An assembly for the collection of objects positioned in a way of a road

Abstract

The present disclosure refers to the area of object removal or collection in a way of a road, particularly performed by vehicles that manage and operate the way. The present disclosure includes an assembly (10) for the collection of objects positioned in a way of a road, such as debris (30) comprising a fixed panel (11) mountable to a frontal portion a vehicle, a movable central panel (12) movable in relation to the fixed panel (11), and a pair of opposing wing panels (13), each wing panel (13) being rotatably coupled to a side of the movable central panel (12), the movable central panel (12) being adjacent to the fixed panel (11) when in the retracted position and away and parallel to the fixed panel (11) when in the open position, and movable by translation in relation to the fixed panel (11). The present disclosure provides a simplified structure which is providable at the frontal portion of a vehicle and only used in case of need.

Description

DESCRIPTIONAN ASSEMBLY FOR THE COLLECTION OF OBJECTS POSITIONED IN A WAY OF A ROADTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure refers to the area of object collection or removal in a way of a road, particularly performed by vehicles that manage and operate the way.PRIOR ART

[0002] The collection or removal of objects from roads is relevant in any type of road as it may lead to accidents. It is particularly vital in high speed roads such as highways, in which the speed of travelling of vehicles may make it impossible for drivers to divert from objects provided in the road and, thus, damages to the vehicle caused by the object or, in case the driver does divert from the object or even suddenly breaks, accidents caused by such manoeuvres. Within the terms of the present disclosure, to collect an object from a road corresponds to removing such object from the road.

[0003] A simple, yet high risk, solution, is for road maintenance professionals to remove the objects from the way by hand. As is well known, crossing a high-speed road is a high risk act, which may lead to severe injury or death in case of running over.

[0004] For such reasons, roadway cleaning may be provided by vehicles, typically dedicated vehicles, which contain U-shape like structures provided in their frontal portions, and which allow to capture and direct such objects to the side of a road or a repository.

[0005] Yet, it has been sought to obtain solutions which allow for a higher number of vehicles to clean a road, not only dedicated vehicles. These solutions known in the art include structures which are mountable to the frontal portion of a vehicle, and which convert it into a roadway cleaning vehicle.

[0006] Still, these solutions have either closely followed snow plow solutions, which seek the scraping of snow from a road at low speed, and thus are complex and heavy structures, and / or do not enable a simplified structure which is providable at the frontal portion of a vehicle and only used in case of need.

[0007] An example of such snow plow-like structures are solutions which are suitable for road debris collection and which typically include central panel with two side wings (opposing side wings), forming a U-shaped section for collecting objects on roads. These side wings rotate in relation to the central panel, usually with a particularly small angle of rotation, between a position adjacent to the vehicle and a position away from the vehicle, in which the collection ofobjects is carried out. Such structure is attached to the vehicle by a mounting frame to which lift cylinders are connected. A complex structure of lift cylinders connect the mounting frame to the central panel, thus providing several degrees of freedom which include height adjustment.

[0008] Therefore, and although such solutions include some basic elements for road debris collection - such as a central panel and two side wings that rotate in relation to it - they are complex in construction and do not allow to compactly store the structure.

[0009] Other solutions known in the art include a fixed panel and a central panel that is movable relatively to the fixed panel by rotation, as well as two wings positioned laterally and jointly fixed to the central movable panel, which may be regarded as the most compact and lightweight solutions known in the art, functionalities which the present solution also addresses. The fixed panel is couplable to the front of a vehicle.

[0010] Yet, the central panel is only able to rotate in relation to the fixed panel, thereby only allowing a closed positioning and an open positioning. In addition, the wings remain jointly fixed to the fixed panel, maintaining a fixed angle in relation to it.

[0011] Therefore, such solutions only allow a single open and a single closed positioning, while also not allowing a proper rotation of side wings in relation to the central panel, thereby having a low effectiveness as regards a proper positioning of the device in relation to the road.

[0012] The solution of the present disclosure solves these problems in a simplified manner.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0013] The present disclosure includes an assembly for the collection of objects positioned in a way of a road, such as debris. The assembly comprises i. a fixed panel mountable to a frontal portion a vehicle, ii. a central panel movable in relation to the fixed panel and thereby in relation to the vehicle between a retracted position and an open position, and ill. a pair of opposing wing panels, each wing panel being rotatably coupled to a side of the movable central panel and movable between a retracted position and an open position,

[0014] wherein the movable central panel is adjacent to the fixed panel when in the retracted position and away and parallel to the fixed panel when in the open position, and movable by translation in relation to the fixed panel,

[0015] each of the wing panels is adjacent to the movable central panel when in the retracted position and, from the retracted position to the open position, the variation in the angle it makes with the movable central panel is higher than 90° and lower than 180°, optionally of 135°, and is movable by rotation in relation to the central fixed panel.

[0016] The assembly may further comprise electronically controllable linear actuators, each linear actuator being coupled to the movable central panel and to one of the wing panels, thereby, when actuated, causing the respective wing panel to move between the retracted and open positions, optionally each of the linear actuators consisting of a lift cylinder, optionally a hydraulic or pneumatic lift cylinder.

[0017] The assembly may further comprise a controller, the controller being configured to issue i. an opening electronic command, the opening electronic command causing the electronically controllable linear actuators to actuate the opposing wing panels to move from the retracted to the open position, and causing the movable central panel to translate from the retracted to the open position, and ii. a closure electronic command, the closure electronic command causing the electronically controllable linear actuators to actuate the opposing wing panels to move from the open to the retracted positions, and causing the movable central panel to translate from the open to the retracted position.

[0018] The assembly may further comprise a base panel movable between a retracted position and an open position such that an enclosed area for the collection of objects positioned in a way of a road is formed by the movable central panel, the two wing panels and the base panel, when in the respective open positions.

