Machine for repairing bituminous road surfaces, in particular for sealing cracks

Abstract

A machine (1) for repairing bituminous road surfaces, particularly for crack sealing, comprising a frame (10), handlebars (11), a hopper (2) for holding bituminous material, a discharge element (3) for the bituminous material, a spreading shoe (6) at which the discharge element (5) for the bituminous material is arranged, the shoe being positioned laterally to the frame, characterized in that it further comprises a reservoir (4) for holding additional material such as sand or micro-gravel, and a second discharge element (5) for the additional material, which is arranged at the shoe (6) and behind the first discharge element (3). The bituminous material is advantageously a cold-mix bituminous emulsion.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of repair of bituminous road surfaces, in particular the field of crack repair.

[0002] Repairing cracks is very useful for avoiding the need for complete resurfacing of a road. Indeed, if cracks are not filled, the surface loses its watertightness, water seeps in and can quickly damage the road, requiring much more extensive and costly repairs.

[0003] The technique generally used for crack repair is bridging. Bridging a crack involves cleaning it, applying a high-temperature (around 180°C) elastic bituminous product to fill and seal the crack, and then applying a layer of micro-gravel or sand to protect the bituminous product and improve traction when driving. In locations difficult to access with large repair equipment (pedestrian streets, schoolyards, driveways, private parking lots, etc.), these operations are carried out manually by holding equipment at arm's length (often while bending over) to pour and heat the bituminous product to seal it, and then manually shoveling the micro-gravel over the surface. These operations are tiring for the operator and require movements that, over time, can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, equipment is needed to heat the bituminous material.

[0004] Furthermore, compact machines, such as the one described in US patent application US2022098805, are known to easily dispense bituminous product at the appropriate temperature after heating. This machine features handlebars for walking at a comfortable pace, a platform on which a tank of bituminous product is mounted and heated by a burner, and on one side a spout for the bitumen coupled to a ground-level, shoe-shaped spreader. The machine incorporates a valve system that is axially and horizontally movable relative to the vertical flow direction of the bituminous product and is controlled by a lever located at handlebar height.

[0005] However, efforts are still being made to further reduce and simplify the number of operations involved in repairing cracks.

[0006] Repair machines such as those described in patent applications GB2420144 and CN111501509 are also known. However, these described machines are notably not sufficiently compact.

[0007] The invention therefore aims to provide a new machine for repairing bituminous road surfaces, in particular a new machine for repairing cracks by sealing.

[0008] According to the invention, the bituminous road coating repair machine conforms to claim 1.

[0009] According to the invention, the machine for repairing bituminous road surfaces, in particular for sealing cracks, comprises a chassis, a handlebar, a tray for holding bituminous material (for filling cracks), a first discharge element (onto the roadway) of the bituminous material, at least one shoe (aiding in spreading) at which the first discharge element (of the bituminous material) is arranged, the shoe being positioned parallel to a lateral face of the machine (parallel to the direction of travel of the machine to allow the operator to see the crack from the side and to guide the machine by positioning the shoe above the crack or opposite the crack when it is a curb crack such as at the level of a sidewalk).The machine is characterized in that it further comprises a reservoir for holding additional material, in particular a material with a protective function for the bituminous material and an anti-slip function, such as sand or micro-gravel (for protecting the bituminous material deposited in a crack), and a second discharge element for the additional material, which is arranged at the level of the base and located behind the first discharge element. Specifically, the second discharge element is behind the first discharge element while being (approximately) aligned parallel to a lateral face of the machine.

[0010] In the following description, the terms "front" and "rear" of a machine component refer to their arrangement within the machine; the rear of the machine corresponds to the part located on the handlebar side, while the front corresponds to the opposite part. The machine is moved by pushing the handlebars and consequently by moving the machine forward. The terms "lateral" and "sideways" in relation to a machine component refer to a side of the machine, the side perpendicular to the front and rear faces of the machine and parallel to the direction of travel. The term "shoe" refers to a part intended to be in contact with the ground or immediately (one or two centimeters at most) above the ground; in particular, the shoe has a base intended to be pressed against the ground.

[0011] In the following description the term "height", the qualifiers "upper", "lower", "top" and "bottom" of an element of the machine are used in the context of normal use of the machine, that is to say relating to a vertical notion in relation to a horizontal ground on which the machine would be placed.

