EP1627099B1 - Element for handling connectors for electrolytic cells which are used for the production of aluminium - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an element (300) for handling an anode connector (200) which is equipped with two lateral trunnions (212, 212') and a clamping screw (210). According to the invention, the aforementioned connector can co-operate with the hook fasteners (10, 10') of a cell (1) for the production of aluminium by means of fused-salt electrolysis, such that anodes can be connected to said cell. Moreover, the inventive element comprises a clamping member (302) which can co-operate with the clamping screw (210) of the connector, such as to alter the clamping condition thereof. The invention is characterised in that it comprises a locking system (310, 310', 320) which can co-operate with the clamping member (302) and the connector (200), such as to lock the latter in a determined position, known as the normal position, in the handling element (300) by loosening the connector using the clamping member. The invention is further characterised in that it also comprises at least one mobile member (312, 312') having an open position and a closed position and in that each mobile member (312, 312') consists of: a support (313, 313') which can support the connector (200) in the closed position, typically by means of the above-mentioned lateral trunnions (212, 212'); and a means (315, 315') for moving each mobile member (312, 312') from the closed position to the open position. The invention prevents a connector from being dropped during the handling thereof.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to aluminum production plants by igneous electrolysis according to the Hall-Héroult process. It relates more particularly handling equipment used in said factories.

State of the art

Aluminum metal is produced industrially by igneous electrolysis, namely by electrolysis of alumina in solution in a bath of molten cryolite, called electrolyte bath, according to the well-known Hall-Héroult process. The electrolyte bath is contained in tanks, called "electrolysis cells", comprising a steel box, which is coated internally with refractory and / or insulating materials, and a cathode assembly located at the bottom of the tank. Anodes, typically of carbonaceous material, are partially immersed in the electrolyte bath. The assembly formed by an electrolytic cell, its anodes and the electrolyte bath is called an electrolysis cell.

The anodes are provided with a metal rod for electrical and mechanical connection to a metal frame, called anode frame, which is movable relative to a fixed gantry disposed above the electrolytic cell. The anode rods are connected to the anode frame by means of hooks arranged on either side of the anode rods and removable connectors able to be deposited on these hooks and to press the anode rods against the anode frame. . French patent FR 2 039 543 (corresponding to the US patent US 3,627,670 ) describes such devices.

In operation, an electrolysis plant requires interventions on the electrolysis cells including among others the replacement of spent anodes by new anodes. To carry out these interventions, the most modern factories are equipped with at least one lifting and handling unit comprising a traveling crane, which can be translated over and along the electrolysis cells, and a trolley equipped with several handling and intervention devices (often called "tools").

French patent FR 2 039 543 discloses a handling device for handling connectors, including their introduction, removal and transport.

However, it may happen that the connectors are not well grasped by the known handling devices, which can lead to an accidental fall of the connector, typically during transport or during its introduction.

The applicant has therefore sought anode connector handling members for the aluminum production industry by igneous electrolysis, which can avoid these disadvantages while remaining reliable, simple and compact.

Description of the invention

The subject of the invention is a handling device intended in particular for setting up and removing an electrolytic cell anode connector.

More specifically, the invention relates to a handling device according to claim 1 an anode connector provided with two lateral journals and a clamping screw, said handling member comprising a clamping member, such as a key, adapted to cooperate with the clamping screw of the connector so as to modify its clamping state, and characterized in that it comprises a locking system adapted to cooperate with the clamping member and the connector so as to block it in a given position - called normal handling position - in the handling member by loosening the connector with the clamping member, in that it further comprises at least one movable member having an open position and a closed position and in that the movable member comprises a support adapted to support the connector - typically by said lateral journals - when in the closed position and means for causing movement of the movable member from the closed position to the open position.

The applicant has had the idea to provide the handling member with a locking system for fixing the connector in the handling member in a normal handling position and a movable member to act as a possible support in case of failure of the block in the handling member. Such a failure can occur, for example, when the connector has been damaged or deformed or when it is worn.

The invention also relates to an anode connector provided with a gripping means adapted to cooperate with the locking system of the handling member.

