DK3196361T3

DK3196361T3 - Snow removal trailer

Info

Publication number: DK3196361T3
Application number: DK17152051.3T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Michel Benedetti; Frédéric Bouzi; Ludovic Ducerf
Original assignee: Soviar
Priority date: 2016-01-19
Filing date: 2017-01-18
Publication date: 2019-01-14
Also published as: UA118796C2; FR3046803A1; EP3196361A1; EA201790042A1; GEP20196999B; EA032174B1; RS58271B1; EP3196361B1; FR3046803B1; PL3196361T3; HRP20190111T1; SI3196361T1; PT3196361T; HUE042868T2; TR201820900T4; LT3196361T; ES2704798T3

Description

The present invention relates to the clearing of snow from road carriageways and relates more particularly to a towed snowplow intended to be towed by a vehicle with a towing hitch.

In order to clear snow from several lanes of a carriageway simultaneously using a single towing vehicle, a towed snowplow like the one described in document US 2006/0143952 Al is known, this comprising: a chassis extending in a first direction and comprising a snowplow blade, at least one wheel supporting the chassis, said wheel being selectively orientable by orientation means between a first position, in which the axle axis about which the wheel rotates is perpendicular to the first direction, and at least a second position in which the axle axis about which the wheel rotates makes with the first direction an angle which is different than 90°, a drawbar extending in a second direction between a first and a second end, at the first end of the drawbar, first means of connection allowing a freely pivoting connection with the hitch of the towing vehicle about a third direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the axle axis about which said at least one wheel rotates.

In this particular instance, the towed snowplow from document US 2006/0143952 Al comprises four wheels which are selectively orientable by orientation means. When the wheels of the towed snowplow are oriented in such a way that their respective axle axis makes an angle with the first direction that is different than 90°, the chassis of the towed plow pivots freely about the hitch of the towing vehicle.

During this pivoting of the chassis of the towed plow it is necessary to avoid the snowplow blade supported by the towed plow striking the rear face of the towing vehicle. To achieve that, document US 2006/0143952 Al provides a drawbar of sufficient length that the end of the snowplow blade that is closest to the towing vehicle can move to the side of the towing vehicle without coming into contact with the latter during the circular pivoting movement of the towed snowplow.

It is thus possible to orientate the towed snowplow angularly even further away from the direction of forward travel of the towing vehicle and therefore clear snow from the carriageway over a greater width.

However, when the towing vehicle is also fitted with a snowplow blade, it is necessary to avoid leaving a ribbon of snow between the snowplow blade of the towed plow and that of the towing vehicle. To achieve that it is necessary to provide a certain overlap between the zone plowed by the snowplow blade of the towed plow and the zone plowed by that of the towing vehicle. Because the end of the snowplow blade that is closest to the towing vehicle can be offset to the side of the towing vehicle when the towed snowplow is pivoted, it is necessary to fit the towing vehicle with a blade that extends widthwise beyond the towing vehicle and extends a fair way out to the side of the towing vehicle so as to overlap with the snowplow blade of the towed plow. However, this increase in width of the snowplow blade of the towing vehicle impedes the handling of the towing vehicle.

Document US 2001/0023546 Al describes a snow clearing device intended to be towed by a vehicle. This device comprises a chassis extending in a first direction between a first end and a second end. The first end of the chassis is provided with means of connection allowing a freely pivoting connection to the hitch of the towing vehicle in a substantially horizontal plane. Near the second end of the chassis is suspended a snowplow blade that can be oriented with respect to the chassis by pivoting about a direction that is substantially vertical and centered on the longitudinal median axis of the chassis. The blade is immobilized in terms of pivoting by rods engaged in holes. The embodiment described in figures 12 and 13 more particularly allows snow to be cleared from the side of a road flanked by a ditch while at the same time avoiding the towing vehicle having to drive up close to the edge of the road so as to limit the risks of the towing vehicle accidentally toppling into the ditch. To do this, provision is made for the freely pivoting connection to the hitch of the towing vehicle to be immobilized by rods engaged in holes. The chassis is then oriented obliquely and fixedly with respect to the direction of forward travel of the towing vehicle, the blade therefore being offset to the side with respect to the towing vehicle, but without the ability to quickly retract it notably in order to avoid an obstacle .

One problem put forward by the present invention is that of designing a towed snowplow intended to be towed by a vehicle with a towing hitch that allows the risks of collision between the towed snowplow and the towing vehicle to be minimized effectively.

