WO1998022271A1

WO1998022271A1 - Method and installation for making and distributing selective loads of mortar and/or concrete ready for use

Info

Publication number: WO1998022271A1
Application number: PCT/FR1997/002087
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Luc Perrin
Original assignee: R.E.C. (S.A.R.L.)
Priority date: 1996-11-21
Filing date: 1997-11-20
Publication date: 1998-05-28
Also published as: DE69715896T2; DK0939692T3; EP0939692A1; FR2755895A1; AU5226998A; ES2185053T3; DE69715896D1; PT939692E; ATE224796T1; FR2755895B1; EP0939692B1

Abstract

This installation is characterised in that it comprises means for inserting a magnetic card, a smart card or any other data medium, into a processing terminal ensuring: the display of choices offered to the client, in terms of the final product as well as in terms of packaging, amount and time of use; selection of the choices made by the client(products, packaging, amount, time of use); supply in appropriate amounts of the different ingredients required according to the product, the amount and the time of use selected by the client; mixture of the supplied ingredients; packaging of the resulting product, according to the selection made by the client; getting it ready for delivery; invoicing of the delivered product.

Description

PROCESS AND INSTALLATION FOR THE SELECTIVE MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF LOADS OF READY-MORTAR MORTAR AND / OR CONCRETE

The invention relates to the technical sector of the manufacture of mortar and concrete and to the related installations.

The industrial production of concrete and mortar in concrete plants is well known. The problem remains, however, that minimum production quantities remain at the initiative of the manufacturer, are relatively large and at high prices. This does not necessarily correspond to the real needs of the users. In addition, the dosages are pre-established, and there is no possibility for professional or other users to modify the compositions.

Another problem lies in the fact that the opening hours of concrete plants are hours of industrial manufacturers and not hours of traders, which does not necessarily correspond to the availability of users.

In addition, the considerable development of DIY activities of all kinds by individuals has led to an ever-increasing supply of services from companies specializing in this field. It is increasingly common for individuals to undertake building-related activities themselves: construction, renovation, maintenance of walls, floors, houses and all construction in general.

These people therefore have the obligation to buy the various ingredients that go into the composition of a mortar or concrete, and to make the appropriate mixtures personally on the site of use. These are delicate, painful and time consuming tasks. In addition, there is always a great irregularity in the dosages carried out empirically, so that the quality and the quantities of the products remain random. This therefore results in all the consequences on the guarantee of solidity and durability over time of concrete and mortar applications prepared under these conditions. The known concrete plants are made for companies with industrial activities which determine compositions specific to their needs. They are not suitable for a multitude of DIY enthusiasts, craftsmen, who need small quantities in specific and varied compositions. In addition, the products that come from the concrete plant are delivered in cubic meters, the buyer can then hardly control the quantity delivered compared to the quantity ordered or invoiced.

The applicant, noting this factual situation, has examined and studied the problems to be solved in order to offer interested persons (handymen, craftsmen, etc.) who have specific and unimportant specific needs, the possibility of supplying quantities of concrete and / or ready-to-use mortar, usable whatever the place or time of implementation, and this, in satisfactory technical and economic conditions, compared to the requirements.

Thus, a first aim sought after according to the invention was to create a new process for the manufacture and distribution of ready-to-use mortar and / or concrete, which meets the individual needs of interested persons (handymen, craftsmen, ...) for small quantities of products. This manufacturing is carried out in a very short period of time, with immediate delivery.

Another aim sought after according to the invention was to offer to the interested persons (handymen, craftsmen, ...) named, customers in the following description, a fast service, à la carte, and this, by actively involving the customer himself in the definition of the product to be obtained, by giving him directly and automatically access to the choice:

the type of product (dosage of the various ingredients)

plasticity of the product

conditioning

quantity from the moment of use

Another aim sought after according to the invention was to create an installation open to the public during very wide time slots, and beyond those which are binding on companies which own concrete plants.

Another aim sought after according to the invention was to free the customer from all the tasks of manufacturing the product, namely supplying, dosing and mixing of the ingredients; reducing the vagaries of empirical manufacturing, thereby exclusively and essentially enhancing the product installation and application phase.

Another aim was to ensure perfect control at all times of the quantities ordered, delivered and invoiced.

