BE1029747A1 - Axle for supporting and steering wheels of a scrap processing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an axle (1) for supporting and steering wheels (2) of a scrap processing machine (3). The axle (1) is provided with a central beam (11), suspension legs (12), arms (13) supporting the wheels (2) and means (14) mechanically coupling each leg (12) to one of the arms (13), while allowing relative rotation between them. This invention also relates to a scrap processing machine (3) provided with such an axle (1), and a method of transporting this machine (3) by means of a removable attachment (17) of the legs (12) on the central beam (11).

Description

Axle for supporting and steering the wheels of a scrap processing machine

Technical area

The present invention relates to an axle intended to support and steer the wheels of a scrap metal processing machine, such a machine, as well as a method of transporting it.

Prior art

It is generally known to use scrap processing machines to process and/or recycle scrap metal on a construction site. An example of such a machine is a shear press, press or shear, intended for compressing and/or cutting large scrap metal.

Commonly, a shear press comprises a scrap loading bin, an exit gantry fitted with a press and/or blades, and a pusher for pushing scrap into the loading bin towards the gantry.

This type of scrap processing machine is usually very heavy (more than 50 tons, and sometimes more than 100 tons) and bulky (for example, more than 15 m in length, more than 4 m in width and height), so that most construction sites equipped with such a machine are generally equipped with a static and/or towable machine resting on stabilizing legs during their use. The movement of the machine, for example, between two construction sites, is then done via a trailer or by towing by means of a separate motorized vehicle.

This is disadvantageous because the scrap to be processed and the processed scrap must be transported to and from the machine respectively, which generates a waste of time and energy, as well as various logistical difficulties of transporting the scrap and the machine. In addition, the foundations at site level must be suitable to accommodate and stabilize such a heavy machine.

The fact that some machines can be towed does not solve these problems either. In fact, the weight and dimensions of the machine make any pulling maneuver on the site complex and subject to a number of precautions, particularly in terms of stopping the machine prior to pulling it, adjusting the position of the stands stabilizers, or cleaning the site on the trajectory of the motorized tractor.

These problems are addressed in document WO 2017/124157 A1, which proposes to provide a shear press with traction tracks driven by hydraulic motors, so that the shear press is self-propelled.

This considerable improvement makes it possible to at least partially solve the problems linked to the transport of scrap metal on the construction site because the machine is thus equipped with its own means of movement.

However, the tracks have the defect of crushing scrap metal on the ground of the construction site and of damaging it, in particular when the ground is covered with concrete, which is often the case on an industrial and/or urban construction site. . In addition, maneuvers of moving the machine around the construction site are likely to require a large free space to be able to carry out, so the mobility of the machine can also be improved from these points of view.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide technical means which can be provided with a scrap processing machine, for example a shear press, to facilitate the use and improve the mobility of the machine on site while providing a technical solution to the aforementioned defects.

To do this, the invention proposes to provide such a machine, not with tracks, but with wheels. The wheels then make it possible to significantly reduce the damage to the ground of the construction site following the movement of the machine thanks to the flexibility of the material (for example, rubber) generally constituting the tires of the wheels. However, the use of wheels is not easy given the risk of damage that scrap metal represents for tires. This risk is greatly limited by providing tires that are preferably solid and without cavities.

The use of wheels is also not obvious from the point of view of their support and their direction for the purpose of obtaining a concrete improvement in the mobility of the machine and an easy use of the latter, in particular given the constraints represented by its weight and dimensions.

To this end, the present invention proposes a particular axle with which the machine can be equipped. The axle is designed to support and steer the (driving) wheels of a (self-propelled) scrap processing machine, and comprises: - a central beam extending in a horizontal direction; - two suspension struts, each fixed to one end of the central beam and extending transversely from the latter; - two wheel support arms, each comprising: e a first end mechanically coupled to one of the legs via means arranged to allow relative rotation between the arm and the leg, and e a second end arranged to be fixed to the level of the hub of one of the wheels.