At the same time, the present invention seeks to allow snow to be cleared from a broad zone, without leaving a ribbon of snow between the snowplow blade of the towed plow and the snowplow blade of the towing vehicle, while at the same time limiting the width that the snowplow blade of the towing vehicle needs to have.

In order to achieve these objectives as well as others, the invention proposes a towed snowplow intended to be towed by a vehicle with a towing hitch, said towed snowplow comprising: a chassis extending in a first direction and comprising a snowplow blade, at least one wheel supporting the chassis, the axle of said wheel being selectively orientable by orientation means between a first position, in which the axle axis about which the wheel rotates is perpendicular to the first direction, and at least a second position in which the axle axis about which the wheel rotates makes with the first direction an angle which is different than 90°, a drawbar extending in a second direction between a first and a second end, at the first end of the drawbar, first means of connection allowing a freely pivoting connection with the hitch of the towing vehicle about a third direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the axle axis about which said at least one wheel rotates; according to the invention: at its second end, the drawbar is articulated to the chassis with pivoting about a fourth direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the axle axis about which said at least one wheel rotates, pivoting means allowing the selective pivoting movement of the chassis of the towed plow with respect to the drawbar and the fixing of the relative angular position of the chassis of the towed plow and of the drawbar, between a transport position in which the first and second directions are substantially parallel, and at least one snow plowing position in which the first and second directions form a non-zero angle between them.

With such a towed snowplow, when the towing vehicle is driving in a straight line and controlling the pivoting means, it is possible to contrive for the drawbar to remain aligned in the straight path of the towing vehicle, whether this be in the rest position or in the snow plowing position. The orientation of the snowplow blade is then achieved by the relative pivoting of the chassis of the towed plow and of the drawbar about the fourth direction. For the same angling of the snowplow blade with respect to the path of the towing vehicle, the end of the towed plow snowplow blade closest to the towing vehicle is laterally closer to the hitch and to the towing vehicle or may even be kept laterally behind the towing vehicle (which means to say so that it does not depart from the straight path beyond the width of the towing vehicle) . The towing vehicle can thus be fitted with a front snowplow blade that is not as wide, without a ribbon of snow being left between the snowplow blade of the towed plow and the snowplow blade of the towing vehicle.

Further, the articulation of the drawbar and of the chassis can be used to drive more easily with the towed plow around bends and rotary intersections.

For preference, the pivoting means may comprise a first double-acting hydraulic ram of which one end is fixed to the drawbar and of which the other end is fixed to the chassis, able to move the drawbar in pivoting between its transport and snow plowing positions, and able to fix the relative angular position of the chassis of the towed plow and of the drawbar. The pivoting means thus have a structure that is simple and robust and are also very simple to control.

Advantageously, the towed snowplow may comprise a drawbar locking bar, of fixed length, of which one end can be fixed to the drawbar and of which the other end can be fixed to the chassis to immobilize the drawbar and the chassis in the transport position.

The locking bar allows the drawbar to be immobilized in the transport position so as to prevent any unwanted pivoting of the towed snowplow in the event of a failure or inadvertent operation of the pivoting means. For example, in the event of a failure of the pivoting means following use of the towed plow to clear snow, the drawbar and the chassis can be returned (for example manually) to the transport position and then locked in the transport position in order to allow the operator to tow the towed snowplow to a maintenance center without risk.

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

Advantageously, the towed snowplow may comprise an orientation immobilization bar, of fixed length, of which one end can be coupled to the axle axis about which the wheel rotates and of which the other end can be fixed to the chassis to immobilize the wheel in terms of orientation in a first position.

The orientation immobilization bar allows the wheel to be immobilized in terms of orientation in the first position, so as to prevent any unwanted pivoting of the wheel in the event of failure of the orientation means. For example, in the event of failure of the orientation means after the towed plow has been used for clearing snow, the wheel can be returned (for example manually) to the first position and then immobilized in the first position so as to allow the operator to tow the towed snowplow to a maintenance center without risk.

For preference, said at least one snowplow blade may be articulated in pivoting on the chassis and be movable, by movement means about a fifth direction substantially parallel to the first direction, between a rest position and a work position.

The snowplow blade is thus retractable through a movement that is very simple to achieve mechanically so that it comes to the side of the chassis of the towed snowplow in the work position.