The invention also relates to a lifting and handling unit comprising at least one anode connector handling member according to the invention.

The invention also relates to the use of the handling device according to the invention in an aluminum production plant by igneous electrolysis.

The invention also relates to the use of a connector according to the invention in an aluminum production plant by igneous electrolysis.

The invention further relates to the use of a lifting and handling unit according to the invention in an aluminum production plant by igneous electrolysis.

The invention will be better understood from the detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof which are set forth below and which are illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures.

• La figure 1 illustre une cellule d'électrolyse typique, vue en perspective, destinée à la production d'aluminium.
• La figure 2 illustre, vue en section transversale, une salle d'électrolyse typique destinée à la production d'aluminium.
• La figure 3 illustre, vue en perspective, un connecteur d'anode selon l'invention et des crochets de fixation dudit connecteur.
• La figure 4 illustre, en vue de côté, un organe de manutention selon l'invention.
• Les figures 5 et 6 illustrent le fonctionnement de l'organe de manutention d'un connecteur d'anode selon l'invention.
• La figure 7 illustre un dispositif de déverrouillage de l'organe de manutention.

The invention makes it possible to avoid the untimely falls of a connector during its handling. It has the advantage of requiring a limited number of moving elements, which increases the reliability of the handling member.

• The figure 1 illustrates a typical electrolysis cell, seen in perspective, for the production of aluminum.
• The figure 2 illustrates, seen in cross section, a typical electrolysis room for the production of aluminum.
• The figure 3 illustrates, perspective view, an anode connector according to the invention and hooks for fixing said connector.
• The figure 4 illustrates, in side view, a handling device according to the invention.
• The figures 5 and 6 illustrate the operation of the handling member of an anode connector according to the invention.
• The figure 7 illustrates a device for unlocking the handling member.

Electrolysis plants for the production of aluminum comprise one or more electrolysis rooms (100) having a large number of electrolysis cells (1) normally arranged in rows or rows (typically side by side or head to head ), each row or file typically having one or more hundreds of cells.

As illustrated in figure 1 , an electrolysis cell (1) comprises a tank (2), adapted to contain the liquid metal and the electrolyte bath, a superstructure (3) and anodes (8), typically precooked anodes. The superstructure (3) comprises a fixed gantry (4) and a moving metal anode frame (5). The anodes (8) are provided with a metal rod (9) for fixing and electrical connection anodes (8) to the anode frame (5). The superstructure (3) also comprises at least one jack (not shown) coupled to the anode frame (5) by connecting rods (6) and levers (7). The anode frame (5) can be moved vertically (upwards or downwards) under the action of the cylinder (s).

The anode rods (9) are fixed to the anode frame (5) by connectors (200) typically having two levers (201, 202) adapted to articulate around a common axis (213), clamping means (205, 206, 210, 211) for articulating said levers (201, 202) and two trunnions (or pins) side (212, 212 ') disposed on each side of the connector. The lateral journals (212, 212 ') generally form the common axis (213) and are typically constituted by the ends of a rod - generally cylindrical - which passes through the connector from side to side. Said journals (212, 212 ') are intended to rest in the recess (11, 11') of the hooks (10, 10 ') fixed to the anode frame (5) and located on either side of each anode rod (9).

A connector (200) has at least one first state, called a tight state, and a second state, called a loose state. When a connector (200) is installed in fastening hooks (10, 10 '), as shown in FIG. Figure 3 (B) , the tightening state allows either to fix the anode rod (9) on the anode frame (5), or to release the anode rod (9): in the tightened state, the connector (200) applies pressure against the anode rod (9) and the plate on the anode frame (5); in the loosened state, the connector (200) no longer applies pressure against the anode rod (9), so that the connector and the anode can be removed.

A connector (200) can pass between the two clamping states by actuating the clamping means (205, 206, 210, 211). These means normally comprise a screw (210) adapted to cooperate with an outer clamping member (302), such as a key, generally attached to a handling member (300). The clamping screw (210) is typically provided with a head (211) adapted to be inserted into the clamping member (302) for clamping or loosening the connector (200). The clamping means also comprise nuts (205, 206) fixed to the levers (201, 202) of the connector, preferably movably, and adapted to cooperate with the screw (210) of in order to allow the articulation of the levers (201, 202) and the tightening / loosening of the connector (200).