Another object sought after according to the invention was to realize, on a large scale, small installations for a selective manufacturing and distribution of product, according to the needs of the customers.

Another goal sought was also the harmonious integration of the installation in its environment, the cleanliness of this one and the non pollution of the site, thanks to the recycling of washing water of the installation.

These and other objects will become apparent from the following description.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, the installation for the manufacture and distribution of ready-to-use concrete and / or mortar charges, installation comprising a kneader able to carry out the dosing of the various ingredients entering into the composition concrete and / or mortar, and capable of kneading said ingredients to obtain a final product, is characterized in that it comprises means allowing, upon introduction by the potential customer, a magnetic card, smart card or any other data medium, in a processing system, to ensure:

the visualization of the choices offered to the customer, both in terms of final product, in terms of packaging, quantity and time of use.

the selection by the customer of the choices made (products, packaging, quantity, time of use).

the supply of appropriate quantities of the various ingredients required depending on the product, the quantity and the time of use, all selected by the customer.

the mixture of these ingredients supplied.

the packaging of the product thus obtained, according to the selection made by the customer.

provision for removal.

invoicing of the product delivered.

These characteristics and others will become apparent from the following description.

To fix the subject of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner, reference will be made to the figures where:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the installation according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the various successive screens of the method of the invention.

Figure 3 is a view illustrating the means of communication.

Figure 4 is a top view according to Figure 1 illustrating the different work areas.

Figure 5 is a top view according to Figure 1

Figure 6 is a view illustrating a first mode of delivery of the product. Figure 7 is a view illustrating a second method of product delivery.

Figure 8 is a view illustrating a third mode of product delivery.

Figures 9a to 9f, and Figures 10a to 10 illustrate the successive screens viewed on the terminal.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner to the illustration by the figures.

The subject of the invention is a method of taking an order for a product (P) (mortar (PI) and / or concrete (P2) ready to use) to be produced using a mini-concrete plant ( A) fully automatic, managed by a programmable automaton (AP), itself informed by the command terminal (I) which made it possible to establish communication with the customer, when taking an order. The method consists in that the customer can appear in front of the screen (E) of a control terminal (I) connected to a reader (L) of magnetic card, smart card or any other data medium, making it possible to transmit the data thus stored to the control terminal. After analysis of the data transmitted by the reader, the command terminal establishes a communication with the client, allowing the latter to order the type of product, the packaging method, the quantity he wishes. After validation of the order, by the customer, the command terminal informs the programmable automaton which then implements the mechanisms which are likely to supply, dose, mix, distribute and package the product ordered.

Thus, according to the invention, the process for the selective production and distribution of ready-to-use concrete and / or mortar is carried out according to the phases:

PHASE 1

The first phase consists of the introduction, by the potential customer, of a magnetic card, smart card or any other data medium, in the reader (L) of a control terminal. Concomitantly with reading the data recorded on the medium, the system asks the potential customer, by via a visual, voice or any other communication system, its confidential code (9a). When the potential customer entered via the keyboard (C) or any other means of communication attached to the command terminal, his confidential code, the command terminal processes the information supplied on the one hand by the reader, on the other hand by the potential customer and authorizes where not the continuation of the operation.

phase 2

If the continuation of the operation has been authorized, the next phase consists of the successive presentation by the control terminal by means of a visual, voice or any other communication system, of a series of choices allowing the customer to select, via a keyboard, trackball, touch screen or any other communication system connected to the control terminal:

the type of product (9b)

the consistency of said product (9c)

conditioning (9th)

the unit of measure (9d)

the quantity (9f- 10a - 10b)

adjuvants (lOd - 10th)

the moment of use (10c)

This dialogue phase, man / machine, ends with the presentation by the machine of a summary (lOf) of the defined order and its cost, and by the confirmation or not, by the customer of this order thus summarized.

phase 3

In the case where the customer has confirmed at the order terminal, his order, this translates the information collected and transmits it to the programmable controller which controls the control unit itself.

phase 4

Upon receipt of information from the control terminal, the programmable logic controller takes over the control of the central unit, supplying in the necessary quantities the various appropriate components to obtain the final ordered product, the mixers, thus obtaining the final ordered product and conditioning it according to the selection established by the customer before distributing it.

