Tire particle collection device

Abstract

Title: Tire Particle Collection Device The invention relates to a particle collection device (1) that can be attached to a vehicle, configured to collect particles transported in an airflow (F), comprising a main body (10) including an electrodynamic plate (1411) configured to attract particles by electrostatic attraction, a secondary body (20) removable from the main body and configured to collect particles after the electrostatic attraction has ceased, characterized in that the electrodynamic plate has a main surface (1411a) positioned substantially in a plane parallel to the flow and in that the secondary body is positioned in a parallel plane below the electrodynamic plate so as to collect particles by gravity,the secondary body comprising an inclined surface (232) intended to direct the particles towards a receiving zone (233) configured to collect the particles. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Tire particle collection device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of particle recovery, and more particularly to particles that may be released from a tire or wheel of a vehicle. The present invention relates in particular to a particle collection device for capturing and collecting particles from a vehicle wheel resulting from wear on or against a rolling surface over which the vehicle is driven. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Modern vehicle tires are composed of rubber and plastic / petrochemical materials which wear against the road surface as the vehicle moves, producing small tire particles often referred to as "tire dust".

[0003] Most tire dust accumulates on or near roads, where it can be carried into drains or waterways. However, some of these particles are small enough to be airborne, inhaled, and contribute to air pollution, as well as being carried in waterways and contributing to water pollution. The release of these particles into the environment results in additional pollution that can be avoided.

[0004] Several solutions exist today to limit the release of these particles into the environment. These solutions offer different features for collecting these particles; they generally consist of a particle capture system and are positioned close to the tire.

[0005] A solution proposed in application EP4093987A1 describes a particle collector positioned at the wheel of a vehicle, more precisely attached to the rim. This prior art uses several copper elements and utilizes the airflow passing through the collector to recover tire particles. However, this solution has the disadvantage of being costly. Indeed, the use of several copper sheets is both expensive and complex to implement. Furthermore, the positioning on the wheel rim necessitates moving the device whenever the wheel needs to be changed, thus requiring significant handling of the system. Additionally, this solution is not suitable for all road surface deformations, such as potholes.

[0006] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a simplified solution for a particle recovery device, in particular to reduce its cost and simplify its use. The present invention also provides a non- visible from the outside and therefore small and compact, advantageously it does not additionally alter the appearance of the vehicle.

[0007] The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from an examination of the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. SUMMARY

[0008] To achieve this objective, according to a first aspect, a particle collection device is provided that can be attached to a vehicle, configured to collect particles transported in an airflow and originating from the tread of a wheel of a moving vehicle, comprising: • a main body, comprising an electrodynamic plate configured to attract particles by electrostatic attraction, • a secondary body removable relative to the main body, the secondary body being configured to collect particles, characterized in that the electrodynamic plate has a main surface positioned substantially in a plane parallel to the flow and in that the secondary body is positioned in a parallel plane below, in a vertical direction, the electrodynamic plate so as to collect particles by gravity, the secondary body comprising an inclined surface intended to direct the particles towards a particle receiving area configured to collect the particles in the secondary body.

[0009] Thus, particle recovery is simplified both in its design and in its use. The positioning of the secondary body below the main body allows the particles to be recovered by gravity and does not require any additional device or involve the use of an additional flow.

[0010] Furthermore, limiting the number of components in the device helps to reduce its cost. Indeed, using a single electrodynamic plate and positioning it simplifies both the device and its manufacturing cost.

[0011] A second aspect relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one device according to the invention, the at least one device being placed at the rear of a tread of at least one wheel of the vehicle with respect to the forward movement of the vehicle and in the airflow released by the rotation of at least one wheel.

[0012] Thus, the device is optimally positioned for particle recovery. Indeed, positioning it behind the tread of at least one wheel of the vehicle, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], allows it to be as close as possible without being fixed to the tire. This fixing is even contrary to what a person skilled in the art might think, due to the distance implying a non-direct fixing to the tire. In addition, the remote positioning of the wheel advantageously allows for easy tire replacement.

