The present invention concerns a machine for casting lifting anchors into concrete or cement, especially pipes made of concrete.

It is previously known holding and lifting anchors to be cast into concrete, especially pipes made of concrete, and in this connection it is referred to a method known as the "DEHA Lifting System". It may also be referred to Norwe¬ gian patent no. 147.413 and Norwegian patent application no. 87.3267.

However, what previously has been the object of cumbersome and time-consuming procedures is the incorporative casting of the securing and holding anchors in the concrete in itself, a procedure which previously has been performed manually.

When casting e.g. pipes of concrete, there is used two concentric forms with different diameters constituting an outer and an inner collar. Between these collars there is introduced liquid cement or concrete. Then the forms are forcefully vibrated to compact the cement or the concrete, whereafter casting form is removed and the concrete or cement object is stored for hardening. In the case of conrete pipes, the outer form or sleeve is initially removed after the compacting of the cement, and after the concrete or cement is completely or partly hardened, the inner form or sleeve is removed and the concrete pipe is stored for further hardening. Of course other concrete or cement objects than pipes such as concrete slabs for building construction or other purposes, may be equipped with lifting anchors, and the casting procedure of such objects may not involve inner and/or outer sleeves for the form, in which case it is within the knowledge of the person skilled in the art to determine the best way to

cast the cement. The casting procedure will in such cases not depart from the conventional procedure pe se, apart from incuding lifting anchors as disclosed in the present patent application.

Previously there has in the outer form been located aper¬ tures for securing the holding anchors, and there has been used semi-spherics pieces of metal or rubber to produce the semi-spherics sockets wherein the anchor is located. As mentioned supra, this work has been performed manually with the associated inconveniences.

When including holding anchors in the cement or concrete at the casting, there is preferably used mounting semi- spheres of metal or a synthetic material such as poly- urethane, and accordingly the use of such semi-spheres is preferred with the device according to the invention.

The machine according to the present invention will be disclosed infra with reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

Fig. 1 shows the shape of the mounting tool according to prior art, shaped as a semi-sphere, seen from below,

fig. 2 shows the same mounting tool as in fig. 1, but observed from above,

fig. 3 shows a drawing of an embodiment of the mounting device using the mounting tool according to figs. 1 and 2 according to the present invention,

fig. 4 shows a drawing of the device according to fig. 3, but mounted on a casting form and with an anchor included in the mounting tool,

fig. 5 shows a detailed picture of the mounting tool in

connection with a holding/mounting part of the machine according to the prsent invention together with an alter¬ native and preferred design of the lifting tool to be used in the machine.

The mounting device according to the present invention is designed in such a way that it is suited for a mounting tool according to figs. 1 and 2 and a tool as shown in fig. 5. For this reason it is of importance to understand the function of the device according to the present inven¬ tion, also to understand the function of the mounting tool.

As mentioned supra, such a mounting tool for mounting lifting anchors in objects of cement or concrete, is used by a mounting device according to the present invention. Such a mounting tool comprises two mainly quarter-spherics parts, 1,2, forming together a mounting tool with a semi- spherics shape. The parts 1,2 are rotatably hinged to a middle piece 3 so that the quarter-spheres 1,2 may rotate about their hinges 4 to expose the middle piece 3. The middle piece 3 has centrally a threaded hole 5 and secur¬ ing recesses 6. The mounting tool may be securely held by the mounting device according to the invention by the hole 5 and operated via the recesses 6. The two quarter- spherics parts 1,2 form between them a penetrating hole 7 passing through the parts 1,2 and ending adjacent the middle piece 3. The penetrating hole 7 is dimensioned in such a way that the holding and lifting anchors to be cast into the concrete may be placed and securely held in the hole 7 by the cooperation between the quarter-spherics parts 1,2. After casting, when pulling the quarter- spherics parts 1,2 apart by using the operating recesses 6, the parts 1,2 will pivot about the hinges 4 and thereby easily free the holding/lifting anchor which now has been securely mounted in the concrete/cement object. *

In an alternative and preferred embodiment of the mounting tool to be used in the machine according to the present invention, the mounting tool is completely made of a synthetic material, e.g. polyurethane, and comprises only the two quarter-spheric parts 1,2. On account of the elasticity/resilience of the synthetic material (polyurethane) , no separate hinges are necessay, nor is the central part 3 of the metal mounting tool necessary in such an embodiment. However, the mounting tool is in this case also movably fastened to the machine according to the invention through a central hole 5 and through salver stays 36 being secured to the peripherial area 6 of each of the quarter-speric parts 1,2 of the mounting tool.

When designing the mounting tool of a synthetic mateial

(polyurethane), the fissure between the parts 1,2 and the mounting hole 7 for the anchor does not pass all the way through the mounting tool, leaving a part of the mounting tool impermeable for cement or concrete silt or fine particles, thus making the tool per se impermeable for such silt or fine particles. Additionally, the seal or gasket around the corresponding hole in the oter sleeve of the form, being of a similar material, ensures a complete and tight fitting between the mounting tool and the gas- ket/seal (see the disclousre infra) .