[0019] The base panel may be rotatably coupled to a lower side of the movable central panel, the base panel being movable by rotation in relation to the movable central panel between a retracted position and an open position such that i. an enclosed area is formed by the movable central panel, the two wing panels and the base panel when in open positions, and ii. when in the retracted position the base panel is adjacent to the two opposing panels.

[0020] The movable central panel and the wing panels may be movable from the respective retracted positions to the respective open positions once the base panel has initiated its movement towards the open position.

[0021] A further electronically controllable linear actuator may be coupled to the movable central panel and to the base panel, thereby, when actuated, causing the base panel to move between the retracted and open positions and, optionally, each of the electronically controllable linear actuators consisting of a lift cylinder, optionally a hydraulic or pneumatic lift cylinder.

[0022] The controller may be further configured to issue i. an opening electronic command, the opening electronic command causing the electronically controllable linear actuators to actuate the base panel to move fromthe retracted to the open position, and to actuate the opposing wing panels to move from the retracted to the open position and the movable central panel from the retracted to the open position once the base panel has initiated its movement towards the open position, and ii. a closure electronic command, the closure electronic command causing the electronically controllable linear actuators to actuate the base panel to move from the open to the retracted position, and to actuate the base panel to move from the retracted position to the open position once the opposing wing panels and the movable central panel have initiated their movement towards the respective open positions.

[0023] The controller may be further configured to move the wing panels and the base panel from the respective open positions to a grab position provided between the respective open and retracted positions, such that an object provided in the enclosed space is contacted by i. the movable central panel and a wing panel, or ii. the movable central panel, the base panel and a wing panel.

[0024] The translation movement of the movable panel from the retracted position to the open position, when the assembly is installed on a vehicle, may be dependent of a measure of a distance from a lower side of the movable panel to the ground below the vehicle, such that, when in the open position, such lower side of the movable panel is at a predefined distance from the ground below the vehicle.

[0025] The assembly may further comprise a distance measurement mechanism to measure of a distance from a lower side of the movable panel to the ground below the vehicle, such distance measurement mechanism comprising an inductor and a spring.

[0026] The movable central panel may be movable between the retracted and open positions simultaneously with the movement of each the wing panels between the retracted and open positions.

[0027] The assembly may further comprise two linear guides, each being provided in parallel with and along a lateral side of the fixed panel, the movable central panel being coupled to a bushing of each of the linear guides.

[0028] The assembly may further comprise two connection tabs, each of the connection tabs connecting one of the bushings with a respective wing panel, each bushing thereby being rotatable in relation to a respective linear guide, optionally each of the connection tabs being coupled to an upper portion of the movable central panel and of the corresponding wing panel.

[0029] Each of the movable central panel and the opposing wing panels may have a main surface which is a perforated panel or a grid, optionally the perforated panel or grid beingmetallic. The base panel may have a main surface which is a perforated panel or a grid. The fixed panel may have a main surface which is a perforated panel or a grid, optionally the perforated panel or grid being metallic. The grid may also be made of a composite or a metal alloy, such as special metal alloy. Such alternatives provide a lighter solution suitable for suitable for lighter vehicles, which maintains it robustness.

[0030] The movement of both of the wing panels between the retracted and the open positions may be initiated at the same time, such that they are provided adjacently when in retracted position.

[0031] The assembly may further comprise one or more reinforcement bars provided in parallel with and along a face of the fixed panel which faces a vehicle to which it is mounted, optionally along a longer side of the fixed panel.

[0032] The assembly may further comprise a plurality of reinforcement bars provided in parallel with and along a face of the fixed panel which faces a vehicle to which it is mounted, optionally along a longer side of the fixed panel.

[0033] The assembly may further comprise a plurality of spacing bars, each of the spacing bars being provided perpendicularly to and along a face of the fixed panel which faces a vehicle to which it is mounted and providing the mounting of the fixed panel to a vehicle, the spacing bars providing a spacing between the fixed panel and a vehicle to which it is mounted, optionally the assembly being according to claim 18 and the spacing bars being jointly fixed to the reinforcement bars and forming a single body.

