Self-propelled mobile device, especially for laying bulk and road construction material on the ground

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a self-propelled rolling machine, in particular for depositing bulk road surfacing materials on the ground.

[0002] The field of the invention relates to machines having a storage and distribution tank for bulk materials, which may include gravel, sand or asphalt.

[0003] Such rolling machines are therefore heavy and consequently include an engine to drive one or more drive wheels on the ground.

[0004] Thus, it is known to equip the rolling machine with handlebars to allow a user to steer the machine in direction.

[0005] Document FR3051204A1 describes a self-propelled rolling machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] One of the problems with these self-propelled rolling vehicles is the possibility that the vehicle could roll backward onto the user. In such a case, the vehicle's weight poses a risk of injuring the user.

[0007] The invention aims to obtain a self-propelled rolling machine that improves user safety, in order to solve the problem mentioned above.

[0008] An object of the invention is a self-propelled rolling machine according to claim 1.

[0009] Claims 2 to 13 relate to embodiments of the machine according to claim 1.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard is located behind the control handle in the second reverse control position of the control handle.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the rolling device comprises a sleeve mounted rotatably around the axis on the handlebar, the control handle and the user's anti-crushing guard being fixed on the sleeve.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard comprises a tab having a first end part fixed to the sleeve, a second end part located near the control handle and at a distance from the sleeve, and an intermediate part extending from the first end part to the second end part and located at least partly further back than the control handle and the handlebar in the second reverse control position of the control handle.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the second end part is fixed to the remote control handle of the sleeve.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the control handle is straight.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard occupies a non-zero angular sector which is centered on the axis and which is located further back than the control handle and the handlebar in the second reverse control position of the control handle.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the angular sector of the user's anti-crushing guard extends at least from a rear horizontal plane passing through the handlebar axis to the control handle in the second reverse control position of the control handle.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard has an outer surface which extends in the angular sector and approaches the axis by going at least from a first rear point to a second front point, which is further away angularly from the control handle than the first rear point relative to the axis in the second reverse control position.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard is C-shaped, located further back than the control handle and the handlebar in the second reverse control position of the control handle, the C having an opening facing forward in the second reverse control position of the control handle.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard comprises straight segments making obtuse angles with each other and located further back than the control handle and the handlebar in the second reverse control position of the control handle.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard has a first width along the axis, which is greater than a second width of the control handle along the axis.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the rolling machine comprises a traction and push cable connecting the control handle to the transmission mechanism, a cable articulation pull being disposed on the outside of the sleeve.

[0022] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely as a non-limiting example with reference to the figures below of the attached drawings. There figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a self-propelled rolling vehicle according to embodiments of the invention. figure 2 is a schematic side perspective view of a portion of the handlebars of a self-propelled vehicle according to embodiments of the invention. figures 3 And 4 These are schematic perspective views from below of a portion of the handlebars of the self-propelled vehicle according to embodiments of the invention. figure 5 is a schematic view of the rear of a portion of the handlebars of the self-propelled vehicle according to embodiments of the invention. figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a guardrail for a self-propelled rolling vehicle according to embodiments of the invention. figure 7 is a schematic partial perspective view of the guardrail of the self-propelled rolling stock according to embodiments of the invention. figure 8 is a schematic side view of the guard of the self-propelled rolling vehicle according to embodiments of the invention. figure 9 is a schematic side view of the guard of the self-propelled rolling stock according to embodiments of the invention in a second reverse driving position. figure 10 is a schematic side view of the guard of the self-propelled rolling stock according to embodiments of the invention in a third stop control position P3. figure 11 is a schematic side view of the guard of the self-propelled rolling vehicle according to embodiments of the invention in a first control position P1 in forward motion. figure 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a bulk material storage and distribution tank for a self-propelled rolling stock, according to embodiments of the invention. figure 13 is a schematic, enlarged perspective view of a portion of the self-propelled rolling vehicle according to embodiments of the invention. figure 14 is a schematic view in exploded perspective enlarged of a storage and distribution tank for bulk materials of the self-propelled rolling machine according to embodiments of the invention.

[0023] To figures 1 à 14 A self-propelled rolling machine 1 is shown, designed for depositing bulk surfacing materials for roads, pavements, or other surfaces onto the ground, for example, in the form of a bed or layer. The bulk material may be, for example, aggregates, gravel, sand, asphalt, hot mix asphalt, or other materials. The machine 1 has a chassis 2 under which ground-running wheels 3, 4, and 5 are mounted, rotating on the chassis 2. For example, wheels 3 and 4 are driven. On the chassis 2, for example, at its front and in front of wheels 3, 4, and 5, is a tank 60 for storing and distributing the bulk materials used to form the surfacing. For example, wheel 3 is planned to the left of chassis 2, wheel 4 is planned to the right of chassis 2 and wheel 5 is planned to be behind and in the middle with respect to 3 and 4.