[0013] A third aspect relates to a system comprising a vehicle according to one of the aspects of the invention and a user terminal, in which the user terminal is a device connected to the internet.

[0014] Thus, a user can determine the optimal time to clean the device and remove the particles present in the device. This allows for easier maintenance of the device.

[0015] According to another aspect, the invention comprises a method for collecting particles from at least one particle collection device according to the invention, attached to a vehicle according to another aspect of the invention, the method comprising: • collection of particles by electrostatic attraction of the electrodynamic plate, • a reception of the particles collected by the electrodynamic plate on the inclined surface of the secondary body, • a sliding of particles from the inclined surface towards the receiving area, • a removal of the secondary body from the primary body, • an emptying of particles from the secondary body.

[0016] Thus, particle collection is simplified and its design makes it possible to limit handling and manufacturing and maintenance costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig.1] Fig.1 represents a perspective view of the collection device according to one embodiment.

[0019] [Fig.2A] Figures 2A to 2C respectively represent a perspective view, a side view and a top view of the main body of the invention according to one embodiment.

[0020] [Fig.2B]

[0021] [Fig.2C]

[0022] [Fig.3A] Figures 3A to 3C respectively represent a perspective view, a side view and a top view of the secondary body of the invention according to one embodiment.

[0023] [Fig.3B]

[0024] [Fig.3C]

[0025] [Fig.4] Figure [Fig.4] represents the invention according to an embodiment positioned in the tread of a vehicle wheel.

[0026] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 represents the wireless interactions of the invention according to a mode of realization.

[0027] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. In particular, the proportions of the device relative to a vehicle are not representative of reality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:

[0029] According to one example, the receiving area includes a storage cavity configured to store the particles collected in the secondary body.

[0030] This allows for a sufficiently large reservoir to collect a significant quantity of particles. The larger this cavity, the less frequently the device will need to be emptied, thus simplifying its use.

[0031] According to one example, the inclined surface is configured so as to form a descending ramp towards the receiving area.

[0032] This simplifies particle recovery by using only gravity and the geometry of the device. The device's configuration then allows for particle recovery in a removable system without additional equipment or flow.

[0033] According to one example, the inclined surface has a first angle of inclination with respect to the receiving area of ​​between 140° and 150°, preferably equal to 145°.

[0034] The angle of inclination of the inclined surface is sufficient to allow the particles to reach the storage cavity without additional device.

[0035] According to one example, the receiving area comprises a perforated surface, the perforated surface comprising holes, the holes being configured to allow water to flow through and having a dimension smaller than a particle dimension.

[0036] In tire treads, water can enter the flow accompanying the particles. This perforated surface allows the water to drain out of the device without allowing the particles to escape. If no water drainage is provided, the particles would remain suspended in the water. In the event of overfilling, the particles could be released from the device. device. This would then go against the initial purpose of the invention, which is to avoid releasing tire particles into the environment.

[0037] According to one example, the main body includes a receiving portion, the receiving portion being positioned, in a vertical direction, below the receiving area, the receiving portion including a drain hole configured to drain water from the device.

[0038] This allows water to be drained from the particle collection device. The drainage hole can extend along the entire length of the receiving portion. Water drainage is then more efficient and faster.

[0039] According to one example, the main body includes an inclined portion, the inclined portion being in contact with the inclined surface, the inclined portion having a second angle of inclination with respect to the receiving portion equal to the first angle of inclination.

[0040] This ensures compatibility between the geometries of the main body and the secondary body. Thus, when the secondary body is positioned within the main body of the device, the device allows particles to move towards the storage cavity by gravity alone.

[0041] According to one example, the main body includes an electronic device, the electronic device being configured to evaluate the quantity of particles collected in the device and send information relating to the quantity of particles to a user terminal.

[0042] This makes it possible to determine the optimal time to empty the device of the collected particles.

[0043] According to one example, the electronic device is positioned with respect to the receiving area and includes a distance sensor configured to evaluate the height of a stock of particles collected in the device.

