EP0734477B1 - Method and equipment for road marking - Google Patents

Abstract

The horizontal marking method of the invention is intended for marking a receiving surface such as a road. Said method comprises the deposition of an interface sub-layer (2) in liquid or pasty form on the receiving surface (1) before applying at least one marking product (6, 13). The interface sub-layer (2) is not directly involved in the marking and is compatible with the materials between which it is located to ensure binding thereof. The road markings consist of a sheet of fluid (6) and/or embedded elements (13) in order to improve the perception thereof. Marking can be carried out in wet weather conditions and may be a first-time or repeat application. In some of these configurations, it is visible at night, in rain, and may have an acoustic effect.

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of road signs. It relates more particularly to a method of horizontal marking for the production of signals on a reception surface such as a road, as well as the equipment ensuring the implementation of the method.

Conventionally, the strips of axes and banks as well as the special works of the roadways are carried out by depositing a veil of marking fluid, made up in particular of paint or resin. The marking fluid is deposited by means of ejection nozzles associated with a reserve of product and with pressurization or transfer means; the fluid is generally deposited in a single layer, directly on the road surface.

This traditional process can only be implemented when the atmospheric conditions are satisfactory. When the receiving surface is wet, especially in case of rain, the fluid does not have time to dry and it does not hold up on the road. Depending on the region, this limitation makes the possibilities of using the equipment very uncertain; no coherent planning of road marking can be envisaged in advance, whether in terms of first application or ironing of marking.

In the field of ironing, for the stripes of axes and of edges, the current standards impose to pass over the existing marking with an accuracy of the order of more or less 5 mm in length and 2 mm in width. This results in marking application speeds for ironing, very much lower than those of the first application work, resulting in higher cost, increased discomfort for users and greater risks for applicators.

In the general context of road marking techniques, it is also known to deposit an interface undercoat on the ground, intended to serve as means for attaching plastic strips, either prefabricated (see document US-A-4 082 587), or made on site (see document GB-A-1 439 493). The very nature of the materials used requires the use of complex technical means and makes it difficult to use the process in all weathers, especially in rainy weather.

On the other hand, it is known to mark road surfaces by means of reflective or retroreflective elements, with a view to improving the visibility, particularly at night, of the signals. Fixing these elements is however not easy to achieve; the traditional techniques used are relatively complex and the behavior of the elements is not satisfactory.
In addition, visibility is very reduced when the roadway is covered with a layer of rainwater, because this layer constitutes a mirror which reduces the perception of the marking.

The object of the invention is to propose a method and a material for its implementation, which can remedy these various drawbacks.

One of the aims of the invention is in particular to propose a marking method which can be used in the field of repairing the tracing of strips of axes or road banks, for example, without having to worry about the details required by standards.

The proposed horizontal marking process consists of depositing on an receiving surface such as a roadway for example, an interface undercoat of the hydrocarbon binder type, then applying to this interface undercoat at least one veil paint type marking fluid. The interface sub-layer is in a liquid or pasty form; it is neutral, that is to say that it does not directly participate in signaling and it is compatible with the materials between which it is arranged to ensure a lasting attachment between them.

The interface sublayer consists of a hydrocarbon binder or one of its derivatives. In particular cases, and depending on the result that one wishes to obtain, or the conditions of application, it may be a product whose application to a receiving surface is not very sensitive to humidity, including the shape aspect contrasts with a marking fluid or having an adhesive power on inlay elements.

In addition, according to other provisions of the invention, provision is made to remove the humidity or to clean the reception surface by sweeping with pressurized air before the deposition of the interface sublayer. It is also possible to accelerate the hardening of the undercoat, before or after the application of the veil (s) of marking fluid.

As part of a repair of the layout, the interface underlay makes it possible to erase the existing marking and we can then treat the road surface as if it were a new marking, at a faster speed than if it were precision ironing.

Another object of the invention is to propose a method of horizontal marking for a road, for example, by means of a marking fluid, which can be used in wet weather.

The process then consists in removing the humidity from the receiving surface, for example by means of a pressurized air sweep, before the deposition of the interface undercoat, then applying a compatible undercoat with a slightly damp or wet support and to protect this sub-layer from the weather before the deposition of the marking fluid, and just after.
This characteristic ensures the deposition of the marking fluid on a dry support or during drying, which assures him a correct behavior. The marking fluid has the possibility of drying before being subjected to the humid atmosphere.

To improve the contrast, it may be advantageous to apply the marking fluid over only part of the width of the interface underlay.

Another object of the invention is to propose a method which allows road marking to be carried out, the perception of which at night and in rainy weather is improved.