[0012] The first discharge element is located at the front of the machine. This allows it to deliver the bituminous material first as the machine moves. Once the bituminous material has been deposited, the second discharge element, positioned behind the first, will then deliver the additional material (such as sand). Specifically, both the first and second discharge elements are integrated into the skid plate (they are both housed within it). This arrangement of the first and second discharge elements within the skid plate allows for material deposition as close to the ground as possible, requiring the machine to be positioned either directly above the crack being repaired or directly opposite (to the side) it.Furthermore, the combination of the shoe and the integration of the two pouring elements at the shoe level provides a compact system, guarantees the sequential pouring of materials according to a precise work and without unnecessary loss of material.In particular, the first discharge element opens inside the shoe, preferably opposite a bottom hole of the shoe, while the second discharge element also opens inside the shoe, preferably opposite a hole in the bottom of the shoe, and behind the first discharge element (shoe intended to seal cracks located immediately under the shoe in the machine operating position), or the first discharge element opens outside the shoe by protruding from a side wall of the shoe (wall opposite the machine) while the second discharge element also opens outside said shoe along said side wall, and behind the first discharge element (shoe intended to seal cracks at a distance from the shoe such as cracks at the junction of sidewalks).

[0013] Thus, the machine of the invention provides a compact, all-in-one solution. The operator simply guides the machine parallel and laterally to a crack, and the various materials needed for sealing are delivered along with it. This includes not only the bituminous material but also, using the same machine, sand or micro-gravel. The operations are significantly less tiring for the operator.

[0014] Preferably, the container holding the bituminous material contains a cold bituminous emulsion. This has the advantage of eliminating the need to configure the machine with heating equipment, simplifying it and making it easier to push. Furthermore, the operator is no longer bothered by fumes from the bituminous material, which does not need to be hot, unlike the previous bridging technique. The machine allows for the implementation of a technique that, while not the same as the previous bridging technique, is just as effective because it seals cracks with a waterproof material.

[0015] According to one feature, the machine has a first distribution opening and closing system, which is coupled (by being housed at the level of the shoe) to the first discharge element (of the bituminous material) (immediately next to the first discharge element), in particular the first distribution opening and closing system is remotely controllable, preferably at the handlebar.

[0016] According to a particular example, the first distribution opening and closing system comprises a connection inlet which is connected to first means of conveyance linked to the tank, a chamber, an ejection outlet, and a piston coupled to a return spring, the piston being able to slide in the chamber and being able to close or not the arrival of the bituminous material in the chamber, and preferably the tank comprising an opening / closing valve to said means of conveyance, the valve being in particular manually operable.

[0017] According to one feature, the reservoir has at least one additional material discharge opening, preferably a closable hatch, and the machine has means for conveying the additional material from the opening to the second discharge element, and a second opening and closing system for the second discharge element, cooperating directly with said second discharge element (and being arranged immediately above the shoe), in particular the second opening and closing system being remotely controllable, preferably at the handlebar of the machine.

[0018] According to one feature, the means for conveying the additional material form at least one rigid conduit, a distal end of which corresponds to the second discharge element, and in that the second distribution opening and closing system includes a movable closing piece capable of sealing the distal end of said at least one conduit, preferably the movable closing piece is rotationally movable and coupled to a return spring.

[0019] According to one feature, the machine includes means for conveying the additional material from the reservoir to the second discharge element, said means for conveying the additional material having a free end which corresponds to the second discharge element, and being articulated to orient the second discharge element relative to the shoe, in particular said means for conveying the additional material comprising a first pipe, preferably rigid, and a second pipe, preferably rigid, connected to the first pipe and having a free end which corresponds to the second discharge element, the second pipe being articulated relative to the first pipe to orient the second discharge element (for example pivotable about an axis).The joint allows the orientation and adaptation of the second discharge element relative to the shoe to be appropriately imposed where the additional material will be discharged, in particular either inside the shoe or outside the shoe.

[0020] Preferably, the first and second opening and closing systems are mechanically and independently actuated via cables controlled by actuators (preferably handles) located on the handlebars. The handlebars are height-adjustable and preferably have grips with variable spacing.

[0021] According to one feature, the shoe is removable, and the tank has two opposing openings in the form of closable hatches, one on each of the tank's lateral faces. One hatch is closed while the other is openable when the shoe is attached to the machine and the conveying means are in place between the openable hatch and the second discharge element. Each hatch is, for example, closed by a guillotine-type closure, which can be moved by means of a knurled screw.

[0022] Advantageously, the container for the bituminous material is positioned in front of the additional material tank (the container is therefore towards the front of the machine while the sand tank is just behind), preferably the bituminous material container is removable and is fixed in a removable manner by being suspended in cantilever from the tank.

[0023] According to one characteristic, the machine includes at least two interchangeable shoes, each capable of being attached (therefore not simultaneously) to the machine in a removable manner, including a so-called main shoe used to seal cracks located immediately under the shoe in the machine's operating position, and a so-called edge shoe used to seal cracks at a distance from the shoe, such as cracks at the junction of sidewalks.