[0024] On chassis 2 is a motor 6 to drive the drive wheel(s) 3 in rotation. For example, chassis 2 can be equipped with a hydrostatic axle to which each wheel 3,4 is coupled by a half-shaft 4, this hydrostatic axle incorporating a differential and being coupled to the motor 6. The motor 6 can be a thermal engine or an electric motor powered by on-board fuel or an electric motor powered by a battery.

[0025] The drive wheel(s) 3, 4 can be driven in rotation forwards or backwards by the motor 6. For this purpose, the chassis 2 carries a transmission mechanism 8 between the motor 6 and the drive wheel(s) 3, 4. This transmission mechanism 8 makes it possible to change the direction of rotation of the drive wheel(s) 3, 4 either to force the rolling vehicle 1 to move forwards, or to force the rolling vehicle 1 to move backwards, or to stop the movement of the rolling vehicle 1. Thus, the transmission mechanism 8 is configured to connect the drive motor 6 to at least one drive wheel 3, 4 either in a forward connection position of at least one drive wheel 3, 4, or in a reverse connection position of at least one drive wheel 3, 4, or in a stopped position of at least one drive wheel 3, 4.

[0026] At the rear of the chassis 2 is a handlebar 7 for the operator. The handlebar 7 has a control handle 9 connected to the transmission mechanism 8. The control handle 9 is configured to operate the transmission mechanism 8 in either the forward drive position, the reverse drive position, or the stop position. The control handle 9 is mounted to rotate or tilt about an axis 10 on the handlebar 7. The operator walks alongside the self-propelled machine 1, holding the handlebar to steer the machine 1 to the right or left and to rotate the control handle 9 between its positions P1, P2, and P3. Of course, other controls that can be operated by the operator may be located on or near the handlebar 7.

[0027] In the figures, the handlebar 7 extends along a longitudinal direction X, oriented from rear to front. This longitudinal direction X of the handlebar 7 can be inclined relative to the chassis 2 downwards and forwards by a predefined angle, less than 90°, in particular less than 45°, relative to the general direction X' of forward movement of the self-propelled rolling stock 1, as shown by way of example in figures 1 , 3 , 9 , 10 And 11The upward direction is designated by the Z direction. The axis 10 extends along the transverse direction Y, which may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, the longitudinal direction X of the handlebar 7, and the Z direction. The axis 10 may be formed, for example, by a transverse rod 71, forming the rearmost part of the handlebar 7. For example, the handlebar 7 has a right lateral arm 72 (first arm 72) and a left lateral arm 73 (second arm 73), which are connected respectively to the right lateral end 74 and the left lateral end 75 of its transverse rod 71 and extend forward parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the handlebar 7. The handlebar 7 may be U-shaped, with its opening facing forward and downward. The arm 72 has not been shown in the figures. figures 2 And 3 , although present.

[0028] In what follows, the terms front and rear are taken with respect to the longitudinal direction X' of forward movement of the self-propelled rolling machine 1. This longitudinal direction X' of forward movement of the self-propelled rolling machine 1 is therefore horizontal when the self-propelled rolling machine 1 is rolling on a horizontal ground.

[0029] The positions of the control handle 9 on the handlebar 7 are chosen as follows.

[0030] The control handle 9 has a first position P1 for forward operation, to control the transmission mechanism 8 according to the forward engagement position, as shown as an example in the figure 11 . For example, the control handle 9 may protrude forward from the handlebar 7 in this first P1 forward control position.

[0031] The control handle 9 has a second position P2 for reverse operation, to control the transmission mechanism 8 according to the reverse engagement position, as shown as an example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 And 9 . For example, the control handle 9 can be substantially vertical or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X' of forward movement of the self-propelled rolling stock 1 in the second position P2 of reverse control.

[0032] The control handle 9 has a third stop control position P3, to control the transmission mechanism 8 according to the stop position, as shown as an example in the figure 10 . In this third P3 stop control position, the control handle 9 is located further back than the first P1 forward control position and further forward than the second P2 reverse control position.

[0033] The other object of the invention is described below. A user anti-crushing guard 11, or user crush protection device 11, is arranged on the handlebar 7. The user anti-crushing guard 11 is rotationally fixed to the control handle 9 about the axis 10 of the handlebar 7. The user anti-crushing guard 11 is configured to be located further back than the control handle 9 and further back than the handlebar 7 when this control handle 9 is in the second reverse control position P2, as illustrated by way of example in the figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 And9 Due to its rearward position relative to the control handle 9, the user's anti-crushing guard 11 rotates the control handle 9 from the second reverse control position P2 to the first forward control position P1 or the third stop control position P3 when a forward force F is applied against the anti-crushing guard 11 located in the second reverse control position P2 of the control handle 9, as illustrated by way of example in the figure 9 .

