A surface decontamination device for use at height, particularly for decontaminating the roof surface of a military vehicle, and the decontamination vehicle comprising it.

Abstract

The invention relates to a decontamination device (1) for elevated surfaces and a decontamination vehicle (2) comprising it, which device (1) is characterized by the fact that it comprises: a mast (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (X1) between a first end (3a) and a second opposite end (3b); an arm assembly (4) mounted cantilevered at the level of the second end (3b) of the mast (3), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X1) of the mast (3), and mounted for free rotation around the longitudinal axis (X1) of the mast (3); a decontamination ramp assembly (5) mounted at the cantilevered end of the arm assembly (4) and freely rotating around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (X1) of the mast (3), the decontamination ramp assembly (5) comprising at least one ramp (51) extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X1) of the mast (3) and equipped with diffusion nozzles (52);and a control pole (6) configured to be accessible by an operator (O) on the ground and coupled to the decontamination ramp assembly (5) such that manipulation of the control pole (6) by an operator (O) on the ground allows the rotations of the arm assembly (4) and the ramp assembly (5) to be controlled around their axes of free rotation. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1.;

Description

Title of the invention: Device for decontaminating surfaces at height, for decontaminating in particular the roof surface of a military vehicle, and a decontamination vehicle comprising it

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of decontamination, and more specifically, that of the decontamination of land or air vehicles or other machines, equipment and infrastructure exposed to nuclear, radioactive, biological and / or chemical (NRBC) contaminating agents.

[0002] Exposure to such contaminants may result, for example, from the use of nuclear weapons, bombs containing radioactive substances, biological weapons that disperse viruses, bacteria, or toxins, or chemical munitions deployed by shells, rockets, missiles, or spraying. This exposure may also result from unintentional events, such as accidental failures of nuclear or chemical industrial facilities.

[0003] Decontamination consists of restoring safety by absorbing, destroying, neutralizing, rendering harmless or eliminating chemical or biological agents or by removing, covering or surrounding radioactive materials.

[0004] Typically, decontamination is carried out in three stages: pre-treatment, which includes scrubbing to remove loose materials; treatment, which includes the application of a neutralizing and / or dislodging agent; and post-treatment, which includes rinsing to ensure the final removal of neutralized toxic agents. Pre-treatment and post-treatment are carried out with water or possibly a detergent, while the treatment itself is carried out with chemical solutions.

[0005] Decontamination should take place as soon as possible after contamination and should take place as close as possible to the point of contamination.

[0006] The present invention relates to a decontamination device and a decontamination vehicle comprising such a device.

[0007] The decontamination device and the decontamination vehicle according to the present invention are particularly, but not limited to, suitable for the decontamination of a military vehicle, whether land-based or aerial, such as, for example, an airplane or a helicopter, and more particularly, for the decontamination of a roof surface of a military vehicle.

[0008] The present invention could also be used for the decontamination of any other equipment, as well as infrastructure and equipment present at the site of a CBRN event, in particular, roofs and possibly building facades and the surfaces located at the height of bulky equipment.

[0009] Currently, in the military field, vehicles such as cars, trucks, tanks, and aircraft are decontaminated by applying a decontaminating product to the entire surface using a nozzle. In order to treat all surfaces, including elevated surfaces, a platform and means for raising this platform are used.

[0010] More specifically, as disclosed in European patent EP1522454, the decontamination of the upper surfaces of military vehicles to be decontaminated is usually carried out using a platform in which an operator equipped with a spray lance is seated. The platform is located at the end of a crane arm and positioned above the vehicle to be decontaminated.

[0011] However, the use of such a platform presents a number of drawbacks. First, this platform involves working at height and therefore exposes the operator to the risk of falls. These safety risks for the operator are increased in high-stress environments, such as wartime or exposure to pathogens. To reduce these safety risks, periodic and rigorous maintenance of the platform and its lifting equipment is necessary. However, such maintenance reduces the equipment's technical availability. Furthermore, to reduce these safety risks, operators must be trained and certified for working at height. Finally, the use of such platforms requires a significant deployment time, which increases the response time and the duration of decontamination operations.Furthermore, the use of such a platform means that the operator must hold the nozzle, which is strenuous and causes fatigue for the operator.

