Device and method for supplying solid materials from a mixture with plant-based granules for projection, and projection machine including the device

Abstract

The device supplies solid materials consisting of a mixture of plant-based aggregate (62) and moistened binder, packaged in bags (B1, B2), by transporting the respective bags of dry binder (61) and aggregate via two conveyor sets. Before emptying the bag contents, a cutting phase is carried out on at least one conveyor of the device's transport means (MT), using cutting elements (16) that notch each bag as it travels to the discharge zone associated with a hopper. Additional transport and extraction of the emptied bags are performed after the cutting phase, beyond a perforated section covering a corresponding hopper. An extraction module forms a receiving zone (T30) for the bags before compaction and / or lateral extraction. The device is mounted on a trailer, with the tank (5) mixing the dry binder and water, and the blower (US) for the aggregate. (Simplified diagram: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Device and method for supplying solid materials of a mixture with plant-based granules for projection, and projection machine including the device. Technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to installations used for applying or spraying a material, such as lightweight concrete or mortar, in the field of building construction. It relates more specifically to a device for supplying solid materials for a mixture to be sprayed or poured, in the form of plant-based aggregate combined with a moistened binder. A corresponding process and a spraying machine incorporating the device are also provided. Previous technique

[0002] In the field of low density concrete spraying, in construction, it is known to obtain lightweight concrete by mixing binder and aggregates which can be based on plant components, for example with a view to spraying it for the construction and thermal insulation (interior or exterior) of buildings, renovation. Processes involving low-density concrete all tend to reconcile at least some of the following objectives: - simplicity of operation, minimizing user intervention; - dosage efficiency, the water intake must be controlled (typically reduced during its incorporation); - maintaining the quality of the mixture to be sprayed during projection (or guniting).

[0003] Examples of suitable binders include air-hardening binders such as slaked lime, hydrated dolomite, and plaster. A moistened binder can be obtained by mixing it with water during a water incorporation step. The binder is preferably based on a compound containing the element Ca. It may also be clay-based. By "air-hardening binder," we mean binders whose setting results from carbonation, particularly by atmospheric CO2. Such a binder may optionally be combined with a fine pozzolanic reagent. The binder may be of the dust-forming type (for example, with the mention "No" following the specification "dust-free", which is a well-known characteristic for dry binder).

[0004] To date, the ergonomics of the projection process are unsatisfactory. Several workstations are required, with arduous and constrained tasks during the operations necessary to obtain the proper mixture. Operators are exposed to dust, while handling and monitoring require the almost permanent presence of three different operators.

[0005] Document FR 2915702 discloses equipment for projecting a mixture of lime and hemp which has several operational stages: - loading stations which use augers and are arranged with a mixing area to mix the respective raw materials dry; - a transfer and distribution station for the remaining dry mixture, including an airlock; - an injection unit so that the dry mixture distributed by the airlock is then blown into a transport pipe (by a horizontal airflow); and - a wetting ring, allowing the water (sprayed water) to be integrated with the mixture right in the projection lance, before a spray outlet. This type of equipment cannot be easily used for continuous, high-quality operation. Controlling the distribution of components in the dry mix is ​​difficult without the active presence of operators at the various loading stations, in addition to the operator holding the spray nozzle. Furthermore, installing the equipment is very time-consuming.

[0006] There is therefore room for improvement in reducing operator interventions and facilitating the supply of a spraying or production machine with a mixture including a binder, water and lightweight aggregate, typically plant-based, while ensuring that the solid material feed rates are sufficient, with the possibility of achieving a high solid material loading rate. Summary

[0007] The present disclosure improves the situation. To this end, a device for supplying solid materials to be combined in a mixture comprising two solid components is proposed, one consisting of a plant-based aggregate and the other consisting of a dry binder capable, when mixed with water, of forming a moistened binder for coating the plant-based aggregate. The device comprises a first feeding line which has: - a dosing stage which has a first hopper with an access opening; - a conveyor assembly for transporting bags filled with one of the two solid components, said conveyor assembly including a so-called main section which extends to an end adjacent to a discharge zone for the contents of the bag, the discharge zone being formed by an openwork or meshed part which surmounts the first hopper and / or connects the discharge zone with the access opening; the device comprising a second hopper to collect the other of the two solid components, within a second feeding line; said device including: - cutting devices, functionally coupled to and / or placed on the main section and capable of cutting, during a cutting phase, each bag conveyed along a conveying direction on this main section, during its transport / before the end of the transport of this bag by the conveyor assembly, which allows the contents of the bags respectively to escape and flow into the first hopper by passing through the perforated or meshed part; and - downstream of the cutting devices along the conveying direction, an extraction module for each of the emptied bags (to allow this extraction after the cutting phase).

[0008] With such an arrangement, the operator(s) involved in preparing the mixture and typically maintaining the terminal part (spray lance or flow outlet) that distributes the flow can be relieved of tasks related to the supply of raw materials, with: - a higher level of cleanliness compared to the dust that is usually released when the contents of the bag need to be extracted, given the granular nature of the dry binder and / or the plant-based aggregate; and - The operator no longer needs to lift bags or perform any unpacking actions once the bags are installed on the conveyor assembly, as the extraction module allows for the retrieval of the emptied bags. The discharge area can be delimited between two partitions or guide walls, parallel for example, which also form a dust barrier. When a vibrating screener is used in the discharge area, it can optimize the discharge speed of the bag contents, the reliability of the feeding of the dosing stage, while improving the working conditions of the operator, who can simply bring the bags to an intake / deposit part of the conveyor assembly, typically at a distance from the section equipped with the cutting elements and typically at an even greater distance from the discharge area.

[0009] Of course, automated cutting can be performed for the first feeding line, but also for the second feeding line in preferred embodiments. The cutting can be carried out by a common system having a plurality of cutting elements distributed on two conveyors, for example juxtaposed laterally, one of which forms the main section and the other belongs to the second feeding line, being located upstream of the second hopper. More broadly, during transport on the conveyor assembly, the cutting elements allow for the initiation of unpacking. A cutting stage (including the cutting elements) is, for example, arranged transversely on the conveyor assembly, on the so-called main section, which is followed, according to the transport direction permitted by the conveyor assembly, by an additional conveyor section that may to be part of a vibrating stage with each bag passing over the perforated or meshed section. The perforated or meshed section may include an endless band and / or the vibrating stage may be perforated in any suitable way, for example with spacing between drive rollers helping to drive each bag to a bottom end of this stage, opposite the main section.

[0010] The device is designed to automate the supply of each dosing stage corresponding to each of the two solid components, which are sent / circulated through pipes or conduits to be mixed in a typically controlled ratio. The dry binder is pre-mixed with water before pumping to allow the circulation of the resulting moistened binder (this pumping takes place downstream of a mixing tank). The two hoppers can be arranged in parallel, with rotating screws mounted parallel to each other at the bottom of one hopper and the other, respectively. Each hopper may optionally be equipped with a chute.

[0011] In embodiments, each bag can be conveyed, preferably in a straight line, by belts of a conveyor during cutting: this straight-line conveying takes place on the main section of the conveyor assembly, while the cutting elements are fixed, on this section, so as to be crossed and / or crossed by each bag set in motion by the belts. More generally, the cutting devices are positioned across the path for the bags conveyed on a transport section of the conveyor assembly which may include several conveyors arranged in series one after the other. The cutting devices can be configured to notch and / or cut the bags from below, protruding upwards from the conveyor belts or moving contact area of ​​the main section conveyor to make contact with and advance the bag along the conveying direction.

[0012] The supply device may have an extraction module which does not interfere with the discharge of one and / or the other of the two solid components, preferably by being able to receive bags of both types, for example due to an arrangement of the two respective discharge zones, juxtaposed laterally (one next to the other). In implementations of the extraction module, one or more of the following features are used: - the extraction module can have a movable part to release each bag on the same side. - The extraction module may include a removable, attached sleeve, sheath, or sock, which constitutes a consumable item to be discarded when its internal volume is filled / sufficiently filled with bags, the consumable being attached to a tube of a fixed and reusable part of the extraction module. - the moving part of the extraction module has a shaft (transverse shaft in the device), for example by forming a worm gear, which extends perpendicularly to the conveying direction. - the extraction module extends beyond one end of the conveyor assembly and / or behind one end of the bottom of the discharge area, the device extending in a general direction between a double bag deposit station (proximal for the operator depositing the bags), possibly provided with a separation or partition between two deposit areas of this double station, and a double dosing station (distal to the double deposit station and to the operator who performs this) which includes the first hopper equipped with an auger (typically to redirect horizontally a flow of solid material received in the first hopper) and the second hopper (typically also equipped with an auger to redirect horizontally a flow of solid material received in the second hopper). - the extraction module can be equipped with a sleeve or sock (in the form of a flexible sheath, for example in transparent plastic material / making its filling visible). - the extraction module is functionally associated with at least one hatch allowing the bag to pass to a bottom area, beyond the discharge area at the end of a cycle, for feeding the extraction module from the top.

