Self-service concrete batching plant

Abstract

The invention relates to an automated plant (1) for manufacturing and distributing concrete-type material, comprising storage means (10) for components such as sand or cement, mixing means (20), and material distribution means (30). According to the invention, the distribution means (30) include an extension (32) movable between at least two positions such that the distribution means (30) have a high distribution configuration and a low distribution configuration. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Self-service concrete plant Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing, distribution and sale of ready-to-use construction materials such as concrete, mortar and concrete mixes. More particularly, the invention relates to an automated plant for manufacturing and distributing construction materials such as concrete, mortar and concrete mixes. Prior art

[0002] Self-service concrete plants are known from the prior art, as described in document FR3082770 in the name of the applicant.

[0003] Such concrete plants are not located in a usual environment of public works or building sites, but rather in an environment of commercial areas.

[0004] Dump trucks are known from the prior art for transporting bulk goods intended to supply these power plants, such as sand, cement, gravel, etc. Generally, the truck is equipped with a compass allowing the dump truck to be tilted for unloading.

[0005] However, this unloading operation is difficult to control since all the stored material is unloaded abruptly to the ground, or at the very least in jerks. It is not possible to unload the material by controlling the flow rate.

[0006] Once dumped on the ground, the material must be handled using additional handling equipment such as bucket loaders, which lengthens the supply time and increases the cost of the operation.

[0007] However, these power stations are generally frequented by individuals, and possibly by craftsmen. It is therefore appropriate, around these power stations, to limit the use of additional handling equipment such as bucket loaders, which are noisy and dangerous.

[0008] Indeed, the use of such machines is accident-prone, and is not compatible with the lack of respect for safety rules that individuals or certain tradespeople may adopt.

[0009] In addition, the use of such machines requires a large floor area to allow their development. The cost of installing such a plant within a commercial zone is therefore penalized.

[0010] Furthermore, these plants can be used by different audiences, such as individuals who only have a simple trailer to transport the material. purchased, or even craftsmen who can be equipped with simple flatbed trucks, dump trucks or even concrete mixer trucks.

[0011] The automatic distribution center must therefore be versatile, and must be able to adapt to different types of vehicles in a simple manner. Statement of the invention

[0012] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing an improved, versatile, self-service concrete plant with reduced space requirements and allowing safe use.

[0013] For this purpose, an automated plant for manufacturing and distributing materials such as concrete or mortar has been developed, comprising means for storing components such as sand or cement, means for mixing the components, and means for distributing the material.

[0014] According to the invention, the distribution means comprise an extension movable between at least two positions so that the distribution means have a high distribution configuration and a low distribution configuration.

[0015] The high distribution configuration is suitable for tall vehicles, such as dump trucks or concrete mixer trucks that some tradesmen may use.

[0016] The low distribution configuration, on the other hand, is suitable for smaller vehicles, such as flatbed trucks, or trailers towed by a car that are generally used by individuals.

[0017] The possibility of switching from one configuration to another makes the control unit according to the invention compatible with the different vehicles of the intended clientele, which therefore makes it versatile.

[0018] In order to facilitate the transition from one configuration to another, the distribution means comprise an arm pivoting horizontally relative to the central unit, and the extension is fixed to one end of the arm. The mechanism used is simple and robust.

[0019] To reduce its footprint, the plant is in the form of a gantry comprising: - two piles delimiting between them a passage for vehicles as mentioned previously; and - a lintel connecting the two piles and including the means of distributing the material; The stacks and the lintel each include elements of the power plant among the storage means and the mixing means. Since the lintel includes elements of the power plant, its footprint is reduced.

[0020] Advantageously, the mixing means comprise a mixing tank which has an evacuation hatch at its bottom, and mixing blades driven in rotation within the tank, and the axis of the blades is horizontal. Having horizontal axes allows, during a mixer cleaning phase, to fill the tank with water until the said axes are submerged. Cleaning can be automated, and the plant can operate without requiring the presence of an operator.

