ROBOT-FOLDING AND FOLDABLE ROAD SIGN SUPPORT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a road sign support, the support comprising: - an upper body, - a lower body movable relative to the upper body, and - two arms, each arm comprising an upper end articulated to the upper body and a lower end, the support being configured such that a force applied from the upper body to the lower body moves the lower ends of each arm away from each other so that they form a base for the support. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: ROBOT-FOLDING AND FOLDABLE ROAD SIGN SUPPORT FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present exposition relates to the field of road traffic signs and that of road traffic sign supports. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Roadworks require the placement of temporary roadwork signage on the road or its shoulder. This signage may include traffic cones and / or one or more temporary road signs. The sign is fixed to a support that ensures it remains in the correct position and orientation on the road. The support may be a deployable structure to provide good support for the sign while reducing its size during transport along the road.

[0003] However, the installation is usually carried out by an operator, which means the operator is in close proximity to a traffic lane where vehicles may be traveling. The installation can therefore endanger the operator's life. It is necessary to limit the operators' exposure during both the installation and removal of the signage.

[0004] One object of the invention is to limit the exposure of operators during the installation and removal of the signage. Description of the invention

[0005] To this end, according to one aspect of this presentation, a road sign support is proposed, the support comprising:

[0006] - a superior body,

[0007] - a lower body mounted movable relative to the upper body, and

[0008] - two arms, each arm comprising an upper end articulated to the body upper end and a lower end,

[0009] the support being configured so that a force applied to the upper body towards the lower body moves the lower ends of each arm away from each other so that they form a base for the support.

[0010] Such a support can therefore be deployed simply and efficiently, for example by a robotic arm.

[0011] Furthermore, the support is stable on the ground and allows for the correct positioning and orientation of a road sign on the ground. This support features a simple structure and does not require electronic assistance, motor, or jack for opening.

[0012] Advantageously, but optionally:

[0013] - the support is configured so that gravity alone is applied to the upper body towards the lower body moves the lower ends of each arm away from each other so that they form a base for the support;

[0014] - the arms are separated from each other by a plane passing through the lower body and by the upper body;

[0015] - each arm includes a frame, the frame includes:

[0016] - two amounts, and

[0017] - a crossbar extending between the two uprights at the lower end of the arm;

[0018] - the support comprises connecting rods fixed to the respective arms, a first end of each connecting rod being articulated to the lower body and a second end of each connecting rod being articulated to one of the arms;

[0019] - each of the uprights is articulated to one of the connecting rods;

[0020] - the support comprises two connecting rods for each arm, each of the connecting rods of each arm being articulated to one of the uprights of the arm;

[0021] - the lower body comprises two lateral ends, each of the connecting rods of each arm being fixed respectively to one of the two lateral ends, each connecting rod extending in the same plane as one of the connecting rods of the other arm;

[0022] - the lower body is mounted to slide relative to the upper body;

[0023] - the upper body includes a gripper configured to be grasped by an arm robotic and to move and orient the support.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present exposition, an assembly is proposed comprising a support as previously described and a panel fixed to the support.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present exposition, a method for installing a road sign is proposed, in which, the sign being fixed to a support, the method includes a step of moving an upper body of the support towards a lower body of the support so as to move the lower ends of the arms of the support away from each other so that they form a base for the support.

[0026] Advantageously but optionally:

[0027] - the displacement step is carried out by applying a force to the upper body when the lower body is in contact with the ground;

[0028] - the application of force takes place by means of a robotic arm, in particular carried by a vehicle transporting sign supports.

[0029] It can be envisaged that the support and the panel will be installed without adding any ballast. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Other features, purposes and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which:

[0031] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a robotic arm and a traffic sign on a support according to one possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a road sign and a road sign support, according to one possible embodiment of the present description.

[0033] Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the panel support according to the same embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of a panel support according to the same embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a process for deploying a road sign support. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Robotic arm

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a robotic arm 1 for installing a support 2 for a road sign 3. The robotic arm 1 is configured to install construction cones and signs 3. Furthermore, the robotic arm 1 can also retrieve cones and / or signs 3 previously installed on a road and store them on the truck.