[0044] This allows, through a simple calculation by the electronic device, the determination of the remaining space in the storage cavity in terms of volume before the device overflows. This then makes it possible to determine the optimal time to empty the device and thus simplify its use.

[0045] According to one example, the secondary body is configured to be inserted into the main body by a front face of the main body.

[0046] The secondary body is thus inserted into the main body like a drawer. This design allows for simple and practical use of the device.

[0047] According to one example, the electrodynamic plate is positioned on an upper wall of the main body, the upper wall having a third angle of inclination with respect to the front face between 40° and 50°, preferably equal to 45°.

[0048] This allows for an optimal angle for the electrodynamic plate. This angle makes it easy to attract particles. Furthermore, it allows particles present in the airflow to come into direct contact with the electrodynamic plate even if there is no electrostatic attraction.

[0049] According to one example, the electrodynamic plate is made of copper.

[0050] This allows the electrostatic attraction of particles from the tires to be optimized in the device.

[0051] According to one example, the vehicle is equipped with four devices, the four devices each being placed at the rear in the tread of a different one of the vehicle's wheels relative to the forward movement of the vehicle and in the airflow released by the rotation of said wheel.

[0052] The device is thus positioned at the level of each tire of a vehicle such as a car or truck. As many tires as there are devices, so can be installed. This helps to prevent as many particles as possible from being released into the environment.

[0053] According to one example, the vehicle is equipped with a central server, the central server being configured to retrieve information relating to the quantity of particles from at least one electronic device.

[0054] This allows for the centralization of information from the various electronic devices present on each of the particle collection devices. The information is then centralized. This allows for optimization of the device emptying timing, enabling only one emptying of several devices at a time.

[0055] According to one example, the central server is configured to communicate, preferably by wireless communication, information relating to the quantity of particles to a user terminal.

[0056] This allows us to obtain information on when the draining is carried out and thus simplifies the use of the device.

[0057] This can also advantageously allow verification of whether a device positioned on a particular tire is collecting more particles than the others. This information may indicate incorrect positioning of the other devices or a problem with the wear of one tire compared to the others.

[0058] According to one example, the electronic device sends information on the quantity of particles collected, notifying the opportunity for emptying the secondary body.

[0059] This makes it easier to use a particle collection device.

[0060] The terms "approximately", "about", "in the order of" mean "within 10%", preferably to within 5% or, when it is an angular orientation, "to within 10°". Thus, a direction substantially normal to a plane means a direction presenting an angle of 90+10° with respect to the plane.

[0061] In the following description, the term "on" does not necessarily mean "directly on." Thus, when it is stated that a part or component A is supported "on" a part or component B, this does not mean that parts or components A and B are necessarily in direct contact with each other. These parts or components A and B may be either in direct contact or supported by each other via one or more other parts. The same applies to other expressions such as, for example, the expression "A acts on B," which may mean "A acts directly on B" or "A acts on B via one or more other parts."

[0062] In the present patent application, the term mobile corresponds to a rotational movement or a translational movement or a combination of movements, for example the combination of a rotation and a translation.

[0063] In this patent application, when two parts are described as distinct, this means that these parts are separate. They are: • positioned at a distance from each other, and / or • mobile relative to each other and / or • joined together by being fixed by added elements, this fixing being removable or not.

[0064] In the detailed description that follows, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "longitudinal," "transverse," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "inside," and "outside" may be used. These terms should be interpreted relatively in relation to the normal position of the binding / boot / snowboard assembly and the normal direction of forward movement of the user of the assembly. For example, the terms "horizontal" and "longitudinal" correspond to the principal extension direction of the snowboard.

[0065] A reference frame will also be used whose longitudinal or rear / front direction corresponds to the X axis, whose transverse or right / left direction corresponds to the Y axis and whose vertical or bottom / top direction corresponds to the Z axis.

[0066] The present invention relates to a particle collection device 1, in particular for collecting particles from tire wear. Thus, the particle collection device 1 can be attached to a vehicle 2 and allows the collection of particles carried in an airflow F and originating from the tread of a wheel of a moving vehicle 2. It also advantageously allows these collected particles to be easily emptied from the collection device 1.

