FR3161150A1 - ROLLING EQUIPMENT CARRIER ON THE GROUND AND ROLLING EQUIPMENT CARRIER ASSEMBLY – EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

GROUND-MOUNTED EQUIPMENT CARRIER AND EQUIPMENT CARRIER MOBILE UNIT

The present invention relates to a rolling equipment carrier adapted to receive a machine whose working height relative to the ground can be varied and which can be rotated in a plane perpendicular to the carrier's line of travel. The present invention also relates to a rolling assembly consisting of the equipment carrier on which a machine is mounted, which may, for example, be a device for depositing a layer of material on the ground.

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

This patent describes a rolling device that allows the working height of a machine for depositing bulk material on the ground to be adjusted.

It might be interesting to have a device that is adaptable to other machines in addition to a machine for depositing bulk material on the ground and whose height relative to the ground we want to vary.

The applicant company sought to improve the device described in the patent cited above so that it could be used with a variety of different machines. However, it is essential that it be easy to change machines and that this adaptability not compromise the machine's height adjustment relative to the ground.

Thus, the applicant company has developed a machinery carrier comprising a coupling assembly with a drawbar and a implement attachment mechanism, which carries an axle mounted in a slide on the carrier's chassis. The drawbar is associated with height adjustment means mounted on the carrier.

Thus, the coupling mechanism can accommodate a wide variety of equipment equipped with a suitable coupling device. Furthermore, the interaction between the coupling assembly's axle and the slide mounted on the chassis of the equipment carrier allows for better control of the height adjustment of the drawbar's height adjustment mechanisms, and ultimately, the height of the equipment carried by the coupling assembly.

This arrangement also allows the center of gravity of the assembly formed by the equipment carrier and the equipment to be moved towards the rear, which makes it easier to move a load carried by the equipment.

1. un ensemble porteur et tracteur déplaçable en étant monté sur deux roues motrices ;
2. deux vérins montés chacun sur ledit ensemble porteur et tracteur, associés chacun à une roue motrice et commandés indépendamment l’un de l’autre ;
3. des organes de commande des vérins ;
4. une glissière disposée de façon centrale entre les deux vérins et se situant dans le plan de ceux-ci ;
5. un ensemble d’attelage constitué par:

• une barre d’attelage montée perpendiculairement à la ligne d’avance du porte-engin, réunissant les vérins par leurs extrémités ; et
• un organe d’accrochage de l’engin sur le porte-engin, lequel porte un axe monté de façon à pénétrer dans la glissière perpendiculairement à la ligne moyenne de celle-ci et à se déplacer le long de cette dernière en restant toujours dans sa position perpendiculaire.

To this end, the invention relates to a rolling equipment carrier on the ground, suitable for receiving a machine whose working height relative to the ground can be varied and which can be rotated in a plane perpendicular to the carrier's line of advance, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

1. a carrier and tractor unit that can be moved by being mounted on two drive wheels;
2. two jacks each mounted on said carrier and tractor assembly, each associated with a drive wheel and controlled independently of each other;
3. control components for the cylinders;
4. a slide positioned centrally between the two cylinders and located in the plane of them;
5. a coupling assembly consisting of:

• a drawbar mounted perpendicular to the forward line of the equipment carrier, joining the cylinders at their ends; and
• a device for attaching the machine to the machine carrier, which carries an axle mounted so as to enter the slide perpendicularly to its average line and to move along the latter while always remaining in its perpendicular position.

The carrier and tractor unit can consist of a chassis supporting a drive axle to which the drive wheels are coupled, two lateral arms being carried by the chassis, said arms being directed towards the rear if the coupling assembly is considered as forming the front part of the rolling equipment carrier, each of said arms being, at its end opposite the chassis, articulated to a lateral arm of a handlebar assembly, the two arms being joined by an upper bar having a handle for controlling the forward/reverse movement of the equipment carrier.

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

Each cylinder can be mounted inclined forwards and downwards if one considers the forward direction of the equipment carrier.

Each cylinder can be positioned outside its associated wheel.

The chassis can support a free-spinning rear wheel, which is capable of rolling on the ground to facilitate the movement of the equipment carrier.

The attachment device of the machine may be in the shape of an inverted V, the arms of which are fixed by their ends to the drawbar, the axle carried by the attachment device being mounted inside the V, near its point.

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

The slide may have a U-shape with arms folded inwards and the shaft carried by the hooking member has at its free end a first collar which is received inside the slide in order to prevent the shaft from coming out of the slide by the first collar butting against the folds inwards of the slide, and that the shaft has a second collar parallel to the first collar which, in the mounting position, comes to be placed above the folds inwards of the slide, to ensure good guidance of the shaft inside the slide, at least the part of the shaft between the two collars being cylindrical, blocks promoting sliding being advantageously arranged in the space formed by the two collars and the shaft and carried by the folds inwards of the slide.

The equipment carrier may also include, in anticipation of the equipment, components suitable for use in the operation of the equipment once it is mounted on the equipment carrier.

The present invention also relates to a rolling assembly of equipment carrier – equipment, characterized by the fact that the equipment carrier is as defined above, and that the equipment has a rear face, if we consider the direction of advance of the assembly, which rear face has a means suitable for cooperating with the attachment element of the equipment carrier to ensure the attachment of the latter.

When the attachment device of the equipment carrier is in the shape of an inverted V as defined above, the means suitable for cooperating with the attachment device of the equipment carrier may consist of a cap that applies itself to the tip part of the inverted V forming this attachment device.

The device may consist of a distribution and spreading assembly for a material to be deposited in a bed on the ground, the material falling onto the ground through at least one lower opening transverse to the direction of movement of the vehicle carrier to form a bed of material as it moves.