In the implementation of this method, different variants can be envisaged while remaining in the spirit of the invention. It is possible first of all to envisage an installation allowing the order, the manufacture of only one type of product, the mortar or the concrete, in variable dosages selected by the customer. It is possible to envisage advantageously, an installation allowing the ordering, the manufacture of product of different nature such as mortar and concrete in variable dosages, with also in certain cases the contribution of particular components, the whole selected by the customer.

It should also be considered that the distribution of the products obtained after ordering can be carried out according to single or varied packaging, while remaining in the same concept of implementation of the process.

This distribution is carried out on the basis of different packages using material means and equipment which are integrated into the automated installation as defined by the invention.

In the following description, an installation will be described in an advantageous implementation allowing the manufacture and distribution of different types of products in various forms of packaging, said installation being controlled by the method of the invention.

Referring to the particular choice of installation and thereby its implementation work, it is arranged as follows:

Said installation firstly comprises a first zone (Zl) which is constituted by a technical cabin (CT) arranged to receive the control terminal (I), and the programmable controller (AP). The control terminal has a reader (L), a display screen (E) and a keyboard (C) allowing customer identification, design and visualization of the order, the communication part of the system can be placed on the front of the technical cabin (CT).

Said installation then comprises a zone (Z2) which consists of a set of means capable of receiving, dosing, wetting and mixing the different materials: cements, aggregates, adjuvants (powder or liquid) in order to manufacture the product to be obtained , i.e. ready-mixed mortar and / or concrete.

Said installation comprises storage areas (Z3), (Z4), (Z5) arranged around the area (Z2). On these storage areas (Z3), (Z4), (Z5) are the various mechanisms which are capable of ensuring the removal and routing of the different materials: cements, aggregates, adjuvants (powder or liquid), which will then be susceptible to be sampled, routed, dosed, wetted and mixed for the production of the product to be obtained, ie ready-to-use mortar and / or concrete.

In a nonlimiting example, there is shown, by the zones (Z3) and (Z5) the place of bulk storage of sand and gravel, and by a zone (Z4) that relating to the storage of pure cement.

Advantageously, the pure cement storage area (Z4) is defined by a silo (S) arranged in any suitable manner for the reception and distribution of this material. The areas (Z3), (Z5) for receiving the aggregates are advantageously swept parallel to the ground in a radial and angular direction by means (RI), (R2) which are capable of taking quantities of aggregates for the purpose of transporting them. and route them to the dosing (TP) and mixing (M) machine, view of the production of the final product to be obtained.

Advantageously, the removal of these aggregates can be carried out by endless, scraping chains (Ch), comprising a plurality of buckets (Go). These chains being shaped to take and assemble the different doses of aggregates sampled, towards means (TP) for measuring and controlling the dosage of the aggregates sampled with a view to their distribution in the machine (M) for manufacturing the product; this being a mixer.

In a non-limiting implementation, the sampling chains (Ch) consist of a support structure (Sp) shaped, for example, by presenting means which allow, facing the ground, the radial and angular movement of the chains. Each of the supporting structures, supporting the chains, themselves carrying the scraper cups (Go), is fixed to a vertical frame (Bt), of great height, supporting the means (TP) ensuring the metering of the components and the machine (M ) manufacturing of the product. In an advantageous implementation, said scraping chains are capable of being displaced in a radial direction, over approximately 90 degrees, in order to be able to scan the areas (Z3) or (Z5) for storing aggregates.

The cement storage silo and the scraping chain or chains (RI), (R2), depending on the number of varieties of aggregates, are secured in any suitable manner to said frame (Bt), carrying the machine for manufacturing the product. The frame thus successively comprises, from top to bottom, means allowing the reception, the metering and the flow of the aggregates sampled: sand, cement, gravel and the like, in a hopper (TP) situated above the mixer device. (M), operated by any well known mechanism.

Said frame is constituted, for example and in a nonlimiting manner, of a structure comprising vertical uprights (Mv) in a square configuration, by way of example only, regularly crisscrossed, and receiving the support means and d 'articulation of the scraping chain (s) (RI), (R2), as well as the arrival tunnel (Tn) and cement distribution, coming from its storage silo (S). The dosing receptacles are advantageously provided in an intermediate position on arrival in the mixer (M) and the scraping chains (RI), (R2), these metering receptacles are associated with weighing means making it possible to validate the doses and quantities ordered.