[0067] The particle collection device 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3C. The particle collection device 1 will be referred to as device 1 in the remainder of this description, without limitation.

[0068] The device 1 comprises a main body 10 and a secondary body 20. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the secondary body can be configured to be positioned within the main body 10. More specifically, the secondary body 20 is configured to be removable relative to the main body 10. The main body 10 and the secondary body 20 can therefore be two separate parts with respect to each other but have geometries configured to cooperate with each other. The secondary body 20 can be inserted into the main body 10 like a drawer. The secondary body 20 is thus configured to collect the particles arriving in the device 1. This design allows for simple and practical use of the device 1.

[0069] The main body 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 2A to 2C.

[0070] According to one example, the main body 10 comprises a front face 11, walls side walls 12, a floor 13 and a top wall 14. The floor 13 can then be positioned with respect to the top wall 14. Similarly, the floor 13 is positioned below, along a vertical axis Z, the top wall 14. The side walls 12 can thus be configured so as to connect the floor 13 and the top wall 14.

[0071] The main body 10 includes an electrodynamic plate 1411. The electrodynamic plate 1411 attracts particles present in the airflow F. More specifically, the upper wall 14 includes a first portion 141. The electrodynamic plate can then be positioned on this first portion 141. Advantageously, the main body 10 comprises only one electrodynamic plate 1411. This thus limits the cost of the device 1 as well as its maintenance.

[0072] The electrodynamic plate 1411 is configured to attract particles by electrostatic attraction. For this purpose, the electrodynamic plate can be made of copper. Furthermore, it can be connected to an alternator. The connection to an alternator advantageously allows the electrostatic attraction of particles on the electrodynamic plate 1411 to be started and / or stopped. Thus, the electrodynamic plate 1411 is not clogged with particles, and new particles can be collected by the device 1.

[0073] According to one example, the upper wall 14 is configured so that the particles come into contact with the electrodynamic plate 1411. Thus, the electrodynamic plate 1411 has a principal surface 1411a positioned substantially in a plane parallel to the airflow F. The principal surface 1411a can be the largest surface of the electrodynamic plate 1411. More precisely, the upper wall 14, and therefore the first portion 141, can have an angle of inclination, which will be called the third angle of inclination 03, with respect to the front face 11 of the main body 10. The electrodynamic plate 1411 can then present an angle of inclination equal to the third angle of inclination 03. The particles present in the airflow F can then strike the electrodynamic plate 1411. More precisely, the particles come into contact with the main surface 141 of the electrodynamic plate 1411. Therefore, it is the largest surface of the electrodynamic plate 1411 that can be positioned parallel to the airflow F. The electrodynamic plate 1411 can also receive, by projection, microparticles moving towards the main body 10.

[0074] According to one example, the third angle of inclination 03 can be between 40° and 50°. Preferably, the third angle of inclination 03 is equal to 45°. The angle of inclination makes it easy to attract the particles into the device 1.

[0075] According to one example, the floor 13 of the main body 10 comprises a flat portion 131, an inclined portion 132 and a receiving portion 133. The receiving portion 133 may comprise a flat receiving portion 133b surrounded by two inclined receiving portions 133a. The inclination of the two inclined receiving portions 133a is configured to create a ramp towards the flat receiving portion 133b.

[0076] According to one example, the receiving portion 133 includes a drainage hole 133b'. More precisely, the flat receiving portion 133b may include a drainage hole 133b'. The drainage hole 133b' may be configured to drain water that may enter the device 1. Indeed, in tire treads, water may enter the airflow F accompanying the particles.

[0077] The drainage hole 133b' can advantageously extend across the entire width of the device 1. That is, the drainage hole 133b' can extend along a horizontal direction Y. Water drainage is thus efficient and rapid. This prevents water from stagnating in the device 1 and thus avoids water accumulation that could lead to overflow and therefore unwanted discharge of particles from the device 1.