[0021] To be compatible with means of transport of the large flexible bulk container (“FIBC”) type used by individuals, the extension has a distal end comprising means for locking a chute of an “FIBC”.

[0022] Preferably, the locking means are radial expansion means configured to be introduced inside the chute of the FIBC. These means make it possible to seal the connection between the chute and the FIBC. They can also serve as a fuse if a user forgets to unhook them from the FIBC when leaving with his vehicle.

[0023] Advantageously, the arm comprises a wash water pipe, one inlet of which is connected to a funnel, and one outlet of which is connected to the extension, and the funnel and the extension are each positioned on either side of a vertical axis of rotation of the arm. The unit is thus configured to adopt a washing configuration in which the extension is connected to a collection of the wash water.

[0024] To avoid the use of additional handling equipment, the plant includes means for supplying the storage means, which have an inlet less than 1 m from the ground where the plant is located, and preferably at ground level.

[0025] Preferably, the inlet is configured to cooperate with a hopper. The drop height of the components is reduced, which reduces dust emission, and the interface between the hopper and the inlet is easier to secure.

[0026] Still with the aim of reducing the footprint, the entrance and the dump openings of the skip are superimposed, so as to cooperate with a skip-hopper positioned parallel to the plant. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] [Fig-1] is a perspective diagram of a power plant according to the invention.

[0028] [Fig.2] is a partial diagram similar to that of [Fig.l].

[0029] [Fig.3] is a diagram illustrating the filling of storage means of the power station.

[0030] [Fig.4] is a diagram illustrating the supply of storage means to a mixer.

[0031] [Fig.5] is a partial top view of the power plant, in distribution configuration high.

[0032] [Fig.6] is a partial top view of the power plant, in distribution configuration low.

[0033] [Fig.7] is a partial top view of the plant, in washing configuration.

[0034] [Fig-8] is a partial view detailing the wash water collection circuit.

[0035] [Fig.9] is a partial section of the mixer.

[0036] [Fig. 10] is a partial perspective view illustrating means for filling the storage facilities. Detailed description of the invention

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the invention relates to an automatic concrete plant (1), improved compared to the solutions of the prior art in that it is compatible with the different types of vehicles of customers likely to come and buy material at said plant (1).

[0038] In fact, the central unit (1) comprises distribution means (30) which are capable of having at least two configurations: - A first distribution configuration called high, adapted to the distribution of materials in vehicles such as dump trucks or concrete mixer trucks; and - A second configuration suitable for distribution in low vehicles, such as flatbed trucks or even trailers towed by a car for individuals.

[0039] The transition from one configuration to the other is automatic, which makes it possible to obtain a versatile central unit (1), depending on the desired goal.

[0040] The control of the plant is done by means of an automaton, and the customer selects the material to be purchased, the desired quantity, and operates the plant by means of a human-machine interface, called "HMI", connected to the automaton and known per se, in particular from document FR3082770 in the name of the applicant.

[0041] Safety devices, for example ultrasonic probes, can be used to check the adequacy between the size of the vehicle present and the information entered by the customer on the HMI.

[0042] The plant (1) is in the form of an arch or a gantry comprising two piles (2) connected by a lintel (3), defining a passage under the lintel (3), so that vehicles can park under the lintel (3), and receive the purchased material which is poured by distribution means (30).

[0043] By material, we mean all types of concrete, mortar, or even dry materials such as sand, gravel or cement, the plant (1) being configured to prepare different recipes from components that it stores.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the piles (2) comprise storage means (10) for the components used by the plant (1). These storage means (10), or silos, are here three in number. Two first silos (10a) are used to store the sand and gravel in a first pile (2a) while the second pile (2b) contains a silo (10b) intended to store cement.

[0045] The choice of separating the cement in a specific silo (10b) is justified by the fact that it is necessary to protect the cement from humidity. The silo (10b) is therefore better sealed than the silos (10a). Furthermore, this also makes it possible to limit the generation of cement dust, which is powdery, when filling this silo (10b).