[0013] Sensors may be fitted to all or part of the conveyor assembly and, optionally, to the tank (via a level detection sensor). Two dosing stages are provided: a first dosing stage for the dry binder, for example, and a second dosing stage for the plant-based aggregate (one dosing stage for each feed line), so that it is possible to adjust the output flow rate from each hopper, on the one hand, and the output flow rate of moistened binder from the outlet of a pump coupled to a mixer tank that has a water inlet and a dry binder inlet (supply with the corresponding hopper output flow rate). The flows of moistened binder and lightweight aggregate may join at a pipe or conduit junction, for example, at a spray nozzle, when a spraying process is implemented with said supply device, or similar portable tool allowing for an output flow of the mixture. With this sensor-based arrangement, the system can integrate loading stations in parallel with, in addition to aggregate dosing (the flow rate of plant-based aggregate can be controlled), the possibility of real-time control of important parameters concerning the preparation and / or distribution of the moistened binder: not only is the dry binder flow rate configurable by the first dosing stage coupled to The tank, but the actual flow rates before the connection are advantageously controllable, for example in a coordinated manner, by using the sensor(s) provided in the tank. This eliminates the need for an operator to monitor the feed levels, thus improving the reliability of the spraying process. The device is compatible with a closed volume tank, so that dust-related difficulties can be eliminated in parts of the device located downstream of the loading stations (downstream in the direction of flow of raw materials).

[0014] Examples of plant-based granules (typically lightweight) include hemp, such as hemp hurd (the non-fibrous part of the hemp stalk) and / or other hemp components, as well as wood, reed, flax, and cork. In the device, the first dosing stage may be smaller or narrower than the second dosing stage, for example, by being less wide and shorter (smaller vertical dimension). Screeners for these two stages may, however, be located at the same height (the second dosing stage may have a deeper hopper than the hopper of the first dosing stage). The absence of humidification in the respective dosing stages (in plant aggregate and dry binder) makes maintenance steps easier.

[0015] According to one particular feature, the device includes a receiving structure equipped with a depositing area and arranged to allow the depositing of at least one bag, this conveyor assembly including or being made integral with a first section to move a deposited bag and allow its transport to continue out of the depositing area, the main section being a second section typically placed downstream of the first section, by which means the conveyor assembly is able to carry out a transport of each bag deposited and moved via the first section, on the second section and beyond the end (end of the main section / second section) which is distal to the first section.

[0016] According to one particular feature, the extraction module comprises a compactor equipped with a rotating screw or a similar rotating part, housed in a rigid container of the compactor, the rigid container of the compactor including a top opening (for the passage of empty bags, the rotating screw being for example below / in line with this top opening. Optionally, a bag discharge device, with a trapdoor or movable part, is provided between the discharge zone and the top opening of the rigid container to temporarily block the passage of bag(s) leading over the top opening. When a screen is provided to form the discharge zone, which is delimited or terminates with the bag discharge device, it is understood that each bag can be completely emptied by vibration. when it is located between two guide walls (at least one of which may, for example, carry a motor / vibration generator). The bag discharge equipment may include a wall perpendicular to the two guide walls / delimiting the corresponding discharge zone, forming a bottom of the screener. Regardless of the method used to extract and recover the packaging materials / bags, the device may provide an access route for the extraction module. Such an access route may, for example, be delimited by a partition. Optionally, the partitioning device includes a movable part (hatch or similar, forming a closing part) which can be moved between: - a closing position of an opening forming all or part of the access route, - and a deviated or raised position, relative to the closing position, allowing the moving / closing part to be released.

[0017] In embodiments of the conveyor assembly, one or more of the following arrangements may be provided: - the conveyor assembly is of the conveyor belt type. - the entire conveyor assembly is supported by a support formed in one piece (possibly on a trailer or chassis / platform supporting this conveyor assembly). - the conveyor assembly is part of a transport route including a terminal section / third section to move an emptied bag along an evacuation direction, this terminal section carrying the openwork or mesh part while having drive elements for the notched bag (or perforated bag). - the conveyor assembly includes or is extended by a terminal section / third section to move an emptied bag along an evacuation direction which extends over the first hopper, allowing each emptied bag to be moved away from the main section / second section (with, for example, the second and third sections extending along the same general front-to-back direction, which may be a longitudinal direction of the trailer or chassis / platform supporting this conveyor assembly by forming a single support). - the rotating screw is arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the direction of discharge of the emptied bags. - the evacuation direction on the terminal section or third section optionally corresponds to a straight trajectory, which may possibly be horizontal (this evacuation direction may correspond to a direction from back to front, typically on a trailer equipped with a support structure for the device).

[0018] In embodiments, the evacuation direction on the third section / terminal section can move each bag away from a rear end of the device where The bag discharge zone is designed with each section moving the bags forward. Typically, no change in conveying direction is planned, except for possible variations in the slope of at least one of the sections. Alternatively, a change in conveying direction is made at approximately 90°, for example, when passing between two successive sections.

[0019] In designs of the extraction module, one or more of the following arrangements may be used: - the compactor has a termination, typically in the form of a sheath or sock, for example made of polyethylene, fixed and held by an annular fixing zone. - the sleeve or sock can be held, in an annular overlap area around a tube of the compactor, by a tension ring (or annular retaining part), which makes it easily detachable. - the compactor has a transverse channel delimited between two parallel walls, the transverse channel being transverse with respect to a general direction of transport of the conveyor assembly, which can be a direction common to each conveyor assembly of the feed lines (the one intended for the dry binder and the one intended for the plant aggregate or other equivalent light aggregate). - the compactor container includes a tube which opens only at one end located opposite one end of the rotating screw by which a screw rotation is driven (drive member side). - the sheath or sock is attached to this end of the tube. - the outlet (axial along the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotating screw) is formed in a fixing end of a sock or flexible sheath where the compacted bags or bag residues are collected.

[0020] In a device configuration with two respective dosing stages, at least one of the following features is provided: - the dosing stage is a first dosing stage for dosing the dry binder, a screw being placed at the bottom of the first hopper. - the device includes, in the second feed line, a second dosing stage for dosing the plant granulate which can be equipped with a hopper of greater capacity than the first hopper. - the second dosing stage includes another auger, placed at the bottom of the second hopper. - the second dosing stage includes / has a rotary valve forming a transfer part to transfer the plant granulate into a pipe, which is for example a pipe coupled to a blower unit. - two conveyor sets are mounted in parallel on the same platform of a support structure which is part of the device, with a first dosing stage and a second dosing stage formed under the same set of screeners.

[0021] In a configuration of the device with two respective dosing stages, the device may include a tank for mixing the dry binder with water, thus obtaining a moistened binder before any mixing with the plant-based aggregate. Additionally, the following may be provided: - the dosing stage allows the dosing of the plant aggregate, a screw being placed for example at the bottom of the first hopper. - the device comprising, in the second feed line, another dosing stage for dosing the dry binder which includes for example another screw, placed at the bottom of the second hopper. - the stage for dosing the dry binder has an outlet in communication with the tank which is a tank of a mixer. Regardless of whether cutting devices are used for all bags or only for bags of a particular solid component, the tank may be positioned below the perforated part and / or below at least one of the first and second hoppers.

[0022] In embodiments of the supply device, one or more of the following features are adopted: - the conveyor assembly is a first conveyor assembly, the device also comprising a second conveyor assembly which is: - parallel and / or juxtaposed laterally to the first conveyor assembly, possibly including the same number of conveyors; and - equipped with additional cutting elements belonging to a cutting blade assembly. - the cutting blade assembly is provided with a drive unit, preferably with a single motor, common to the cutting elements and the additional cutting elements. - the cutting blades can be circular and distributed in parallel, for example by being mounted rotating around the same axis of rotation (possibly using a common straight shaft). - the conveyor which forms all or part of the main section / second section is a belt conveyor(s) with each belt, or at least at least one belt, which passes between two cutting elements of the cutting devices, which may in particular each be provided with a circular cutting blade by being made to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the belts provided in the main section / second section.

[0023] Upon arrival in the second section, which is preferably an ascending belt conveyor, each bag is transported in a full state. This second section is, for example, intermediate between the unloading area (with a first section in the form of a conveyor, typically a belt conveyor) and the discharge zone. Optionally, the second section is not subjected to vibration, while a third section can be mounted on and / or attached to elastically deformable components to allow vibration of the perforated part of the third section.

[0024] In embodiments for enabling bag cutting during an upward transport phase, the device may include: - a plurality of cutting blades belonging to a cutting blade assembly (forming the cutting elements, for example in the form of rotating mounted discs) and which are distributed on two conveyors arranged on a slope and / or parallel to each other. - a distribution of cutting blades following an alignment, transverse to the two conveyors. The cutting blades can be distributed: - on a conveyor arranged on a slope to raise the first bags, selectively containing one of the two solid components, in the first feed line at the level of the main section / second section, and - on a conveyor arranged on a slope to bring up second bags containing selectively the other of the two solid components, in the second feed line.

