Automatic placing device for road safety road cones

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic placing device for road safety road cones, which comprises a container structure 3 for accommodating signal elements 2 stacked into different columns; and a discharge system 4 for removing the signal element 2 from the container structure 3 and discharging the signal element 2 from the discharge zone 7 onto the road. The aim of the invention is thus to eliminate or at least reduce the risk of accidents during certain signal operations, while simplifying these operations, not only eliminating the risk of operators, but also enabling appropriate signal indications for each case by adjusting the necessary parameters. Another advantage of the invention is that operation can be carried out on commercial cones or beacons existing in the market; in other systems in the prior art, signal elements must adapt to the specific system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of road signaling and operational support, and more particularly, to vehicle-mounted devices for such signaling and operational support, and more specifically, to cone-shaped road markers and traffic light placement devices for road operational separation and signal indication. The invention relates to an automatic road safety cone placement device capable of autonomously placing these elements in place with the necessary spacing, orientation, and final position. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, during road construction or other traffic management or information projects on roads or highways, it is sometimes necessary to place markers, such as traffic lights or cones, along specific routes. These markers can be placed manually, either by workers on foot or by vehicles carrying the markers, with workers picking them up and placing them as the vehicles move. In these operations, workers are typically positioned behind or to the side of the vehicle. The disadvantages of this method are that the markers may be irregularly placed, unable to stand upright, etc. The same method is used when subsequently retrieving the markers. All of this poses risks to the workers placing or retrieving the markers, as they need to be close to the ground for each operation.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a road signaling system, such as cones or beacons, that operates automatically, simply, and efficiently, meets requirements such as the distance between components and their positions on the road, does not pose a risk to operators, and avoids the shortcomings of current state-of-the-art systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention solves the problems existing in the prior art by providing an automatic road safety cone placement device. This device can be installed on the rear or side of any type of vehicle.

[0005] An automatic road safety cone placement device includes a container structure for accommodating various signal elements, and a delivery device for removing the signal elements from the container structure and placing them in designated areas on the road. The container structure can thus be used as a storage area for cone-shaped road signs or markers for transport to the delivery area. The container structure stores a sufficient number of signal elements to cover the expected distance required during the transport vehicle's operation. The delivery system utilizes a set of actuators, a moving platform, and controllable locks to place the cone-shaped road signs / markers on the road surface during vehicle travel, ensuring they are equidistantly distributed and positioned according to signal requirements at any given time.

[0006] In addition, the device is equipped with an adjustable guidance system for guiding and positioning signage elements on the road, making it easy to place them vertically and to place the signage elements in different locations on the road, such as one side or the other side of the road, or one side or the other side of the shoulder.

[0007] In addition, the device is equipped with a control system responsible for controlling the dispensing device to deposit signal elements according to preset parameters. This control system is dedicated to this purpose and is battery-powered. The control system directly controls the drivers of the various actuators that make up the dispensing device.

[0008] An automatic road safety cone placement device includes: a plurality of movable platforms disposed in a container structure for moving a column of signal elements from its position to a placement area; and an actuator system disposed in the placement area for placing one of the signal elements in a column at a time, leaving the rest of the column on the container structure, and repeating this process continuously to place the signal elements one after another on the road while maintaining a defined distance between them.

[0009] Preferably, the mobile platform moves along tracks within the container structure via actuators. These actuators drive the mobile platform, which is arranged with rows of signal elements, to move along the tracks until it reaches the storage area. In the storage area, the signal elements are secured in place by the actuator system and a locking system to prevent their retraction. The mobile platform returns to its initial position only via actuators. Subsequently, other actuators place additional stacks or rows of signal elements on the mobile platform, and the above operation is repeated. According to this embodiment, the actuators are connected to a control system that controls the movement of the actuators to achieve the appropriate movement of the signal element rows at any given time.

[0010] According to the aforementioned automatic road safety cone placement device, the actuator system includes at least one main holding actuator with its free end positioned below the signal element column; and at least one auxiliary holding actuator located below the main holding actuator, its free end also positioned below the signal element column. The two actuators work together, releasing only the lowest signal element from the signal element column in each operation, while retaining the remaining signal elements in place. This operation is repeated continuously, placing the signal elements one by one onto the road surface at predetermined intervals.

