EP3196361A1 - Snow-removal trailer - Google Patents

Abstract

Snow removal trailer (1) intended to be towed by a vehicle (2) with towing hitch, said snow removal trailer (1) comprising a frame (3) extending in a first direction (1-1) and comprising a blade for clearing snow (4, 5), and comprising at least one selectively steerable wheel (6a-6d) carrying the frame (3). The drawbar (8) of the trailer is pivotally articulated to the frame (3) of the trailer (1), and pivot means (10) selectively pivotally moves the trailer frame (3) relative to to the drawbar (8) and to fix the relative angular position of the trailer frame (3) and the drawbar (8) between a transport position and at least one clearing position.

Description

The present invention relates to the snow removal of road traffic lanes, and more particularly relates to a snow removal trailer intended to be towed by a towing hitch vehicle.

• un châssis s'allongeant selon une première direction et comportant une lame de déneigement,
• au moins une roue portant le châssis, ladite roue étant sélectivement orientable par des moyens d'orientation entre une première position, dans laquelle l'axe d'essieu autour duquel tourne la roue est perpendiculaire à la première direction, et au moins une deuxième position, dans laquelle l'axe d'essieu autour duquel tourne la roue fait un angle avec la première direction qui est différent de 90°,
• un timon d'attelage s'allongeant selon une deuxième direction entre des première et deuxième extrémités,
• à la première extrémité du timon d'attelage, des premiers moyens de connexion autorisant une liaison librement pivotante à l'attelage du véhicule tracteur autour d'une troisième direction sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan défini par la première direction et l'axe d'essieu autour duquel tourne ladite au moins une roue.

To simultaneously clear several lanes of a traffic lane using a single towing vehicle, a snow removal trailer is known as described in the document US 2006/0143952 A1 , comprising:

• a frame extending in a first direction and having a snow plow,
• at least one wheel carrying the frame, said wheel being selectively orientable by means of orientation between a first position, in which the axle axis about which the wheel rotates is perpendicular to the first direction, and at least a second position in which the axle axis around which the wheel rotates is at an angle to the first direction which is different from 90 °,
• a drawbar extending in a second direction between first and second ends,
• at the first end of the drawbar, first connecting means allowing a freely pivotable connection to the coupling of the towing vehicle around a third direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the axle axis around which turns the at least one wheel.

In this case, the snow removal trailer of the document US 2006/0143952 A1 has four wheels selectively orientable by means of orientation. When the wheels of the snow removal trailer are oriented so that their respective axle axis makes an angle with the first direction which is different from 90 °, the trailer frame pivots freely around the hitch of the towing vehicle.

During this pivoting of the trailer frame, it is necessary to prevent the snow plow carried by the trailer from striking the rear face of the towing vehicle. To do this, the document US 2006/0143952 A1 provides a drawbar of sufficient length so that the end of the snow plow closest to the towing vehicle can come to the side of the towing vehicle without coming into contact with it during the circular pivoting movement of the snow removal trailer.

It is thus possible to angularly orient the snow removal trailer even further away from the direction of progression of the towing vehicle, and thus to clear the snow lane over a greater width.

However, when the towing vehicle is also equipped with a snow plow, it is necessary to avoid a strip of snow between the blade of snow snow removal of the trailer and that of the towing vehicle. To do this, it is necessary to provide some overlap between the area swept by the snow plow of the trailer and the area swept by that of the towing vehicle. Since the end of the snow plow closest to the towing vehicle may be offset to the side of the towing vehicle when the snow removal trailer is swiveled, the towing vehicle shall be equipped with a blade extending in width beyond the towing vehicle and going far enough to the side of the towing vehicle to overlap the snow plow of the trailer. But this increase in the width of the snow plow of the towing vehicle is a hindrance to the handling of the towing vehicle.

The document US 2001/0023546 A1 describes a snow removal device intended to be towed by a vehicle. This device comprises a frame extending in a first direction between a first end and a second end. The first end of the chassis is provided with connection means allowing a freely pivotable connection to the coupling of the towing vehicle in a substantially horizontal plane. In the vicinity of the second end of the frame is suspended a snow plow orientable relative to the frame by pivoting about a substantially vertical direction and centered on the longitudinal center axis of the frame. The blade is immobilized in pivoting by rods engaged in holes. The embodiment described in FIGS. 12 and 13 more particularly makes it possible to clear snow from the side of a road bordered by a ditch by avoiding driving the towing vehicle close to the edge of the road in order to limit the risk of tipping over. accident of the towing vehicle in the ditch. To do this, it is planned to immobilize the freely pivotable connection to the coupling of the towing vehicle by rods engaged in holes. The chassis is then oriented obliquely and fixed with respect to the direction of advance of the towing vehicle, the blade then being offset laterally with respect to the towing vehicle, but without rapid retraction capability, in particular to avoid an obstacle.