As mentioned supra the design and function of the mounting metal tool represents prior art, and does not constitute a part of the present invention. However, previously when producing pipes of cement or concrete, such mounting tools were operated manually when cementing the holding and lifting anchors, and this represented both expensive and time-consuming work. It is preferred to make the mounting tool of a synthetic material (poyurethane) , and in this case the design of the tool is better and includes fewer moving parts than the metal one, making it better suited for the mounting procedure in the device according to the

present invention.

The present invention concerns a pneumatic or hydraulic machine to automatically mount such holding/lifting an¬ chors as mentioned supra, something which significantly eases the work when casting such anchors into the concrete object. The operation of the device according to the invention will be disclosed infra with reference to the enclosed figure(s) showing an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

In fig. 3 there is shown an embodiment of a device accor¬ ding to the present invention. The parts depicted in the figure has been given the following reference numbers:

11 Upper pivot bolt; 12 Upper knee joint, connecting piece; 13 Middle pivot bolt, knee; 14 Securing point for pneumatic/hydraulic cylinder; 15 Lower knee, connecting piece; 16 Pivot bolt, lower knee; 17 Outer frame; 18 Closing cylinder; 19 Rear securing point for closing cylinder; 20 Pivot bolt for rear cylinder securing point; 21 Inner frame; 22 Pivot bolt for inner frame; 23 Rear securing point for locking cylinder; 24 Pivot bolt rear securing point of locking cylinder; 25 Locking cylinder; 26 Stay for locking cylinder; 27 Fork securing point for locking mechanism; 28 Pivot securing point; 29 Locking piece; 30 Camming axis for locking piece; 31 Quarter-sphere of mounting tool (corresponds to parts

1 and 2 in figs 1 and 2) ;

32 Pivot pin for quarter sphere; 33 Tightening ring welded piece; 34 Welded plate for tightening ring; 35 Tightening lid; 36 Connecting arm for quarter sphere; 37 Securing bolt for chain arms; 38 Locking pin connecting arm block; 39 Pivotable securing point locking piece; 40 Opening bolt; 41 T-piece for opening bolt.

When mounting a holding/lifting anchor for casting into the cement/concrete object in the mounting tool in the device according to the present invention, the locking piece 29, which may slide along the length axis of the inner frame 21 by the action of the hydraulic/pneumatic locking cylinder 25 by the locking piece pivoting about the axis 39 for the locking piece, is in its withdrawn position with respect to opening bolt 40 and its connected T-piece 41. In this position the opening bolt 40 may bring the two quarter-spheres 31 apart and thus opening the hole 7 between them (see figs. 1 and 2) for placing a holding/lifting anchor in the hole 7, by pushing on the opening bolt and its T-piece 40,41. Thereby the middle piece 3, being secured through its threaded hole 5, to the opening bolt 40, is forced downwards, but since the quar¬ ter-halves 1,2,31 are hinged 4,32 and held by the link arms 36 and securing pins 38 to the securing bolt 37 for the locking piece 29, the effect of pushing on the T-piece 41 is to bring the two quarter-spheres 1,2,31 apart, as mentioned supra.

When the two quarter-spheres 1,2,31 are held apart by pushing on the T-piece 41 for the opening bolt 40 (the closing cylinder 18 and locking cylinder 25 then being in their rear position, a holding/lifting anchor may be placed in the hole 7 between the two quarter-spheres

1,2,31. After the anchor has been correctly placed in the hole 7 between the quarter-spheres 1,2,31, the operator then releases the pressure on the opening bolt 40 (this blot being spring-loaded by an along the bolt 40 axially running spring (not shown) ) and the quarter-spheres then close around the anchor to securely hold it in the hole 7.

The device according to the invention is preferably in this position when the form is placed in the casting machine and possible armature is placed in the casting form. However, the device according to the invention may also be in its locked position when performing the pre¬ liminary stages before introducing the cement/concrete into the casting mould.

Before filling liquid concrete or cement into the casting form (between the inner and outer sleeves of the form (see supra) ) , the device according to the invention is closed and locked by the operator activating a valve being con- nected to the closing cylinder 25 operating the locking piece 29.

The closing sequence starts with the operating liquid/air (depending on the device being hydraulic or pneumatic) being routed to the closing cylinder 25 and the liquid/air supply to the closing cylinder 18 being mainly closed. The locking cylinder 25 moves the closing piece 29 into a closed position preventing any movement of the opening bolt 40 and thus preventing any movement of the centre piece 3 of the mounting tool. The locking piece 29 is equipped with camming rolls 30 lying above and below the locking piece. When the locking piece is moved to a closed position, the opening bolt 40 is forced upwards and prevented from movement by the upper camming rolls being pressed under the edge of the T-piece 41 being secured to the opening bolt 40.