[0034] The present disclosure further comprises the use of the assembly of the present disclosure in a vehicle, particularly the assembly being mounted on a frontal portion a vehicle such that, when the movable central panel and the opposing wing panels are in open positions, they are adjacent to a road below the vehicle and provide the removal of objects positioned in a way of a road, such as debris.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] Figure 1 - a representation of an assembly (10) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly (10) comprises a fixed panel (11) and a movable central panel (12), wherein the movable central panel (12) is provided in the retracted position, adjacently to the fixed panel (11). Two opposing wing panels (13) are provided laterally in relation to the movable central panel (12), and also in a retracted position. A base panel (14) which is rotatably coupled to a lower side of the central movable panel is also provided in the retracted position, thus covering the fixed panel (11), the movable central panel (12) and the wing panels (13) in the perspective of Figure 1. Each of the linear guides (17) include a shaft along which acorresponding bushing moves along. The assembly (10) further includes connection tabs (18) provided in upper portions of the movable central panel (12) and of the corresponding wing panel (13), each of the connection tabs (18) connecting one of the bushings with a respective wing panel (13), each bushing thereby being rotatable in relation to a respective linear guide. In addition, lift cylinder linear actuators are provided, actuating the movement of the opposing wing panels (13) between the retracted and open positions. Two wheels (23) coupled to sides of the base panel (14) are provided and shown. Moreover, a clip (21) coupled to an upper side of the fixed panel (11) is also represented. In addition, and also coupled to an upper side of the fixed panel (11), is provide a license plate (25). A lower side of the license plate (25) is coupled to the upper side of the fixed panel (11). To an upper side of the license plate (25) is coupled a camera (22). The assembly (10) further comprises a wear guard (26) which is jointly coupled to a side of the base panel (14), such that when the base panel (14) is in the open position, the wear guard faces the road below a vehicle to which the assembly (10) is coupled.Figure 2 - representation of the assembly (10) of figure 1 initiating a movement from the retracted position towards the open position, wherein the base panel (14) has rotated in relation to the movable central panel (12) in approximately half its course and the opposing wing panels (13) are initiating their rotation in relation to the movable central panel (12).Figure 3 - representation of the assembly (10) of figures 1 and 2 continuing the movement between the retracted position and the open position, wherein the base panel (14) has almost reached its open position and the opposing wing panels (13) have increased their angle with the movable central panel (12). The movable central panel (12) has translated in relation to the fixed panel (11), being further away from the fixed panel (11).Figure 4 - representation of the assembly (10) of figures 1-3 having now reached the open position, the base panel (14) making an angle of 90° with the movable central panel (12), wherein the opposing wing panels (13) making an angle with the movable central panel (12) of 135° and the movable central panel (12) being further away from the fixed panel (11), in its whole extension.Figure 5 - representation of the assembly (10) of figures 1-4 in the open position represented in figure 4, and in which an object - a dummy object - represents the collection of a debris (30) from a road, being provide in the enclosed area (ea) formed by the movable central panel (12), the wing panels (13) and the base panel (14).Figure 6 - representation of the assembly (10) of figures 1-5 in an exploded view.Figure 7 - a representation of an assembly (10) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, in a fully retracted position. The assembly (10) comprises a fixed panel (11) and a movable central panel (12), wherein the movable central panel (12) is provided in theretracted position, adjacently to the fixed panel (11). Two opposing wing panels (13) are provided laterally in relation to the movable central panel (12), and also in a retracted position. A base panel (14) with three sections is provided below the fixed, movable central and wing panels (13). In such position, the movable central panel (12) is fully provided adjacently to the fixed panel (11). In addition, each of the opposing wing panels (13) is also fully provided adjacently to the movable central panel (12). The opposing wing panels (13) are also provided adjacently to each other, the base panel (14) (partially viewable) is jointly fixed to the lower side of the two wing panel (13) base surfaces, by means of two lateral base panel (14) sections. A central base panel (14) section is rotatably coupled to each of the lateral base panel (14) sections. Such base panel (14) sections are perpendicularly provided in relation to a respective panel. The base panel (14) is provided below spacing bars (20), thereby further providing compactness of the whole assembly (10). The second embodiment further includes two spacing bars (20), each of the spacing bars (20) being provided perpendicularly to and along a face of the fixed panel (11) which faces a vehicle to which it is mounted and providing the mounting of the fixed panel (11) to a vehicle. Two spacing bars (20) are provided, being fixed to the third, central, reinforcement bar. The spacing bars (20) and the and the reinforcement bars (19) form a single body. Reinforcement bars (19) (not shown) are provided in parallel with the fixed panel (11), along the face of the fixed panel (11) facing a vehicle to which it is mounted. The provision of the reinforcement bars (19) is along the longer side of the fixed panel (11), which may be considered horizontally.Figure 8 - representation of the assembly (10) of figure 7 in which the movement between the retracted position and the open position has initiated, the movable central panel (12) having translated in relation to the fixed panel (11), being further away from the fixed panel (11).Figure 9 - representation of the assembly (10) of figures 7 and 8 continuing the movement between the retracted position and the open position, wherein the wing panels (13) have rotated in relation to the movable central panel (12) in about 90° and, correspondingly, the base panel (14) - by means of the base panel (14) sections - has also moved in relation to the movable central panel (12). The lateral base panel (14) sections have rotated jointly with the respective wing panels (13) and the central base panel (14) section has translated in relation to the movable central panel (12) as a consequence of begin rotatably coupled to the lateral base panel (14) sections. The movable central panel (12) has translated in relation to the fixed panel (11), being further away from the fixed panel (11), in its whole extension.Figure 10 - representation of the assembly (10) of figures 7-9 having now reached the open position, the base panel (14) making an angle of 90° with the movable central panel (12), wherein the opposing wing panels (13) making an angle with the movable central panel (12) of 135° and the movable central panel (12) is further away from the fixed panel (11), in its whole extension.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure includes an assembly (10) for the collection / removal of objects positioned in a way of a road. The way of a road is the area of a road in which vehicles typically travel, although the object of the present disclosure is also suitable to remove objects in any ground in which a road vehicle may travel.

[0037] Such objects may consist of different types of debris (30), such as pieces of elements transported by vehicles which fall on the way (e.g. pieces of rock or wood), remains of accidents such as pieces of bumpers, remains of tyres which have blown up, pieces of elements carried by the natural elements, such as bits of branches of trees, or other types of elements, such as objects which fall from vehicles - e.g. personal objects, cardboard boxes or plastic objects - or even bodies of animals which deceased in the way, typically due to being run over by vehicles.

[0038] These are a few of the examples of debris (30), objects or other types of elements which may be on a way of a road, and which condition the movement of vehicles, potentially leading to serious accidents.

[0039] Also, as referred, removing such objects from a road is a simple yet high risk solution for road maintenance professionals, particularly when such removal is performed manually.

[0040] The assembly (10) of the present disclosure provides a compact and simple solution which thereby virtually enables any vehicle to remove objects from a way of a road. It further provides to decrease the time spent in object removal procedures, and improve the safety of the people and vehicles on the motorways.

[0041] A fixed panel (11) is mountable to a frontal portion of a vehicle. Such mounting may be performed by directly mounting the fixed panel (11) to the vehicle or indirectly. In the figures, the fixed panel (11) is indirectly couplable to the frontal portion of a vehicle, by means of the reinforcement bars (19) or of the spacing bars (20).

[0042] The movable central panel (12) is movable in relation to the fixed panel (11) between a retracted position and an open position. Such movement allows to control when a vehicle in which the assembly (10) is provided is able to remove objects from the road (open position) or is not (retracted position).

