Plant and method for the production of cement products

Abstract

Plant (10) for the production of cement products (50), convertible between a transport condition and a working condition, and comprising: at least a containing structure (11) configurable between a first closed configuration, in which it defines a containing volume (19), and a second open configuration, in which it defines a production station (S3); a feed unit (12) provided with sliding members (20), configurable between a first compact configuration and a second extended configuration; a plurality of formworks (13), each with a shape coordinated with the cement products (50) and configurable between a first storage configuration and a second forming configuration, in which it is adapted to be moved; and a vibrating unit (14) mounted fixedly on the containing structure (11) and configured to be comprised both in the containing volume (19) in the first closed configuration and in the production station (S3) in the second open configuration.

Description

[0001] “PLANT AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CEMENT PRODUCTS”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a plant, and the related method, for the on-site production of cement products, such as for example slabs, panels, curbs, or others, intended for urban, industrial and infrastructure construction.

[0004] The solution according to the present invention finds particular, but not exclusive, application in the field of prefabricated building constructions, for example of the type prepared to be assembled together to form living spaces, storage spaces and the like, but not only such as for example portions of roads, viaducts, or other.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] In the sector of the production of cement products for the construction industry, it is known to use plants that are in no way displaceable, as well as equipped with machinery and production equipment, such as concrete mixing plants, conveyor belts, buckets, formworks, vibrating unites and others, which typically have bulky and complex features, so as to be, however, difficult to install on site, that is, in the destination construction site, where the cement products produced will then be assembled together, to form living, industrial, storage or other spaces.

[0007] Therefore, it is known to set up a production site, independent of the construction site, within which the machinery and equipment for the production of the manufactured items are industrially installed, and from which the manufactured items are then transported to the destination construction site.

[0008] It is clear that the known solutions of this type, already complex and cumbersome in themselves, find little, if any, applicability in countries with low industrialization, lack of infrastructure and particular geographical conformation such as, for example, the countries of the African continent, but not only.

[0009] In these countries, in fact, there are considerable initial difficulties in identifying and preparing an adequate production site for the products, as well as in finding specialized labour for the start and management of production operations, having to operate with rather complex machinery and equipment, and with specific procedures, in order to obtain products with desired mechanical and qualitative properties. Very often, in order to avoid long training steps, most of the already specialised personnel are employed, with a consequent increase in production costs.

[0010] In addition, the conformation of the territory and the degree of urbanization of this type of places also makes the operations of possible transport of the products from the supplier's production site to the installation site complex, thus leading to a further increase in production times and costs, and risking compromising the structural integrity of the products.

[0011] Solutions of apparatuses for the on-site production of cement products are known, in which some equipment, such as formworks, vibrating support and raw material feeder, i.e. the mixture for the preparation of the cement conglomerate, are arranged inside a containing structure, or container, for transport to the construction site. From here, the equipment is partially extracted to find an operational configuration in which: the raw material feeder is positioned externally to the container and connected to the mixer, which will knead the correct mixture for the realization of the concrete which, later, will be specially accumulated inside the agitator buffer and then be selectively pumped, through a connected apparatus, to one of the formworks. In known solutions, the formworks remain stacked together in the container and are selectively removable from the latter, while the vibrating support moves vertically in the container to temporarily support the formwork to which it applies the desired vibration.

[0012] Document DE 20 2011 005461 U1 describes a plant for the production of prefabricated concrete elements, with production tables arranged in sequence, where each production table performs one production step. The production tables are arranged linearly one behind the other to form a production line, and perpendicular to this production line, transport containers are arranged on at least one side of the production line, containing the infrastructure elements necessary for the operation of the plant.

[0013] There is therefore the need to perfect a plant for the production of manufactured items that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0014] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of providing a plant for the production of cement products, directly in the construction site, regardless of the geographical and socio-political conformation of the territory, in which the construction site is located.

[0015] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to realize a plant and develop a method, for the on-site production of cement products that is simple and effective to use, even for non-highly specialized personnel, guaranteeing a high structural quality of the product.