[0025] Optionally, the extraction module is configured to recover both the first and second bags, emptied into an unpacking section which is raised above the depositing area to extend to a horizontal level, so that the unpacking section overlaps above the first and second hoppers. The extraction module can extend below this horizontal level and / or to a side that, relative to the first and second hoppers, is such that these hoppers are interposed between one inlet end of the inclined conveyors and the extraction module. A similar arrangement of these inclined conveyors (adjacent and / or parallel conveyors) may be preferred, allowing all or part of a mixer tank to be placed under one of the hoppers and at least one of these conveyors, with the tank receiving the dry binder.

[0026] In embodiments, the first feed line allows the dosing stage to be selectively supplied with one of the two solid components, so as to avoid mixing with the other of the two solid components, while the second feed line is arranged to operate in parallel with the first line food, preferably with cutting equipment to cut bags during transport in a cutting area located: - between a deposit area of ​​the second feed line, which allows the depositing of bags and is separate from said deposit area of ​​the first feed line, - and a screener, preferably vibrating, which is superimposed on the second hopper.

[0027] According to another aspect, a process is proposed for supplying solid materials of a mixture combining plant aggregate and a moistened binder, from bags selectively filled with plant aggregate and, respectively, from bags selectively filled with dry binder (to be moistened), the process comprising: - a transport, by a conveyor system, of a first series consisting of bags filled with dry binder, the conveyor system extending to a first discharge zone to discharge the dry binder; - a transport, by another conveyor assembly, of a second series consisting of bags filled with plant aggregate, this other conveyor assembly extending to a second discharge zone to discharge the plant aggregate; - on at least one conveyor belonging to one and / or the other of said conveyor sets, the cutting of bags by cutting devices mounted across a path of the conveyed bags, during a cutting phase which is preferably carried out at a distance from a bag deposit area; - a pouring of the dry binder into a first hopper of a first dosing stage, at the level of the first pouring zone; - a discharge of the lightweight aggregate into a second hopper of a second dosing stage, at the level of the second discharge zone; and - an extraction of each of the bags emptied after the cutting phase; knowing that the escape from the bags of at least one of the dry binder and the light aggregate results from said cutting phase and may allow the discharge through a perforated or meshed part which is provided in a transport section located, following a direction of transport of the bags, downstream of the cutting elements and upstream of a bag extraction module (provided to carry out said extraction).

[0028] The bags in each series can be identical, optionally by setting a container type. Alternatively, the device can allow the loading of bags of different sizes, possibly requiring input that informs a programmable logic controller of the change in the shape of the bags transported on the same conveyor system, and / or detection by sensor or weighing of the bag's capacity. The dry binder includes or consists of lime, as optionally.

[0029] According to a particular feature of the process, the pouring of the dry binder and the pouring of the plant aggregate are each carried out after the corresponding bags have been cut open, in using cutting devices mounted as part of a transport unit, which may be a sloping transport unit. Typically, the sloping transport section includes two conveyors arranged parallel to each other, one of which allows the bags of the first series to be raised and the other allows the bags of the second series to be raised.

[0030] In some embodiments, the process provides: - a flow control step for a stream of solid material exiting a specific hopper chosen from the first hopper and the second hopper; and - depending on the order stage and possibly depending on at least one parameter of supply and filling of the determined hopper, obtained using one or more sensors, an actuation of the conveyor assembly which serves to transport the bags to the openwork or meshed part. Optionally, the cutting phase is activated by rotating at least one transverse shaft mounted / secured to the inclined transport section. More broadly, the cutting elements can be activated by a rotational movement to allow cutting of the bags conveyed to the perforated or mesh section while the entire conveyor assembly is running.

[0031] In this process, a parameter for supplying and filling the determined hopper can be at least one of the following: - a sensor detecting a specific hopper fill level (for example, to detect whether a level considered low / threshold has been crossed or not), - a sensor or component enabling the counting of bags transported to the dumping area located on the openwork or mesh part.

[0032] The device can be automated by forming a sub-assembly of a mixing projection / spraying machine, to implement a spraying process with continuous phases, without operator intervention other than the one holding and directing the spray lance. Optionally, a control or automation unit provided in the device allows for the shutdown of the first dosing stage and / or the first conveying section feeding the first dosing stage in order to stop the predetermined flow of dry binder, as well as the shutdown of the second dosing stage and / or the second conveying section feeding the second dosing stage in order to stop the flow of plant-based granules. This can allow the upstream supply to the tank and the junction to be stopped when the operator considers that they are reaching or approaching the end of the spraying process. The unit can also activate or deactivate raw material supply phases depending on the water supply being made to the tank, possibly with real-time reactions.

[0033] According to another aspect, it is proposed a use of the device, in which the dry binder contains lime, the device comprising a control and automation unit intended to automate the preparation of the composition of the multi-material mixture to be sprayed, including the plant aggregate and the moistened binder, and in which one or more sensors are provided in the two feed lines, forming a group of sensors enabling the control and automation unit to provide data representative of one filling level at a time: - for dry binder being transported to the tank, particularly in a detection zone located on said platform, - and for moistened binder present in the closed volume of the tank.

[0034] The detection zone typically corresponds to a position upstream of the tank, for example by having a sensor that can detect a filling level of a hopper belonging to the first dosing stage. It is understood that the device can be configured to allow communication between the tank and the control and automation unit, so that a feeding step of one or both of the dosing stages can be automatically modified based on data received by the control and automation unit. This data can be, in particular: - representative of at least one tank filling level; and - representative of at least one filling level in dry binder, before humidification, in the first dosing stage.

[0035] In use of the device, a start-up cycle can be initiated by entering setting parameters, for example using a screen (touchscreen) and / or an input interface, which may include: - a type of plant aggregate, with where applicable its density and / or type of packaging (20 or 30 kg bag, or other capacity to be specified). - a length of the blow pipe installed on an outlet of the second dosing stage. - a type of binder, possibly with a level of grain fineness (which can be reflected by the specific surface area in cm2 / g) and / or its density. - a length of the supply / sending pipe for the moistened binder placed on an outlet pipe of the tank. For the same plant, such as hemp, parameterization is also possible, with for example a density parameter (which can depend on the fiber content, the type of oak hurd, the type of raw cut or ground in bulk).

[0036] According to another aspect, a machine is proposed for projecting a mixture of plant-based granules and a moistened binder, including the supply device as mentioned above, the machine comprising: - a trailer that can support the entire conveyor assembly; - a blower unit coupled to an output of one of the first and second supply lines; - a tank having an inlet of water or aqueous solution and a pump arranged at an outlet of the tank, an inlet of the tank being coupled to an outlet of the other between the first supply line and the second supply line for a supply of dry binder, the tank forming part of a mixer to obtain said moistened binder.

[0037] Typically, the trailer includes a support with a hinged axle that allows a dispensing section for all or part of the bags to be folded up after use, preferably with a support base connected to the dispensing section. In some embodiments, the dispensing section includes / forms a first section of the conveyor assembly, for example, with a belt conveyor or other conveyor. The main section equipped with the cutting elements can form a second conveyor located downstream of the first section.

[0038] The device is towable and has a connection provided at one end of the device support structure, while two conveyors (one for the dry binder, the other for the plant granulate) are arranged in parallel on the support structure, opposite the connection. - both conveyors each have a retractable part, so each of the two conveyors has a deployed configuration which extends the support structure, on the opposite side to the towing link which can form a front end of the support structure.

