ROLLING EQUIPMENT CARRIER ON THE GROUND AND ROLLING EQUIPMENT CARRIER ASSEMBLY – EQUIPMENT

Abstract

------ ROLLING EQUIPMENT CARRIER ON THE GROUND AND ROLLING EQUIPMENT CARRIER - EQUIPMENT ASSEMBLY This rolling equipment carrier (1) comprises: a carrier and tractor assembly (2) mounted on two drive wheels (10); two jacks (19) each mounted on the carrier and tractor assembly (2), each associated with a wheel (10) and controlled independently; members (23a, 23b) for controlling the jacks; a slide (50) arranged between the two jacks and in the plane thereof; a coupling assembly (5) consisting of: a coupling bar (60) mounted perpendicular to the line of advance of the equipment carrier, joining the jacks by their ends; and a member (61) for attaching the device, which carries an axis (62) mounted to penetrate the slide perpendicular to the mean line of the latter and to move along the latter while always remaining in its perpendicular position. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: ROLLING EQUIPMENT CARRIER ON THE GROUND AND ROLLING EQUIPMENT CARRIER-EQUIPMENT ASSEMBLY

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling machine carrier on the ground capable of receiving a machine whose working height relative to the ground is desired to be varied and which can be pivoted in a plane perpendicular to the line of advance of the machine carrier. The present invention also relates to a rolling assembly constituted by the machine carrier on which a machine is mounted, which may, for example, be a device for depositing a bed of material on the ground.

[0002] French patent FR 3 051 204 describes a rolling device, in particular for depositing bulk materials on the ground in the form of a bed.

[0003] This patent describes a rolling device which makes it possible to adjust the working height of a machine for placing bulk material on the ground.

[0004] It might be interesting to have a device which is adaptable to other machines in addition to a machine for depositing bulk material on the ground and whose height relative to the ground is to be varied.

[0005] The applicant company has sought to improve the apparatus described in the patent indicated above so that it can be used for a plurality of different machines. However, it is necessary that it be easy to change machines and that this adaptability is not made to the detriment of adjusting the height of the machine relative to the ground.

[0006] Thus, the applicant company has developed a machine carrier comprising a coupling assembly having a drawbar and a member for attaching a machine, which carries an axle mounted in a slide carried by the chassis of the machine carrier. The drawbar is associated with means for adjusting the height of the latter carried by the machine carrier.

[0007] Thus, the coupling member makes it possible to receive a wide variety of machines comprising a suitable coupling means. In addition, the cooperation of the axis of the coupling assembly with the slide carried by the chassis of the machine carrier makes it possible to better control the adjustment of the height of the height adjustment means of the coupling bar and ultimately the height of the machine carried by the coupling assembly.

[0008] This arrangement also makes it possible to move the center of gravity of the assembly formed by the machine carrier and the machine towards the rear, which makes it easier to move a load transported by the machine.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a machine carrier rolling on the ground, capable of receiving a machine whose working height relative to the ground is to be varied and which can be pivoted in a plane perpendicular to the line of advance of the machine carrier, characterized by the fact that it comprises: 1. a carrier and tractor unit that can be moved while being mounted on two drive wheels; 2. two jacks each mounted on said carrier and tractor assembly, each associated with a drive wheel and controlled independently of each other; 3. cylinder control devices; 4. a slide arranged centrally between the two jacks and located in the plane of the latter; 5. a coupling assembly consisting of: • a drawbar mounted perpendicular to the line of advance of the machine carrier, joining the jacks by their ends; and • a device for attaching the machine to the machine carrier, which carries an axis mounted so as to penetrate the slide perpendicular to the center line of the latter and to move along the latter while always remaining in its perpendicular position.

[0010] The carrier and tractor assembly may be constituted by a chassis supporting a drive axle to which the drive wheels are coupled, two lateral arms being carried by the chassis, said arms being directed towards the rear if the coupling assembly is considered as forming the front part of the rolling machine carrier, each of said arms being, at its end opposite the chassis, articulated to a lateral branch of a handlebar assembly, the two branches being joined by an upper bar comprising a handle for controlling the forward / reverse movement of the machine carrier.

[0011] Each jack can be fixed, for example by its body, to a plate connected to the corresponding arm carried by the chassis and extending laterally outwards.

[0012] Each cylinder can be mounted inclined forward and downward considering the direction of advance of the machine carrier.

[0013] Each jack can be arranged outside the wheel associated with it.

[0014] The chassis may carry a rear idler and pivoting wheel, which is capable of rolling on the ground to facilitate the movement of the machine carrier.

[0015] The attachment member of the machine may be in the shape of an inverted V, the branches of which are fixed by their ends to the drawbar, the axis carried by the attachment member being mounted inside the V, near its point.

[0016] The free end of the axis carried by the hooking member can be designed to form a pivot connection sliding inside the slide.

[0017] The slide may have a U shape whose branches are folded inwards and the axis carried by the hooking member carries at its free end a first collar which is received inside the slide in order to prevent the exit of the axis out of the slide by the first collar abutting against the inward folds of the slide, and that the axis comprises a second collar parallel to the first collar and which, in the mounting position, is placed above the inward folds of the slide, to ensure good guidance of the axis inside the slide, at least the part of the axis between the two collars being cylindrical, blocks promoting sliding being advantageously arranged in the space formed by the two collars and the axis and carried by the inward folds of the slide.