[0078] The secondary body 20 will now be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3C.

[0079] The secondary body comprises a front face 21, side walls 22, and a floor 23. Unlike the main body 10, the secondary body 20 does not have a top wall. When the secondary body 20 is positioned within the main body 10, it is positioned in a parallel plane below, along the vertical direction Z, the electrodynamic plate 1411. The secondary body 20 can thus collect the particles retrieved by the device 1 by gravity. As soon as the particles are no longer electrostatically attracted to the electrodynamic plate 1411, they fall by gravity into the secondary body 20.

[0080] The particles can thus fall onto the floor 23 of the secondary body 20. According to one example, the floor 23 comprises a flat area 231, an inclined surface 232, and a receiving area 233. The particles can thus fall onto the inclined area 232 of the floor 23 of the secondary body 20. The inclined surface 232 is designed to direct the particles towards the particle receiving area 233. The particle receiving area 233 is itself configured to collect the particles in the secondary body 20. The secondary body 20 being positioned within the main body and below the electrodynamic plate thus allows for simplified particle recovery without the use of an additional device or flow, as in the prior art.

[0081] According to one example, the inclined surface 232 is configured so as to form a downward ramp towards the receiving area 233. This simplifies the recovery of particles by using only gravity and the geometry of the device 1. The device 1 then allows, by its configuration, the recovery of particles in a removable system without additional device or without additional flow.

[0082] According to one example, the inclined surface 232 has an angle of inclination, called the first angle of inclination 0i, with respect to the receiving zone 233. The first angle of inclination 0i can be between 140° and 150°. Preferably, the first angle of inclination 0i can be equal to 145°. The angle of inclination of the inclined surface 232 is thus sufficient to allow the particles to reach a storage cavity 234 without an additional device.

[0083] According to one example, the receiving area 233 includes a storage cavity 234. The storage cavity 234 can be configured to store the particles collected in the secondary body 20. The storage cavity 234 can provide a sufficiently large reserve so as to avoid too frequent emptying of the device 1. The use of the device 1 is thus simplified.

[0084] More specifically, the storage cavity can be formed by the floor 23 of the receiving area 233 and by the side walls 22. The side walls can advantageously extend to a height h along the vertical direction Z. The side walls 22 can thus extend to an upper edge 24. The upper edge 24 can comprise a first edge 241, a second edge 242, and a third edge 243. The first 241, second 242, and third 243 edges are configured so as not to impede the insertion of the secondary body 20 into the main body 10. Advantageously, the height h depends on the vehicle on which the device 1 is installed. The height h will thus be greater on a device 1 installed on a truck or bus than on a device 1 installed on a car.

[0085] According to one example, the receiving area 233 also includes a perforated surface 233a. The perforated surface 233a may then include holes 233b. The The 233b holes can be configured to allow water to flow through. The 233b holes can have a diameter smaller than a particle size. The particles can have a diameter between 2.5 pm (micrometers) and 10 pm.

[0086] Advantageously, the perforated surface 233a can be positioned above, along the vertical direction Z, the receiving portion 133. Thus, water can flow easily to the drainage hole 133b'. This perforated surface 233a allows water to flow out of the device 1 without allowing particles to escape from the device 1. If no water drainage is provided, the particles would remain suspended in the water. In the event of overfilling, particles could be released from the device 1. This would then be contrary to the initial objective of the invention, which is to prevent the release of tire particles into the environment.

[0087] According to one example, an additional sieve can be positioned above, along the vertical direction Z, the perforated surface 233a. The additional sieve is then configured to retain the particles. The holes 233b can then have a diameter greater than a particle size. This allows the water to be drained more quickly from the receiving area 233.

[0088] Compatibility of the main body 10 and the secondary body 20:

[0089] The secondary body 20 is positioned inside the main body 10, so their geometry is advantageously compatible.