When the equipment carrier includes a handlebar assembly as defined above, the upper bar of the latter may also include a control handle for said at least one discharge opening for the material of the distribution and distribution assembly.

• un réservoir à fond ouvert, ayant la forme générale d’une trémie ; et
• une partie de déchargement ayant une partie couloir de déchargement se situant sous le réservoir et s’ouvrant à sa base pour faire tomber le matériau sur le sol, ladite base étant apte à être fermée par au moins une trappe de déchargement, avantageusement à déplacement rectiligne, ladite partie de déchargement comportant une partie avant renfermant, sous un carter externe, les organes de commande de l’ouverture et de la fermeture des trappes.

The material distribution and allocation system may include:

• an open-bottomed reservoir, generally shaped like a hopper; and
• a discharge section having a discharge corridor section located under the tank and opening at its base to drop the material onto the ground, said base being able to be closed by at least one discharge hatch, advantageously with rectilinear movement, said discharge section comprising a front section containing, under an external casing, the control mechanisms for opening and closing the hatches.

The discharge hatch(es) may be linearly moving, the control elements for their opening and closing, enclosed in the external casing, being formed by cylinders, one cylinder per hatch, which is arranged along the line of movement of the assembly, the body of a cylinder being fixed to a rigid structure carried by the casing and its rod being fixed to a descending connecting rod fixed at the top to an axis which carries one or two ascending connecting rods whose lower part(s) are fixed to the body of the cylinder, the end of the descending connecting rod being connected, at its lower part, to the associated hatch, a stroke of the cylinder allowing a higher stroke of the associated hatch.

A control lever for the amplitude of the opening of the hatches, accessible from outside the casing, can be fixed, at its lower part, to an axis on which is mounted, one per hatch, a toothed fork against which the descending connecting rod is able to come to a stop by one of its notches in order to limit by a corresponding value the displacement of the descending connecting rod and consequently the opening of the hatch.

The casing can be closed at its lower part by a smoothing plate suitable for smoothing the layer of material deposited on the ground when moving the assembly towards the rear.

The rolling assembly carrying the equipment may include a fill indicator for the equipment containing material to be spread, in particular granular material, formed by a nose-shaped angle bracket whose base is oriented downwards against the rear internal wall of the equipment, the angle bracket covering a light made in said wall, this light being revealed as the tank empties.

When the chassis of the equipment carrier has a free-roaming rear wheel as defined above, the axis XX’ of the drive wheels can constitute a tilting axis of the assembly from a travel position on the two drive wheels and on the free-roaming wheel to a working position on the two drive wheels according to which the smoothing table rests on the ground by its front part.

• un réservoir à fond ouvert, ayant la forme générale d’une trémie ; et
• une partie de déchargement ayant une partie couloir de déchargement se situant sous le réservoir et s’ouvrant à sa base pour faire tomber le matériau sur le sol, ladite base étant apte à être fermée par au moins une trappe de déchargement, avantageusement à déplacement rectiligne, ladite partie de déchargement comportant une partie avant renfermant, sous un carter externe, les organes de commande de l’ouverture et de la fermeture des trappes.

The present invention also relates to a device consisting of a distribution and spreading assembly for a material to be deposited in a bed on the ground, the material falling onto the ground through at least one lower opening transverse to a direction of movement of the device to form a bed of material as it moves, characterized in that the material distribution and spreading assembly comprises:

• an open-bottomed reservoir, generally shaped like a hopper; and
• a discharge section having a discharge corridor section located under the tank and opening at its base to drop the material onto the ground, said base being able to be closed by at least one discharge hatch, advantageously with rectilinear movement, said discharge section comprising a front section containing, under an external casing, the control mechanisms for opening and closing the hatches.

The discharge hatch(es) may be linearly moving, the control elements for their opening and closing, enclosed in the external casing, being formed by cylinders, one cylinder per hatch, which is arranged along the line of movement of the machine, the body of a cylinder being fixed to a rigid structure carried by the casing and its rod being fixed to a descending connecting rod fixed at the top to an axis which carries one or two ascending connecting rods whose lower part(s) are fixed to the body of the cylinder, the end of the descending connecting rod being connected, at its lower part, to the associated hatch, a stroke of the cylinder allowing a higher stroke of the associated hatch.

A control lever for the amplitude of the opening of the hatches, accessible from outside the casing, can be fixed, at its lower part, to an axis on which is mounted, one per hatch, a toothed fork against which the descending connecting rod is able to come to a stop by one of its notches in order to limit by a corresponding value the displacement of the descending connecting rod and consequently the opening of the hatch.

The casing can be closed at its lower part by a smoothing plate suitable for smoothing the layer of material deposited on the ground when moving the machine towards the rear.

The machine may also include a material-fill indicator for spreading material, in particular granular material, formed by a nose-shaped angle bracket whose base is oriented downwards against the rear internal wall of the machine, the angle bracket covering a light made in said wall, this light being revealed as the tank empties.