[0034] Thus, when control handle 9 was placed in the second control position P2 located behind the handlebar 7, shown as an example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 And 11 , the self-propelled rolling machine 1 rolls backwards on its wheels 3, 4, that is to say in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction X'.

[0035] If, by accident or inadvertently, the self-propelled vehicle 1 rolls backward onto the user who is stopped or stuck against an obstacle, the anti-crushing guard 11, which protrudes rearward from the handlebar 7 in this second reverse control position P2, is immediately pushed back by the user's body, which then exerts a forward force F, causing the control handle 9 to rotate forward relative to this second reverse control position P2, all the way to the third stop position P3. figure 10 , which stops the movement of the self-propelled rolling stock 1 backwards or to the first forward control position P1 of the figure 11 , which causes the self-propelled rolling vehicle 1 to move forward again.

[0036] The anti-crushing guard 11 according to the other object of the invention thus makes it possible to ensure that the self-propelled rolling machine 1 in reverse does not continue to move backwards on the user.

[0037] This is not made possible by the control handle 9 when provided alone without the anti-crushing guard 11, due to the small dimensions of the control handle 9 or because the control handle 9 may not protrude backwards in the second P2 reverse control position, the control handle 9 would not be reliably returned to the third P3 stop position or the first P1 forward control position, if it moved backwards against the user.

[0038] Thus, according to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard 11 has a first width L1 along the axis 10, which is greater than a second width L2 of the control handle 9 along the transverse direction Y of the axis 10, as shown for example in figures 3 à 11 .

[0039] The fact that the anti-crushing guard 11 is positioned even further back relative to the control handle 9 ensures greater safety. Furthermore, the control handle 9, due to its design, could still injure the user if it were to recoil against them.

[0040] In more detail, embodiments of the user's anti-crushing guard structure 11 are shown in figures 5 , 6 , 7 And 8 and are described below. These embodiments are combined with each other at figures 1 , 2 , 3 ,4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 And 11 .

[0041] According to an embodiment of the other object of the invention, represented by way of example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 And 11 The user's anti-crushing guard 11 is located behind the control handle 9. This prevents the control handle 9 from striking the user when the self-propelled vehicle 1 is reversing.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the other object of the invention, represented by way of example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 And 11A sleeve 12, capable of rotating around the transverse axis 10, can be mounted on the handlebar 7. This sleeve 12 surrounds, for example, the rear transverse rod 71 of the handlebar 7. The control handle 9 is fixed to the outside of the sleeve 12, for example, by being integral with the sleeve 12 or as a single unit with the sleeve 12. The user's anti-crushing guard 11 can be fixed to the outside of the sleeve 12, for example, by being integral with the sleeve 12 or as a single unit with the sleeve 12. A handle 90 can be fixed around the control handle 9.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the other object of the invention, represented by way of example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 And 11The user's anti-crushing guard 11 includes a rigid tab 111, the first end portion 112 of which is attached to the sleeve 12. A second end portion 113 of the tab 111 is located near the control handle 9 or is attached to the control handle 9. This second end portion 113 of the tab 111 is positioned at a distance from the sleeve 12, outside of it. The tab 111 has an intermediate portion 114 extending from the first end portion 112 to the second end portion 113. This intermediate portion 114 of the tab 111 is located at least partially, as shown in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 And 9 , further back than the control handle 9 and the handlebar 7 in the second position P2 of the reverse control of the control handle 9.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the other object of the invention, represented by way of example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 And 11 The control handle 9 can be straight from the sleeve 12, and can, for example, be radial outwards from the axis 10, as shown as an example in the figure 8 .

[0045] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard 11, namely the intermediate part 114 of the tab 111 described above, occupies around the axis 10 a non-zero angular sector 115 (angular sector 115 shown between the dashed lines in figures 8 And 9), located further back than the control handle 9 and the handlebar 7 in the second reverse control position P2 of the control handle 9, as shown as an example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 8 And 9 .

[0046] According to one embodiment of the other object of the invention, when the control handle 9 is in the second position P2 of the reverse control, figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 8 And 9 , the angular sector 115 of the user's anti-crushing guard 11 extends at least from a rear horizontal plane P (represented by the unmixed dashed lines to figures 1 , 8 And 9 ) passing through the axis 10 of the handlebar 7 to the control handle 9.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the other object of the invention, represented by way of example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 And 11 The user anti-crushing guard 11, namely the intermediate part 114 of the tab 111 described above, has an outer surface 110 (or cam 110) which extends in the angular sector 115 and approaches the axis 10 by going from a first rear point 1101 to a second front point 1102, which is more angularly distant from the control handle 9 than the rear point 1101 with respect to the axis 10 (these points 1101 and 1102 being shown in the figure 8 The first rear point 1101 is, for example, the rearmost point 1101 of the outer surface 110 in the second reverse control position P2. Of course, the outer surface 110 can continue to move away from the axis 10 beyond the first rear point 1101, approaching the control handle 9, for example, up to the third point 1103. Then, the user anti-crushing guard 11, namely the intermediate part 114 of the tab 111 described above, has, from the third point 1103, another outer surface 1104 that approaches the axis 10 as it approaches the control handle 9.