A problem proposed by the present invention is to design a snow removal trailer intended to be towed by a towing hitch vehicle, effectively limiting the risk of collision between the snow removal trailer and the towing vehicle.

Simultaneously, the present invention aims to allow the clearing of a wide area, without subsistence of a strip of snow between the snow plow of the trailer and the snow plow of the towing vehicle, while limiting the width required for the blade snow removal vehicle.

• un châssis s'allongeant selon une première direction et comportant une lame de déneigement,
• au moins une roue portant le châssis, l'essieu de ladite roue étant sélectivement orientable par des moyens d'orientation entre une première position, dans laquelle l'axe d'essieu autour duquel tourne la roue est perpendiculaire à la première direction, et au moins une deuxième position, dans laquelle l'axe d'essieu autour duquel tourne la roue fait un angle avec la première direction qui est différent de 90°,
• un timon d'attelage s'allongeant selon une deuxième direction entre des première et deuxième extrémités,
• à la première extrémité du timon d'attelage, des premiers moyens de connexion autorisant une liaison librement pivotante à l'attelage du véhicule tracteur autour d'une troisième direction sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan défini par la première direction et l'axe d'essieu autour duquel tourne ladite au moins une roue ; selon l'invention :
• à sa deuxième extrémité, le timon d'attelage est articulé au châssis à pivotement autour d'une quatrième direction sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan défini par la première direction et l'axe d'essieu autour duquel tourne ladite au moins une roue,
• des moyens de pivotement permettent de sélectivement déplacer à pivotement le châssis de remorque par rapport au timon d'attelage, et de fixer la position angulaire relative du châssis de remorque et du timon d'attelage, entre une position de transport, dans laquelle les première et deuxième directions sont sensiblement parallèles, et au moins une position de déneigement, dans laquelle les première et deuxième directions font un angle non nul entre elles.

To achieve these objects as well as others, the invention provides a snow removal trailer intended to be towed by a towing hitch vehicle, said snow removal trailer comprising:

• a frame extending in a first direction and having a snow plow,
• at least one wheel carrying the frame, the axle of said wheel being selectively orientable by means of orientation between a first position, in which the axle axis about which the wheel rotates is perpendicular to the first direction, and minus a second position, in which the axle axis around which the wheel rotates is at an angle to the first direction which is different from 90 °,
• a drawbar extending in a second direction between first and second ends,
• at the first end of the drawbar, first connecting means allowing a freely pivotable connection to the coupling of the towing vehicle around a third direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the axle axis around which turns said at least one wheel; according to the invention:
• at its second end, the drawbar is articulated to the frame pivotally about a fourth direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the axle axis around which the at least one wheel rotates,
• pivot means for selectively pivotally moving the trailer frame relative to the drawbar, and for securing the relative angular position of the trailer frame and the drawbar, between a transport position, in which the first and second directions are substantially parallel, and at least one snow clearing position, wherein the first and second directions form a non-zero angle therebetween.

With such a snow removal trailer, when the towing vehicle is traveling in a straight line while driving the pivoting means, it is possible to ensure that the drawbar remains aligned along the straight trajectory of the towing vehicle, whether in the rest position or in the position snow removal. The orientation of the snow plow is then by the relative pivoting of the frame of the trailer and the drawbar around the fourth direction. For the same angulation of the snow plow relative to the trajectory of the towing vehicle, the end closest to the towing vehicle of the snow plow of the trailer is closer to the side of the hitch and the towing vehicle, or even be maintained laterally behind the towing vehicle (that is, without going beyond the straight path beyond the width of the towing vehicle). The towing vehicle can thus be equipped with a smaller front snow plow, without a strip of snow remaining between the snow plow of the trailer and the snow plow of the towing vehicle.

And the articulation of the drawbar and the chassis can be used to circulate more easily with the trailer in turns or roundabouts.

Preferably, the pivoting means may comprise a first double-acting hydraulic cylinder, one end of which is fixed to the drawbar and the other end of which is fixed to the chassis, able to move the drawbar pivotally between its ends. transport and snow clearing positions, and to set the relative angular position of the trailer frame and the drawbar. The pivoting means and have a simple and robust structure, and are also very simple to control.

Advantageously, the snow removal trailer may comprise a drawbar locking bar having a fixed length, one end of which may be fixed to the drawbar and the other end of which may be fixed to the chassis to immobilize the drawbar of the drawbar. hitch and chassis in transport position.

The locking bar makes it possible to immobilize the drawbar in the transport position, to avoid any unwanted pivoting of the snow removal trailer in the event of a failure or an untimely urging of the pivoting means. For example, in the event of failure of the pivoting means following the use of the trailer for plowing snow, the drawbar and the frame can be brought back (manually for example) to the transport position, then locked in the transport position to allow the operator to safely tow the snow removal trailer to a maintenance center.

Preferably, the orientation means may comprise a second double-acting hydraulic cylinder, one end of which is fixed to the chassis and the other end of which is coupled to the axle axis around which the wheel rotates, capable of displacing the wheel. axle of the wheel between its first and second positions by pivoting about a pivot direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the axle axis of the wheel. The orientation means thus have a simple and robust structure, and are also very simple to control.