Advantageously, the following provisions may be made: the towed snowplow comprises at least two wheels arranged on each side of the chassis in a transverse chassis direction, in the work position, the working edge of the snowplow blade is situated, in the fourth direction, substantially at the level of the zone of contact of the wheels with the roadway, in the rest position, the working edge of the snowplow blade is situated higher up than the wheels in the fourth direction, in the rest position, the snowplow blade is situated at least partially above a wheel arranged in the first position.

Because the snowplow blade is situated at least partially above said at least one wheel arranged in the first position, the risk of a collision between the snowplow blade in the rest position and an object beside which the towed snowplow is passing is reduced. Further, because the working edge of the snowplow blade in the rest position is situated higher up than the wheels in the fourth direction, it is thus possible to give the towed snowplow a width that is slightly smaller than, or even equal to, the maximum width permitted by highway regulations, so that it has optimal lateral balance.

For preference, the towed snowplow may comprise locking means for locking the snowplow blade in the rest position. The locking means allow the snowplow blade to be immobilized in the rest position and make it possible to avoid any unwanted movement of the snowplow blade toward its work position, notably when the towing vehicle is driving with the drawbar and the chassis aligned (in the transport position) to reach the site that is to be cleared of snow or when returning therefrom. Further, in the event of failure of the movement means after the towed plow has been used for clearing snow, the snowplow blade can be returned (for example manually) to the rest position and then immobilized in the rest position so as to allow the operator to drive with the towed snowplow without risk.

Advantageously, the towed snowplow may comprise a device for casting a substance such as salt or grit, of which the longitudinal position on the chassis is adjustable in translation in the first direction. Adjusting the longitudinal position of the casting device on the chassis according to the relative angular position of the chassis of the towed plow and of the drawbar allows the casting device to be positioned in such a way that it spreads the cast substance in the best possible way over the roadway.

For preference, the following provisions may be made: the towed snowplow comprises several wheels each rotating about a respective axle axis, each axle of a wheel is selectively orientable by the orientation means in pivoting about a respective direction of pivoting substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and its axle axis . A plurality of wheels makes it possible to ensure better balancing of the towed snowplow and better ability to support its load, especially when it carries a device for casting a substance such as salt or grit which has a salt or grit hopper.

Advantageously, the orientation means and/or the pivoting means may be powered by at least one hydraulic pump supported by the chassis. The towed snowplow is thus provided with the means necessary to ensure the orientation of said at least one wheel and/or the relative pivoting of the chassis and of the drawbar. It can thus be used behind any towing vehicle provided that remote control means for controlling the hydraulic pump are made available to the driver.

For preference, the towed snowplow may comprise control means for synchronized control of the orientation means and of the pivoting means. This then avoids subjecting the orientation means and the pivoting means to needlessly high loads during the relative pivoting of the chassis of the towed plow with respect to the drawbar .

Advantageously, the following provisions may be made: the orientation means and the pivoting means are powered from a first fluid compressor, the movement means that move the snowplow blade are powered from a second fluid compressor.

The orientation means and the pivoting means can thus be controlled independently of the snowplow blade, thereby allowing the operator more easily to adapt the towed plow to suit the various circumstances he may encounter, which may notably include: a narrowing or widening of the carriageway, requiring the chassis of the towed plow to be moved with respect to the drawbar without that entailing interrupting the plowing of the snow with the snowplow blade, avoidance of an obstacle undesirable to the blade but which can pass underneath the towed snowplow, requiring the snowplow blade to be moved toward its rest position without that entailing a relative movement of the chassis of the towed plow with respect to the drawbar.

In this case, provision may preferably be made for the first and second fluid compressors to form part of one and the same double hydraulic pump, this being more compact and cost-effective.

