FR2964895A1 - DEVICE FOR CUTTING INSULATING MATTRESS - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (3, 103) for cutting an insulating blanket (14) containing at least one fibrous matrix incorporating at least one pulverulent material, and as it comprises at least one cutting assembly (1, 101) comprising, on the one hand , a cutting means (5, 105) and, on the other hand, at least one lubricating means (11, 125) of said cutting means.

Description

DEVICE FOR CUTTING INSULATING MATTRESS

The present invention relates to a device for cutting an insulating blanket comprising at least one powdery material. The invention also relates to an aqueous mixture used in such a device and to the cutting method used during the use of the device.

At present, the use of silica or carbonate particles, and in particular aerogels particles, for the manufacture of thermally insulating materials is experiencing real expansion. Silica aerogels are among the most efficient insulation products and can achieve thermal conductivities down to 12 mW / m.K at atmospheric pressure. However, their poor mechanical properties make it necessary to use them in combination with a reinforcing agent. Their use has remained very underdeveloped until today, mainly because of their inability to work in conventional insolation techniques.

Silica aerogels are produced from silica gel dried under special conditions. Silica aerogels used to form insulating materials are prepared from commercial airgel granules, for example aerogels marketed by Cabot (Nanogel® TLD 302, etc.). They can be used after grinding and sieving or alternatively be used directly without any transformation. The aerogels are generally obtained from a gel manufactured, for example by hydrolysis in the presence of a solvent and then gelling with catalysis, from an organic or inorganic precursor, and then by evaporation or extraction of the gel-forming liquid ( for example at high temperature and / or under pressure) in order to replace this liquid with a gas (in particular air). Aerogels can be produced especially in the form of foams, granules, blocks that are divided if necessary.

Silica aerogels in the form of translucent granules must be protected from handling, and are applied to insulating glass as a filling between two glass plates.

Silica aerogels can also be in the form of fine powders and can not be used as such to constitute conventional insulating products such as insulating panels (thermal, acoustic ...) for the insulation of building walls. In particular, it is essential that the particles of the airgel are associated with a reinforcing agent. Such a reinforcing agent is generally a synthetic material and may be a polyester fiber matrix, for example prepared from recycled PET, into which the airgel is introduced in solution in order to obtain a homogeneous distribution of the silica particles after drying. . This also reduces the amount of airgel in the material which is important for cost reasons.

The insulation panels comprising the airgel are installed by an operator on site, for example from a roll that has the morphology and consistency of a mattress or carpet, depending on the thickness, once unwound. In the remainder of the present description we will call "insulating mat" the fiber matrices incorporating particles, such as airgel particles, capable of forming rolls or panels as described above.

The operator on site must adapt to the morphology of the walls of the building when laying insulation blankets. It must in particular perform a number of connections in a precise manner, to maintain a homogeneous thermal seal, and generate a minimum of falls so as not to have to waste the mattress incorporating the airgel, since the aerogels are expensive.

The cutting of the mattresses proved all the more problematic when using conventional cutting tools such as a cutter, shears, a manual or motorized saw such as a handsaw, a jigsaw, a saw ribbon or circular saw, there is a significant dispersion of particles in the atmosphere. There are also unsightly cuts and cuts due to the difficulty of sawing in fiber materials, particularly synthetic materials, such as PET, which constitute the matrix incorporating the silica particles.

To overcome all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks, the present invention relates to a device for cutting an insulating blanket containing at least one fibrous matrix incorporating at least one pulverulent material, and such that it comprises at least one cutting assembly comprising: on the one hand, a cutting means and, on the other hand, at least one lubricating means of said cutting means.

Thanks to the lubrication it is avoided the dispersion in the atmosphere of particles which are troublesome for the respiratory tracts and, in parallel, the cutting is improved and the heating of the blade is avoided.

This cutting system consequently makes it possible to easily and accurately cut the fibrous mats containing solid particles, to obtain perfect connections on the walls to be insulated and to take full advantage of all the insulation potential of the product.

Generally, the fibrous matrix composing the mattresses to be cut according to the invention is based on synthetic organic and / or mineral fibers, in particular made of thermoplastic polymer fibers (polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone or PEEK, polyacrylate, polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, poly -paraphenyleneterephthalamide or KEVLAR, or carbon fiber), fiberglass or ceramic (quartz), optionally a mixture of the aforementioned fibers.

Preferably, the powdery material is chosen from silica particles and carbonate particles, more preferably it is at least one of the silicas selected from fumed silica particles, precipitated silica particles. and silica airgel particles, and preferably these are silica airgel particles.

The powdery material is generally contained in the insulation blanket at a rate of at least 10%, and preferably 20%, by weight relative to the total weight of the mattress. Preferably, the powdery material is present in an amount ranging from 30 to 90% by weight relative to the total weight of the mattress, advantageously in a quantity ranging from 40 to 70%, and even in a quantity varying from 45 to 55% in weight relative to the total weight of the mattress.