Advantageously, the snow removal trailer may comprise an immobilization bar in orientation, of fixed length, one end of which may be coupled to the axle axis around which the wheel rotates and the other end may to be fixed on the chassis, to immobilize in orientation the wheel in first position.

The immobilization bar in orientation makes it possible to immobilize in orientation the wheel in the first position, to avoid any untimely pivoting of the wheel in the event of failure of the orientation means. For example, in the event of failure of the orientation means following the use of the trailer for plowing the snow, the wheel can be brought back (manually for example) to the first position, then be immobilized in the first position to allow the operator safely tow the snow removal trailer to a service center.

Preferably, said at least one snow plow may be pivotally articulated on the frame and be displaceable, by displacement means, around a fifth direction substantially parallel to the first direction, between a rest position and a position of job.

The snow blade is thus retractable by a very simple movement to be mechanically made to come to the side of the frame of the snow removal trailer in the working position.

• la remorque de déneigement comporte au moins deux roues disposées de part et d'autre du châssis selon une direction transversale de châssis,
• en position de travail, l'arête de travail de la lame de déneigement est située, selon la quatrième direction, sensiblement au niveau de la zone de contact des roues avec la chaussée,
• en position de repos, l'arête de travail de la lame de déneigement est située plus haut que les roues selon la quatrième direction,
• en position de repos, la lame de déneigement est située au moins en partie au-dessus d'une roue disposée en première position.

Advantageously, it can be provided that:

• the snow removal trailer comprises at least two wheels arranged on either side of the chassis in a transverse chassis direction,
• in the working position, the working edge of the snow plow is located, in the fourth direction, substantially at the contact zone of the wheels with the roadway,
• in the rest position, the working edge of the snow plow is located higher than the wheels in the fourth direction,
• in the rest position, the snow plow is located at least partly above a wheel arranged in the first position.

The snow plow being located at least partly above the at least one wheel disposed in the first position, the risk of a collision between the snow plow in the rest position with an object beside which the snow removal trailer passes is reduced. And the working edge of the snow blade in the rest position being located higher than the wheels in the fourth direction, it is thus possible to give the snow removal trailer a width little less than or equal to the maximum width authorized by the road regulations, so that it has an optimal lateral balance.

Preferably, the snow removal trailer may comprise locking means of the snow plow blade in the rest position. The means of locking enable the snow plow to be immobilized in the rest position and to avoid any inadvertent movement of the plow blade towards its working position, in particular when the towing vehicle is traveling with the drawbar and chassis aligned (transport position) for go to the site to clear snow or return. And in the event of failure of the means of displacement following the use of the trailer to clear snow, the snow plow can be brought back (manually for example) to the rest position, then be immobilized in the rest position to allow the operator to travel safely with the snow removal trailer.

Advantageously, the snow removal trailer may include a device for projecting a substance such as salt or sand, whose longitudinal position on the chassis is adjustable in translation in the first direction. The adjustment of the longitudinal position of the projection device on the chassis, as a function of the relative angular position of the trailer frame and the drawbar, makes it possible to position the projection device so that it distributes as well as possible on pavement the projected substance.

• la remorque de déneigement comporte plusieurs roues tournant chacune autour d'un axe d'essieu respectif,
• chaque essieu de roue est sélectivement orientable par les moyens d'orientation à pivotement autour d'une direction respective de pivotement sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan défini par la première direction et son axe d'essieu.

Preferably, it can be provided that:

• the snow removal trailer has a plurality of wheels each rotating about a respective axle axis,
• each wheel axle is selectively orientable by the pivoting means about a respective pivoting direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and its axle axis.

A plurality of wheels makes it possible to better balance the snow removal trailer and to better support its load, especially when it carries a device for projecting a substance such as salt or sand with a reservoir of salt or water. sand.

Advantageously, the orientation means and / or the pivoting means may be powered by at least one hydraulic pump carried by the frame. The snow removal trailer is thus provided with the means necessary to ensure the orientation of said at least one wheel and / or the relative pivoting of the frame and the drawbar. It can thus be used behind any towing vehicle when the driver is provided with remote control means for controlling the hydraulic pump.

Preferably, the snow removal trailer may comprise synchronized steering means orientation means and pivoting means. This avoids subjecting the orientation means and the pivoting means unnecessarily high forces when the trailer frame is relatively pivoted relative to the drawbar.

• les moyens d'orientation et les moyens de pivotement sont alimentés par un premier compresseur de fluide,
• les moyens de déplacement de la lame de déneigement sont alimentés par un deuxième compresseur de fluide.

Advantageously, it can be provided that:

• the orientation means and the pivoting means are powered by a first fluid compressor,
• the means for moving the snow plow are fed by a second fluid compressor.