Above the hopper / mixer assembly, there is also provided a means or several means of distributing adjuvants (powders or liquids) of any kind and which may be, for example, retarding agents which are intended to be introduced into the doses of mortar and concrete being treated. These additives are stored in receptacles surrounding the support frame of the machine. These receptacles are in number corresponding to that of the additives that can be added to the above-mentioned mixture. The adjuvants can be taken from these receptacles and transported by appropriate means to the hopper / mixer assembly.

The control system in operation of the mixer is of any known type.

According to an important provision of the invention, the products which have been introduced and mixed in the mixer are then evacuated and conveyed by transport means for their final packaging, with a view to their delivery to the user.

Different possibilities are thus offered in the mode of packaging of the products distributed. The packaging can be unique or varied depending on the nature and importance of the installation, and the forms of implementation of the process.

FIG. 5 shows an advantageous example of implementation of the invention which combines several possibilities of distributing the mixed products according to the needs which have been defined and ordered by the user.

In this example, shown in Figure 6, there is provided a first long conveyor device established in the form of a conveyor belt (T3), a first end (ed) is disposed under the mixer (M), facing an opening door, while the other end (ea) is susceptible, for example, lead to an area remote from the frame (Bt) in general outside the installation, to allow the distribution of products collected in skips (BN) previously placed on the ground, or constituting a platform of a truck transporter or mixer truck. This conveyor belt of great length is advantageously capable of being raised, relative to its initial end, located at the location of the mixer. To allow its elevation and the distribution, from above, of the products in the dumpsters of trucks or the like, a lifting means of the hydraulic cylinder type (VH), associated with link arms, (BL) thus allows the lifting of said mat. at an appropriate height. This height can be varied as required. In this implementation, the mixer is capable of presenting a chute at its lower part, capable of orienting and distributing the mixed product on the conveyor belt.

In combined or independent use, there is provided, according to the invention, a second device for packaging the mixed products. This second device, which is illustrated in particular in Figure 7, aims to package the products from the mixer in bags (S) of variable volume. To this end, the device comprises a conveyor belt (Tl) which is arranged at the outlet of the mixer, oriented in an elevated position to open out towards a support structure (ES) and dispenser for packaging bags (S). To this end, said second conveyor belt is positioned at one of its ends, underlying the outlet of the mixer (M), to receive mixed products. These products are conveyed by said mat, or by receptacles positioned on said mat towards the support structure arranged downstream, which is capable of receiving packaging bags. Said support structure receives, for example, a distribution and dosing hopper (ES) of products intended to be poured into bags which are presented under said hopper using means and mechanisms, automated or not.

As a variant, the conveyor belt (Tl) can be replaced by a rotary conveyor comprising, for example, a very long tubular conduit, arranged internally with an "Archimedes screw", allowing the transport of the products collected at the base of the conveyor. The latter can be arranged with a receptacle for receiving mixed products from the mixer.

When the bags are successively filled, they are then transported using a cart (Cl) to a product reception area, by the customer user. The said bags are made of all appropriate materials.

The volume and size of the bags can be pre-established and correspond to doses which have previously been determined and fixed on the general menu of the installation implementation process. The packaging bags can be bags of a small volume, for example 40 kg.

In combined or independent use, there is provided, according to the invention, a third device for packaging the mixed products. This third device, which is illustrated in particular in Figure 8, aims to package the products from the mixer in flexible containers (CS). To this end, the device comprises a conveyor belt (T2) which is disposed at the outlet of the mixer, oriented in an elevated position to open out towards a carriage (C2) supporting the flexible packaging containers. To this end, said conveyor belt is positioned at one of its ends, underlying the outlet of the mixer (M), to receive mixed products. These products are conveyed by said belt, to the support trolley disposed downstream, which is capable of receiving flexible packaging containers.

The conveyor belt (T2) is thus raised to allow the falling of the mixed product in the flexible containers. These are presented in an open manner using any appropriate technical means.

These flexible containers have large volumes of 300, 400, 500 kg or n kg. The positioning and positioning of the flexible container (s) chosen, on the support trolley and under the distribution structure, are carried out using any suitable control means and any distribution and presentation system for flexible containers.