[0018] The machine carrier may further comprise, when placed in standby position for the machine, members capable of serving for the operation of the machine once it is mounted on the machine carrier.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a rolling machine-carrier assembly, characterized in that the machine carrier is as defined above, and that the machine comprises a rear face, if we consider the direction of advance of the assembly, which rear face carries a means capable of cooperating with the attachment member of the machine carrier to ensure the attachment of the latter.

[0020] When the attachment member of the machine carrier is in the shape of an inverted V as defined above, the means capable of cooperating with the attachment member of the machine carrier may consist of a cap which is applied to the tip part of the inverted V forming this attachment member.

[0021] The machine may consist of an assembly for distributing and spreading a material to be deposited in a bed on the ground, the material falling onto the ground through at least one lower opening transversely to the direction of movement of the machine carrier to form a bed of material as it moves.

[0022] When the machine carrier comprises a handlebar assembly as defined above, the upper bar of the latter may further comprise a handle for controlling said at least one opening for discharging the material from the distribution and apportionment assembly.

[0023] The material distribution and apportionment assembly may comprise: - an open-bottomed tank, having the general shape of a hopper; and - an unloading part having an unloading corridor part located under the tank and opening at its base to drop the material onto the ground, said base being able to be closed by at least one unloading hatch, advantageously with rectilinear movement, said unloading part comprising a front part enclosing, under an external casing, the control members for opening and closing the hatches.

[0024] The discharge hatch(es) may be rectilinearly movable, the control members for their opening and closing, enclosed in the external casing, being formed by jacks at the rate of one jack per hatch, which is arranged along the line of movement of the assembly, the body of a jack being fixed to a rigid structure carried by the casing and its rod being fixed to a descending connecting rod fixed in the upper part to an axis which carries one or two rising connecting rods of which the lower part or parts are fixed to the body of the cylinder, the end of the descending connecting rod being connected, at its lower part, to the associated trapdoor, a stroke of the cylinder allowing an upper stroke of the associated trapdoor.

[0025] A lever for controlling the amplitude of the opening of the hatches, accessible from outside the casing, can be fixed, at its lower part, to an axis on which is mounted, at the rate of one per hatch, a notched fork against which the descending connecting rod is capable of coming into abutment by one of its notches to limit by a corresponding value the movement of the descending connecting rod and consequently the opening of the hatch.

[0026] The casing can be closed at its lower part by a smoothing sole capable of smoothing the layer of material deposited on the ground when the assembly is moved towards the rear.

[0027] The rolling machine-carrier assembly may include an indicator for the machine being filled with material to be spread, in particular granular material, formed by a nose-shaped angle iron whose base is oriented downwards against the rear internal wall of the machine, the angle iron covering an opening made in said wall, this opening being uncovered as the tank empties.

[0028] When the chassis of the machine carrier carries a rear idler wheel as defined above, the axis XX' of the driving wheels can constitute an axis for tilting the assembly from a position of movement on the two driving wheels and on the idler wheel to a working position on the two driving wheels according to which the smoothing table rests on the ground by its front part.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a machine consisting of an assembly for distributing and spreading a material to be deposited in a bed on the ground, the material falling onto the ground through at least one lower opening transversely to a direction of movement of the machine to form a bed of material as it moves, characterized in that the assembly for distributing and spreading the material comprises: - an open-bottomed tank, having the general shape of a hopper; and - an unloading part having an unloading corridor part located under the tank and opening at its base to drop the material onto the ground, said base being able to be closed by at least one unloading hatch, advantageously with rectilinear movement, said unloading part comprising a front part enclosing, under an external casing, the control members for opening and closing the hatches.

[0030] The discharge hatch(es) may be of rectilinear movement, the control members for their opening and closing, enclosed in the external casing, being formed by jacks at the rate of one jack per hatch, which is arranged along the line of movement of the machine, the body of a jack being fixed to a rigid structure carried by the casing and its rod being fixed to a descending connecting rod fixed in the upper part to an axis which carries one or two rising connecting rods, the lower part(s) of which are fixed to the body of the jack, the end of the descending connecting rod being connected, at its lower part, to the associated hatch, a stroke of the jack allowing an upper stroke of the associated hatch.

[0031] A lever for controlling the amplitude of the opening of the hatches, accessible from outside the casing, can be fixed, at its lower part, to an axis on which is mounted, at the rate of one per hatch, a notched fork against which the descending connecting rod is capable of coming into abutment by one of its notches to limit by a corresponding value the movement of the descending connecting rod and consequently the opening of the hatch.

[0032] The casing can be closed at its lower part by a smoothing sole capable of smoothing the layer of material deposited on the ground when the machine is moved towards the rear.

[0033] The machine may also include a fill indicator for material to be spread, in particular granular material, formed by a nose-shaped angle iron whose base is oriented downwards against the rear internal wall of the machine, the angle iron covering an opening made in said wall, this opening being uncovered as the tank empties.