The axle according to the invention is advantageous in several respects. First of all, it has a particular shape specifically adapted to good distribution and transmission of the forces within it. These forces may in particular be due to the reaction and tensile forces resulting from the weight and movements of the machine. These forces are brought partly from the wheels to the level of the fixings of the central beam with the legs and the mechanical couplings of the legs and arms. The axle is also preferably symmetrical on either side of the central beam, so that these forces apply symmetrically to both sides of the central beam. The shape of the axle and its mechanical coupling to the wheels also contributes to adequately stabilizing the machine when it is in position on a construction site.

The central beam and the legs together have a flared shape which has the advantage of being arranged to stably accommodate the machine within it, and in particular of being able to support a lower (base) frame of the machine on the beam. central. In addition, this flared shape makes it possible to lower the height of the lower frame, and therefore the total height of the machine, despite the presence of wheels which are typically large (since they must be suitable for the weight of the machine ). This is very advantageous to limit the height of a machine scrap loading bin entrance. Indeed, the lower the entrance to such a bin, the easier it is to bring scrap metal there, given that it is generally present at the base on the site floor.

Another major advantage of the axle is that the mechanical coupling between each leg and a first end of one of the arms is achieved via means (typically mechanical) which allow relative rotation between the arm and the leg. Indeed, in view of the fixing of the second end of each arm at the wheel hubs, the rotation makes it possible to rotate individually and/or collectively pairs consisting of an arm and a wheel of the machine.

It is then possible to turn all the wheels of the machine by a certain angle, and to make the machine move forward in one direction, without changing the orientation of the main axis of the machine, which facilitates the mobility of the machine. compared to that of the tracks of the shear press of document WO 2017/124157 A1. Thus, the machine provided with the axle according to the invention can advantageously move and maneuver in the site with more degrees of freedom, and in smaller spaces.

The presence of these means at the level of the mechanical couplings between the arms and the legs also makes it possible to promote the stabilization of the machine, in particular at the level of the wheels, because each arm remains fixed to the associated wheel during rotation, so that the arm and the wheel turn together. This also makes it possible to continuously take up the forces at the level of the wheels via the arms during rotation.

Thus, the technical characteristics of the axle according to the invention synergistically contribute to facilitating the use and mobility of a scrap metal processing machine on site, taking full account of the weight and dimensions of this machine.

In the context of this document, and as known to a person skilled in the art, the term "axle" preferably designates a mechanical assembly for coupling and mechanically supporting two of the wheels of a moving object, for example a vehicle. . Preferably, as conventionally known, an axle is arranged globally transverse to the wheels, and/or under the moving object.

In the context of this document, the term "suspension" is used to characterize the legs of the axle, preferably in the sense that the central beam is suspended at its ends by the two legs. In particular, the legs extend obliquely relative to the horizontal direction, upwards along a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal direction. Preferably, each leg forms an obtuse angle of between 100 and 140° with the central beam.

In the context of this document, the term "means", referring to the means arranged to allow said rotation, preferably designates any type of means known to a person skilled in the art for this purpose, and in this technical context.

In particular, said means preferably constitute a rolling bearing (mechanical and/or hydraulic), or a “rolling system”. A concrete example of such means is given below.

In the context of this document, the term “scrap(s)” refers to any type of metallic waste, in particular large-scale waste from industrial and/or urban construction sites, which is to be compressed and/or cut.

In the context of this document, the scrap processing machine is preferably a “shear press”. This term preferably also covers scrap presses and shears known to a person skilled in the art. The machine is preferably self-propelled. As is known to a person skilled in the art, the term "self-propelled" preferably qualifies a mobile object comprising its own means of movement, in particular when the object is generally devoid of a motor. This term is therefore adapted to qualify this type of machine. The wheels with which the machine is fitted are preferably driving wheels. Preferably, they each comprise a motor as will be explained below.

The use, in this document, of the verbs "to understand", "to include", of their variants, as well as their conjugations, can in no way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use, in this document, of the indefinite article “un(e)” or of one of the definite articles “le”, “la” or “l'”, to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arms are arcuate. This makes them better able to support the wheels and stabilize the machine. Their arched shape preferably allows them to each surround at least partially one of the wheels. Preferably, each of the arms is provided to surround a radius (variable in rotation) of one of the wheels to which it is attached.

