Road scarification device

Abstract

A road scarifying device (1) comprising a chassis (2) and scarifying equipment (3) carried by the chassis (2) and equipped with at least one scarifying element (31), the scarifying device being capable of being mobile, characterized in that it is self-propelled and includes means of mobility (5) which are fixed to the chassis. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Road scarification device

[0001] The invention relates to the field of road scarifying machines for the repair of bituminous road surfaces.

[0002] The localized repair of a bituminous coating is carried out in a known manner in several stages, the area to be repaired is first heated, then scarified after softening of the coating, a new coating is then added and mixed with the dislocated material, and finally the area is compacted.

[0003] Scarification is generally carried out using a mechanized tool which comprises several milling or cutting blades actuated by jacks, the tool being fixed to the rear of motorized machines such as excavators or tractors. However, the method of implementing such a tool has several drawbacks. First of all, it is necessary to have motorized machines available at the required time, which is not always convenient in the organization of a construction site. In addition, the scarification tool must be set up by coupling it to the motorized machine, then once finished, unhitched and stored, which is restrictive and requires labor. In addition, since the carrier machines are vehicles towing the tool, it is necessary to guide the driver of the machine to position the tool exactly vertical to the area to be repaired and to correctly carry out the scarification operation exactly in the softened area.Furthermore, these machines are cumbersome to maneuver and are not always suitable for areas to be renovated that are difficult to access. Furthermore, for cost reasons, they are sometimes avoided. Scarification can then be carried out with a rake, which is however tiring for the operator and can over time cause musculoskeletal disorders. Finally, personnel are also needed to carry the coating materials to be deposited at the scarified location, these materials generally being in separate trucks and sometimes a little far from the area to be repaired.

[0004] The invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a scarification device which can in particular be motorized, while being compact, simple to implement, and making it possible to reduce labor and implementation costs.

[0005] According to the invention, the road scarifying device, in particular for the repair of bituminous road surfaces, comprises a chassis and scarifying equipment carried by the chassis and provided with at least one scarifying element (such as a cutting blade), the scarifying device being capable of being mobile and being characterized in that it is autonomous for moving and comprises mobility means which are fixed to the chassis. It is “autonomous for moving” in the sense that it has a source of energy to move forward without a vehicle or traction unit or propulsion as in the prior art; the road scarifying device of the invention is motorized (preferably being electric).

[0006] Thus, the scarification device, being autonomous, does not need to be attached. It is also ready for use. Such a device saves time in implementation and labor.

[0007] According to one feature, the scarifying device comprises above and carried by the chassis, a storage platform which has the function of material holder and / or tool holder. Said platform extends in a horizontal plane. Consequently, the scarifying device forms a machine having the materials and equipment necessary for the step immediately following scarification to regenerate the bituminous coating. The operator(s) therefore have the materials immediately available without having to move or transport them on site. The work is much less arduous for them.

[0008] Advantageously, the scarifying device comprises a battery for the autonomous movement of the scarifying device and for the operation of the scarifying equipment. The battery is rechargeable. Preferably, the battery comprises an electrical outlet. The scarifying device may comprise photovoltaic panels which are deployable from below the chassis when the scarifying device is not in use, or which are mounted on a removable cover capable of being installed on top of the platform (preferably when the scarifying device is not in use).

[0009] Preferably, the mobility means comprise at least two drive wheels facing each other and on two opposite sides of the chassis, and at least one wheel, preferably two wheels which are pivotable 360°. Alternatively, the mobility means could be tracks.

[0010] According to one feature, the platform comprises a peripheral holding structure such as solid and / or openwork sides. Thus, the platform is simple to manufacture, comprising a base and sides to delimit an interior storage space which makes it possible to wedge and secure materials and equipment without the risk of them falling when the scarifying device is moved.

[0011] According to yet another characteristic, the scarifying device comprises at least one storage bin attached to the peripheral structure, such as at least one side wall, preferably in a removable manner and projecting towards the outside of the platform. This makes it possible to have additional storage spaces, the bins being used in particular to be filled with loose materials such as sand or gravel just before starting the scarifying device and to be immediately accessible after the scarifying equipment has passed over it to be placed on the scarified area.