[0090] According to one example, the front face 11 of the main body 10 is open. This initially allows the insertion of the secondary body 20 into the main body 10. Similarly, the front face 21 of the secondary body is open. The opening of the two front faces 11, 21 advantageously allows the passage of particles into the device 1. Thus, the two front faces 11, 21 are positioned so as to face the airflow F.

[0091] According to one example, the floor 13 of the main body 10 and the floor 23 of the secondary body have similar geometries. Furthermore, the floor 13 and the floor 23 can be in contact when the secondary body 20 is positioned within the main body 10.

[0092] Consequently, the inclined portion 132 may have an angle of inclination, called the second angle of inclination 02, with respect to the receiving portion. The second angle of inclination 02 is then preferably equal to the first angle of inclination 0|.

[0093] We thus have a compatibility of the geometries of the main body 10 and the secondary body 20. The device 1 allows the particles to go towards the storage cavity 234 by simple gravity.

[0094] According to one example, the main body 10 also includes an electronic device 3a. The electronic device 3a is preferably configured to evaluate the quantity of particles collected in the device 1. Additionally, it can be configured to send information about the quantity of particles to a user terminal 4. The electronic device 3a allows determining the optimal time to empty the device 1 of the collected particles.

[0095] To do this, the electronic device 3a can be positioned with respect to the receiving area 233. More specifically, the electronic device 3a can be positioned at the level of the second portion 142 of the main body 10.

[0096] According to one example, the electronic device 3a includes a distance sensor. The distance sensor allows the height L of a stockpile of particles collected in the device 1 to be evaluated. Thus, as soon as the height L of the particle stockpile is greater than or equal to a height h-10% of the height h of the storage cavity 234, the electronic device can inform the user that it is time to empty the device 1. By a simple calculation by the electronic device 3a, the device 1 can determine the remaining space in the storage cavity 234 in terms of volume before the device 1 overflows. This then makes it possible to determine the optimal time to empty the device 1 and thus simplify its use.

[0097] A second aspect concerns a vehicle 2 equipped with at least one device 1 according to the invention. The positioning of at least one device 1 on a vehicle 2 is shown in Figures 4 and 5. At least one device 1 can be positioned at the rear in a tread 2a of at least one wheel of the vehicle 2 relative to the forward direction of the vehicle 2. At least one device 1 can then advantageously be positioned in the airflow F released by the rotation of at least one wheel.

[0098] According to one example, the device 1 is fixed so as to collect as many particles as possible from the airflow F. Indeed, positioning it at the rear in the tread of at least one wheel of the vehicle 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], allows it to be as close as possible without being fixed to the tire. Positioning the device 1, which is not fixed to the wheel, advantageously does not prevent the wheel from being changed.

[0099] According to one example, the vehicle 2 is equipped with as many devices as wheels, and for example with four devices 1. The device 1 can thus be positioned, for example, on cars.

[0100] According to one example, vehicle 2 is equipped with more than four devices 1. If vehicle 2 has more than four wheels, for example a truck, a number of devices 1 equal to the number of wheels of vehicle 2 can be fitted. Each device 1 can then be positioned at the rear in a tread of a different wheel of vehicle 2 relative to the forward direction of vehicle 2. Each device can thus be positioned so as to be within the airflow F generated by the rotation of said wheel. The number of particles released into the air is thus limited.

[0101] According to one example, vehicle 2 is equipped with a central server 3b. The central server 3b can then be configured to retrieve information regarding the quantity of particles from at least one electronic device 3a. The central server 3b thus centralizes the information so that it can be easily redistributed to a user. After receiving data from at least one electronic device 3a, the central server 3b can send either information regarding the volume of particles present in the storage cavity 234, information regarding the remaining available volume in the storage cavity 234, or a notification that emptying is necessary for at least one device 1. Therefore, emptying can be optimized. Depending on the information received, the user can decide whether or not to empty at least one device 1. The user can thus optimize the maintenance and proper functioning of device 1.

[0102] According to one example, the central server 3b is configured to communicate, preferably wirelessly, information regarding the quantity of particles to a user terminal. This makes it possible to obtain information on when to perform the emptying and thus simplify the use of device 1.