[0012] The applicant company therefore sought to propose a solution for decontaminating surfaces at height, applicable in particular to a roof surface of a military vehicle, easy and quick to implement, including in difficult conditions such as wartime conditions, and allowing to avoid the risks and inconveniences associated with working at height.

[0013] The present invention therefore relates to a device for decontaminating surfaces at height, in particular for decontaminating a roof surface of a military vehicle subjected to contamination, the device being characterized by the fact that it comprises: - a mast extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first end intended to be fixed to a support structure and a second opposite end; - an arm assembly mounted in cantilever at the second end of the mast, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mast, and mounted to rotate freely around the longitudinal axis of the mast; - a decontamination ramp assembly mounted at the cantilevered end of the arm assembly, freely rotating around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mast; the decontamination ramp assembly comprising at least one ramp intended to be connected to a decontaminant supply unit, said at least one ramp extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the mast and being equipped with diffusion nozzles arranged on the face of the ramp at the first end; and - a control pole configured to be accessible by a ground operator and coupled to the decontamination ramp assembly in such a way that manipulation of the control pole by a ground operator allows the rotations of the arm assembly and the decontamination ramp assembly to be controlled around their free rotation axes.

[0014] The control pole provides a link between a ground operator, the arm assembly, and the decontamination ramp assembly. The arm assembly's offset position relative to the mast, along with the free-rotating mounting of the arm assembly relative to the mast and of the decontamination ramp assembly relative to the arm assembly, allows an operator to move the ramp over the entire surface to be decontaminated while moving around it on the ground, particularly around a vehicle to be decontaminated. Thus, the device according to the invention allows an operator to decontaminate a surface located at a height while remaining standing on the ground, without using a crane-mounted aerial work platform or a high-level access walkway.

[0015] Compared to the prior art known, the decontamination device according to the present invention therefore allows for rapid and safe implementation and an improvement in the operator's working ergonomics.

[0016] In use, when the mast is in a vertical position and the arm and boom assembly is extended above a surface to be decontaminated, with the spray nozzles facing downwards, manipulation of the control pole by a ground operator allows the rotation of the arm and boom assembly around vertical axes. In particular, due to the free-rotating mounting of the decontamination boom assembly, a rotation of the control pole allows a sweeping movement of the boom in a horizontal plane above the surface to be decontaminated. This sweeping movement, combined with the rotation of the arm assembly in a horizontal plane, allows the boom to be moved relative to the surface to be decontaminated so as to position the spray nozzles facing the entire surface to be decontaminated.

[0017] Preferably, the arm assembly comprises at least two manipulator arms articulated together, namely at least one proximal manipulator arm articulated to the mast and one distal manipulator arm articulated to the proximal manipulator arm by a free pivot joint with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mast and carrying the decontamination ramp assembly. mination.

[0018] The arm assembly may include an intermediate manipulator arm articulated between the proximal manipulator arm and the distal manipulator arm by free pivot links with axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mast.

[0019] Preferably, the free pivot joint between two manipulator arms articulated with each other is configured to allow the pivoting of the arms between a folded position, in which the longitudinal axes of the arms form a zero or almost zero angle, and a use position, in which the longitudinal axes of the arms form non-null angles.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the decontamination ramp assembly includes a ramp-carrying arm carrying the ramp, the ramp-carrying arm extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mast, the free pivot joint between the arm assembly and the decontamination ramp assembly being a pivot joint around the longitudinal axis of the ramp-carrying arm, the control pole being rotationally connected to the ramp-carrying arm and extending along an axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the ramp-carrying arm.

[0021] Advantageously, in order to allow adjustment of the height of the ramp, the ramp is mounted movable in translation along the ramp-carrying arm by a sliding connection with the ramp-carrying arm.

[0022] The decontamination ramp assembly could also include a ramp extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mast and equipped with diffusion nozzles oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mast. In use, such a ramp is a vertical ramp whose nozzles are capable of dispersing a decontaminating product laterally.