[0012] Advantageously, the platform (its lowest storage plane - its bottom) is arranged at a height of the order of 80 cm to 1 m relative to the support plane of the means of mobility (therefore relative to the ground). In this way, the platform and therefore the materials and equipment arranged on it are at human height for easy access and without having to bend down too much. Advantageously, the platform can have a surface area of ​​the order of 1 m2.

[0013] According to yet another characteristic, the scarifying device comprises a system for operating the device, the operating system being a remote-controlled piloting system and / or a manually controlled operating system such as a handlebar, preferably the handlebar being capable of adopting a stowed position (when the scarifying device is not in use) against and above (the interior volume) of the platform. In this latter configuration, this makes it possible to have a compact scarifying device when not in use. When the operating system is manually controlled, it preferably comprises at least one foldable arm articulated relative to the chassis, and a handlebar fixed to one of the ends of the arm opposite the chassis, preferably the handlebar being articulated relative to the arm.The arm allows the operator to move from a folded and stowed position to a deployed position for using the scarifying device, and vice versa, but also to position the handlebar at the desired location in relation to the platform and in relation to the scarifying equipment during use. The choice of positioning of the handlebar allows the operator to position himself (and to view the scarifying equipment) as he wishes in relation to the area to be repaired and in relation to the accessibility of the environment around the area.

[0014] According to yet another feature, the scarifying equipment is visible (to an operator) at least in part (preferably entirely) from outside the scarifying device.

[0015] Advantageously, the scarification equipment is adjustable in height, preferably by jacks (which are in particular electrically powered by the operating battery of the electrically displaced scarification device).

[0016] Preferably, the scarifying equipment comprises a plurality of scarifying elements which are inclined towards the direction of movement of the scarifying device.

[0017] Advantageously, the scarification equipment can be controlled from the operating system of the scarification device.

[0018] In the remainder of the description, the term “height”, the qualifiers “upper”, “lower”, “high” and “low” of an element of the scarification device are used in the context of normal use of the device, that is to say relating to a vertical notion relative to a ground on which said scarification device would be placed.

[0019] In the remainder of the description, the terms "front" and "rear" are understood to describe elements of the scarifying device which are positioned relative to the forward direction of movement of the scarifying device when the latter is in motion.

[0020] The present invention is now described using examples which are solely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the attached illustrations, in which: - [Fig.l] illustrates a schematic perspective and side view of an exemplary embodiment of a scarifying device according to the invention, in its position when not in use with its operating system comprising a handlebar, which is folded and stored. - [[Fig.2]] is a rear view of the scarifying device of [Fig.l] with a removable storage bin which is disassembled. - [[Fig.3]] corresponds to the scarifying device of [Fig.l] ready for use, with its operating system deployed and its storage platform filled with materials and tools. - [[Fig.4]] shows the scarifying device in use over an area to be scarified and according to another example of deployment of the maneuvering system. - [[Fig.5]] represents a detailed view of the scarification equipment of the scarification device of [Fig.l] - [[Fig.6]] represents a perspective and enlarged view of the handlebar deployment and folding system according to an exemplary embodiment, and during a first deployment stage. - [[Fig.7]] is a view that follows the deployment step of [Fig.6]. - [[Fig.8]] is a view following the deployment step of [Fig.7].

[0021] The road scarifying device 1 of the invention illustrated in the figures is intended to be implemented after heating an area 10 of a bituminous road surface ([Fig.4]). The scarifying device 1 illustrated is particularly suitable for treating areas with a width of the order of 1 m. Of course, the road scarifying device 1 could be designed to treat greater widths. However, a size of the scarifying device of the order of 1.3 m wide allows it to be easily moved, gives it access to places which may be narrow such as in certain city streets, and facilitates its handling and storage when not in use.

[0022] The scarifying device 1 comprises a chassis 2 and scarifying equipment 3. According to the invention, the scarifying device 1 is mobile and autonomous for moving, and comprises a storage platform 4. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the storage platform 4 has in particular the function of a carrier- materials and tool holders. The storage platform 4 is in fact intended to carry coating materials 11 (bags of gravel, cans of bituminous or regenerating binders, etc.) which will be used for the repair of the zone 10 after scarification, as well as handling tools 12 such as shovel, broom, rake, etc.