For preference, the towed snowplow may comprise safety means able simultaneously to command the movement of the drawbar toward its transport position, the movement of the wheel toward its first position, and the movement of the snowplow blade toward its rest position. Such means are of particular use in an urgent situation (such as in the case of an obstacle for example) that requires the towed snowplow to be returned quickly to a position behind the towing vehicle and the retraction of the snowplow blade.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the following description of some particular embodiments which is given in conjunction with the attached figures among which: figure 1 is a view from above of one particular embodiment of a towed snowplow according to the invention, towed by a vehicle with a towing hitch, said towed snowplow being in the transport position and the snowplow blade being in the rest position; figure 2 is a side view of the towed snowplow and of the towing vehicle of figure 1; figure 3 is a detailed and plan view of the towed plow of figure 1 in the absence of a device for casting a substance such as salt or grit; figure 4 is a plan view of the towed snowplow and of the towing vehicle of figure 1, said towed snowplow being in the snow plowing position and the snowplow blade being in the work position; figure 5 is a side view of the towed snowplow and of the towing vehicle of figure 4; figure 6 is a detailed and plan view of the towed plow of figure 5, in the absence of a device for casting a substance such as salt or grit; figure 7 is a schematic view of the chassis of the towed plow showing one example of a structure that allows the wheels of the towed plow to be pivoted; figure 8 is a partial detailed and plan view of the towed plow of figure 1; figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating means of locking the snowplow blade in the rest position; and figure 10 is a diagram of one example of a hydraulic circuit allowing control of the towed plow of figure 1.

Figures 1 to 9 illustrate one particular embodiment of a towed snowplow 1 according to the invention, which is intended to be towed by a vehicle 2 having a towing hitch.

It may be seen more particularly in figures 3 and 6 that the towed snowplow 1 comprises a chassis 3 extending in a first direction I-I and comprising two snowplow blades 4 and 5. The chassis 3 supports the various components of the towed snowplow 1.

Four wheels 6a to 6d support the chassis 3 by resting on the ground, said wheels 6a to 6d being selectively orientable by orientation means 7 between a first position (figure 3) in which the axle axes 7a to 7d about which the wheels 6a to 6d rotate are perpendicular to the first direction I-I, and at least one second position (figure 6) in which the axle axes 7a to 7d about which the wheels 6a to 6d rotate make with the first direction I-I an angle A that is different than 90°. A drawbar 8 extends in a second direction II-II between first and second ends 8a and 8b. At the first end 8a of the drawbar 8, first means of connection 9 (in this instance a simple ring) allow a freely pivoting connection to the hitch of the towing vehicle 2 about a third direction III-III substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction I-I and by the axle axes 7a to 7d about which said wheels 6a to 6d rotate .

At its second end 8b, the drawbar 8 is articulated to the chassis 3 in pivoting about a fourth direction IV-IV substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction I-I and the axle axes 7a to 7d about which said wheels 6a to 6d rotate. Pivoting means 10 allow the selective pivoting movement of the chassis 3 of the towed plow 1 with respect to the drawbar 8 and the fixing of the relative angular position of the chassis 3 of the towed plow 1 and of the drawbar 8 between a transport position (figure 3) in which the first and second directions I-I and II-II are substantially parallel, and at least one snow plowing position (figure 6) in which the first and second directions I-I and II-II make a non-zero angle B (approximately 30° here) between them.

Figure 8 more particularly shows that the pivoting means 10 comprise a first double-acting hydraulic ram 11 of which one end 11a is fixed (in a pivoting fashion) to the drawbar 8 and of which the other end lib is fixed (in a pivoting fashion) to the chassis 3. The first hydraulic ram 11 is able to move the drawbar 8 between its transport position (figure 3) and snow plowing position (figure 6), and to fix the relative angular position of the chassis 3 of the towed plow 1 and of the drawbar 8 (angle B being able for example to vary between around 0° and around 50°).

Starting out from the transport position illustrated in figures 3 and 8, when the first hydraulic ram 11 is powered in such a way as to extend its rod 12, the first hydraulic ram 11 moves the chassis 3 in pivoting with respect to the drawbar 8 toward a snow plowing position (figure 6) . Once it has arrived in a suitable snow plowing position, the angle B of which is predetermined or deemed by the operator to be satisfactory, the powering of the first hydraulic ram 11 is interrupted. The first double-acting hydraulic ram 11 then maintains the relative angular position of the chassis 3 and of the drawbar 8. When the first hydraulic ram 11 is powered in such a way as to retract its rod 12, the first hydraulic ram 11 moves the chassis 3 in pivoting with respect to the drawbar toward its transport position (figures 3 and 8) .

Still with reference to figures 3, 6 and 8 it may be seen that the towed snowplow 1 comprises a drawbar locking bar 13 of fixed length. The end 13a of the drawbar locking bar 13 is fixed with pivoting to the chassis 3 while its other end 13b can be fixed either to the chassis 3 or to the drawbar 8. When the ends 13a and 13b are respectively fixed to the chassis 3 and to the drawbar 8, the drawbar locking bar 13 fixes the angular position of the chassis 3 and of the drawbar 8 such that the latter is in the transport position (with the first and second directions I-I and II-II parallel).