[0023] Alternatively, the boom is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis of the boom arm and a longitudinal axis of the boom, and / or about its longitudinal axis. This rotational mobility can be achieved by conventional pivot joints, for example with position indexing, which are well known per se, allowing, for example, the boom to be placed in a horizontal orientation for decontaminating the top or bottom of a vehicle and in a vertical orientation for decontaminating the vertical walls of a vehicle, and to be placed in a horizontal orientation with nozzles directed downwards for decontaminating the top of a vehicle and in a horizontal orientation with nozzles directed upwards for decontaminating the underside of a vehicle.

[0024] Preferably, the device further comprises a monitoring unit including at least one camera arranged to be capable of targeting an area towards which the diffusion nozzles are directed and a screen capable of displaying the camera image. This monitoring unit allows an operator, moving on the ground around the vehicle, to de- contaminate, observe the diffusion zone of the diffusion nozzles.

[0025] Advantageously, the monitoring unit further includes air projection nozzles arranged at the camera to limit projections from the diffusion nozzles onto the camera.

[0026] Preferably, the camera is mounted on the ramp support arm.

[0027] Advantageously, the control pole is mounted telescopically in the decontamination ramp assembly, where appropriate in the ramp support arm.

[0028] The control pole may include a handle coupled to the decontamination ramp assembly and a radial handle at the free end of the handle.

[0029] Preferably, the first end of the mast is articulated on a base by a pivot axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the mast, an actuator coupled to the mast and intended to be fixed to a support structure to which the base is subjected allowing a pivoting movement of the mast around said pivot axis between a vertical use position and a horizontal storage position.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a vehicle for decontaminating surfaces at height, in particular for decontaminating a roof surface of a military vehicle subjected to contamination, the vehicle being characterized in that it comprises: - a mobile chassis; - a decontaminant supply unit supported by the mobile chassis; and - a decontamination device as defined above, the mast being attached to said mobile chassis or to said decontamination product supply unit, the boom being fluidically connected to the decontamination product supply unit by a fluid path extending along the mast, then along the entire arm assembly. Such a path ensures fluid connection in the different arm positions while allowing the operator on the ground to move around the surface to be decontaminated without being hindered by various pipes or cables and without having to handle such pipes or cables.

[0031] Such a decontamination vehicle can be easily moved to the surface to be decontaminated, can be installed on all types of terrain, can operate autonomously and is easy to implement, thus allowing decontamination operations to begin as soon as possible.

[0032] The decontaminant supply unit may include a power source, a decontaminant source, and advantageously, means for pressurizing the decontaminant. The term "decontaminant" here refers to any product used in decontamination, such as water, detergents, or chemical decontamination solutions. This allows an operator to carry out the usual pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment steps with the decontamination vehicle. The pressurization means can be a source of compressed air. A vehicle equipped with such a unit is completely self-sufficient, both in terms of energy and the components it uses, and can therefore be used in isolated locations lacking any energy sources or essential components, such as water, necessary for its operation.

[0033] The decontamination vehicle can be a carrier vehicle such as a truck or a military-type vehicle.

[0034] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, a particular embodiment thereof will be described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:

[0035] [Fig.1] is a schematic side view of a decontamination vehicle equipped with a decontamination device according to the present invention, which decontamination device is shown in a deployed position and applied to the decontamination of the roof surface of a vehicle;

[0036] [Fig.2A] is a schematic top view of the decontamination vehicle of [Fig.1], representing the decontamination device in a first position of use;

[0037] [Fig.2B] is a view analogous to that of [Fig.2A], representing the decontamination device in a second position of use;

[0038] [Fig.2C] is a view analogous to that of Figures 2A and 2B, representing the decontamination device in a third position of use;

[0039] [Fig.3A] is a schematic side view of the decontamination vehicle of [Fig.1], illustrating a first phase of folding the decontamination device into a stowed position;

[0040] [Fig.3B] is a view analogous to that of [Fig.3A], illustrating a second phase of the folding of the decontamination device;

[0041] [Fig. 3C] is a view analogous to those in Figures 3A and 3B, illustrating a third phase of the folding of the decontamination device; and

[0042] [Fig.3D] is a view analogous to those of Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, illustrating the decontamination device in the stowed position.