[0038] The robotic arm 1 can be mounted on a vehicle, such as a truck. The robotic arm 1 can thus be transported on a road, or to the side of a road in order to position the cones and / or signs 3 themselves, initially positioned on the truck, on the road, or on the side of the road.

[0039] The robotic arm 1 can therefore include a base 11 for attaching it to the truck, several joints 12 allowing it to move in space according to the desired movements, and a gripping member 13 for grasping the marker or panel 3. The robotic arm 1 is thus configured to move the panel 3 and place it on the ground so that it unfolds. In addition, the robotic arm 1 is configured to exert a force on the panel 3 and ensure the panel 3 remains vertical. In the event of a malfunction, for example, the robotic arm 1 can assist the opening of the panel 3 by exerting an additional force on the panel 3.

[0040] Thus the robotic arm 1 makes it possible to install or retrieve studs or signs 3 without requiring an operator to move directly onto the road, or to the side of the road, near the stud or sign 3.

[0041] Signpost

[0042] Road sign 3 is a standardized element containing information for road users, such as an arrow or a speed limit, etc. Sign 3 must comply with a certain size and orientation relative to the road. For example, sign 3 can measure between 50 cm and 1.5 m and weigh between 1 and 10 kg, preferably 3 kg. Furthermore, sign 3 must be oriented on the road so that it is visible to road users. This is why sign 3 itself is attached to a support 2.

[0043] By positioning or installation of the panel 3, we therefore mean in reality, positioning or installation of the support 2 to which the panel 3 is attached.

[0044] Panel support

[0045] As illustrated by figures 2 to 4, the support 2 comprises an upper body 21, a lower body 22 and two arms 23.

[0046] The upper body 21 is configured to receive the panel 3 to be attached to the support 2. The upper body 21 may include a bar 210, a cross member 211, and a gripper 212 forming the top of the upper body 21. The gripper 212 allows the robot to grasp the support 2 for transport and installation. The bar 210 is configured to connect the gripper 212 to the cross member 211 and can transmit a force exerted by the robotic arm 1 on the gripper 212 to the cross member 211 to deploy the support 2. The cross member 211 is configured to be connected to one or more arms 23. The cross member 211 transmits the weight of the upper body 21 to the arms 23 to which it is connected in order to deploy the support 2.

[0047] The bar 210 may further include one or more rods 214. The rod(s) may allow the panel 3 to be fixed to the support 2.

[0048] The lower body 22 is the lower part of the support 2. It is mounted to move relative to the upper body 21. The lower body 22 can be mounted to slide relative to the upper body 21. It is configured to rest on the ground so that the support 2 extends under the effect of gravity, due to its weight, or of gravity and an additional force applied to the support 2 by the gripper 212. The lower body 22 can be profile-shaped and have two lateral ends 220. Each of the lateral ends 220 is configured to be attached to one or more connecting rods 24.

[0049] In addition, the lower body 22 may include a rail 221 and the upper body 21 may include a guide 213, mounted to slide on the rail 221. The guide 213 and the rail 221 are configured to guide and limit the movement of the upper body 21 relative to the lower body 22. The guide and the rail thus form a telescopic assembly. The rail 221 may include a stop 222 limiting the sliding of the guide 213 on the rail 221. The stop 222 therefore ensures a certain distance between the upper body 21 and the lower body 22, and thus a certain spacing of the arm 23 of the lower body 21. In addition, the guide 213 and the rail 221 are configured to allow the panel 3 to remain perpendicular to the ground on which the support 2 is placed by constraining the movement of the upper body 21 relative to the lower body 22, and therefore of the arms 23, as described below.

[0050] The support 2 comprises two arms 23. Each arm 23 includes an upper end 231 directly articulated to the upper body 21 and a lower end 232 configured to be in contact with the ground on which the support 2 is installed. "Articulated" can be understood as being connected by a joint allowing rotation. In this example, all the joints shown allow relative rotation of the parts concerned about horizontal axes that are all parallel to each other and parallel to the cross member. The upper end 231 is fixed by a pivot joint to the cross member 211. Thus, in the uninstalled position, the lower end 232 of each arm 23 is in contact with the lower body 22, and in the installed position on the ground, this end 232 is offset from the lower body 22 to form a base for the support 2.