[0048] The outer surface 110 of the user's anti-crushing guard 11 can thus be in the shape of an upward-pointing cam, in the case where the control handle 9 protrudes upwards in the second P2 reverse control position.

[0049] Thus, the recoil of the device 1 and the anti-crushing guard 11 against the user is more easily transformed into forward rotation of the anti-crushing guard 11 and therefore of the control handle 9 (and upwards in the figures).

[0050] In other embodiments not shown, the outer surface 110 of the anti-crushing guard 11 may be in the shape of a downward-pointing cam, in the case where the control handle 9 protrudes downwards in the second P2 reverse control position.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the other object of the invention, represented by way of example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 And 11The user's anti-crushing guard 11 is C-shaped, located further back than the control handle 9 and the handlebar 7 in the second reverse control position P2 of the control handle 9. The C has a forward-facing opening 118 in the second reverse control position P2 of the control handle 9, and a rearward-facing back 119 (its outer surfaces 110, 1104) in the second reverse control position P2 of the control handle 9, as shown by way of example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 And 9 .

[0052] According to an embodiment of the other object of the invention, represented by way of example in figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 And 11, the user's anti-crushing guard 11 comprises straight segments 116,117 making obtuse angles with each other and located further back than the control handle 9 and the handlebar 7 in the second P2 reverse control position of the control handle 9.

[0053] According to another embodiment of the other object of the invention, the user's anti-crushing guard 11 may be curved, for example in the shape of C described above, and may be circular or otherwise and may not include straight segments 116,117.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the other object of the invention, represented in figures 2 , 3 , 9 , 10 And 11The wheeled device 1 includes a pull and push cable 13 connecting the control handle 9 to the transmission mechanism 8. A pull tab 14 for articulating the cable 13 is provided on the outside of the sleeve 12. This cable 13 has not been shown in the other figures, although it is present. The cable 13 can be mounted to slide forward and backward in a sheath 15, the rear end of which is fixed by a fastener 151 to a support 16, itself fixed to the handlebar 7, as shown as an example in the figures 2 And 3 For example, the support 16 is fixed to the right lateral arm 72 and the left lateral arm 73 and is located in front of the transverse rod 71.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the other object of the invention, represented in figures 2 , 3 , 8 , 9 , 10 And 11The linkage pull 14 is located on the opposite side of a plane P' (X, Y) of the handlebar 7 passing through the axis 10 relative to the control handle 9. The first forward control position P1 of the control handle 9 corresponds to a first position of the linkage pull 14 and the cable 13, located further back than a third position of the linkage pull 14 and the cable 13 in the third stop control position P3, itself located further back than a second position of the linkage pull 14 and the cable 13 in the second reverse control position P2. Thus, in this embodiment, pulling the cable 13 backward by the linkage pull 14 moves the transmission mechanism 8 from the reverse linkage position to the stop position, or from the stop position to the forward linkage position.Conversely, the forward push of the cable 13 by the pull 14 under the push of the lever formed by the handle 9, the sleeve 12 and the guard 11 causes the transmission mechanism 8 to move from the forward link position to the stop position, or from the stop position to the reverse link position.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the other object of the invention, not shown, the articulating pull 14 is located on the same side of the plane P' (X, Y) of the handlebar 7 passing through the axis 10 as the control handle 9. The first forward control position P1 of the control handle 9 corresponds to a first position of the articulating pull 14 and the cable 13, located further back than a third position of the articulating pull 14 and the cable 13 in the third stop control position P3, itself located further back than a second position of the articulating pull 14 and the cable 13 in the second reverse control position P2. Thus, in this embodiment, pulling the cable 13 backward by the pull 14 moves the transmission mechanism 8 from the forward engagement position to the stop position, or from the stop position to the reverse engagement position.Conversely, the forward push of the cable 13 by the pull 14 under the push of the lever formed by the handle 9, the sleeve 12 and the guard 11 causes the transmission mechanism 8 to move from the reverse link position to the stop position, or from the stop position to the forward link position.

[0057] The characteristics of the self-propelled rolling machine 1 according to the invention are described below, shown by way of example in figures 1 , 12 , 13 And 14 The features below may be provided independently of the user anti-crushing guard 11 described above, or in combination with the user anti-crushing guard 11 described above.