[0043] The decontamination device 1 according to the present invention is intended to be mounted on a decontamination vehicle 2 and arranged and configured for the decontamination of elevated surfaces. In the embodiment schematically represented in Figures 1 and 2A to 2C, the decontamination device 1 is applied to the decontamination of the roof surface S of a military vehicle V. The military vehicle V to be decontaminated may be a light vehicle, a truck, or a tank. The decontamination device 1 according to the invention could be used for the decontamination of any other vehicle used as a means of transport on a war zone, military infrastructure, or large-volume equipment used by military personnel. The decontamination device 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for the decontamination of a military vehicle V whose height prevents a ground operator O equipped with a conventional nozzle from decontaminating the roof surface S.

[0044] Referring to [Fig.1], it can be seen that the decontamination device 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mast 3, an arm assembly 4, a decontamination ramp assembly 5, a control pole 6 and a monitoring unit 7.

[0045] The mast 3 extends along a longitudinal axis XI between a first end 3a and a second opposite end 3b. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3A to 3D, the first end 3a of the mast 3 is intended to be fixed to a support structure carried by the decontamination vehicle 2. For this purpose, a base 30 is interposed between the mast 3 and said support structure and is secured to it. The base 30 has a pivot axis arranged to be a horizontal pivot axis. The first end 3a of the mast 3 is mounted to rotate about this horizontal pivot axis, the longitudinal axis XI of the mast 3 being orthogonal to this horizontal pivot axis. Thus, the mast 3 is mounted to rotate about the horizontal pivot axis and is able to tilt between a vertical operating position and a horizontal storage position relative to the ground.The movement of the mast 3 between the vertical and horizontal positions is controlled by an actuator 31 connected on one side to the mast 3 and on the other side to the support structure, to which the base 30 is attached. In the vertical operating position ([Fig. 1]), the mast 3 extends vertically above the support structure, with the second end 3b located at a certain height, in particular a height greater than that of the vehicle V to be decontaminated. In the horizontal storage position ([Fig. 3D]), the mast 3 is positioned horizontally against or near the support structure, and therefore occupies the smallest possible space.

[0046] The arm assembly 4, in use, is intended to be suspended above the vehicle V to be decontaminated and is capable of occupying a plurality of support positions for the decontamination ramp assembly 5.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment shown, the arm assembly 4 is an articulated assembly comprising a proximal manipulator arm 40, an intermediate manipulator arm 41, and a distal manipulator arm 42. It should be emphasized that the number of manipulator arms is not limited to three articulated arms and could be less or more than this number. However, a number of manipulator arms greater than or equal to three allows for greater adaptation to various vertical surface dimensions to be decontaminated. Each manipulator arm 40, 41, 42 is a longitudinal arm having a first end and a second opposite end.

[0048] The proximal manipulator arm 40 has a first end articulated to the mast 3, at the level of the second end 3b of the mast 3, about a first pivot axis A1 coaxial or parallel to the longitudinal axis XI of the mast 3. The pivot joint between the proximal manipulator arm 40 and the mast 3 is a free pivot joint. The intermediate manipulator arm 41a has a first end articulated to the second end of the proximal manipulator arm 40 about a second pivot axis A2 parallel to the first pivot axis A1 and to the longitudinal axis XI of the mast 3. The pivot joint between the intermediate manipulator arm 41 and the proximal manipulator arm 40 is a free pivot joint. The distal manipulator arm 42 has a first end articulated to the second end of the intermediate manipulator arm 41 about a third pivot axis A3 parallel to the first A1 and second pivot axes A2 and to the longitudinal axis XI of the mast 3.The pivot joint between the distal manipulator arm 42 and the intermediate manipulator arm 41 is a free pivot joint. The second end of the distal manipulator arm 42, called the cantilever end of the arm assembly 4, supports the decontamination ramp assembly 5.

[0049] The three manipulator arms 40, 41, 42 have their longitudinal axes located in the same plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis XI of the mast 3 and to the first to third pivot axes Al, A2, A3. Thus, in use, when the mast 3 is in the vertical operating position, the articulated arm assembly 4 is arranged in a horizontal plane with its cantilevered end offset laterally from the mast 3 and is able to occupy a plurality of positions in this horizontal plane depending on the rotational movements of the manipulator arms 40, 41, 42 around their vertical pivot axes Al, A2, A3.