[0023] The scarifying device 1 is mobile by comprising mobility means 5 such as wheels. Preferably, the scarifying device 1 comprises four wheels including two front wheels 50 and two rear wheels 51. As a variant, preferably, the front wheels 50 are larger than the rear wheels 51. Preferably, the front wheels 50 are drive wheels. Preferably, the rear wheels 51 are pivotable through 360°. The spacing of the mobility means 5 (at least of the front wheels 50 on each side of the platform 4) is adapted so as to be larger than the area 10 on the ground to be repaired so as to prevent them from rolling on the hot bituminous coating before scarifying. In particular (without being in any way limiting), the wheel center distance (at the front) is of the order of 1.2 m which makes it possible to repair areas up to the order of 1 m wide.

[0024] The scarifying device 1 is energy-autonomous. It preferably constitutes an electric mobile machine. For this purpose, it comprises a battery 6 ([Fig.l]) which is carried by the chassis 2. Preferably, the battery 6 is arranged under the platform 4. The battery 6 comprises an electrical socket (not shown here) for recharging it.

[0025] The scarifying device 1 comprises a maneuvering system 7. The maneuvering system 7, which will be described in more detail later in the description, comprises a handlebar 70. Alternatively, the maneuvering system 7 could be a remote-controlled piloting system as a replacement or in addition to the handlebar 70. The handlebar 70 is arranged at human height to be manipulated in a standing position. The maneuvering system 7 further comprises a member for controlling the speed of movement of the scarifying device, the member being arranged at the level of the handlebar 70, in particular at the level of the handlebar grips.

[0026] The scarifying device 1 comprises a control panel 8 comprising means for starting and stopping the scarifying device, and preferably the charge level of the battery 6. The control panel 8 is positioned at human height; it is preferably carried by a vertical structure 80 secured to the chassis 2. The control panel 8 is preferably arranged at the rear of the scarifying device 1.

[0027] The scarifying equipment 3 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated and visible in Figures 1 and 5, is in the form of a harrow 30 comprising a plurality of cutting blades 31. The scarifying equipment 3, in particular the harrow 30, is fixed to the chassis 2 and under the platform 4. The harrow 30 extends substantially along the width of the platform 4. The scarifying equipment 3 is arranged between the wheels front 50 and the rear wheels 51. Preferably, the scarifying equipment 3 is arranged close to the rear wheels 51 and at the edge of the platform 4 in order to be clearly visible to the operator. The distance separating the harrow 30 from the rear wheels 51 is adapted for the rotational passage of said rear wheels which are free to pivot through 360°. Preferably, the harrow 30 or the cutting blades 31 are mounted on the chassis 2 so that the blades 31 have an inclination in the forward direction (towards the front wheels 50) to facilitate penetration into the softened bituminous coating when the scarifying device 1 moves forward.

[0028] The scarifying equipment 3 is capable of being mobile, at least in vertical translation (in height) to move from a non-use position to a working position (use position) in order to reach the ground. Mobility is obtained using jacks 32 (only one of which is visible in the figure) which are integral, on the one hand with the harrow 30, and on the other hand, with the chassis 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the harrow 30 remains fixed in the working position after adjusting its height to penetrate the coating to the desired depth. Alternatively, depending on the type of scarifying equipment 3, it could be mobile in the working position, in particular if the cutting blades are more similar to milling blades or of the jackhammer type.The actuation of the mobile scarification equipment 3 is carried out at the level of the maneuvering system 7 such as the handlebar 70 (or from a remote control if the scarification device is remotely controlled). For the sake of simplification, the control and piloting cables of the scarification equipment 3 and the scarification device 1 are not shown in the figures.