[0043] Accordingly, each of the opposing wing panels (13) is rotatably coupled to a side of the movable central panel (12) and is movable between corresponding retracted and open positions.

[0044] The movable central panel (12) is adjacent to the fixed panel (11) when in the retracted position and away and parallel to the fixed panel (11) when in the open position, and movable by translation in relation to the fixed panel (11) such that, when the fixed panel (11) is mountedin a frontal portion of a vehicle and when the movable central panel (12) in in the open position, the movable central panel (12) is closer to the ground below the vehicle than when in the retracted position.

[0045] When seen in a side view and when in retracted position, the movable central panel (12) is side by side with the fixed panel (11), being adjacently provided such that, when mounted on a vehicle, the fixed panel (11) is closer to the vehicle than the movable central panel (12). The translation movement of the movable central panel (12) may be described as vertical, leading to the movable central panel (12) being closer to the ground below the vehicle (when in the open position) than when in the retracted position.

[0046] Thus, the translation movement of the movable central panel (12) may be described as exclusively vertical, in a downwards movement from the retracted to the open position and in an upwards movement from the open to the retracted position.

[0047] The sequences of figures 2-4 and 7-8 (in these orders) represent such translation movement from the retracted position towards the open position. Conversely, the sequences of figures 4-2 and 8-7 (in these orders) represent the translation movement from the open position towards the retracted position.

[0048] Correspondingly, when seen in a side view and when in retracted position, the opposing wing panels (13) are side by side with the fixed panel (11), being adjacently provided such that the movable central panel (12) is closer to the fixed panel (11) than the opposing wing panels (13). In addition, when in the retracted position, both wing panels (13) are at a same distance to the movable central panel (12), as their (horizontal) extension is lower than that of the movable central panel (12).

[0049] Figure 1 shows an embodiment comprising a base panel (14), representing the movable central panel (12), the opposing wing panels (13) and the base panel (14) in retracted positions.

[0050] From such retracted position and in order to move towards the open position, the base panel (14) first rotates downwards in relation to the movable central panel (12), as represented in Figures 1 and 2. The axle of such rotation is provided in a lower side of the movable central panel (12). As the wing panels (13) remain in the retracted position, such rotation of the base panel (14) is also in relation to the wing panels (13). While in Figure 1 the base panel (14) is in a retracted position, in Figure 2 it is in an open position. In Figure 2, the movable central panel (12) and the wing panels (13) are initiating their movement from retracted to open positions.

[0051] When the base panel (14) reaches the open position, the two opposing wing panels (13) rotate in relation to the movable central panel (12) and the movable central panel (12) translates in relation to the fixed panel (11). Such movement is presented in the sequence of Figures 3, 4 and 5.

[0052] Since the wing panels (13) are coupled to the movable central panel (12), they also jointly translate with the movable central panel (12) in relation to the fixed panel (11).

[0053] From the retracted position, the wing panels (13) rotate and thus vary their angle with the movable central panel (12). Such angle variation corresponds to a shift higher than 90° and lower than 180°, optionally lower than 135°, thereby forming an open U, when seen from a top view. Also from a top view, the ensemble formed by the movable central panel (12) and the opposing wing panels (13) is symmetrical. Such variation may be seen in the change in the position of the wing panels (13) from Figure 2 to Figure 4.

[0054] The movement of the movable central panel (12) may be simultaneous with the movement of the opposing wing panels (13) between the retracted and open positions. Such movement may be described in the following steps: the translation movement of the movable central panel (12) in relation to the fixed panel (11) is initiated, the movement of each of the opposing wing panels (13) is simultaneously initiated, such movement also being simultaneous with the translation movement of the movable central panel (12), both movements continue until the panels reach the respective (fully) open position or the (fully) retracted position.

[0055] To a movement of the movable central panel (12) from the open position towards the retracted position corresponds a movement of each of the opposing wing panels (13) from the open position towards the retracted position.

[0056] Accordingly, to a movement of the movable central panel (12) from the retracted position towards the open position corresponds a movement of each of the opposing wing panels (13) from the retracted position towards the open position.

[0057] In addition, as previously referred in relation to the first embodiment, in the sequence of Figures 1 to 5, the base panel (14) may be provided such that a movement from the retracted position to the open position of the assembly (10) may be described in the following steps: the rotation movement of the base panel (14) in relation to the movable central panel (12) is initiated, from the retracted position to the open position, the translation movement of the movable central panel (12) in relation to the fixed panel (11) is initiated after the previous movements have been initiated, from the retracted position to the open position, the movement of each of the opposing wing panels (13) is simultaneously or nearly simultaneously initiated, such movement also being simultaneous or nearlysimultaneous with the translation movement of the movable central panel (12), from the retracted position to the open position, the movements - rotation of the base panel (14), translation of the movable central panel (12) and rotation of the wing panels (13) - continue until such panels reach the respective (fully) open positions.

[0058] In addition, as previously referred in relation to the first embodiment, in the inverse sequence of Figures 1 to 5 (thus Figure 5 to Figure 1), the base panel (14) may be provided such that a movement from the open position to the retracted position of the assembly (10) may be described in the following steps: the translation movement of the movable central panel (12) in relation to the fixed panel (11) is initiated, from the open position to the retracted position, the movement of each of the opposing wing panels (13) is simultaneously or nearly simultaneously initiated, such movement also being simultaneous or nearly simultaneous with the translation movement of the movable central panel (12), from the open position to the retracted position, the rotation movement of the base panel (14) in relation to the movable central panel (12) is initiated after the previous movements have been initiated, from the retracted position to the open position, the movements - rotation of the base panel (14), translation of the movable central panel (12) and rotation of the wing panels (13) - continue until such panels reach the respective (fully) retracted positions.