[0016] Another purpose of the present invention is to realize a plant for the on-site production of cement products that does not require structures and / or spaces, auxiliary to those provided by its machinery and equipment, for a complete production of such products.

[0017] Another purpose of the present invention is to realize a plant for the on-site production of cement products that allows to contain costs and production times of such products.

[0018] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0021] In accordance with the above purposes, and to resolve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a plant according to the present invention for the production of cement products is of the convertible type, i.e. selectively configurable to define at least one transport condition and one working condition. In other words, the plant described here is of the type that can be transported to the target construction site, for the on-site production of cement products.

[0022] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the plant comprises at least a containing structure developing mainly along a first axis, a feed unit provided with at least sliding members, a plurality of formworks, each with a shape coordinated, or conjugated, with the cement products, and a vibrating unit mounted fixedly on the containing structure.

[0023] Advantageously, the plant may also provide a concrete mixing unit provided with at least one delivery member, with which to deliver the concrete into the formwork during the production steps of the cement products. It is not excluded, however, that alternatively, or in cooperation with the concrete mixing unit, the distribution can also be carried out with alternative systems, such as by means of a concrete mixing unit truck, or others, not necessarily comprised in the plant.

[0024] In some versions, the plant can include a single containing structure like the one above, which is used for both making concrete and pre-fabricating the cement product, or two containing structures, wherein a containing structure dedicated to concrete production and a containing structure dedicated to pre-fabricate or produce the cement product. The possibility that the plant may also include more than two containing structures, for example three, four or more, is not excluded.

[0025] In embodiments, in a first variant, the concrete mixing unit can be included in the single containing structure defined above, or in a second variant, it can be included in the containing structure dedicated to concrete production.

[0026] In the transport condition of the plant according to the present invention, the containing structure assumes a first closed configuration, in which it defines a certain containing volume. Always in the same transport condition of the plant, the feed unit assumes a first compact configuration, in which it is inside the containing volume, the formwork assumes a first storage configuration, in which it is inside the same containing volume, as well as the vibrating unit mounted fixedly on the containing structure. In other words, with the plant according to the present invention in its transport condition, all the essential components are comprised in the containing volume, being able to be transported simultaneously, handling a single containing structure.

[0027] In solutions in which the concrete mixing unit is also provided, the latter provides for a first resting configuration, in which it is also inside the containing volume of the respective containing structure.

[0028] In advantageous solutions where the containing structure is the size of a standard container, the entire plant can be transported by sea, land and / or air, according to conventional container transport routes, thus being able to reach substantially any geographical area, regardless of the geographical conditions in which the construction site is located.

[0029] In contrast, in the working condition of the plant according to the present invention, the containing structure assumes a second open configuration, in which it defines a production station. Always in the same working condition of the plant, the feed unit assumes a second extended configuration, in which at least the sliding members are at least partially outside the production station and extend along a second transverse axis, which may, for example, be linear and advantageously orthogonal, or may be curvilinear, with respect to said first axis. In the working condition, the formworks assume a second forming configuration, in which they are operationally coupled to the sliding members, to be moved, in sequence, along the second axis, also passing at the vibrating unit, which being mounted fixedly on the containing structure, in this operating condition is located at the production station.

[0030] In doing so, a plant for the production of cement products is obtained in which, in the working condition, the formworks are moved in sequence through the sliding members along the second axis, transverse, or in any case not parallel or coincident, to the first axis, also passing through the vibrating unit which, in the solution according to the present invention is fixed with respect to the movement of the formworks and not vice versa as in the known art.

[0031] This solution allows easier management of the production steps of the cement products, as the vibrating unit remains in the same position with respect to the production cycle, and it is the same plant that causes the movement of the formworks along the second axis, through the action of the feed unit, also through the vibrating unit, for example by passing the formworks over, or through, the vibrating unit.

[0032] In addition, in the solutions with the concrete mixing unit, in the working condition, the latter may provide, for example, for a second distribution configuration, in which at least part of it is offset from the production station, with respect to the first axis, and in which the delivery member thereof cooperates with each of the formworks in transit through the production station, to implement its filling.