According to a provision of the invention, the method consists in applying, after the interface sub-layer, a marking fluid consisting of paint mixed with glass microbeads.

According to another arrangement of the invention, the method consists, in association with the operation of applying the marking fluid, or in isolation, in encrusting marking elements in the form of glass beads, agglomerates of retroreflective product or natural stone aggregates (diameter of the order of 1 to 14 mm) in the interface underlayment before this hardens. This incrustation can for example be carried out by propulsion towards the ground to cause the partial insertion of the marking elements in the interface sub-layer.
These glass beads and / or microbeads or retroreflective marks ensure the reflection of light in the direction of emission and they improve the delimitation of the marking at night and in the rain. In addition, the beads or the retroreflective marks have a size which is large enough to extend beyond the aqueous layer, in rainy weather, and their upper zone can play its reflective role completely to ensure the visibility of the marks.
In addition, the encrustation of glass beads, agglomerates of retro-reflective product or aggregates of natural stone, or a mixture of these different compounds, makes it possible to obtain a rough surface, very resistant and not very slippery which takes part in the marking by improving its sensitivity when one rolls over it (presence of vibrations and increase in noise).

After the application of the marking fluid and / or after the removal of the incrustation elements, it is possible to apply a second veil of marking fluid, for example loaded with microbeads. In addition, according to another arrangement, the method provides for a dusting of glass microbeads, following the application of the marking fluid.

The invention also relates to the horizontal marking equipment for the implementation of this method.

This equipment includes means for depositing an interface sub-layer in the form of a hydrocarbon binder, associated with means for applying at least one signaling product in the form of a marking fluid, of the paint type.
For the interface sub-layer, these removal means are in the form of ejection nozzles, associated with a reserve of product and with pressurization or transfer means. The signaling product in the form of marking fluid is also conditioned in a reserve and it is deposited in a similar manner by means of ejection nozzles.

According to other provisions, and depending on the interventions selected for the process, this equipment also includes means for injecting glass microbeads into the veil of marking fluid during removal and means for dusting glass microbeads onto the veil of marking fluid deposited, associated with product reserves and with pressurization or transfer means.

If glass beads, retro-reflective marks or natural stone aggregates are used, as a signaling product, in combination or not with a marking fluid, the material includes means for removing and partially sinking these elements in the interface sub-layer, associated with product reserves and transfer means.
This particular material can advantageously consist of a reserve of incrustation elements, means which ensure the unitary removal of these elements from the reserve and means of guiding the elements removed to a propulsion system towards the ground.

The propulsion system towards the ground preferably consists of a substantially vertical chute comprising a stop for retaining the inlay element. This chute is associated with means for injecting pressurized air which ensure the propulsion of the element towards the ground after passage by force of the stop, which consists of an elastic, adjustable constriction, in the form of a leaf spring. The means for injecting pressurized air are advantageously controlled by a detector for the presence of an inlay element at the level of the stop.

According to another arrangement of the invention, the equipment comprises a chute ramp, arranged perpendicular to the direction of advance, for depositing rows of inlay elements on the interface underlay. The operation of each chute is advantageously managed individually.

• la figure 1 représente de façon schématique les différentes étapes possibles du procédé selon l'invention pour la réalisation d'un marquage horizontal ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe, de côté, montrant le matériel de propulsion des éléments d'incrustation dans la sous-couche d'interface ;
• la figure 3 montre une rampe de goulottes, de face, permettant la dépose de rangées d'éléments d'incrustation.

However, the invention will be further illustrated, without being in any way limited, by the following description of a particular embodiment given by way of example and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows schematically the different possible steps of the method according to the invention for the realization of a horizontal marking;
• Figure 2 is a sectional side view showing the propulsion equipment of the inlay elements in the interface underlay;
• Figure 3 shows a chute ramp, from the front, allowing the removal of rows of inlay elements.

The method of horizontal marking of a road lane 1 can be adapted for the production of continuous or discontinuous strips of axes or banks and also for special works of greater width. It can be implemented by several successive independent units but the various means described are preferably grouped together on the same unit, for reasons of convenience and, in certain cases, of technical necessity, as will be seen below.

The present invention consists, firstly, in depositing an interface sublayer 2 on the receiving surface 1. This removal can be preceded by a sweep of pressurized air 3 obtained by means of suitable nozzles 4. This sweeping is intended to eliminate dust and possible humidity to obtain a better adhesion of the underlay on the receiving surface. The sub-layer 2 is made of a material compatible with the receiving surface to obtain an effective and lasting connection. It is deposited by means of one or more nozzles 5 with electro-pneumatic control, for example, associated with a reserve of product and with pressurizing means, not shown. The nozzles 5 are adapted to form a layer having a width of the order of 10 to 20 cm and a thickness preferably of between 2 / 10ths of a mm and 3 mm; this thickness is essentially a function of the nature of the subsequent steps.