• un rétrécissement ou un élargissement de la voie, nécessitant un déplacement du châssis de remorque par rapport au timon d'attelage sans que cela nécessite d'interrompre le déblaiement de la neige avec la lame de déneigement,
• l'évitement d'un obstacle indésirable pour la lame mais pouvant passer sous la remorque de déneigement, nécessitant un déplacement de la lame de déneigement vers sa position de repos sans que cela nécessite un déplacement relatif du châssis de remorque par rapport au timon d'attelage.

The orientation means and the pivoting means are thus controllable independently of the snow plow, which allows the operator to more easily adapt the trailer to the various circumstances it may encounter, among which may include:

• a narrowing or widening of the track, necessitating a displacement of the trailer frame relative to the drawbar without this necessitating stopping the clearing of the snow with the snow plow,
• the avoidance of an undesirable obstacle for the blade but which can pass under the snow removal trailer, requiring a displacement of the snow blade to its rest position without this requiring a relative displacement of the trailer frame relative to the drawbar of coupling.

In this case, it can preferably be provided that the first and second fluid compressors are part of a single double hydraulic pump, which is more compact and more economical.

Preferably, the snow removal trailer may comprise safety means capable of simultaneously controlling the displacement of the drawbar to its transport position, the displacement of the wheel to its first position, and the movement of the snow plow towards its position. rest position. Such means are particularly useful in the case of an emergency (such as an obstacle for example) requiring rapid recall of the snow removal trailer in position behind the towing vehicle and the removal of the snow plow.

• la figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'un mode de réalisation particulier de remorque de déneigement selon l'invention, tractée par un véhicule à attelage de remorquage, ladite remorque de déneigement étant en position de transport, et la lame de déneigement étant en position de repos ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté de la remorque de déneigement et du véhicule tracteur de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de détails et de dessus de la remorque de la figure 1, en l'absence d'un dispositif de projection d'une substance telle que du sel ou du sable ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de dessus de la remorque de déneigement et du véhicule tracteur de la figure 1, ladite remorque de déneigement étant en position de déneigement et la lame de déneigement étant en position de travail ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de côté de la remorque de déneigement et du véhicule tracteur de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de détails et de dessus de la remorque de la figure 5, en l'absence d'un dispositif de projection d'une substance telle que du sel ou du sable ;
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique du châssis de remorque montrant un exemple de structure permettant de faire pivoter les roues de la remorque ;
• la figure 8 est une vue partielle de détails et de dessus de la remorque de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective illustrant des moyens de verrouillage de la lame de déneigement en position de repos ; et
• la figure 10 est un schéma d'un exemple de circuit hydraulique permettant de piloter la remorque de la figure 1.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

• the figure 1 is a top view of a particular embodiment of snow removal trailer according to the invention, towed by a towing hitch vehicle, said snow removal trailer being in the transport position, and the snow plow blade being in the rest position ;
• the figure 2 is a side view of the snow removal trailer and towing vehicle of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a detail and top view of the trailer of the figure 1 in the absence of a projection device of a substance such as salt or sand;
• the figure 4 is a top view of the snow removal trailer and towing vehicle of the figure 1 , said snow removal trailer being in the snow removal position and the snow plow blade being in the working position;
• the figure 5 is a side view of the snow removal trailer and towing vehicle of the figure 4 ;
• the figure 6 is a detail and top view of the trailer of the figure 5 in the absence of a projection device of a substance such as salt or sand;
• the figure 7 is a schematic view of the trailer frame showing an exemplary structure for pivoting the wheels of the trailer;
• the figure 8 is a partial view of details and top of the trailer of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating locking means of the snow plow blade in the rest position; and
• the figure 10 is a diagram of an example of a hydraulic circuit for driving the trailer of the figure 1 .

On the Figures 1 to 9 is illustrated a particular embodiment of snow removal trailer 1 according to the invention, intended to be towed by a vehicle 2 towing hitch.

We see more particularly the figures 3 and 6 that the snow removal trailer 1 comprises a frame 3 extending in a first direction II and comprising two snow plows 4 and 5. The frame 3 supports the various bodies of the snow removal trailer 1.

Four wheels 6a to 6d carry the chassis 3 by resting on the ground, said wheels 6a to 6d being selectively orientable by means of orientation 7 between a first position ( figure 3 ), in which the axle axes 7a to 7d around which the wheels 6a to 6d rotate are perpendicular to the first direction II, and at least one second position ( figure 6 ), in which the axle axes 7a to 7d around which the wheels 6a to 6d rotate make an angle A with the first direction II which is different from 90 °.

A drawbar 8 extends along a second direction II-II between first and second ends 8a and 8b. At the first end 8a of the drawbar 8, first connection means 9 (a simple ring in this case) allow a freely pivotable connection to the hitch of the vehicle 2 tractor around a third direction III-III substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction II and the axle axes 7a to 7d around which turn said wheels 6a to 6d.