[0058] According to the invention, the chassis 2 carries beneath the tank 60 a lower smoothing table 63 and a cutting edge 65 arranged transversely to the X' direction of travel of the machine, that is, along the width of the machine 1. The tank 60 has, in its lower part forming the bottom of the tank 60, one (or more) lower discharge opening 62 for depositing a bed of bulk material of controlled thickness. The lower discharge opening 62 is located between the cutting edge 65 and the smoothing table 63. The smoothing table 63 is attached to the tank 60. The rolling chassis 2 is mounted to tilt around the axis 34 of rotation of the drive wheels 3, 4 through which it rests on the ground for the passage of the machine 1 from a so-called working configuration in which the smoothing table 63 is in contact with the ground to a so-called transport configuration in which the smoothing table 63 is away from the ground.

[0059] The tank 60 and the smoothing table 63 form a working unit 64, which is mobile and adjustable in position by means of connection 93 to the chassis 2. The connection means 93 are configured to allow, at least in the position in which the wheels 3, 4, 5 of the rolling chassis 2 rest on a horizontal flat ground and the smoothing table 63 extends parallel to the ground, at a non-zero distance from the ground, on the one hand, a vertical movement of the smoothing table 63 and the discharge opening 62 relative to the chassis 2 by moving the working unit 64 upwards or downwards in the direction of moving away from or towards the ground, and, on the other hand, an inclination of the smoothing table 63 so as to form a non-zero angle ANG between the plane of the smoothing table 63 and the axis 34 of rotation of the wheels 3, 4.

[0060] One possible application of the machine 1 involves it being on its wheels 3, 4, and 5, for example, for spreading gravel from the tank 60. In this case, a lower flap 651 can be attached in front of and below the leading edge 65 in a working position. This flap 651 can be removed and attached by means of removable fasteners to a tab 652 provided on the top of the left wall 68 and to a tab 653 provided on the top of the right wall 69, in a storage position.

[0061] A second application method for the machine 1 involves tilting it forward with the rear wheel 52 raised off the ground, for example, for smoothing loose materials with the smoothing table 63, such as loose materials made of sand, hot mix asphalt, or tarmac. In this second application method, the lower flap 651 is not used, is not fixed in front of and below the cutting edge 65, and can be placed in the storage position.

[0062] According to the invention, these connecting means 93 are configured for height and tilt adjustment of the smoothing table 63 which are at least partially common.

[0063] According to the invention, as represented in figures 12 And 14The connecting means 93 comprise a flat front guide plate 94 and a flat rear guide plate 95, which are parallel and facing each other, extending transversely along the width (Y direction) of the vehicle 1 and vertically. The flat front guide plate 94 and the flat rear guide plate 95 are fixed to the tank 60. A guide slot 96 or gap 96 is defined between the flat front guide plate 94 and the flat rear guide plate 95.

[0064] The connecting means 93 comprise at least one longeron 97 (or beam 97), which is fixed to the chassis 2. The longeron 97 passes through the slot 96 and rests against the flat front guide plate 94 and the flat rear guide plate 95. The longeron 97 is guided by the flat front guide plate 94 and the flat rear guide plate 95 to slide in a plane parallel to them, transversely along the width of the vehicle 1 and vertically.

[0065] Thus, the longitudinal member 97, the front flat guide plate 94 and the rear flat guide plate 95 are configured to allow, at least in the position in which the wheels 3, 4, 5 of the rolling chassis 2 rest on a horizontal flat ground and the smoothing table 63 extends parallel to the ground, at a non-zero distance from the ground, on the one hand, a vertical movement of the smoothing table 63 and the discharge opening 62 relative to the chassis 2 by moving the working assembly 64 upwards or downwards in the direction of moving away from or towards the ground, and, on the other hand, an inclination of the smoothing table 63 so as to form a non-zero angle between the plane of the smoothing table 63 and the axis 34 of rotation of the wheels 3, 4.

[0066] The sliding of the longitudinal member 97 between the plates 94 and 95 allows less stress to be exerted on the connecting means 93 than lateral connecting means combining a pivot connection on one side (right or left) of the chassis and a pivoting and sliding connection on the other side (left or right) of the chassis 2. Thus, the flat front guide plate 94 and the flat rear guide plate 95 can be placed approximately in the middle of the width of the tank 60, to reduce the travel of the longitudinal member relative to them, which reduces the contact force stresses exerted on these plates 94 and 95 and generates less wear than lateral connecting means.

[0067] Furthermore, the flat front guide plate 94 holds the side member 97 forward, thus preventing the tank 60 from tipping forward. The rear guide plate 95 holds the side member 97 rearward, thus preventing the tank 60 from tipping rearward.