The drawbar locking bar 13 thus makes it possible to immobilize the drawbar 8 and the chassis 3 in the transport position, either in the event of failure of the first hydraulic ram 11 or as a safety locking means when driving passively without plowing snow.

When there is a desire to move the chassis 3 and the drawbar 8 in relative terms toward a snow plowing position, the end 13b is detached beforehand from the drawbar 8 and the drawbar locking bar 13 is pivoted into the stowage position illustrated in broken line in figure 8.

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

Starting out from the first position of the wheels 6a to 6d as illustrated in figure 7, when the second hydraulic ram 14 is powered with fluid in such a way as to extend its rod 15, that causes the member with an eccentric 16 to pivot about the axial direction VI-VI (as illustrated by the arrow 17) . The pivoting of the member with an eccentric 16 is communicated to a pivoting element 18 with antagonistic arms 18a and 18b which are coupled by two rods 19a and 19b to the axles of the wheels 6a and 6c, which axles then respectively pivot about their directions of pivoting Va-Va and Vc-Vc as illustrated by the arrows 20a and 20b. The axle of the wheel 6a is also coupled to the axle of the wheel 6b via a rod 21a whereas the axle of the wheel 6c is coupled to the axle of the wheel 6d by a rod 21b. In that way, the pivoting of the axles of the wheels 6a and 6c about the directions of pivoting Va-Va and Vc-Vc simultaneously causes the respective pivotings of the wheels 6b and 6d about their directions of pivoting Vb-Vb and Vd-Vd. It will thus be appreciated that the hydraulic ram 14 allows the axles of all four wheels 6a to 6d to be pivoted simultaneously into the second position while constantly keeping the axle axes 7a to 7d mutually parallel.

Reverse actuation of the second hydraulic ram 14 (retraction of the rod 15) allows the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d to be moved simultaneously from a second position toward their first position.

In order to prevent any failure of the second hydraulic ram 14 which could lead to unwanted movement of the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d from their first position (figures 3 and 7) toward a second position (figure 6), orientation immobilizing bars 22a to 22d (figure 3) of fixed lengths are provided. The immobilizing bar 22a is more particularly visible in figure 8. This bar comprises an end 221a which can be selectively coupled either to the axle axis 7a about which the wheel 6a rotates in order to immobilize the wheel 6a in terms of orientation in the first position, or to the chassis 3, whereas its other end 222a is articulated to the chassis 3. It will be noted that, when the four axles of the wheels 6a to 6d are coupled to one another in pivoting as in figure 7, a single orientation immobilizing bar 22a, 22b, 22c or 22d is needed. For greater safety though, it may nevertheless be preferable to have four orientation immobilizing bars 22a to 22d as illustrated in figure 3.

It may be seen more particularly in figures 3 and 6 that the snowplow blades 4 and 5 are articulated in pivoting on the chassis 3 and movable, by movement means 23 (involving hydraulic ram 24 and 25) about a fifth direction VII-VII substantially parallel to the first direction I-I, between a rest position (figures 2 and 3) and a work position (figures 5 and 6) . In the work position, the snowplow blades 4 and 5 are arranged to the side of the chassis 3 of the towed snowplow 1.

It may be seen more particularly in figures 3 and 6 that the towed snowplow 1 comprises wheels 6a and 6d on the one hand and wheels 6b and 6c on the other, arranged on each side of the chassis 3 in a chassis transverse direction VIII-VIII (which is perpendicular to the first direction I-I and parallel to the plane defined by the first direction I-I and the axle axes 7a to 7d about which the wheels 6a to 6d rotate).

It may be seen in figure 5 that, in the work position, the working edges (lower edges) of the snowplow blades 4 and 5 are situated, in the fourth direction IV-IV, substantially level with the zone of contact of the wheels 6a to 6d with the roadway C. It may be seen in figure 2 that, in the rest position, the working edges (lower edges) of the snowplow blades 4 and 5 are situated higher up than the wheels 6a to 6d in the fourth direction. Further, it may also be seen from figure 3 that, in the rest position, the snowplow blades 4 and 5 are situated, in the chassis transverse direction VIII-VIII, at least partially above the wheels 6b and 6c arranged in the first position.