[0059] Electronically controllable linear actuators (15) may be provided, particularly at least two, each being coupled to the movable central panel (12) and to one of the wing panels (13).

[0060] The actuation of the linear actuators (15) causes the respective wing panel (13) to move between the retracted and open positions. The movable central panel (12) translates in relation to the fixed panel (11) by being coupled between the movable central panel (12) and each wing panel (13), which rotates in relation to the movable central panel (12), each linear actuator (15) causes the respective wing panel (13) to rotate in relation to the movable central panel (12).

[0061] If the linear actuator (15) extends, then it pushes a wing panel (13) away from the movable central panel (12), thereby opening the wing panel (13).

[0062] If the linear actuator (15) retracts, then it pulls a wing panel (13) towards the movable central panel (12), thereby retracting the wing panel (13).

[0063] Moreover, electronically controllable linear actuators (15) may further provide the translation movement of the movable central panel (12) in relation to the fixed panel (11). Forinstance, two electronically controllable linear actuators (15) may be provided laterally in relation to the fixed panel (11), pushing or pulling the movable central panel (12) in relation to the fixed panel (11). The transition from Figure 2 to Figure 4 - with regard to the first embodiment - and from Figure 7 to Figure 8 - with regard to the second embodiment - show the operation of such electronically controllable linear actuators (15) which provide the translation movement of the movable central panel (12) in relation to the fixed panel (11).

[0064] If such linear actuator extends, then it pushes the movable central panel (12) away from the fixed panel (11), thereby opening the movable central panel (12).

[0065] If the linear actuator retracts, then it pulls the movable central panel (12) towards the fixed panel (11), thereby retracting the movable central panel (12).

[0066] In addition, and according to the first embodiment, a further electronically controllable linear actuator (15) may be coupled to the movable central panel (12) and to the base panel (14), thereby, when actuated, causing the base panel (14) to move between the retracted and open positions.

[0067] If such linear actuator (15) extends, then it pushes the base panel (14) away from the movable central panel (12), thereby opening the base panel (14).

[0068] If the linear actuator (15) retracts, then it pulls the base panel (14) towards the movable central panel (12), thereby retracting the base panel (14).

[0069] The linear actuators (15) may include or consist of a lift cylinder, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic lift cylinder.

[0070] The assembly (10) may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to issue commands which cause the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) to actuate the respective panels, such as the movable central panel (12), the base panel (14) and / or the opposing wing panels (13) to move.

[0071] The commands may include an opening electronic command and a closure electronic command. Such commands may be issued individually to the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) associated with the movement of each panel.

[0072] In the case of the opening electronic command, it causes i) each of the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) to actuate corresponding the opposing wing panel (13), ii) the movable central panel (12) to translate from the retracted to the open position and / or iii) the respective base panel (14) to move from the retracted to the open position.

[0073] In the case of the closure electronic command, it causes i) each of the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) to actuate the corresponding opposing wing panels (13) to move from the open to the retracted position, and ii) the movable central panel (12) to translatefrom the open to the retracted position and / or iii) the respective base panel (14) to move from the open to the retracted position.

[0074] In both cases, a further stop command may be issued. In such case, the actuation of the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) for the rotation of the wing panels (13), the translation of the movable central panel (12) and / or the rotation of the base panel (14) are stopped, and the movable central panel (12), the opposing wing panels (13) and / or the base panel (14) remain in the position in which they were when the stop command was issued.

[0075] In addition, a further start command may be issued. In such case, the actuation of the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) for the rotation of the wing panels (13), the translation of the movable central panel (12) and / or the rotation of the base panel (14) are restarted to the actuation and movement that were in course prior to the stop command being issued, and the movable central panel (12), the opposing wing panels (13) and / or the base panel (14) continue their prior movement, prior to the moment in which the stop command was issued.

[0076] Reference has been previously made to the presence of a base panel (14). The base panel (14) - or base surface - allows to, in conjunction with the wing panels (13) and the movable central panel (12), create an enclosed area (ea) for the for the collection of objects positioned in a way of a road, when such panels are in the respective open positions.

[0077] The base panel (14) thus enables the provision of an enclosed area (ea) in which the collected objects are provided. Thus, in such case, the objects are not directed by the vehicle on the road, i.e., they are securely collected by the base surfaces, without dragging the collected object on the road. This is particularly relevant for the case of bodies of dead animals, in which it is highly desirable that they are transported in a more careful manner.

[0078] In addition, the base panel (14) maintains the compactness and simplicity criteria of the present disclosure.

[0079] Such arrangement is presented in Figures 4 in relation to the first embodiment and 10 in relation to the second embodiment.

[0080] Debris (30) provided in the way of a road are thus collected from such way into the assembly (10) of the present disclosure, while a corresponding vehicle continues its travel through the road. The provision of the base panel (14) allows such collection, which would otherwise implicate the dragging of the debris (30) along the road.

[0081] According to the first embodiment, the base panel (14) is rotatably coupled to a lower side of the movable central panel (12), the base panel (14) being movable by rotation in relation to the movable central panel (12) between a retracted position and an open position such thati. an enclosed area (ea) is formed by the movable central panel (12), the two wing panels (13) and the base panel (14) when in open positions, and ii. when in the retracted position the base panel (14) is adjacent to the two opposing panels.

[0082] The movement of the base panel (14) is thus individually controllable.

[0083] The movable central panel (12) and the wing panels (13) are movable from the respective retracted positions to the respective open positions once the base panel (14) has initiated its movement towards the open position, the base panel (14) thereby further allowing to fully close the assembly (10), by embracing the movable central panel (12) and the wing panels (13) in their retracted positions.

[0084] Accordingly, the controller is configured to issue an opening electronic command which causes the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) to actuate the base panel (14) to move from the retracted to the open position, and to actuate the opposing wing panels (13) to move from the retracted to the open position and the movable central panel (12) from the retracted to the open position once the base panel (14) has initiated its movement towards the open position.