When the flexible containers are filled, they are then transported using a trolley (C2) to a product reception area by the customer Buyer. Said flexible containers are made of all suitable materials.

The material means and equipment which are used for these distributions are of all known types.

The removal of flexible packaging bags and containers can be carried out in different ways until delivery to the purchasing customer. Said flexible packaging bags and containers can be, for example, arranged on trolleys (C1), (C2) for handling guided by rails (RI), (R2) placed on the ground, while driving members associated with the trolleys are likely to cause the movement of said trolleys, and therefore of the bag (s), or flexible container (s) at the exit of the installation to then be picked up by the purchasing customer. The movement of said carriages is carried out by the drive and displacement means which are within the common appreciation of those skilled in the art.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, more complex installations can be envisaged, providing, for example, a battery of several sets of the aforementioned type, which can be controlled from one or more control stations.

The installation having now been described, it is advisable to specify the practical modalities of the process allowing the implementation and the functioning of the invention.

As indicated above, a technical cabin (CT) is arranged upstream of the installation. In this cabin, there are programmable mechanisms or automatisms (AP). The control terminal (I), associated with the display screen (E) of the products, can be used from outside the cabin. The control terminal thus comprises a display screen (E), a keyboard (C) as well as an insertion zone (L) of a smart card which offers access to the services of the invention. A pre-established software allows to propose, to select and to manufacture the products chosen by the user client.

To this end, said user must, in a first phase, introduce his magnetic card or smart card in the reader (L) for access to the menu, defined on the first screen (E) allowing the introduction of a code, then access to the menu for the selection of the chosen product, with a view to establishing his order and for its completion. After introduction of the magnetic card or smart card and the confidential code, according to screen (9a), the user client validates his first operation and in case of recognition of the code by the system a screen (9b) appears.

The screen (9b) makes it possible to identify one or more types of products to be obtained, which can be, for example, a mortar (PI) comprising cement and sand, or concrete (P2) comprising cement, sand and gravel. For each mortar and / or concrete, several application examples are identified. For example a masonry or jointing mortar, a mortar for screed laying tiles, a mortar for adhesive or floating screed, identified according to codes (1,2,3). For concrete, similar operations are planned with, for example, concrete for unreinforced structures, or concrete for reinforced structures, or concrete for excavation, identified according to codes (4,5,6). The user client can therefore select the product to be obtained. Once the selection has been made, it validates the operation and a screen (9c) appears.

The screen (9c) reminds the user customer of the nature of the product he has ordered, can possibly give other additional information and for example offers a choice of various consistencies. The customer can therefore select the plasticity to be obtained. Once the selection has been made, it validates the operation and a screen (9d) appears.

After viewing the screen (9d), the customer must determine the packaging method in which he wishes to receive the product ordered. Depending on the nature of the installation, which may provide for one or more different packaging modes, the possibility of selecting the chosen packaging will then be given. If the installation allows only one conditioning, the screen (9d) will be limited to the information of this mode. The customer can therefore select the packaging to be used. Once the selection is made, it validates the operation and screens (9e), (9f), (10a), (10b) appear successively and according to the selections.

The screens (9e), (9f), (10a), (10b) are all intended to guide the customer in the expression of the quantity of product which will have to be manufactured, the form of this expression being able to be different according to its choice of packaging expressed. In practice, there will be a number of screens corresponding to the selection of quantities of products ordered depending on the number of packaging methods offered. Representations of the chosen packaging and a display of the minimum or maximum quantities that can be ordered will be affixed to each of these screens. In the case of packaging bags of low weight, for example 40 kilos, the representation on the screen (9e) corresponding to several possibilities of ordering “n” bags, will be displayed and the operator will be able to select the desired quantity. For other more important types of packaging (10a), (10b), a weight display may be requested from the user client. When the validation operation of the ordered quantity has been carried out, the screen (10c) appears.

The screen (10c) asks the user customer the foreseeable moment of use of the order which will be prepared. The purpose of this screen is to define when the ordered product will be used, and in what period in particular. Indeed, the nature of the mortar or concrete ordered, implies a drying time that should be regulated and defined to prevent the product manufactured and distributed by the installation from becoming unusable too quickly. This screen (10c) thus gives a programming of use, which has the aim and function, of then ordering the addition, in the mixture of products which will be manufactured, of adjuvants retarding the setting of the mortar or concrete. When the operator has carried out this validation, new screens (lOd), (10e) may appear directly or the screen (lOf).