[0103] This can also advantageously be used to verify whether a device 1 positioned at the level of a tire is collecting more particles than the others. This indication may suggest incorrect positioning of the other devices 1 or a problem with the wear of one tire compared to the others.

[0104] According to one example, the invention comprises a system, the system comprising a vehicle 2 equipped with at least one device 1 and a user terminal 4 illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0105] According to one example, the user terminal 4 is configured to receive information from the central server 3b. The user terminal 4 can also be configured to retrieve information about the quantity of particles present in at least one device 1 directly from the device 1. The user terminal 4 thus makes it possible to provide the user, for example via a display on a screen, with information about the quantity of particles present in the device. This information can be taken from information indicating the volume of particles present in the storage cavity 234, information indicating the remaining available volume in the storage cavity 234, or a notification of a necessary change.

[0106] According to one example, the user terminal 4 is taken from among a mobile phone or a computer. The user can thus easily access information relating to the need to empty at least one device 1 present on the vehicle 2. Maintenance of the device 1 is thus facilitated.

[0107] Particle collection method:

[0108] According to one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for collecting particles from at least one particle collection device 1. The particle collection device 1 is then attached to a vehicle 2 as described above.

[0109] The process includes collecting particles by electrostatic attraction using the electrodynamic plate 1411. The electrostatic attraction of the electrodynamic plate 1411 can be achieved by electrically charging the plate using an alternator acting as a generator. The inertia of a vehicle's wheel on the road electrostatically charges the particles. Since the electrodynamic plate 1411 is itself electrically charged, it enables electrostatic attraction. Thus, when the alternator is operating, the particles are attracted to the electrodynamic plate 1411, making contact with it and remaining in contact as long as the alternator is running.

[0110] When the alternator stops and the electrostatic attraction ceases, the collected particles fall onto the floor 23 of the secondary body. More precisely, they are received by gravity on the inclined surface 232 of the secondary body 20.

[0111] Once on the inclined surface 232, by the angle of inclination 0ide of the inclined surface 232, the particles slide towards the receiving area 233.

[0112] The particles can then accumulate in the receiving area 233. More specifically, the collected particles accumulate in the storage cavity 234. Once the storage cavity 234 is full, it is then necessary to empty the device 1 of the collected particles.

[0113] To facilitate maintenance and therefore use of the device, the electronic device 3a can send information to the server 3b or the user terminal 4 to indicate the quantity of particles present in the storage cavity 234. The electronic device 3a can then notify the need to empty the secondary body 20.

[0114] To carry out this draining, the secondary body 20 must be removed from the main body 10. The secondary body 20 is removable, for example like a drawer, relative to the main body 10. The secondary body 20 can then slide in a direction opposite to the airflow F out of the main body 10.

[0115] Once the secondary body 20 has been removed from the main body 10, the secondary body 20 can be emptied of the particles present in the storage cavity 234. This emptying can be carried out simply by turning the secondary body 20 over a bin.

[0116] Once the particles have been emptied, the secondary body 20 can be repositioned in the main body 10 to collect new particles.

[0117] Thus, particle collection is simplified and its design makes it possible to limit handling and manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0118] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

[0119] NUMERICAL REFERENCES 1: Particle collection device 10: main body 11: Front view 12: side wall 13: floor 131: flat portion 132: inclined portion 133: Reception portion 133a: inclined receiving section 133b: flat reception area 133b': drainage hole 14: upper wall 141: first portion 1411: electrodynamic plate 1411a: main surface 142: second portion 20: secondary body 21: front view 22: side wall 23: floor 231: flat area 232: inclined surface 233: Reception area 233a: perforated surface 233b: holes 234: storage cavity 24: upper edge 241: first stop 242: second stop 243: third stop F: particle flux 2: vehicle 2a: tread 3a: electronic device 3b: central server 4: User terminal