The sublayer 2 is preferably made of a neutral product, the color of which approaches the reception surface so as not to participate directly in the signaling proper. It is also chosen to obtain a correct contrast with the marking product deposited later, according to the standards in force.

Any type of product capable of being deposited in liquid or pasty form, hot or cold, and capable of hardening thereafter, may be suitable. They are chosen according to the quality objectives to be achieved and, in some cases, according to the country or region where they are used. As an indication, hydrocarbon binders (bitumen, tar, etc.) or their derivatives are particularly suitable.

Just after the removal of the sub-layer 2, the method provides for applying a signaling product, which can consist either of one or more veils of marking fluid, possibly associated with embedded or embedded elements intended to improve the perception and / or the sensitivity of the marking, either simply by inlay elements implanted in the sub-layer to improve visibility and sensitivity at night or in rainy weather.

The signaling product can consist of a veil 6 of marking fluid, in the form of paint for example. This paint has a color depending on the objectives and standards in force. It is deposited by means of a suitable nozzle 7, associated with a reserve and with pressurizing or transfer means, not shown.

The two materials 2 and 6 are compatible to obtain an effective and lasting connection.

According to an advantageous arrangement, and if this proves necessary, the hardening of the sub-layer 2 is accelerated before the deposition of paint 6 by means of a device 8 for injecting gas (air for example).

The width of the marking fluid web 6 is generally of the order of 10 to 15 cm. It can be more important in certain specific cases (motorways, stop marking ...), according to the standards in force. In terms of repairing road markings, this width is advantageously less than that of the interface sub-layer 2 to improve the contrast and ensure better legibility of the signaling.

To improve visibility at night and in rainy weather, means 9 can be provided for injecting glass microbeads into the paint veil 6 or into a veil 10 deposited just after to form a second layer.
These microbeads can have a diameter of the order of 100 to 400 microns; they are propelled into the paint veil 6, 10 during removal, by means of pressurization of their storage reserve or by a compressed air gun positioned at the end of a ramp on which the microbeads move by simple gravity.

After the removal of the veil (s) 6, 10, and before complete drying of the latter, it is also possible to provide a dusting of microbeads 11 having a diameter of the order of 125 to 630 microns, or possibly more. This dusting is preferably carried out over the entire width of the marking veil 6, 10, from a pressurized reserve.

The method according to the invention makes it possible to prepare the receiving surface for depositing a marking fluid. Indeed, if provision is made to protect the sub-layer 2 from the weather before depositing the marking fluid, and this is particularly the case if the different means exposed are grouped together on the same treatment equipment, it is possible to work by all the time, even in the rain.

On the other hand, in terms of repairing markings, the removal of the interface sub-layer 2 makes it possible to "erase" the original signage. The subsequent removal of the veil 6 of painting is carried out as a new marking and there is no need to take into account the previous marking. The latter serves as an approximate guide to the material for the alignment of the new marking.

Just after the deposition of the sub-layer 2, in combination or not with a veil of marking fluid 6, 10, it is possible to provide means 12 for depositing marking elements 13 which will make it possible to improve security users by ensuring visual and / or audible and / or vibratory readability, in all weathers, day and night.
These marking elements can consist of glass beads, agglomerates of retroreflective products, natural stone aggregates or a mixture of these different compounds. These elements 13 have a diameter between 1 and 14 mm; they can be deposited in rows over the entire width of the sub-layer 2 and partially pressed in, preferably at least up to half their diameter, to ensure lasting positioning. This removal is carried out by incrustation, preferably when the sub-layer 2 is still soft and lukewarm, at a temperature of the order of 50 ° C. for example. This makes it possible to speed up the incrustation time of these elements. Their insertion into the sub-layer 2 can be achieved by a pressure means disposed downstream or by a high-speed removal in association, for example, with pressure injection means detailed in FIGS. 2 and 3.

