membrane. - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: Tool for pre-assembling panels of a tank membrane. The main object of the present invention is a pre-assembly tool (2) of panels (8, 10) intended for the construction of at least one membrane of a gas storage tank in the liquid state, characterized in that the The pre-assembly tool (2) comprises at least one frame (16) and a positioning device (18) for panels (8, 10) carried by the frame (16), the positioning device (18) for panels (8, 10) 10) comprising at least one plate (22) for receiving at least one first panel (8) and at least one means (24) for aligning at least one second panel (10) relative to the first panel (8) ). Figure 1.

Description

Tool for pre-assembling panels of a tank membrane.

The invention relates to the field relating to the assembly of waterproof metal membranes constituting a wall of a waterproof and thermally insulating tank, and more particularly concerns a tool for pre-assembling such membranes.

Certain gases are generally transported in liquid state by sea in storage tanks on transport ships, such as natural gas, ammonia, carbon dioxide, ethane or even dihydrogen. These gases are maintained in liquid form to increase the quantity of natural gas transported per tank, the volume of one liter of natural gas in liquid form being much lower than the volume of one liter of natural gas in gaseous form. For example, these tanks maintain liquid natural gas at a very low temperature, and more precisely at a temperature below -163°C, the temperature at which natural gas is in liquid form at atmospheric pressure.

This type of tank is generally composed in its thickness of two layers superimposed on each other so that one of the two layers is in contact with the liquid gas stored in the tank, while the other layer is in contact with a supporting structure of the tank. In addition, each of the layers includes a thermally insulating barrier carrying a waterproof membrane. More particularly, the waterproof membrane of the layer in contact with the liquid gas is composed of a plurality of metal panels welded to each other. The metal panels have waves on their surfaces, these waves making it possible in particular to absorb the movements of the swell when the ship is sailing in the open sea.

The construction of such tanks requires a lot of equipment and a significant amount of labor. It is known to mount the waterproof membrane of the layer in contact with the liquid gas after the thermally insulating barrier of this layer. More generally, the waterproof membrane of the layer in contact with the liquid gas is mounted last, that is to say it is mounted on the thermally insulating barrier of this layer already assembled and mounted on the constituent walls of the tank.

Generally, the waterproof membrane is made up of a set of metal panels mounted one after the other directly on the thermally insulating barrier. Each of the metal panels is first placed against the thermally insulating barrier and then fixed to it before being welded to the metal panels already installed against the thermally insulating barrier.

It may be interesting to pre-assemble the metal panels together before installing them and fixing them against the thermally insulating barrier. Such an assembly process is particularly interesting in order to reduce the construction steps directly at the wall level, in particular by centralizing certain actions prior to the installation of the metal panels against the thermally insulating barrier. The pre-assembly of the metal panels, however, requires high precision, so that the pre-assembled metal panels are perfectly arranged in relation to each other and thus avoid a mismatch between the pre-assembled metal panels and the metal panels already installed and thermally fixed to the barrier. insulating.

The present invention proposes a solution to achieve this objective thanks to a pre-assembly tool which, on the one hand, facilitates the pre-assembly of metal panels, and on the other hand, increases precision during the assembly of metal panels against the insulating mass , within the tank.

In this context, the main object of the present invention is a tool for pre-assembling panels intended for the construction of at least one membrane of a gas storage tank in the liquid state, characterized in that the pre-assembly tool comprises at least one frame and a panel positioning device carried by the frame, the panel positioning device comprising at least one tray for receiving at least one first panel and at least one means for aligning at least one second panel compared to the first panel.

The pre-assembly tool thus makes it possible to position the first panel and the second panel very precisely in relation to each other, in particular thanks to the alignment means. By alignment we mean the fact that the second panel is aligned with the first panel in order to maintain linearity between these two panels. Advantageously, the alignment means makes it possible to precisely arrange the first panel and the second panel along two directions intersecting one another, and advantageously perpendicular to one another.

The function of the pre-assembly tool is to secure this precise arrangement of the first panel and the second panel relative to each other thanks to the means of holding it in position, advantageously until they are made integral together. one from the other. This makes it possible in particular to avoid any change in position of the first panel and/or the second panel relative to each other, until they are made integral with each other.

We understand from the above that the positioning device is an assembly which comprises at least one chassis carrying a positioning device comprising a plate, an alignment means and a means for holding a panel in position. Optionally, the positioning device also includes other elements added to the set mentioned to complete the preassembly tool.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the alignment means projects from a support face of the plate. The plate has a support face configured to receive the first panel and the second panel and a rear face opposite the support face, the alignment means projecting from the support face of the panel.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the alignment means comprises at least one wheel intended to cooperate with the first panel and/or the second panel to move them along the plate and vertically align one of the two panels relative to the other panel. By “caster” is meant a wheel of which at least one portion extends projecting from the support face of the plate, the caster being mounted to rotate around an axis of rotation.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the wheel is configured to cooperate with a wave of the first panel and/or second panel, the wheel extending at least partly in a housing defined by the wave. In this configuration, when moving the panel on the plate, the caster ensures the vertical positioning of the wave and thus of the panel, while allowing its movement along a horizontal direction.