[0024] According to one characteristic, the machine includes a so-called main shoe having a base (intended to be applied against the road) which has, on the one hand, an opening at the front and constituting the first tipping element, and on the other hand, a hole at the rear and opposite and above which is the second tipping element.

[0025] According to one feature, the machine includes a so-called edge shoe having an outer side wall (opposite the machine) beyond which the first discharge element (which is positioned at the front of said edge shoe) protrudes, and the second discharge element (which is arranged at the rear of the first discharge element) opens outwards from said edge shoe and along the outer side wall.

[0026] According to one feature, the shoe comprises a scraper disposed immediately behind the first discharge element and in front of the second discharge element, the scraper having a flat surface coplanar with the bottom of the shoe and facing the second discharge element, preferably the scraper being height-adjustable. Preferably, the scraper has, above the flat surface, an inclined face facing the first discharge element and converging to the flat surface.

[0027] According to one characteristic, the shoe includes a leveling element disposed at the rear end of the shoe, behind the second tipping element, preferably the leveling element being height adjustable.

[0028] According to one characteristic, the machine comprises a first assembly including the skid, the first discharge element, and a first opening and closing system for distributing the first discharge element; and a second assembly including the second discharge element, means for conveying additional material, and a second opening and closing system for the second discharge element. The first and second assemblies each form a single unit that is removable from the machine's chassis and tank, and are also removable from each other. The combination of the two assemblies can be mounted on either side of the machine (allowing road repairs to be carried out on both the right and left sides). The two assemblies facilitate assembly and maintenance.

[0029] The present invention is now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying illustrations, in which: [ Fig. 1 [ ] represents a side perspective view of an example embodiment of the machine according to the invention, with the open lid of the container intended to hold a bituminous emulsion. Fig. 2 ] represents a top-down perspective view of the machine of the fi-gure 1 the container with its lid closed. Fig. 3 ] is a perspective view of the container intended to hold the bituminous emulsion, with its lid partially open. Fig. 4 [ ] is a vertical and longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tank intended to hold sand. Fig. 5 [ ] shows a detailed perspective view of the rear side of a so-called main shoe of the machine in a fixed position. Fig. 6 ] corresponds to the view of the figure 5 from the front side. Fig. 7 ] is a detailed perspective and side view of the sand conveying means according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 ] is a view from below the figure 7 showing the means of conveying the sand with its opening and closing system in the open position. Fig. 9 ] is a top-down perspective view of the main hoof alone. Fig. 10 ] is a bottom view of the main shoe of the figure 9 . [ Fig. 11a ] is a cross-sectional view of the main shoe with the first and second tipping elements and their opening and closing system at the shoe, the opening and closing system of the first tipping element being in the open position. Fig. 11b ] corresponds to the hoof of the figure 11a , the opening and closing system of the first discharge element being in the closed position. Fig. 12 ] is a perspective view from below of an additional edge shoe that is interchangeable with the main shoe. Fig. 13 ] corresponds to a view from below the edge shoe. Fig. 14 ] is a perspective view of the rear side of the edge skid mounted on the machine. Fig. 15 [ ] diagrams the successive operations that the machine performs to bridge a crack.

[0030] Machine 1 of the invention illustrated on the figure 1 , bituminous road surface repair is particularly used for sealing cracks.

[0031] Machine 1 includes: a chassis 10, a handlebar 11, a tray 2 for receiving a bituminous material, preferably a cold-poured bituminous emulsion for filling cracks, a first discharge element 3 for the bituminous material at the lower end of the machine, close to the ground, a reservoir 4 for receiving additional material such as sand or micro-gravel to protect the bituminous material deposited in a crack and also having an anti-slip function, a second discharge element 5 for the additional material at the lower end of the machine, close to the ground, different conveying means 30 and 50, respectively for the bituminous emulsion from the tray 2 to the first discharge element 3, and for the additional material from the reservoir 4 to the second discharge element 5,and a main spreading shoe 6 intended to be applied against the ground and arranged on a side face of the machine, the first discharge element 3 and the second discharge element 5 opening into the shoe and the second discharge element 5 being arranged behind the first discharge element 3; optionally an additional shoe 6' called an edge shoe for sealing the junction edge between the road asphalt and a sidewalk with bituminous material; preferably, a first opening and closing system 7 coupled to the first discharge element 3 by being housed at the shoe 6, 6' to open or close the distribution of the bituminous material at the shoe 6, 6'; preferably, a second opening and closing system 51 coupled and cooperating directly with the second discharge element 5 to open or close the distribution of the additional material at the shoe 6,6' (immediately above the shoe), the second opening and closing system 51 being at a distal end of the means for conveying the additional material 50; preferably, a scraper 8 carried by the shoe 6, 6' to smooth the bituminous material as soon as it is deposited, the scraper 8 being arranged between the first discharge element 3 and the second discharge element 5; and preferably, a leveling device 9 for the additional material, such as a second scraper.

