FR2891184A1 - Water intake device for small or medium capacity concrete mixer, has water intake arm with end emerging in opening of concrete mixer, and water supply fixed in watertight manner to end of conduit connecting arm and supply - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a water supply (2) permitting to connect the device to a water distribution network through a water hose (8), and a water intake arm (5) whose end emerges in an opening of a concrete mixer (6). A conduit (3) connects the arm and the supply, and a water inlet control valve (4) is mounted on the conduit. The supply is fixed in watertight manner to an end of the conduit and is situated near the ground level.

Description

2891184 1

  The present invention relates to an autonomous water supply device for a small to medium capacity concrete mixer of the type usually used by individuals.

  Concrete mixers of the aforementioned type, unlike some models of industrial mixers of the type spinning top or other, do not have a water supply device. When preparing plaster, mortar or concrete, the user must manually introduce sand, cement, water and possibly gravel into the rotating concrete mixer. However, to ensure a perfect homogenization of the components, the introduction of the various components of plaster, mortar or concrete must be done in a very short time, ideally simultaneously, which a single user is unable. It is for the same reason of homogenization of the components that the introduction of the latter is carried out with the mixer in rotation, rotation which must not be interrupted beyond a short duration to the risk of premature massing plaster, mortar or concrete.

  Although it is possible to mix the sand, the cement and possibly the gravel before their introduction into the concrete mixer, the water supply must be done separately. Indeed, its introduction in advance in the mixture of other powdery and / or solid components of plaster, mortar or concrete is undesirable because, after moistening thereof, they must be quickly transferred into the concrete mixer otherwise you will become en masse and become totally unusable.

  When the water supply is done using buckets, the back and forth between the water point and the concrete mixer are long and tedious, not to mention the fact that the introduction of water into the concrete mixer using a bucket represents a dangerous operation because of the presence of the mixing blades in the mixer which are sources of risks during the rotation of the concrete mixer.

  In the case where water is supplied by means of a garden hose, the user must maintain the outlet of the garden hose near the opening of the concrete mixer. rotation.

  Due to the relatively low flow rate of the hoses, this operation is long and does not allow the simultaneous introduction of the other components of plaster, mortar or concrete into the concrete mixer. In addition, because of the rotation of the mixer, it is impossible to put the garden hose in it and leave it to have your hands free.

  To overcome this disadvantage, it is possible that two people simultaneously introduce the various components of plaster, mortar or concrete into the concrete mixer. In addition to the cost in human resources, this solution is not satisfactory because dangerous. Indeed, because of the promiscuity of operators at the concrete mixer, in addition to the risk for operators to injure each other with their tools, they can also be injured with one of the rotating elements of the concrete mixer. Thus, the presence of two people at the concrete mixer multiplies the normal risks already incurred usually with a single user. This comes for example, the possible diversion of attention of users and the fact that everyone is obliged to introduce a component into the concrete mixer at the same opening.

  In addition, it is better that the introduction of water is done gradually.

  The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for concrete mixer making possible an automatic water supply, thus allowing the user 2891184 3 to have hands free.

  In addition, preferably, this water supply device must not interfere with the introduction of the components of plaster, mortar or concrete and not be a source of danger for the user.

  To solve this technical problem, the device according to the invention comprises a water supply mounted on a pipe preferably comprising a water inlet control valve in its upper part, this pipe being fixed, removably or not , on one of the amounts of a concrete mixer, and extended at its upper end by a water supply arm terminated by a nozzle or nozzle open at the opening of the mixer.

  Once the water supply is connected to a water source, for example via a hose connected to the water distribution network, it is sufficient for the operator to act on the control valve of the water supply. water inlet of the device of the invention for introducing water into the concrete mixer according to the desired flow rate.

  Thanks to this device, the user no longer has to worry about the water supply in the concrete mixer and his hands free to shovel the other components of the plaster, mortar or concrete. He can work alone, which reduces staff costs and the risk of accidents.

  In addition, the open end of the water supply arm of the device of the invention being located slightly inside the mixing volume of the mixer, no loss of water takes place, it s splash or water that spreads to the ground. This allows for water savings, but also allows not to wet the soil, which results in better cleanliness and reduced risk of falls caused by a slippery floor.

  Water becoming a valuable product, such a water saving, in the case of large-scale use of the device of the invention, provides a significant improvement for the environment and is part of a logic of sustainable development .

  Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a concrete mixer equipped with a device according to a first variant of the invention in which the device is removable; Figure 2 is an overall profile of a concrete mixer equipped with the device according to the first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is an overview of the dissociated elements composing the device according to the first variant of the invention; Figure 4 is an overall perspective view of a concrete mixer equipped with a device according to a second embodiment of the invention wherein the device is fixed; Figure 5 is an overall profile of a concrete mixer equipped with the device according to the second embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 6 is an overview of the dissociated elements composing the device according to the second variant of the invention.

  For clarity, in these figures, when the conduct of the device is concealed, it is shown in broken lines.

  The water supply device for a concrete mixer according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The equivalent elements shown in the different figures will bear the same numerical references.

  The water supply device 1 according to the invention comprises several elements connected one after the other in fluid communication. Whether it is the first variant of the invention in which the device is removable or the second in which the device is fixed, the water supply device 1 comprises successively a water supply 2, a pipe 3, a water inlet control valve 4 and a water supply arm 5 to form an assembly intended to be mounted on a concrete mixer 6, preferably at one of its uprights 7, 10.

  Whatever the variant of the invention, the water supply 2 is a means for connecting the device 1 according to the invention to the water distribution network, for example by means of a garden hose . Preferably, it is a sealed male connection, one end of which can be screwed onto a standard female end of the garden hoses 8. The other end of the water supply 2 is sealed at one end of the water supply. the pipe 3 of the device 1.

  In order to offer a small footprint and minimize the risk of falling, the water supply 2 is preferably located near the ground level and is fixed at the lower end of the pipe 3 of the device 1. Thus, when a garden hose 8 is connected to the water supply 2, it is actually substantially at ground level.

  The pipe 3 of the device 1 according to the invention allows the connection between the water supply arm 5 and the water supply 2.

  In the removable version of the device, this duct 3 is preferably fixed to a supporting structure 9 which can be removably mounted on the mixer 6, preferably on one of its uprights 7, 10. This carrier structure 9 is then present preferably in the form of a rigid section comprising fastening means (not shown) for fixing it to the upright 7 of a concrete mixer 6. In a preferred embodiment of this variant, the carrier structure 9 has a cross-section U in which the pipe 3 is housed. This protects the pipe 3 and conceal its presence for an aesthetic improvement of the whole.

  In the fixed version of the device, the pipe 3 is preferably fixed directly to one of the uprights 7, 10 of the mixer 6 or inside thereof. According to the preferred embodiment of this second variant, the pipe 3 is housed in one of the uprights 7, 10 of the mixer 6, where this is possible. We can also protect the pipe 3 and hide its presence for an aesthetic improvement of the whole. In order to accommodate the pipe 3 inside one of the uprights 7, 10 of the mixer 6, it may be necessary to drill holes in the upright 7. Thus, a hole drilled in the lower part of this upright 7 may allow the attachment of the male airtight connector of the water supply 2.

  Whatever the variant of the invention, the pipe 3 preferably has a diameter substantially equal to that of the watering pipes in order to avoid any problem related to an excess or a lack of pressure in the pipe 3.

  Similarly, it may be a rigid tube, semi-rigid or flexible, of any type usually used for the circulation of water.

  For obvious reasons of electrical safety, in the two variants of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the pipe 3 is preferably fixed on an upright 7 of the mixer 6 situated on the opposite side to that of the upright 10 on which is mounted the casing 11 of the mixer motor 6.

  Whatever the variant of the invention, the water delivery arm 5 is connected to the device of the invention, downstream of the water inlet control valve 4. In a preferred embodiment in which the water inlet control valve 4 is mounted on the pipe 3 at the upper end thereof, the water supply arm 5 is directly mounted in fluid communication on the outlet of the water tap. water supply control 4.

  The water supply arm 5 is preferably in the form of a rigid or semi-rigid pipe whose free end 12 is directed towards the opening 13 of the concrete mixer 6. More preferably, this free end 12, through which the water flows, penetrates at least slightly into the mixing volume of the mixer, which ensures that all the water flowing from the device 1 is mixed with the other components of the plaster, the mortar or concrete without loss of water or splashing.

  The water delivery arm 5 preferably has a cranked shape in the form of a butt or a U, which makes it possible to extend the pipe 3 of the device 1. This is fixed on a lateral upright 7 of the concrete mixer 6, until level of the opening 13 thereof.

  Depending on how the user wants to wet the contents of the mixer, it is preferentially provided a nozzle or nozzle 14 at the free end 12 of the water supply arm 5. This nozzle or nozzle 14 can allow to obtain different types of jets or water flows. Preferably, this nozzle or nozzle 14 may be removable and interchangeable with other nozzles or nozzles. Similarly, this nozzle or nozzle 14 may have a steerable head for directing the jet or the flow of water in the direction desired by the user.