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

• LaFIG. 1est une vue en perspective d’un porte-engin roulant selon un mode de réalisation particulier de la présente invention, sans engin attaché et, avec au premier plan de la Figure la barre d’attelage de l’engin ;
• LaFIG. 2est une vue analogue à laFIG. 1mais sans la barre d’attelage et sans les vérins à l’exception de l’une des chapes de montage de l’un d’eux, permettant de mieux voir la glissière ;

• LaFIG. 3est une vue en perspective d’un ensemble roulant porte-engin – engin avec un engin de dépose au sol d’un lit de matériau en place sur le porte-engin des Figures 1 et 2, et avec, au premier plan de la Figure, le côté ensemble de distribution et de répartition du matériau de l’engin ;
• LaFIG. 4est une vue en perspective de l’ensemble roulant de laFIG. 3, avec, au premier plan de la Figure, le côté ensemble guidon du porte-engin ;
• LaFIG. 5est une vue en perspective éclatée de l’ensemble roulant vu dans la position de laFIG. 3, montrant, de façon séparée, l’ensemble guidon, l’ensemble porteur et tracteur, l’ensemble d’attelage, la partie inférieure de l’ensemble de distribution et de répartition du matériau, et la partie supérieure, dite trémie, du réservoir formé dans la partie supérieure de cet ensemble ;
• LaFIG. 6est, à plus grand échelle, une vue en perspective de l’ensemble de distribution et de répartition du matériau, dans la position qu’il occupe sur laFIG. 3;
• LaFIG. 7est une vue de la face arrière de l’ensemble de distribution et de répartition du matériau tel que représenté à laFIG. 6;
• LaFIG. 7est une vue analogue à laFIG. 7montrant l’ensemble de distribution et de répartition du matériau à l’état attelé sur la barre d’attelage avec un moyen de solidarisation de l’engin sur le porte-engin;
• LaFIG. 7est une vue en perspective de l’ensemble de distribution et de répartition du matériau tel que représenté sur laFIG. 7, avec, au premier plan de la Figure, la partie attelage avec un moyen de solidarisation de l’engin sur le porte-engin;
• LaFIG. 8est une vue de détail montrant le montage d’un axe monté sur l’ensemble d’attelage dans une glissière de l’ensemble porteur et tracteur ;
• LaFIG. 9est une vue en perspective de l’ensemble roulant de laFIG. 3, sans le réservoir de l’ensemble de distribution et de répartition, du côté avant et sensiblement de face, les vérins de liaison entre le châssis et l’unité de distribution et de répartition du matériau étant en position déployée ;
• LaFIG. 10est une vue de face, côté ensemble guidon, de l’ensemble roulant de laFIG. 3, dans la position où il repose sur un sol plan en vue d’une opération d’épandage et lissage sur ce dernier d’un matériau en vrac ;
• LaFIG. 11est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 9avec les vérins en position rétractée ;
• LaFIG. 12est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 10mais avec le vérin de gauche en position rétractée ;
• LaFIG. 13est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 9mais montrant la roue de gauche de l’engin reposant sur une surface déjà revêtue, et la roue de droite, sur une surface en cours de revêtement ;
• LaFIG. 14est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 10mais avec le vérin de droite en position rétractée ;
• LaFIG. 15est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 9mais montrant la roue de droite de l’engin reposant sur une surface déjà revêtue dudit matériau, et la roue de gauche, sur une surface en cours de revêtement ;
• LaFIG. 16est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 10mais avec le vérin de gauche en position rétractée ;
• LaFIG. 17est une vue en perspective de dessus de l’engin avec, au premier plan, l’ensemble de distribution et de répartition du matériau, avec le carter recouvrant le dispositif de commande de déchargement du matériau ;
• LaFIG. 18est une vue en perspective montrant sur la partie avant le dispositif de commande de la distribution et de la répartition du matériau sans son carter et avec une trappe du couloir de distribution fermée ;
• LaFIG. 19est une vue de côté correspondant à laFIG. 18;
• LaFIG. 20est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 18, la trappe étant ouverte dans son amplitude maximale ;
• LaFIG. 21est une vue de côté correspondant à laFIG. 20;
• LaFIG. 22est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 18, la trappe étant ouverte dans une première position intermédiaire ;
• LaFIG. 23est une vue de côté correspondant à laFIG. 22;
• LaFIG. 24est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 18, la trappe étant ouverte dans une deuxième position intermédiaire ;
• LaFIG. 25est une vue de côté correspondant à laFIG. 24;
• LaFIG. 26est une vue correspondant à laFIG. 18, la trappe étant ouverte dans une troisième position intermédiaire ;
• LaFIG. 27est une vue de côté correspondant à laFIG. 26;
• LaFIG. 28est une vue de côté de l’ensemble roulant de laFIG. 3en position d’épandage et de lissage ;
• LaFIG. 29est une vue de côté analogue à laFIG. 28mais montrant l’ensemble roulant dans une position de roulage, tiges de vérins déployées ;
• LaFIG. 30est une vue de côté correspondant à laFIG. 28mais montrant l’ensemble roulant dans une position de roulage, tiges de vérins rentrées ;
• LaFIG. 31est une vue de côté correspondant à laFIG. 28mais montrant l’ensemble roulant dans une position de gravillonnage, tiges de vérins rentrées et bavette 97 en position de travail.