Preferably, the cutting means of the device presented above in the context of the invention is a saw blade, preferably rotating, and advantageously the side faces of the saw blade are smooth. Such preferred configurations are found to be advantageous in preventing tearing of the fibers contained in the roll or panel and dispersion of the airgel particles by means of a regular cutting action and facilitated lubricant distribution.

The lubricating means advantageously comprises a reservoir capable of containing water or an aqueous mixture comprising glue. By the use of a suitable glue, it is thus possible to provide a protective film in the form of a film deposited on the surface of the zone exposed by the cut.

Preferably, the device according to the invention described above further comprises a cutting guide comprising at least one compression assembly. In this way, compression and guidance help to prevent the fibers from being pulled out and make cutting easier.

It can be provided that the cutting guide of the device presented in the context of the invention is integral with the cutting assembly or that it is not integral with the cutting assembly. Preferably, the compression assembly comprises at least one holding element consisting of two compression plates provided to grip two parallel faces of the mattress close to the portion of the mattress to be cut. When the compression plates do not are not integral with the rest of the device the operator positions them himself so that ideally the distance of the edges of the compression plates with the cutting line varies from 0.2 and 5 cm, preferably from 0.5 to 3 cm.

For embodiments for which the cutting guide is integral with the entire device, provision can be made for the positioning between the holding elements and the cutting means to optimize the cutting is such that ideally the distance of the edges of the plates compression with the cutting line varies from 0.2 and 5 cm, preferably from 0.5 to 3 cm.

Preferably, the compression assembly comprises two holding members located on either side of the section line. Advantageously, the two holding elements are integral with one another.

Preferably, the compression plates of the device according to the invention are slippery plates, preferably metal plates, designed to co-operate by clamping locally around the area to be cut, and so that said slippery plates are capable of to follow the cutting means during its movement. Part of the plates may be provided to be bent on an edge so that in profile view, each plate is generally in the form of a shoe. Such a morphology allows a better sliding of the plate on the mattress or the carpet to be cut.

Preferably, it is provided that the holding elements are connected at the level of the sliding plates by a bridge to form plates "u" or presser feet intended to cooperate to clamp the mattress. Such an arrangement makes each sliding plate a branch of an u-shaped plate, hereinafter referred to as a presser foot, such that two presser feet (or deer feet) are provided to be positioned on opposite sides of the mattress. . By such a grip in a vice they provide guiding of the cut and optimum compression of the mat during cutting. Such a guide system is particularly easy to handle quickly, especially when the cutting guide is mounted integral with the cutting assembly.

Preferably, the compression assembly further comprises at least one clamping member on at least one of the edges of said compression plates intended to be placed facing one of the longer edges of the mattress (roll unrolled insulation).

The term "edge" refers to the songs of the mattress in opposition to the larger surfaces that are referred to as "face" in the present context.

The operator can position the cutting guides before starting the cutting mechanism, he adjusts the position of the compression plates and uses the clamping members mentioned above in order to ensure a good holding of the plates, which is necessary to optimize the subsequent cutting steps. Preferably, the clamping members are selected from at least one of the following elements: a clamp and a rack closure (or clasp), in order to be able to adjust the pressure to be printed on the fiber mat and to aid cutting. Alternatively, or in combination with the above, the clamping member is preferably a rod with adjustable length.

Preferably, the clamping member comprises a prestressing means, such as a prestressing spring, advantageously allowing to ensure a constant compression of the mattress even if it has a variable thickness.

Preferably, the compression assembly comprises at least one pivot point, such as a hinge or hinge, adapted to allow jaw movement between the two compression plates.

It may be provided that the faces of the compression plates adapted to face the faces of the mattress are provided with spikes to ensure better support during cutting.

The pivot point is advantageously on the edge of the compression plates parallel to the edges of the compression plates comprising the clamping members.

The present invention also relates to an aqueous mixture consisting essentially of an aqueous solution comprising from 1 to 5% by weight of adhesive intended to be placed in the lubricating means of the device presented previously in the context of the present invention. .

Preferably, the adhesive is selected from at least one of the following adhesives: a vinyl adhesive, preferably a vinyl dipolymer, an adhesive comprising at least one terpene resin optionally combined with stabilized rosin, stabilized rosin and a alkyd emulsion based on at least one vegetable fatty acid.

The present invention also relates to a method of cutting an insulating blanket containing at least one fibrous matrix incorporating at least one powdery material involving the use of a device as presented in the context of the invention, comprising the steps: a) optionally placing at least one of said compression assemblies around the portion of the mat to be cut; b) optionally use the clamping members to adjust the compression of the mattress around the area to be cut; c) cutting the mattress with said cutting means by controlling its lubrication and the sizing of any exposed fibers.