[0034] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, a particular embodiment thereof will be described below, with reference to the attached drawing.

[0035] In this drawing: - [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a rolling machine carrier according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, without any machine attached and, with the machine's drawbar in the foreground of the Figure; - [Fig.2] is a view similar to [Fig.l] but without the drawbar and without the jacks except for one of the mounting yokes of one of them, allowing a better view of the slide; • [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a rolling machine-machine carrier assembly with a machine for placing a bed of material on the ground in place on the machine carrier of Figures 1 and 2, and with, in the foreground of the Figure, the material distribution and distribution assembly side of the machine; • [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the rolling assembly of [Fig.3], with, in the foreground of the Figure, the handlebar assembly side of the machine carrier; [Fig. 5] is an exploded perspective view of the rolling assembly seen in the position of [Fig. 3], showing, separately, the handlebar assembly, the carrier and tractor assembly, the coupling assembly, the lower part of the material distribution and apportionment assembly, and the upper part, called the hopper, of the reservoir formed in the upper part of this assembly; [Fig.6] is, on a larger scale, a perspective view of the entire distribution and apportionment of the material, in the position it occupies in [Fig.3]; [Fig.7] is a rear face view of the material distribution and dispensing assembly as shown in [Fig.6]; [Fig.7a] is a view similar to [Fig.7] showing the assembly for distributing and distributing the material in the state coupled to the drawbar with a means for securing the machine to the machine carrier; [Fig.7b] is a perspective view of the material distribution and dispensing assembly as shown in [Fig.7a], with, in the foreground of the Figure, the coupling part with a means of securing the machine to the machine carrier; [Fig.8] is a detail view showing the mounting of an axle mounted on the hitch assembly in a slide of the carrier and tractor assembly; [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the rolling assembly of [Fig.3], without the reservoir of the distribution and distribution assembly, from the front side and substantially from the front, the connecting cylinders between the chassis and the material distribution and distribution unit being in the deployed position; [Fig. 10] is a front view, handlebar assembly side, of the rolling assembly of [Fig. 3], in the position where it rests on flat ground for the purpose of an operation of spreading and smoothing a bulk material thereon; [Fig. 11] is a view corresponding to [Fig.9] with the cylinders in the retracted position; [Fig. 12] is a view corresponding to [Fig. 10] but with the left cylinder in the retracted position; [Fig. 13] is a view corresponding to [Fig. 9] but showing the left wheel of the machine resting on a surface already paved, and the right wheel on a surface being paved; [Fig. 14] is a view corresponding to [Fig. 10] but with the right cylinder in the retracted position; [Fig. 15] is a view corresponding to [Fig. 9] but showing the right-hand wheel of the machine resting on a surface already coated with said material, and the left-hand wheel on a surface in the process of being coated; • [Fig. 16] is a view corresponding to [Fig. 10] but with the left cylinder in the retracted position; • [Fig. 17] is a perspective view from above of the machine with, in the foreground, the material distribution and dispensing assembly, with the casing covering the material discharge control device; • [Fig. 18] is a perspective view showing the front part of the material distribution and distribution control device without its casing and with a closed distribution corridor hatch; • [Fig. 19] is a side view corresponding to [Fig. 18]; • [Fig. 20] is a view corresponding to [Fig. 18], with the hatch open in its maximum amplitude; • [Fig.21] is a side view corresponding to [Fig.20]; • [Fig. 22] is a view corresponding to [Fig. 18], with the hatch open in a first intermediate position; • [Fig.23] is a side view corresponding to [Fig.22]; • [Fig.24] is a view corresponding to [Fig. 18], the hatch being open in a second intermediate position; • [Fig.25] is a side view corresponding to [Fig.24]; • [Fig.26] is a view corresponding to [Fig. 18], with the hatch open in a third intermediate position; • [Fig.27] is a side view corresponding to [Fig.26]; • [Fig.28] is a side view of the rolling assembly of [Fig.3] in spreading and smoothing position; • [Fig.29] is a side view similar to [Fig.28] but showing the rolling assembly in a rolling position, with the cylinder rods extended; • [Fig.30] is a side view corresponding to [Fig.28] but showing the rolling assembly in a rolling position, with the cylinder rods retracted; • [Fig.31] is a side view corresponding to [Fig.28] but showing the rolling assembly in a graveling position, cylinder rods retracted and flap 97 in the working position.

[0036] If we refer to Figures 1 and 2, we can see that 1 has designated as a whole a rolling machine carrier 1 on which we can attach a machine adjustable in height relative to the ground.

[0037] As an example of a machine adjustable in height relative to the ground, mention may be made of a machine making it possible to deposit on the ground, in particular on a road, a roadway, in the form of a bed, loose materials, in particular coated material, gravel, bitumen, gravel, sand, etc. Such a machine is shown in place on the machine carrier 1 in Figures 3 to 31 of the drawing, which will be described below.

[0038] The rolling machine carrier 1 consists of a carrier and tractor assembly 2, a jack assembly 3, a handlebar assembly 4 and a coupling assembly 5.