The levers (201, 202) of a connector (200) generally comprise crosspieces (203, 204) intended in particular to communicate, directly or indirectly, the clamping pressure of the connector against the anode rods.

As illustrated in figure 2 the electrolysis rooms (100) normally comprise at least one lifting and handling unit or "service machine" (20). Said unit (20) typically comprises a traveling crane (21) able to be moved along the electrolysis cells on treads (23, 23 '), a trolley (22) able to move on the crane ( 21), and handling and intervention members (often referred to as "tools"), such as a handling member (300) for the anode connectors (200). The handling member (300) is typically placed at the end of a telescopic arm (24). The handling member (300) typically comprises a frame (301) and a fastening means (304).

According to the invention, the handling member (300) of an anode connector (200) provided with two lateral journals (212, 212 ') and a clamping screw (210), said connector being adapted to cooperating with fixing hooks (10, 10 ') of a cell (1) for producing aluminum by igneous electrolysis so as to allow the connection of anodes (8) on said cell, said handling member comprising an organ clamping device (302) adapted to cooperate with the clamping screw (210) so as to modify the clamping state of the connector (200), is characterized in that it comprises a locking system (310, 310 ', 320 ) adapted to cooperate with the clamping member (302) and the connector (200) so as to lock the latter in a predetermined position in the handling member (300) by loosening the connector (200) with the aid of the clamping member (302), in that it further comprises at least one movable member (312, 312 ') having a first position, called a position o uverte, and a second position, called closed position, and in that the or each movable member (312, 312 ') comprises a support (313, 313') adapted to support the connector (200) when in the position closed and means (315, 315 ') for causing displacement the or each movable member (312, 312 ') from the closed position to the open position.

In said determined position, called the normal handling position, the connector is properly anchored in the handling member, unless damaged, and can be moved and transported. In this position, the support (313, 313 ') is normally not necessary to carry the connector, that is to say that said support is intended to wear the connector only in case of damage. In addition, in the determined position, the clamping screw (210) remains normally engaged in the clamping member (302). The connector (200) can then be disengaged or removed from said determined position by clamping the connector with the clamping member (302).

In an advantageous variant of the invention, said support (313, 313 ') is able to support the connector (200) by said lateral journals (212, 212'), when the or each movable member (312, 312 ') is in the closed position. This variant gives a great stability to the connector when it rests on said support. In this variant, the support (313, 313 ') advantageously comprises a concavity (314, 314'), essentially turned down in use, adapted to receive a pin (212, 212 ') connector.

In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the or each movable member (312, 312 ') further comprises a locking means (314, 314') for preventing movement of the or each movable member (312, 312 '). from the closed position to the open position when the connector (200) rests on the support (313, 313 '). This situation can occur when the connector is not blocked - or not properly locked - in the normal handling position, in which case the connector can be driven downward by gravity until it rests on the carrier (313, 313 ' ). This situation can also occur when the connector is released from the normal position during handling, typically due to mishandling. This variant makes it possible to prevent an operator from trying to put in place a loose connector in the handling device, which could cause the connector to fall.

In a preferred embodiment of this variant of the invention, the handling member is characterized in that it comprises two mobile members (312, 312 ') each comprising a support (313, 313'), in that each support (313, 313 ') comprises at least one concavity (314, 314') adapted to receive a lateral trunnion (212, 212 ') and in that, so as to form said locking means, the dimensions of each concavity (314, 314 ') are such that, when the connector is locked in said determined (so-called normal) position, each movable member (312, 312') can move unobstructed, whereas, when the lateral pins (212, 212 ') ') of the connector (200) rest in said concavities (314, 314'), the movement of the or each movable member (312, 312 ') is mechanically prohibited by a stop effect.

The or each movable member (312, 312 ') is typically adapted to be pivotally displaced about an axis (303).