By “vertical” is meant a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground on which the preassembly tool is placed and by “horizontal” a direction substantially perpendicular to a vertical direction and parallel to the ground on which the preassembly tool is placed.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the alignment means comprises at least two casters aligned horizontally one after the other, their axes of rotation extending parallel to each other. The alignment of several casters ensures the positioning of the panel in a vertical direction all along the panel, while allowing its translation along a horizontal direction.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the alignment means comprises at least one pin intended to cooperate with the first panel and/or the second panel to position the second panel horizontally relative to the first panel. By pawn we mean an element protruding from the board, and advantageously from its support face, and being lodged in a wave of the panel.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the pin is movable along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the plate between a rest position and a blocking position. Advantageously, the pin is in a rest position when it does not project from the plate and advantageously from its support face, to allow the translation of a panel against the plate. The pin is in a blocking position when it projects from the plate and advantageously from its support face, and is configured to cooperate with a wave of the panel and block its position along the horizontal direction.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the alignment means comprises a first pin configured to cooperate with the first panel and a second pin configured to cooperate with the second panel, the first pin and the second pin being arranged so as to defining a distance between the first panel and the second panel measured along a horizontal direction.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, a height of the caster is greater than a height of the pawn in a blocking position, the heights being measured along a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane of the board. The panel advantageously comprises at least a first wave and a second wave each extending along directions perpendicular to each other. In addition, one of the waves has a greater height than the other. We thus understand that the roulette cooperates with the wave having the greatest height, while the pawn cooperates with the wave having the smallest height. This system helps, for example, to ensure that the panel is correctly positioned on the plate, before being attached to another panel.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the alignment means comprising several rollers aligning with each other along a first direction and several pins aligning with each other along a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being parallel to each other.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, each panel comprising a first series of waves and a second series of waves extending perpendicular to the first series of waves, in which the alignment means comprises a pin configured to cooperate with one of the waves of the first series of waves and a roulette configured to cooperate with one of the waves of the second series of waves.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the positioning device comprising at least one means for holding in position at least one of the panels against the plate.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the position holding means is arranged so as to come into contact with a flat part of one of the panels.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the position holding means comprises at least one suction cup. The suction cup is advantageously placed in an orifice made in the plate. The suction cup here makes it possible to secure the panel to the tray and thus block the position of said panel on the tray, while allowing separation without damage to one and/or the other of the panel and/or the tray.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the orifice in which the suction cup is placed is open on the support face of the plate.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the position holding means comprises several suction cups which form a horizontal/vertical grid so as to press the panel against the plate.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the positioning device comprises at least one means of assisting the translation of a panel on the plate, said assistance means being offset vertically on the plate relative to the means of alignment.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the translation assistance means takes the form of a movable wheel rotating around a direction falling within a plane in which the vertical direction lies perpendicular to the plan in which the plateau fits.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the translation assistance means comprises several wheels aligned horizontally one after the other.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the preassembly tool is configured to define a welding zone between the first panel and the second panel, the preassembly tool comprising a gas channeling member which delimits at least partly a chamber in which the gas is contained, the chamber extending at least partly at the level of the welding zone. The layout of the chamber, as well as the presence of the gas, reduces the risk of oxidation of the panels, particularly during welding between said panels.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the chamber is sealed with respect to the external environment of the preassembly tool.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the preassembly tool comprises a first plate and a second plate arranged one next to the other, the channeling member forming a gutter disposed between the two plates, the chamber being delimited at least in part by the gutter. By “gutter” we mean a structure of which a section seen in a plane perpendicular to its main direction of extension has a “U” or “V” shape.

Furthermore, the gutter can be positioned strictly between the trays, or between the panels by straddling one and/or the other of the trays.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the first plate is configured to be in contact with the first panel when it is correctly positioned, while the second plate is configured to be in contact with the second panel when the latter is correctly positioned.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the chamber is configured to be delimited by one side of the panels facing the tray and by the gutter.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the plate extends in a main plane of extension secant to a vertical plane at an angle of between 1° and 10°, preferably between 4° and 6°. The angle is for example 5°. By “vertical plane” we understand a plane extending perpendicular to the ground on which the preassembly tool is placed. This inclination of the pre-assembly tool relative to this vertical plane reduces the risk of panels falling when they are not yet secured to the pre-assembly tool.

More precisely, the plate is inclined so that the rear face of the plate is facing the ground on which the preassembly tool is placed. In other words, the inclination of the table favors the support of a panel against the supporting face of the table.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the positioning device comprises a pressing system configured to press one of the panels against the other panel. The plating system ensures contact between the first panel and the second panel, in particular with the aim of facilitating the welding of the panels together.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the plating system comprises at least one support member and a means for moving the support member relative to the plate. The support member is the element of the plating system configured to be in contact with one and/or the other of the panels, while the movement means allows the movement of the support member at least along one direction.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the support member comprises at least one synthetic material, for example Bakelite®.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the movement means comprises a pair of rails between which the support member extends, the support member being movable along the pair of rails.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the support member is configured to press an edge of the second panel against an edge of the first panel.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the support member is configured to take at least a first position in which the support member can move relative to the plate and a second position in which the member The support is capable of bringing one of the panels into contact with the other of the panels.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the pressing system comprises a member for blocking the horizontal position of the support member relative to the movement means. “Horizontal position” means the position of the support member relative to the plate in the horizontal direction.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the chassis comprises a support for the positioning device and several wheels extending opposite the positioning device relative to the support.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the wheels are configured to facilitate movement of the preassembly tool in and/or outside the tank.

The present invention also relates to a pre-assembly line comprising a pre-assembly tool according to any of the preceding characteristics and a system for storing sets of panels assembled together by the pre-assembly tool. The storage system for sets of assembled panels thus receives the set of assembled panels, the panels being made integral with each other at the level of the pre-assembly tool, before they are installed against a massif insulation of a tank.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the storage system for sets of assembled panels is removable from the pre-assembly member. This characteristic then allows the storage system loaded in sets of assembled panels to be moved to the location of installation of the sets of assembled panels against the wall of the tank, then for the storage system to be moved again towards the storage tool. pre-assembly for the purpose of storing new assembled panels.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the storage system comprises a storage cart configured to store sets of assembled panels, the preassembly tool comprising a guide rail of the storage cart, the cart comprising several storage racks assembled panels, the storage cart being movable along the guide rail so as to load the assembled panel assemblies into the racks. By “rack” we mean a line delimited by two support elements between which the sets of assembled panels are arranged for the purpose of being stored.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the preassembly line comprises a device for storing panels before preassembly which comprises a device for gripping at least one panel, the gripping device being configured to present a panel to the tool preassembly.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the panel storage device is removable from the preassembly tool. It is thus understood that the storage device can be moved from a panel loading location to the pre-assembly tool.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the gripping device is movable in pivoting around a direction of pivoting between a position for gripping a panel and a position for presenting the panel to the preassembly tool.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the gripping device extends in a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane when it is in the gripping position, the gripping device being configured to position the panel in a plane parallel to the plane main extension of the tray when it is in the presentation position.