[0039] In the remainder of the description, the term “rear”, “rear side”, “rear region” will designate the area comprising the handlebar assembly 4, and the term “front”, “front side”, “front region” will designate the coupling assembly 5. Carrier and tractor unit 2

[0040] The carrier and tractor assembly 2 is constituted by a chassis 6 and by two lateral arms 7.

[0041] The chassis 6, arranged centrally, carries, in its rear part - if we consider the machine carrier 1 in forward motion - a rear wheel 8 which is a pivoting idler wheel. The chassis 6 supports a hydrostatic drive axle 9 (Figures 10, 12 and 14), to which two ground support drive wheels 10 are coupled, each by a half-shaft 11 whose attachment can be seen at 11a.

[0042] The drive axle 9 incorporates a differential and is coupled to a thermal engine 12 with a vertical axis (Figures 4 and 5). The flexible exhaust pipe of the engine 12 is designated by the reference numeral 12a ([Fig.l]). The drive axle 9 comprises a pulley over which passes a belt which transmits the movement of the engine shaft. Thus, the drive wheels are driven in rotation around an axis XX' (Figures 1, 10, 12 and 14).

[0043] In addition to ensuring the drive of the machine carrier 1, the axis XX' plays a role in the actual operation of the machine carrier 1, for its tilting, as will be described later.

[0044] If the machine does not need to use the exhaust gases for heating, the pipe 12a connects to the exhaust pipe 12d ([Fig.l]).

[0045] Each lateral arm 7 is fixed to the chassis 6 in its front part - if we consider the machine carrier 1 in forward motion - and extends obliquely upwards and backwards above and beyond the wheels 8 and 10. A lateral reinforcing arm 13 ([Fig.4]) connects each arm 7 to the corresponding side of the chassis 6 to ensure the rigidity of the assembly.

[0046] Each arm 7 carries a plate 14 (Figures 4 and 5) directed outwards, the role of which is indicated later.

[0047] One of the arms 7 carries, at the rear, an adjustment member 15, of the quarter-toothed wheel type ([Fig.5]), the role of which is also indicated later.

[0048] Between the two arms 7 is arranged a fuel tank 16 for the thermal engine 12.

[0049] At the front, the space between the two arms 7 is covered by a cover 17 for protecting the engine 12 ([Fig. 11]). A protective sheet 17a, arranged on the cover 17, protects the upper part of the machine carrier 1 and also the user.

[0050] Furthermore, the two arms 7 are joined, at the rear, by a crosspiece 18 whose role is indicated later.

[0051] Also, as can be seen in [Fig.2], the chassis 6 carries, at the front, a slide 50 arranged centrally, perpendicular to the axis XX'.

[0052] The slide 50 has a flattened U shape, with a bottom 50a, two wings 50b, which are, at their ends, folded inwards, the folding parts being referenced 50c ([Fig.8]). 3 cylinder set

[0053] This assembly consists of two jacks 19 arranged towards the front, on either side of the wheels 10.

[0054] Each jack 19 comprises a body 20 fixed, at one end, to a jack coupling yoke 21 mounted at the outer end of the plate 14 concerned.

[0055] The U-shaped yoke 21 has a hole in its bottom for the passage of a rod 21a which, in the mounting position, passes through the body 20 drilled at 20a for the passage of the rod 21a (see Figures 7a and 7b).

[0056] Each external wall of a yoke 21 has an upward extension 21b which is perforated to constitute a lifting lug for a sling or lashing when it is desired to keep the machine carrier fixed with or without its machine, for example to fix it to the ground or for its transport in a truck or other.

[0057] The fixing of the end of the rod 22 of a jack is described below.

[0058] The jacks 19 are each controlled by a member called a hydraulic distributor. 23. As can be seen in [Fig.4] in particular, the distributor 23 comprises a control 23a for the left cylinder, a control 23b for the right cylinder, and a control 23c for a series of four valves 70, which will be described below.

[0059] The assembly of the distributor 23 is as follows: a support 23d is mounted on the crosspiece 18 and carries the distributor 23. It also carries a support 23e for a flexible cable (not shown) which is a push-pull cable connecting the control 23c to the rotary handle 81 which will be described below.

[0060] Between the arms 7 is arranged a hydraulic reservoir 24 for the hydraulic fluid, next to the fuel tank 16. 4 handlebar set

[0061] The handlebar assembly 4 comprises two lateral arms 26 each articulated at 26a at their lower part to an arm 7 of the chassis 6 and joined at their upper part by an elongated element 27 which carries a rotating forward / reverse handle 28.

[0062] The handle 28 includes a support 30 for a flexible cable (not shown) which is a push-pull cable, which connects it to the motor bridge 9.

[0063] One of the lateral arms 26 comprises a handle 31 for adjusting the position of the handlebar which cooperates with the quarter-wheel toothed wheel 15. The handle 31 comprises a rod 32 which engages in a notch of the quarter-wheel 15. By pulling on the handle 31, can disengage the rod 32 to place it in a following notch in which it is returned by spring. Each notch corresponds to a position of the handlebar 4 relative to the ground.