[0011] The actuator system acts on stacked safety cones, separating them one by one for placement on the road surface. Therefore, the actuator system has a dual function: first, it secures the stacked safety cones to the container structure, preventing the placement of more than the prescribed number of cones; second, it separates the safety cones, ensuring that only one cone is placed on the road surface at a time.

[0012] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the delivery area is laterally located at the center of the vehicle, and the actuator system includes main holding actuators and auxiliary holding actuators disposed on both sides of the delivery area. They are symmetrically arranged with respect to the delivery area such that the two main holding actuators are opposite to each other, and the two auxiliary holding actuators below them are also opposite to each other. Each pair of actuators works in concert to hold and subsequently release the signal element.

[0013] Specifically, the guidance system has a pair of adjustable longitudinal rails between which the signal elements are located, guiding them to their final position on the road and helping to ensure that the elements are in a vertical position, thus preventing some elements from collapsing.

[0014] The longitudinal guide rails can be folded up so that they can be folded up and stored in the container structure itself when not in use, and only unfolded and extended when needed to guide signal elements.

[0015] In addition, these rails can be fitted with various types of wheels or rolling elements to facilitate their movement on the road and prevent them from being dragged and worn out due to use.

[0016] Therefore, the device involved in this invention aims to eliminate or at least reduce the risk of accidents during certain signal operations, while simplifying these operations, eliminating not only operator risks, but also enabling appropriate signal indication for each situation by adjusting necessary parameters.

[0017] Another advantage of this invention is that it can operate on commercially available cones or beacons; whereas in other prior art systems, signal elements must be adapted to the specific system.

[0018] In addition, this guidance system can ensure that the cones remain perfectly vertical, while other systems or devices cannot guarantee proper placement, sometimes causing the cones to tip over on the road. This not only makes the signal indication unclear, but may also cause traffic accidents involving other vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 shows the placement of signal elements, i.e., the safety cone.

[0020] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the system in Figure 1, showing its various components in detail.

[0021] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the container structure of the system of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the container structure in Figure 3 on the vehicle.

[0023] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the moving platform of the conical dispensing device arranged on the container structure of Figures 3 and 4.

[0024] Figure 6a is a detailed elevation view of the mobile platform, its drive unit, and locking system.

[0025] Figure 6b is a plan view of the platform, its drive unit, and locking system in Figure 6a.

[0026] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a rolling guide rail arranged in a container structure for a mobile platform.

[0027] Figure 8 illustrates in detail an embodiment of the drive unit (actuator) of the mobile platform, as well as a locking system to prevent the tapered column from retracting.

[0028] Figure 9 schematically shows an embodiment of an actuator system, which has a main holding actuator and an auxiliary holding actuator on each side of the delivery area.

[0029] Figure 10 shows in detail the primary and secondary holding actuators arranged on the right side of the delivery area in Figure 9.

[0030] Figure 11 shows the master holding actuator in detail.

[0031] Figure 12 shows the auxiliary holding actuator in detail.

[0032] Figure 13 shows in detail the holding actuator arranged in Figure 9.

[0033] Figures 14a-14e show the combined operation sequence of the actuators in Figures 9 to 13 to achieve the release of a single cone and the retention of the rest of the cylinder.

[0034] Figure 15 schematically shows the connection between the depositor system actuators and the control system, including the main holding actuator, the auxiliary holding actuator, the moving platform, and the latch.

[0035] Figure 16 shows a specific embodiment of the guidance system, which is folded onto the container structure.

[0036] Figure 17 shows a plan view of the guidance system of Figure 16, which has been deployed in this example.

[0037] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the guiding system shown in Figures 16 and 17, which has been deployed and guides the cone to be placed on the road.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 1. Vehicle, 2. Signal element, 3. Structure containing identification elements, 4. Delivery device, 5. Signal element guiding system, 6. Control system, 7. Sign element storage area, 8. Moving platform of storage system, 9. Main holding actuator of delivery device, 10. Auxiliary holding actuator of delivery device, 11. Drive device of moving platform, 12. Rolling guide rail of moving platform, 13. Longitudinal guide device of guiding system, 14. Actuator gripper, 15. Longitudinal guide wheel, 16. Lock. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] The purpose of this invention is to provide a system for setting road marking elements 2 on roads. These marking elements 2 are primarily cone-shaped pavement markers, but can also be traffic lights or any other elements that can be stacked and placed vertically on the road; the device can be installed at the rear or side of any type of vehicle 1.