[0085] Correspondingly, the controller is configured to issue a closure electronic command which causes the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) to actuate the base panel (14) to move from the open to the retracted position, and to actuate the base panel (14) to move from the retracted position to the open position once the opposing wing panels (13) and the movable central panel (12) have initiated their movement towards the respective open positions.

[0086] According to the second embodiment, the base panel (14) comprises three sections or surfaces which include a two lateral base panel (14) sections and a central base panel (14) section. Each of the lateral base panel (14) sections is fixedly coupled to a lower side of a respective wing panel (13). Also, both lateral base panel (14) sections is rotatably coupled to the base panel (14).

[0087] Each of the sections is substantially perpendicularly provided to a corresponding (movable central or wing) panel, the central base panel (14) section being perpendicular to the movable central panel (12) and the each of the lateral base panel (14) sections being perpendicular to a corresponding wing panel (13).

[0088] The rotatable coupling between the lateral base panel (14) sections and the central base panel (14) section is such that when the wing panels (13) are in the retracted position the base panel (14) is also in a retracted position, extending below and behind the movable central panel (12), as represented in Figure 7.

[0089] Such rotatable coupling is such that when the wing panels (13) move from the retracted to the open positions, the lateral base panel (14) sections accompany such movement and cause the central base panel (14) section to translate, such that the open position of the base panel (14) is such that it is provided below and in front of the movable central panel (12), as represented in Figure 10.

[0090] Thus, according to the second embodiment, the base panel (14) is movable as a consequence of the rotation movement of the wing panels (13) in relation to the movable central panel (12).

[0091] The controller may be further configured to move the panels of the assembly (10) to perform a so called grab movement, in which they remain in a so called grab position. The grab position allows to better maintain debris (30) collected from the road into the assembly (10),

[0092] The controller is thus configured to move the wing panels (13) and the base panel (14) from the respective open positions to a grab position provided between the respective open and retracted positions, such that an object provided in the enclosed space is contacted by i. the movable central panel (12) and a wing panel (13), or ii. the movable central panel (12), the base panel (14) and a wing panel (13).

[0093] The grab position is a position between the open and retracted positions, and is reached from the open position, since debris (30) are collected when the assembly (10) is in the open position, i.e., when the panels are in the respective open positions. It may be reached by setting a predefined position of each panel - wing panels (13) and base panel (14) - between the open and retracted positions, wherein the predefined position is one in which it is expected that at least one of such panels will contact the debris (30), or by setting a predefined threshold. Such predefined threshold may correspond to an increase in the force applied to move the wing panels (13) and / or the base panel (14) which is obtained before such panels reach the retracted position, thereby being indicative that an object is being contacted, an object provided between the panel causing the increase and another panel, for instance the movable central panel (12).

[0094] According to the first embodiment, the controller may be further configured to move the base panel (14) to a so called transport position. The transport position, as the grab position, also allows to better maintain debris (30) collected from the road into the assembly (10).

[0095] When in the transport position, the base panel (14) is moved to a position in which it makes an angle lower than 90° with the movable central panel (12), optionally of 75° to 85°, optionally of 80° to 84, optionally of 83°.

[0096] As the grab position, the transport position is a position between the open and retracted positions, and is reached from the open position, since debris (30) are collected when theassembly (10) is in the open position, i.e., when the base panel (14) is in the respective open position.

[0097] In an embodiment, the translation movement of the movable panel from the retracted position to the open position, when the assembly (10) is installed on a vehicle, may be dependent of a measure of a distance to the ground below the vehicle, specifically the distance from a lower side of the movable panel to the ground below the vehicle. Such dependency of the translation movement may be such that, when in the open position, the lower side of the movable panel is at a predefined distance from the ground below the vehicle.

[0098] As the assembly (10) of the present disclosure may be installed in vehicles of different sizes, the height at which it is installed in a vehicle is variable. Therefore, the translation movement of the movable central panel (12) is correspondingly variable, as it depends of the referred height at which it is installed and of the predefined height. A distance measurement mechanism (16) may be provided to measure said a distance from a lower side of the movable panel to the ground below the vehicle, such distance measurement mechanism (16) comprising an inductor and a spring. The controller may be configured to obtained data from the distance measurement mechanism (16) and thereby control the translation movement of the movable central panel (12) towards the variable open position.

[0099] Regarding the movement of the movable central panel (12), linear guides (17) may be provided. The linear guides (17) are provided laterally as regards the fixed panel (11), wherein they may be regarded as being provided vertically. A bushing is associated with each of the linear guides (17), as represented in the figures. Such bushings are coupled to the movable central panel (12), and thus provide the translational movement of the movable central panel (12) in relation to the fixed panel (11).

[0100] In addition, each of the bushings may be coupled to one of the wing panels (13) by means of a connection tab. The bushing is rotatable in relation to a shaft of the linear guide. Thus, the connection tab allows that a wing panel (13) is connected to a bushing and still being rotatably coupled to the movable central panel (12).

[0101] The coupling of a connection tab to the movable central panel (12) is provided in the upper portion or side of the movable central panel (12), as represented in the figures. The same is applicable to the coupling of each connection tab to a wing panel (13), as represented in the figures.

[0102] The movable central panel (12) and the opposing wing panels (13) intend to capture and direct objects from the road.

[0103] In order to lessen an effect in the aerodynamics of the vehicle, the movable central panel (12) and the opposing wing panels (13) may be provided as a perforated panel or as a grid. Thefigures represent such panels as a grid. In the first embodiment, the base panel (14) may also be provided as a perforated panel or as a grid.

[0104] The same is applicable to the fixed panel (11).

[0105] In any of the panels, the perforated panel or grid may be metallic.