[0046] The components are fed into the plant (1) by feed means (11). With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, the feed means (11) comprise a succession of conveyors (110, 111, 112) as well as chutes (113). The components are conveyed into the silos (10a) via the conveyors according to the arrows referenced (I, II, III) in [Fig. 3]. The chutes (113) make it possible to select which silo (10a) to fill depending on the component being reloaded. This type of feed means is suitable for materials such as sand or gravel.

[0047] The silo (10b) is designed to receive cement. This material is powdery, so it is possible to refill it by means of a tube (114) connected to one of the means for distributing cement under pressure, in a manner known in the field of silos.

[0048] When the plant (1) has to carry out a mixing of components in order to prepare a material, the components are conveyed from the silos (10a, 10b) towards a mixer (20).

[0049] The components of the first two silos (10a) are conveyed by the same conveyors (110, 111, 112). For this purpose, these silos (10a) are connected to an evacuation (116) arranged above the first conveyor (110), and the horizontal conveyor (112) can operate in both directions. In this way it is possible to convey the materials according to the arrows referenced (IV, V, VI, VII) in [Fig.4].

[0050] This design of the feeding means (11) allows a substantial saving of space and material within the plant (1), since the same feeding means are used to load the silos (10a) and to feed the mixer (20).

[0051] The cement is conveyed by means of a succession of endless screws (115).

[0052] In a known manner, the dosage of the components is controlled, either at the level of the conveyors which integrate weighing means, or at the level of a mixer feed hopper (20) which also includes such weighing means.

[0053] The central unit (1) is of course connected to a water supply by a system not shown, and the mixer (20) is also supplied with water.

[0054] In order to be compatible with different types of vehicles, distribution means (30) of the central unit (1) comprise an extension (32) which is connected to an arm (33) pivotally mounted relative to the central unit (1). Manipulation of this arm (33) makes it possible to arrange the extension (32) in several configurations, so that it is presented or not in front of an evacuation hatch (22) of the mixer (20).

[0055] Referring to Figure 5, in the high distribution configuration, the arm (33) is positioned so that it does not obstruct the fall of the material from the discharge hatch (22) of the mixer (20). The material falls directly into a high vehicle, placed just below.

[0056] With reference to [Fig.6], in the low distribution configuration, the extension (32) is located opposite the discharge hatch (22), so as to guide the material during its distribution, up to the height of a low vehicle.

[0057] Since trailers and flatbed trucks are not necessarily watertight, it may be advantageous to transport the material in a suitable container, such as a large flexible bulk container, known as a "FIBC", also known in English as a "big-bag".

[0058] In this case, the GRVS advantageously comprises a feed chute on its upper part. This chute is intended to be connected to a distal end (34) of the extension (32), in the most sealed manner possible, in order to limit the diffusion of dust if the distributed material is dry such as sand, or to avoid the projection of liquid materials such as concrete.

[0059] To do this, the distal end (34) comprises means for blocking the chute of the GRVS. Preferably, these are radial expansion means configured to be introduced inside the non-expandable chute of the GRVS.

[0060] For example, the radial expansion means are a membrane connected to a pressurized air supply. When pressurized air is supplied, the membrane inflates, which has the effect of tightening the chute at its internal surface.

[0061] However, this is a light tightening for safety reasons: if an individual were to forget to remove the locking means from the FIBC before restarting his vehicle, the locking means must be able to be torn off the chute without there being any damage to either the extension (32) or the filled FIBC.

[0062] In the case of the use of sealed GRVS, the extension (32) comprises a vent allowing the evacuation of the air contained in the GRVS during its filling.

[0063] Such GRVS designed to cooperate with the central unit (1) are available in an automatic dispenser which also comprises said central unit (1).

[0064] With particular reference to [Fig.7], the distribution means (30) advantageously have a third configuration, in which a funnel (31) is placed opposite the evacuation hatch (22), and the extension (32) is placed above a collection hopper (41).

