Gravel spreading device and assembly of a construction machine equipped with a bucket and such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a gravel spreading device, comprising a body, said device being configured to be fixed to a bucket (21) of a construction machine (20) and removable, said bucket (21) comprises a bucket back (21) and side walls defining a bucket width (21). The device is configured to spread bulk materials. It comprises: - a main flap (22) adjustable in height between a closed position to an open position, in the closed position the main flap (22) retains bulk materials, such as gravel; - at least two secondary flaps (24) adjustable in height positioned on the other side of the main flap (22) relative to the back of the bucket (21) and parallel to the main flap (22), each secondary flap (24) is adjustable in height and has a closed position to an open position. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Gravel spreading device and assembly of a construction machine equipped with a bucket and such a device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a gravel spreading device and an assembly of a construction machine equipped with a bucket and such a device. It applies, in particular, to the field which concerns the realization of techniques involving the use of granular materials such as gravel or other powdery substances. Prior art

[0002] The spreading of granular materials such as gravel, grit and other fluid or sandy substances in the construction and public works sector is currently carried out using heavy equipment.

[0003] Among these devices are binder spreaders, very specific but bulky, complex and difficult to handle machines. Alternatively, special hoppers installed at the back of trucks are used.

[0004] These devices require complex implementations and require large teams, making them suitable for large-scale projects. However, their spreading is uniform in terms of thickness over the width, making them unsuitable for narrow roads, difficult-to-access driveways or those with uneven surfaces.

[0005] In these restricted contexts, the only existing methods are entirely manual, with the transport of materials by wheelbarrow or similar, followed by approximate leveling carried out by hand.

[0006] These methods have disadvantages, either by mobilizing excessive resources in relation to the size of the project, or by being time-consuming and demanding in terms of labor for manual tasks.

[0007] Operators experience considerable fatigue due to demanding working conditions and physical tasks, which leads to ever-present safety concerns. The sometimes extreme working conditions make it difficult to recruit operators, which greatly complicates the completion of projects. Presentation of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0009] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a gravel spreading device installed on the bucket of a construction machine.

[0010] This innovation aims to facilitate and accelerate the implementation of various types of products, such as gravel and grit frequently used on road construction sites.

[0011] One of the objectives is to enable this implementation easily and quickly, without requiring manual intervention, even in restricted environments such as narrow lanes or difficult-to-access areas.

[0012] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, using a gravel spreading device, comprising a body, said device being configured to be fixed to a bucket of a construction machine and removable, said bucket comprises a bucket back and side walls defining a bucket width, remarkable in that the device comprises: - a main flap adjustable in height between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the main flap retains loose materials, such as gravel, the width of the main flap is substantially equal to the width of the bucket; - at least two secondary flaps adjustable in height positioned on the other side of the main flap relative to the back of the bucket and parallel to the main flap, each secondary flap is adjustable in height and has a closed position to an open position; each flap is independent of each other.

[0013] Thanks to these provisions, there is a significant reduction in construction time. The gravel spreader assembly, fixed to the bucket of a construction machine, offers easy handling, which makes it possible to considerably reduce project completion times.

[0014] Spreading can be carried out in narrow areas. The present invention aims to spread gravel in narrow driveways using secondary flaps, which would otherwise be inaccessible for most conventional road equipment.

[0015] The term bucket is defined in the broad sense, for example, it could be a skip.

[0016] Another advantage is the compactness and versatility. The spreader assembly gra The spreader is compactly designed and can be easily mounted on a pre-existing bucket, giving the bucket versatile functionality. All necessary components, including hydraulics, are integrated into the spreader assembly.

[0017] The thickness of the gravel layer can be precisely adjusted. Thanks to a main flap whose opening can be adjusted with great precision, it is possible to carry out very fine adjustment of the thickness of the gravel deposited. This feature is crucial to guarantee the quality and success of the execution of the site.

[0018] Another advantage is the adjustable control of the spreading width. The use of secondary flaps, at least two in number and independently adjustable, offers the ability to control the spreading width. This allows the gravel to be placed over a specific portion of the total width, effectively adapting to varying site requirements.