[0032] Thus, machine 1 of the invention provides an all-in-one machine that, following the application of bituminous material, deposits sand or micro-gravel onto the bituminous layer. The operator simply guides the machine along the crack by positioning the skid 6 above it. Indeed, the machine, equipped with handlebars, is simply pushed by the operator, who remains standing throughout the entire operation and does not have to carry anything. The sequential arrangement, according to the machine's direction of travel, of the first discharge element 3 and then the second discharge element 5 allows for the delivery of the bituminous material first, followed immediately by the sand. Furthermore, the lateral arrangement of the skid allows the operator to clearly see and follow the crack located to the side of the machine.

[0033] Machine 1 is pushed manually. Alternatively, it could be motorized.

[0034] Machine 1 includes a lifting ring 1' for lifting the machine during transshipment from a transport vehicle. Preferably, the ring 1' is attached to the tank 4.

[0035] The bituminous material is preferably a cold bituminous emulsion. Therefore, machine 1 does not require heating to supply liquefied bitumen.

[0036] Preferably, the delivery of the bituminous material and sand is controlled manually, ideally at the handlebars. Furthermore, the main skid 6 and the edge skid 6' with the leveling elements 9 also serve to control the flow of the additional material (sand) being poured; the sand falls by gravity from the second discharge element 5 into the skid, and if the skid is full, the sand automatically stops flowing. As will be seen later, the machine has two control elements, one for the bituminous material and the other for the additional material, which are arranged so that they can be operated by different hands. Alternatively, the control elements could be arranged close together so that they can be operated by the same hand.

[0037] Alternatively, the delivery of each of the bituminous and additional materials could be automated with an automated flow control system.

[0038] Machine 1 fits into a parallelepiped volume by presenting a rear face or back 1A, an opposite front face or front 1B, and two lateral faces 1C and 1D.

[0039] The chassis 10 has a lower platform 12 preferably with peripheral edges to form a storage surface 13 for the main shoe 6 and / or the edge shoe 6' when not in use and / or other accessories.

[0040] The chassis 10 carries means of mobility for moving the machine. These means of mobility are preferably rear wheels 14 and front wheels 15. In particular, the means of mobility comprise at least two drive wheels 14 positioned opposite each other on the two lateral faces of the chassis and at the rear of the chassis, and two wheels 15 pivoting through 360° opposite each other and at the front of the chassis. Alternatively, the means of mobility could be tracks.

[0041] Machine 1 includes braking means such as a foot brake bar 16. Here, the brake bar 16 is attached to the bottom of the sand tank 4.

[0042] The handlebar 11 is height adjustable and preferably includes gripping handles 11A and 11B with variable spacing.

[0043] Advantageously, the handlebar 11 also includes two separate control elements or handles 11C and 11D for dispensing the bituminous emulsion and the additional material. The two control handles 11C and 11D are located directly below the two gripping handles 11A and 11B. In this embodiment, dispensing the two materials is controlled by pressing (pinching) the two control handles 11C and 11D, and dispensing is stopped by releasing them.

[0044] The additional material tank 4, called the sand tank, is preferably positioned behind the bituminous emulsion tank 2. Since tank 4 is larger than tank 2, it is positioned to correspond with the machine's center of gravity. Tank 4 extends vertically from the upper plane corresponding to the handlebar plane to the bottom of the chassis 10. The bituminous emulsion tank 2 has a capacity of 10 liters. Tank 4 has a capacity of 70 kg. The bituminous emulsion tank 2 is, for example, mounted by being suspended and cantilevered over the sand tank 4. Tank 2 is located above the storage area 13.

[0045] In view of the figures 1 And 3The bituminous emulsion tank 2 has a hinged lid 20. The bituminous emulsion tank 2 is advantageously removable. The bituminous emulsion tank 2 has two opposing, horizontal handles 21A and 21B. The handles 21A and 21B are preferably parallel to the side faces 1C and 1D of the machine. Each handle provides a gap with a wall of the tank 2, which serves as a handle and allows the tank to be hung on hooks 4A and 4B attached to the upper front end of the tank 4 and its side faces. Alternatively, the handles 21A and 21B of the tank 2 can be pivoting and folding.

[0046] Tank 2 has an outlet 22 at its bottom, preferably on the side of a machine. Preferably, tank 2 has a screen (not visible) at its bottom, before outlet 22, for filtering the bituminous emulsion and blocking unwanted particles.