The present invention also relates to a process for pre-assembling panels of at least one membrane of a storage tank intended to store a gas in the liquid state using the pre-assembly tool described in this document.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the panel pre-assembly method comprises at least one step of positioning a first panel, a step of positioning a second panel relative to the first panel, a step of maintaining in position of the first panel and the second panel relative to the plate, and a step of welding the first panel with the second panel.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, during the step of positioning the first panel, the alignment means is used to position the first panel at least relative to the plate.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, during the step of positioning the second panel, the alignment means is implemented to position the second panel at least relative to the first panel.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, during the position holding step, the position holding means secures the first panel and the second panel relative to the plate.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the preassembly method comprises a first step of maintaining position carried out after the step of positioning the first panel and a second step of maintaining position carried out after the step of positioning the second panel . It is thus understood that the first panel is positioned using the alignment means against the plate and made integral with the plate by the position holding means, then that the second panel is positioned relative to the first panel using the front alignment means. to be made integral with the plate by the means of holding it in position.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the panel pre-assembly method comprises a step of pressing an edge of the second panel onto an edge of the first panel by a support member of the pre-assembly tool.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, during the plating step, a plating system provides support against one of the panels so that the latter comes into contact with the other panel.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the plating step takes place following the step of holding the first panel and the second panel in position.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the panel pre-assembly method comprises a step of pointing an edge of the first panel with an edge of the second panel carried out prior to the welding step.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the panel pre-assembly process comprises a step of removing the plating system taking place between the pointing step and the welding step.

According to another characteristic of the invention, during the welding step, a welding device welds the first panel and the second panel together.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the panel pre-assembly process comprises a step of separating the panels from the tray. The uncoupling step takes place following the welding step.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand. share, on which:

is a perspective representation of the preassembly line according to the invention;

is a perspective representation of the preassembly line illustrated on the and including panels;

is a perspective representation of a pre-assembly tool of the pre-assembly line shown in the ;

is a detailed view of the preassembly tool illustrated on the ;

is a perspective representation of a rear face of the preassembly tool illustrated on the ;

is a perspective representation of a panel storage device and a preassembly line gripping device shown in the ;

is a perspective representation of a storage system for assembled panels loaded from the pre-assembly line shown in the .

The characteristics, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive with respect to each other. In particular, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described subsequently in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and/or to differentiate the invention. compared to the prior art.

In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a pre-assembly line 1 according to the invention comprising a pre-assembly tool 2, a storage system 4 for sets of assembled panels 9 and a storage device 6 for panels 8, 10 before assembly, the difference between these two figures being that the preassembly line 1 is represented without the presence of panels 8, 10 on the while the pre-assembly line 1 comprises panels 8, 10 before assembly and sets of assembled panels 9 on the .

The main function of the preassembly line 1 is to assemble metal panels 8, 10 in order to form a set of assembled panels 9 ready to be installed on an insulating mass of a gas storage tank in the liquid state, set of assembled panels 9 participating in forming a waterproof membrane for this storage tank. In other words, and as more particularly visible on the , a panel, coming from panels 8, 10 arranged at the storage device 6, is placed on the preassembly tool 2 in order to be secured to at least one other panel 8, 10, the set of assembled panels 9 formed being then stored at the level of the storage system 4 of sets of assembled panels 9.

The panels 8, 10, as visible in Figures 2, 6 and 7, each comprise a metal sheet extending mainly rectangularly in a plane. The panels 8, 10 advantageously each have a first wave 12 extending along a first direction and at least one second wave 14 extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In addition, the first waves 12 extending parallel to the first direction have a greater height than a height of the second waves 14 extending parallel to the second direction, these heights being measured along a direction extending perpendicular to a main extension plane in which panel 8, 10 fits.

In the remainder of the description, a detailed description of the preassembly tool 2 with reference to Figures 3 to 5, of the storage device 6 of panels 8, 10 before assembly with reference in particular to the and the storage system 4 of sets of assembled panels 9 with particular reference to the will be carried out before the description of a process for pre-assembling panels 8, 10 implementing such a pre-assembly line 1.

As more particularly visible in Figures 3 to 5, and according to the invention, the preassembly tool 2 comprises at least one frame 16 and a positioning device 18 for panels 8, 10 relative to each other and carried by the chassis 16.

The chassis 16 comprises a support 21 of the positioning device 18 and several wheels 20 extending opposite the positioning device 18 relative to the support 21. In other words, the support 21 has an upper face facing the positioning device 18 and a lower face on which the wheels 20 are installed. The latter allow the movement of the chassis 16, and more generally of the preassembly tool 2, in space.

According to the invention, the positioning device 18 of panels 8, 10 comprises at least one plate 22 for receiving at least one first panel 8 and at least one means 24 for aligning at least one second panel 10 relative to in the first panel 8.

The plate 22 is configured to receive the panels 8, 10 at least until they are secured to each other. The plate 22 takes the form of a wall extending in a main plane of extension, presenting a support face 26 configured to be in contact with the panels 8, 10 and a rear face 28 opposite the support face 26 in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the plate 22.

The main extension plane in which the plate 22 fits is intersecting a vertical plane at an angle of between 4° and 6°, advantageously 5°. The vertical plane is defined here as the plane extending perpendicular to the ground on which the preassembly tool 2 is placed. This inclination of the preassembly tool 2 relative to this vertical plane reduces the risk of panels 8 falling, 10 when they are not secured to the preassembly tool 2. Indeed, when panels 8, 10 are installed on the plate 22, gravity participates in maintaining said panels 8, 10 in position against the plate 22, at least as long as the panels 8, 10 are held in place on the plate 22.