At its second end 8b, the drawbar 8 is articulated to the frame 3 to pivot about a fourth direction IV-IV substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction II and axle axes 7a to 7d around which turn said wheels 6a to 6d. Pivoting means 10 selectively pivotally move the trailer frame 3 relative to the drawbar 8 and to fix the relative angular position of the trailer frame 3 and the drawbar 8 between a transport position. ( figure 3 ), in which the first and second directions II and II-II are substantially parallel, and at least one snow removal position ( figure 6 ), in which the first and second directions II and II-II make a non-zero angle B between them (about 30 ° here).

We see more particularly on the figure 8 that the pivoting means 10 comprise a first double-acting hydraulic cylinder 11, one end 11a of which is fixed (pivotally) to the drawbar 8 and the other end 11b of which is fixed (pivotally) to the chassis 3 The first hydraulic cylinder 11 is able to move the drawbar 8 between its transport positions ( figure 3 ) and snow removal ( figure 6 ), and to fix the relative angular position of the trailer frame 3 and the drawbar 8 (angle B may for example vary between about 0 ° and about 50 °).

Starting from the illustrated transport position on the figures 3 and 8 when the first hydraulic cylinder 11 is powered to extend its rod 12, the first hydraulic cylinder 11 pivotally moves the chassis 3 relative to the drawbar 8 to a snow removal position ( figure 6 ). Once reached a suitable snow removal position of predetermined angle B or deemed satisfactory by the operator, the supply of the first hydraulic cylinder 11 is interrupted. The first double-acting hydraulic cylinder 11 then maintains the relative angular position of the chassis 3 and the drawbar 8. When the first hydraulic cylinder 11 is energized so as to retract its rod 12, the first hydraulic cylinder 11 moves the chassis 3 with respect to the drawbar to its transport position ( figures 3 and 8 ).

Always on figures 3 , 6 and 8 it can be seen that the snow removal trailer 1 comprises a drawbar locking bar 13 having a fixed length. The end 13a of the drawbar locking bar 13 is pivotally attached to the frame 3 while its other end 13b can be fixed either on the chassis 3 or on the drawbar 8. When the ends 13a and 13b are respectively fixed to the frame 3 and the drawbar 8, the drawbar locking bar 13 fixes the angular position of the frame 3 and the drawbar of hitch 8 so that the latter is in the transport position (first and second parallel directions II and II-II).

The drawbar locking bar 13 thus makes it possible to immobilize the drawbar 8 and the chassis 3 in the transport position, either in case of failure of the first hydraulic cylinder 11, or as a safety locking device during passive driving without snow removal.

When it is desired to relatively move the frame 3 and the drawbar 8 to a clearing position, the end 13b of the drawbar 8 is detached beforehand and the drawbar locking bar 13 is pivoted into the position of illustrated storage in broken lines on the figure 8 .

On the figure 8 it can be seen that the orientation means 7 comprise a second double-acting hydraulic jack 14, which is more particularly visible on the schematic representation of the figure 7 . One end 14a of the second hydraulic cylinder 14 is fixed (pivotally) to the chassis 3 while its other end 14b is coupled to the axle axes 7a to 7d around which the wheels 6a to 6d rotate. The second hydraulic jack 14 is able to move the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d between a first position ( figures 3 and 8 ) and a second position ( figure 6 ) by pivoting about the pivot directions Va-Va, Vb-Vb, Vc-Vc and Vd-Vd substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction II and the axle axes 7a to 7d of the wheels 6a to 6d.

Starting from the first position of the wheels 6a to 6d illustrated on the figure 7 when the second hydraulic cylinder 14 is supplied with fluid so as to pull out its rod 15, this causes a pivoting of the eccentric member 16 around the axial direction VI-VI (as illustrated by the arrow 17). The pivoting of the eccentric member 16 is communicated to a pivoting member 18 with opposing arms 18a and 18b which are coupled by two rods 19a and 19b to the axles of the wheels 6a and 6c, which axles then pivot respectively about their pivoting directions. Va-Va and Vc-Vc as illustrated by arrows 20a and 20b. The axle of the wheel 6a is also coupled to the axle of the wheel 6b by means of a rod 21a while the axle of the wheel 6c is coupled to the axle of the wheel 6d by the intermediate of a rod 21 b. In this way, the pivoting of the axles of the wheels 6a and 6c around the pivoting directions Va-Va and Vc-Vc simultaneously causes the respective pivoting of the wheels 6b and 6d around their pivoting directions Vb-Vb and Vd-Vd. We understand that the cylinder Hydraulic 14 makes it possible to simultaneously pivot the axles of the four wheels 6a to 6d in the second position while continuously maintaining the axle shafts 7a to 7d parallel to one another.

Inverse operation of the second hydraulic cylinder 14 (removal of the rod 15) makes it possible to simultaneously move the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d from a second position to their first position.