In this drawing:

• There FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rolling equipment carrier according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, without equipment attached and with the equipment's hitch bar in the foreground of the Figure;
• There FIG. 2 is a view analogous to the FIG. 1 but without the drawbar and without the cylinders except for one of the mounting brackets of one of them, allowing a better view of the slide;

• There FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rolling equipment carrier – equipment with a ground-depositing equipment for a bed of material in place on the equipment carrier of Figures 1 and 2, and with, in the foreground of the Figure, the material distribution and spreading assembly side of the equipment;
• There FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rolling stock of the FIG. 3 , with, in the foreground of the Figure, the handlebar assembly side of the equipment carrier;
• There FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rolling assembly seen in the position of the FIG. 3 showing, separately, the handlebar assembly, the carrier and tractor assembly, the hitch assembly, the lower part of the material distribution and distribution assembly, and the upper part, called the hopper, of the reservoir formed in the upper part of this assembly;
• There FIG. 6 is, on a larger scale, a perspective view of the entire distribution and allocation of the material, in the position it occupies on the FIG. 3 ;
• There FIG. 7 is a rear view of the material distribution and allocation assembly as shown in the FIG. 6 ;
• There FIG. 7 is a view analogous to the FIG. 7 showing the entire distribution and allocation of the material when attached to the drawbar with a means of securing the machine to the machine carrier;
• There FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the overall distribution and allocation of the material as represented on the FIG. 7 , with, in the foreground of the Figure, the coupling part with a means of securing the machine to the machine carrier;
• There FIG. 8 is a detail view showing the mounting of an axle mounted on the coupling assembly in a slide of the carrier and tractor assembly;
• There FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rolling stock of the FIG. 3 , without the reservoir of the distribution and distribution assembly, on the front side and substantially facing forward, the connecting cylinders between the chassis and the material distribution and distribution unit being in the deployed position;
• There FIG. 10 is a front view, handlebar assembly side, of the rolling assembly of the FIG. 3 , in the position where it rests on a flat surface for the purpose of spreading and smoothing a bulk material on the latter;
• There FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 9 with the cylinders in the retracted position;
• There FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 10 but with the left cylinder in the retracted position;
• There FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 9 but showing the left wheel of the machine resting on a surface already coated, and the right wheel, on a surface being coated;
• There FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 10 but with the right-hand cylinder in the retracted position;
• There FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 9 but showing the right wheel of the machine resting on a surface already coated with said material, and the left wheel, on a surface being coated;
• There FIG. 16 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 10 but with the left cylinder in the retracted position;
• There FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the machine with, in the foreground, the material distribution and allocation assembly, with the casing covering the material unloading control device;
• There FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing on the front part the control device for the distribution and allocation of the material without its casing and with a closed hatch of the distribution corridor;
• There FIG. 19 is a side view corresponding to the FIG. 18 ;
• There FIG. 20 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 18 , the hatch being open to its maximum extent;
• There FIG. 21 is a side view corresponding to the FIG. 20 ;
• There FIG. 22 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 18 , the hatch being open in a first intermediate position;
• There FIG. 23 is a side view corresponding to the FIG. 22 ;
• There FIG. 24 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 18 , the hatch being open in a second intermediate position;
• There FIG. 25 is a side view corresponding to the FIG. 24 ;
• There FIG. 26 is a view corresponding to the FIG. 18 , the hatch being open in a third intermediate position;
• There FIG. 27 is a side view corresponding to the FIG. 26 ;
• There FIG. 28 is a side view of the rolling assembly of the FIG. 3 in spreading and smoothing position;
• There FIG. 29 is a side view analogous to the FIG. 28 but showing the rolling assembly in a rolling position, with the cylinder rods extended;
• There FIG. 30 is a side view corresponding to the FIG. 28 but showing the rolling assembly in a rolling position, with the cylinder rods retracted;
• There FIG. 31 is a side view corresponding to the FIG. 28 but showing the rolling assembly in a graveling position, cylinder rods retracted and flap 97 in working position.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, we can see that we have designated by 1 as a whole a rolling equipment carrier 1 onto which we can attach a machine adjustable in height relative to the ground.

As an example of a machine with adjustable height relative to the ground, one can cite a machine that allows for the depositing of bulk materials, particularly asphalt, gravel, bitumen, crushed stone, sand, etc., onto the ground, particularly on a road or pavement, in the form of a bed. Such a machine is shown in place on the carrier 1 in Figures 3 to 31 of the drawing, which will be described below.

The rolling equipment carrier 1 consists of a carrier and tractor assembly 2, a cylinder assembly 3, a handlebar assembly 4 and a coupling assembly 5.

In the following description, the area containing the handlebar assembly 4 will be referred to as "rear", "rear side", "rear region", and the coupling assembly 5 will be referred to as "front", "front side", "front region".

Carrier and tractor unit 2

The carrier and tractor assembly 2 consists of a chassis 6 and two lateral arms 7.

The centrally positioned chassis 6 carries, at its rear – when considering the equipment carrier 1 in forward motion – a rear wheel 8 which is a free-spinning, swiveling wheel. The chassis 6 supports a hydrostatic drive axle 9 (Figures 10, 12 and 14), to which two ground-supporting drive wheels 10 are coupled, each by a half-shaft 11 whose attachment can be seen at 11a.

The drive axle 9 incorporates a differential and is coupled to a vertically mounted internal combustion engine 12 (Figures 4 and 5). The flexible exhaust pipe of the engine 12 is designated by the reference numeral 12a ( FIG. 1 ). The drive axle 9 has a pulley over which a belt passes, transmitting the movement of the motor shaft. Thus, the drive wheels are driven in rotation around an axis XX' (Figures 1, 10, 12 and 14).

In addition to ensuring the propulsion of the equipment carrier 1, the XX’ axis plays a role in the actual operation of the equipment carrier 1, for its tilting, as will be described later.

If the engine does not need to use the exhaust gases for heating, pipe 12a connects to exhaust pipe 12d ( FIG. 1 ).

Each lateral arm 7 is fixed to the chassis 6 at its front end – if we consider the equipment carrier 1 moving forward – and extends obliquely upwards and backwards above and beyond the wheels 8 and 10. A reinforcing lateral arm 13 ( FIG. 4 ) connects each arm 7 to the corresponding side of the chassis 6 to ensure the rigidity of the assembly.