[0029] The material-carrying and / or tool-carrying platform 4 extends in a horizontal plane (above the chassis 2 and the mobility means 5). The material-carrying and / or tool-carrying platform 4 has a (horizontal) bottom 40 and a peripheral structure 41 which is fixed from the bottom 40. The peripheral structure 41 rises perpendicularly (vertically) by means of the bottom 40. The peripheral structure 41 comprises, for example, side walls. The side walls 41 may be solid and / or perforated, and may have different heights depending on the sides of the platform. The platform is preferably metallic, in particular the bottom 40 is made of stainless steel and the peripheral structure is made of galvanized steel. The perforated side walls are, for example, welded tubes forming uprights and crosspieces.At least one reinforcing crosspiece 41' (figures 1 and 2) may be provided along the length of the platform and secured to two opposite sides 4L. The solid sides are, for example, produced by folding the bottom 40. The platform 4 (the bottom 40) is at ground level. Preferably, the platform 4, in particular the bottom 40, is arranged at a height of approximately 80 cm to 1 m relative to the support plane of the mobility means 5 (i.e. relative to the ground). In this way, the operator has direct access to the materials and tools without bending down.

[0030] Advantageously, the platform 4 comprises at least one bin, here two bins 42 and 43 which project outwards to leave the interior volume of the platform free and provide additional storage space directly accessible to the operator. Preferably, the bins 42 and 43 are removable. Preferably, at least one bin, here the two bins 42 and 43 are arranged at the front of the scarifying device 1. Advantageously, the bins 42 and 43 are carried by the peripheral structure - the side walls 41; they comprise edges 44 designed to hook onto the crosspieces of the side panels 41. The side panels 41 and the tray(s) 42 may additionally comprise mutually cooperating shapes 45 and 45' ([Fig.2]) for better fixing, such as male shapes (here vertical fingers 45 projecting from a side panel crosspiece 41) and female shapes (here holes 45' provided in an edge 44 of the tray 42).In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the trays 42 and 43 are one above the other and the upper tray 43 is narrower than the lower tray 42 (below), allowing easy access to the tray 42 below.

[0031] To guide the scarifying device 1, the maneuvering system 7 which comprises the handlebar 70 further comprises at least one foldable and deployable arm (visible in detail in FIGS. 6 to 8), in particular two foldable and deployable arms 71 and 72 which develop in a plane parallel to the bottom 40 of the platform 4 (parallel to the ground). The first arm 71 has one end which is secured to the vertical structure 80 and another end which is secured to the second arm 72. The second arm 72 is secured to the opposite end of the first arm 71, to the handlebar 70. The arm 71 is capable of being pivotally movable through 180°, the second arm 72 is capable of being movable through 360°, and the handlebar can pivot through 360°. The arms 71 and 72 and the handlebar 70 are lockable in the stopped position.

[0032] The two arms 71 and 72 make it possible to arrange the handlebar 70 in a storage position inside and above the platform 4 and the side panels 41 ([Fig. 1 ]) so as to provide a compact scarifying device in the non-use position. The first arm 71, integral and articulated relative to the vertical structure 80 of the chassis, is then stored (outside the platform) parallel and against the side panel 41 of the rear face of the scarifying device. The second arm 72 can then be brought parallel to a lateral face of the scarifying device 1 and perpendicular to the first arm 71. The handlebar 70 being also articulated relative to said second arm 72, it can then be positioned perpendicular to said second arm 72 to be stored laterally to said lateral face and inside and above the free space of the platform 4.

[0033] In the position of use, the pivoting of the arms 71 and 72 and the handlebar 70 serves to position the handlebar 70 at the desired location relative to the rear of the scarifying device 1. As an example, [Fig. 3] shows the arms 71 and 72 completely deployed from the vertical structure 80 by being arranged longitudinally in the direction of movement of the scarifying device 1 so as to arrange the handlebar at the rear and opposite the platform 4, the handlebar 70 being furthermore straight relative to the axis of the arms 71 and 72. In the example of [Fig. 4], the first arm 71 is arranged perpendicular to the direction of movement of the scarifying device 1 (against and parallel to the rear face of the platform), while the second arm 72 is deployed and folded perpendicular to the first arm 71 and is parallel to the direction of movement, and the handlebar 70 is in the continuity of the second arm 72, facing forward; thus, the handlebar 70 is offset laterally to the platform 4 and therefore to the scarifying device 1.The pivoting arms 71 and 72 and handlebar 70 allow the operator, depending on the environment and the space available around the area 10 to be scarified, to position himself as he prefers to guide and control the scarifying device 1 in relation to said area 10 to be scarified, as well as to view the scarifying equipment 3.