[0068] The flat front guide plate 94 and the flat rear guide plate 95 are, for example, fixed behind the rear wall 67 of the tank 60. For example, behind the rear wall 67 of the tank 60, a post 98 is fixed to which the flat front guide plate 94 and the flat rear guide plate 95 are fixed to maintain a constant distance between the slot 96 and the post. A spacer 984 can be fixed between the flat front guide plate 94 and the flat rear guide plate 95 and to the tank 60 to maintain a constant distance between the slot 96 and the post. For this purpose, the flat front guide plate 94 can be fixed to a first plate 981 attached to the post 98. The flat rear guide plate 95 can be fixed to a second plate 982 attached to an upper tab 983 of the post 98.The second plate 982 can be bent at a right angle at the bottom, pointing forward to form the spacer 984 positioned under the plates 94 and 95. The fasteners for plate 94 can be, for example, screws, bolts, or other fasteners, but recessed into the plate 94. The fasteners for plate 95 can also be, for example, screws, bolts, or other fasteners, but recessed into the plate 95. The upright 98 extends above the slot 96.

[0069] According to one feature of the invention, the connecting means 93 comprise two independently actuated lateral actuators 91 and 92, each disposed between the frame 2 and the movable working assembly 64. The lateral actuator 91 is located behind the left side of the tank 60 and is offset from the midpoint of the tank's width. The lateral actuator 92 is located behind the right side of the tank 60 and is offset from the midpoint of the tank's width.

[0070] According to one feature of the invention, each actuator 91, 92 is a lateral cylinder 91, 92 whose body 911, 921 is fixed by means of a third arm 910, 920 to the frame 2 and whose rod 912, 922, mounted to slide within the body 911, 921, is fixed to the movable working assembly 64 by means of fasteners 913, 923 (screws or bolts or other fasteners). The lateral cylinder 92 is behind the right side of the tank 60 and is offset from the midpoint of the width of the tank 60.

[0071] The linkage means 91, 92 described above, or the lateral actuators 91, 92 described above, or the lateral cylinders 91, 92 described above allow the machine 1 to follow the ground relief with the angle ANG being able to be non-zero in order to maintain the horizontality of the smoothing table 63 plane in the case where the wheels 3 and 4 are not at the same height on the ground, with a view to depositing a bed of bulk material of controlled thickness also in this case.

[0072] According to a feature of the invention, the longitudinal axis of each cylinder 91, 92 extends orthogonally to the axis 34 of rotation of the wheels 3, 4. For example, each cylinder 91, 92 is slightly inclined backwards, going from bottom to top.

[0073] The longitudinal member 97, the flat front guide plate 94, and the flat rear guide plate 95 can be provided in combination with the connecting means 91, 92 described above, or with the lateral actuators 91, 92 described above, or with the lateral cylinders 91, 92 described above. As shown in figures 12 And 14 , the flat front guide plate 94 and the flat rear guide plate 95 may be provided in the width direction between the connecting means 91, 92 described above, or between the lateral actuators 91, 92 described above, or between the lateral cylinders 91, 92 described above, and may be provided for example approximately in the middle of the width behind the tank 60.

[0074] According to a feature of the invention, the arms 72 and 73 of the handlebar 7 connect the rod 71 of the handlebar 7 to the cylinders 91, 92. One of the arms 72, 73 of the handlebar 7 is coupled to one 92 of the cylinders 91, 92 in a movable manner by sliding along said cylinder 92.

[0075] According to a feature of the invention, represented in figures 1 And 12 The tank 60 has an upper hopper 60' open from the top and is delimited by a front transverse wall 66, a rear transverse wall 67 and two longitudinal lateral walls 68 and 69. The leading edge 65 of the table 63 extends below the front wall 66 of the tank 60. The discharge opening 62 is a closable opening.

[0076] According to a feature of the invention, represented in the figure 12 The bottom of the tank 60 is compartmentalized by partitions 601 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction X' of movement of the vehicle 1. The means 61 for closing the discharge opening 62 comprise a series of hatches 610 arranged side by side across the width of the vehicle 1. These hatches 610 are movably mounted between a closed position of the discharge opening 62, in which the compartments are separated from each other by a partition 601, and an open position of the discharge opening 62, in which the hatches 610 protrude at least partially from the tank 60. At least one of the hatches 610 is capable of moving between the closed and open positions independently of the other hatches 610. These hatches 610 may be curved-profile hatches facing the bottom of the tank 60 in the closed position. Each hatch 610 can be operated by an individual means 610' of displacement relative to the smoothing table 63.This means 610' of individual movement of each hatch 610 can be for example a cylinder 610'.

[0077] According to a feature of the invention, represented in the figure 12 , each hatch 610 is fixed to a support arm 612, one end of which, located at a non-zero distance from the hatch 610, is rotatably mounted around a lower transverse axis 613 located in the bottom of the tank 60. Each hatch 610 is therefore rotatably mounted around the lower transverse axis 613 between the closed position and the open position.

[0078] According to a feature of the invention, represented in the figure 12 The front wall 66 of the tank 60 extends downwards to the lower smoothing table 63 and has above the lower smoothing table 63 a transverse slot 614, extending therefore along the transverse direction Y. The transverse slot 614 allows the passage of the hatches 610 and their movement in it between one and the other of their open and closed positions.