[0106] In relation to the connection to a vehicle, reinforcement bars (19) may be provided in parallel with the fixed panel (11), to provide higher resistance and stability to the fixed panel (11). The reinforcement bars (19) are provided along the face of the fixed panel (11) facing a vehicle to which it is mounted. The provision of the reinforcement bars (19) is along the longer side of the fixed panel (11), which may be considered horizontal, as provided in the figures.

[0107] Spacing bars (20) may also be provided, each of the spacing bars (20) being provided perpendicularly to and along a face of the fixed panel (11) which faces a vehicle to which it is mounted and providing the mounting of the fixed panel (11) to a vehicle. Spacing bars (20) may be fixed to a reinforcement bar and form a single body with the reinforcement bars (19).

[0108] The assembly (10) may be mounted on a frontal portion a vehicle such that, when the movable central panel (12) and the opposing wing panels (13) are in open positions, they are adjacent to a road below the vehicle and provide the removal of objects positioned in a way of a road, such as debris (30). The same is applicable when a base panel (14) is provided and in open position.

[0109] The assembly (10) may be further configured such that at least one of the fixed panel (11) or movable central panel (12), or at least one of the fixed panel (11), the movable central panel (12) or the opposing wing panels (13), or all the panels, contain a sensor and / or radar opening (24) wider than the width or diameter of the openings of the perforated panel or grid. Each of such wider openings is adapted to, when the assembly (10) is mounted on a vehicle, be provided in front of a sensor and / or radar provided in the vehicle.

[0110] According to the first embodiment, the base panel (14) may further comprise at least two wheels (23), each wheel being coupled to a side of the base panel (14). When the assembly (10) is in the open position and installed in a vehicle, the wheels (23) may contact the ground below the vehicle. The wheels (23) thereby allow to uniformly distribute the load of the assembly (10) provided in the base panel (14).

[0111] The assembly (10) may further comprise a clip (21) coupled to an upper side of the fixed panel (11). The clip (21) comprises a first section which extends perpendicularly from the upper side of the fixed panel (11) and a second section which extends perpendicularly from the first section, substantially in parallel with the fixed panel (11). When the assembly (10) is provided in the retracted position, the clip (21) allows to better secure the several adjacently provided and retracted panels.

[0112] The assembly (10) may further comprise a wear guard (26) which is jointly coupled to a side of the base panel (14), such that when the base panel (14) is in the open position, the wear guard faces the road below a vehicle to which the assembly (10) is coupled. The wear guard (10) may be a polymer wear guard (10) and may extend along the whole side of the base panel (14), thereby protecting the base panel (14), which could otherwise contact the road, from wear.

[0113] The assembly (10) may further comprise a camera (22), the camera (22) being configured to capture images from an area of the road right next to the front of the vehicle with lower visibility from the cabin, thereby capturing images of the road including an area enclosed by the movable central panel (12) and the opposing wing panels (13).

[0114] The assembly (10) may further comprise communication means, and the camera (22) may be configured to transfer said images to a local or remote controller through such communication means. The communication means may be cabled or wireless. The communication means may be such that the images are transferable to an image interface provided in the vehicle. The communication means may also be configured to transmit and receive information to and from the controller. The communication means may be configured to receive messages sent remotely, such messages containing commands, and to transmit such messages and / or commands to the controller, which implements such commands. The commands may consist of opening or closure electronic commands or start or stop commands.

[0115] Although the present disclosure is mainly described in terms of an assembly (10), electronic linear actuators or controllers, the skilled person understands that it is also directed to various devices or apparatuses, which may include one or more computational devices, with one or more wireless communication means.

[0116] The assembly (10) and the respective controller of the present disclosure may comprise one or more electronic or computational devices, having computational means, as well as electronic communication abilities.

[0117] The assembly (10) and the respective controller of the present disclosure may include components to perform at least some of the example features and features of the methods described, whether through hardware components (such as memory and / or processor), software or any combination thereof.

[0118] An article for use with the assembly (10) or the controller, such as a pre-recorded storage device or other similar computer-readable medium, including program instructions recorded on it, or a computer data signal carrying readable program instructions computer can direct a device to facilitate the implementation of the methods described herein. It is understood that such apparatus, articles of manufacture and computer data signals are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] A "computer-readable medium" means any medium that can store instructions for use or execution by a computer or other computing device, including read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or flash memory, random access memory (RAM), a portable floppy disk, a drive hard drive (HDD), a solid state storage device (for example, NAND flash or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), and / or an optical disc such as a Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or Blu-Ray ™ Disc.

[0120] As will be clear to one skilled in the art, the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, and a number of changes are possible which remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0121] Of course, the preferred embodiments shown above are combinable, in the different possible forms, being herein avoided the repetition all such combinations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An assembly (10) for the collection of objects positioned in a way of a road, such as debris (30), the assembly (10) comprising a fixed panel (11) mountable to a frontal portion a vehicle, a central panel movable in relation to the fixed panel (11) and thereby in relation to the vehicle between a retracted position and an open position, and a pair of opposing wing panels (13), each wing panel (13) being rotatably coupled to a side of the movable central panel (12) and movable between a retracted position and an open position, wherein the movable central panel (12) is adjacent to the fixed panel (11) when in the retracted position and away and parallel to the fixed panel (11) when in the open position, and movable by translation in relation to the fixed panel (11), each of the wing panels (13) is adjacent to the movable central panel (12) when in the retracted position and, from the retracted position to the open position, the variation in the angle it makes with the movable central panel (12) is higher than 90° and lower than 180°, optionally of 135°, and is movable by rotation in relation to the central fixed panel (11).

2. An assembly (10) according to the previous claim wherein it further comprises electronically controllable linear actuators (15), each linear actuator being coupled to the movable central panel (12) and to one of the wing panels (13), thereby, when actuated, causing the respective wing panel (13) to move between the retracted and open positions, optionally each of the linear actuators consisting of a lift cylinder, optionally a hydraulic or pneumatic lift cylinder.