[0050] Advantageously, each free pivot joint allows the associated manipulator arm 40, 41, 42 to pivot through 360 degrees around its pivot axis A1, A2, A3. Thus, each manipulator arm 40, 41, 42 is able to be placed in a working position (Figures 2A to 2C), in which it forms any angle with respect to a manipulator arm articulated on it, and in a folded position (Figures 3A to 3C), in which the manipulator arms 40, 41, 42 are folded against each other, the longitudinal axes of the manipulator arms 40, 41, 42 forming zero or almost zero angles between them.

[0051] The number of manipulator arms and their dimensions, particularly their lengths, are chosen such that the cantilevered end of the arm assembly 4 can be positioned at any location around the vehicle V or similar to be decontaminated, while the end of the arm assembly 4 connected to the mast 3 remains in a fixed position relative to the vehicle V to be decontaminated. The various manipulator arms 40, 41, 42 may be of the same length or of different lengths. different lengths.

[0052] Each manipulator arm 40, 41, 42 can be a hollow arm provided with a longitudinal through cavity suitable for receiving all the means of connection between the decontamination ramp assembly 5 carried by the arm assembly 4 and the decontamination vehicle 2. Alternatively, each manipulator arm could be a solid arm having on its periphery support or passage elements for these means of connection.

[0053] Alternatively, each free pivot joint could be replaced by a pivot joint whose rotational movement is controlled by control means arranged on the manipulator arms 40, 41, 42. For example, the movement and positioning of the manipulator arms relative to the vehicle V to be decontaminated could be controlled by cylinders or any other suitable motor. However, in the case of cylinders, for example, electrical wiring is required for actuation. The preferred embodiment of the invention, with free pivot joints and manual control of the rotational movements of the arms, has the advantages of not requiring costly cylinder or motor-type components and of being more reliable than a version with control means that are susceptible to malfunction.

[0054] The decontamination boom assembly 5 is arranged to allow the spraying or diffusion of a decontaminant product over the entire vertical surface S to be decontaminated. For this purpose, the decontamination boom assembly 5 is intended to be fluidly connected to a decontaminant product supply unit 8 carried by the decontamination vehicle 2. Advantageously, such a decontaminant product supply unit 8 is provided with energy sources, in particular a power source, and all the elements necessary for the production of a decontaminant product, in particular a water or other liquid reservoir.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment shown, the decontamination ramp assembly 5 includes a ramp-carrying arm 50 and a ramp 51.

[0056] The ramp-carrying arm 50 is mounted at the cantilevered end of the arm assembly 4, that is, at the second end of the distal manipulator arm 42. The ramp-carrying arm 50 is a longitudinal arm having a first end and a second opposite end. The first end is articulated on the distal manipulator arm 42 around a fourth pivot axis A4 parallel to the longitudinal axis XI of the mast 3. The pivot joint between the ramp-carrying arm 50 and the distal manipulator arm 42 is a free pivot joint. The fourth pivot axis A4 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the ramp-carrying arm 50. In other words, the ramp-carrying arm 50 extends along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis XI of the mast 3. Thus, in use, When the mast 3 is in the vertical operating position, the boom support arm 50 extends vertically and is able to pivot freely around its vertical longitudinal axis, the second end of the boom support arm 50 extending below the arm assembly 4.

[0057] The boom 51 is carried by the boom support arm 50. This boom 51 is a longitudinal boom having a connection end 51a intended to be fluidly connected to the decontaminant supply unit 8 and an opposite free end 51b. The ramp 51 has a plurality of diffusion nozzles 52 regularly spaced along it and arranged on the face of the ramp 51 opposite the arm assembly 4. The ramp 51 is connected to the ramp-carrying arm 50 in the vicinity of its connecting end 51a, the free end 51b being offset from the ramp-carrying arm 50.The boom 51 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the boom arm 50 and therefore perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis XI of the mast 3 and to the fourth pivot axis A4. Thus, in operation, when the mast 3 is in its vertical operating position, the boom 51 is located in a horizontal plane and is able to pivot freely around the fourth vertical pivot axis A4, here with the diffusion nozzles 52 directed towards the ground. This boom 51, referred to as the horizontal boom, is mounted to move along the boom arm 50 between the first and second ends of the boom arm 50, that is, between the arm assembly 4 and the control pole 6. For this purpose, a sliding joint is formed between the boom 51 and the boom arm 50. In operation, this sliding joint allows the height of the boom 51 to be adjusted to the height of the surface S to be decontaminated.Thus, the distance between the diffusion nozzles 52 and the surface S to be treated is adjusted manually by the operator O on the ground according to the height of the surface S and parameters related to the diffusion of the decontaminant product, in particular the pressure of the projected product.