According to a sub-embodiment, the first and second ends of each of the arms are aligned at least partially perpendicular to the horizontal direction. Each arm thus has an extension according to a semi-circle (or almost) allowing support and adequate transmission of the forces, in particular when the wheels and the arms are rotating.

According to a preferred embodiment of the axle, the second ends of the arms are aligned parallel to the horizontal direction. They are arranged, perpendicular to the horizontal direction, at least partially between the central beam and the first ends of the arms. The latter are also and preferably aligned parallel to the horizontal direction.

In other words, the central beam is preferably at least partly lower than the second ends of the arms along a vertical axis oriented from bottom to top and perpendicular to the horizontal direction. As indicated above, this embodiment is advantageous because the lower frame of the machine can thus be arranged lower than it would be the case if the central beam and the hubs of the wheels were aligned, which facilitates the loading of scrap into the machine. Optionally, the central beam and the second end of each arm can also be partially aligned in the horizontal direction.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means allowing relative rotation between each arm and a leg (or bearing system) comprise at least one hydraulic gyration motor mechanically coupled to a slewing ring. Preferably, the means comprise two such hydraulic gyration motors which engage laterally in the slewing ring, for example, on either side thereof.

These means forming a bearing are known to a person skilled in the art. In particular, a "slewing ring" preferably designates a path for the bearing comprising two concentric rings generally comprising holes and, for one of them, teeth, making it possible to take up efforts and optimize the transmission of power. from the hydraulic gyration motor(s) to induce rotation. The slewing ring is preferably a ball ring.

Advantageously, these means can be arranged easily at the level of the mechanical coupling between the first end of each arm and one of the legs, while making it possible to support heavy loads. In addition, they make it possible to provide a rotational amplitude of at least 180°, which makes it possible to turn each wheel with the arm to which it is fixed by an angle of -90° to 90° around a position of rest. of the wheel at 0°. This preferably corresponds to the position of the wheels suitable for walking in a straight line and aligned with the main axis of the machine, without turning.

The slewing ring is preferably arranged (completely) between an extremal (upper) head of the leg and the first end of the arm. Preferably, the slewing ring is sandwiched between these elements.

The extremal (upper) head of the leg preferably comprises a cavity housing (at least partially) the hydraulic gyration motor(s). Thus, the rotation of each wheel and of the associated arm is possible without material encumbrance and in an efficient manner. Access to this cavity is preferably possible via a cover made in the extremal (upper) head.

The legs also allow the internal passage of fittings, cables and/or pipes, without obstruction, so as to supply the hydraulic slewing motors and/or other hydraulic, electrical and/or mechanical functions within the axle and/or or wheels, from energy sources present in the machine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the axle, a ratio between a length of the central beam and a length of the axle, each measured parallel to the horizontal direction, is between 40 and 60%. Preferably, the length of the axle thus measured corresponds to the length of the central beam and the legs. In particular, the legs therefore preferably extend well beyond the central beam in the horizontal direction, as evidenced by the obtuse angle that they each form with the central beam. This contributes to separating the wheels of the machine so as to further stabilize the latter and to have sufficient space to be able to rotate the wheels and the arms.

As can be deduced from this realization, the machine provided with axles and wheels is likely to be wide parallel to the horizontal direction, and in particular wider than if it had no means of movement. However, it is no wider than if it had been fitted with traction tracks.

The width of the machine is likely to penalize its transport between two sites, which is generally planned by loading and transporting the machine on a truck trailer. Indeed, as it is known, transport by truck that is too wide, long and/or high, requires more precaution, costs and constraints, being done under the name of “exceptional transport”.

However, the presence and the advantageous structure of the axle of the invention make it possible to overcome this weakness. To do this, the legs are preferably fixed detachably (by means of a removable fastener) to the central beam.

In this way, it is possible to detach the legs, arms and wheels before transporting the machine and put them back in place after transport. During transport, the width of the machine is thus greatly reduced, by nearly 40 to 60% in accordance with the previous embodiment, and this reduces the difficulties associated with transporting the machine.