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

One of the arms 7 carries, at the rear, an adjustment mechanism 15, of the quarter-wheel type ( FIG. 5 ), whose role is also indicated further on.

Between the two arms 7 is arranged a fuel tank 16 for the internal combustion engine 12.

At the front, the space between the two arms 7 is covered by a protective cover 17 for the engine 12 ( FIG. 11 ). A protective plate 17a, placed on the hood 17, protects the upper part of the equipment carrier 1 and also the user.

Furthermore, the two arms 7 are joined at the rear by a cross member 18 whose role is indicated later.

Also, as can be seen on the FIG. 2 , chassis 6 carries, at the front, a slide 50 arranged centrally, perpendicular to the axis XX'.

The slide 50 has a flattened U shape, with a base 50a, two wings 50b, which are, at their ends, folded inwards, the folded parts being referenced 50c ( FIG. 8 ).

Set of 3 jacks

This assembly consists of two cylinders 19 arranged towards the front, on either side of the wheels 10.

Each cylinder 19 has a body 20 fixed, at one end, to a cylinder coupling clevis 21 mounted at the outer end of the plate 14 concerned.

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

Each external wall of a slab 21 has an upward extension 21b which is perforated to form a lifting lug for a sling or for securing when it is desired to keep the equipment carrier fixed with or without its equipment, for example to fix it to the ground or for transport in a truck or other.

The fixing of the end of the rod 22 of a cylinder is described below.

The cylinders 19 are each controlled by a component called a hydraulic distributor 23. As can be seen on the FIG. 4 in particular, the distributor 23 includes a control 23a of the left cylinder, a control 23b of the right cylinder, and a control 23c of a series of four valves 70, which will be described below.

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

Between the arms 7 is a hydraulic reservoir 24 for the hydraulic fluid, next to the fuel tank 16.

Handlebar assembly 4

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

The handle 28 has a support 30 for a teleflexible (not shown) which is a push-pull cable, which connects it to the motor bridge 9.

One of the side arms 26 has a handle 31 for adjusting the handlebar position, which cooperates with the quarter-wheel 15. The handle 31 has a rod 32 that engages in a notch of the quarter-wheel 15. By pulling on the handle 31, the rod 32 can be disengaged and placed in the next notch, where it is returned by a spring. Each notch corresponds to a position of the handlebar 4 relative to the ground.

In their middle section, the two arms 26 are joined by a stiffening plate 33. An electrical circuit breaker 34a is mounted on the plate 33, at the rear thereof, to stop the movement of the equipment carrier 1 if the user were to let go of the handlebar 4. A throttle control for the engine 12, referenced 34b, is mounted on the surface of the plate 33 and allows the engine 12 to be started and stopped.

5-piece hitch assembly

The coupling assembly 5 consists of a coupling bar 60, an inverted V-shaped component 61, and a shaft 62.

The drawbar 60 has two wings 60a connected to a base 60b. The wings 60a are drilled at each of their ends for the passage of an axle 63 which allows the connection between the bar 60 and the rods 22 of the cylinders 19.

The axis 62 is in the form of a bar welded at one end inside the V-shaped component 61 and whose other end enters the slide 50 ( FIG. 8 ).

At this end of the shaft 62, a washer 62a is welded. In the mounted position, this washer is located inside the slide 50. Near washer 62a, but outside the slide 50, another washer 62b is welded. At least the portion of the bar 62 between the two washers 62a and 62b is cylindrical. Teflon blocks 50d are positioned against the returns 50c of the slide 50 to allow sliding. These blocks 50d are U-shaped, with their flanges positioned on either side of the returns 50c, thus filling the spaces between washers 62a and 62b and the portion of the bar 62 located between them.

Thanks to this sliding pivot joint, it can only slide in the direction of the slide, while allowing pivoting around the bar, keeping the same lateral play due to the Teflon 50d blocks.

When the two cylinders 19 move simultaneously in the same direction, the bar 62 only slides. When the cylinders 19 move by the same amount but in opposite directions, the bar only pivots. In all other cases, the bar 62 both slides and pivots.

Items pending

The manually operated hydraulic valves 70 for pre-selecting material distribution gates, which will be described below, are also mounted between the two arms 6, at the rear.

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

A rotating handle 81 is located next to the handle 28 on the elongated element 27. It allows remote control of hatches 110, the function of which is described later. It carries a support 81a for a flexible cable that connects it to the aforementioned control 23c.

Engine E

The vehicle E comprises a tank part 90 and a discharge part 91.

Tank section 90

The reservoir 90 receives the charge to be distributed; it has an overall shape similar to a hopper open at the top and bottom.

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

The wall 92 extends vertically in the rest position of the vehicle E, protruding beyond each of the wheels 10 as can be seen on the FIG. 3 For example.

The rear wall 93 is inclined downwards in such a way as to give the general shape of a hopper to the tank 90.

The tank 90 is generally made up of the assembly of the various rigid walls 92, 93, and 94, made of metal or sheet metal. In the example shown, the upper sections of the walls 92 and 94 are made of a flexible material, joined to their respective rigid sections by connecting rods, 95 and 96 respectively; in this way, the machine 1 can be positioned for filling the tank 90 under a material unloading skip whose unloading opening is located slightly lower than the upper edge of the tank 90. This operation is possible due to the flexibility of the upper sections of the tank 90.

Along the front wall 92, at the junction between the tank 90 and the discharge section 91, a strip of rigid material 97, called a "flap", is removably fitted; its function is described later. The flap 97 is removably attached to the discharge section 91 at its ends by means of wing nuts 97a ( FIG. 28 ).

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

Height gauges 93a, one gauge per cylinder, are fixed at the rear on the wall 93 of the tank 90.