The snowplow blades 4 and 5 are held at the ends of arms 26 more particularly visible in figure 6. Figure 9 is a detailed view showing one of these arms 26 articulated with pivoting on the chassis 3 about an axial direction IX-IX. In this figure 9, the snowplow blade 4 or 5 is in the rest position. To allow the snowplow blade 4 or 5 to be moved into the work position, the arm 26 has to pivot about the axial direction IX-IX according to the movement illustrated by the arrow 27. The locking means 28 may selectively oppose such a movement and immobilize the snowplow blade 4 or 5 in the rest position. In this particular instance, the locking means 28 comprise a hydraulic ram 29a or 29b of which the rod 30 is in the protruding position in figure 9 so as to lock the arm 26 (and therefore the snowplow blade 4 or 5) in the rest position .

In order to allow the snowplow blade 4 or 5 to move from its rest position toward its work position, the rod 30 needs to be moved into the retracted position according to the movement illustrated by the arrow 31, so as to free the pivoting movement of the arm 26 about the axial direction IX-IX.

It should be noted that, as an alternative to hydraulic rams 29a and 29b, it is possible to resort to simple mechanical pins intended to be fitted or removed by hand by an operator.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 4, the towed snowplow 1 is fitted with a hopper 32 for a medium such as salt or grit. This salt and this grit are intended to be spread selectively over the roadway C using a casting device 33. By comparing figures 1 and 4, it may be seen that the longitudinal position of the casting device 33 on the chassis 3 is translationally adjustable in the first direction I-I (as illustrated by the double arrow 34).

In figure 6, it may be seen that the orientation means 7 and/or the pivoting means 10 comprise at least one hydraulic pump 35 supported by the chassis 3.

An example of a hydraulic circuit for use of the towed snowplow 1 is illustrated in figure 10.

In this figure, it is possible to discern the first double-acting hydraulic ram 11 and the second doubleacting hydraulic ram 14 which are powered simultaneously by a flow splitter 36 powered from a first hydraulic distributor 37 (of the electrically operated valve type for example) receiving a pressurized fluid from a first fluid compressor 38. The flow splitter 36 and the first hydraulic distributor 37 constitute synchronized means of control for the orientation means 6 and the pivoting means 10.

In the diagram of figure 10, it is also possible to discern a second fluid compressor 39, allowing a pressurized fluid to be transmitted to a second hydraulic distributor 40 arranged in series with a third hydraulic distributor 41, and a fourth hydraulic distributor 42. The second hydraulic distributor 40 allows the powering of the double-acting hydraulic rams 29a and 29b of the means 28 of locking the snowplow blades 4 and 5. The double-acting hydraulic ram 29a allows the snowplow blade 4 to be immobilized in the rest position, while the double-acting hydraulic ram 29b allows the snowplow blade 5 to be immobilized in the rest position.

The third hydraulic distributor 41 allows the powering of the hydraulic rams 24 and 25, the extending of the rod of which (so as to bring the snowplow blades 4 and 5 into the work position) is synchronized by a flow splitter 44. The movement means 23 for moving the snowplow blades 4 and 5 are thus powered by the second fluid compressor 39.

The chambers of the hydraulic rams 11, 14, 29a and 29b are fed via devices 43 involving hydraulically controlled nonreturn valves.

Figure 10 more particularly shows that the first and second fluid compressors 38 and 39 form part of one and the same double hydraulic pump 35 comprising a single motor M.

When circumstances so dictate, the safety means may be actuated by the user to command simultaneously the movement of the drawbar 8 toward its transport position and the movement of the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d toward their first position and the movement of the snowplow blades 4 and 5 toward their rest position. To do this, the safety means comprise a single control button 46 allowing the first and third hydraulic distributors 37 and 41 to be controlled simultaneously to move them into their position "B". That causes the powering of the hydraulic rams 11, 14, 29a and 29b so as to cause them to retract their rods.

The fourth hydraulic distributor 42 allows the snowplow blades 4 and 5 to be left in contact with the roadway C under the mere effect of their own weight (in which case the blades are said to "float").

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

When the operator wishes to plow snow over a width greater than that which the snowplow blade 47 of his towing vehicle 2 permits, he actuates the pivoting means 10 to move the chassis 3 and the drawbar 8 in relative terms toward a snow plowing position as illustrated in figure 4. At the same time, the orientation means 7 control the movement of the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d from their first position (figure 1) toward a second position (figure 4). Simultaneously with or after the movement of the drawbar 8 and of the chassis 3 from their transport position toward their snow plowing position, the snowplow blades 4 and 5 are released by the locking means 28 and the hydraulic rams 24 and 25 move them into the work position.