[0033] Even in alternative solutions where a concrete mixing unit truck can be provided, the latter assumes an offset position at the production station, with respect to the first axis.

[0034] However, with the solution according to the present invention, it is not necessary to choose the formwork to be filled, i.e. the filling sequence thereof, in order to allow an effective association of the vibrating unit to each formwork.

[0035] This simplified operation defined by the solution according to the present invention allows the on-site production of cement products, even with the use of non-highly specialized personnel, while guaranteeing a high structural quality of the product, and containing costs and production times. Furthermore, the present invention allows a substantial reduction in Co2 emissions. In fact, by decentralising the production plant and using the concrete prefabrication technique, the emission into the environment of the CO2 normally produced by a traditional construction site is significantly reduced. The Applicant has assessed that the use of the plant according to the present invention, manages to reduce overall more than 50% of the Co2 normally produced.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each of the formworks comprises at least one aperture, operationally facing the opposite side to the sliding members, for example facing upwards in a normal operating condition, in which the sliding member is positioned on the ground. The aperture is configured to cooperate in the production station at least with the delivery member of the concrete mixing unit, or with the concrete mixing unit truck, for filling the formwork from above with concrete or other cementitious material.

[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in the second extended configuration of the feed unit, the sliding members extend along the second axis, to define at least one equipping station of the formworks, provided upstream of the production station, and at least one pre-curing station of the cement products, provided downstream of the production station.

[0038] In this way, the solution according to the present invention does not require structures and / or spaces, auxiliary to those provided by its machinery and equipment, for a complete production of such products, from equipping the formwork to the pre-curing of the cement products.

[0039] In addition, by providing for the execution of the entire production cycle with the entire plant, there are no complex steps of picking up and transporting the products, immediately downstream of the production station, further facilitating the operational management of the plant for the benefit of production costs, the quality of the products manufactured and the reduction of production errors.

[0040] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the feed unit comprises at least one movement member operationally coupled to the sliding member and configured to be selectively associated with each of the formworks, in order to actuate the movement thereof along the second axis, at least through the production station.

[0041] Advantageously, the sliding member comprises at least a plurality of wheels on which the formworks are able to slide along the second axis, while the movement member comprises movement means fixed to one side of the sliding member and selectively connectable to each of the formworks, in order to move them along the second axis. This movement, for example drawing or pushing, action by the movement means can be continuous or in step, depending on the desired operating conditions envisaged for the construction of the specific cement products being produced.

[0042] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the plant comprises at least one electric generator unit selectively configurable between a first inactive configuration, in which it is located inside the containing volume, and a second active configuration in which it is electronically connected at least to the feed unit, to the vibrating unit, and possibly to the concrete mixing unit. This advantageous solution according to the present invention allows to make the entire plant electronically self-sufficient, to the further advantage of the wide applicability and complete functionality on site, regardless of the geographical and urbanization conditions of the area, in which the construction site was based.

[0043] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the feed unit comprises at least one tilting member, advantageously arranged downstream of the sliding member, which is configured to rotate each of the formworks, into an inclined condition with respect to a sliding plane defined by the sliding member itself. In this way, the cement products can be extracted laterally to the second axis, remaining in the tilted position, and stored in special racks for the finishing and last curing steps.

[0044] The method for the production of cement products using the plant set out above also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, in the working condition of the plant, at least a first step of equipping the formworks is provided, in which in the equipping station each of the formworks is arranged at least to define the shape of the cement products.

[0046] In addition, a second production step is provided, in which in the production station the cement product is made, in sequence, by means of the action of the concrete mixing unit, and each of the formworks is vibrated by means of the vibrating unit, to eliminate any air residues in the product itself.

[0047] Finally, a third pre-curing step is provided, in which in the pre-curing station each of the form works is processed to achieve a desired degree of pre-curing of the cement products.