[0039] The device may have a first zone for depositing bags containing selectively / only plant-based aggregate (of a specific type, which does not vary, for example, defined by a parameter) and a second zone for depositing bags containing selectively / only dry binder. These two zones are spaced laterally / on one side of the tank. The device may have: - a first screener, associated with the first dosing stage (this screener allowing the filling of a hopper in this first stage); and - a second screener, associated with the second dosing stage (this other screener allows the hopper of this second stage to be filled), Brief description of the drawings

[0040] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below, and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, on which: [Fig.1] is a perspective view illustrating a machine adapted for projection which includes a device for supplying the solid ingredients of the mixture to be sprayed, here in a configuration before the installation of the connecting pipes to the projection lance. Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating from below the components of the machine in Fig. 1. Figure 3 illustrates, by means of a longitudinal cross-section, a part of the device showing the path of the binder, which is supplied and dosed as a dry binder before joining the tank forming the mixer of the device. Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the arrangement of the tank forming the mixer of a device according to an example embodiment, here with the inside of the tank visible through transparency. Figure 5 illustrates, by a top view, an example of the arrangement of the device with two adjacent discharge zones, at which the contents of the bags are discharged by gravity into one or the other of the dosing stages, while the container (bag) can be evacuated horizontally beyond its associated discharge zone by joining a bag extraction module. [Fig. A] shows a non-limiting example of bag evacuation equipment, of the type with two separate hatches, one for the selective passage of a bag emptied of dry binder to the extraction module, the other for the selective passage of a bag emptied of light / vegetable aggregate to the same extraction module. [Fig.ôB] is a view analogous to [Fig.ôA], with a different viewing angle, in an option using two hoppers of different capacity and / or depth. Figure 7 shows part of the means of transport of the supply device, in an option integrating cutting elements on the transport paths for both types of bags, away from the respective drop-off areas. Figure 8 shows a flowchart schematically reflecting steps that can be used to control certain parts of the means of transport and adjust material flow rates. Figure 9 shows, by schematic view, an example of a spray lance or nozzle, suitable for complementing a machine like the one shown in Figure 1, allowing the moistened binder and the plant aggregate to be projected together. Figure 10 schematically illustrates a feed line for a granular or powdery solid component, allowing the container in the form of a notched bag and its contents to circulate in a divergent manner from a discharge zone which surmounts a receiving hopper for the solid component. Description of the implementation methods

[0041] In the drawings, certain dimensions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes. In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. The Z direction designates the vertical and the Y direction a transverse direction, of width. Throughout the following, reference is made to MT transport means having conveyors, including in particular a first conveyor selectively used for the dry binder 61 and a second conveyor selectively used for the plant aggregate 62, without this being limiting to the total number of conveyors that a device 1 for supplying solid materials / components may have to allow the preparation and projection or flow of a mixture of moistened binder + plant aggregate.

[0042] As shown in [Fig. 1], the device 1 includes a support structure 3 which is, for example, integrated into a trailer 10, optionally providing a platform P10 for the fixed mounting of various components of the device 1. The trailer 10 may be of the double-axle type. An external frame 100 may be provided to protect the components, with the additional possibility of covering this frame 100, for example, with removable tarpaulins (such as a roof tarpaulin for a canopy, for example). Where appropriate, motorized or hazardous parts are not made accessible laterally, by using at least one barrier or gate, such as a wire mesh gate in certain options.

[0043] The device 1 comprises, on the support structure 3, a first dosing stage 41 supplied with dry binder 61 and a second dosing stage 42 supplied with plant granule 62. Transport means MT, typically in the form of conveyors, are provided to allow the feeding of each of the dosing stages 41 and 42, in parallel. In implementation options that improve ergonomics (to minimize or eliminate the physical strain of operations), the loading of raw materials can be facilitated by: - having a first loading area, on which at least one B1 bag (closed / unopened bag) containing the dry binder 61 can be placed; and - by having a second loading area, on which at least one B2 bag (closed bag) containing the plant granule 62 can be placed. In some variants, device 1 may have fewer conveyors, possibly by having a first feed line 2 with several conveyors, while the other feed line may have fewer conveyors or be designed differently.

[0044] Upward-sloping conveyors can be provided to form the MT transport means, which allow the bags Bl, B2 to be moved from the corresponding loading area to a hopper area located higher up. The MT transport means are, for example, distributed in parallel to raise the respective bags Bl and B2 to the level of: - a first screener to feed a hopper (here through a top opening) constituting the receiving part of the first dosing stage 41; and - a second screener to feed a hopper (here through a top opening) forming the receiving part of the first dosing stage 41. Although an arrangement with a right-hand conveyor for bags Bl of dry binder and a left-hand conveyor for bags B2 of lightweight aggregate is illustrated in [Fig. 1], other arrangements can be made for feeding bags Bl, B2 by a pair of conveyors that are part of the MT transport means. A retractable or hinged conveyor section can be provided to reduce the dimensions of the support structure 3, for example with a jamb 3p provided to support this retractable section which can form the bag unloading area for Bl, B2 at the rear / opposite of the trailer link (front link to allow the device 1 to be towed by a vehicle).

[0045] With reference to Figures 1 and 6, the device 1 has two controlled supply lines: one for the controlled supply of moistened binder 63 with an initial supply of dry binder 61, and the other for the controlled supply of plant-based granules 62 using a blower or similar pneumatic drive system to transport these plant-based granules after they have been dosed. A junction J is provided, which can be located in the projection section, for example in the form of a lance or nozzle as in the case of [Fig. 9]. Long flexible hoses (several meters long, for example, to allow the operator to move away from the support structure 3) can form conduits, with the first conduit C1 carrying the moistened binder 63, and the second conduit C2 bringing the plant-based granules propelled by a blower unit US to which this second conduit C2 is connected.

[0046] More generally, to enable a supply that minimizes operator intervention, typically with control capabilities and without manual handling of the unpacking of bags loaded in the 4t drop-off zones, the device 1 may include a first feed line 2 equipped with cutting elements 16a, 16b for notching bags, and several transport sections 10a, 10b, 10c forming part of this first feed line. Figures 5 to 7 and 10 illustrate non-limiting examples of sections 10a, 10b, and 10c, for example, with three sections: - a first section 10a (optional or which can be added in a detachable way, in certain variants) which can form the 4t drop zone where the operator drops the filled and still closed bag, to avoid the emission of dust at the level of this first section 10a; - a second section or main section 10b which extends to an end E adjacent to the discharge zone of the contents of the bag(s) moved on this main section 10b; and - a third section or terminal section 10c where the corresponding spillway zone Zdl or Zd2 is formed, as can be seen for example in figures 5 and 10.

[0047] The device has a perforated or meshed section 14c, possibly present in each discharge zone Zdl or Zd2. In the first feed line 2, this perforated or meshed section 14c is thus located above a first hopper Tr equipping the dosing stage, which receives the contents of the notched and emptied bags. With reference to [Fig. 10], the solid component, which is the dry binder 61 (powdered or granular) or the granules, can pass through this perforated section and fall by gravity into the first hopper Tr ([Fig. 10]) via the access opening of this dosing stage. Even when notched, the bags have dimensions that allow them to be conveyed along a path to the bottom of the discharge zone, where a hatch 11a or 11b, belonging to a bag discharge device Tl, described below, is located.Indeed, the cuts made by the cutting elements 16a, 16b are made without completely destructuring the bag, for example because of the type of cut(s), generally straight and longitudinal and / or the location of these cuts, made on the bag from below, without degrading the opposite face (which is the upper face during transport). Of course, any suitable localized cutting process, not altering or only slightly altering the dimensions of the bag, can be used, in order to allow the bag to open by the notches, typically without loss of bag shreds / pieces that could fall with the contents into the first underlying Tr hopper.

[0048] The structure of the bag may be composed (only) of a non-plastic and non-metallic material, this for each of the bags Bl, B2. By way of non-limiting example, it may be a bag made of paper, for example of reinforced pulp paper, based on wood fibers for example or other natural fibers.

[0049] The second hopper also receives the other solid component supplied in bag form. As illustrated in the non-limiting case of Figures 6A-6B and 7, the respective hoppers of the two dosing stages 41 and 42 can be arranged in parallel, being juxtaposed laterally with a spacing that can be the same as the spacing e4 (which can typically be less than 70 or 80 cm). Partitions can separate conveyor sections, for example at least in an intermediate space separating two first parallel sections 10a (with one or more partitions C3, as illustrated for example in [Fig.7]) and in an intermediate space separating the third parallel sections 10c which form the overturning zones Zdl, Zd2 (with one or more partitions C4 which may have a guiding function, as illustrated for example in [Fig.6B]). Device 1 includes a second feed line with a second hopper to collect the other of the two solid components. As can be seen for example in Figures 1-2 and 6A, a raised structure, having for example pillars 3a supporting a frame or chassis 3c, can allow each of the dosing stages 41, 42 (with the corresponding hoppers) to be suspended from the platform P10 or base level of the structure 3 which supports the components of device 1.

[0050] In practical implementation examples, such as in the case of Figures 1 to 3 and 7, the device 1 makes it possible to carry out, without human assistance after the deposit of closed bag(s), an opening and / or cutting of the bag, at least for one of the conveyors of the MT transport means. In the case shown in [Fig. 1], the bags B1 and B2 are opened during a journey on a conveyor track, for example using an assembly 16 with cutting blades, which includes for example circular blades set in motion around an axis (typically a horizontal axis).

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates the case of cutting elements 16a, 16b arranged in a transverse row relative to the direction of travel of the bags B1, B2. When a conveyor 4 of the conveyor assembly 14a and / or 14b is designed as a belt conveyor b, the cutting elements 16a, 16b can be offset on one or both sides relative to each of the belts. Such a row is parallel to the axis Xa forming the articulation or hinge (which allows each optional section 10a to be folded down). Although this example shows an arrangement with two conveyor sets 14a, 14b, each incorporating a cutting function, here using cutting blades / elements 16a, 16b that cut the bag with the possibility of making several parallel cuts, the device may optionally include an additional conveyor set dedicated to bags Bl or B2 of the same type as those for set 14a or 14b, or conversely, may consist of only one conveyor set 14a or 14b equipped with a bag cutting blade / function assembly 16. Figure 10, for example, shows a first feed line 2, equipped with cutting discs 16c, here with circular cutting blades, which can form a cutting blade assembly of the device, while the other feed line for solid products (not shown in this figure) may be arranged differently.