  Similarly, one or more constituent elements of the device 1 of the invention can be mounted orientable or simply pivoted relative to each other in particular to allow movement of the upper part of the device.

  This allows among other things, to retract the water supply arm 5 on the side so that it does not interfere with the loading operations of the concrete mixer of pulverulent and / or solid materials.

  For this purpose, the water supply arm 5 is preferably pivotally mounted on the pipe 3 of the device 1 or on the outlet of the water inlet control valve 4.

  In both of the preferred embodiments, a water inlet control valve 4 is mounted on the pipe 3 of the device 1 or on the water supply arm 5. It makes it possible to open and cut off the circulation of water in the device 1 and, preferably, this water inlet control valve 4 also makes it possible to regulate the flow rate of the water circulation in the device 1.

  For this purpose, the water inlet control valve 4 may include any means for performing these operations. Although designated by the term "valve", it may also be a valve, a self-closing valve after a certain period, for example in elastic return closure or any other similar means.

  The water inlet control valve 4 is preferably mounted on the pipe 3 of the device 1 or on the water delivery arm 5 at an upper part thereof, so as to be located in a prominent position and easy to access for the user.

  For reasons of strength of the assembly, especially in the case where the tubes used for the pipe 3 or the water supply arm 5 are not sufficiently rigid, the water inlet control valve 4 is mounted near the amount 7 of the concrete mixer 6. The amount 7 of the mixer 6 thus forms a stable and solid structure providing better maintenance for the water inlet control valve 4.

  This water inlet control valve 4, although positioned to facilitate its operation by the user, can be mounted anywhere on the device 1 of the invention.

  Many variations of the foregoing embodiments may be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention.

  One can also consider using the device according to the invention for an application other than that of a concrete mixer or a substantially similar machine.

  It is also possible to adapt the invention so that a garden hose can be used in order to maintain it and to direct it towards the opening 13 of the concrete mixer. In this case, the water supply, the pipe and the water supply arm 3 are in one piece and the water inlet control valve is that generally located at the upstream end of the pipe. watering. The carrier structure 9 then serves as a means of support and orientation for the garden hose in order to maintain it in position on the mixer 6 and to direct it towards the opening 13 thereof.

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Claims (14)

  1. A water supply device (1) for a small to medium capacity concrete mixer (6) of the type usually used by private individuals, comprising the following means: a water supply (2) for connecting the device (1) to the water distribution network, a water supply arm (5) whose end opens into the opening of the mixer, a hydraulic connection (3) between the water supply arm (5) and the water supply (2), a water inlet control (4) mounted on the hydraulic connection between the water delivery arm (5) and the water supply (2), these means being connected one after the other in fluid communication to form an assembly intended to be mounted on a concrete mixer (6).   2. A water supply device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it forms an assembly mounted on a concrete mixer (6) at one of its amounts (7, 10).   3. A water supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply (2) is a sealed male connector whose end can be screwed onto a standard female end d a garden hose (8) and the other end of which can be sealed to one end of the pipe (3) of the device (1).   4. A water supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply (2) is located near the ground level and is fixed at the end bottom of the pipe (3) of the device (1).   5. A water supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe (3) is attached to a bearing structure (9) mounted on the mixer (6).   6. A water supply device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the carrier structure (9) is removably mounted on the mixer (6) on one of its uprights (7, 10).   7. Water supply device (1) according to   any of claims 5 or 6,   characterized in that the supporting structure (9) is in the form of a rigid U-section section in which the pipe (3) is housed.   8. A water supply device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pipe (3) is fixed directly to one of the uprights (7, 10) of the mixer (6) .   9. A water supply device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pipe (3) is housed inside one of the uprights (7, 10) of the concrete mixer (6).   10. A water supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply arm (5) is in the form of a rigid or semi-rigid pipe whose free end (12) through which the water flows is directed towards the opening (13) of the mixer (6) on which the device (1) is mounted and in that the free end (12) ) of the water supply arm (5) penetrates at least slightly into the mixing volume of the mixer (6).   11. A water supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply arm (5) has a cranked shape in butt or U and comprises a nozzle or a nozzle (14) mounted at its free end (12).   12. A water supply device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the nozzle or the nozzle (14) has an orientable head.   13. A water supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the means (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) constituting the invention is mounted steerable or pivoting with respect to others.   14. A water supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 11, characterized in that the water supply arm (5) is retractable on the side.