3. An assembly (10) according to the previous claim further comprising a controller, the controller being configured to issue an opening electronic command, the opening electronic command causing the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) to actuate the opposing wing panels (13) to move from the retracted to the open position, and causing the movable central panel (12) to translate from the retracted to the open position, and a closure electronic command, the closure electronic command causing the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) to actuate the opposing wing panels (13) to move from the open to the retracted positions, and causing the movable central panel (12) to translate from the open to the retracted position.

4. An assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises a base panel (14) movable between a retracted position and an open position such that an enclosed area (ea) for the collection of objects positioned in a way of a road is formed by the movable central panel (12), the two wing panels (13) and the base panel (14), when in the respective open positions.

5. An assembly (10) according to the previous claim wherein the base panel (14) is rotatably coupled to a lower side of the movable central panel (12), the base panel (14) being movable by rotation in relation to the movable central panel (12) between a retracted position and an open position such that an enclosed area (ea) is formed by the movable central panel (12), the two wing panels (13) and the base panel (14) when in open positions, and when in the retracted position the base panel (14) is adjacent to the two opposing panels.

6. An assembly (10) according to the previous wherein the movable central panel (12) and the wing panels (13) are movable from the respective retracted positions to the respective open positions once the base panel (14) has initiated its movement towards the open position.

7. An assembly (10) according to any of the claims 4-6 when dependent of claim 2, wherein a further electronically controllable linear actuator (15) is coupled to the movable central panel (12) and to the base panel (14), thereby, when actuated, causing the base panel (14) to move between the retracted and open positions and, optionally, each of the electronically linear actuators consisting of a lift cylinder, optionally a hydraulic or pneumatic lift cylinder.

8. An assembly (10) according to any of the claims 4-7 when dependent of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to issue an opening electronic command, the opening electronic command causing the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) to actuate the base panel (14) to move from the retracted to the open position, and to actuate the opposing wing panels (13) to move from the retracted to the open position and the movable central panel (12) from the retracted to the open position once the base panel (14) has initiated its movement towards the open position, and a closure electronic command, the closure electronic command causing the electronically controllable linear actuators (15) to actuate the base panel (14) to movefrom the open to the retracted position, and to actuate the base panel (14) to move from the retracted position to the open position once the opposing wing panels (13) and the movable central panel (12) have initiated their movement towards the respective open positions.

9. An assembly (10) according to claim 3 and any of the claims 4-8 wherein the controller is further configured to move the wing panels (13) and the base panel (14) from the respective open positions to a grab position provided between the respective open and retracted positions, such that an object provided in the enclosed space is contacted by the movable central panel (12) and a wing panel (13), or the movable central panel (12), the base panel (14) and a wing panel (13).

10. An assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the translation movement of the movable panel from the retracted position to the open position, when the assembly (10) is installed on a vehicle, is dependent of a measure of a distance from a lower side of the movable panel to the ground below the vehicle, such that, when in the open position, such lower side of the movable panel is at a predefined distance from the ground below the vehicle.

11. An assembly (10) according to the previous claim wherein it further comprises a distance measurement mechanism (16) to measure of a distance from a lower side of the movable panel to the ground below the vehicle, such distance measurement mechanism (16) comprising an inductor and a spring.

12. An assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the movable central panel (12) is movable between the retracted and open positions simultaneously with the movement of each the wing panels (13) between the retracted and open positions.

13. An assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises two linear guides (17), each being provided in parallel with and along a lateral side of the fixed panel (11), the movable central panel (12) being coupled to a bushing of each of the linear guides (17).

14. An assembly (10) according to the previous claim wherein it further comprises two connection tabs (18), each of the connection tabs (18) connecting one of the bushings with a respective wing panel (13), each bushing thereby being rotatable in relation to a respective linearguide, optionally each of the connection tabs (18) being coupled to an upper portion of the movable central panel (12) and of the corresponding wing panel (13).

15. An assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein each of the movable central panel (12) and the opposing wing panels (13) have a main surface which is a perforated panel or a grid, optionally the perforated panel or grid being metallic and, optionally and when dependent of claim 4, the base panel (14) has a main surface which is a perforated panel or a grid.

16. An assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the fixed panel (11) has a main surface which is a perforated panel or a grid, optionally the perforated panel or grid being metallic.

17. An assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the movement of both of the wing panels (13) between the retracted and the open positions is initiated at the same time, such that they are provided adjacently when in retracted position.

18. An assembly (10) according to any of the claims 15-17 wherein it further comprises one or more reinforcement bars (19) provided in parallel with and along a face of the fixed panel (11) which faces a vehicle to which it is mounted, optionally along a longer side of the fixed panel (11).

19. An assembly (10) according to the previous claim wherein it further comprises a plurality of reinforcement bars (19) provided in parallel with and along a face of the fixed panel (11) which faces a vehicle to which it is mounted, optionally along a longer side of the fixed panel (11).

20. An assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises a plurality of spacing bars (20), each of the spacing bars (20) being provided perpendicularly to and along a face of the fixed panel (11) which faces a vehicle to which it is mounted and providing the mounting of the fixed panel (11) to a vehicle, the spacing bars (20) providing a spacing between the fixed panel (11) and a vehicle to which it is mounted, optionally the assembly (10) being according to claim 18 and the spacing bars (20) being jointly fixed to the reinforcement bars (19) and forming a single body.

21. Use of the assembly (10) of any of the preceding claims in a vehicle, the assembly (10) being mounted on a frontal portion a vehicle such that, when the movable central panel (12) and the opposing wing panels (13) are in open positions, they are adjacent to a road below the vehicle and provide the collection of objects positioned in a way of a road, such as debris (30).

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