In the case where the installation allows the display of the screens (lOd), (10th), these screens are intended to define the wishes of the user client with regard to the addition or not of additives with specific and defined properties . These screens thus give types of use which have the aim and function, to control then adding or not adding to the mixture of products to be manufactured, additives with specific and defined properties. When the user client has carried out the validations, the screen (lOf) appears.

The screen (lOf) presents, for example, a summary of the order which has just been programmed, as well as the amount of the price to be paid or billed. The purchasing client will then be able to verify and, in the event of his approval, validate the transaction. This validation then brings the system into operation by automatic piloting thanks to a programmable automaton which has been informed by the control terminal following the validation of the various successive interventions on the screens and, on the validation of the summary screen. of the order. Under these conditions, the installation will be in working order, and from the order that has been recorded, the various means or mechanisms of the installation will be used to allow the end of the chain to obtain the desired product in its desired packaging.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, the validation operations are not systematic.

Incidentally, the aforementioned control panel can be associated with a credit card recording device, to allow the bank allocation of the payment considered. Whatever the method of payment, the card will be returned either after the validation of the order or after invoicing. A delivery note indicating the distributor's business name, date, weight and dosages of the product produced will be given when the customer receives his order.

According to the present invention, the display of the menu will therefore allow the user customer to select as desired the product which he needs according to its characteristics of structure, weight and time of use, the manufacturing of said ordered product. is carried out immediately after, and the time required for this manufacture is a few minutes. Consequently, the customer will be delivered in a very short period of time and will have at his free disposal, after a few minutes of waiting, the product ordered. The interest of such an installation and its process obviously lies in the total autonomy of the user client, of the operation of the installation during wide time slots, thus giving any possibility of placing an order for concrete at any time and / or ready-to-use mortar. The other advantage is to be able to have small quantities, for example 40 kilos.

Incidentally, information panels may be present on the installation site. Likewise, information, advice and use notices for concrete and mortar may be given to potential customers, thus helping them to make their decision in the choice and selection of the product they wish to obtain.

The payment methods are extremely practical. Within the framework of the invention, it is possible to envisage different types of payments, namely, bank card, card purchased beforehand corresponding to a large number of product units, pass card, thus making it possible, for certain regular customers, to 'have open accounts, in progress with the company managing the said installation according to the invention. Regarding the payment method in the form of a smart card, this can be loaded beforehand, of the “telephone card” type. In this case, by an appropriate means, it is charged at the value requested by the customer. The information entered is: customer identity, account number, card number, confidential code.

The advantages are apparent from the description. We emphasize the user-friendly nature of the human-machine dialogue, which makes it very easy for anyone who is not informed to be able to select the product to be used while being guided in their choices.

The installations can be of variable importance according to the needs. As indicated above, one or more packaging modules, or even manufacturing modules, can be placed in a battery, simultaneously allowing the supply of products to different customers. Different adaptations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The method according to the invention and its application are particularly intended for the industrialization of all small volumes of ready-mixed mortar and / or concrete.

It should be noted that the software implementing the process makes it possible to choose and produce more than a hundred product recipes to obtain. Each product is itself the result of a particular composition. Different types of aggregates, cements and additives are offered, thus making it possible to offer the customer a wide variety of products. Depending on the weight or volume of concrete or mortar ordered, the machine calculates the weight of each component and gives the appropriate orders for the manufacture of the ordered product. If the weight or volume ordered exceeds the capacity of the mixer, the number of mixes required and the volume of each will be calculated automatically and distributed to optimize manufacturing.

Incidentally, the computer control means may determine the need for replenishment of components.

Another essential advantage lies in the systematic control of the weight of the product delivered, since from the recorded order the necessary weights of the constituent components of the selected product, are calculated and weighed with precision. The customer is therefore certain of the value of the quantity delivered (disappearance of the approximation linked to volumes that are difficult to measure). Thus, the customer orders the quantity he wishes, to the nearest kilo, free of a loss due to too much product delivered compared to the quantity ordered.

The product is of constant quality thanks to the precise weighing of the constituent components of the selected product. Issuance of a delivery slip which guarantees dosing and wetting.