An inclinometer 93b is mounted on the upper edge of the wall 93 of the tank 90.

Unloading section 91

The unloading section 91 comprises a corridor section 102 and a front unloading control section 103.

This unloading section 91 is crossed by a central longitudinal reinforcement marked 108 ( FIG. 9 ) in corridor section 102 and extending into 116 in section 103 ( FIG. 18 ). The reinforcement 108 extends to the rear to support a plate 101 against which the rear face 93 rests. Also, the reinforcement 108 supports a cap 100 ( FIG. 6 ) whose role is described later.

The cap 100 has externally, on each of its arms, a toggle 100a adapted to cooperate with a respective hook 61a carried by the V-shaped member 61 in order to press the cap 100 against it and lock it in place. This arrangement is illustrated in the FIG. 7 and 7b, the toggle latches 100a being in the locked position on the respective hooks 61a.

Corridor section 102 of section 91

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

Side plates 106 close both the part 102 and the unloading control part 103. Each side plate 106 has a tie-down hole 106a to fix the device E to the ground if desired.

Internal lateral separation walls 107 and a central separation wall 109 are also provided in the corridor section 102. The wall 109 is positioned under the central reinforcement 108, the latter being protected by the shell 98.

Thus, according to the example shown in the drawing, four material distribution compartments are formed, each of which can be closed at its bottom by a hatch 110.

Front section of unloading control 103 of section 91

The unloading control device 103 comprises a flat bottom 111 folded upwards at the front at 111a and then folded upwards at the rear at 111b, followed by an oblique forward fold at 111c. The exhaust pipe 12b of the motor 12 continues at 112 to form a loop near the periphery of the bottom 111, before rising at 12c to exit through the wall 114a shown below (Figures 18 and 19). An insulating plate 113 is placed over this, connecting the returns 111a and 111b. This arrangement ensures good heating of the smoothing table.

On the bottom 111 is placed a casing 114 which contains all the elements necessary for the operation of the hatches 110. The casing 114 has a front wall 114a and an upper wall 114b which is inclined and joined at the top to a return towards the front 105a of the wall 105.

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

The flat bottom 111 constitutes a base or smoothing table whose role will be detailed later, the rear fold 111b forming an edge or angle of attack of the spread material to be smoothed and the region towards the region inclined upwards in 111a forming an edge or angle of departure.

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

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

Also in the casing 114, a bar 117 for securing the cylinders 115 extends between the two cheeks 106 against the wall 114a and is supported by the central reinforcement piece 116.

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

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

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

For each of the hatches 110, a guide 124 is provided, comprising, on the one hand, an upper part 125 formed by a vertical wall 125a bearing against the wall 105 and two arms 125b inclined forward and upward, and, on the other hand, a lower part 126 formed by two arms 126b positioned below the respective arms 125b and fixed to the fold 111c. Pads 125c, 126c made of a material such as Teflon, facilitating the sliding of the hatch 110 positioned between two opposing arms 125b, 126b, are provided. The opposing arms 125b, 126b are connected at 127 at their ends located inside the part 103.

A lever 130 for selecting the amplitude of the opening of the hatches 110 is mounted accessible near an edge of the housing 114.

An axis 131 which extends along the entire length of part 103 is integral with lever 130. The axis 131 rests in four hooks 131a ( FIG. 19 ) attached to plate 105. At each end, as can also be seen on the FIG. 19 , there is a locking device 131b, ensuring that the axis 131 is held. On this axis 131, for each hatch 110, a fork 132 is mounted.

Each fork 132 has a base 133 mounted on the axis 131, followed by an arm 134 and then by a fold 135 having internally three notches 136 which are able to cooperate with the corresponding connecting rod 122, and whose role is indicated later.

The four forks 132 thus work on the four traps 110 at the same time.

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

When lever 130 is moved back to the right, the fork then positions itself on the path of the connecting rod 122's stroke, and holds it back, which prevents the hatch 110 from moving forward, thus preventing a partial opening.

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

The outlet pipe 12c opens at the front into the wall 114a.

Mounting of machine E onto machine carrier 1

The cap 100 is positioned on the V61 component, and then these two parts are secured together by the cooperation of the toggle latches 100a and hooks 61a as indicated above and illustrated in the FIG. 7 and 7b.

Fill level indicators 150

In the junction region between walls 104a and 93 (in the example shown), two fill samples 150 are formed, each in the vicinity of a lateral edge of wall 104a.

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

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

Operation of machine E in reverse for material distribution and smoothing ( FIG. 28 )

• On fait rouler l’engin E sur ses trois roues pour aller remplir le réservoir 90 par le matériau à épandre ;
• On amène l’engin E sur le lieu d’épandage;
• On pose l’engin E sur la table de lissage, la roue folle 8 n’étant alors plus en appui sur le sol du fait du pivotement autour de l’axe XX’ ;
• On actionne les distributeurs hydrauliques gauche et droite 23a et 23b pour le réglage des vérins 19 afin de régler l’épaisseur de la couche de matériau à droite et à gauche ; plus la tige d’un vérin est rentrée , plus l’ensemble de distribution et de répartition se soulève par l’arrière, créant un plus grand angle d’incidence entre le sol et l’angle d’attaque de la table de lissage, ce qui permettra de modifier la quantité d’apport de matériau sous la table 111 ; l’opérateur fait son réglage jusqu’au point voulu apparaissant sur les repères 93a correspondant (FIG. 10) ; si l’on doit épandre la même épaisseur partout, le réglage est le même à droite et à gauche ; si l’on doit épandre sur une partie moins large que l’engin 1, comme une tranchée dont la largeur est plus étroite que la largeur de l’engin (qui réalisera l’épandage avec une roue motrice dans la tranchée et l’autre sur le sol fini adjacent ), on va régler le vérin associé à la roue du fond de tranchée à l’épaisseur d’épandage voulue , et l’autre, à la position zéro (positions des Figures 14 et 16) ; quand on est en fort dévers, on peut aussi être amené à régler plus haut le vérin associé à la partie basse pour compenser le déplacement du centre de gravité ;
• On présélectionne les trappes 110 que l’on aura à ouvrir et fermer suivant la largeur sur laquelle on veut travailler, par la manœuvre des vannes 70.
• En agissant sur la poignée 81, on ouvre d’une manière générale les trappes 110 présélectionnées;
• On actionne la marche arrière et on recule progressivement l’engin dans la direction choisie pour l’épandage, seul le guidage de direction étant nécessaire pour cette opération .