[0052] When two conveyor sets 14a, 14b are provided, the transport means MT can be positioned laterally up to the respective terminal sections 10c. This allows the use of a single axis X4 for the rotation of the cutting elements 16a, 16b or suitable blades 16c, by providing a localized cutting stage, for example at a height level raised relative to the deposit areas 4t, particularly when each conveyor 14 is inclined. Co-location at this level allows the rotary drive of the cutting elements to be shared, for example with a common rotating shaft. The arrangement of the [Fig.7] can then be adopted, so that the second conveyor assembly 14b is parallel and typically juxtaposed laterally to the first conveyor assembly 14a, being provided with additional cutting elements 16b belonging to a cutting blade assembly 16 provided with a drive part M3, common to the various cutting elements 16a of the first assembly 14a and to the additional cutting elements 16b. .

[0053] A single motor M3 is illustrated here in this example to enable the actuation of the rotation of the cutting members 16a and 16b. Optionally, the conveyors are equipped with at least three or four circular blades each, allowing the respective bags to be opened by cutting the packaging lengthwise (along the conveyor's path). B1 and B2 bags can be deposited by the operator in a predetermined orientation, for example, when they are longer than they are wide.

[0054] The bags Bl, B2 continue to be conveyed with their contents spilling onto the conveyor belt. Each of the bags Bl, B2 can (once opened) be conveyed onto a vibrating assembly VB, for example, a two-plate vibrating assembly 9a, 9b, which is specifically designed. The vibrating assembly VB can then facilitate the discharge of the bag contents through the upper opening providing access to the interior of the corresponding dosing stage 41 or 42, as shown in particular in Figures 5 to 6B.

[0055] With reference to Figures 6A and 6B, two parallel sides of each hopper are surmounted / extended by a corresponding pair of flanks, at least a portion of which is equipped with or consists of vibrating plates 9a, 9b. Motors may be formed / provided on the outside of the flanks forming the vibrating plates 9a, 9b, laterally on either side of the two openings forming the respective accesses to the first dosing stage 41 and the second dosing stage 42. More generally, an arrangement with at least two vibrating plates 9a, 9b is provided to allow the bags to be emptied into two hoppers: a hopper of the first stage 41 for the dry binder 61 and a hopper of the second stage 62 for the lightweight aggregate 62. A screening conveyor can be fitted to each hopper opening to separate oversized particles or fragments and prevent the bag from falling out. cut or parts of the cut bag. Vibrations can be produced in any suitable way, so that a conveying step can be carried out: - of the dry binder with the cut bag(s), by a conveyor which has a screening body subjected to vibrations; - plant granulate (which is also typically dry) with the cut bag(s), by another conveyor which has a screening body subjected to vibrations.

[0056] The first dosing stage 41 may have a dosing screw VI, while the second dosing stage 42 may have a dosing screw V2, for example arranged parallel to the screw VL. The axis Al of rotation of the screw VI is thus parallel to the axis A2 of rotation of the screw V2, with each of the feed hoppers elongated along the same direction X (parallel to these axes Al and A2). The screws VI and V2 are, for example, auger screws. The first dosing stage 41 allows the dosing of dry binder by the auger screw V1, which circulates a flow of dry binder 61 towards a tank 5. The outlet 41s of the first stage 41 and the outlet 42s of the second stage may be arranged

[0057] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the first dosing stage 41 has an outlet 41s connected to a mixer including the tank 5 to allow mixing of this product (typically a powder) with water or a suitable aqueous solution. At least one of the discharge areas, on top of one or both of the hoppers, has a hatch 11a, 11b located opposite the conveyor used to lift and cut the bag B1, B2. In a parallel arrangement of the dosing stages 41, 42, two hatches can be provided, positioned side by side, for example, movable by being hinged around a horizontal axis raised relative to a base surface corresponding to the level of the screen(s) covering the access openings to the dosing stages 41, 42 (screeners of the discharge area).

[0058] More generally, once the bags Bl, B2 are emptied, the device 1 can evacuate the bags without manual intervention, using a bag evacuation device Tl equipped with hatches 11a, 11b or other movable partitions providing access to a recovery area, for example arranged transversely or perpendicularly to a general direction of transport of each conveyor of the transport means MT. The direction D, in [Fig. 10], illustrates this general direction of transport but in a case where a change of direction can take place downstream of the station / assembly 16 with the cutting elements. At the level of the terminal transport section 10c, the drive direction D' (along the perforated part 14a) can be parallel to or different from this direction D.

[0059] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], a hatch 1 can be opened by being hinged on top, optionally with an opening control enabled by a Cylinder 1 is supported by the discharge element or equipment T1. This allows the ejection of packaging / bags into the compactor 30, which, relative to the discharge zone in the first dosing stage 41, is located on the opposite side of the bag discharge equipment T1. By gravity, the bags B1, B2 are collected in a hollow tubular structure and can, for example, be selectively moved to one side by a drive element, e.g., equipped with a helical rotary screw V3. A reservoir or temporary holding container T30, e.g., shaped like a "sock" with an open / openable bottom, can be provided at the end of the hollow tubular structure of the compactor 30. It is permissible to eject bag or packaging residue onto one side of the support structure 3, with an opening in the container T30 that opens laterally onto one side of this support structure 3.

[0060] With reference to [Fig. 5], the compactor 30 can constitute or be part of a bag extraction module. The presence of a container with an upper opening 30a, elongated in a direction transverse to the path of the bags Bl, B2 on the discharge zones Zdl, Zd2, allows both types of bags to be accommodated by the same opening 30a. The bag discharge equipment Tl, here with two movable gates, is interposed between each discharge zone Zdl, Zd2 and the upper opening 30a, being configured to temporarily block a bag passage (passage leading above the upper opening 30a and closed by a gate lia, 11b in the extended position of the cylinder 1le which allows the movement of this gate). The arrangement of the cylinders 1 is adapted so as not to hinder / interfere with the evacuation of bags, for example by mounting each fixed part of the cylinder 1 above the corresponding passage delimited by the TL equipment

[0061] The extraction module may include a sleeve 36, in the form of a sheath or sock, attached in a removable manner. This sleeve 36 constitutes a consumable, to be discarded when its internal volume is filled / sufficiently filled with emptied bags. This consumable may be attached to the tube of the container T30, which here belongs to a fixed and reusable part of the extraction module. The extraction module, with or without a compactor function, may have a transverse channel (elongated along the transverse Y direction), delimited between two parallel walls, forming a front wall and a rear wall. The rear upper edge 33, formed on the rear wall, delimits the upper opening 30a on the side opposite the discharge zones Zdl and Zd2. Above the front wall, the device may include a barrier forming all or part of the discharge equipment Tl, here in the form of a barrier with two hinged / articulated gates in the non-limiting example of Figures 5 to 6B. The upper edge 31 of the equipment Tl may be fixed and parallel to the edge 33. As in the case of [Fig. 5], the extraction module may have a motorized screw V3 (for example, motorized on the side opposite the opening of container T30), which includes propellers 32 that move the emptied bags towards a bottom and to one side, following a trajectory that brings the bags closer to a temporary tube or container T30. The propellers 32 may contribute to the compaction effect of the compactor 30. The pitch between two successive propellers 32 of this screw D3 is, for example, less than a longitudinal extension of the discharge zone Zd1, Zd2. The first bags are stored in the temporary container T30, and then—as more bags accumulate—these first bags are pushed further to fill the casing 36. Example of integrating a tank with an agitator into the device

[0062] The dry binder 61 can be transported in the bag B1, poured into a hopper Tr after the bag cutting phase, dosed using the screw VI provided in the first dosing stage 41, and then distributed, directly or indirectly, into a tank 5 including the water inlet 51 ([Fig.4]) and allowing the moistened binder 63 to be obtained. This moistened binder 63 is then able to flow and be evacuated from the tank by a pump 7.

[0063] The tank has a bottom 5a and includes a side wall 5b extending vertically from the bottom 5a to an upper wall element 5c, forming a lid. The tank 5 can carry an agitator 6 to form a mixer. A motor M5 can be mounted directly on the top of the tank 5 for top-driving an agitator rod or shaft 60. Generally, the agitator 6 includes at least one vertical agitator shaft 60, coupled to the tank 5 to continuously mix the water with the dry binder 61 in a closed volume V5 of the tank 5. The agitator shaft 60 can be arranged vertically, either coinciding with or close to a central axis of the tank 5.