[0048] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0050] - fig. 1 is a partially sectioned axonometric view of a plant for the production of cement products, according to the present invention, in a transport condition;

[0051] - fig. 2 is a plan view of the plant in the condition of fig. 1 , positioned on site in a construction site;

[0052] - fig. 3 is a plan view of the plant for the production of cement products, according to the present invention, positioned on site in a construction site in a working condition;

[0053] - fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view of an equipping station and a production station of the plant of fig. 3;

[0054] - fig. 5 is a cross-sectional along the line V-V of fig. 4;

[0055] - fig. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a pre-curing station of the plant of fig. 3;

[0056] - fig. 7 is a sectional view of a detail of fig. 6;

[0057] We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0058] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0059] With reference to the attached figures, embodiments described herein refer to a plant 10 usable for the production of cement products 50, such as for example slabs, panels, curbs, or others, exemplified by rectangles, directly inside the construction site 100 in which, at a later time, such cement products 50 will be used for the construction of living spaces, storage spaces and the like, but not only as, for example, portions of roads, viaducts, or other.

[0060] In embodiments, the plant 10 is convertible between, i.e. selectively configurable to define, at least one transport condition (figs. 1 and 2) and a working condition (figs. 3 and subsequent ones). In the illustrated solution, the plant 10 is placed on site 100, advantageously defining three operating areas, each dedicated to hosting, as we will see below, related equipment and specific steps of the production cycle. These areas are, respectively, a production control area 200, a prefabrication area 300 of the cement products 50, and a storage and curing area 400 of the cement products 50.

[0061] Advantageously, in the control area 200 specific containers, i.e. accumulations, of raw materials 500, such as aggregates, cement, lime or others, provided for the composition of the cement material, for example concrete, chosen for the production of the products 50, are prepared.

[0062] The plant 10 according to the present invention substantially comprises at least a containing structure, or container 11, a feed unit 12, a plurality of formworks or temporary moulds 13, a vibrating unit, or vibrating unit 14, and a concrete mixing unit 15. In embodiments, an electric generator unit 16 and a hydraulic control unit 17 are part of the solution described by means of the attached figures.

[0063] The hydraulic control unit 17 is located fixedly inside the container 11 and is operationally connected to part of both the feed unit 12, the vibrating unit 14, and the concrete mixing unit 15, to hydraulically implement at least part of the operating functions.

[0064] The container 11 has a substantially parallelepiped conformation extending predominantly along a first axis, or longitudinal axis Y, and has substantially standardized dimensions for transport by land, sea and / or air, for example of the type falling within the ISO standardized category as a transport container, specifically classified and certified as a 40ft HC container when closed. This feature offers significant advantages in terms of logistics, transport times and costs.

[0065] In particular, the container 11 comprises two side walls 11 a, a roof 11 b, a bottom 11c and two head doors l id, all supported and mounted hinged and selectively removable with respect to a frame 18.

[0066] In addition, the container 11 is selectively configurable between a first closed configuration (figs. 1 and 2), in which it defines a containing volume 19, and a second open configuration (figs. 3 et seq.), in which it defines a production station S3. The closed configuration is actuated in the transport condition of the plant 10, while the open configuration is actuated in the working condition of the plant 10.

[0067] In this case, the size and type of container 11 allows the subdivision of the containing volume 19 into a first sub- volume 19a and a second sub-volume 19b, wider than the first sub- volume 19a.

[0068] From the point of view of installation inside the construction site 100, the container 11 is positioned so that the first sub-volume 19a is located substantially in the control area 200, while the second sub- volume 19b is located mainly in the prefabrication area 300.

[0069] With particular reference to fig. 1 and the following description, there will be an indication of specific and strategic positions of the various equipment comprised in the plant 10, within the containing volume 19 defined by the container 11 in its closed configuration, dictated exclusively by the dimensions of the container 11 represented and by the shape and technology of the equipment provided in this embodiment. It is clear that a different dimensional choice of the container 11, as well as of the equipment forming part of the plant 10, i.e. the choice of different technologies of the individual equipment, but with the same functional purpose, fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0070] The feed unit 12 comprises sliding members 20 and movement members 21 operationally coupled to the sliding members 20, in order to actuate a desired movement of the formwork 13, in the working condition of the plant 10, and a tilting member 22 configured to tilt, as we shall see, the cement products 50, once produced. For example, the sliding members 20 may be, or include, rails.