When you want to spread a loose material on a flat surface, and then smooth the distributed material, you proceed as follows:

• We roll the machine E on its three wheels to fill the tank 90 with the material to be spread;
• We bring vehicle E to the spreading site;
• The device E is placed on the smoothing table, the idler wheel 8 no longer being in contact with the ground due to the pivoting around the axis XX';
• The left and right hydraulic distributors 23a and 23b are actuated to adjust the cylinders 19 in order to set the thickness of the material layer on the right and left; the more the rod of a cylinder is retracted, the more the distribution and spreading assembly is lifted from the rear, creating a greater angle of incidence between the ground and the angle of attack of the smoothing table, which will allow modification of the amount of material supplied under the table 111; the operator makes his adjustment until the desired point appears on the corresponding marks 93a ( FIG. 10 ); if the same thickness must be spread everywhere, the setting is the same on the right and left; if spreading must be done on a part less wide than the machine 1, such as a trench whose width is narrower than the width of the machine (which will carry out the spreading with one drive wheel in the trench and the other on the adjacent finished ground), the cylinder associated with the wheel at the bottom of the trench will be set to the desired spreading thickness, and the other, to the zero position (positions in Figures 14 and 16); when there is a steep slope, it may also be necessary to set the cylinder associated with the lower part higher to compensate for the displacement of the center of gravity;
• We pre-select the hatches 110 that we will have to open and close according to the width on which we want to work, by operating the valves 70.
• By operating the handle 81, the pre-selected hatches 110 are generally opened;
• The reverse gear is engaged and the machine is gradually moved backward in the direction chosen for spreading; only steering guidance is required for this operation.

To move the whole assembly from its spreading position with smoothing to the spreading position without smoothing, the assembly is tilted around the axis XX’ so that the assembly rests on the three wheels.

Operation of machine E in forward motion for spreading material without smoothing ( FIG. 31 )

• On charge à une trappe charbonnière ou par un autre moyen ;
• On présélectionne les trappes 110 que l’on va devoir manœuvrer en fonction de la largeur d’application du matériau sur le sol ;
• On règle l’ouverture des trappes 110 par rapport à la granulométrie du matériau pour le débit désiré ;
• On déplace l’engin E jusqu’à l’endroit prévu pour l’épandage ;
• On ouvre les trappes 110 en avançant à la vitesse voulue pour obtenir le dosage recherché ;
• On ferme les trappes 110 avant de s’arrêter pour ne pas former des tas sur le sol.

When it is desired to spread a bulk material on a flat surface without smoothing the distributed material, the machine E remains on its three wheels with the tank in the raised position and the spreading is carried out in forward motion:

• Loading is done at a coal hopper or by other means;
• We pre-select the 110 traps that we will have to operate according to the width of application of the material on the ground;
• The opening of the 110 traps is adjusted according to the particle size of the material for the desired flow rate;
• The vehicle E is moved to the designated spreading location;
• We open hatches 110 while advancing at the desired speed to obtain the desired dosage;
• We close the hatches 110 before stopping to avoid creating piles on the ground.

Preferably, the cylinders 19 are placed in the position of the FIG. 31 (high position of tank 90).

Claims (20)