[0065] This third configuration is suitable for an automatic washing cycle of the plant (1) after the distribution of material. For this, the mixer (20) is connected to water supply means intended to wash a tank (21) and blades of the mixer (20).

[0066] The arm (33) comprises a water pipe which allows the cleaning water to be discharged from the mixer (20), collected by the funnel (31), and conveyed towards the hopper (41). Additional cleaning means are arranged above an inlet (35) of the extension (32) so that the latter is also cleaned during this same washing cycle.

[0067] Thus, the soiled elements of the plant, in particular the mixer (20) and the extension (32), can be cleaned without human intervention, and without the cleaning water being dispersed on the ground.

[0068] The funnel (31) and the extension (32) are each arranged at one end of the arm (33), on either side of a vertical axis of rotation of the arm (33), which makes it possible to balance the arm (33) around its axis of rotation. Furthermore, the distribution means (30) can switch from one configuration to the other simply, solely by means of a motor driving the rotation of the arm (33).

[0069] With reference to [Fig.8], the hopper (41) discharges the collected wash water into a tank (43) comprising a filter (42). In this way the suspended particles are retained in the filter (42) and the cleaned water can be reused during a new wash cycle. This design allows substantial water savings to be made.

[0070] With particular reference to [Fig.9], so that the cleaning can be automated and can be carried out without the intervention of an operator, the axis of rotation (22) of the blades of the mixer (20) is horizontal, with a view to its total immersion during the cleaning cycle.

[0071] The lintel (3) comprising elements of the power plant (1), in particular the mixer (20) in the illustrated embodiment, the footprint of the power plant (1) is reduced, which allows land savings to be made.

[0072] In addition, the supply means (11) of the plant (1), and in particular those intended to convey the sand and gravel, are configured to cooperate with a hopper (4) as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0073] This hopper bucket (4) has openings (5) arranged on its lower face, and the bucket (4) is arranged above the first conveyor (110) of the feeding means (10). In this way, the hopper (4) directly discharges the components onto the conveyor (110), and the hopper of the bucket (4) makes it possible to control the emptying rate of the component as a function of the evacuation rate by the conveyor (110) towards the silos (10a). The inlet (12) is therefore preferably arranged at ground level (S), or slightly below ground level (S), so that the bucket (4) can be placed on the ground simply and easily.

[0074] The evacuation hatches (5) of the bucket (4) being arranged directly opposite the conveyor (110), securing the inlet (12) of the feeding means (10) is facilitated. In addition, since the fall of the components is confined and of reduced height, the generation of dust during the re-feeding of the central unit (1) is limited.

[0075] Finally, this arrangement makes it possible to avoid the use of additional handling equipment such as bucket loaders, conventionally used to transfer components, unloaded to the ground by a dump truck, towards a receiving hopper of a conveyor.

[0076] The cooperation according to the invention of the hopper bucket (4) with the supply means (10) therefore makes it possible to obtain a power station (1) suitable for being used by individuals, by reducing exposure to risks and improving comfort in the vicinity of the power station (1).

[0077] Furthermore, the arrangement of the first conveyor (110) and the openings (5) of the skip (4) are such that the skip (4) can be arranged parallel to the stack (2) of the plant (1). This means that the truck bringing the skip (4) follows the same route as the vehicles going to the plant (1), that is to say that the truck bringing the skip (4) does not need an area dedicated to making a turning maneuver, which would be necessary in cases where the skip (4) is not aligned with the plant (1).

[0078] Here again the power station (1) according to the invention makes it possible to occupy the least possible surface area.

[0079] Furthermore, the power plant (1) may be shaped differently from the examples given without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0080] In particular, the distribution of the silos (10), the mixer (20) or the other components of the plant (1) may be different from the illustrated embodiment, and may be of any type suitable for the present application.