Various secondary aspects in the implementation of the invention can be explained in a non-limiting manner.

The cement stored in the silo can be transported using any extraction means, of the “Archimedes screw” type, providing means allowing the fluidity of the extracted cement and means collecting the cement dust. The mixer is equipped with all known means necessary for the distribution of water, cleaning and emptying. The water used for cleaning is recycled in the manufacture of the new batch.

The weighing hopper (s) can operate in masked time during the working time of the mixer so as to limit the operating time.

The central processing unit is connected to a materials central.

It is possible to envisage a distribution of bags directly at the outlet of the mixer device using, for example, a bag support carousel receiving the various wastes and by evacuating the bags by any means.

Claims

1 - Installation for the manufacture and distribution of ready-to-use concrete and / or mortar fillers, installation comprising a kneader which is capable of dosing the various ingredients used in the composition of the concrete and / or mortar, and suitable for mixing the said ingredients to obtain a final product, characterized in that it comprises means allowing, upon introduction by the potential customer, of a magnetic card, chip card or any other data medium, in a system of treatment, to ensure:

the visualization of the choices offered to the customer, both in terms of final product and in terms of packaging, quantity and time of use.

the selection by the customer of the choices made (product, packaging, quantity, time of use).

the supply in appropriate quantity of the various necessary ingredients according to the product, the quantity and the moment of use, the whole selected by the customer.

the mixture of these ingredients supplied.

provision for removal.

invoicing of the product delivered.

2 - Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the said means consist of a connected central processing unit:

to a smart card reader, or similar,

a display screen and a keyboard allowing the user to select his choices, a programmable automaton connected to the organs ensuring supply, dosing, mixing, packaging, distribution.

3 - Installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the central processing unit is connected to a maintenance center.

4 - Installation according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that consulting the display screen and typing the keyboard allows successive access to different successive reading screens for selecting the various components to dose to obtain mortar or concrete according to the customer's choice.

5 - Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises:

- A first zone (Zl) which is constituted by a technical cabin (CT) arranged to receive a control terminal (I), and a programmable automaton (AP). The control terminal has a reader (L), a display screen (E) and a keyboard (C), the communication part of the system can be placed on the front of the technical cabin (CT),

- storage areas (Z3), (Z5), ... of aggregates (Al), (A2), ... and a storage area (Z4) of cement,

- sampling means (RI), (V), (R2) associated with the different components: aggregates, cements, adjuvants, for sampling and conveying said components to a dosing machine (TP) and a mixing machine (M) for the production of the final product ordered,

- a frame (Bt) carrying the manufacturing machine, the said frame being arranged to receive the means (TP) ensuring the metering of the components and their evacuation in the mixing machine (M), the said frame being arranged, in its upper part, to receive the means of product sampling,

the said machine being arranged to ensure the mixing of the components, with a view to obtaining the product to be obtained, ready for use, according to a predetermined dosage defined in the order,

means allowing the evacuation of the products (Tl), (T2), (T3) to one or more packaging means,

- means ensuring the distribution (Cl), (C2) of the packaged product, to the customer.

6 - Installation according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises means for storing, dosing, adjuvants (powder or liquid), of the delaying agents type for their pouring into the mixing machine, the so-called means being positioned relative to the frame (Bt).

7 - Installation according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that:

- The means for collecting the aggregates are endless, scraping chains (Ch), comprising a plurality of buckets (Go). These chains convey the doses taken to the means (TP) for measuring and controlling the metering of the aggregates, the said chains being subjected to a scanning movement of the storage areas (Z3), (Z5) of the aggregates,

the means for storing the cement being a silo (S) receiving a means for taking off, conveying, the dose of cement requested towards the machine,

- the mixing machine (M) being a mixer fixed to the frame and controlled by an appropriate motor means, the said hopper (TP) for collecting, weighing and conveying the components and adjuvants being arranged in a plane higher than the mixer ,

- The said mixer (M) being arranged with means allowing the evacuation of the doses of the products on one or more conveyor means with a view to the evacuation, or the packaging and, of the delivery of the said products.

8 - Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that a first conveyor means consisting of a conveyor belt (T3), adjustable in height is arranged by one of its ends in the product outlet zone of the mixer (M), for collection and removal, the other end of said conveyor belt being located in the area allowing the bulk load of the product collected on a means of transport of the dump truck type or similar.