The invention will be better understood in the light of the embodiments which follow, as well as figures, simply given for illustrative purposes and which should in no way be interpreted as limiting, and for which: FIG. 1 represents a perspective view , the cutting assembly of a first embodiment of a cutting device according to the invention.

FIG. 2 represents, in perspective view, the cutting guide of a cutting device according to the invention, in a vice, an insulating blanket comprising silica aerogels and placed on the upper face of the cutting assembly shown in FIG. Figure 1.

FIG. 3 shows the cutting device illustrated in FIG. 2 with the start of the saw blade which cuts off part of the insulation blanket.

FIG. 4 shows the cutting device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 with the blade of the saw in operation which cuts, on the cutting line, the insulating blanket, and the hands of the operator which act by pressure on the cutting guide.

FIG. 5 represents, in perspective view, a second embodiment of a cutting device according to the invention. - Figure 6 shows, in perspective view, the cutting guide mounted integral with the front portion of the housing of the saw blade of the cutting device according to the embodiment of Figure 5.

FIG. 7 shows, in perspective view, the second embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, but with the cutting assembly pivoted rearwardly. FIG. 1 shows the cutting assembly 1 of an embodiment of a cutting device 3 according to the invention. The cutting assembly 1 comprises a rotating saw blade 5 capped with a retractable anti-projection protection 7. The rotary saw blade 5 is partially contained in a formwork 9 and passes through the upper face of this formwork through an opening 10. The blade 5 is driven by a motor contained in the formwork 9. The formwork 9 is further provided with a means of lubrication 11 of the blade, not visible in the figures and which consists of a liquid tank in which bathes the saw blade.

In Figure 2 there is shown the cutting guide 13 of the embodiment of a cutting device 3 according to the invention. Figure 2 shows the top of the formwork 9 and the saw blade 5 placed opposite a song of the mattress 14 to cut. The cutting guide 13 comprises a compression assembly consisting of two holding elements each composed of two compression plates 15a and 15b or 17a and 17b, such that each plate group 15a and 15b or 17a and 17b clamps the insulation blanket 14 to cut on both sides of the section line 21. A first group of plates consisting of 15a and 15b is shown at the top left in Figure 2, and a second group consisting of 17a and 17b is shown in FIG. bottom right in Figure 2. Only the compression plates 15a and 17a placed on the top of the mattress 14 are visible in Figure 2. The plates 15a and 15b are held in pressure on the mattress 14 with a clamping member consisting of a clamp 23. Similarly, the plates 17a and 17b are held in pressure on the mattress 14 by means of another clamping member also consisting of a clamp 25.

In Figure 3 there is shown the same cutting device 3, but this time in operation. The liquid container of the lubricating means 11 having been filled with water, or an aqueous mixture containing additives such as glue, in sufficient quantity so that at least a part of the saw blade 5 soaks in the liquid the saw blade 5 is rotated about its axis and its faces are coated with water, or possibly with an adhesive diluted with water. The saw blade cuts the insulation blanket 14 at the cutting line 21, and deposits on the surfaces exposed by the cut a film of water, and possibly glue, which retains the particles inside the cut matelat.

FIG. 4 shows the hands of the operator who exerts pressure on the plates 15a and 17a so as to move the compression assemblies on the upper face of the formwork 9 and cause the mattress 14 to be cut by the blade of saw 5 all along the cutting line 21. The projection protection 7 may optionally be lowered to improve the guidance. At the end of cutting, the operator removes the clamps 23 and 25, and removes the compression plates which are interconnected by hinges 27 and 29 not shown.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 5, it consists of a cutting device 103 comprising a cutting guide 113 secured to a cutting assembly 101. The cutting guide comprises two presser feet 115 and 117 as shown in Figure 6 which are placed opposite so that they form a clamp. Each presser foot is composed of two branches connected by a bridge and form two holding elements located on either side of the blade of the saw 105. The spacing of the two feet 115 and 117 relative to the other can be adjusted through an adjustable length rod 119 equipped with a clamping screw 121 and a preload spring not shown in the figures. The cutting guide 113 is connected to the cutting assembly 101 which comprises a rotary saw blade 105 capped with a two-part housing 123a and 123b. The rotary saw blade 105 is adapted to be driven by a motor (not visible in the figures) contained in the cutting assembly 101. The rear portion of the housing 123a is fixedly mounted on the cutting guide 113 through the rod 124. The rear portion of the housing 123a is pivotally mounted relative to the remainder of the cutting assembly 101 which comprises in particular the front portion of the housing 123b, so that the housing 123a is retractable relative to the front portion of the housing 123b.