[0047] The means 30 for conveying the bituminous emulsion are preferably a flexible hose. The flexible hose 30 extends from the outlet 22 of the tank 2, runs parallel to one of the lateral faces 1C of the machine, and extends to the discharge element 3 (at the level of the foot). The means 30 for conveying the bituminous emulsion include an on / off valve 31 at the outlet 22. This valve 31 is accessible from outside the tank, preferably at a lateral face 3a of the tank. The bituminous emulsion flows by gravity through the flexible hose 30 when the valve 31 has been opened and reaches the discharge element 3, where it is stopped by the distribution opening and closing system 7, which is opened or closed in a controlled manner (in particular when the operator operates the control handle 11B). The distribution opening and closing system 7 is described later.

[0048] In relation to the figure 4 The reservoir 4 has an internal funnel shape. The reservoir 4 includes at least one outlet hatch 40 for the sand and an internal closing system 41 for the hatch 40. The sand flows by gravity through the hatch 40 and then through the conveying means 50. This at least one hatch 40 is located on a lateral face of the reservoir 4. The conveying means 50 are connected to the hatch 40 (which is therefore not visible when the conveying means are installed). The closing system 41, which is not visible from the outside, is preferably a guillotine that can be operated manually, for example, by a knurled screw 42. The screw is loosened to raise or lower the guillotine and tightened to lock it in position. Just before using the machine, the guillotine is put in the position of opening the hatch 40 so that the sand can descend (by gravity) through the conveying means 50 to the second discharge element 5.As will be seen later, the machine 1 advantageously includes the second opening and closing system 51 at the level of the sand discharge element 5 into the shoe 6, this opening and closing system being remotely operable and allowing sand to be injected or not as desired at the opportune time.

[0049] As illustrated in the detailed views of figures 5 à 8 The means of conveying the sand 50 are preferably rigid pipes. The pipes 50 form for example two downpipes, a first pipe 50A inclined from the hatch 40 to the vertical of the discharge element 5 and a second pipe 50B vertical or substantially vertical connected to the first pipe 50A and linked to the discharge element 5 (at the lower end).

[0050] The 50A and 50B sand conveying pipes are, for example, parallelepiped tubes and preferably made of stainless steel.

[0051] The means of conveying the sand 50 are preferably made of two pipes 50A and 50B connected and articulated together at an axis 50C ( figure 6 ). Their articulation, in particular of the second pipe 50B relative to the first pipe 50A, allows the angle of one to be modified relative to the other in order to adjust the positioning of the discharge element 5 relative to the shoe 6 or 6' used. The sand discharge element 5 corresponds to the distal end of the second pipe 50B. For the main shoe 6 ( figure 5 ), the discharge element 5 (the distal end of the second pipe 50B) must open into the shoe 6 (at a hole 66 provided in the bottom of the shoe 6). For the edge shoe 6' ( figures 12 à 14 ), the discharge element 5 (the distal end of the second pipe 50B) must open outwards and laterally to said edge shoe 6' (in a clearance 66' at the level of the outside of the edge of the longitudinal wall 63). In this latter case, the second pipe 50B makes a more obtuse angle with respect to the first pipe 50A ( figure 14 ).

[0052] The discharge element 5 (i.e., the distal end of the second pipe 50B) is equipped with a second opening and closing system 51 to allow or prevent the flow of sand at the desired time. The second opening and closing system 51 is remotely controllable, preferably mechanically controllable via a cable or linkage 52 and the operating handle 11C located on the handlebar 11. The linkage 52 connects the operating handle 11C to the second opening and closing system 51. The second opening and closing system 51 is movable by pulling or releasing the linkage 52. It includes a return spring 53 which serves to automatically close the discharge element 5 when the handle 11C is released. As a preferred example, the second opening and closing system 51 includes a shutter piece 51' which is rotationally movable.The sealing piece 51' is pivotally supported by two opposing flanges 51A and 51B attached to the second vertical pipe 50B. The return spring 53 is connected at one end to a flange and at its other end to one of the walls of the second pipe 50B. The inner bottom of the sealing piece 51' is preferably concave.

[0053] The linkage 52 is sufficiently flexible and long to extend from a control handle, here the left control handle 11C of the handlebar, to the opposite side face (right side face) of the machine via the top of the tank 4. Of course, if the skid plate 6 or 6' is positioned on the side of the left side face 1D of the machine, the linkage 52 will run directly along this face.

[0054] It should be noted that the sand delivery depends on two opening and closing systems: firstly, the closure system 41 at the outlet hatch 40 of the tank 4, and secondly, the opening and closing system 51 at the discharge element 5 at the end of the sand conveying means 50. The hatch 40 will be open by default when coupled to the conveying means 50. Conversely, the opening of the second opening and closing system 51 will be controlled by the control handle 11C.