[0081] In a variant not shown, all the silos (10) are on the same side and the central unit (1) has a “T” shape. In fact, the space saving on the ground is obtained by the presence of components of the central unit (1) at the level of its horizontal part, above the vehicle parking area.

[0082] In an embodiment not shown, several skips (4) are installed, and are considered as part of the storage means (10) of the plant (1). In this case, the skips (4) are installed next to each other, and an additional horizontal conveyor extends under the skips (4), and discharges into the first conveyor (110).

[0083] In this way, the storage volume of the central unit (1) can be increased, for example in anticipation of sales that will be made at the weekend, without the central unit (1) being replenished. This also makes it possible to store more different components than in the illustrated mode, without excessively reducing the volume of the silos contained in the batteries (2) and / or the lintel (3). Indeed, some points of sale want to be able to offer different types of components, such as materials colored in different shades. Storing each shade of component in a dedicated bin allows a greater number of alternatives to be offered.

[0084] In this mode, each bucket (4) is arranged above said additional conveyor, so that the respective openings (5) are in the dumping position and opposite a receiving hopper associated with each bucket (4).

[0085] Each hopper comprises opening means connected to the automaton of the central unit (1), so that the preparation of a material using the component of one of the particular bins (4) causes the corresponding hopper to open. The additional horizontal conveyor drives the component towards the first conveyor (110) and the rest of the circulation of the component takes place according to the arrows referenced (V, VI, VII) in [Fig.3].

[0086] Since the receiving hoppers are located below ground level, securing the moving parts controlled by the automaton is easy, and public protection is guaranteed.

[0087] According to another variant not shown, the inlet (12) of the supply means (11) is a hopper arranged less than 1 m from the ground, into which a dump truck can directly pour the components. This choice is however made to the detriment of greater dust generation.

[0088] According to another variant not shown, the extension (32) is not fixed to an arm (33), the transition from the high distribution configuration to that of low distribution being able to be done by any suitable means.

[0089] Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the different embodiments and variants mentioned above can be, in whole or in part, combined with each other. Thus, the power plant (1) can be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.

Claims

Claims

1. Automated plant (1) for manufacturing and distributing materials such as concrete or mortar and comprising storage means (10) for components such as sand or cement, means for mixing the components (20), and means for distributing the material (30), characterized in that the distribution means (30) comprise an extension (32) movable between at least two positions so that the distribution means (30) have a high distribution configuration and a low distribution configuration.

2. Automated central unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution means (30) comprise an arm (33) pivoting horizontally relative to the central unit (1), and the extension (32) is fixed to one end of the arm (33).

3. Automated plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is in the form of a gantry comprising: - two piles (2) delimiting between them a passage for vehicles; and - a lintel (3) connecting the two piles (2) and comprising the distribution means (30) of the material; the piles (2) and the lintel (3) each comprise elements of the plant (1), among the storage means (10) and the mixing means (20).

4. Automated plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing means (20) comprise a mixing tank (21) which has an evacuation hatch (22) at its bottom, and mixing blades driven in rotation within the tank (21), and the axis (23) of the blades is horizontal.

5. Automated central unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension (32) has a distal end (34) comprising means for blocking a chute of a large flexible bulk container called “FIBC”.

6. Automated central unit (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking means are radial expansion means configured to be introduced inside the chute of the GRVS.

7. Automated central unit (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the arm (33) comprises a wash water pipe, one inlet of which is connected to a funnel (31), and one outlet of which is connected to the extension (32), and the funnel (31) and the extension (32) are each positioned on either side of a vertical axis of rotation of the arm (33).

8. Automated central unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that cWc comprises means (11) for supplying the storage means (10), which have an inlet (12) less than 1m from the ground where the central unit is located, and preferably at ground level.

9. Automated central unit (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the inlet (12) is configured to cooperate with a hopper (4).

10. Automated central unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the inlet (12) and discharge openings (5) of the hopper (4) are superimposed, so as to cooperate with a hopper (4) positioned parallel to the central unit (1).

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