To prevent any failure of the second hydraulic cylinder 14 which can lead to an unwanted displacement of the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d from their first position ( figures 3 and 7 ) to a second position ( figure 6 ), there are provided immobilization bars in orientation 22a to 22d ( figure 3 ) having fixed lengths. The immobilizing bar 22a is more particularly visible on the figure 8 . This has an end 221a which can be selectively coupled to either the axle axis 7a around which the wheel 6a rotates to immobilize in orientation the wheel 6a in the first position, or the chassis 3, while its other end 222a is articulated on the chassis 3. Note that when the four axles of the wheels 6a to 6d are pivotally coupled together as on the figure 7 a single immobilization bar in orientation 22a, 22b, 22c or 22d is required. For greater security, however, it is still possible to prefer four immobilization bars in orientation 22a to 22d as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 .

We see more particularly the figures 3 and 6 that the snow plow blades 4 and 5 are pivotally articulated on the frame 3 and movable by displacement means 23 (with hydraulic cylinder 24 and 25) around a fifth direction VII-VII substantially parallel to the first direction II between a rest position ( figures 2 and 3 ) and a working position ( figures 5 and 6 ). In the working position, the snow plowing blades 4 and 5 are arranged on the side of the frame 3 of the snow removal trailer 1.

We see more particularly the figures 3 and 6 that the snow removal trailer 1 comprises wheels 6a and 6d on the one hand and wheels 6b and 6c on the other hand, disposed on either side of the chassis 3 in a transverse chassis direction VIII-VIII (which is perpendicular at the first direction II and parallel to the plane defined by the first direction II and the axle axes 7a to 7d around which the wheels 6a to 6d rotate).

We see on the figure 5 that, in the working position, the working edges (lower edges) of the snow plowing blades 4 and 5 are located, in the fourth direction IV-IV, substantially at the level of the contact zone of the wheels 6a to 6d with the roadway C We see on the figure 2 in the rest position, the working edges (lower edges) of the snow plow 4 and 5 are located higher than the wheels 6a to 6d in the fourth direction. And we also see on the figure 3 that, in the rest position, the snow plow blades 4 and 5 are located, in the transverse frame direction VIII-VIII, at least partly above the wheels 6b and 6c arranged in the first position.

The snow plowing blades 4 and 5 are held at the end of arms 26, which are more particularly visible on the figure 6 . The figure 9 is a detail view showing one of these arms pivotally articulated on the frame 3 about an axial direction IX-IX. On this figure 9 , the snow blade 4 or 5 is in the rest position. To allow movement of the snow blade 4 or 5 in the working position, the arm 26 must pivot about the axial direction IX-IX according to the movement illustrated by the arrow 27. The locking means 28 may selectively oppose such a movement and immobilize the snow plow 4 or 5 in the rest position. In this case, the locking means 28 comprise a hydraulic cylinder 29a or 29b whose rod 30 is in a projecting position on the figure 9 to lock the arm 26 (and thus the snow plow 4 or 5) in the rest position.

In order to allow a movement of the snow plow 4 or 5 from its rest position to its working position, it is necessary to move the rod 30 in the retracted position according to the movement illustrated by the arrow 31, so as to release the movement pivoting arm 26 about the axial direction IX-IX.

It should be noted that, as an alternative to hydraulic cylinders 29a and 29b, it is possible to use simple mechanical pins intended to be installed or removed manually by an operator.

In the embodiment illustrated on the figures 1 and 4 , the snow removal trailer 1 is provided with a reservoir 32 of a medium such as salt or sand. This salt and sand are intended to be selectively spread on the roadway C by means of a projection device 33. By comparison between the figures 1 and 4 it is observed that the longitudinal position of the projection device 33 on the frame 3 is adjustable in translation along the first direction II (as illustrated by the double arrow 34).

On the figure 6 it is observed that the orientation means 7 and / or the pivoting means 10 comprise at least one hydraulic pump 35 carried by the frame 3.

An example of a hydraulic diagram allowing the use of the snow removal trailer 1 is illustrated on the figure 10 .

In this figure, there are the first hydraulic cylinder 11 double acting and the second hydraulic cylinder 14 double effect, which are fed simultaneously by a flow divider 36 fed by a first hydraulic distributor 37 (solenoid valve type for example) receiving a pressurized fluid of a first fluid compressor 38. The flow divider 36 and the first hydraulic distributor 37 constitute synchronized control means for the orientation means 6 and the pivoting means 10.

On the diagram of the figure 10 , there is also a second fluid compressor 39, for transmitting a fluid under pressure to a second hydraulic distributor 40 disposed in series with a third hydraulic distributor 41, and a fourth hydraulic distributor 42. The second hydraulic distributor 40 can supply the hydraulic cylinders 29a and 29b double acting locking means 28 of the snow plow blades 4 and 5. The double-acting hydraulic cylinder 29a can immobilize in the rest position the snow plow 4, while the hydraulic cylinder 29b double effect allows to immobilize in the rest position the snow plow 5.