[0071] The feed unit 12 is selectively configurable between a first compact configuration, in which the sliding members 20, the movement member 21 and the tilting member 22, are located inside the containing volume 19 of the container 11 , and a second extended configuration, in which the sliding members 20, the movement member 21 and the tilting member 22, are located at least partially outside the production station S3, operationally located along a second axis, or production axis X, transverse, for example, in particular substantially orthogonal, with respect to the longitudinal axis Y, and extending along the prefabrication area 300. The second axis, or production axis, X, can also be understood as a second direction, or production direction. It should also be noted that in some embodiments, the production axis X may be linear, or in other embodiments, it may be curvilinear. The compact configuration is actuated in the transport condition of the plant 10, while the extended configuration is actuated in the working condition of the plant 10.

[0072] In the extended configuration, the sliding members 20 define in sequence, along the production axis X, a cleaning station S 1 and an equipping station S2 upstream of the production station S3, and at least one pre-curing station S4 and a tilting station S5, downstream of the production station S3.

[0073] The sliding members 20 substantially comprise a support frame 23 on which a plurality of wheels 24 on which the formwork 13 slide along the production axis X. Furthermore, a plurality of adjustable feet 25 are associated below the support frame 23, which determine its support on the ground. The setting of the height of each individual adjustment foot 25 allows the definition of a sliding plane P with respect to which the formworks 13 slide along the production axis X.

[0074] The movement member 21 comprises movement means 26, fixed on one side to the frame 23, advantageously at the production station S3 and in operational alignment with the tilting station S5. In general, the movement means 26 can be configured to operate in drawing or pushing mode. The movement means 26 may include, for example, a winch or one or more movement chains. In the following, by way of non-limiting example, reference will be made to movement means such as one, or at least one, winch 26.

[0075] The winch 26 is selectively connectable to each form work 13 in order to draw it along the production axis X.

[0076] The tilting member 22 is arranged, in the working condition of the plant 10, in the tilting station S5 and comprises a tipping plane 27 hinged to the support frame 23, and selectively rotatable by means of a pair of linear actuators 28, between a passage position, in which it is located below the sliding plane P, and a tilting position, in which it carries a relative formwork 13 in a condition inclined with respect to the sliding plane P. This tilt is, advantageously, of about 80° with respect to the sliding plane P, so as to facilitate the operations of removing and extraction of the products 50, with respect to the production axis X, to be stored in the storage and curing area 400.

[0077] Each formwork 13 can have dimensions of approximately 6.5m x 3.2m and are the containers on which the cement material for the production of the products 50 is cast. With dimensions similar to those indicated, despite the small dimensions of the plant 10, the maximum volume of a single producible product 50 is approximately 6 x 3 x 0.4 meters, that is, perfectly in line with the dimensional standards present in the concrete prefabrication market.

[0078] Each formwork 13 can assume a shape coordinated, or conjugated, with the cement products 50, for example by means of modular panels of a substantially known type and not illustrated in the attached figures, and is of the type having an aperture 29, operationally facing the opposite side to the sliding members 20, i.e. facing upwards in a normal application of the plant 10.

[0079] The formworks 13 are selectively configurable, between a first storage configuration, in which it is inside the containing volume 19, and a second forming configuration, in which they are operationally arranged in cooperation with the sliding members 20, to be moved along the production axis X. The storage configuration is actuated in the transport condition of the plant 10, while the forming configuration is actuated in the working condition of the plant 10.

[0080] The vibrating unit 14 can be fixed, for example bolted, to the container 11, however it is possible that some parts of the vibrating unit 14 may be slightly movable with respect to the container 11 itself.

[0081] The vibrating unit 14 comprises two oscillating frames 30 fixed to the bottom 11c of the container 11 and arranged below the sliding plane P, and relative damped feet 31, also fixed to the bottom 11c, in line with the wheels 24 of the sliding members 20, so as to define a substantial continuity of sliding support of the form works 13, on the sliding plane P and along the production axis X.