[0058] The decontamination ramp assembly 5 could also include a so-called vertical ramp extending parallel to the longitudinal axis XI of the mast 3 and equipped with diffusion nozzles oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the mast 3. In use, such a ramp would allow a decontaminating product to be dispersed laterally, for example on the side walls of the vehicle V to be decontaminated.

[0059] Alternatively, the boom 51 is also connected to the boom arm 50 by a pivot joint allowing the boom 51 to rotate about its longitudinal axis, so as to direct the diffusion nozzles 52 upwards or downwards, and by a pivot joint allowing the boom 51 to rotate about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boom 51 and to the longitudinal axis of the boom arm 50, so as to position the boom 51 horizontally or vertically. In this way, the operator O, by controlling the various rotations of the boom 51 and its translation relative to the boom arm 50, can decontaminate the top, the side walls and underside of vehicle V.

[0060] The control pole 6, in use, is intended to be grasped by an operator O on the ground. The control pole 6 is arranged to allow, in use, control of the rotation of the ramp 51 in a horizontal plane as well as control of the rotation of each manipulator arm 40, 41, 42 around its vertical pivot axis A1, A2, A3. In other words, the control pole 6 is configured and arranged to allow the movement of the ramp 51 over the entire surface S to be decontaminated to be controlled from the ground, without difficulty and without fatigue for the operator O.

[0061] The control pole 6 comprises a handle 60 and a grip 61. The handle 60 is a longitudinal handle having a first end connected to the ramp-carrying arm 50 and a second free end opposite it. The connection between the control pole 6 and the ramp-carrying arm 50 is such that the ramp-carrying arm 50 is rotationally fixed to the control pole 6. The handle 60 extends in line with the ramp-carrying arm 50, the longitudinal axis of the handle 60 being coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the ramp-carrying arm 50. The grip 61 is fixed to the free end region of the handle 60 and extends radially with respect to the handle 60. Advantageously, the ramp-carrying arm 50 is a hollow arm, and the handle 60 of the control pole 6 is mounted telescopically within the ramp-carrying arm 50.

[0062] The monitoring unit 7 is arranged to allow an operator O on the ground, manipulating the control pole 6, to observe the diffusion area Z of the diffusion nozzles 52, and thus to ensure that the entire surface S to be decontaminated is treated by said nozzles 52.

[0063] In the preferred embodiment, schematically represented, the monitoring unit 7 comprises at least one camera 70 and a display screen 71. The at least one camera 70 is positioned on the boom arm 50 and oriented to capture images of the diffusion zone Z of the diffusion nozzles 52. The camera 70 may be surrounded by air projection nozzles (not shown) configured to prevent the decontaminant product from the diffusion nozzles 52 from covering the lens of the camera 70. The screen 71 is capable of displaying the images from the at least one camera 70. Preferably, the screen 71 is positioned on the control pole 6, on the handle side 61. Thus, an operator O manipulating the control pole 6 can view the zone Z of the surface S to be decontaminated targeted by the diffusion nozzles 52 and position the boom 51 and the arm assembly. 4. In an appropriate manner.

[0064] The surface decontamination device 1 for elevated surfaces according to the present invention is intended to be fitted to a decontamination vehicle 2. This decontamination vehicle 2 is intended to be moved to a surface S to be decontaminated, in particular next to a military vehicle V which has been contaminated, and to enable the rapid and autonomous implementation of a decontamination operation of said surface S. The decontamination vehicle 2 according to the present invention comprises a mobile chassis 20 supporting at least one unit 8 for supplying decontaminating product and at least one decontamination device 1.

[0065] Preferably, the decontamination vehicle 2 is a road vehicle, such as a truck or a military vehicle.