[0079] According to a feature of the invention, represented in the figure 12 The machine 1 is equipped with one (or more) cross members 611, serving as end stops for the hatches 610 in the open position. Each end stop cross member 611 is adjustable in position to vary the degree of opening of the hatches 610 in the open position, and consequently the flow rate of distribution of bulk materials through the discharge opening 62.

[0080] According to a feature of the invention, represented in the figure 12 The device 1 includes a means 615 for adjusting the rotation of each end-stop cross member 611 of the hatches 610 around a transverse axis 616 of rotation, i.e., parallel to the Y direction, to vary the degree of opening of the hatches 610 in the open position according to different degrees of opening depending on the different rotational adjustment positions of the cross member 11. In the open position, the hatches 610 abut against an edge 617 of the cross member 611, this edge 617 being located at a non-zero distance from the transverse axis 616 of rotation. When several end-stop cross members 617 are provided, they can, for example, be aligned transversely and each have their own individual rotational adjustment means 615, which can be actuated independently of each other.Each means 615 for adjusting the rotation of the end-stop cross member 611 of the hatches 610 around the transverse axis 616 of rotation can be, for example, a ring 618, which is fixed to the cross member 611 on the transverse axis 616 of rotation and which passes through a hole 619, which is provided in the side wall 68 or 69 extending in front of the front wall 66 and above the axis 613 of rotation of the hatches 610. When several end-stop cross members 611 are provided, one or more ribs 68' may be provided in front of the front wall 66 and between the side walls 68 and 69 (and optionally, in addition to the ring 618, another ring 620 may be provided passing through a hole 621, which is provided in this rib 68', the cross member 611 having a finger 622 end mounted rotatably in the other ring 620 fixed in the other hole 621.

[0081] According to a feature of the invention, represented in figure 1 , 12 And 13The ring 618 is accessible from the outside to allow the cross member 611 to be rotated around its transverse axis 616, so that the user can adjust different rotation positions of the cross member 611 around the axis 616 and thus set different opening degrees of the hatches 610 in the open position. The ring 618 has, for example, a hollow head 621 accessible from the outside. The hollow head 621 may have non-circular hollow faces 6210 (which may, for example, be triangular with rounded corners, as shown as an example in the figure 1 ), to allow the insertion of a tool with a shape complementary to that of the hollow facets 6210 of the head 621, so that the hollow head 621 and the ring 618 can be rotated using the tool. The hollow head 621 can, for example, protrude outside the hole 619 or be flush with the edge of the hole 619. The rotational adjustment of the cross member 611 of the end stop of the hatches 610 is thus made easier, with less risk of injury to the user.

[0082] According to a feature of the invention, represented in figures 1 And 12The device 1 may include a means 623 for locking the cross member 611 in one or more rotational positions about the transverse axis 616 of rotation. For example, the means 623 for locking the cross member 611 in one or more rotational positions about the transverse axis 616 of rotation may include a screw 624 (for example, a ball screw) that can be indexed in a side of the cross member 611, located opposite the side wall 68 and that can be inserted into one or more adjustment holes 625 provided in the side wall 68.

[0083] According to a feature of the invention, represented in the figure 12 , a 626 socket for locking the 610 hatches can be provided.

[0084] Of course, what is described above for the side wall 68 can also be provided for the side wall 69.

[0085] According to one feature of the invention, the handlebar 7 carries a control 76 for opening and closing the means 61 for closing (comprising for example one or more hatches 610) of an opening 62 for unloading bulk materials, provided in the lower part of the tank 60 for storing and distributing bulk materials.

[0086] According to one feature of the invention, the control 76 for opening and closing the shutter means 61 comprises another sleeve 760 rotatably mounted around the transverse axis 10, and for example surrounding the rear transverse rod 71 of the handlebar 7. Another actuating handle 761 is fixed to the outside of the sleeve 760, for example being integral with the sleeve 760 or forming a single piece with the sleeve 760. A handle 763 can be fixed around the control handle 761. The sleeve 760 can be fixed by another pull tab 762 to another cable 764 connected to the means 610' for individually moving the shutter means 61 (hatch(s) 610) to actuate them. Sleeves 12 and 760 can be side by side along the transverse direction Y. Handles 9 and 761 can be closer to each other than to the ends 74 and 75 of the transverse rod 71 of the handlebar 7.

[0087] According to one feature of the invention, the handlebar 7 can carry a control 77 for accelerating the motor 6. The control 77 for accelerating the motor 6 can be located in front of the rear transverse rod 71 of the handlebar 7, for example on the support 16. The control 77 for accelerating the motor 6 can be a lever 77 rotatably mounted on the support 16 and allowing actuating by a pull 79 another cable 78 connected to an accelerating actuator of the motor 6.

[0088] According to one feature of the invention, the chassis 2 may include, for example on one side to the right or left of the engine 6, a fire extinguisher holder 22 accessible from the outside, in which a fire extinguisher 23 can be stored and removed.