More precisely, the plate 22 is inclined so that the rear face 28 of the plate 22 faces the ground on which the preassembly tool 2 is placed. In other words, the inclination of the plate 22 favors support of a panel 8, 10 against the support face 26 of the plate 22.

According to the example illustrated here in Figures 3 to 5, the preassembly tool 2 comprises a first plate 22a and a second plate 22b arranged one next to the other, each falling mainly in the same main plane extension. Furthermore, the first plate 22a is configured to support the first panel 8 while the second plate 22b is configured to support the second panel 10.

The alignment means 24 is configured to allow movement of the first panel 8 and the second panel 10. The alignment means 24 is also configured to position the first panel 8 relative to the plate 22, then to position the second panel 10 very precisely with respect to the first panel 8 installed on the plate 22. By alignment is meant the fact that the second panel 10 is aligned along at least one direction with the first panel 8 in order to maintain linearity between these two panels 8 , 10.

For this, the alignment means 24 comprises at least one caster 30 intended to cooperate with the first panel 8 and/or the second panel 10 to move it(s) along the plate 22 and vertically align one of the two panels 8, 10 compared to the other panel 8, 10, as particularly visible on the . By “caster 30” is meant a wheel of which at least one portion extends projecting from the support face 26 of the plate 22, the caster 30 being mounted to rotate around an axis of rotation. Advantageously, the axis of rotation of the caster 30 extends both in the vertical plane and in a plane parallel to the main plane of extension of the plate 22.

More precisely, the wheel 30 is configured to cooperate with one of the waves 12, 14 of the panel 8, 10, so that the wave 12, 14 accommodates at least part of the wheel 30 when the panel 8, 10 is arranged on the plate 22. In this configuration, when the panel 8, 10 moves on the plate 22, the caster 30 ensures the vertical positioning of the wave 12, 14, and thus of the panel 8, 10, while allowing its movement along a horizontal direction. By “horizontal” we mean a direction perpendicular to a vertical direction and parallel to the ground on which the preassembly tool 2 is placed.

As visible in Figures 3 to 5, the alignment means 24 comprises at least two casters 30 aligned horizontally one after the other, their axes of rotation extending parallel to each other, at least one caster 30 being disposed through the first plate 22a while at least one other caster 30 is disposed through the second plate 22b. The alignment of several casters 30 is configured to ensure the positioning of the panel 8, 10 in a vertical direction all along said panel 8, 10, while allowing its translation along a horizontal direction against the plate 22.

Advantageously, the positioning device 18 comprises means of assisting the translation 23 of a panel 8, 10 on the plate 22 offset vertically on the plate 22 relative to the alignment means 24. More precisely, the means of translation assistance 23 takes the form of a movable wheel rotating around a direction falling in a plane in which the vertical direction lies and perpendicular to the plane in which the plate 22 lies. It is understood that the wheel of the translation assistance means 23 helps to facilitate the translation of a panel 8, 10 against the plate 22 along the horizontal direction.

Even more advantageously, the translation assistance means 23 comprises several wheels aligned horizontally one after the other, similar to what could be described with regard to the casters 30. It is understood that the wheels of the assistance means in translation 23 form for example a line of wheels which extends parallel to a line of casters 30 while being superimposed one above the other.

As visible on the , the positioning device 18 comprises a line of casters 30 and two lines of wheels of the translation assistance means 23 vertically framing the line of casters 30. It is understood that the line of casters 30 participates in the alignment of a panel 8, 10 against the plate 22 while the line of wheels of the translation assistance means 23 facilitates the translation of the panel 8, 10 against the plate 22.

As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the alignment means 24 comprises at least one pin 32 intended to cooperate with the first panel 8 or with the second panel 10 to position the second panel 10 horizontally relative to the first panel 8 By pin 32 we mean an element projecting from the plate 22, and advantageously from its support face 26, and being lodged in a wave of the panel, in particular a second wave of the panel 8, 10, here a wave which extends mostly vertically.

More particularly, the pin 32 is movable along a direction perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the plate 22 between a rest position and a blocking position. Advantageously, the pin 32 is in the rest position when it does not project from the plate 22, and advantageously from its support face 26, to allow the translation of a panel 8, 10 against the plate 22. Conversely, the pin 32 is in its blocking position when it projects from the plate 22, and advantageously from its support face 26, and is configured to cooperate with a wave 12, 14 of the panel 8, 10 and block its position along the horizontal direction, and more precisely with a second wave 14 of the panel 8, 10. The pin 32 is thus retracted into the rest position when a panel 8, 10 translates along the horizontal direction against the plate 22, then passes from the rest position to the blocking position to precisely position the first panel 8 relative to the second panel 10, along the horizontal direction.

According to the example illustrated, the alignment means 24 comprises a first pin 32a which passes through the first plate 22a and a second pin 32b which passes through the second plate 22b. The first pin 32a is configured to cooperate with the first panel 8 and a second pin 32b configured to cooperate with the second panel 10, the first pin 32a and the second pin 32b being arranged so as to determine a distance between the first panel 8 and the second panel 10 measured along a horizontal direction. More particularly, the first pin 32a is configured to participate in positioning the first panel 8 along the horizontal direction relative to the plate 22. The second pin 32b for its part is configured to participate in positioning the second panel 10 along the horizontal direction relative to the plate 22. The distance between the first pin 32a and the second pin 32b fixes a precise distance between the first panel 8 and the second panel 10. Each pin 32 is configured to cooperate respectively with a second wave 14 of each panels 8, 10.

In the example illustrated here in Figures 3 to 5, the alignment means 24 comprises both casters 30 and pins 32, each ensuring the position of the panels 8, 10 respectively vertically and horizontally. However, an alignment means 24 comprising only one or more rollers 30 or one or more pins 32 would not therefore depart from the scope of the invention. On the , the board 22 comprises a first pair of pawns 32a, 32b and a second pair of pawns 32c, 32d, the pawns 32 of each of the pairs of pawns 32 being aligned one after the other along the direction horizontal.