[0019] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically effective combination.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bucket is pivotally mounted between a loading position and a use position; in the loading position the device forms an opening configured to load bulk materials; in the use position, the bucket is configured to spread the bulk materials

[0021] In one embodiment, the sum of the two widths of the two height-adjustable secondary flaps is substantially equal to the width of the bucket.

[0022] In one embodiment, said device comprises two other secondary flaps adjustable in height, the sum of the widths of the four flaps adjustable in height being substantially equal to the width of the bucket.

[0023] In one embodiment, the main shutter comprises on each side a jack configured to adjust the height of the main shutter between the closed position and the open position.

[0024] In one embodiment, each secondary flap comprises a jack located substantially in the middle of the secondary flap configured to adjust the height of the secondary flap between the closed position and the open position.

[0025] In one embodiment, said device comprises a diffuser configured to homogenize the output of the bulk material, the diffuser comprises a plate and edges positioned at the standard of the plate and said edges being configured to separate the bulk materials into several parts.

[0026] In one embodiment, said device comprises a regulating plate configured to distribute the bulk materials, said regulating plate is positioned substantially vertically in the position of use of the device.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an assembly of a construction machine equipped with a bucket and a device.

[0028] The advantages, aims and particular characteristics of this assembly being similar to those of the gravel spreading device which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here. Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the following description given, for explanatory and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0030] [Fig.l] represents a construction machine equipped on its bucket with a gravel spreading device which is the subject of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] represents a construction machine equipped on its bucket with a gravel spreading device which is the subject of the present invention, in the gravel spreading position;

[0032] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of a part of the device showing the main shutter;

[0033] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of a part of the device showing the main shutter in another position;

[0034] [Fig.5] shows a front view of the gravel spreader device with an open secondary flap;

[0035] [Fig.6] shows a front view of the gravel spreader device with two secondary flaps open;

[0036] [Fig.7] shows a front view of the gravel spreader device with three secondary flaps open;

[0037] [Fig.8] shows a front view of the gravel spreader device with the four secondary flaps open;

[0038] [Fig.9] shows a side view of the gravel spreader device with a diffuser and a regulating plate;

[0039] [Fig. 10] shows a perspective view of the gravel spreader device with a diffuser and a regulating plate;

[0040] [Fig. 11] shows a side view of the gravel spreader device in the position of use;

[0041] [Fig. 12] shows a side view of the gravel spreader device in the loading position;

[0042] [Fig. 13] shows a perspective view of the gravel spreader device in the loading position. Description of the embodiments

[0043] The invention describes several embodiments which allow precise control of the thickness and width of spreading of materials, such as chippings and gravel, used on road construction sites.

[0044] In one embodiment, the exclusive use of the main flap combined with the full opening of the secondary flaps ensures spreading with a uniform thickness across the entire width. The thickness adjustment is carried out by the main flap, which can be precisely adjusted using lateral stops adjustable by bolts. This configuration guarantees a constant thickness of material supply across the entire width.

[0045] Another embodiment involves using the main flap as a regulator, while the secondary flaps remain fully open. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a spreading width equivalent to that of the bucket of the construction machine.

[0046] In a variant, the main flap is also used as a regulator, when there are four secondary flaps, only two secondary flaps located on the same side are open. This configuration allows spreading over half the width, either on the right or left side. This provides precise adaptation of the spreading to the required worksite width. Another embodiment consists of using the main flap as a regulator, but leaving only the two middle secondary flaps open. This arrangement limits the spreading width to the central part, which can be useful in certain situations.

[0047] Finally, another embodiment proposes the use of the main flap as a regulator, but only one of the two secondary flaps located on the right or left of the same side is open. This allows spreading over three-quarters of the width, providing precise adaptation to the necessary site width and the specific side required.

[0048] These different configurations offer increased control and flexibility in the spreading of materials on road construction sites, adapting precisely to the varied requirements of the work.

[0049] [Fig. 1] shows a construction machine equipped on its bucket with a gravel spreading device.

[0050] The construction machine 20 equipped with the gravel spreader device shows its position for loading materials into piles according to conventional methods.