– Ground-mounted equipment carrier (1), capable of receiving equipment whose working height relative to the ground can be varied and which can be rotated in a plane perpendicular to the line of advance of the equipment carrier (1), characterized in that it comprises:
- a carrier and tractor unit (2) that can be moved by being mounted on two drive wheels (10);
- two jacks (19) each mounted on said carrier and tractor assembly (2), each associated with a drive wheel (10) and controlled independently of each other;
- control elements (23a, 23b) for the cylinders (19);
- a slide (50) arranged centrally between the two cylinders (19) and located in the plane of the latter;
- a coupling assembly (5) consisting of: a coupling bar (60) mounted perpendicular to the forward line of the vehicle carrier (1), joining the cylinders (19) by their ends; and a device (61) for attaching the vehicle to the vehicle carrier, which carries an axle (62) mounted so as to enter the slide (50) perpendicular to its average line and to move along the latter while always remaining in its perpendicular position. – Rolling equipment carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier and tractor assembly (2) consists of a chassis (6) supporting a drive axle (9) to which the drive wheels (10) are coupled, two lateral arms (7) being carried by the chassis (6), said arms (7) being directed towards the rear if the coupling assembly (5) is considered as forming the front part of the rolling equipment carrier (1), each of said arms (7) being, at its end opposite the chassis (6), articulated to a lateral arm (26) of a handle assembly (4), the two arms (26) being joined by an upper bar (27) having a control handle (28) for the forward/reverse movement of the equipment carrier (1). – Rolling equipment carrier (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that each cylinder (19) is fixed, for example by its body (20), to a plate (14) connected to the corresponding arm carried by the chassis (6) and extending laterally outwards. – Rolling equipment carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each cylinder (19) is mounted inclined forward and downwards when considering the forward direction of the equipment carrier. – Rolling equipment carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each cylinder (19) is arranged outside the wheel (10) associated with it. – Rolling equipment carrier (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the chassis (6) carries a free-spinning and pivotable rear wheel (8), which is capable of rolling on the ground to facilitate the movement of the equipment carrier (1). - Rolling equipment carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the attachment member (61) of the equipment is in the shape of an inverted V, the arms of which are fixed by their ends to the coupling bar (60), the axle (62) carried by the attachment member (61) being mounted inside the V, near its tip. - Rolling equipment carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the free end of the axle (62) carried by the hooking member (61) is designed to form a sliding pivot joint inside the slide (50). – A rolling equipment carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the slide (50) has a U-shape, the arms (50b) of which are folded inwards, and the axle (62) carried by the attachment member (61) has at its free end a first flange (62a) which is received inside the slide (50) in order to prevent the axle from coming out of the slide by the first flange (62a) bearing against the inward folds (50c) of the slide (50), and that the axle (62) has a second flange (62b) parallel to the first flange (62a) which, in the mounting position, is positioned above the inward folds (50c) of the slide (50), to ensure proper guidance of the axle (62) inside the slide (50), at least the part of the axis (62) between the two collars (62a, 62b) being cylindrical, blocks promoting sliding (50d) being advantageously arranged in the space formed by the two collars (62a, 62b) and the axis (62) and carried by the folds inwards (50c) of the slide (50). – Rolling equipment carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises, while awaiting the equipment, components suitable for use in the operation of the equipment once it has been mounted on the equipment carrier. – Rolling assembly carrying equipment – equipment, characterized in that the equipment carrier (1) is as defined in one of claims 1 to 10, and that the equipment (E) has a rear face (93-104), if we consider the direction of advance of the assembly, which rear face (93-104) carries a means (100) capable of cooperating with the coupling member (61) of the equipment carrier (1) to ensure the coupling of the latter. – Rolling assembly carrying equipment – equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that the attachment member (61) of the equipment carrier (1) is as defined in claim 7, and the means (100) able to cooperate with the attachment member (61) of the equipment carrier (1) is constituted by a cap that applies itself to the tip part of the inverted V forming this attachment member (61). - Rolling assembly carrying equipment - equipment, according to one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the equipment (E) consists of a distribution and spreading assembly (90-91) of a material to be deposited in a bed on the ground, the material falling on the ground through at least one lower opening transverse to the direction of movement of the equipment carrier (1) to form a bed of material as it moves. – Rolling assembly carrying equipment – equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a handlebar assembly (4) as defined in claim 2, the upper bar (27) of the latter further comprising a control handle (81) of said at least one discharge opening of the material of the distribution and distribution assembly (90-91). - Rolling assembly for transporting equipment – equipment according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the material distribution and spreading assembly (90-91) comprises:
- an open-bottomed reservoir (90) having the general shape of a hopper; and
- a discharge part (91) having a discharge corridor part (102) located under the tank (90) and opening at its base to drop the material onto the ground, said base being able to be closed by at least one discharge hatch (110), advantageously with rectilinear movement, said discharge part (91) comprising a front part (103) containing, under an external casing (114), the control mechanisms for opening and closing the hatches (110). - Rolling assembly for transporting equipment – equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that the discharge hatch(es) (40) have rectilinear movement, the control elements for their opening and closing, enclosed in the external casing (114), being formed by cylinders (115) at a ratio of one cylinder (115) per hatch (110), which is arranged along the line of movement of the assembly, the body (119) of a cylinder (115) being fixed to a rigid structure (117) carried by the casing and its rod (123) being fixed to a descending connecting rod (122) fixed at its upper part to an axle (121) which carries one or two ascending connecting rods (120) the lower part(s) of which are fixed to the body (119) of the cylinder (115), the end of the descending connecting rod (122) being connected, at its lower part, to the hatch (110) associated, a stroke of the cylinder (115) allowing a greater stroke of the associated hatch (110). - Rolling assembly carrying equipment – equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that a control lever (130) for the amplitude of the opening of the hatches (110), accessible from outside the casing (114), is fixed, at its lower part, to an axis (131) on which is mounted, one per hatch (110), a notched fork (132) against which the descending connecting rod (122) is able to come to a stop by one of its notches (136) in order to limit by a corresponding value the displacement of the descending connecting rod (122) and consequently the opening of the hatch (110). - Rolling assembly carrying equipment – equipment according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the casing (114) is closed at its lower part by a smoothing plate (111) suitable for smoothing the layer of material deposited on the ground during a rearward movement of the assembly. - Rolling assembly carrying equipment – equipment according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that it includes a fill indicator for the equipment (E) of material to be spread, in particular granular, formed by an angle bracket (151) in the shape of a nose, the base of which is oriented downwards against the rear internal wall (93-104) of the equipment (E), the angle bracket (151) covering a light (152) made in said wall (93-104), this light (152) being uncovered as the tank (90) empties. – Rolling assembly carrying equipment – equipment according to one of claims 18 and 19, characterized in that the equipment carrier (1) is as defined in claim 6 and that the axis XX’ of the drive wheels (10) constitutes a tilting axis of the assembly from a position of movement on the two drive wheels (10) and on the idle wheel (8) to a working position on the two drive wheels (10) according to which the smoothing table (111) rests on the ground by its front part.