[0042] As shown in the figure, especially Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device includes a container structure 3 for accommodating signal elements 2 stacked in different columns; and an unloading system 4 for removing the signal elements 2 from the container structure 3 and unloading them from the unloading area 7 onto the road. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A specific embodiment of the container structure 3 of the device is shown in detail.

[0043] In addition, the device is equipped with a directional guidance system 5 for guiding and positioning the signal element 2 on the road, making it easier to place vertically and allowing the signal element to be placed in different locations on the road, such as one side or the other side of the road, or one side of the shoulder.

[0044] In addition, the device also has a control system 6, which is responsible for managing the delivery device 4 so that it can deliver signal elements 2 on the road in a specific direction or at a specific distance according to certain predetermined parameters.

[0045] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the placement system 4 comprises a plurality of moving platforms 8 disposed in the container structure 3 for moving a column of signal elements 2 from its placement position to the placement area 7; by means of actuator systems 9', 9'' disposed in the placement area 7, one of the signal elements 2 in a column is placed into the placement area in each operation, while the remainder of the column remains on the container structure 3; and a locking system 15 is used to prevent the signal elements 2 from reversing; this process is repeated continuously to place the signal elements 2 one after another on the road while maintaining a defined distance from each other.

[0046] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, preferably, the moving platform 8 is moved along a track guide 11 arranged within the container structure 3 by actuators 10. Actuators 10 drive the moving platform 8, on which a column of signal elements 2 is arranged, to move along the track guide 11 until it reaches the placement area 7. In the placement area 7, the signal elements 2 are secured in place by actuator systems 9', 9''. Since the signal elements 2 are secured by locking system 15 to prevent retraction, the moving platform 8 returns to its initial position solely by actuators 10. Subsequently, other actuators 10 place additional stacks or columns of signal elements 2 onto the moving platform 8, and the above operation is repeated. According to this embodiment, the actuators 10 are connected to a control system 6, which controls the movement of the actuators 10 to achieve the appropriate movement of the column of signal elements 2 at any given time. Thus, the signal elements 2 are stacked on the moving platform 8, which is driven by the drive unit 10, moving towards the placement area 7 through a closed loop of interpreting commands and logical sequences.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 9 to 13, the actuator system includes at least one main holding actuator 9', the free end of which is located below the signal element 2; and at least one auxiliary holding actuator 9'', located below the main holding actuator 9', with its free end also located below the signal element 2. The combined operation of the two actuators 9' and 9'' releases only the lower portion of the signal element 2 from the signal element post in each operation, while retaining the remaining portion of the signal element post in place. This operation is repeated continuously to place the signal elements 2 one by one on the road surface, maintaining a predetermined distance between them.

[0048] Therefore, the primary holding mechanisms 9' are responsible for initially holding the signal element post 2 before it is placed on the road surface. These primary holding mechanisms 9' prevent the signal element post 2 from unnecessarily falling onto the road surface after it has been moved to the storage area 7. As for the auxiliary holding mechanisms 9'', they are responsible for holding the individual signal element 2 before it is finally placed on the road surface.

[0049] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in particular, grippers 13 can be provided at the free ends of actuators 9' and 9'' to better hold the signal elements in place.

[0050] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the delivery area 7 is laterally centered on the vehicle 1. Therefore, the actuator system includes a main holding actuator 9' and an auxiliary holding actuator 9'' respectively disposed on both sides of the delivery area 7, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the delivery area 7. In this way, the two main holding actuators 9' face each other, and below them, the two auxiliary holding actuators 9'' also face each other. Each pair of actuators 9', 9'' works together to achieve the holding and subsequent release of the signal element 2.

[0051] Actuators 9' and 9'' are connected to control system 6, which controls their operation during the holding and releasing of signal elements. Figure 15 schematically illustrates the connection between actuators 9' and 9'' and control system 6.

[0052] like Figure 15 As shown, the mechanical system consisting of actuators 9', 9'' and a moving platform driven by actuator 10 is used to achieve the correct displacement of the cone during road signal operation. The device is controlled by a dedicated PLC control unit, which is powered by at least one specific 24V battery. The PLC also directly controls the driver for each actuator.