[0051] In this representation, different components are identifiable:

[0052] A gravel spreading device. This is a device specially designed for spreading materials such as gravel or chippings. It is characterized by its integration and articulation on the top of the bucket 21 of the construction machine 20.

[0053] A carrier construction machine 20 equipped with its bucket 21 is visible. The construction machine 20 is a standard construction machine which can be equipped with wheels or tracks, with or without articulation.

[0054] The bucket 21 is an integral part of this machine and is used for lifting and moving materials.

[0055] More specifically, the gravel spreading device is hingedly attached to the top of the bucket 21 of the construction machine 20. This configuration allows the device to perform suitable movements when spreading the materials, thus providing a more efficient and precise method for this task.

[0056] Naturally, the invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variants of rea- use of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0057] [Fig.2] shows a construction machine equipped on its bucket with a spreading device gravel spreader, in gravel spreading position.

[0058] This figure reproduces the elements of the previous figure but in a different position. In this configuration, the materials contained in the bucket body 21 are poured by gravity through the gravel spreader device to spread on the ground in a controlled manner.

[0059] The device and the bucket 21 are not fixed to the construction machine 20 and shows that it is possible to easily remove the bucket 21 from the construction machine 20.

[0060] [Fig.3] shows a perspective view of part of the device showing the shutter main. In this configuration, the main shutter 22 is closed. The closing is carried out by a cylinder 23 of the main shutter. The cylinder 23 of the main shutter is, according to one example, a hydraulic cylinder.

[0061] [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of part of the device showing the shutter main shutter in another position. In this configuration, the main shutter 22 is open. The opening is carried out by a cylinder 23 of the main shutter.

[0062] This device allows precise control of the quantity of gravel spread using the opening of the main flap 22.

[0063] Each secondary shutter 24 has its own secondary shutter cylinder 25 and allows the opening or closing shown in Figures 5 to 8.

[0064] The jack 25 is, according to one example, a hydraulic jack.

[0065] [Fig.5] shows a front view of the gravel spreader device with a flap open secondary.

[0066] In this case, the main shutter is for example used as a regulator, only a single secondary shutter 24 located on the side is open. A cylinder 25 of the secondary shutter 24 allows this opening.

[0067] [Fig.6] shows a front view of the gravel spreader device with two secondary shutters open.

[0068] In this case, the main shutter is for example used as a regulator, only two secondary shutters 24 located on the same side are open.

[0069] [Fig.7] shows a front view of the gravel spreader device with three secondary shutters open.

[0070] In this case, the main shutter is for example used as a regulator, only three secondary shutters 24 located on the same side are open.

[0071] [Fig.8] shows a front view of the gravel spreader device with the four secondary shutters open.

[0072] In this case, the main shutter is for example used as a regulator, the four secondary shutters 24 are open.

[0073] Thus the four secondary shutters have several advantages:

[0074] Precise flow control: thanks to these provisions, it is possible to exercise extremely precise control over the flow of the spread materials.

[0075] Targeted flow distribution: the arrangements mentioned allow for strategic distribution of the flow of materials, by dividing the spreading into several distinct sections.

[0076] A four-sector zoning that divides the spreading area into four distinct zones, each governed independently. This offers remarkable flexibility and adaptability to the specific requirements of the site.

[0077] Control of spreading parameters: thanks to these configurations, it becomes possible to precisely adjust the spreading parameters for each zone, which contributes to optimal distribution of materials.

[0078] Optimizing material use: By regulating the flow rate in each zone, these arrangements ensure efficient use of materials, minimizing waste while ensuring uniform distribution.

[0079] Adaptation to specific needs: the advantages of this scheme allow spreading to be adapted to the specific requirements of a site, whether it involves varied dimensions, complex shapes or other particular characteristics.

[0080] Improvement in the quality of work: thanks to the possibility of adjusting the spreading rate in a precise and targeted manner, these provisions contribute to an overall improvement in the quality and precision of construction and roadworks.