[0064] In their middle part, the two arms 26 are joined by a stiffening sheet 33. An electrical circuit breaker 34a is mounted on the sheet 33, at the rear of the latter, to stop the movement of the machine carrier 1 if the user were to let go of the handlebar 4. A throttle control for the engine 12, referenced 34b, is mounted on the surface of the sheet 33 and allows the engine 12 to be started and stopped. 5-piece hitch set

[0065] The coupling assembly 5 is constituted by a drawbar 60, an inverted V-shaped member 61, and an axle 62.

[0066] The drawbar 60 comprises two wings 60a connected to a base 60b. The wings 60a are pierced at each of their ends for the passage of an axis 63 which allows the connection between the bar 60 and the rods 22 of the jacks 19.

[0067] The axis 62 is in the form of a bar welded at one end inside the V-shaped member 61 and the other end of which penetrates into the slide 50 ([Fig.8]).

[0068] At this end of the axis 62 is welded a washer 62a which is located, in the mounted position, inside the slide 50, and, in the vicinity of the washer 62a, but outside the slide 50, is welded another washer 62b. At least the part of the bar 62 between the two washers 62a, 62b is cylindrical. Against the returns 50c of the slide 50, Teflon blocks 50d are arranged allowing sliding, the blocks 50d having the shape of a U whose wings are placed on either side of the returns 50c, and thus filling the spaces between the washers 62a, 62b and the part of the bar 62 located between them.

[0069] Thanks to this sliding pivot connection, it is only possible to slide in the direction of the slide, while allowing pivoting around the bar, while maintaining the same lateral play due to the 50d Teflon blocks.

[0070] When the two jacks 19 move at the same time in the same movement, the bar 62 only slides. When the jacks 19 move by the same amplitude but in opposite directions, the bar only pivots. In other cases, there is both sliding and pivoting of the bar 62. Elements pending

[0071] The manually controlled hydraulic valves 70 for preselecting material distribution hatches, which will be described below, are also mounted between the two arms 6, at the rear.

[0072] A support 80 for a non-stick product sprayer, useful for distributing a coating to prevent it from sticking to the walls of the material tank, is mounted, by welding or screwing, on the reinforcement arm 13 connecting on one side the chassis 6 and the corresponding lateral arm 7 (Figures 4 and 5).

[0073] A rotary handle 81 is arranged next to the handle 28 on the elongated element 27. It allows remote control of hatches 110 whose role is indicated later. It carries a support 81a for a flexible cable which connects it to the aforementioned control 23c. Engine E

[0074] The machine E comprises a tank part 90 and an unloading part 91. Tank part 90

[0075] The tank 90 receives the load to be distributed; it has an overall shape similar to a hopper open from above and below.

[0076] The tank 90 is delimited by a front transverse wall 92, a rear transverse wall 93 ([Fig.6]) and two lateral longitudinal walls 94.

[0077] The wall 92 extends vertically in the rest position of the machine E, protruding from each of the wheels 10 as can be seen in [Fig.3] for example.

[0078] The rear wall 93 is inclined downwards and so as to give the general shape of a hopper to the tank 90.

[0079] The tank 90 is generally constituted by the assembly of the different rigid walls 92, 93 and 94, made of metal or sheet metal. In the example shown, the upper regions of the walls 92 and 94 are made of a flexible material, joined to their respective rigid part by a connecting rod, respectively 95 and 96; in this way, the machine 1 can be brought for filling the tank 90 under a material unloading bucket whose unloading opening is located a little lower than the upper edge of the tank 90. ​​This operation is possible due to the flexibility of the upper regions of the part of the tank 90.

[0080] Along the front wall 92, at the junction between the tank 90 and the unloading part 91, a strip of rigid material 97, called a "flap", is removably arranged, the role of which is indicated later. The flap 97 is fixed to the unloading part 91 removably at its ends using wing nuts 97a ([Fig.28]).

[0081] Between the walls 92 and 93 there is a shell 98 welded at its ends to said walls 92 and 93 and arranged in the direction of movement of the machine 1. Under this shell 98 (Figures 4 and 5) there will be arranged a technical sheath for the passage of hoses for the hydraulic control of the jacks 115. The shell 98 also plays a stiffening role.

[0082] Height gauges 93a, one gauge per jack, are fixed at the rear on the wall 93 of the tank 90.

[0083] An inclinometer 93b is mounted on the upper edge of the wall 93 of the tank 90. Unloading part 91

[0084] The unloading part 91 comprises a corridor part 102 and a front unloading control part 103.

[0085] This unloading part 91 is crossed by a central longitudinal reinforcement noted 108 ([Fig.9]) in the corridor part 102 and extending at 116 in the part 103 ([Fig. 18]). The reinforcement 108 extends at the rear to carry a plate 101 against which the rear face 93 rests. Also, the reinforcement 108 carries a cap 100 ([Fig.6]) whose role is indicated later.

[0086] The cover 100 comprises externally, on each of its branches, a latch 100a capable of cooperating with a respective hook 61a carried by the V-shaped member 61 in order to press the cover 100 onto the latter and lock it in place. This arrangement is illustrated in [Fig.7a] and 7b, the latches 100a being in the locked position on the respective hooks 61a. Corridor 102 of Section 91

[0087] The corridor part 102 is delimited by a rear wall 104, which comprises an upper part 104a which extends the wall 93 and a lower part 104b, and a front wall 105 which extends the wall 92.