A person skilled in the art will use any suitable removable fastener known in view of the technical constraints. For example, the removable fixing can be done by means of pins, and/or staples, and/or pins.

The axle is preferably of a height, measured perpendicular to the horizontal direction, of between 80 and 120% of a diameter of the wheels with which the machine is to be fitted. Said removable fixing of the legs to the central beam therefore also has the advantage of reducing the height of the machine during its transport since the wheels necessarily extend lower than the central beam. This makes it easier to transport the machine by making it less wide but also less high.

The present invention also proposes a mechanical assembly comprising an axle according to the invention and two wheels supported by the axle, and more precisely, by one of the arms. Each of the wheels preferably comprises a hub at which the second end of the arm is fixed. As mentioned above, the wheels are preferably solid rubber, without cavities, for more resistance on site.

The embodiments and advantages of the axle according to the invention transpose mutatis mutandis to the present mechanical assembly.

Preferably, the means allowing the relative rotation between the legs and the pairs formed by one of the arms and one of the wheels surmount the wheel perpendicularly to the horizontal direction. In particular, preferably, the arms are arcuate and each surround one of the wheels from its first end surmounting the wheel to its second end arranged at the level of the hub. The extremal (upper) head of the corresponding leg preferably surmounts the first end and the wheel and extends along a horizontal plane parallel to the first end.

According to a preferred embodiment of the mechanical assembly, the hub of each wheel is fitted with a hydraulic wheel advancement motor. This progress is made according to a direction of progress defined by the orientation of the wheels, itself defined by the means at the level of the mechanical coupling between the arms and the legs of the axle. In particular, these motors advantageously confer the self-propelled nature of the machine.

The present invention also proposes a scrap processing machine comprising an axle according to the invention. Preferably, the machine comprises a mechanical assembly according to the invention. It is preferably self-propelled. It preferably weighs between 50 and 150 tonnes. It preferably consists of a shear press.

The embodiments and advantages of the axle and of the mechanical assembly according to the invention transpose mutatis mutandis to this machine.

In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the machine, the latter is provided with two mechanical assemblies according to the present invention, and with a lower frame mounted on the central beams of the axles of the mechanical assemblies. This lower frame preferably extends along a main axis of the machine, so that the central beams are aligned along this axis. The lower frame is preferably fixed, for example by screwing and/or welding, to the central beams. In particular, it is not necessary to provide a removable fixing in this respect since even when transporting the machine the central beams can remain fixed under the lower frame.

Another object of this invention is to provide a very particularly simple method of transporting a machine according to the invention provided with one or more mechanical assemblies according to the invention, having in particular a removable attachment of the legs to the central beam to each axle.

To this end, the invention proposes such a method comprising the steps: - for each mechanical assembly, mechanically detaching an assembly (in one piece) formed by the legs, the arms and the wheels via a removable attachment of the legs to the central beam; - transport the machine on a towed trailer, for example, by truck; - for each mechanical assembly, mechanically attach said assembly via the removable attachment of the legs to the central beam.

As has been commented on in detail above, this method of transport is very advantageous because it makes it possible to easily reduce the width and the height of the machine during transport and therefore to reduce the costs and the constraints associated with this transport.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures, among which: - Figure 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a machine for processing scrap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 2 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a mechanical assembly formed of an axle and two wheels of the machine illustrated in Figure 1;

- Figure 3 illustrates a two-dimensional front view of a central beam and suspension struts the axle shown in Figure 2; - Figure 4 illustrates a three-dimensional view of part of the machine illustrated in Figure 1, this part consisting of a lower frame mounted on the central beams of two axles as illustrated in Figure 2; - Figure 5 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a part of the machine illustrated in Figure 1, this part comprising a wheel and a wheel support arm of the axle illustrated in Figure 2 having undergone a rotation of 90 ° relative to a main axis of the machine; - figure 6 shows a two-dimensional view of the rear of the machine shown in figure 1.