[0055] The main skid 6 or the edge skid 6' in the mounted position extends longitudinally and parallel to a lateral face 1C of the machine. The skid 6 or 6' is fixed at two points 60 and 61, on the one hand via the sand conveying pipe 50B, and on the other hand via a transverse shaft 62 connected to the frame 10. The skid 6 or 6' is arranged to discharge the material in a line parallel to the direction of travel of the machine. The main skid 6 is also designed to discharge the material in a plane parallel to the bottom of the skid. The edge skid 6' is also designed to discharge the material in a plane perpendicular to the bottom of said edge skid (in a plane parallel to the outer vertical edge 63 and longitudinal edge of said edge skid).

[0056] The main skid 6 is removably attached to the side face 1C of the machine. The edge skid 6' is removably attached to the side face 1C of the machine once the main skid 6 has been removed. The attachment is made, for example, by knurled screws and pins. Furthermore, due to its removability, the main skid 6 or the edge skid 6' can be positioned on the right or left side of the machine so that the machine can be used on either of its side faces. In order to use the main skid 6 or the edge skid 6' on the other side face 1D, the tank 4 has another outlet hatch 40' on its side face, around which the sand conveying pipe 50A can be removably attached. This other hatch 40' is coupled with another shut-off guillotine 41'.The guillotine that closes the unused hatch, because it is not coupled to the sand conveying means 50, is systematically locked to prevent it from being opened accidentally (and the sand from flowing out the wrong way).

[0057] The main shoe 6 ( figures 9 et 10 ) has a base 62 which has a bearing face 62' intended to be applied against the road, and longitudinal edges 63 and 64 which are intended to frame and be parallel to a crack to be sealed.

[0058] The base 62 has a discharge orifice 65 for the bituminous emulsion, which constitutes the discharge element 3. This orifice 65 is designed to be positioned opposite the crack when the machine is in operation and the shoe is applied to the road. The orifice 65 is equidistant from the longitudinal edges 63 and 64. The discharge orifice 65 is aligned with the first distribution opening and closing system 7, which allows for controlled distribution of the bituminous emulsion. Furthermore, the base 62 of the main shoe 6 has, behind the outlet orifice 65, a hole 66 that corresponds to the cross-section of the sand discharge element 5 (at the distal end of the second pipe 50B), which is part of the second opening and closing system 51 that allows for controlled distribution of the sand.

[0059] In more detail, the discharge element 3 is coupled upstream of the bituminous emulsion injection direction to the first distribution opening and closing system 7. The distribution opening and closing system 7 now described ( figures 11a et 11b ) is by no means a limiting example. The distribution opening and closing system 7 includes, for example, a mechanically actuated opening and closing piston. Alternatively, the distribution opening and closing system 7 could be a check valve, an electric valve, a ball valve, etc. As shown in the detail view of the figures 11a et 11b The distribution opening and closing system 7 comprises a connection inlet 70 for connection to the pipe 30, possibly via a fitting 7', a chamber 71, a communicating passage 70' between the inlet 70 and the chamber 71, an ejection outlet 72, and a piston 73 coupled to a return spring 74. The piston 73 slides within the chamber 71 and is capable of opening or closing the communicating passage 70' to allow or prevent the passage of the bituminous emulsion (from the communicating passage 70' to the chamber 71 and finally to the outlet 72). The outlet 72 is located opposite the discharge orifice 65 (discharge element 3). The chamber 71 and the piston 73 are vertical. This mechanical opening / closing design and vertical arrangement of the piston allows, in particular, for weight to be transferred to the shoe so that it remains pressed against the ground. Furthermore, This design is robust.Furthermore, the piston 73 is connected to a cable 75, which is itself connected to a control handle such as the control handle 11D. By operating the handle 11D (. figure 1 ), cable 75 is pulled, which translates piston 73 ( figure 11a ) (and compresses the return spring 74) to open the communicating passage 70' and allow the bituminous emulsion to flow from the inlet 70 to the outlet 72. By releasing the handle 11D, the piston 73 automatically returns to the closed position ( figure 11b ) via the return spring 74 which returns to the rest position. Finally, an axial and horizontal passage 76, perpendicular to the piston 73 and opening onto the piston wall, allows the piston to be lubricated.

[0060] Furthermore, the main shoe 6 preferably includes a scraper 8 which is disposed in the bottom 60, between the discharge opening 65 and the hole 66. This scraper 8 is located just behind the discharge opening 65. The scraper 8 advantageously has a flat surface 8A coplanar with the bottom 62 (with the application surface 62) of the shoe and an inclined face 8B turned towards the first discharge element 3 and converging to the flat surface 8A ( figure 10 The squeegee 8 allows the bituminous emulsion to be smoothed immediately after the crack has been filled. The squeegee 8 is attached, for example, to the first distribution opening and closing system, the body of which serves as a fixing surface. The squeegee 8 is fixed at a height that is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the bottom 62 of the shoe 6 in order to smooth the thickness of the poured bituminous emulsion. Advantageously, the squeegee 8 is height-adjustable, for example, via fixing screws 80 ( figure 5 ) which cooperate oblong lights in the body of the distribution opening and closing system 7.