The lower pair of camming rolls 30 press downwards against the tightening block 35. Thus there arises tension in the opening bolt 40 and this forms a tight fitting between the form 31 and the tightening layer of the tightening plate 25 by the tool 31 being pressed upwards against the fit¬ ting plate 35. Synthetic material, preferably poly¬ urethane, is used in the fittings to achieve elasticity in the fitting zones, something which gives very good tight¬ ening effect. When additionally and preferably using a mounting tool of a synthetic material (poyurethane) , a very colse and tight fitting is achieved between the material of the mounting tool and the fittings/gaskets of the tightening plate 35, this ensuring that no concrete silt of fine particles penetrate the fitting. Also the pneumatic/hydraulic locking cylinder 25 operating the locking piece 29, compresses the material of the gasket 33 and the mounting tool 1,2,31 further ensuring a very tight fitting between these parts of the device. The lifting/holding anchor is securely and forcefully held in its hole 7, and the tool 1,2,31 is tightly fitted about the trunk of the anchor and along its seam between the two tool halves 1,2 to prevent cement or concrete to penetrate into the machine or the tool.

By the locking piece 29 being placed parallel to the opening bolt 40, no forces affect the locking cylinder directly, and all forces ate taken up in the locking piece 29.

Subsequently the closing sequence starts when the locking cylinder 25 is in its extended position, by the closing cylinder 18 being activated. The closing cylinder 18 closes the mechanism by pressing a "knee joint" 12,13,14,- 15,16 into an extended position.

The "knee joint" comprises the parts 12-16, shown in fig. 3, and is secured to the outer frame 17 of the mechanism

which in its turn is mounted on the outer sleeve of the casting form. The "knee joint" 12 is rotatably hinged in its upper 11 and lower 16 pivot bolts to the outer 17 and inner 21 frames of the machine, respectively. When acti- vating the closing cylinder 18, the "knee joint" 12 will make the inner frame 21 pivot about the pivot bolt 22, thus bringing the inner frame 21 away from the outer sleeve of the casting form.

The closing cylinder 18, when activated, thus forces the locked tool 1,2,31 with the mounted anchor against the fitting 33,34 being welded to the outer sleeve of the casting form.

The layer of polyurethane in the top fitting 35 may be compressed and gives an optimal tightening effect. This does not allow any cement or concrete to leak through either the tool 1,2,31 or the lid 33,34 when the mechanism is in it operating mode.

The effect of the "knee joint" increases with the exten¬ sion of the closing cylinder 18, and in the last stages of the movement of the closing cylinder, the polyurethane layer in the lid 33,34 is compressed. This requires strength in the closing mechanism being achieved through the "knee-joint" solution.

After the above disclosed operations have been performed, cement/concrete is poured between the sleeves of the casting form, and the above mentioned vibration of the form is commenced.

When the cement/concrete is compacted by vibrating the casting form, the tool is withdrawn and the casting form is hoisted. The concrete has a tendency to ooze about 20- 40 mm at the top of the form (related to a form with a height of about 2 m) , and the anchor would not be properly

secured if the tool was not removed right after the end of the vibrating/compacting of the cement/concrete.

The operator starts the withdrawal of the tool (opening of the mechanism) by turning the air pressure valve to the closing cylinder 18 an open position.

Both the closing 18 and the locking 25 cylinders are "aired" simultaneously. Removing the pressure of the closing cylinder 18, and the fact that this cylinder has a far larger volume than the locking cylinder 25, effects that the locking cylinder first draws the closing piece 29 out of its locked position so that the tool may be opened. Then the closing cylinder starts drawing on the "knee joint" thus opening the mechanism.

The "knee joint" operates slowly in the preliminary stages of the opening phase through the exchange between the movements in "knee joint" closing cylinder, and then operates more rapidly for opening the mechanism com¬ pletely.

For not putting too much force on the lifting anchors now sitting rather "loosely" in the soft compressed ce- ment/concrete, the tool 1,2,31 is equipped with slaver arms 36 being secured 6 to the outer edges of the tool. The purpose of these arms are to open the tool without effecting any or minimal force on the anchor.

The slaver arms 36 are secured to the inner frame of the securing block 37.

The anchor is now left in the concrete and the mechanism is ready for a new operating sequence.

The mechanism according to the present invention may also be adjusted with respect to its distance from the pouter

sleeve of the casting form, by placing it on adjustable bolts to the outer sleeve of the form.

Furthermore, it is preferred (although not necessary) to mount the machine according to the present invention releasably to the outer sleeve of the form, thus making it possible to interchange the device between different sleeves. This is desirable when using different forms for the concrete/cment objects into which there are to be included the same types of lifting/holding anchors.