These depositing means 12 comprise a reserve 14 containing the elements 13, in bulk. A double-acting cylinder 15, placed under the reserve 14 ensures the back-and-forth movement of a support 16. This support 16 has a shape adapted to ensure the removal of an element 13 and its ascent from the bottom of the reserve 14 to an orifice 17 into which it will fall. The orifice 17 guides the element 13 removed towards an injector 18 in the form of a vertical chute, provided in its upper part with a locking stop 19. The stop 19 is in the form of an elastic spring leaf whose pressure is adjustable . It ensures the presence of a constriction on the height of the chute 18 to position and block a single marking element 13. Facing the locking stop 19, there is a detector 20 intended to inform of the presence of an inlay element 13. When this presence is detected, the cycle of the jack 15 is stopped and a rod 21 controlled by an electro- magnet 22 closes the access orifice 17. A jet of compressed air directed by a nozzle 23 pushes the element 13 with force to pass the stop 19 and carry out its propulsion towards the ground. The insertion of this element 13 into the sub-layer 2 is adjustable by the pressure of the compressed air.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of injectors 18 can be aligned transversely to the direction of advance of the carrier vehicle. This juxtaposition of injectors makes it possible to produce rows of elements 13 embedded in the sublayer 2. The operation of the different injectors is managed individually by microprocessor. It is thus possible to program the number of elements in the row or even to perform combinations in order to produce patterns for example.

If such a device 12 is used without association with a veil of marking fluid, it is still possible to provide for a subsequent drying operation by the means 8 for injecting pressurized air to accelerate the setting of the elements of inlay 13 and / or a microbead dusting operation 11.

If such a device 12 is used in combination with the removal of a veil of marking fluid, the elements 13 will be encrusted between the removal of the sub-layer 2 and that of the veil, or just after the latter.

The method according to the invention is remarkable in particular by the fact that it allows the production of a marking that is achievable and visible in wet weather, applicable in first application and in ironing.

The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics mentioned in the claims are intended only to facilitate the understanding of the latter and in no way limit their scope.

Claims (17)

1. Process for horizontal marking for making signals on a substrate for example such as a road, said process consisting of depositing an interface undercoat in liquid or paste form on the substrate, before applying at least one signaling product, the nature of the interface undercoat being compatible with the materials with which it is deposited, in order to bond them together, characterized in that it consists of:

   - depositing a hydrocarbon binder type interface undercoat (2) on the substrate (1), said undercoat (2) not participating directly in the signaling, then

   - applying at least one film of paint type marking fluid (6, 10) on said undercoat (2).
2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of blasting the substrate (1) ) by pressurized air (3) before depositing the interface undercoat (2).
3. Process according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it consists of accelerating the hardening of the undercoat (2) before or after application of the marking fluid film(s) (6, 10).
4. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it consists of protecting the undercoat (2) from the weather, particularly before and immediately after depositing the marking fluid film(s) (6, 10).
5. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it consists of applying the film(s) of marking fluid (6, 10) on only one part of the width of the undercoat (2).
6. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it consists of injecting glass microballs in the film(s) of marking fluid (6, 10) being deposited.
7. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it consists of sprinkling glass microballs (11) after application of the marking fluid (6, 10).
8. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it consists of embedding marking elements (13) in the interface undercoat (2) before its hardening.
9. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that the marking elements (13) consist of glass balls, conglomerates of reflecting products, natural gravel or a mixture of these various substances.
10. Process according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the embedment of marking elements (13) consists of forcing them onto the interface undercoat (2) to cause partial penetration into said undercoat (2).
11. Horizontal marking equipment for implementation of the process according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising means for depositing an interface undercoat on the substrate, and means for application of at least one signaling product on said interface undercoat, characterized in that it comprises means for depositing a hydrocarbon type binder interface undercoat (2), together with means for application of at least one film of marking fluid (6, 10) in the form of an ejection nozzle (7) used with tank containing the product and pressurization or transfer means.
12. Equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises means (12) for depositing and for partially embedding the marking elements (13) in the interface undercoat (2).
13. Equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a tank (14) containing marking elements (13), means (15, 16) that picks up said elements (13) individually from tank (14) and means (17) for guidance of the picked up elements (13), leading them to a system (18, 19, 23) for projecting them to the ground.
14. Equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that the projection system consists of an approximately vertical duct (18) fitted with a stop (19) blocking the element (13) to be embedded, the duct (18) being associated with pressurized air injection means (23) projecting the elements (13) to the ground, after being forced through the stop (19).
15. Equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that the stop (19) of the projection duct (18) consists of an adjustable elastic constriction in the form of a spring blade.
16. Equipment according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that it comprises pressurized air injection means (23) servocontrolled to a detector (20) detecting the presence on the stop (19) of an element (13) to be embedded.
17. Equipment according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a bank of ducts (18) placed perpendicular to the direction of motion to deposit rows of elements (13) to be embedded, operation of each duct (18) being individually controlled.

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