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking system (310, 310 ', 320) comprises at least one attachment means (320) able to cooperate with the connector (200) and the clamping member ( 302) so as to cause the locking of the connector (200) in the handling member (300). The attachment means (320) is typically adapted to cooperate with the connector (200) via a gripping means (231, 232) provided on the connector.

The cooperation between the connector (200), the clamping member (302) and the hooking means (320) fixes the connector in the handling member when the connector (200) is loosened. For example, as illustrated in Figure 5 (D) , the hooking means (320) is housed in a gripping means (231, 232) of the connector (200) during the loosening operation of the latter by means of the clamping member (302). In this position, the connector (200) can not move vertically (due in particular to the attachment means (320) which supports the connector), nor horizontally (because of the screw (210) which remains engaged in the clamping member (302)).

The attachment means (320) is advantageously a fixed or movable part capable of cooperating with the connector (200), typically by insertion into a gripping means (231, 232) provided on the connector, so as to block it . The attachment means (320) is typically a lug, a finger or a protuberance.

It has been found advantageous to fix the attachment means (320) to the guide means (310, 310 ').

In an advantageous variant of the invention, the locking system (310, 310 ', 320) comprises at least one guide means (310, 310'), which can be fixed or movable, for guiding the insertion of the connector in the blocking system. The guide means (310, 310 ') typically comprises a fork. Said system preferably comprises two forks (310, 310 ') arranged to allow the insertion of the connector between them and the guiding of each pin (212, 212') of the connector by each fork (310, 310 '). This variant facilitates the establishment and locking of the connector in the determined position. In order to further limit the movements of the connector, the shape of the concavity (311, 311 ') of each fork (310, 310') is advantageously complementary to that of a pin (212, 212 ') of the connector. The bottom of the concavity (311, 311 ') possibly makes it possible to limit the vertical displacements of the connector.

The or each guide means (310, 310 ') is advantageously mobile. It may optionally be provided with an elastic return means capable of returning it to an equilibrium position. The mobility of the guide means or gives the locking system a certain flexibility when inserting a connector in the handling member and thus avoids possible degradation of the elements of said system. It also makes it possible to overcome certain differences in the size of the connectors.

Any concavities (311, 311 ', 314, 314') advantageously form an opening (305, 305 ') capable of preventing the transverse exit of a connector pin (212, 212').

Said means (315, 315 ') for causing the displacement of the or each movable member (312, 312') from the closed position to the open position advantageously comprises a cam fitted on said movable member and configured so that it can cooperate with said hooks (10, 10 ') - and more precisely with the ends (12, 12') of said hooks - so as to cause the displacement of the or each movable member (312, 312 ') from the closed position to the position opened by a relative movement between the handling member (300) and the fastening hooks (10, 10 '). The simplicity of this embodiment gives great reliability to the handling member. The means (315, 315 ') may optionally be a controlled mechanical, pneumatic or electromechanical means.

A connector (200) which is particularly advantageous for implementing the invention comprises two levers (201, 202), two lateral journals (212, 212 '), a clamping screw (210), and in addition at least one gripping means (231, 232) adapted to cooperate with the locking system (310, 310 ', 320) of the handling member so as to lock the connector in the determined position, said normal handling position. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two levers (201, 202) each comprise a crossbar (203, 204) and said gripping means is a flange (231, 232) provided on at least one of the crosspieces (203, 204). , 204). This connector (200) can be handled by the handling member (300) according to the invention.

The operation of the system of the handling device (300) according to the invention is illustrated by means of the particular example of the figures 5 and 6 which relate to a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the handling member comprises two forks (310, 310 ') and two movable members (312, 312') provided with a cam (315, 315 ') and suitable to pivot about an axis (303).