[0061] Preferably, the main shoe 6 includes, in addition to a sand leveling element 9, a second scraper. Alternatively, the leveling element could be relatively stiff broom bristles. The leveling element 9 is located at the rear distal end of the shoe. The leveling element 9 allows control of the height of the final joint of bituminous emulsion and sand, or of sand alone. The leveling element 9 is, for example, height-adjustable via fixing screws 90 that cooperate with oblong slots in the shoe 6.

[0062] THE figures 12 et 13 illustrate an example of an embodiment of the curb shoe 6'. In this curb shoe 6', the base 62 with its bearing face 62' is completely solid. The discharge element 3, which corresponds to a discharge orifice 65' of the distribution opening and closing system 7, is located at a side wall 63 of the shoe, preferably projecting so as to be able to distribute bituminous emulsion laterally offset from the shoe, in particular to distribute approximately 2 cm from the edge of the shoe. Preferably, an anti-shock stop piece 77 is located above and directly above or projecting from the discharge element 3 to prevent damage to said discharge element 3 and the shoe 6' in the event of impact against the curb.The edge shoe 6' further includes a coupled scraper 8' located just behind the discharge element 3, this scraper 8' being arranged externally to the edge shoe and extending perpendicularly to the wall 63 of the shoe. The scraper 8' advantageously has a flat surface 8A coplanar with the bottom 62 (with the application surface or bearing face 62') of the edge shoe and an inclined face 8B turned towards the first discharge element 3 and converging to the flat surface 8A (. figure 14 ). Just like the scraper 8, the scraper 8' is height-adjustable and fixed to the body of the first distribution opening and closing system 7. The second discharge element 5 (distal end of the second pipe 50B) is adapted to open externally and laterally to the side wall 63 of the edge shoe and just behind the scraper 8', into a clearance 66'. The edge shoe 6' also has a leveling element 9'. The leveling element 9' is at the end of the edge shoe 6' and projects perpendicularly from the side wall 63 of the shoe (it is offset laterally from the leveling element 9 of the main shoe 6). The clearance 66 is delimited by the scraper 8', the wall 63 of the edge shoe and the leveling element 9'; the second discharge element 5 (for sand) is intended to be vertically aligned with the clearance 66' between the scraper 8' and the leveling device 9' ( figure 14). The offset of the discharge element 5 out of the edge shoe 6' while being at the edge of the wall 63 is easily achievable because the second conduit 50B of the conveying means 50 is articulated.

[0063] The 8 and 8' scrapers and the 9 and 9' leveling elements are wear parts and their removable nature allows them to be changed.

[0064] Advantageously, the shoe 6, 6', the first discharge element 3, and the first distribution opening and closing system 7 form a first discharge element 3, while the second discharge element 5, the means for conveying additional material 50, and the second opening and closing system 51 of the second discharge element 5 form a second assembly. The first and second assemblies each form a single unit that is removable from the machine's frame 10 and tank 4, and are removable from each other. The scraper 8, 8', and the leveling element 9, 9' belong to the first assembly. Each element of each assembly is removable. The two assemblies allow for easy assembly and disassembly and facilitate maintenance of the parts.

[0065] The method of using machine 1 is now described with reference to schematic figure 15 showing the sequential order of operations.

[0066] The applications of the two materials, which are successively bituminous emulsion and sand, are carried out at the operator's walking speed.

[0067] The operator activates handle 11C on the handlebar 11 to open valve 32 of tank 2. The bituminous emulsion E then flows to the discharge element 3 at the shoe 6 and is distributed via the outlet 65 to be deposited in the crack (operation ①). The distribution rate is adjusted to the machine's forward speed. The scraper 8 spreads the bituminous emulsion (operation ②). Immediately afterward, the sand S is deposited through the hole 66 in the shoe (operation ③). Finally, the leveling device 9, which follows the sand deposit, adjusts the height of the final joint of bituminous emulsion and sand (operation ④). The sealing joint P is complete.

[0068] Note that the separate control for dispensing the bituminous emulsion via the distribution valve 7 and the sand via the opening and closing system 51 allows the machine 1 to be used with only sand or only bituminous emulsion, if necessary. Thus, depending on the type of crack, for example, when a crack is deep, a first pass can be made delivering only sand (or only bituminous emulsion), followed by a second pass to create the sealing joint (bituminous emulsion then sand). Of course, it is also possible to make two passes, depositing both bituminous emulsion and sand.