[0064] The tank 5 is wider than it is tall in the example of Figures 3 and 4. More generally, the tank 5 has a format adapted to obtain homogeneous agitation, for example by having a side wall 5b which has a continuous curvature over at least two angular sectors each representing more than 100°. Tank 5 is part of a feed line parallel to the light aggregate feed line or channel 62. Outlet 42s can be located at the bottom of the second metering stage 42, at an end far from the MT conveying means, with the possibility of connection to a US blower unit, equipped, for example, with an air blower. Tank 5 and the blower unit can be arranged on opposite sides in a right-left direction (lateral direction Y as seen in [Fig. 3]), with tank 5 positioned completely behind outlet 42s and the US blower unit, thus offset towards the MT conveying means along the direction of the X-axis shown in [Fig. 3] (which corresponds to a conveying direction for delivery from the same rear side of the metering stages). 41, 42, the X direction being a longitudinal / elongation direction of the structure 3).

[0065] In the tank 5, the dry binder inlet 52 can be formed by a downward conduit extending from the first dosing stage 41 to an upper opening in the tank 5 that passes through the upper cover / wall element 5c, such that the tank 5 is located below the first dosing stage 41. The tank 5 is adapted to be filled with water before the discharge of the dry binder 61, which is discharged according to the dosing rate obtained at the outlet 41s of the first dosing stage 41. For this purpose, the tank 5 can include a tap or a water / aqueous liquid supply device, typically mounted on the upper wall element 5c. The discharge of the moistened binder 63 resulting from the mixing / stirring in the volume V5 can be carried out using a pumping section that communicates with a lower filling zone Za of the tank 5. For example, the tank 5 can be traversed by a hollow element, perpendicular to the stirring shaft 60 and forming a motorized rotating shaft connected to a screw conveyor 63 for discharging the moistened binder. A jacket can form a conduit for the pump 7 used to adjust the outgoing flow rate of moistened binder 63. The arrow F5 in [Fig. 3] illustrates the flow of moistened binder F5 entering the flexible pipe forming conduit C1 or joining such a conduit which connects to the other conduit C2 via junction J ([Fig. 9]). The pump 7, for example, is an off-center helical screw pump within an internal helical conduit of the tubing or pump body connected to the tank 5 at the lower opening forming a horizontal outlet 07, clearly visible in [Fig. 4].

[0066] Regardless of the method of circulating the moistened binder 63 to obtain an outlet flow rate F5 at the outlet 7, the pump 7 can be provided to extend horizontally by connecting to this outlet 07, preferably by having a rotating element of this pump 7 that passes horizontally through the outlet 07. Typically, a flow rate of the flux F5 can be adjusted according to the rotational speed of a rotating element (helical screw connected to a shaft) of this pump 7. The motor M7 of this pump 7 can be disposed external to the tank, on the platform P10 or other area of ​​the structure 3, on a side opposite the body of the pump 7, so that the tank 5 is traversed (horizontally) by a shaft that extends between a first external end (outside the tank) connected to the motor M7 and a second end that connects, for example, through the opening or outlet 07, to the screw drive housed in the body of the pump. As seen in the [Fig.3] In particular, the pump 7 has, outside the tank 5, a termination fitting (for example formed as a male termination / fitting on the pump body), for attaching a flexible connecting hose separate from the pneumatic conveying path.

[0067] The base 5a can rest directly or indirectly on the platform P10 of the support structure 3. The tank 5 can be partially offset on one side of the structure 3, which is optionally on the opposite side from the opening of the container T30, here tubular. More generally, the tank 5 can be located, on the support structure 3, on the same side as the controlled supply line that receives the bags B1 of dry binder 61. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the mixer tank 5 is a preparation tank for the moistened binder 63, which includes an inlet 51 for water or aqueous solution and an inlet 52 for dry binder that is connected to the first dosing stage 4L. This inlet 52 can correspond to the termination point of a screw (Archimedes screw), given that a gap can be provided between a terminal helix of this screw V1 (bottom screw located at the bottom of the hopper) and a bearing supporting one end of the screw shaft VL.

[0068] To ensure control of the mixing phase, the device 1 may have one or more sensors giving an indication / information that a filling level is reached or exceeded and / or information representative of an insufficient filling level, in the tank 5. This is compatible with continuous projection, carried out as long as the dosing rates are maintained.

[0069] Device 1 can be instrumented by having various sensors. Device 1 can control at least one of the following: an output flow from tank 5 of moistened binder 63, the flow of plant aggregate 62 and the determined flow of dry binder 61 obtained at outlet 41s, as a function of information representative of the filling level of tank 5, and preferably also as a function of a projection flow control entered (optionally) by a human-machine interface.

[0070] Figure 8 shows an example of steps carried out in a controlled solids supply process, with control that can extend to the mixer tank 5. After a step 71 of inputting one or more control parameters, for example reflecting a mixing recipe (composition) and / or a flow rate command(s), an automation unit can store these control parameters in a DB memory module. A lookup table can convert all or part of these parameters into functional commands for certain components of the device 1. After this preliminary input step 71, a start-up step 72 can be activated. This can be done via a remote control.

[0071] Startup step 72 can generate various commands, including: - at least one concerns tank 5, for example to start a water filling using the inlet 51, with the activation of the sensor assembly C5 (for detecting the filling level(s) in tank 5); - another concerns the MT transport means, to operate one and / or the other of the conveyor assemblies 14a, 14b. A step 73 of starting up the mixer can thus be carried out, with certain sensor information used to regulate and / or control the conveyor assembly 14a responsible for transporting the bags B1 of dry binder 61, as well as the rotation speed of the screw VI of the first dosing stage 41.

[0072] Regarding the control of the conveyor assembly 14b responsible for transporting the bags B2 of plant aggregate 62, a step 74 can be performed to adjust the transport rate of these bags B2 and the dosing flow rate permitted by the screw V2 of the second dosing stage 42. Data from sensors C5 can optionally be used during this step 74 to adjust the control of the conveyor assembly 14a responsible for transporting the bags B1, based on information representative of the dry binder 61 requirement level, obtained at the level of the tank 5. The adjustment step 74 is followed by a control step 75 of the transport means MT, which can then be carried out according to the estimated real-time requirements. Various sensors C5, C1O, C2O can thus be used in control loops, feedback loops, and / or real-time monitoring links. Figure 8 schematically illustrates, with a connection L5, the possibility of connecting the sensor or sensor assembly(ies) C5 to a control and automation unit that can control flow rates or material movements. In addition to a sensor assembly equipping tank 5, the unit can also utilize information / signals from one or more sensors C20 used to count bags Bl and / or B2 that have been transported to the corresponding discharge zone Zdl, Zd2.

[0073] This unit can also be linked to CIO sensors fitted to the hoppers of the dosing stages 41 and 42, for example, to control the MT transport means based on the fill level in the hoppers of these respective stages 41 and 42. The L5 link can be used to restart the conveyor(s) that move the dry binder 41 and thus improve / increase the filling of the dosing stage 41, the output flow rate of which can then be increased. The supply adjustment is actually carried out in step 75 of the control / command of the MT transport means. The L5 link can also be used in the opposite situation where the supply of dry binder 61 is correct or already high compared to the supply of light aggregate 62, for example by stopping the conveyor(s) supplying the light aggregate 62 and by timing the dosing stage 42 (by playing on the rotation speed of the screw V2, typically).

[0074] With reference to [Fig. 8], the aggregate 62 can be poured and metered into the hopper of the metering stage 42 to provide, at a final double-metering stage 77, a controlled flow of solids, allowing for a certain degree of traceability. This double metering requires supplying a supplementary flow of moistened binder 63. For this purpose, the tank 5 is instrumented and controlled in real time to send, via pump 7, the required flow rate of moistened binder 63. For the plant aggregate supply line 62, step 75 already provides the correct flow rate. Optionally, following this step 75, an injection phase can also be controlled, using the US blowing unit. A step 76 of extraction of the different bags B1 and B2 can be set up simply, by actuating, by the cylinders 11c or similar actuators, an opening of the access to the extraction module, typically to throw the bags Bl, B2, once notched and emptied, into the compactor 30. The step S30 of compacting the bags can be carried out, for example discontinuously, by turning the screw V3 according to an opening of a hatch lia, 11b.

[0075] This type of process can record the quantities introduced and delivered to the final mixture, for example, by taking into account the respective lengths of pipes (pipe / conduit from the pump flowmeter 7 for the moistened binder 63, pipe / conduit from the rotary valve for the aggregate 62). The DB storage module can compile / record representative data of these quantities, optionally with a time stamp. An acceptance module can compare this recorded data with the control data, for example, to signal a problem / discrepancy with the dosing command entered during the initial input (at input step 71).