[0088] Cheeks 106 close both the part 102 and the unloading control part 103. Each cheek 106 has a lashing hole 106a for fixing the machine E to the ground if desired.

[0089] Lateral internal separation walls 107 and a central separation wall 109 are also provided in the corridor part 102. The wall 109 is arranged under the central reinforcement 108, the latter being protected by the shell 98.

[0090] Thus, according to the example shown in the drawing, four material distribution compartments are formed, each being capable of being closed, at its bottom, by a hatch 110.

[0091] Part before unloading control 103 of part 91

[0092] The unloading control device 103 comprises a flat bottom 111 folded upwards at 111a at the front and folded upwards at the rear at 111b then obliquely forwards at 11c. The exhaust pipe 12b of the engine 12 continues at 112 to form a loop in the vicinity of the periphery of the bottom 111, before rising at 12c to exit through the wall 114a indicated below (Figures 18 and 19). An insulating plate 113 is arranged above joining the returns 11a and 111b. This arrangement allows good heating of the smoothing table.

[0093] On the bottom 111 is placed a casing 114 which contains all the elements necessary for operating the hatches 110. The casing 114 has a front wall 114a and an upper wall 114b which slopes and is joined at the top to a forward return 105a of the wall 105.

[0094] The device 103 is closed on each of its sides by a respective cheek 106 which is common with the side wall closing the corridor part 102.

[0095] The flat bottom 111 constitutes a smoothing sole or table whose role will be detailed later, the fold at the rear 111b forming an edge or angle of attack for the spread material to be smoothed and the region towards the upwardly inclined region at 111a forming an edge or angle of escape.

[0096] As indicated in the example shown, four material compartments are formed in the corridor 102 so that the casing 114 contains four jacks 115 which are arranged at regular intervals in the latter, oriented according to the direction of movement of the machine.

[0097] In the casing 114, the central reinforcement 116 connects the upper part of the wall 105 to the fold 111a of the bottom 111.

[0098] Also in the casing 114, a bar 117 for securing the jacks 115 extends between the two cheeks 106 against the wall 114a and is supported by the central reinforcing piece 116.

[0099] On this bar 117, by jack 115, are mounted two yokes 118 taking between them the body 119 of the jack.

[0100] A rising connecting rod 120 is mounted outside each yoke 118.

[0101] An axis 121 connects the upper end of two rising connecting rods 120 associated with a jack 115. This axis 121 also passes through a descending connecting rod 122, which is in the lower part coupled at 122a ([Fig.21]) to the associated hatch 110. The rod 123 of the associated jack 115, fixed in the central part at 123a to the descending connecting rod 122, can thus pull on the latter.

[0102] For each of the hatches 110, a guide 124 is provided comprising, on the one hand, an upper part 125 formed by a vertical wall 125a pressed against the wall 105 and two branches 125b inclined forwards and upwards, and, on the other hand, a lower part 126 formed by two branches 126b placed below the respective branches 125b and fixed on the fold 111c. Coverings 125c, 126c made of a material such as Teflon promoting the sliding of the hatch 110 arranged between two facing branches 125b, 126b, are provided. The facing branches 125b, 126b are connected at 127 at their ends located inside the part 103.

[0103] A lever 130 for selecting the amplitude of the opening of the hatches 110 is mounted accessible in the vicinity of an edge of the casing 114.

[0104] An axle 131 which extends along the entire length of the part 103 is secured to the lever 130. The axle 131 rests in four hooks 131a ([Fig.19]) fixed to the plate 105. At each end, as can also be seen in [Fig. 19], there is a locking member 131b, ensuring that the axle 131 is held. On this axle 131, for each hatch 110, a fork 132 is mounted.

[0105] Each fork 132 comprises a base 133 mounted on the axis 131, followed by an arm 134 then by a fold 135 comprising internally three notches 136 which are capable of cooperating with the corresponding connecting rod 122, and the role of which is indicated later.

[0106] The four forks 132 thus work on the four hatches 110 at the same time.

[0107] When the lever 130 is in the open position, the axis 131 is offset to the left (if we look at [Fig.20] for example) and, in this configuration, the fork 132 is not placed on the path of the stroke of the connecting rod 122, which allows for maximum clearance of the hatch 110 outside the corridor 102 to obtain total opening of the hatch 110.

[0108] When the lever 130 is shifted back to the right, the fork is then placed in the path of the stroke of the connecting rod 122, and retains it, which prevents the hatch 110 from being released forwards, allowing partial opening to be obtained.

[0109] Depending on the position of the notch 136, the amplitude of the opening of the hatch 110 can be chosen.

[0110] The outlet pipe 12c opens at the front into the wall 114a. Mounting machine E on machine carrier 1

[0111] The cover 100 is positioned on the member V61, then these two parts are fixed together by cooperation of the latches 100a and hooks 61a as indicated above and illustrated in [Fig.7a] and 7b. Filling witnesses 150

[0112] In the junction region between the walls 104a and 93 (in the example shown), two filling indicators 150 are formed, each in the vicinity of a lateral edge of the wall 104a.