[0066] The mobile chassis 20 is a chassis mounted on wheels, in particular on front and rear wheels. This chassis 20 includes a loading platform and a cab (not shown) incorporating a driver's position.

[0067] At least one decontamination supply unit 8 is supported by the loading platform and positioned behind the cab. This unit 8 includes a container that holds all the equipment necessary for decontamination, such as hoses, a water tank, a generator, a high-pressure cleaning unit, etc.

[0068] In the embodiment shown, the decontamination supply unit 8, in particular the container of this unit 8, constitutes the support structure to which the base 30 and the actuator 31, connected to the mast 3, are attached. Thus, the mast 3 extends above the upper surface of the container. Securing the decontamination device 1 to the container of the decontamination supply unit 8 allows the arm assembly 4 to be suspended at a considerable height without requiring a long mast 3. Alternatively, the mast 3 could be connected to the platform of the chassis 20, which would reduce the overall height of the decontamination vehicle 2.

[0069] A fluidic path 9 is formed between the ramp 51 and the decontaminant supply unit 8. This path 9 comprises at least one pipe extending from a decontaminant reservoir of the decontaminant supply unit 8, along the mast 3, along each manipulator arm 40, 41, 42 and to the ramp 51. The pipe can be retained along the various elements of the device 1 by any suitable means, in particular by suitable pipe passages provided along the device 1.

[0070] In use, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2A to 2C, the decontamination device 1 is deployed over a surface S to be decontaminated, in particular over a roof surface S of a military vehicle V. In the deployed operating position, the mast 3 extends vertically over the chassis 20 of the decontamination vehicle 2, and the arm assembly 4 extends horizontally over the military vehicle V to be decontaminated and to a height greater than the height of the roof surface. S, and the boom arm 50 and the control pole 6 extend vertically from one side of the vehicle V to be decontaminated, with the handle 61 at a convenient height. An operator O on the ground grasps the control pole 6 and moves around the vehicle V to be decontaminated, orienting the pole 6 and thus the boom 51 so that the nozzles 52 are directed towards the roof surface S. In Figures 1 and 2A, the operator O positions the boom arm 50 on the side of the vehicle V to be decontaminated opposite the decontamination vehicle 2. In [Fig. 2B], the operator O positions the boom arm 50 on the rear side of the vehicle V to be decontaminated. In [Fig. 2C], the operator O positions the boom arm 50 between the decontamination vehicle 2 and the vehicle V to be decontaminated. In each case, the manipulator arms 40, 41, 42 move automatically above the roof surface S by rotation around their pivot axes Al, A2, A3.Thus, operator O can move freely around the vehicle V to be decontaminated, without any load to support; their sole role is to correctly position the spray bar 51 above the entire roof surface S by manipulating the control pole 6. Furthermore, the device 1, when deployed, does not prevent a second operator from working on the ground. Therefore, another operator on the ground can apply a decontaminating product to the side walls of the vehicle V to be decontaminated simultaneously with the decontamination of the roof surface S.

[0071] As can be seen in Figures 3A to 3D, once the decontamination operation is complete, the decontamination device 1 can be folded into a stowed position. To do this, as can be seen in [Fig. 3A], the arm assembly 4 is first folded. To this end, the control pole 6 is moved so as to rotate each manipulator arm 40, 41, 42 around its pivot axis A1, A2, A3 until the distal manipulator arm 42 is folded under the intermediate manipulator arm 41 and the intermediate manipulator arm 41 is folded under the proximal manipulator arm 40. Then, as can be seen in [Fig. 3B], the proximal manipulator arm 40, as well as the ramp 51, are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame 20, by pivoting 90 degrees around their pivot axes A1 and A4, respectively. Thus, the arm assembly 4 is no longer cantilevered relative to the frame 20. Then, as can be seen in [Fig.[3C], the control pole 6 is moved by sliding inside the boom arm 50, until the handle 60 is retracted inside the boom arm 50. Finally, as can be seen in [Fig. 3D], the mast 3 is tilted from its vertical position to its horizontal position by pivoting around the horizontal pivot axis under the action of the actuator 31. Such a stowed position reduces the size of the decontamination vehicle 2 and thus allows easy transport of the decontamination device 1. The transition from the deployed position to the stowed position, and in- . payment is easy and quick to implement.