[0076] The process, implemented by this device 1, can prevent supply shortages. Upstream of tank 5, device 1 can restart / start the MT conveying system, for example, by activating a conveyor when the level in the hopper for dry binder 61 is low. A bag B1 can then be lifted and unloaded to provide a sufficient flow rate of dry binder, which is then maintained at a predetermined level at outlet 41s of the first dosing stage 4L. Similarly, it is also possible to activate the other conveyor associated with the second dosing stage 42 when the level in the hopper for plant aggregate 62 is low. A bag B2 of plant aggregate 62 can then be lifted and unloaded to provide a sufficient flow rate of plant aggregate 62, which is then maintained at a predetermined level at outlet 42s of the second dosing stage 42.The US blower unit is coupled to a flexible hose, possibly with a larger cross-section than another hose used for the moistened binder 62, and forming or connecting to the conduit C2, which allows the light aggregate 62 to be sent in an airflow towards the junction J to then allow the mixture with the aggregate coated by the moistened binder to be projected, as described later.

[0077] The MT transport means and each dosing stage 41, 42 may also include: - at least one CIO sensor, for example to detect a low filling level of a hopper; - a C20 bag counting module or sensor; - an interface module to alert of an insufficient level (usable to complete / allow the adjustment made in step 75 of MT means of transport control), to allow for example to deposit an additional bag in a loading area of ​​MT means of transport; - a link with an input interface that records a projection flow rate command (for example to differentiate between low flow rate operation and high flow rate operation). It is understood that device 1 can operate with relatively large flow rates, for example, exceeding 4 to 6 m3 / h of consumption (flow rate) in light aggregate 62 (for example, hemp), and / or exceeding 1 to 3 m3 / h of consumption (flow rate) in dry binder 61 (for example, lime).

[0078] The series association of the first part of the MT transport means dedicated to the transport of the dry binder 61, the first dosing stage 41 and the tank 5 with the agitator equipment 6 and the pump 7, makes it possible to constitute an automated supply line to prepare and deliver the flow F5 of moistened binder into the supply pipe or conduit Cl connecting to the junction J, here provided on the lance 8 for example. Figure 3 shows, by three arrows, the path of the dry binder 61 which follows a trajectory with a reversal, insofar as the screw VI of the first metering stage 41 can circulate this dry binder 61 in the opposite direction to its supply direction onto the screener or similar discharge zone from the top of this metering stage 4L. In this non-limiting example, the thicker arrows on the left of Figure 3 show a path of the packaging / bag remnants B1 which may have been cut. As schematically illustrated in Figure 3,10], any screening arrangement with an openwork / mesh part, above the hopper Tr of the corresponding dosing stage 41 or 42 can be suitable, without necessarily being mounted parallel to the conveyors of the first section 10a and the second section or main section 10b of the transport means MT. .

[0079] The second part of the MT transport means dedicated to transporting the plant aggregate 60, the second dosing stage 42, and the plant aggregate transfer part 44 located downstream of the second dosing stage 42 (to supply the lance 8 with the accelerated flow of plant aggregate 62), can also be automated, using sensors, to form a plant aggregate 62 supply line. For this second supply line (of hemp or any suitable lightweight aggregate 62), the machine or device 1 can offer the operator input, for example on a touch screen, of the type of plant granulate and a length of the blowing pipe, forming a long conduit C2 up to the lance 8, placed for example on an outlet 42s of the second dosing stage 42. Advantageously, a compactor 30 or other equipment for processing the remains of Bl, B2 bags can be common to both dosing stages 41, 42, so that the compactor 30 illustrated in [Fig.3] for collecting B1 bags can also collect B2 bags which return to the temporary reception area of ​​container T30, as can be understood from [Fig. 1]. Example of automated operation

[0080] Upstream of the tank, the device 1 can discharge, using the transport means MT, the solid materials into the first dosing stage 41 and the second dosing stage 42, respectively: no liquid is required in these stages 41 and 42. Conversely, the tank 5 is filled with aqueous liquid / water, possibly as soon as operations start. The tank 5 has a first, lower filling zone, where an agitator element 6a (lower propeller in the example of [Fig. 4]) of the agitator equipment 6 extends. The liquid can thus be set in motion, for example by forming a central vortex, when the solid dry binder 62 is poured (typically in powder form) from the top (via an opening in the lid 5c) to join the liquid and mix with the water. The tiered arrangement of several stirring elements 6a, 6b can optimize the dispersion rate of dry binder particles in water.In the case of a binder in the form of lime, a lime slurry is obtained.

[0081] Preferably, the filling with water through the inlet 51 is done until it reaches or exceeds a threshold which can for example exceed at least one of the stirring elements 6a, 6b, optionally by exceeding the highest of the stirring elements 6a, 6b after the addition of the dry binder.

[0082] A counting unit can be used to count the number of bags that have been torn / cut, in order to account for the quantity of solids poured into the hoppers via the discharge zone onto the screener (with vibrating plates 9a, 9b). The dry binder 61 and the lightweight aggregate 62 are dosed, with the tank 5 being filled by the addition of the dry binder 61, which is then stirred with water. The sensor unit C5 can include a high-level sensor – for example, higher than the upper propeller or stirring element 6b – and a low-level sensor (located lower than this stirring element 6b), which provides fill-level data that can supplement recording data relating to the quantities of solids poured into the dosing stages 41, 42, possibly with data on the quantity or flow rate of water poured via the inlet 51.

[0083] To enable projection, device 1 simultaneously uses: - the US blower unit with the transfer section 44, for example made in the form of a lock, to carry out conveying via pipe / duct C2, - and the pump 7, typically connected to the tank 5 at the level of the filling zone Za, to carry out a conveyance by pipe / conduit Cl, preferably with the use of a flow meter for the control of the flow F5. The connection with junction J of conduits Cl and C2 allows for the production of the moistened binder-plant aggregate mixture. The dry binder 61 has a mineral component, such as lime or a similar air-bound binder. Alternatively, clay or a predominantly hydraulic binder (e.g., quick-setting cement) can be used. The plant aggregate 62 is typically organic but may also include a mineral component (e.g., expanded clay or pumice). It is understood that the dry binder 61 contains primarily one or more compounds including an alkaline earth element. The moistening of this dry binder 61 can be considered complete, thanks to the use of the instrumented tank 5.

[0084] With reference to [Fig. 9], partial or total coating of the plant aggregate particles 62 is achieved from the connection / junction J, and throughout the transfer of the lightweight concrete / final mix through a conduit 80b or nozzle, as well as outside the conduit 80 to the surface onto which the product is applied. The transfer conduit 80b may be cylindrical or optionally have a restricted cross-section. Notwithstanding, the transfer conduit 80b may be portable and allows the forming product, consisting of the coated particles 15 and the moistened binder 63, to be projected. The opening formed at the outlet end 80c of the conduit 80b is preferably sufficiently large to prevent premature agglomeration between the coated particles 15. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 80c preferably exceeds 20 cm² and may optionally be smaller than the cross-sectional area provided at the junction J.

[0085] In one embodiment, the connection J can be formed on the side of a first conduit Cl for transporting the moistened binder 63. This is a simple connection J located near the outlet 80c of the conduit 80, for example, at a distance d less than or equal to one meter. The second conduit C2 can be inclined at an acute angle to a central axis D8 defined by the first conduit Cl near the connection J. This central axis D8 corresponds here to an injection axis of the moistened binder 63 conveyed by the first conduit Cl (which may include a portion of the flexible hose for delivering the moistened binder) and can be considered a central axis defined at the outlet 80c of the conduit 80. Of course, the connection of the two conduits Cl and C2 can be made in various forms, and the case of the [Fig.9] is not limiting for the type of junction that is formed near the 80c outlet. An 80a fitting, for example male, can allow the flexible hose forming the conduit Cl to be connected to a rigid connection fitting provided on the lance 8.

[0086] These arrangements minimize the monitoring tasks for the operator(s). Optionally, several bags Bl, B2 can be unloaded into a pair of loading zones. From such a loading zone, forming one end of the MT transport means (rear end, opposite dosing stages 41, 42): the dry binder 61 can be transported and poured without human intervention, on the one hand, and the plant-based granule 62 can be transported and poured without human intervention, on the other. Mixing in the tank 5 can thus be achieved in a preparation phase that only requires the effort of depositing bags Bl, B2 into a lower part of the device 1, typically located lower than the top access to the respective hoppers of dosing stages 41 and 42. The sensor(s) indicate that the tank fill level is below a threshold hs, which may mean that the preparation phase is not yet complete.Therefore, the operator enters the command and control parameters of the preparation / projection process and can wait for information to be delivered before starting the projection, which can then be done continuously.

[0087] The screeners or discharge zones Zdl, Zd2 for the two dosing stages 41, 42 can be located at the same height level, at the same distance from a horizontal bottom or platform P10 provided on the support structure 3. The length of the platform P10 can remain less than 5 meters, for example on the order of 4 meters or less in no way limiting.