[0113] These witnesses 150 are each formed by an angle iron 151 applied internally against the wall 104a / 93 at the level of an opening 152 made in the latter. Each angle iron 151 has the shape of a nose whose base 151a is connected to the wall above the opening 152, the two wings 151b, starting from this base 151a, covering said opening 152 and forming a projecting part, inclined downwards to below said opening. A light is thus formed between the two wings and the tip of the nose 151c in communication with the associated opening.

[0114] In this way, when the material (such as a mix) descends into the tank 90 and the corridor 102, the operator sees the light through this light, which indicates to him that the hopper is about to empty.

[0115] Operation of machine E in reverse for material distribution and smoothing ([Fig.28])

[0116] When you want to spread a bulk material on a flat surface, then smooth the material thus distributed, you proceed as follows: - The machine E is rolled on its three wheels to fill the tank 90 with the material to be spread; - Machine E is brought to the spreading location; - The machine E is placed on the smoothing table, the idler wheel 8 then no longer being in support on the ground due to pivoting around the XX' axis; - The left and right hydraulic distributors 23a and 23b are operated to adjust the cylinders 19 in order to adjust the thickness of the layer of material on the right and left; the further the rod of a cylinder is retracted, the more the distribution and distribution assembly is raised from the rear, creating a greater angle of incidence between the ground and the angle of attack of the smoothing table, which will make it possible to modify the quantity of material supplied under the table 111; the operator makes his adjustment up to the desired point appearing on the corresponding marks 93a ([Fig.10]); if the same thickness is to be spread everywhere, the adjustment is the same on the right and on the left; if the spreading is to be done on a part that is narrower than the machine 1, such as a trench whose width is narrower than the width of the machine (which will carry out the spreading with one driving wheel in the trench and the other on the adjacent finished ground), the jack associated with the trench bottom wheel will be adjusted to the desired spreading thickness, and the other to the zero position (positions in Figures 14 and 16); when on a steep slope, the jack associated with the lower part may also need to be adjusted higher to compensate for the displacement of the center of gravity; . - We preselect the hatches 110 which we will have to open and close according to the width on which we want to work, by operating the valves 70. - By acting on the handle 81, the preselected hatches 110 are generally opened; - Reverse gear is activated and the machine is gradually reversed in the direction chosen for spreading, only steering guidance being necessary for this operation.

[0117] To move the assembly from its working position of spreading with smoothing to the position of spreading without smoothing, the assembly is tilted around the axis XX' so that the assembly rests on the three wheels.

[0118] Operation of machine E in forward gear for spreading material without smoothing ([Fig.31])

[0119] When it is desired to spread a bulk material on level ground without smoothing the distributed material, the machine E remaining on its three wheels with the tank in the high position and spreading being carried out in forward motion: - Loading at a coal trap or by another means; - We preselect the 110 hatches that we will have to maneuver according to the width of application of the material on the ground; - The opening of the hatches 110 is adjusted in relation to the grain size of the material for the desired flow rate; - Machine E is moved to the location planned for spreading; - Open the hatches 110 while moving at the desired speed to obtain the desired dosage; - Close the hatches 110 before stopping so as not to form piles on the ground.

[0120] Preferably, the jacks 19 are placed in the position of [Fig.31] (high position of the tank 90).

Claims

Claims

1. - Machine carrier (1) rolling on the ground, capable of receiving a machine whose working height relative to the ground is to be varied and which can be pivoted in a plane perpendicular to the line of advance of the machine carrier (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a carrier and tractor assembly (2) movable while being mounted on two drive wheels (10); - two jacks (19) each mounted on said carrier and tractor assembly (2), each associated with a drive wheel (10) and controlled independently of one another; - members (23a, 23b) for controlling the jacks (19); - a slide (50) arranged centrally between the two jacks (19) and located in the plane thereof; - a coupling assembly (5) consisting of: a coupling bar (60) mounted perpendicular to the advance line of the machine carrier (1), joining the jacks (19) by their ends;and a member (61) for attaching the machine to the machine carrier, which carries an axis (62) mounted so as to penetrate into the slide (50) perpendicular to the mean line thereof and to move along the latter while always remaining in its perpendicular position.;

2. - Rolling machine carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier and tractor assembly (2) is constituted by a chassis (6) supporting a drive axle (9) to which the drive wheels (10) are coupled, two lateral arms (7) being carried by the chassis (6), said arms (7) being directed towards the rear if the coupling assembly (5) is considered as forming the front part of the rolling machine carrier (1), each of said arms (7) being, at its end opposite the chassis (6), articulated to a lateral branch (26) of a handlebar assembly (4), the two branches (26) being joined by an upper bar (27) comprising a control handle (28) for the forward / reverse movement of the machine carrier (1).

3. - Rolling machine carrier (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that each jack (19) is fixed, for example by its body (20), to a plate (14) connected to the corresponding arm carried by the chassis (6) and extending laterally outwards.

4. - Rolling machine carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each jack (19) is mounted inclined towards forward and downward if we consider the direction of travel of the machine carrier.

5. - Rolling machine carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each jack (19) is arranged outside the wheel (10) associated with it.

6. - Rolling machine carrier (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the chassis (6) carries a rear wheel (8) which is free and pivotable, which is able to roll on the ground to facilitate the movement of the machine carrier (1).