Figure drawings are not to scale. Like elements are generally denoted by like references in the figures. In the context of this document, identical or similar elements may bear the same references. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered as limiting, including when these numbers or letters are indicated in the claims.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

This part of this document describes in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention. In particular, there is presented a scrap processing machine (more simply called a "machine" in the context of this document) comprising wheels and axles supporting the wheels according to preferred embodiments of the invention. The example of such a machine consisting specifically of a shear press is presently considered, but this example is of course not limiting the scope of the invention.

In particular, this description presents particular embodiments and references to the aforementioned figures 1 to 6, but the invention is not limited thereby. The drawings or figures described below are only schematic and are not limiting. Some figures further include geometric marks typically referenced by letters. These marks generally have no material reality and are used to quantify and/or visualize properties of the machine, wheels and/or axles depending on the embodiment of the invention considered.

For example, each figure includes an orthogonal reference including the X, Y and Z axes. The X axis is in a so-called horizontal direction, in the direction of a width of the machine. The Y axis is in a so-called vertical direction, directed from bottom to top when the wheels of the machine rest on the ground, in other words, in the opposite direction of gravity. The Z axis corresponds to the main axis of the machine, in the direction of the length of the machine. In other words, it extends along the length extension (i.e. largest dimension) of the machine, oriented from the rear of the machine, to the front of the machine. The direction of the axis

Z is also called longitudinal.

These axes are represented in three-dimensional space without a fulcrum.

By abuse of notation, the references X, Y, Z also designate the directions associated with these axes. The terms "horizontal", "vertical" and "longitudinal", and their derivatives, preferably refer, in this document, to the directions of the axes X, Y and Z respectively. The measurements along these axes are provided in the description with a margin of approximately 10%.

As shown schematically in Figure 1, the machine 3, as a shear press, comprises an input tray 34 for loading scrap 4, an output gantry 36 comprising blades and a press for cutting and compressing the scrap 4, and a pusher 35 capable of moving longitudinally in the input tray 34. The interior of the output portal 36 is also visible in Figure 6.

The scrap metal 4 is generally introduced into the input tray 34 by means of a crane 5, or any other suitable construction machine capable of moving the scrap metal 4 (for example, from the site floor) to bring it up to of the input tray 34. The pusher 35 then makes it possible to push the scrap metal 4 within the input tray 34 towards the output portal 36, where they are then processed. When the pusher 35 is at the end of its travel, it can be retracted along the Z axis to return to a rest position and thus free the input tray 34 to accommodate other scrap 4.

The pusher 35 generally makes it possible to develop a force of the order of 120 to 200 tons. It typically consists of a hydraulic pusher comprising one or more cylinders and hydraulic motors. These are powered by a hydraulic unit 33 of the machine 3, which preferably comprises a single thermal and/or electric motor.

The hydraulic unit 33 also makes it possible to supply the blades and the press of the exit gantry 36, and in general, various hydraulic functions of the machine 3.

These technical elements of a shear press are known to a person skilled in the art, for example from document WO 2017/124157 A1. They will therefore not be commented on or further detailed in the context of this description.

Indeed, the invention is not based on these known functions of a shear press, but on its mobility on the site. To allow this mobility, the machine 3 is provided with wheels 2 supported and steered by axles 1 which are at the heart of the presentation of the invention. In this description, the measures

As shown in Figure 2, each axle 1 comprises a central beam 11 extending longitudinally and, symmetrically on either side, two suspension legs 12 of the central beam 11 and two wheel support arms 2.

Each leg 12 is attached by a removable attachment 17, for example via pins, to one end 11A of the central beam 11, which makes it possible to easily detach the legs 12 from the central beam 11, for example, prior to transporting the machine 3. Each leg 12 extends both horizontally and vertically, upwards from the central beam 11, forming an angle a of approximately 120° with the axis X, as represented in figure 3.

As seen in Figure 6, the total length (L) of the axle 1 corresponds to approximately twice the length (I) of the central beam 11 alone, these lengths being measured horizontally. The total length (L) of the axle 1 also corresponds to the length of the assembly formed by the central beam 11 and the legs 12 measured horizontally, which is approximately 4.67 m. It is therefore advantageous to provide the removable attachment 17, the gain in width of the machine 3 being significant when transporting the machine 3.