The cutting assembly 101 also comprises a reservoir 125 connected to the end of a pipe 127 equipped at its other end with a spray nozzle 129. The nozzle 129 opens on the front part of the casing 123b at the level of the part high of the blade of the saw 105.

In operation, the operator pivots rearwardly the cutting assembly 101 with the front portion of the housing 123b so that only the rear portion of the housing 123a and the cutting guide 113 remain stationary, and then insert the insulation blanket 14 in the cutting guide 113 between the two pressing feet 115 and 117. At this stage, or beforehand, it optionally adjusts the spacing of the two feet 115 and 117 by means of the adjustable length rod 119 which constitutes a clamping member. Then, the operator lowers the cutting assembly 101 so that the rear portion of the housing 123a is secured to the front portion 123b and activates the rotary saw mechanism which is lubricated by the liquid of the tank 125.

The operator holds the device 103 by the handle 131 and proceeds to cut the mattress all along the cutting line. The glue, optionally contained in the aqueous mixture, avoids the generation of dust during cutting by aggregation of the torn off particles and creates a protective film which prevents dispersion of the airgel particles after cutting.

In each of the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a more or less short drying time to ensure, where appropriate, the setting of the adhesive on the cut surface. On the contrary, it may also be advantageous to manipulate the cut product immediately so as to exploit the stickiness of the edge at the time of installation of the insulating product and its establishment against the wall elements to be insulated.

The skilled person knows how to possibly modify the embodiments of the device of the invention presented in the text of the present application, for a use which is more particularly suitable for cutting at the factory, or for cutting on site directly before the laying on the walls of a building.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS1 Device (3, 103) for cutting an insulating blanket (14) containing at least one fibrous matrix incorporating at least one pulverulent material, and as it comprises at least one cutting assembly (1, 101) comprising, of a on the one hand, a cutting means (5, 105) and, on the other hand, at least one lubricating means (11, 125) of said cutting means. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the powder material is selected from silica particles and carbonate particles, preferably it is at least one of the silicas selected from pyrogenic silica particles, precipitated silica particles and silica airgel particles, and preferably these are silica airgel particles. 3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cutting means is a saw blade (5, 105), preferably rotatable, and preferably smooth side faces. 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lubricating means comprises a reservoir (125) adapted to contain water or an aqueous mixture comprising glue. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a cutting guide (13, 113) comprising at least one compression assembly. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cutting guide (13, 113) is integral with the cutting assembly (1, 101). 7. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the cutting guide (13, 113) is not integral with the cutting assembly (1, 101). 8. Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the compression assembly comprises at least one holding member consisting of two compression plates (15a, 15b, 17a, 17b) provided to take two vice parallel faces of the mattress (14) near the portion of said mattress (14) to be cut. 9. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the compression assembly comprises two holding elements located on either side of the cutting line (21). 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the two holding elements are integral with one another. 11. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the compression plates are slippery plates, preferably metal, designed to cooperate by clamping locally around the area to be cut, and such so that said sliding plates are able to follow the cutting means during its movement. 12. Device according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the holding elements are connected at the sliding plates by a bridge to form plates "u" or presser feet (115, 117) intended to cooperate to take into account. vise the mattress (14). 13. Device according to claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the compression assembly further comprises at least one clamping member (23, 25, 119) on at least one of the edges of said compression plates intended to be placed in position. look at one of the longer edges of the mattress (14). 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the clamping members are selected from at least one of the following elements: a clamp (23, 25) and a rack-and-pinion closure. 15. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the clamping member is an adjustable length rod (119). 16. Device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the clamping member (23, 25, 119) comprises a prestressing means, such as a prestressing spring. 17. Device according to claims 8 to 16, characterized in that the compression assembly comprises at least one pivot point, such as a hinge or hinge (27, 29), adapted to allow jaw movement between the two. compression plates (15a, 15b, 17a, 17b). 18. Aqueous mixture consisting essentially of an aqueous solution comprising from 1 to 5% by weight of adhesive intended to be placed in the lubricating means (11, 125) of the device (3, 103) according to one of the claims. preceding. 19. An aqueous mixture according to claim 16, characterized in that the adhesive is selected from at least one of the following adhesives: a vinyl adhesive, preferably a vinylic dipolymer, an adhesive comprising at least one terpene resin optionally associated with the stabilized rosin, stabilized rosin and an alkyd emulsion based on at least one vegetable fatty acid. 20. A method of cutting an insulating blanket (14) containing at least one fibrous matrix incorporating at least one powdery material involving the use of the device (3, 103) according to one of claims 1 to 17, comprising the steps of: a) optionally placing at least one of said compression assemblies around the portion of the mattress (14) to be cut; b) optionally using the clamping members (23, 25, 119) to adjust the compression of the mattress (14) around the area to be cut; c) cutting the mattress with said cutting means (5, 105) by controlling its lubrication and the possible sizing of the fibers exposed.