The example shown in figure 5 corresponds to the normal case in which the connector (200) fits correctly in the handling member. In this example, the connector (200) is initially inserted into the hooks (10, 10 ') and resting on an anode rod (9) in the tight state ( Figure 5 (A) ). In order to remove said connector (200), the handling member (300) is brought close to the connection so as to insert the connector (200) and the hooks (10, 10 ') between the movable members (312, 312 '). The cams (315, 315 ') then slide on the ends (12, 12') of the hooks and cause the pivoting of the movable members (312, 312 '), which then swing in the open position. The screw head (211) is inserted into the clamping member (302) and the pins (212, 212 ') of the connector are engaged in the forks (310, 310') ( Figure 5 (B) ). The connector is then loosened with the aid of the clamping member, which causes the insertion means (320) to be inserted into the connector and the latter to be locked in a normal position inside the connector. handling device ( Figure 5 (C) ). The handling member is then raised, which causes the mobile members (312, 312 ') to pivot under the effect of gravitation, which then return to the closed position ( Figure 5 (D) ). The moving limbs can be moved in the way, so that if you want to install the connector on another anode, you can simply perform the procedure in reverse.

The example shown in figure 6 corresponds to a case in which the connector (200) is not inserted correctly into the handling device. In this example, the attachment means (320) is not inserted into the gripping means (231, 232) of the connector, so that it is not locked in the normal handling position. The journals (212, 212 ') then bear, by gravity, on the support (313, 313') of each mobile member (312, 312 ') ( Figure 6 (A) ). In this position, the concavities (314, 314 ') prohibit the movement of the moving members (312, 312'). More specifically, in this position, a force exerted so as to move the movable members to the open position pushes the inner edge of the concavities against the trunnions, which prohibits the movement of the moving members because any lateral movement of the connector is blocked by the clamping member (302). In practice, the handling member is then deported outwardly of the hooks, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 (B) .

The figure 7 illustrates an unlocking device (400) adapted to unlock the handling member when the connector is not inserted in the normal position inside the handling member. Said device (400) comprises a receptacle (401) able to support the connector (200) and a lever (402) able to pivot about an axis (403). The lever (402) is initially deported so as to disengage the sides of the receptacle (see the arrow of the Figure 7 (A) ). The handling member (300) in which a connector (200) is inserted out of the normal position is brought near the device (400) so as to put the connector into the receptacle (401) ( Figure 7 (A) ). Pressure is then exerted on the connector until the movable members (312, 312 ') can be pivoted unhindered into the open position under the action of the lever (402) on the cams (315, 315') ( Figure 7 (B) ). The handling device can finally be lifted freely, leaving the connector in the receptacle ( Figure 7 (C) ).

List of numerical references

1

Electrolysis cell

2

Electrolysis tank

3

Superstructure

4

gantry

5

Anodic frame

6

Connecting rods

7

Lifts

8

Anode

9

Anode rod

10, 10 '

Fixing hooks

11, 11 '

Crochet Hollow

12, 12 '

End of hook

20

Lifting and handling unit

21

Overhead crane

22

trolley

23, 23 '

Runways

24

Telescopic arm

100

Electrolysis room

200

connector

201, 202

Lifts

203, 204

Sleepers

205.206

Nuts

210

Clamping screw

211

Screw head

212, 212 '

Lateral trunnions

213

Connector pin

231, 232

Gripping means (such as a rim)

300

Handling a connector

301

Frame of the handling device

302

Clamping member (or key)

303

Pivot axis

304

Means of fixing the handling device

305, 305 '

Opening

310, 310 '

Guide means (such as a fork)

311, 311 '

Concavity

312, 312 '

Mobile Member

313, 313 '

Support

314, 314 '

Concavity

315.315 '

Cam

320

Fastening means (such as an ergot)

400

Unlocking device

401

Receptacle

402

The sink

403

Rotation axis

Claims (19)