9 - Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that a conveyor means is formed at the outlet of the product from the mixer (M) for conveying the product collected for packaging in one or more bags of pre-established volume, the said bag or bags being positioned by means of presentation and dosing at the outlet of the conveyor means to be evacuated after filling, using an additional means of transport, towards the customer.

10 - Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that a conveyor means is formed at the outlet of the product from the mixer (M) to convey the product collected for packaging in one or more flexible containers, the said flexible container or containers being positioned by presentation means at the outlet of the conveyor means to be evacuated after filling, using an additional means of transport, to the customer.

1 1 - Installation according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the conveyor means is a chain conveyor disposed at the outlet of the mixer and oriented in an elevated position to open above a support structure and distributor flexible packaging bags or containers.

12 - Installation according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the conveyor means is a rotary conveyor arranged in particular internally with an "Archimedes screw" disposed at the outlet of the mixer and oriented in an elevated position to lead to- above a support structure and dispenser for bags or flexible packaging containers.

13 - Installation according to any one of claims 9, 10, 1 1, 12, characterized in that the bag or bags, the flexible container or containers for packaging the products to be dispensed are of variable volume and are routed to the distribution location to the customer using transport of the handling cart type according to a pre-established order according to the order defined by the customer and recorded by the terminal.

14 - Process for the manufacture and distribution of ready-to-use concrete and / or mortar charges, by means of a concrete batching plant capable of dosing the various ingredients used in the composition of the concrete and / or mortar ready to use, and able to knead the said ingredients to obtain a final product, process characterized in that it comprises the following steps, chained automatically:

introduction of a magnetic card, smart card or any other data medium, in a processing terminal allowing access to the user, following the operations,

display of the choices offered to the customer, both in terms of final product and in terms of packaging, quantity and time of use.

selection by the customer of the choices made (products, packaging, quantity, time of use).

supply of appropriate quantities of the various ingredients required depending on the product, the quantity and the time of use, all selected by the customer.

mixture of these ingredients supplied.

packaging of the product thus obtained, according to the selection made by the customer.

made available for collection.

invoicing of the product delivered.

15 - Process for manufacturing and distributing ready-to-use concrete and / or mortar charges, by means of a concrete plant capable of carrying out the dosage of the various ingredients used in the composition of the ready-to-use concrete and / or mortar, and capable of kneading the said ingredients to obtain a final product, a process characterized in that it comprises the following steps, chained automatically:

introduction of a magnetic card, smart card or any other data medium, into a processing terminal allowing access, following operations,

selection among several possibilities, by the user, of the type of product,

selection among several possibilities, by the user, of the consistency of said product,

selection among several possibilities, by the user, of the packaging,

selection among several possibilities, by the user, of the unit of measure,

selection among several possibilities, by the user, of the quantity,

selection among several possibilities, by the user, of adjuvants,

selection among several possibilities, by the user, of the moment of use,

validation by the user of the order defined by the previous selections,

invoicing after manufacture, of the order defined and validated by the user.

16 - A method of manufacturing and distributing ready-to-use concrete and / or mortar charges according to any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the user displays different successive screens:

a first screen (E) requesting the introduction of the card for access

a second screen (9a) requesting the introduction of the code, then access to the menu for the selection of the chosen product,

a third screen (9b) making it possible to identify one or more types of product to be obtained,

a fourth screen (9c) recalling the nature of the product and making it possible to identify various possible consistencies,

a fifth screen (9d) enabling the packaging to be identified

usable

several sixth screens (9e), (9f), (10a), (10b) all intended to guide the user in the expression of the quantity of product which will have to be manufactured, the form of this expression being able to be different in depending on the choice of packaging expressed,

a seventh screen (10c) making it possible to identify the foreseeable moment of use of the command,

an eighth and ninth screen (10d), (10th), making it possible to identify adjuvants with specific and defined properties, possible to add to the product,

a tenth screen (lOf) recalling the choices of the user and allowing him to know the estimated cost of his order.

17 - A method of manufacturing and distributing ready-to-use concrete and / or mortar charges according to claim 16, characterized in that a delivery slip is given after receipt by the customer of the product ordered.