[0082] The oscillating frames 30 are selectively brought into agitation by relative electronic agitators 32, while the damped feet 31 have a telescopic structure inside which relative hydraulic cylinders 33 are arranged, for example in the form of gas springs, or others. In some embodiments, a plurality of vertically movable wheels may be provided and configured to position the formworks 13 on the vibrating unit 14.

[0083] The vibrating unit 14 is configured to be comprised both in the containing volume 19, in the transport condition of the plant 10, and in the production station S3, in the working condition of the plant 10, i.e. its position remains unchanged with respect to the container 11 in both conditions of the plant 10.

[0084] In some embodiments, the concrete mixing unit 15 comprises an agitator buffer 35, a pump 36, for example a peristaltic, piston or other type pump, and a delivery member, or pumping arm 37. In some embodiments, a conveyor belt 38 and a dosing unit 39 are also part of the concrete mixing unit 15.

[0085] In some embodiments, the mixing unit 15 comprises, or is associated with, a planetary mixer 34.

[0086] In some embodiments, the mixing unit 15, and possibly the respective planetary mixer 34, could be included within the container 11 described above, or be included within another container, different from the container 11 described above. In fact, it is not excluded that the plant 10 described herein may include, in a first variant, a single container 11 and, in a second variant, two containers, of which a first container for the production of concrete and a second container 11 for the prefabrication of the cement product.

[0087] The mixing unit 15 is selectively configurable between a first rest configuration, in which it is inside the containing volume 19 of the respective container 11, and a second distribution configuration, in which at least part of it is offset from the production station S3 with respect to the longitudinal axis Y, being substantially in the control area 200. The rest configuration is actuated in the transport condition of the plant 10, while the distribution configuration is actuated in the working condition of the plant 10.

[0088] In embodiments, the planetary mixer 34 can for example be fixed to the bottom 11c of the respective container 11, inside the first sub-volume 19a and is arranged to mix the components of the cement / concrete conglomerate provided for the construction of the products 50, for example water, cement, aggregates and additives to obtain concrete. Its position remains unchanged with respect to the container 11 in both conditions of the plant 10. The agitator buffer 35 can also be fixed to the respective container 11 in the first sub-volume 19 and allows the correct amount of concrete to be accumulated, in a manner sufficient to guarantee the continuity of the pumping of concrete for the construction of the products, substantially seamlessly.

[0089] Similarly, the pump 36, or similar, is fixed downstream of the agitator buffer 35 in the first sub-volume 19a of the respective container 11, and is arranged to pump the cementitious material from the agitator buffer 35 itself towards the pump arm 37.

[0090] The pumping arm 37 assumes, depending on the configuration of the concrete mixing unit 15, a condition internal to the containing volume 19 and a condition of selective arrangement above the formworks 13 in transit through the production station S3, so as to fill the latter with the cementitious material through their apertures 29.

[0091] The conveyor belt 38 is positioned, in the working condition of the plant 10, inside the control area 200, so as to transport the raw materials 500, inside the planetary mixer 34, according to desired dosages and particle sizes. In the same way, the dosing unit 39 is connected to the planetary mixer 34 to deliver the correct amount of a binder for the realization of the desired cementitious material.

[0092] The electric generator unit 16 and the hydraulic control unit 17 are also selectively configurable between a first inactive configuration, in which they are inside the containing volume 19, and a second active configuration in which they are operationally connected to the feed unit 12, the vibrating unit 14, possibly to the concrete mixing unit 15 and the tilting member 22 and the pumping arm 37.

[0093] The electric generator unit 16 and the hydraulic control unit 17 make it possible to make the plant 10 energy self-sufficient during its operating steps.

[0094] The operation of the apparatus 10, which corresponds to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps.

[0095] Initially, the plant 10 arrives at the construction site 100 in its transport condition and is suitably arranged, as mentioned, so that the first sub-volume 19a is located in the control area 200, while the second sub- volume 19b is located in the prefabrication area 300.