The third hydraulic distributor 41 is used to feed the hydraulic cylinders 24 and 25, the rod output (to bring the snow plows 4 and 5 into the working position) is synchronized by a flow divider 44. The displacement means 23 of the snow plowing blades 4 and 5 are thus fed by the second fluid compressor 39.

The chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 11, 14, 29a and 29b are fed via hydraulically actuated devices 43 with non-return valves.

We see more particularly on the figure 10 that the first and second fluid compressors 38 and 39 are part of a single double hydraulic pump 35 comprising a single motor M.

When the circumstances so require, the safety means may be actuated by the user to control simultaneously the displacement of the drawbar 8 to its transport position and the displacement of the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d towards their first position, as well as moving the snow plowing blades 4 and 5 to their rest position. To do this, the security means comprise a single control button 46 for simultaneously controlling the first and third hydraulic distributors 37 and 41 to move them in their position "B". This causes a supply of the hydraulic cylinders 11, 14, 29a and 29b so as to retract their rods.

The fourth hydraulic distributor 42 allows to leave the snow plows 4 and 5 in contact with the roadway C by the sole effect of their own weight (so-called "floating" blades).

The use of the snow removal trailer 1 will now be explained using the figures 1 and 4 . The snow removal trailer 1 is towed by the towing vehicle 2 which is initially in the position illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , with the drawbar 8 in the transport position and the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d in the first position.

When the operator wishes to proceed with the snow removal to a width greater than that which the snow blade 47 of his towing vehicle 2 authorizes him, he actuates the pivoting means 10 to relatively move the frame 3 and the drawbar 8 towards a position of snow removal. as illustrated on the figure 4 . Simultaneously, the orientation means 7 control the displacement of the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d from their first position ( figure 1 ) to a second position ( figure 4 ). Simultaneously or after displacement of the drawbar 8 and the chassis 3 from their transport position to their snow removal position, the snow plowing blades 4 and 5 are released by the locking means 28, and the hydraulic cylinders 24 and 25 move the latter into position. working position.

When the hydraulic pump 35 doubles with its first and second compressors 38 and 39 stops feeding the first and second hydraulic cylinders 11 and 14, the latter maintain the drawbar 8 and the chassis 3 in the snow removal position and the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d in second position. During their progression on the roadway C according to the movement illustrated by the arrow 48, the towing vehicle 2 and the snow removal trailer 1 sweep a zone of increased width L, making it possible to clear more than one lane. The end 4a of the snow plow 4 does not abut against the tractor vehicle 2 and deviates little laterally of the hitch of the vehicle 2, ensuring a good coverage R areas swept by the snow plows 47 and 4. The end 4a can even be located behind the rear face of the vehicle 2, so that an even smaller blade 47 can be used.

During the clearing of the roadway C, the wheels 6a to 6d hold the chassis 3 of the snow removal trailer 1 oblique with respect to the direction of progression of the tractor vehicle 2.

The first connecting means 9 at the first end 8a of the drawbar 8 permanently ensure a freely pivotable connection to the coupling of the tractor vehicle 2 around a third direction III-III. So, if the snow removal trailer 1 comes to meet an unforeseen obstacle, the risks of deterioration of the vehicle 2 tractor and its hitch 8 are reduced.

When the tractor vehicle 2 and the snow removal trailer 1 sweep a road C bordered by a ditch (sometimes visually imperceptible because of the snow filling it), the zone of increased width L makes it possible to clear the edge of the roadway satisfactorily. C (and even beyond) without having to drive the tractor vehicle 2 close to the ditch. This limits accidents by tilting the tractor vehicle 2 in the ditch along the roadway C.

The longitudinal position of the projection device 33 is adjusted along the first direction II so that it remains close to the center of the roadway C, in order to distribute, as evenly as possible, the salt or the sand coming from the reservoir 32 carried by the snow removal trailer 1.

Once the snow removal operations are completed, the orientation means 7 and the pivoting means 10 bring the chassis 3 and the drawbar 8 back to their transport position, as well as the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d in the first position. Before or simultaneously, the moving means bring the snow plowing blades 4 and 5 from their working position to their rest position. Once the snow plows in the rest position, the locking means 28 immobilize them in the rest position.

For safety, before returning to the garage, the operator can immobilize the drawbar 8 on the chassis 3 in the transport position using the drawbar locking bar 13, and immobilize the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d in first position using one or more immobilization bars in orientation 22a to 22d.

It should be noted that the articulated frame trailer 3 and drawbar trailer 8 according to the invention can be provided with, instead of and instead of a snow plow 4 or 5, cleaning means (such as sweeping brushes). example, rotary or fixed, and / or fluid projection means (s)) of the floor C. The same is true for the towing vehicle 2, the snow blade 47 can be replaced by cleaning means. An independent protection by patent can thus be sought for such a trailer for cleaning the roadway. Said cleaning trailer is then movable between a transport position and a scanning position.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variants and generalizations thereof within the scope of the claims below.