[0072] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given by way of indication and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A decontamination device (1) for elevated surfaces, for decontaminating in particular a roof surface (S) of a military vehicle (V) subjected to contamination, which device (1) comprises: - a mast (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (XI) and having a first end (3a) intended to be fixed to a support structure and a second opposite end (3b); - an arm assembly (4) mounted cantilevered at the level of the second end (3b) of the mast (3), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (XI) of the mast (3), and mounted to rotate freely around the longitudinal axis (XI) of the mast (3);- a decontamination ramp assembly (5) mounted at the cantilevered end of the arm assembly (4) and freely rotating around an axis (A4) parallel to the longitudinal axis (XI) of the mast (3), the decontamination ramp assembly (5) comprising at least one ramp (51) intended to be connected to a decontaminant supply unit (8), said at least one ramp (51) extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (XI) of the mast (3) and being equipped with diffusion nozzles (52) arranged on one face of the ramp (51); the device (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a control pole (6) configured to be accessible by an operator (0) on the ground and coupled to the decontamination ramp assembly (5) in such a way that manipulation of the control pole (6) by an operator (0) on the ground allows the rotations of the arm assembly (4) and the decontamination ramp assembly (5) to be controlled around their free rotation axes (Al-A4).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm assembly (4) comprises at least two manipulator arms articulated with each other, namely at least one proximal manipulator arm (40) articulated to the mast (3) and one distal manipulator arm (42) articulated to the proximal manipulator arm (40) by a free pivot joint with axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (XI) of the mast (3) and carrying the decontamination ramp assembly (5).

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the arm assembly (4) comprises an intermediate manipulator arm (41) articulated between the proximal manipulator arm (40) and the distal manipulator arm (42) by free pivot joints with axes (A2, A3) parallel to the axis longitudinal (XI) of the mast (3).

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the free pivot joint between two manipulator arms articulated with each other is configured to allow the pivoting of the arms between a folded position, in which the longitudinal axes of the arms form a zero or almost zero angle, and a working position, in which the longitudinal axes of the arms form non-nuisance angles.

5. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the decontamination ramp assembly (5) comprises a ramp-carrying arm (50) carrying the ramp (51), the ramp-carrying arm (50) extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (XI) of the mast (3), the free pivot joint between the arm assembly (4) and the decontamination ramp assembly (5) being a pivot joint around the longitudinal axis of the ramp-carrying arm (50), the control pole (6) being rotationally fixed to the ramp-carrying arm (50) and extending along an axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the ramp-carrying arm (50).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the ramp (51) is mounted movable in translation along the ramp-carrying arm (50) by a sliding connection with the ramp-carrying arm (50).

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the ramp (51) is mounted movable in rotation about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular both to the longitudinal axis of the ramp-carrying arm (50) and to a longitudinal axis of the ramp (51), and / or about its longitudinal axis.

8. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a monitoring unit (7) comprising at least one camera (70) arranged to be able to aim at an area (Z) towards which the diffusion nozzles (52) are turned and a screen (71) able to display the image from the camera (70).

9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control pole (6) is mounted telescopically in the decontamination ramp assembly (5), where appropriate in the ramp-carrying arm (50).

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first end (3a) of the mast (3) is articulated on a base (30) by a pivot axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (XI) of the mast (3), an actuator (31) coupled to the mast (3) and intended to be fixed to a support structure to which the base (30) is attached, allowing a pivoting movement of the mast (3) around said pivoting axis between a vertical use position and a horizontal storage position.

11. A vehicle for decontaminating (2) elevated surfaces, for decontaminating in particular a roof surface (S) of a military vehicle (V) subjected to contamination, the vehicle (2) being characterized in that it comprises: - a mobile chassis (20); - a decontaminant supply unit (8) supported by the mobile chassis (20); and - a decontamination device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the mast (3) being attached to said mobile frame (20) or to said decontamination product supply unit (8), the ramp (51) being fluidically connected to the decontamination product supply unit (8) by a fluidic path (9) extending along the mast (3), then along the arm assembly (4).

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