When the double hydraulic pump 35 with its first and second compressors 38 and 39 ceases to power the first and second hydraulic rams 11 and 14, these latter keep the drawbar 8 and the chassis 3 in the snow plowing position and the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d in the second position. As they progress along the roadway C with the movement illustrated by the arrow 48, the towing vehicle 2 and the towed snowplow 1 plow a zone of increased width L, making it possible to clear more than one lane. The end 4a of the snowplow blade 4 does not strike the towing vehicle 2 and diverges very little laterally from the hitch of the vehicle 2, ensuring a good overlap R of the zones plowed by the snowplow blades 47 and 4. The end 4a may even be situated behind the rear face of the vehicle 2, so that a blade 47 of even lesser width can be used.

When plowing the roadway C, the wheels 6a to 6d keep the chassis 3 of the towed snowplow 1 angled relative to the direction of forward travel of the towing vehicle 2.

The first means of connection 9 to the first end 8a of the drawbar 8 permanently ensure a freely pivoting connection to the hitch of the towing vehicle 2 about a third direction III-III. Thus, should the towed snowplow 1 encounter an unforeseen obstacle, the risks of damage to the towing vehicle 2 and to its hitch 8 are reduced.

When the towing vehicle 2 and the towed snowplow 1 are plowing a roadway C flanked by a ditch (which is sometimes very difficult to see visually because of the snow filling it) , the zone of increased width L allows the edge of the roadway C (and even beyond) to be plowed satisfactorily without the need to drive the towing vehicle 2 in the close vicinity of the ditch. This then limits accidents involving the towing vehicle 2 toppling over into the ditch flanking the roadway C.

The longitudinal position of the casting device 33 is adjusted in the first direction I-I so that it remains close to the center of the roadway C, so as to spread the salt or grit from the hopper 32 carried by the towed snowplow 1 as uniformly as possible.

Once the snowplowing operations are over, the orientation means 7 and the pivoting means 10 return the chassis 3 and the drawbar 8 to their transport position, and the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d to the first position. Before that or at the same time, the movement means return the snowplow blades 4 and 5 from their work position toward their rest position. Once the snowplow blades are in the rest position, the locking means 28 immobilize them in the rest position.

As a safety measure, before returning to the depot, the operator may immobilize the drawbar 8 on the chassis 3 in the transport position using the drawbar locking bar 13 and immobilize the axles of the wheels 6a to 6d in the first position using one or more of the orientation immobilizing bars 22a to 22d.

It must be noted that the towed plow with articulated chassis 3 and articulated drawbar 8 according to the invention may be fitted, instead of with a snowplow blade 4 or 5, with means for cleaning (such as rotary or fixed brushes for sweeping for example, and/or with means for spraying fluid(s)) the roadway C. The same is true of the towing vehicle 2 of which the snowplow blade 47 may be replaced by cleaning means. Independent patent protection may thus be sought for such a towed roadway cleaning device. Said towed cleaning device can therefore be moved between a transport position and a sweeping position.

The present invention is not restricted to the embodiments explicitly described but includes the various alternative forms and generalizations thereof that are contained within the scope of the claims which follow.

Claims

A snow removal trailer (1) intended to be towed by a towing vehicle (2), the snow removal trailer (1) comprising: - a chassis (3) extending in a first direction (ll); ) and comprises a snow clearing blade (4, 5), - at least one wheel (6a, 6b) carrying the chassis (3), the shaft of the wheel (6a-6d) being selectively oriented with orientation means (7) between a first position, the shaft axis (7a-7d) about which the wheel (6a-6d) rotates is perpendicular to the first direction (11), and at least one other position, wherein the shaft axis (7a-7d) around which the wheel (6a-6d) turning, forming an angle (A) with the first direction (II) different from 90 ° - a carriage rod (8) extending in a second direction (Il-Il) between a first (8a) and second (8b) end, - at the first end (8a) of the carriage rod (8), first connecting means (9) allow a freely rotating connection with the coupling of the towing vehicle (2) about a third direction (III-III), which is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction (III) and the shaft axis (7a-7d), about which it rotates at least one wheel (6a-6d), characterized in that : - the drawbar (8) at its other end (8b) is hingedly connected to the chassis (3) pivotally about a fourth direction (IV-IV) which is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction (11) and the axle shaft (7a-7d) about which at least one wheel (6a-6d) rotates - pivot means (10) which permit selective rotating movement of the chassis (3) trailer (1) relative to the drawbar (8), and securing the angular position relative to the chassis (3) of the trailer (1) and the tow bar (8), between a transport position in which the first (II) and second direction (II-II) are substantially parallel, and at least one clearing position in which the first (II) and second (II-II) directions mutually form an angle (B) which is unequal to zero.