[0096] Once this arrangement is completed, the plant 10 is brought into its working condition, and the container 11 is opened starting by opening the doors l id, allowing access to the hydraulic control unit 17, through which to control four hydraulic pistons, not depicted in the drawings, with which to rotate, for opening, the two side walls 1 la of the container 11. Once all four sides of the container 11 have been opened, it is possible to access from the inside to the top and remove the bolts, of known type and not illustrated, which fix the roof 1 lb to the frame 18. Subsequently, the roof 1 lb is removed by using a telescopic lift. Thanks to these preliminary operations, it is now possible to access the formworks 13 which, in this case, are arranged in the first sub- volume 19a, in a stacked form above the vibrating unit 14.

[0097] Before extracting the formwork 13 from the container 11, the sliding members 20 are assembled, and in particular the support frame 23 with the wheels 24 and its feet 25, to define the sliding plane P along the production axis X.

[0098] At the end of these operations, it is possible to proceed with the extraction of the formworks 13, which must be assembled and positioned progressively in the cleaning station S 1 in order to be brought progressively in cooperation with the sliding members 20 in the equipping station S2. In a started production condition, in the cleaning station S 1 the formwork 13 is cleaned of concrete residues from the previous processing.

[0099] Once the formwork 13 reaches the equipping station S2, a first equipping step is started, in which each formwork 13 is arranged to define the shape of the cement product 50 to be made.

[0100] Specifically, a series of equipping sub-steps are started, including the positioning of the modular sideboards, for example magnetic sideboards, by means of jigs or through a laser tracking system, which are different depending on the product 50 to be made; the distribution of a detaching liquid over the entire surface of the formwork 13 and the modular panels, in order to prevent the adhesion of the concrete; placement of the modular sideboards of any steel structures and / or any encumbrances for apertures, chamfers or other; installation, if necessary, of hydraulic and electrical systems; installation of any connections and hooks for structural joints between walls, columns or floors; installation of lifting hooks, necessary for the movement of the product 50, once made.

[0101] Once these operations are completed, the equipped formwork 13 is moved to the production axis X, through the winches 26, in the production station S3, while a new formwork 13 is fed to the previous tooling station S2.

[0102] In the production station S3 a second production step is started, in which the cement material is deliberately distributed from above in the formwork 13 by means of the pumping arm 37 of the concrete mixing unit 15. In this same step, according to an advantageous solution of the present invention, the formwork 13 is resting on the oscillating frames 30 of the vibrating unit 14, to allow the escape of air bubbles and other impurities from the jet of cementitious material made.

[0103] Solutions are not excluded in which the vibrating unit 14 performs a contained movement towards the formwork 13, or vice versa, to define a vibration position different from that of filling the formwork 13 from above.

[0104] Subsequently, the formwork 13 filled and vibrated in the production station S3, is moved along the production axis X, towards the pre-curing station S4, where a third pre-curing step is started, in which each form work 13 is initially covered with PVC cloth, or the like, to maintain heat and moisture in the product 50 being cured and then slowly fed (about 6 hours), to reach a desired degree of pre-curing of the cement product 50.

[0105] At the end of this feeding along the production axis X in the pre-curing station S4, the formwork 13 enters the tilting station S5, in which the tilting member 22 rotates it into the aforementioned inclined condition, from which the product 50 is removed and lifted laterally to the production axis X and brought to the storage and curing area 400, on a special rack (not illustrated). Cleaning and finishing of the product 50 is carried out in this area, followed by final curing for a period of about 30 days.

[0106] During a working cycle of about 8 hours, specialized and non- specialized operators are suitably employed to ensure efficient operation and high quality production in the plant 10 according to the present invention, being able to decentralize the entire production cycle of the cement products 50, leading to a significant reduction in time and costs.

[0107] In addition, the plant 10 according to the present invention has a considerably lower environmental impact than traditional construction, being completely dismantlable at the end of the works, and being completely autonomous, including the production of electrical energy necessary for its operation, substantially requiring only the labour and raw materials for the production of the products 50.