[0088] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, only by way of example, but encompasses all the variants that a person skilled in the art may consider within the framework of the protection sought. For example, the lance type 8 shown in [Fig. 9] is not exhaustive, as the junction J can be arranged differently. If necessary, additional inlets can be provided on the lance, for example, to add an additive flow and / or additional water or binder. Any suitable portable spraying equipment can be used by connecting it to the two parallel supply lines of the device 1, one for plant-based granules 62 and the other for moistened binder 63.

[0089] Also, the exact number of conveyors to form the MT transport means can obviously vary, where appropriate by inserting additional conveyor sections, or decrease by integrating for example the deposit area on a conveyor which forms both the first section 10a and the second section 10b.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for supplying solid materials of a mixture comprising two solid components, one of which consists of a plant aggregate (62) and the other consists of a dry binder (61) capable of forming a moistened binder (63) for coating the plant aggregate (62) when mixed with water, the device (1) comprising a first feeding line (2) which has: - a dosing stage (41; 42) which has a first hopper (Tr) with an access opening; - a conveyor assembly (14a; 14b) for transporting bags (B1; B2) filled with one of the two solid components, said conveyor assembly including a so-called main section which extends to an end (E) adjacent to a discharge zone (Zdl; Zd2) of the bag contents, the discharge zone (Zdl; Zd2) being formed by an openwork or meshed part (14c) which surmounts the first hopper (Tr) and / or connects the discharge zone with the access opening;the device (1) comprising a second hopper for collecting the other of the two solid components, within a second feeding line; characterized in that said device (1) includes: - cutting elements (16a; 16b), functionally coupled to and / or placed on said main section and capable of notching, during a cutting phase, each bag conveyed along a conveying direction on this main section, before the end of its transport by the conveyor assembly (14a; 14b), which allows the contents of the bags respectively to escape and flow into the first hopper (Tr) by passing through the perforated or meshed part (14c); and - downstream of the cutting elements (16a; 16b) along the conveying direction, an extraction module (30) for each of the bags emptied after the cutting phase.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first feed line (2) comprises a receiving structure having a depositing zone (4t) and arranged to allow the deposit of at least one bag (B1; B2), said conveyor assembly (14a; 14b) including or being made integral with a first section (10a) for moving a deposited bag and allowing its continued transport out of the zone of deposit (4t), the main section being a second section (10b) placed downstream of the first section (10a), thanks to which the conveyor assembly (14a; 14b) is able to carry out a transport of each bag deposited and moved via the first section (10a), on the second section (10b) and beyond said end (E) which is distal to the first section (10a).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction module (30) comprises a compactor equipped with a rotating auger (V3), housed in a rigid container of the compactor, the rigid container of the compactor including a top opening (30a), and wherein a bag discharge device (Tl), with a trapdoor or movable part and interposed between the discharge zone (Zdl; Zd2) and the top opening (30a) of the rigid container, is provided to temporarily block a passage of bag(s) leading over the top opening (30a).

4. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the conveyor assembly (14a; 14b) comprises or is extended by a terminal transport section (10c) for moving an emptied bag along an evacuation direction (D') which extends over the first hopper (Tr), allowing each emptied bag to be moved away from the main section (10b), and wherein the rotating screw (V3) is arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the evacuation direction (D') of the emptied bags.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dosing stage is a first dosing stage (41) for dosing the dry binder (61), an auger (VI) being placed at the bottom of the first hopper (Tr), the device comprising, in the second feed line, a second dosing stage (42) for dosing the plant aggregate (62) which includes: - another auger (V2), placed at the bottom of the second hopper; and - a rotary valve forming a transfer part (44) for transferring the plant aggregate into a conduit coupled to a blower unit (US).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a tank (5) for mixing the dry binder (61) with water, in which the dosing stage (42) allows the dosing of the plant aggregate (62), an auger (V2) being placed at the bottom of the first hopper (Tr), the device comprising, in the second feed line, another dosing stage (41) for dosing the dry binder (61) which includes: - another auger (V1), placed at the bottom of the second hopper; and - an outlet in communication with said tank (5) which is a tank of a mixer.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conveyor assembly is a first conveyor assembly (14a), the device (1) further comprising a second conveyor assembly (14b) which is: - parallel and / or juxtaposed laterally to the first conveyor assembly (14a); and - provided with additional cutting elements belonging to a cutting blade assembly (16) provided with a drive part (M3), preferably having a single motor, common to the cutting elements and the additional cutting elements.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a plurality of cutting blades belonging to a cutting blade assembly (16) and which are distributed: - on a conveyor (14a; 14b) arranged on a slope to raise first bags containing selectively one of the two solid components, in the first feed line (2) at the level of the main section (10b); and - on a conveyor (14b; 14a) arranged on a slope to raise second bags containing selectively the other of the two solid components, in the second feed line.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the extraction module (30) is configured to retrieve both the first and second bags, emptied into a deconditioning portion which is raised above the depositing area to extend to a horizontal level, such that the deconditioning portion is overlapping above the first hopper (Tr) and the second hopper.

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first feed line (2) allows the dosing stage (41; 42) to be selectively fed with one of the two solid components, so as to avoid mixing with the other of the two solid components, while the second feed line is arranged to operate in parallel with the first feed line (2), preferably having cutting means for cutting bags (B1, B2) during their transport in a cutting zone located: - between a deposit zone of the second feed line, which allows the depositing of bags and is separate from said deposit zone of the first feed line (2), - and a screener, preferably vibrating, which is superimposed on the second hopper.

11. A method for supplying solid materials of a mixture combining plant aggregate (62) and a moistened binder (63), from bags (B2) selectively filled with plant aggregate (62) and, respectively, from bags (B1) selectively filled with dry binder (61) to be moistened, the method comprising: - a transport, by a conveyor assembly (14a), of a first series composed of bags filled with dry binder (61), the conveyor assembly (14a) extending to a first discharge zone (Zd1) to discharge the dry binder (62); - a transport, by another conveyor assembly (14b), of a second series composed of bags filled with plant aggregate (62), this other conveyor assembly (14b) extending to a second discharge zone (Zd2) to discharge the plant aggregate (62);- on at least one conveyor belonging to one and / or the other of said conveyor assemblies (14a, 14b), the cutting of bags (Bl, B2) by cutting elements (16a, 16b) mounted across a path of the conveyed bags, during a cutting phase which is preferably carried out at a distance from a deposit zone (4t) of the bags (Bl, B2); - a discharge of the dry binder (61) into a first hopper (Tr) of a first dosing stage (41), at the level of the first discharge zone (Zdl); - a discharge of the light aggregate (62) into a second hopper of a second dosing stage (43), at the level of the second discharge zone (Zd2); and - an extraction of each of the bags emptied after the cutting phase; knowing that the escape from the bags of at least one of the dry binder (61) and the light aggregate (62) results from said cutting phase and allows said discharge through a perforated or meshed part (14c) which is provided in a transport section located, according to a direction of transport of the bags, downstream of the cutting elements (16, 16b) and upstream of a bag extraction module (30) provided to carry out said extraction.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the dry binder (61) comprises or consists of lime, and wherein the discharge of the dry binder (61) and the discharge of the plant aggregate (62) are each carried out after cutting the corresponding bags (B1, B2), using cutting elements mounted as integral with a sloping transport part comprising two conveyors (14) arranged parallel to each other, one of which allows the bags (B1) of the first series to be raised and the other allows the bags (B2) of the second series to be raised.

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, comprising: - a flow control step of a flow of solid material exiting a determined hopper chosen from the first hopper and the second hopper; and - depending on the control step and at least one parameter for supplying and filling the determined hopper, obtained using one or more sensors, an actuation of the conveyor assembly (14a; 14b) which serves to transport the bags to the perforated or meshed part (14c); the cutting elements (16a, 16b) being activated by a rotational movement, to allow cutting of the bags transported to the perforated or meshed part (14c) during the operation of the actuation of the conveyor assembly (14a; 14b).

14. A machine for projecting a mixture of plant-based granules (62) and a moistened binder (63), including the device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and comprising: - a trailer (10) which supports the conveyor assembly (14a; 14b); - a blower unit (US) coupled to an output of one of the first supply line (2) and the second supply line; - a tank (5) having an inlet of water or aqueous solution and a pump (7) arranged at an outlet (07) of the tank (5), an inlet of the tank (5) being coupled to an outlet of the other between the first supply line (2) and the second supply line for a supply of dry binder (61), the tank forming part of a mixer to obtain said moistened binder; and in which the trailer (10) includes a support provided with an articulation axis allowing a part of the deposit of all or part of the bags (B1, B2) to be folded after use, preferably with a support base (3p) connected to the deposit part, the deposit part forming a first section (10a) of the conveyor assembly, the main section (10b) of which forms a second conveyor placed downstream of the first section (10a).

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