[0051] The two arms 23 are positioned on either side of an assembly formed by the upper body 21 and the lower body 22. The two arms 23 are separated from each other by a plane passing through the lower body 22 and the upper body 21. In other words, the two arms 23 frame the upper body 21 and the lower body 22 to improve the stability of the support 2. Furthermore, the positioning of the two arms 23 on the support 2 and their inclination relative to the upper body 21 and the lower body 22, as well as their size and weight, provide good stability to the support 2. Thus, the support 2 can be stable on the ground and withstand wind without tipping over without the need for ballast to be placed on the support 2. The support 2 can therefore comply with the current standard of 30 kg. It is worth noting that Itels robots, like the one described above, are often limited to a load of 60 kg when the arm is deployed.

[0052] Each arm 23 can be connected to the lower body 22 by one or more connecting rods 24. Each connecting rod 24 is directly attached to an arm 23 and to the lower body 22. The connecting rod 24 can be fixed to the arm 23 between the lower end 232 and the upper end 231 of the arm 23 so as to improve its actuation. The connecting rod 24 thus allows the lower end 232 of the arm 23 to be moved away from the lower body 22 when a force, such as gravity, is applied to the upper body 21, the arm 23 being articulated to the upper body 21.

[0053] The support 2 is configured here so that the weight of the upper body 21, to which the panel 3 is attached, and if necessary, an additional force applied to the upper body 21 towards the lower body 22, cause the upper body 21 to slide along the lower body 22, thereby moving the lower ends of each arm 23 away from each other. The other is positioned so that they form a base for support 2. Therefore, it can be anticipated that the sliding will occur under the sole effect of gravity (which exerts a force) applied to the support carrying the panel, or under the effect of gravity and an additional force applied to the support by a robot or an operator. The distance between the arms 231 when support 2 is installed is determined by the positioning of the stop 222 on the rail 221.

[0054] Each arm 23 may include a frame 233. The frame 233 may include two uprights 234 and a spacer 235. Each upright 234 extends from the lower end 232 to the upper end 231 of the arm 23. The two uprights 234 are separated from each other by the spacer 235. The spacer 235 is horizontal and extends between the two uprights 234 at the lower end 232 of the arm 23. This improves the stability of the support 2. In other words, the support 2 may include two arms 23, each comprising two uprights 234 connected by a spacer 235, which can also be interpreted as four arms 23: two arms 23 on one side of the lower body 22 and two arms 23 on the other side of the lower body 22.

[0055] Furthermore, each of the uprights 234 can be directly attached to a connecting rod 24 fixed to one of the respective lateral ends 220 of the lower body 22. Each of the two connecting rods 24 of each arm 23 is therefore fixed respectively to one of the two lateral ends 220. The connecting rods 24 of each of the two arms 23 fixed to each of the respective lateral ends 220 extend in the same plane. In other words, each connecting rod 24 extends in the same plane as one of the connecting rods 24 of the other arm 23. This facilitates the installation of the support 2 by ensuring a balanced opening of each arm 23. Indeed, the arms 23 thus move away from each lateral end 220 in a synchronized manner.

[0056] The frame 233 may further include for each upright 234 a half cross brace 236. The half cross brace 236 extends between the upright 234 and the spacer 235 to improve the rigidity of the arm 23.

[0057] Thus, the support 2 allows installation by a simple application of force by the robotic arm 1 on the gripper 212. The stability of the panel 3 on the ground is ensured, even inclined up to 10° with respect to the vertical direction.

[0058] Installation method

[0059] As illustrated for example by [Fig.5], a method for installing a support 2 for panel 3 may include several deployment steps.

[0060] It is assumed that the support 2 and the robot are located on the vehicle. The deployment includes:

[0061] - a grasping (El) of the gripper 212 by the robotic arm 1.