[0108] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts can be made to the plant 10 and to the method, as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims. In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Plant (10) for the production of cement products (50), convertible between a transport condition and a working condition and comprising:- at least a containing structure (11) developing mainly along a first longitudinal axis (Y) and selectively configurable between a first closed configuration, in which it defines a containing volume (19) in said transport condition, and a second open configuration, in which it defines a production station (S3) in said working condition;- a feed unit (12) provided with sliding members (20) and selectively configurable between a first compact configuration, in which it is inside said containing volume (19), and a second extended configuration, in which said sliding members (20) are at least partly outside said production station (S3) and extend along a second production axis (X), transverse to said first axis (Y);- a plurality of formworks (13) each with a shape coordinated with said cement products (50) and selectively configurable between a first storage configuration, in which it is inside said containing volume (19), and a second forming configuration, in which it is operationally coupled with said sliding members (20), in order to be moved along said second axis (X);- a vibrating unit (14) mounted fixedly on said containing structure (11) and configured to be comprised both in said containing volume (19) in said first closed configuration, and also in said production station (S3) in said second open configuration.

2. Plant (10) as in claim 1, characterized in. that it comprises a concrete mixing unit (15) provided with at least one delivery member (37).

3. Plant (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a concrete mixing unit (15) can be selectively configured between a first resting configuration, in which it is located inside said containing volume (19) of a respective containing structure (11), and a second distribution configuration, in which at least part of it is offset from said production station (S3) with respect to said first axis (Y), and in which said delivery member (37) cooperates with said formworks (13) in transit in said production station (S3).

4. Plant (10) as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in. that each of said formworks (13) comprises at least one aperture (29), operationally facing the opposite side to saidsliding members (20) and configured to cooperate at least with said delivery member (37) in said production station (S3).

5. Plant (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that in said second extended configuration of said feed unit (12), said sliding members (20) extend along said second axis (X), to define at least one equipping station (S2) of said form works (12) upstream of said production station (S3), and at least one pre-curing station (S4) of said cement products (50) downstream of said production station (S3).

6. Plant (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said feed unit (12) comprises at least one movement member (21) operationally coupled with said sliding member (20) and configured to be selectively associated with each of said formworks ( 13) in order to actuate the movement thereof along said second axis (X), at least through said production station (S3).

7. Plant (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least one electric generator unit ( 16) selectively configurable between a first inactive configuration, in which it is located inside said containing volume (19), and a second active configuration in which it is electronically connected at least to said feed unit (12) and to said vibrating unit (14).

8. Plant (10) as in claim 6 when dependent on claims 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that said at least one electric generator unit (16) is also electronically connected, in said second active configuration, to said concrete mixing unit (15).

9. Plant (10) as in claim 6 or in either of claims 7 or 8 when dependent on claim 6, characterized in that said sliding member (20) comprises at least a plurality of wheels (24) on which said formworks (13) are able to slide along said second axis (X), and in that said movement member (21) comprises movement means (26) fixed on one side to said sliding member (20) and selectively connectable to each of said formworks (13) to move them along said second axis (X).

10. Plant (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said feed unit (12) comprises at least one tilting member (22) configured to rotate each of said formworks (13) into an inclined condition with respect to a sliding plane (P) defined by said sliding member (20).

11. Method for the production of cement products (50) which provides to use a plant (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that in said workingcondition of said plant (10), at least a first step of equipping said formworks (13) is provided, in which in an equipping station (S2) defined by said sliding members (20) upstream of said production station (S3) along said second axis (X), each of said form works (13) is prepared at least to define the shape of said cement products (50); a second production step, in which in said production station (S3) both said cement product (50) is made by means of a concrete mixing unit (15) of said plant (10), and also each of said formworks (13) is made to vibrate by means of a vibrating unit (14) of said plant (10); and a third step of pre-curing said cement products (50), in which in a pre-curing station (S4) defined by said sliding members (20) downstream of said production station (S3) along said second axis (X), each of said formworks (13) is processed to reach a desired degree of pre-curing of said cement products (50).

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