Snow removal trailer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the turning means (10) comprise a first double-acting hydraulic jack (11), one end (11a) of which is fixed to the drawbar (8) and the other end of which (11b) is secured to the chassis (3) capable of moving the tow bar (8) and chassis (3) between their transport and snow clearance position, and capable of securing the angular position with respect to the chassis (3) of the trailer. (1) and the drawbar (8).

Snow removal trailer (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a fixed-length carriage bar lock (13), one end (13b) of which can be fixed to the drawbar (8) and the other end (13a) can be secured to the chassis (3) to immobilize the drawbar (8) on the chassis (3) in the transport position.

Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the orienting means (7) comprise another double acting hydraulic jack (14), one end of which is fixed to the chassis (3) and if the second end is coupled to the shaft axis (7a-7d) about which the wheel (6a-6d) rotates, which is capable of moving the shaft of the wheel (6a-6d) between the first and second positions with rotation about a direction of rotation (Va -Va; Vb-Vb; Vc-Vc; Vd-Vd) which are substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the shaft axis (7a-7d) of the wheel (6a-6d).

Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a fixed-length orientation immobilization boom (22a-22d) from which one end (221a) can be coupled to the shaft axis (7a). 7d), rotates around the wheel (6a-6d) and the other end (222a) can be secured to the chassis (3) to immobilize the orientation of the wheel (6a-6d) in the first position.

Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one snow removal blade (4, 5) is pivotally hinged on the chassis (3) and movable by movement mites (23). fifth (VII-VII) direction, substantially parallel to the first (II) direction, between a resting position and a working position.

Snow removal trailer (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that: - it comprises at least two wheels (6a, 6b; 6c, 6d) arranged on both sides of the chassis (3) in a transverse direction of the chassis (VIII-VIII), - in the working position, the working edge of the blades (4, 5) is arranged in a fourth direction (IV-IV) substantially at the level of the contact zone of the wheels (6a-6d) with the roadway (C), - in the resting position, the working edge of the snow clearing blade (4, 5) is placed higher than the wheels (6a-6d) in the fourth direction (IV-IV), 6a-6d), which are placed in the first position.

Snow removal trailer (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises means for locking (28) of the snow removal blade (4, 5) in the resting position.

Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a device for spreading (33) salt or sand, whose longitudinal position on the chassis (3) can be translationally controlled in it. first direction (ll).

Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: - it comprises several wheels (6a-6d), each of which is an axle (7a-7d), - each wheel shaft (6a-6d) can be oriented selectively and pivotally with orientation means (7) about a respective direction of rotation (Va-Va; Vb-Vb; Vc-Vc; Vd-Vd), which is substantially perpendicular to the plane is defined by the first direction (ll) and the shaft axis (7a-7d).

Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the orienting means (7) and / or the turning means (10) are provided by at least one hydraulic pump (35) carried by the chassis (3). ).

Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises means for synchronized control of the orienting means (7) and the turning means (10).

Snow removal trailer (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that: - the orienting means (7) and the turning means (10) are provided by a first fluid compressor (38), - the means for moving (23) of the snow clearing blade ( 4, 5) is provided by another fluid id compressor (39).

Snow removal trailer (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the first (38) and second (39) fluid pressure compressors are part of the same hydraulic double pump (35).

Snow removal trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises safety means capable of simultaneously controlling the movement of the pull rod (8) and the chassis (3) towards their transport position. , the movement of the wheel (6a-6d) toward its first position and the movement of the snow blade (4-5) toward its resting position.

A method of snow removal by: - a towing vehicle (2) comprising a snow removal blade (47), - a snow removal trailer (1) according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein during the snow removal the turning means ( 10) to rotate the drawbar (8) relative to the chassis (3) of the trailer and guide means (7) to control the at least one wheel (6a-6d) relative to the chassis (3) of the trailer, so that the areas swept by the snow clearing blades (4, 47) have an overlap (R).