1. Handling device (300) for an anode connector (200) provided with two side trunnions (212, 212') and a tightening screw (210), the said connector being capable of cooperating with attachment hooks (10, 10') of an aluminium production cell (1) by fused bath electrolysis so as to enable connection of anodes (8) onto the said cell, the said handling device being able to displace and transport said connector when it is positioned in the determined position, called normal handling position, said handling device comprising a tightening device (302) positioned so that when said connector is in its normal handling position, the tightening screw (210) can be engaged in the tightening device (302), and being characterised in that it comprises a blocking system (310, 310', 320) capable of cooperating with the tightening device (302) and the connector (200) so as to block the connector in a determined position in the handling device (300), by loosening the connector (200) using the tightening device (302), in that it further comprises at least one mobile member (312, 312') with a first position called the open position and a second position called the closed position, and in that the mobile member or each mobile member (312, 312') comprises a support (313, 313') capable of supporting the connector (200) in the closed position and a means (315, 315') of provoking displacement of the mobile member or each mobile member (312, 312') from the closed position to the open position.
2. Handling device (300) according to claim 1, characterised in that the said support (313, 313') is capable of supporting the connector (200) through the said side trunnions (212, 212') when the mobile member or each mobile member (312, 312') is in the closed position.
3. Handling device (300) according to claim 2, characterised in that the support (313, 313') is provided with a recess (314, 314') essentially downwards during use, and a trunnion (212, 212') of the connector can fit into this recess.
4. Handling device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the mobile member or each mobile member (312, 312') also comprises a locking means (314, 314') to prevent displacement of the mobile member or each mobile member (312, 312') from the closed position to the open position when the connector (200) is resting on the support (313, 313').
5. Handling device (300) according to claim 4, characterised in that it comprises two mobile members (312, 312') each comprising a support (313, 313'), in that each support (313, 313') comprises at least one recess (314, 314') in which a side trunnion (212, 212') can be fitted, and in that the dimensions of each recess (314, 314') are such that when the connector is blocked in the said determined position, each mobile member (312, 312') can move without being hindered, whereas when the side trunnions (212, 212') of the connector (200) rest in the said recesses (314, 314'), displacement of the mobile member or each mobile member (312, 312') is mechanically prevented by a stop effect, so as to form the said locking means.
6. Handling device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the blocking system (310, 310', 320) comprises at least one attachment means (320) that can cooperate with the connector (200) and the tightening device (302) so as to block the connector (200) in the handling device (300).
7. Handling device (300) according to claim 6, characterised in that the attachment means (320) is able to cooperate with the connector (200) through a gripping means (231, 232) provided on the connector.
8. Handling device (300) according to any one of claims I to 7, characterised in that the blocking system (310, 310', 320) comprises at least one guide means (310, 310') that may be fixed or mobile, designed to guide insertion of the connector (200) into the blocking system.
9. Handling device (300) according to claim 8, characterised in that the guide means (310, 310') comprises a fork.
10. Handling device (300) according to claim 9, characterised in that the blocking device (310, 310', 320) comprises two forks (310, 310') arranged so as to allow insertion of the connector between the forks and provide guidance for each trunnion (212, 212') of the connector by each fork (310, 310').
11. Handling device (300) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the guide means or each guide means (310, 310') is mobile.
12. Handling device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the said means (315, 315') of causing displacement of the mobile member or each mobile member (312, 312') from the closed position to the open position includes a cam formed on the said mobile member and configured such that it can cooperate with the said attachment hooks (10, 10') so as to cause displacement of the mobile member or each mobile member (312, 312') by a relative movement between the handling device (300) and the said attachment hooks (10, 10').
13. Handling device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the mobile member or each mobile member (312, 312') can pivot about an axis (303).
14. Connector (200) that can be handled by the handling device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising two levers (201, 202), two side trunnions (212, 212') and a tightening screw (210), and characterised in that it further comprises at least one gripping device (231, 232) capable of cooperating with the blocking system (310, 310', 320) of the handling device so as to block the connector in a determined position.
15. Connector (200) according to claim 14, characterised in that the two levers (201, 202) each comprise a cross-piece (203, 204) and in that the said gripping means is a projecting rim (231, 232) provided on at least one of the cross-pieces (203, 204).
16. Lifting and handling unit (20) comprising at least one handling device (300) for connectors (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
17. Use of a handling device (300) for a connector (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in a fused bath electrolysis aluminium production plant.
18. Use of a connector (200) according to either claim 14 or 15 in a fused bath electrolysis aluminium production plant.
19. Use of a lifting and handling unit (20) according to claim 16 in a fused bath electrolysis aluminium production plant.

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