Advantageously and according to an exemplary embodiment, the alignment means 24 makes it possible to precisely arrange the first panel 8 and the second panel 10 along two directions intersecting one another, and advantageously perpendicular to one of the other.

A height of the casters 30 is greater than a height of the pins 32, the heights being measured along a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane of the plate 22, between the support face 26 and a free end of the casters 30 or pawns 32. The first waves 12 and the second waves 14 also have different heights, so that the first waves 12 of the panel 8, 10 cooperating with the rollers 30 have a greater height than the heights of the second waves 14 of the panel 8, 10.

These complementary characteristics between the alignment means 24 and the waves 12, 14 of the panel 8, 10 thus improve the precision of installation of the panels 8, 10 against the plate 22, while locking the position of the panels 8, 10. one in relation to the other.

Thus, the alignment means 24 preferably comprises several rollers 30 aligning with each other along a first direction and/or several pins 32 aligning with each other along a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being parallel to each other. This particularly clever arrangement of each of the elements of the alignment means 24 further optimizes the precision of arrangement of the second panel 10 in relation to the first panel 8.

According to the invention, the positioning device 18 comprises a position holding means 34 configured to hold in position at least one of the panels 8, 10 against the plate 22. This position holding means 34 is configured to secure the arrangement of the panels 8, 10 against the plate 22, advantageously until the second panel 10 is made integral with the first panel 8. This makes it possible in particular to avoid any change in position of the first panel 8 and/or the second panel 10 one in relation to the other until they are definitively made united with one another.

In the example illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the means for holding in position 34 is a suction cup placed in an orifice made in the plate 22. The suction cup is configured here to secure the panel 8, 10 to the plate 22 and thus block the position of said panel 8, 10 on the plate 22, while allowing separation of one and/or the other panel 8, 10 from the plate 22 without damaging one and/or the other panel 8, 10 and/or the plate 22. It is understood that after having been correctly positioned in relation to the plate 22, the panel 8, 10 is made integral with the plate 22 by the suction cup, thus blocking its position on the plate 22. The holding means in position 34 is therefore a reversible means between a situation where the panel is retained and a situation where the panel is free and can move along the horizontal direction. In this example, the panel is blocked when the suction cup sucks the panel 8, 10 and presses it against the plate 22. The panel 8, 10 is released when the depression within the suction cup is stopped.

The orifice in which the suction cup is placed is open on the support face 26 of the plate 22, and advantageously crossing between the support face 26 and the rear face 28 of the plate 22. It is thus understood that one end of the suction cup configured to be in contact with the panel 8, 10 is flush with the support face 26 of the plate 22, or even extends substantially projecting from said support face 26. In this arrangement, the suction cup on the one hand does not hinder the translation of a panel 8, 10 against the plate 22, and on the other hand allows the panel 8, 10 to be secured against the plate 22 when said panel 8, 10 is correctly positioned against the plate 22.

The position holding means 34 preferably comprises several suction cups which form a horizontal/vertical grid so as to press the panel 8, 10 against the plate 22. In other words, the suction cups are configured to come into contact with different flat sectors of a same panel 8, 10, ensuring the securing of the latter with the plate 22, while blocking the position of said panel 8, 10 relative to the plate 22. We understand by plane sector the part of the panel extending mainly in the main plane extension of panel 8, 10 between waves 12, 14.

The combination of the alignment means 24 and the position holding means 34 is clever, in particular for precisely positioning the panels 8, 10 relative to the plate 22 and for then fixing them to the plate 22 in order to determine a position of the panels 8, 10. More particularly, the casters 30 and the pins 32 ensure the vertical and horizontal positioning of the panels 8, 10 then, once correctly positioned, the suction cups block the position of the panels 8, 10 relative to each other, and against plate 22.

As visible in Figures 3 and 4, the preassembly tool 2 delimits a welding zone 36 between the first panel 8 and the second panel 10. More particularly, the preassembly tool 2 advantageously comprises a channeling member 37 of a gas, advantageously neutral, which delimits at least partly a chamber 39 into which the gas is injected, such as argon for example, the chamber 39 extending at least partly at the level of the welding zone 36, as more particularly visible on the . The arrangement of the chamber 39, as well as the presence of the gas, reduces the risk of oxidation of the panels 8, 10, in particular during welding between said panels 8, 10. This pipe member 37 has the function of containing the gas at the level of the welding zone 36, and thus reduce the risk of oxidation of the panels 8, 10 when they are welded to one another.

The channeling member 37 is advantageously arranged on the support face 26 of the plate 22, the channeling member 37 being configured to face one and/or the other of the panels 8, 10.

To optimize this prevention function, the chamber 39 is preferably sealed with respect to the external environment of the preassembly tool 2. We understand by "tight" that the chamber 39 makes the interior of the chamber 39 hermetic in which extends the neutral gas in any exchange with the gases present in the environment outside the chamber 39. The chamber 39 is configured to be delimited by one face of the panels 8, 10 facing the plate 22 and by the channeling member 37.

According to the invention, the pipe member 37 forms a gutter arranged astride the first plate 22a and the second plate 22b, the chamber 39 being delimited at least partly by the gutter. By “gutter” we mean a structure of which a section seen in a plane perpendicular to its main direction of extension has a “U” or “V” shape. More precisely, the chamber 39 is configured to be delimited by one face of the panels 8, 10 facing the first plate 22a and the second plate 22b and by the gutter.

The positioning device 18 further comprises a pressing system 38 configured to press the first panel 8 against the second panel 10, as illustrated in the . The plating system 38 is configured to ensure contact between the first panel 8 and the second panel 10, in particular with the aim of facilitating the pointing and/or welding of the panels 8, 10 between them. For example and as is visible in the , an edge of the second panel 10 is installed overlapping an edge of the first panel 8, the plating system 38 being configured to provide support for the edge of the second panel 10 on the edge of the first panel 8. This support helps to facilitate welding between the two panels 8, 10.

The plating system 38 here comprises at least one support member 40 and a means 41 for moving the support member 40 relative to the plate 22.