Claims (15)

Snow removal trailer (1) intended to be towed by a vehicle (2) with a towing hitch, said snow removal trailer (1) comprising: a frame (3) extending in a first direction (II) and comprising a snow plow (4, 5), - at least one wheel (6a, 6b) carrying the frame (3), the axle of said wheel (6a-6d) being selectively orientable by means of orientation (7) between a first position, in which the axis axle (7a-7d) about which the wheel (6a-6d) rotates is perpendicular to the first direction (II), and at least a second position, in which the axle axis (7a-7d) around which turns the wheel (6a-6d) at an angle (A) with the first direction (II) which is different from 90 °, - a drawbar (8) extending in a second direction (II-II) between first (8a) and second (8b) ends, - at the first end (8a) of the drawbar (8), first connection means (9) allowing a freely pivotable connection to the coupling of the tractor vehicle (2) around a third direction (III-III) ) substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction (II) and the axle axis (7a-7d) around which the at least one wheel (6a-6d) rotates, characterized in that - At its second end (8b), the drawbar (8) is articulated to the frame (3) to pivot about a fourth direction (IV-IV) substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction (II) and the axle axis (7a-7d) around which the at least one wheel (6a-6d) rotates, - Pivoting means (10) selectively pivotally move the trailer frame (3) with respect to the drawbar (8), and fix the relative angular position of the trailer frame (3) ( 1) and the drawbar (8), between a transport position, in which the first (II) and second (II-II) directions are substantially parallel, and at least one snow clearing position, in which the first (II) II) and second (II-II) directions make an angle (B) nonzero between them. Snow removal trailer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivoting means (10) comprise a first double-acting hydraulic cylinder (11), one end (11a) of which is fixed to the drawbar (8) and whose other end (11b) is fixed on the chassis (3), able to pivotally move the drawbar (8) and the chassis (3) between their positions of transport and snow removal, and adapted to set the relative angular position of the chassis (3) trailer (1) and the drawbar (8). Snow removal trailer (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a drawbar locking bar (13) having a fixed length, one end (13b) of which can be fixed on the drawbar coupling (8) and whose other end (13a) can be fixed to the frame (3) to immobilize the drawbar (8) on the frame (3) in the transport position. Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the orientation means (7) comprise a second hydraulic cylinder (14) double effect whose one end is fixed on the frame (3) and whose other end is coupled to the axle axis (7a-7d) around which the wheel (6a-6d) rotates, adapted to move the axle of the wheel (6a-6d) between its first and second pivotal positions about a pivot direction (Va-Va; Vb-Vb; Vc-Vc; Vd-Vd) substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the axle axis (7a-7d) of the wheel (6a-6d). Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises an immobilization bar in orientation (22a-22d) of fixed length, one end (221 a) of which can be coupled to the axle axis (7a-7d) around which the wheel (6a-6d) rotates and whose other end (222a) can be fixed to the frame (3), to immobilize in orientation the wheel (6a -6d) in first position. Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one snow plow (4, 5) is pivotally articulated on the frame (3) and displaceable, by means of displacement (23), around a fifth (VII-VII) direction substantially parallel to the first (II) direction, between a rest position and a working position. Snow removal trailer (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that : it comprises at least two wheels (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) arranged on either side of the chassis (3) in a transverse chassis direction (VIII-VIII), - In working position, the working edge of the snow plow (4, 5) is located, in the fourth direction (IV-IV), substantially at the contact zone of the wheels (6a-6d) with the roadway (C), - in the rest position, the working edge of the snow plow (4, 5) is located higher than the wheels (6a-6d) in the fourth direction (IV-IV), - In the rest position, the snow plow (4, 5) is located at least partly above a wheel (6a-6d) disposed in the first position. Snow removal trailer (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises means (28) for locking the snow plow (4, 5) in the rest position. Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a salt or sand spraying device (33) whose longitudinal position on the chassis (3) is adjustable in translation in the first direction (II). Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that : it comprises a plurality of wheels (6a-6d) each rotating about a respective axle axis (7a-7d), each wheel axle (6a-6d) is selectively orientable by the pivoting means (7) about a respective pivoting direction (Va-Va, Vb-Vb, Vc-Vc, Vd-Vd) substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction (II) and its axle axis (7a-7d). Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the orientation means (7) and / or the pivoting means (10) are powered by at least one hydraulic pump (35) carried by the frame (3). Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises synchronized control means orientation means (7) and pivot means (10). Snow removal trailer (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that : the orientation means (7) and the pivoting means (10) are fed by a first fluid compressor (38), - The displacement means (23) of the snow plow (4, 5) are fed by a second fluid compressor (39). Snow removal trailer (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the first (38) and second (39) fluid compressors are part of a single double hydraulic pump (35). Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises safety means able to simultaneously control the displacement of the drawbar (8) and the chassis (3) towards their transport position, moving the wheel (6a-6d) to its first position, and moving the snow plow (4-5) to its rest position.

Images