As seen in Figures 3 and 6, the height (h) of the axle 1 corresponds to the height of the assembly formed by the central beam 11 and the legs 12, these heights being measured vertically and corresponding to approximately 1, 5m. As a height h' of approximately 0.47 m measured vertically and due to the presence of the wheels 2 remains available under the axle 1, the removable attachment 17 also allows a gain in height when transporting the machine 3.

The arms 13 of each axle 1 are arched, that is to say curved in arcs, and each extend from a first end 13A mechanically coupled to one of the legs 12, to a second end 13B, these ends being aligned partly vertically. The first end 13A provides an annular mechanical connection with the leg 12 parallel to the Y axis, and the second end 13B provides an annular mechanical connection with one of the wheels 2 along the X axis.

More precisely, the second end 13B is mechanically fixed at the level of a hub 21 of the wheel 2, for example, surrounding the latter. Each such hub 21 is provided with a hydraulic motor for advancing wheel 2 (not shown), optionally coupled to a reduction gear, to set wheel 2 in motion, and overall machine 3, so that the latter is self-propelled. .

The hydraulic advancement motor can alternatively also be arranged at least partly inside the annular mechanical connection formed by the second end 13B.

Each leg 12 comprises an upper extremal head 12A extending similarly to the central beam 11. The mechanical coupling between a leg 12 and an arm 13 is more precisely carried out between the extremal head 12A of the leg 12 and the first end 13A of the arm 13 via means 14 (or bearing system) arranged to allow relative rotation between, on the one hand, the arm 13 and the corresponding wheel 2, and on the other hand, the leg 12 and the central beam 11. These means 14 are sandwiched vertically between the extremal head 12A and the first end 13A as shown in Figure 2.

For each such mechanical coupling, the means 14 comprise a slewing ring 15 with ball bearings mechanically coupled to two hydraulic gyration motors (not visible). The latter are housed in a cavity of the extremal head 12A of the leg 12. These hydraulic gyration motors and the associated mechanical and/or hydraulic connections are easily accessible via a cover 16 arranged in the extremal head 12A. Similarly, the legs 12 are preferably partly hollow and can accommodate cables, pipes and other technical elements for powering the hydraulic gyration motors.

Thus, while the wheels 2 have their own advancement means, their orientation is possible via the means 14, which allow an amplitude of at least 180° in rotation with respect to the Z axis. It is in particular possible to turn the wheels 2 (and necessarily their support arm 13) both individually and collectively from −90° to +90° to orient them towards the X axis, as shown in FIG. 5. This advantageously allows a great mobility of the machine on site. For example, the machine 3 can move forward in any direction by orienting all the wheels 2 at the same angle corresponding to this direction, while maintaining a longitudinal extension of the machine 3 along the Z axis. It is also possible to make the machine 3 turn globally, by turning only two wheels 2.

In general, said hydraulic motors for gyration and advancement are supplied with energy by the hydraulic unit 33 of the machine 3 by means known to a person skilled in the art. The control of these motors to direct the machine 3 is preferably possible via a remote control, likewise due to the control of all the functions of the machine 3.

The central beam 11 of the axles 1 of the machine 3 is provided with fixing means 32, for example, screws and/or nuts, visible in FIGS. 2 and 3, in order to fix a lower frame 31 of the machine on the central beam 11. These fastening means can also be intended for fastening by riveting or welding. Figure 4 illustrates the assembly of the lower frame 31 on the axles 1 supporting the wheels thus obtained.

Considering the weight and dimensions of the machine, the axles 1 are made of metal, in a resistant way, and preferably have a section diameter of at least 0.25 m.