The support member 40 is the element of the plating system 38 which comes into contact with one and/or the other of the panels 8, 10, while the movement means allows the movement of the member support 40 at least along the horizontal direction. For example, the support member 40 is placed on one of the ends of the plate 22 and is then moved to be placed opposite a support zone between the first panel 8 and the second panel 10, once the latter made integral with the plates 22.

Advantageously, the support member 40 comprises at least one synthetic material, for example Bakelite®.

The support member 40 is advantageously movable along a support direction extending perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the plate 22 between a rest position and a support position. The support member is thus configured to be moved along this support direction to move from the rest position to the support position and come into contact with one or other of the panels 8, 10.

Advantageously, the support member comprises a means for locking its position, whether the support member is in the rest position or in the support position. The locking means thus allows the support member to maintain the position in which it is, particularly when it is in the support position.

The support member 40 being moved via in particular the movement means 41. In other words, the support member 40 takes for example the form of a spreader bar, comprising a beam extending mainly along the vertical direction and carrying at each of its vertical ends a side cooperating with a system of rails 42, the support member 40 being installed on the beam. In other words, the beam and its sides generally take a “U” shape seen in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The sides comprise at least one connecting wall and a groove fixed to the connecting wall and cooperating with the rail system 42 to move the beam and the support member 40 along the horizontal direction.

The spreader is configured to take at least a first position in which the support member 40 can move relative to the plate 22 and a second position in which the support member 40 brings the first panel 8 into contact with the second panel 10. The rudder here comprises a manual system 47 configured to block the support member 40 in one or other of the positions.

More precisely, the movement means 41 here comprises the system of rails 42 between which the spreader extends, the latter being movable along the system of rails 42. The support member 40 is thus moved with the spreader along from a main direction of extension of the rails 42, advantageously horizontally, towards a support zone between the two panels 8, 10. The rail system 42 comprises a means 43 for blocking the position of the rudder. The blocking means 43 here takes the form of orifices in which a blocking member 45 of the lifter is housed in order to maintain the position of said lifter relative to the plate 22. It is understood that the locking means 45 is less constituted by the the orifice and the blocking member 45.

It is understood from the above that the preassembly tool 2 is configured to participate in installing two panels 8, 10 relative to each other and in holding them in position, at least until said panels 8 , 10 are made integral with each other, in particular by pointing the second panel 10 on the first panel 8. The alignment means 24 and the position holding means 34 are thus configured respectively to align the first panel 8 and the second panel 10 relative to each other and to then hold them in position. However, and as mentioned previously, the preassembly tool 2 includes other elements, such as the plating system 38, which optimize the pressing of the panels 8, 10 on one another, in particular in anticipation of their solidarity.

We will now describe in more detail the storage device 6 of the panels 8, 10 before assembly mentioned above, with particular reference to the .

More precisely, the preassembly line 1 comprises a storage device 6 for panels 8, 10 before preassembly which comprises a gripping device 44 of at least one panel 8, 10, the gripping device 44 being configured to present a panel 8 , 10 to the preassembly tool 2. The panels 8, 10 are first stored on the storage device 6 for panels 8, 10, which consists for example of a table 46 on which the panels 8, 10 are arranged before being supplied to the pre-assembly tool 2.

Advantageously, the storage device 6 of panels 8, 10 is removable from the pre-assembly tool 2. In other words, the pre-assembly tool 2 can be moved to the storage device 6 to be coupled there.

As for the gripping device 44, it is movable in pivoting around a direction of pivoting between a gripping position of a panel 8, 10 and a presentation position of the panel 8, 10 to the preassembly tool 2. We understands that the gripping device 44 comprises for example a gripping member 48 configured to secure a panel stored on the table 46 of the gripping device 44, in particular when the latter is in the gripping position. The gripping member 46 takes for example here the form of a suction membrane configured to secure a panel 8, 10 of the gripping device 44.

The gripping device 44 then passes for example from the gripping position to a position of presentation of the panel to the preassembly tool 2, the presentation position in which the gripping device 44 being configured to authorize a translation of the panel in front of the plate 22 of the preassembly tool 2. In other words, the gripping device 44 extends in a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane when it is in the gripping position, the gripping device 44 being configured to position the panel in a plane parallel to the main extension plane of the tray 22 when it is in the presentation position.

The gripping device 44 comprises a translation element 50, configured to slide the panel secured to the gripping member 48 in front of the plate 22. The translation element 50 can for example be a telescopic member or a slide member capable of moving the gripping member 48 away and closer to a frame of the gripping device 44 along the horizontal direction. The panel moved via the translation element 50 is guided by the alignment means 24 of the preassembly tool 2 to correctly position said panel against the plate 22.

We will now describe in more detail the storage system 4 of the sets of assembled panels 9 mentioned previously, with particular reference to Figures 1, 2 and 7.

Similar to what has been described in relation to the storage device 6 of panels 8, 10 before assembly, the storage system 4 of the sets of assembled panels 9 is separable from the pre-assembly tool 2. This advantage allows the system to be moved storage system 4 towards a place of installation of the sets of assembled panels 9, for example against the wall of the tank, when said storage system 4 is loaded with sets of assembled panels 9.

The storage system 4 comprises at least one cart 52 for storing the assembled panel sets 9, the preassembly tool comprising a guide rail 54 of the storage cart 52, the storage cart 52 being movable along the guide rail 54. In addition, the cart 52 comprises several racks 56 for storing the sets of assembled panels 9, the racks 56 being configured to store the sets of assembled panels 9, the racks 56 being particularly visible on the . By “rack 56” is meant a space delimited by two railings between which the sets of assembled panels 9 are arranged for the purpose of being stored.

In other words, the racks 56 are arranged next to each other between a first rack 56 and a last rack 56, along a direction parallel to the direction along which the guide rail 54 mainly extends. carriage 52 aligns one of the racks 56 at the outlet of the preassembly tool 2 so that the sets of assembled panels 9 on the preassembly tool 2 are then moved by translation in said rack 56 and thus be stored on the system storage 4.