[0053] According to one specific embodiment, the mobile platform 8 has two main holding actuators 9', two auxiliary holding actuators 9'', and an actuator device 10. In this embodiment, the control system 6 controls four drivers, one for each of the actuators 9', 9'', and one for the fifth driver of the actuator device 10, which is responsible for the movement of the mobile platform 8 and the signal element array 2.

[0054] Figures 14a and 14e illustrate the sequence of operations for actuators 9' and 9'' to release a single cone and retain the rest of the cone column. Thus, in step 1 shown in Figure 14a, the two main retaining actuators 9' and the two auxiliary retaining actuators 9'' are in the standby position, with the main retaining actuators 9' supporting the cone column. In step 2 shown in Figure 14b, the main retaining actuators 9' retract, and the cone column falls onto the two auxiliary retaining actuators 9'', which are still in the extended position. In step 3 shown in Figure 14c, the main retaining actuators 9' extend again, supporting the cone column once more, except for the bottommost cone, which will be positioned between the two pairs of actuators 9' and 9''. Figure 14d As shown, in step 4, the auxiliary support mechanism 9 is retracted, causing the previously supported lower cone to fall onto the road surface. Finally, as shown in Figure 14e, the process returns to the initial step 1 and is repeated until all cone columns have been used.

[0055] Specifically, the guidance system 5 has a pair of directional longitudinal guide rails 12, with the signal element 2 located between these two rails. This guides the element to its final position on the road and also helps ensure that the element is in a vertical position, thus preventing some elements from collapsing as they would in state-of-the-art systems.

[0056] Ideally, these longitudinal guide rails 12 can be folded up so that they can be folded up and stored in the container structure 3 when not in use, and only unfolded and extended when used to guide the signal element 2.

[0057] In addition, these longitudinal guide rails 12 can support wheels 14 or any type of rolling element to facilitate their rolling on the road and prevent them from being dragged and worn due to use.

[0058] Figures 16 to 18 show in detail these specific implementations of the guidance system 5 and its main components.

Claims

1. An automatic road safety cone placement device, which can be installed at the rear or side of a vehicle (1), includes a container structure (3) configured to accommodate a plurality of marker elements (2) stacked in different columns, characterized in that: The placement system (4) is configured to remove the signal element (2) from the container structure (3) and place it from the storage area (7) onto the road, a steerable guidance system (5) for guiding and positioning the signal element (2) on the road, and a control system (6) configured to control the placement system (4).

2. The automatic road safety cone placement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The placement system (4) includes multiple moving platforms (8) arranged in the container structure (3) for moving the signal element column (2) to the storage area (7), an actuator system (9', 9'') set in the deposition area (7) for depositing a single signal element (2) of the column in each operation and leaving the rest of the column on the container structure (3); and a locking system (15) set in the deposition area (7) for preventing the signal element (2) from rebounding.

3. An automatic road safety cone placement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mobile platform (8) moves on a rolling guide rail (11) arranged in the container structure (3) via a drive device (10).

4. An automatic road safety cone placement device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that, The actuator system includes at least one main holding actuator (9') with its free end configured to be positioned below the signal element column (2); and at least one auxiliary holding actuator (9'') positioned below the main holding actuator (9') with its free end configured to be positioned below the signal element column (2); the two actuators (9', 9'') are configured to release only the lower signal element (2) of the column in each operation, while holding the rest of the column.

5. The automatic road safety cone placement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actuator (9', 9'') includes a clamping jaw (13) at its free end.

6. The automatic road safety cone placement device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The placement area (7) is laterally located at the center of the vehicle (1), and the actuator system includes a main holding actuator (9') and an auxiliary holding actuator (9'') disposed on both sides of the placement area.

7. An automatic road safety cone placement device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The guidance system (5) includes a pair of orientable longitudinal guide rails (12) for positioning the sign elements (2) between them and guiding them to their final position on the road.

8. The automatic road safety cone placement device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The longitudinal guide rail (12) is foldable.

9. An automatic road safety cone placement device according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that, The longitudinal guide rail (12) includes wheels (14) configured to roll on the road.

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