[0062] - a transport (E2) of the support 2 by the robotic arm 1 until the body lower 22, either in contact with the ground on which panel 3 is to be installed. The arm Robotic 1 can orient the support 2 so that the panel 3 is in a desired orientation relative to the road.

[0063] - a displacement step (E3) of the upper body 21 from the support 2 to the body The lower body 22 is moved so as to move the lower ends 232 of the arms 23 away from each other from the support 2 so that they form a base for the support 2. In other words, the movement step (E3) is carried out under the effect of gravity alone (which constitutes a force) applied to the support 2 carrying the panel 3, or under the effect of gravity and an additional force applied to the support 2 by the robotic arm 1 or an operator. The movement (E3) therefore includes a sliding of the upper body 21 towards the lower body 22 so as to move the lower ends 232 of each arm 23 away from each other so that they form a base for the support 2. The upper body 21 can move towards the lower body 22 until the guide 213 reaches the stop of the rail 221.

[0064] - an abandonment (E4) of the gripper 212 by the robotic arm 1.

[0065] The support 2 is thus positioned stably on the ground.

[0066] The installation process may also include a step of removing the support 2. The removal includes:

[0067] - a grasping (El) of the gripper 212 by the robotic arm 1.

[0068] - a lifting (E5) of the support 2 from the ground, gravity causing a folding arms 23. During folding, the lower end 232 of each arm 23 moves closer to the lower body 22.

[0069] In folded configuration, as illustrated in [Fig.1], the panel support occupies a reduced volume, so that the supports can be arranged against each other or stacked on top of each other taking up little space.

Claims

Demands

1. Support (2) for a road sign (3), the support (2) comprising: - an upper body (21), - a lower body (22) mounted movable relative to the upper body (21), and - two arms (23), each arm (23) comprising an upper end (231) articulated to the upper body (21) and a lower end (232), the support (2) being configured so that a force applied to the upper body (21) towards the lower body (22) moves the lower ends of each arm (23) away from each other so that they form a base for the support (2).

2. Support (2) according to claim 1 wherein the support is configured so that gravity alone applied to the upper body (21) towards the lower body (22) moves the lower ends of each arm (23) away from each other so that they form a base for the support (2).

3. Support (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the arms (23) are separated from each other by a plane passing through the lower body (22) and through the upper body (21).

4. Support (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each arm (23) comprises a frame (233), the frame (233) comprising: - two uprights (234), and - a cross member (211) extending between the two uprights (234) at the lower end (232) of the arm.

5. Support (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising connecting rods (24) fixed to the respective arms (23), a first end of each connecting rod (24) being articulated to the lower body (22) and a second end of each connecting rod (24) being articulated to one of the arms (23).

6. Support (2) according to claims 4 and 5, in which each of the uprights (234) is articulated to one of the connecting rods (24).

7. Support (2) according to claims 4 and 5, comprising two connecting rods (24) for each arm (23), each of the connecting rods (24) of each arm (23) being articulated to one of the uprights (234) of the arm (23).

8. Support (2) according to claims 5 and 7, wherein the lower body (22) comprises two lateral ends (220), each of the connecting rods (24) of each arm (23) being fixed respectively to one of the two lateral ends (220), each connecting rod (24) extending in the same plane as one of the connecting rods (24) of the other arm (23).

9. Support (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper body (21) comprises a gripper (212) configured to be grasped by a robotic arm (1) and to move and orient the support (2).

10. Assembly comprising a support (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a panel fixed to the support (2).

11. Method of installing a road sign (3), wherein, the sign being fixed to a support (2), the method includes a step of moving an upper body (21) of the support (2) towards a lower body (22) of the support (2) so as to move the lower ends of arms (23) of the support away from each other so that they form a base for the support (2).

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the displacement step is carried out by applying a force on the upper body (21) when the lower body (22) is in contact with the ground.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the application of force takes place by means of a robotic arm, in particular carried by a vehicle transporting panel supports.

14. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the support (2) and the panel (3) are installed without adding ballast.

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