[0034] As a non-limiting embodiment, each of the arms 71 and 72 is in two spaced-apart parts arranged one above the other, such as two tubes, respectively 71A and 71B as well as 72A and 72B. At their ends, each of the two parts 71A and 71B as well as 72A and 72B are connected by a respective perpendicular axis 73, 74 and 75. The axes 73, 74 and 75 form pivoting articulation axes, respectively, of the first arm 71 relative to the vertical structure 80, of the second arm 72 relative to the first arm 71, and of the handlebar 70 relative to the second arm 72. Means for pivoting locking of the first arm 71, of the second arm 72 and of the handlebar 70 are provided. These locking means comprise, coupled to each articulation 73, 74 and 75 and to the arms 71 and 72, a respective plate 73', 74', and 75' pierced with orifices 73”, 74” and 75”, and a male locking key (here in L) 76 capable of cooperating with a hole in a plate.The orifices 73” of the plate 73 arranged at the foot of the axis 73 of articulation between the first arm 71 and the vertical structure 80, are arranged in an arc of a circle over 180°. The orifices 74” of the plate 74 arranged at the foot of the axis 74 of articulation between the first arm 71 and the second arm 72, are arranged in a circle over 360°. The orifices 75” of the plate 75 arranged at the foot of the axis 75 of articulation between the second arm 72 and the handlebar 70, are arranged in a circle over 360°. Each of the parts 71A and 71B as well as 72A and 72B of the respective arms 71 and 72 comprise bores for the passage of the keys 76 into the perforated plates 73', 74', and 75' so as to lock the arms 71 and 72 and the handlebar 70 in position.

[0035] Finally, the scarifying device 1 has dimensions, in particular in width, which are suitable for housing it in a utility vehicle of the 15m3 type. Advantageously, the width of the scarifying device is of the order of 1.3. Thus, the scarifying device can very easily be transported without using a heavy goods vehicle or a transport trailer. Of course, the scarifying device 1 can be designed in other dimensions, and the vehicle for transporting the scarifying device 1 to the site will be suitable. In order to lift and move the scarifying device 1 from the ground into the vehicle, the vehicle can be equipped with lifting means such as a hoist with a hook capable of cooperating with a hooking system 9 provided on the scarifying device 1. The hooking system 9 comprises, for example, rings fixed to the sides or here a chain (figures 1 and 2).

Claims

Claims

1. Road scarifying device (1), in particular for the repair of bituminous road surfaces, comprising a chassis (2) and scarifying equipment (3) carried by the chassis (2) and provided with at least one scarifying element (31), the scarifying device being capable of being mobile, characterized in that it is autonomous for moving and comprises mobility means (5) which are fixed to the chassis, and in that it comprises above and carried by the chassis (2), a storage platform (4) which has the function of material holder and / or tool holder, the platform (4) comprising a peripheral support structure (41) with solid and / or openwork sides and the platform (4) being arranged at a height of the order of 80 cm to 1 m relative to the support plane of the mobility means (5) to be at human height.

2. Road scarifying device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a battery (6) for the autonomous movement of the scarifying device (1) and for the operation of the scarifying equipment (3).

3. Road scarifying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobility means (5) comprise at least two drive wheels (50) facing each other and on two opposite sides of the chassis, and at least one wheel, preferably two wheels (51) which are pivotable 360°.

4. Road scarifying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one storage bin (42, 43) hooking onto the peripheral structure (41), such as onto at least one side wall (41), preferably in a removable manner and projecting towards the outside of the platform (4).

5. Road scarifying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a maneuvering system (7) of the device, the maneuvering system (7) being a remote-controlled piloting system and / or is a manually controlled maneuvering system such as a handlebar (70), preferably the handlebar (70) being capable of adopting a stowed position against and above the platform (4).

6. Road scarifying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a maneuvering system (7) comprising at least one arm (71, 72) foldable and articulated relative to the chassis, and a handlebar (70) fixed to one of the ends of the arm opposite the chassis, preferably the handlebar (70) being articulated relative to the arm.

7. Road scarifying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scarifying equipment (3) is adjustable in height, preferably by jacks (32).

8. Road scarification device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises photovoltaic panels which are deployable from below the chassis when the scarification device is not in use, or which are mounted on a removable cover capable of being installed on top of the platform.

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