Claims

1. Self-propelled vehicle (1), in particular for the ground-level laying of bulk road surfacing materials, the vehicle (1) comprising a chassis (2), ground-running wheels (3, 4, 5) mounted rotatably on the chassis, the chassis (2) carrying a motor (6) for driving in rotation at least one drive wheel (3, 4) among the wheels (3, 4, 5), a hopper (60) for storing and dispensing the bulk materials, and a rear steering handlebar (7), the hopper (60) comprising at least one lower opening (62) for discharging bulk materials, the machine further comprising a lower smoothing table (63), the hopper (60) and the smoothing table (63) form a working assembly (64) comprising a lower leading edge (65) arranged transversely to the direction (X') of travel of the machine, i.e. along the width of the machine (1), the working assembly (64) is movable relative to the chassis (2) by means of connecting means (93) to the chassis (2), the connecting means (93) being configured to allow, at least in the position in which the wheels (3, 4, 5) rest on a flat horizontal ground and the smoothing table (63) extends parallel to the ground, at a non-zero distance from the ground, on the one hand, vertical movement of the smoothing table (63) and of the discharge opening (62) relative to the chassis (2) as the working assembly (64) is raised or lowered, moving away from or closer to the ground, and, on the other hand, an inclination movement of the smoothing table (63) relative to the chassis (2), so as to form a non-zero angle between the plane of the smoothing table (63) and the axis (34) of rotation of the at least one drive wheel (3, 4), characterised in that the connecting means (93) comprise a flat front guide plate (94) and a flat rear guide plate (95), which are secured to the hopper (60), which are parallel to one another, which extend transversely across the width of the vehicle (1) and along height, and which define a slot (96), the connecting means (93) comprise at least one longitudinal member (97), which is secured to the chassis (2) and which is guided in the slot (96) against the front flat guide plate (94) and against the rear flat guide plate (95) to allow the longitudinal member (97) to move parallel to the front flat guide plate (94) and the rear flat guide plate (95) transversely across the width of the vehicle (1) and along height.

2. Self-propelled vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting means (93) comprise two independently actuated lateral actuators (91, 92), each arranged between the chassis (2) and the movable working assembly (64).

3. Self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2, characterised in that the flat front guide plate (94) and the flat rear guide plate (95) are provided in the widthwise direction between the lateral actuators (91, 92).

4. Self-propelled vehicle according to claim 3, characterised in that the flat front guide plate (94) and the flat rear guide plate (95) are fixed behind a rear wall (67) of the hopper (60).

5. Self-propelled vehicle according to claim 4, characterised in that a strut (98) to which the front flat guide plate and the rear flat guide plate (95) are fixed in order to maintain a constant spacing of the gap (96) between them, is fixed behind the rear wall (67) of the hopper (60).

6. Self-propelled vehicle according to claim 5, characterised in that a spacer (984) is secured between the flat front guide plate (94) and the flat rear guide plate and to the hopper (60) to maintain a constant distance of the gap (96) between them.

7. A self-propelled vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the front flat guide plate (94) is secured to a first mounting plate (981) integral with the strut (98).

8. A self-propelled vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the rear flat guide plate (95) is secured to a second mounting plate (982) secured to an upper bracket (983) of the strut (98).

9. A self-propelled vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, where it depends on at least claim 6, characterised in that the second plate (982) is bent downwards at a right angle towards the front to form the spacer (984) arranged beneath the plates (94, 95).

10. A self-propelled vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that the strut (98) extends above the slot (96).

11. A self-propelled vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the vehicle (1) comprises, in the hopper (60) for storing and dispensing bulk materials, at least one hatch (610) capable of being actuated about a lower transverse axis (613) located in the bottom of the hopper (60) between at least one open position of a lower discharge opening (62) of the hopper (60) and a closed position of the lower discharge opening (62), the machine (1) comprises at least one cross-member (611), serving as an end-of-stroke stop to the at least one hatch (610) in the open position, the cross-member (611) being mounted so as to rotate relative to the hopper (60) about an axis (616) of rotation between several rotational positions to vary the degree of opening of the at least one hatch (610) in the open position, the vehicle (1) comprising a means (615) for adjusting the rotation of the cross-member (611) about a transverse axis (616) of rotation, accessible from the outside.

12. Self-propelled vehicle according to claim 11, characterised in that the means (615) for adjusting the rotation of the cross-member (611) comprises a ring (618) integral with the cross-member (611) on the transverse axis (616) of rotation, the ring (618) passing through a hole (619), which is formed in a side wall (68, 69) situated in front of a front wall (66) of the hopper (60), the ring (618) having a hollow rotary actuating head (621), which is rotatably mounted in the hole (619) and is accessible from the outside.

13. Self-propelled vehicle according to claim 12, characterised in that the hollow rotary actuating head (621) comprises non-circular hollow sections (6210) accessible from the outside.