Claims

1. Machine (1) for repairing bituminous road surfaces, in particular for sealing cracks, comprising a chassis (10), a handlebar (11), a tray (2) for receiving bituminous material, a first discharge element (3) for the bituminous material, at least one shoe (6, 6') at which the first discharge element (3) is arranged, the shoe being arranged parallel to a lateral face of the machine, characterized in that It also includes a reservoir (4) intended to hold additional material, in particular a material with an anti-slip function such as sand or micro-gravel, and a second discharge element (5) for the additional material, which is arranged at the level of the shoe (6, 6') and is located behind the first discharge element (3).

2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in thatIt includes a first distribution opening and closing system (7), which is coupled to the first discharge element (3), in particular the first distribution opening and closing system (7) is remotely controllable, preferably at the handlebar level.

3. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The first distribution opening and closing system (7) includes a connection inlet (70) which is connected to first conveying means (30) connected to the tank (2), a chamber (71), an ejection outlet (72), and a piston (73) coupled to a return spring (74), the piston (73) being able to slide in the chamber (71) and being able to close or not the arrival of the bituminous material in the chamber, preferably the tank (2) including an opening / closing valve (31) to said conveying means (30).

4. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe reservoir (4) has at least one opening (40, 40') for the discharge of additional material, preferably a closable hatch, and in that The machine includes means for conveying additional material from the opening (40, 40') to the second discharge element (5), and a second opening and closing system (51) for the second discharge element (5), cooperating directly with said second discharge element, in particular the second opening and closing system (51) being remotely controllable, preferably at the handlebar of the machine.

5. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the means for conveying the additional material form at least one rigid conduit (50B) having a distal end corresponding to the second discharge element (5) and in thatthe second distribution opening and closing system (51) includes a movable closing piece capable of sealing the distal end of said at least one conduit (50B), preferably the movable closing piece is rotationally movable and coupled to a return spring (53).

6. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatIt includes means for conveying the additional material from the reservoir (4) to the second discharge element (5), said means for conveying the additional material (50) having a free end which corresponds to the second discharge element (5), and being articulated to orient the second discharge element (5) relative to the shoe, in particular said means for conveying the additional material (50) comprising a first pipe (50A), preferably rigid, and a second pipe (50B), preferably rigid, connected to the first pipe and having a free end which corresponds to the second discharge element, the second pipe (50B) being articulated relative to the first pipe (50A) to orient the second discharge element.

7. Machine according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in thatThe first opening and closing system (7) and the second opening and closing system (51) are mechanically and independently actuated via cables (75; 52) which are controlled by actuating elements (11C, 11D) arranged at the handlebar.

8. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shoe (6, 6') is removable and in that the tank (4) has two opposite openings (40, 40') in the form of closable hatches which are respectively on each of the so-called lateral faces (1C, 1D) of the tank, one of the hatches being closed while the other is able to be opened when the shoe (6, 6') is fixed to the machine and the conveying means are in place between said hatch able to be opened and the second discharge element (5).

9. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatThe container (2) for the bituminous material is arranged in front of the additional material tank (4), preferably the bituminous material container is removable and is fixed in a removable manner by being suspended in cantilever from the tank.

10. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes at least two interchangeable shoes (6, 6') each capable of being attached to the machine in a removable manner, of which a so-called main shoe (6) is used to seal cracks located immediately under the shoe in the machine's operating position, and a so-called edge shoe (6') is used to seal cracks at a distance from the shoe such as cracks at the junction of sidewalks.

11. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatIt includes a so-called main shoe (6) having a base (62) which has, on the one hand, an opening (65) at the front and constituting the first discharge element (3), and on the other hand, a hole (66) at the rear and opposite and above which is the second discharge element (5).

12. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that It includes a so-called edge shoe (6') having a so-called outer side wall (63) beyond which the first discharge element (3) protrudes, and in that the second discharge element (5) opens outside said edge shoe and along the outer side wall (63).

13. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe shoe (6, 6') includes a scraper (8, 8') disposed immediately behind the first discharge element (3) and in front of the second discharge element (5), the scraper (8, 8') having a flat surface coplanar with the bottom (62) of the shoe and turned towards the second discharge element (3), preferably the scraper (8, 8') being height adjustable.

14. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shoe (6, 6') includes a leveling element (9, 9') disposed at the rear end of the shoe, behind the second tipping element (5), preferably the leveling element (9) being height adjustable.

15. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatIt comprises a first assembly including the shoe (6, 6'), the first discharge element (3), a first opening and closing distribution system (7) for the first discharge element (3), and a second assembly including the second discharge element (5), means for conveying the additional material and a second opening and closing system (51) for the second discharge element (5), the first assembly and the second assembly each forming a single unit which is removable from the chassis (10) and the tank (4) of the machine and being removable from each other.

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