As shown in Figure 1, two axles 1 supporting two wheels 2 each, arranged appropriately with respect to the center of gravity CG of the machine 3, are sufficient to support the machine 3 on site. According to one embodiment of the machine 3, the distances E and E' each of the axles 1 and the center of gravity

CG are about 4.3m and 3.8m. Each wheel 2 has a diameter D of approximately 1.6 m, which is slightly less if measured vertically with respect to its horizontal measurement taking into account the weight of the machine 3. A tire 22 of the wheel 2 is annular and between the diameter D and the diameter d of a central part of the wheel 2, which is approximately 0.3 m. The tires 22 of the wheels are in particular adapted in size to the weight and dimensions of the machine 3. They are made of solid rubber, without internal cavity, for greater resistance and elasticity taking into account the environment in which they must evolve.

Briefly, the invention relates to an axle 1 for supporting and steering wheels 2 of a machine 3 for processing scrap metal 4. Axle 1 is provided with a central beam 11, suspension struts 12, arms 13 support wheels 2 and means 14 mechanically coupling each leg 12 to one of the arms 13, while allowing relative rotation between them. The invention also relates to a machine 3 for processing scrap metal 4 equipped with such an axle 1, and a method of transporting this machine 3 by means of a removable attachment 17 of the legs 12 on the central beam 11.

This invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which are purely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. In general, it will appear obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and/or described above.

Claims (15)

Claims 1. Axle (1) for supporting and steering the wheels (2) of a scrap processing machine (3) (4), the axle (1) comprising: - a central beam (11) extending along a horizontal direction (X); - two suspension legs (12), each fixed to one end (11A) of the central beam (11) and extending transversely from the latter; - two arms (13) supporting the wheels (2), each comprising: e a first end (13A) mechanically coupled to one of the legs (12) via means (14) arranged to allow relative rotation between the arm (13) and leg (12), and e a second end (13B) arranged to be fixed at the level of the hub (21) of one of the wheels (2). 2. Axle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the arms (13) are arcuate. 3. Axle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first (13A) and second (13B) ends of each arm (13) are aligned at least partially perpendicular to the horizontal direction (X). 4 axle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second ends (13B) of the arms (13) are both aligned parallel to the horizontal direction (X), and arranged perpendicular to the horizontal direction ( X), at least partially between the central beam (11) and the first ends (13A) of the arms (13). 5. Axle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the means (14) comprise at least one hydraulic gyration motor mechanically coupled to a slewing ring (15), and are configured to provide an amplitude of at least 180° rotation. 6. Axle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the slewing ring (15) is arranged between an end head (12A) of the leg (12) and the first end (13A) of the arm (13). 7. Axle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein two hydraulic gyration motors mechanically coupled to the slewing ring (15) are housed in a cavity of the end head (12A) of the leg (12). 8 Axle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the legs (12) are removably fixed to the central beam (11). 9 Axle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each leg (12) forms an obtuse angle (a) of between 100 and 140° with the central beam (11). 10. Axle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a ratio between a length (I) of the central beam (11) and a length (L) of the axle (1), measured parallel to the horizontal direction (X), is between 40 and 60%. 11. Mechanical assembly comprising an axle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and two wheels (2) supported by the axle (1), each of the wheels (2) comprising a hub (21) at which is fixed the second end (13B) of one of the arms (13) of the axle (1). 12. Mechanical assembly according to the preceding claim, in which a height (h) of the axle (1) measured perpendicularly to the horizontal direction (X) is between 80 and 120% of a diameter (D) of the wheels (2). 13. Mechanical assembly according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the hub (21) of each wheel (2) is provided with a hydraulic motor for advancing the wheel (2). 14. Self-propelled scrap (4) processing machine (3) comprising two mechanical assemblies according to any one of claims 11 to 13, and a lower frame (31) mounted on the central beams (11) of the axles (1). 15. A method of transporting a machine (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the axle (1) of each mechanical assembly is according to claim 8, the method comprising the following steps: - for each mechanical assembly, mechanically detaching an assembly formed by the legs (12), the arms (13) and the wheels (2) via a removable attachment (17) of the legs (12) to the central beam (11); - transport the machine (3) on a towed trailer; - for each mechanical assembly, mechanically attach said assembly via the removable attachment (17) of the legs (12) to the central beam (11).