[0081] [Fig.9] shows a side view of the gravel spreader device with a diffuser 26 and a regulating plate 27. These elements are mounted on the body 29.

[0082] [Fig. 10] shows a perspective view of the gravel spreader device with a diffuser 26 and a regulating plate 27 mounted on the body 29.

[0083] Both figures 9 and 10 show a diffuser 26 which makes it possible to diffuse and ensure the regular thickness of all the materials spread, making the layer homogeneous across the width.

[0084] The diffuser 26 consists of a plate and stops arranged perpendicular to the surface of the plate.

[0085] The plate allows bulk materials to be discharged evenly during discharge. This plate is designed to regulate the flow of material, ensuring uniform and balanced distribution.

[0086] The edges, positioned perpendicular to the surface of the plate, represent an essential feature of the device. These edges are arranged regularly at the same distance from each other and thus guarantee a coherent and well-defined configuration. These edges are specially designed to subdivide the bulk materials into several distinct parts. This subdivision into parts separate facilitates the dispersion of the material and contributes to a more regular and homogeneous output.

[0087] The regulating plate 27 is specially designed to orchestrate the distribution of materials, ensuring a balanced and controlled dispersion.

[0088] A key point to note is that the regulating plate 27 is positioned significantly vertically when the device is in use. This arrangement ensures that the regulating plate 27 operates optimally in the context of use of the device. The vertical position of the regulating plate 27 allows for more efficient interaction with the bulk materials and promotes even distribution as they exit.

[0089] Figures 11 to 13 show views of the gravel spreader device in the use position and in the loading position. The loading / unloading cylinder 28 allows the device to be moved from the use position to the loading position. The cylinder 28 is fixed at each end to the bucket 21 and to the body 29 of the device.

[0090] It is emphasized that all features, as they emerge for a person skilled in the art from the present description, the drawings and the attached claims, even if concretely they have only been described in relation to other determined features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0091] [Tables 1] References Designations 20 Construction machine 21 Bucket 22 Main flap 23 Main flap cylinder 24 Secondary flap 25 Secondary flap cylinder 26 Diffuser 27 Regulation plate 28 Loading / unloading cylinder 29 Body

Claims

Claims

1. A gravel spreading device, comprising a body (29), said device being configured to be fixed to a bucket (21) of a construction machine (20) and removable, said bucket (21) comprises a bucket back (21) and side walls defining a bucket width (21), characterized in that the device comprises: - a main flap (22) adjustable in height between a closed position to an open position, in the closed position the main flap (22) retains loose materials, such as gravel, the width of the main flap (22) is substantially equal to the width of the bucket (21); - at least two secondary flaps (24) adjustable in height positioned on the other side of the main flap (22) relative to the back of the bucket (21) and parallel to the main flap (22), each secondary flap (24) is adjustable in height and has a closed position to an open position; each part is independent of the other.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the bucket (21) is pivotally mounted between a loading position and a use position; in the loading position the device forms an opening configured to load bulk materials; in the use position, the bucket (21) is configured to spread the materials in

3. VldC. Device according to claim 1, in which the sum of the two widths of the two secondary flaps (24) adjustable in height is substantially equal to the width of the bucket (21).

4. Device according to claim 1, in which said device comprises two other secondary flaps (24) adjustable in height, the sum of the widths of the four height-adjustable flaps of which is substantially equal to the width of the bucket (21).

5. Device according to claim 1, in which the main flap (22) comprises on each side a jack configured to adjust the height of the main flap (22) between the closed position and the open position.

6. Device according to claim 1, in which each secondary flap (24) comprises a jack located substantially in the middle of the secondary flap (24) configured to adjust the height of the secondary flap (24) between the closed position and the open position.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said device comprises a diffuser (26) configured to homogenize the output of the material into bulk, the diffuser (26) comprises a plate and edges positioned at the standard of the plate and said edges being configured to separate the bulk materials into several parts.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said device comprises a regulating plate (27) configured to distribute the bulk materials, said regulating plate (27) is positioned substantially vertically in the position of use of the device.

9. Assembly of a construction machine (20) provided with a bucket (21) and a device according to one of the preceding claims.

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