Advantageously, the carriage 52 also includes wheels 53 thus making the carriage 52 mobile in space. It is understood that, when the carriage 52 is loaded with sets of assembled panels 9, the carriage 52 can be moved from the pre-assembly tool 2 to the insulating mass against which the sets of assembled panels 9 are intended to be installed.

We thus understand from what has been described previously that the preassembly line 1 is configured to supply panels 8, 10 to the preassembly tool 2, then, after having joined the two panels 8, 10 to each other , the preassembly line 1 stores them before installing them against the insulating mass of the tank.

We will now describe a process for pre-assembling panels 8, 10 using the pre-assembly line 1 previously described, in particular with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

Advantageously, the method of pre-assembling panels 8, 10 comprises a step of presenting the panels 8, 10 to the pre-assembly tool 2 by a gripping device 44 of a storage device 6. This presentation step is implemented by the preassembly chain 1. It is understood that during the presentation step, a panel is made integral with the gripping device 44, then the latter passes from a gripping position to a presentation position, the panel being then positioned in front of the plate 22 using the translation element 50.

Even more advantageously, the method of preassembling panels 8, 10 comprises a step of presenting the first panel 8 to the preassembly tool 2 by a gripping device 44 of a storage device 6 and a step of presenting the second panel 10 to the preassembly tool 2 by the gripping device 44 of the storage device 6 taking place following the step of presenting the first panel 8.

According to the invention, the method of pre-assembling panels 8, 10 comprises at least one step of positioning a first panel 8, a step of positioning a second panel 10 relative to the first panel 8, a step of maintaining position of the first panel 8 and the second panel 10 relative to the plate 22, and a step of welding the first panel 8 and the second panel 10.

The step of positioning the first panel 8 corresponds to the step during which the first panel 8 is installed and positioned opposite the plate 22, by implementing the alignment means 24. The step of positioning the first panel 8 is carried out following the step of presenting the first panel 8.

According to the example illustrated, the first panel 8 is moved horizontally by the rollers 30 of the alignment means 24, while being held vertically by these rollers 30 until reaching the first plate 22a of the positioning device 18. The pins 32 are then in a rest position when the first panel 8 is moved horizontally, then passes from a rest position to a blocking position when the first panel 8 is in position opposite the first plate 22a. The pins 32 in the blocking position then participate in correctly positioning the first panel 8 relative to the first plate 22a.

The step of positioning the second panel 10 corresponds to the step during which the second panel 10 is translated and positioned to the right of the plate 22, by implementing the alignment means 24. The step of positioning the second panel 10 is carried out following the step of presenting the second panel 10.

According to the example illustrated, the second panel 10 is moved horizontally by the rollers 30 of the alignment means 24, while being held vertically by the rollers 30, until reaching the second plate 22b of the positioning device 18, being in slight superposition of the first panel 8. The pins 32 are also in a rest position when the second panel 10 is moved horizontally, then passes from a rest position to a blocking position when the second panel 10 is approximately positioned horizontally by relative to the first panel 8. The pins 32 in the blocking position thus define a determined distance which guarantees that the edge of the second panel 10 superimposes the edge of the first panel 8.

The preassembly method then comprises a first step of holding in position during which the first panel 8 is made integral with the first plate 22a and a second step of maintaining in position during which the second panel 10 is made integral with the second plate 22b. According to the example illustrated here, the position holding means 34 takes the form of several suction cups, distributed over the first plate 22a and the second plate 22b, in the form of a grid that has been described previously.

In this configuration, the suction cups distributed on the first plate 22a are configured to secure the first panel 8 of the first plate 22a during the first step of holding in position, while the suction cups distributed on the second plate 22b are configured to make secured the second panel 10 of the second plate 22b during the second step of holding it in position.

In addition, when the suction cups press the panels 8, 10 against their respective plates 22a, 22b, the panels 8, 10 come to bear against the edges of the pipe member 37. The pressing of the panels 8, 10 against the plates 22a , 22b, and in particular against the edges of the channeling member, contributes to forming the chamber 39 of the channeling member 37. It is understood here that the chamber 39 of the channeling member 37 is thus delimited by the panels 8 , 10 only when the latter are pressed against the edges of the pipe member 37 by the suction cups.

The first step of maintaining position is preferably carried out in continuity with the step of positioning the first panel 8, the second step of maintaining position being preferably carried out in continuity with the step of positioning the second panel 10 In other words, the step of positioning the first panel 8 is first carried out, then the first step of maintaining position is carried out. Following this, once the first position maintaining step has been carried out, the positioning step of the second panel 10 is carried out then the second position maintaining step is finally carried out. The sequence of the aforementioned steps in this order is optimal in order to position each of the panels 8, 10 with high precision in relation to each other.

For example, the preassembly method comprises in particular a step of pressing an edge of the second panel 10 onto an edge of the first panel 8 by a support member 40 of the preassembly tool 2. During this pressing step , the support member 40 is moved above the edge of the second panel 10 and the edge of the first panel 8, in particular via the movement means, such as guide rails 42. Once correctly positioned, the support member 40 is lowered until it comes to rest against the second panel 10, so that the edge of the second panel 10 is placed in physical contact with the edge of the first panel 8.

Advantageously, the plating step takes place following the step of holding the first panel 8 and the second panel 10 in position. Even more advantageously, the plating step takes place following the second holding step in position.

According to a complementary or alternative example to the preceding one, the process of pre-assembling panels 8, 10 comprises a step of pointing an edge of the first panel 8 with an edge of the second panel 10 carried out prior to the welding step. The pointing step includes several welding sub-steps, so as to at least partially join the second panel 10 to the first panel 8.

Advantageously, the tackling step takes place before the pointing step. It is thus understood that the pointing step makes it possible to previously connect the two panels so as to release the force exerted by the support member 40 against the edges of the first panel 8 and the second panel 10 during the step. tackle.