Claims

Demands

1. A particle collection device (1) that can be attached to a vehicle, configured to collect particles carried in an airflow (F) and originating from the tread of a wheel of a moving vehicle, comprising: • a main body (10), comprising an electrodynamic plate (1411) configured to attract particles by electrostatic attraction, • a secondary body (20) removable relative to the main body (10), the secondary body (20) being configured to collect the particles, characterized in that the electrodynamic plate (1411) has a main surface (1411a) positioned substantially in a plane parallel to the flow (F) and in that the secondary body (20) is positioned in a parallel plane below, along a vertical direction (Z), the electrodynamic plate (1411) so as to collect the particles by gravity,the secondary body (20) comprising an inclined surface (232) intended to direct the particles towards a particle receiving zone (233) configured to collect the particles in the secondary body (20).

2. Particle collection device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the receiving area (233) includes a storage cavity (234) configured to store the collected particles in the secondary body (20).

3. Particle collection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined surface (232) is configured to form a downward ramp towards the receiving area (233).

4. Particle collection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined surface (232) has a first angle of inclination (0^ with respect to the receiving area (233) of between 140° and 150°, preferably equal to 145°.

5. Particle collection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving area (233) comprises a perforated surface (233a), the perforated surface including holes (233b), the holes (233b) being configured to allow water to flow through and having a diameter less than a particle dimension.

6. Particle collection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (10) comprises a receiving portion (133), the receiving portion being positioned, along a vertical direction (Z), below the receiving area (233), the receiving portion (133) comprising a drain hole (133b') configured to drain water from the device (1).

7. Particle collection device (1) according to the preceding claim and claim 4 taken in combination, wherein the main body (10) comprises an inclined portion (132), the inclined portion (132) being in contact with the inclined surface (232), the inclined portion having a second angle of inclination (02) with respect to the receiving portion (133) equal to the first angle of inclination (0i).

8. Particle collection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (10) comprises an electronic device (3a), the electronic device (3a) being configured to evaluate collected in the device (1) and send information relating to the quantity of particles to a user terminal (4).

9. Particle collection device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electronic device (3) is positioned with respect to the receiving area (233) and includes a distance sensor configured to evaluate a height of a stock of particles collected in the device (1).

10. Particle collection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary body (20) is configured to fit into the main body (10) by a front face (11) of the main body (10).

11. Particle collection device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrodynamic plate (1411) is positioned on an upper wall (14) of the main body (10), the upper wall (14) having a third angle of inclination (03) with respect to the front face (11) between 40° and 50°, preferably equal to 45°.

12. Particle collection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrodynamic plate (141la) is made of copper.

13. Vehicle (2) equipped with at least one device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the at least one device (1) being placed at the rear in a tread (2a) of at least one wheel of the vehicle (2) relative to the forward movement of the vehicle (2) and in the airflow (F) released by the rotation of the at least one wheel.

14. Vehicle (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the vehicle (2) is equipped with four devices (1), the four devices (1) each being placed at the rear in a tread (2a) of a different wheel of the vehicle (2) relative to the forward movement of the vehicle (2) and in the airflow (F) released by the rotation of said wheel.

15. Vehicle (2) according to any one of the two preceding claims and comprising at least one device of claim 8 in combination, wherein the vehicle is equipped with a central server (3b), the central server being configured to retrieve information relating to the quantity of particles from at least one electronic device (3a).

16. Vehicle (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the central server (3b) is configured to communicate, preferably by wireless communication, information relating to the quantity of particles to a user terminal.

17. A method for collecting particles from at least one particle collection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, attached to a vehicle according to any one of claims 13 to 16, the method comprising: • collecting particles by electrostatic attraction by the electrodynamic plate (1411), • receiving the particles collected by the electrodynamic plate (1411) on the inclined surface (232) of the secondary body (20), • sliding the particles from the inclined surface (232) towards the receiving area (233), • removal of the secondary body (20) from the main body (10), • emptying of the particles from the secondary body (20).

18. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein a device according to claim 8 is used, and wherein the electronic device (3a) sends information on the quantity of particles collected, notifying the opportunity for emptying the secondary body (20).

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