7. - Rolling machine carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the attachment member (61) of the machine is in the shape of an inverted V whose branches are fixed by their ends to the drawbar (60), the axis (62) carried by the attachment member (61) being mounted inside the V, in the vicinity of its tip.

8. - Rolling machine carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the free end of the axis (62) carried by the hooking member (61) is designed to form a pivot connection sliding inside the slide (50).

9. - Rolling machine carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the slide (50) has a U shape whose branches (50b) are folded inwards and the axis (62) carried by the hooking member (61) carries at its free end a first collar (62a) which is received inside the slide (50) in order to prevent the exit of the axis from the slide by the abutment of the first collar (62a) against the inward folds (50c) of the slide (50), and that the axis (62) comprises a second collar (62b) parallel to the first collar (62a) and which, in the mounting position, is placed above the inward folds (50c) of the slide (50), to ensure good guidance of the axis (62) inside the slide (50), at least the part of the axis (62) between the two collars (62a, 62b) being cylindrical,sliding-promoting blocks (50d) being advantageously arranged in the space formed by the two collars (62a, 62b) and the axis (62) and carried by the inward folds (50c) of the slide (50).,

10. - Rolling machine carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises, placed on standby for the machine, parts capable of being used for the operation of the machine once it is mounted on the machine carrier.

11. - Rolling machine-carrier assembly - machine, characterized in that the machine carrier (1) is as defined in one of claims 1 to 10, and that the machine (E) comprises a rear face (93-104), if we consider the direction of advance of the assembly, which rear face (93-104) carries a means (100) capable of cooperating with the attachment member (61) of the machine carrier (1) to ensure the attachment of the latter.

12. - Rolling machine-carrier assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the attachment member (61) of the machine carrier (1) is as defined in claim 7, and the means (100) capable of cooperating with the attachment member (61) of the machine carrier (1) is constituted by a cap which is applied to the tip part of the inverted V forming this attachment member (61).

13. - Rolling machine-carrier assembly - machine, according to one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the machine (E) is constituted by a distribution and apportionment assembly (90-91) of a material to be deposited in a bed on the ground, the material falling onto the ground through at least one lower opening transversely to the direction of movement of the machine carrier (1) to form a bed of material as it moves.

14. - Rolling machine-carrying assembly - machine according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a handlebar assembly (4) as defined in claim 2, the upper bar (27) of the latter further comprising a control handle (81) for said at least one material discharge opening of the distribution and distribution assembly (90-91).

15. - Rolling machine-carrying assembly - machine according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the assembly (90-91) for distributing and distributing the material comprises: - a tank (90) with an open bottom, having the general shape of a hopper; and - an unloading part (91) having an unloading corridor part (102) located under the tank (90) and opening at its base to drop the material onto the ground, said base being capable of being closed by at least one unloading hatch (110), advantageously with rectilinear movement, said unloading part (91) comprising a front part (103) containing, under an external casing (114), the control members for opening and closing the hatches (110).

16. - Rolling machine-carrying assembly - machine according to claim 15, characterized in that the discharge hatch(es) (40) are rectilinearly movable, the control members for their opening and closing, enclosed in the external casing (114), being formed by jacks (115) at the rate of one jack (115) per hatch (110), which is arranged along the line of movement of the assembly, the body (119) of a jack (115) being fixed to a rigid structure (117) carried by the casing and its rod (123) being fixed to a descending connecting rod (122) fixed in the upper part to an axis (121) which carries one or two rising connecting rods (120) whose lower part(s) are fixed to the body (119) of the jack (115), the end of the descending connecting rod (122) being connected, at its lower part, to the associated hatch (110), a stroke of the jack (115) allowing an upper stroke of the associated hatch (110).

17. - Rolling machine-carrying assembly - machine according to claim 16, characterized in that a control lever (130) for the amplitude of the opening of the hatches (110), accessible from the outside of the casing (114), is fixed, at its lower part, to an axis (131) on which is mounted, at the rate of one per hatch (110), a notched fork (132) against which the descending connecting rod (122) is capable of coming into abutment by one of its notches (136) to limit by a corresponding value the movement of the descending connecting rod (122) and consequently the opening of the hatch (110).

18. - Rolling machine-carrying assembly - machine according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the casing (114) is closed at its lower part by a smoothing sole (111) capable of smoothing the layer of material deposited on the ground during a rearward movement of the assembly.

19. - Rolling machine-carrying assembly - machine according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a filling indicator of the machine (E) with material to be spread, in particular granular, formed by a nose-shaped angle iron (151) whose base is oriented downwards against the rear internal wall (93-104) of the machine (E), the angle iron (151) covering an opening (152) made in said wall (93-104), this opening (152) being uncovered as the reservoir (90) empties.

20. - Rolling machine-carrier assembly - machine according to one of claims 18 and 19, characterized in that the machine carrier (1) is as defined in claim 6 and that the axis XX' of the driving wheels (10) constitutes a tilting axis of the assembly from a position of movement on the two driving wheels (10) and on the idler wheel (8) to a working position on the two driving wheels (10) according to which the smoothing table (111) rests on the ground by its front part.

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