According to a complementary or alternative example to the preceding ones, the process of pre-assembling panels 8, 10 comprises a step of removing the plating system 38 taking place between the pointing step and the welding step. The spreader can then be moved and taken out of the welding zone.

The welding step corresponds to the step during which the first panel 8 and the second panel 10 are made integral with each other by welding. Advantageously, a welding device welds the first panel 8 and the second panel 10 to each other automatically.

According to an example complementary or alternative to the preceding ones, the method of pre-assembling panels 8, 10 comprises a step of releasing the sets of assembled panels 9 from the plate(s) 22. The release step takes place following the step of welding and here constitutes the end of the use of the means for holding in position 34. In other words, the suction cups release their suctions from the panels 8, 10, thus separating the sets of assembled panels 9 from the plate 22.

According to an example complementary to the preceding ones, the method of pre-assembling panels 8, 10 comprises a step of storing the sets of assembled panels 9 on the storage system 4 of the sets of assembled panels 9. During this step, the panels 8, 10 made integral with each other on the pre-assembly tool 2 by welding are moved and kept between the racks 56 of the storage system 4 of the assembled panel sets 9. The step of storing the assembled panel sets 9 is carried out after the welding step.

The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means.

Claims (21)

Tool for pre-assembly (2) of panels (8, 10) intended for the construction of at least one membrane of a gas storage tank in the liquid state, characterized in that the pre-assembly tool (2) comprises at least one frame (16) and a positioning device (18) for panels (8, 10) carried by the frame (16), the positioning device (18) for panels (8, 10) comprising at least one plate ( 22) for receiving at least one first panel (8) and at least one means for aligning (24) at least one second panel (10) relative to the first panel (8). Pre-assembly tool (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the alignment means (24) projects from a support face (26) of the plate (22). Pre-assembly tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the alignment means (24) comprises at least one roller (30) intended to cooperate with the first panel (8) and/or the second panel ( 10) to move it(s) along the plate (22) and vertically align one of the two panels (8, 10) with respect to the other panel. Pre-assembly tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the alignment means (24) comprises at least one pin (32) intended to cooperate with the first panel (8) and/or the second panel ( 10) to position the second panel (10) horizontally relative to the first panel (8). Pre-assembly tool (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the alignment means (24) comprises a first pin (32a) configured to cooperate with the first panel (8) and a second pin (32b) configured to cooperate with the second panel (10), the first pin (32a) and the second pin (32b) being arranged so as to define a distance between the first panel (8) and the second panel (10) measured along a horizontal direction. Pre-assembly tool (2) according to claims 4 or 5 taken in combination with claim 3, each panel comprising a first series of waves and a second series of waves extending perpendicular to the first series of waves, in which the alignment means (24) comprises a pin (32) configured to cooperate with one of the waves of the first series of waves and a wheel (30) configured to cooperate with one of the waves of the second series of waves waves. Pre-assembly tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the positioning device (18) comprises at least one means for holding in position (34) at least one of the panels (8, 10). ) against the plate (22). Pre-assembly tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the positioning device (18) comprises at least one means of assisting the translation (23) of a panel (8, 10) on the plate (22), said assistance means (23) being offset vertically on the plate (22) relative to the alignment means (24). Pre-assembly tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to define a welding zone (36) between the first panel (8) and the second panel (10), the pre-assembly tool (2) comprising a member (37) for channeling a gas which at least partly delimits a chamber (39) in which the gas is contained, the chamber (39) extending at least partly at the level of the welding zone (36) . Pre-assembly tool (2) according to the preceding claim, comprising a first plate (22a) and a second plate (22b) arranged one next to the other, the channeling member (37) forming a gutter arranged between the two plates (22), the chamber (39) being delimited at least partly by the gutter. Pre-assembly tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the plate (22) extends in a main plane of extension secant to a vertical plane at an angle of between 1° and 10°, of preferably between 4° and 6°. Pre-assembly tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the positioning device (18) comprises a pressing system (38) configured to press one of the panels (8, 10) against the other panel (8, 10). Pre-assembly tool (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the plating system (38) comprises at least one support member (40) and a means for moving (42) the support member (40) by relative to the plate (22). Pre-assembly tool (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the support member (40) is configured to take at least a first position in which the support member (40) can move relative to the plate ( 22) and a second position in which the support member (40) is able to bring one of the panels (8) into contact with the other of the panels (10). Pre-assembly line (1) comprising a pre-assembly tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and a storage system (4) for a set of panels assembled (9) to each other by the pre-assembly tool ( 2). Pre-assembly line (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the storage system (4) comprises a storage cart (52) configured to store sets of assembled panels (9), the pre-assembly tool (2) comprising a guide rail (54) of the storage cart (52), the cart (52) comprising several racks (56) for storing sets of assembled panels (9), the storage cart (52) being movable along the storage rail guidance (54) so as to load the assembled panel assemblies (9) into the racks (56). Pre-assembly line (1) according to any one of claims 15 or 16, comprising a storage device (6) for panels (8, 10) before pre-assembly which comprises a gripping device (44) for at least one panel ( 8, 10), the gripping device (44) being configured to present a panel (8, 10) to the pre-assembly tool (2). Pre-assembly chain (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the gripping device (44) is movable in pivoting around a direction of pivoting between a gripping position of a panel (8, 10) and a presentation position from the panel (8, 10) to the pre-assembly tool (2). Method for pre-assembling panels (8, 10) using a pre-assembly tool (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 comprising at least one step of positioning a first panel (8), a step of positioning of a second panel (10) relative to the first panel (8), a step of holding the first panel (8) and the second panel (10) in position relative to the plate (22), and a step of welding the first panel (8) with the second panel (10). Method for pre-assembling panels (8, 10) according to the preceding claim in combination with one and/or the other of claims 13 or 14, comprising a step of pressing one edge of the second panel (10) onto one edge of the first panel (8) by the support member (40) of the pre-assembly tool (2). Method for pre-assembling panels (8, 10) according to any one of the claims, comprising a step of tacking an edge of the first panel (8) with an edge of the second panel (10) carried out prior to the welding step .