EP1473411A1 - Device for lateral transposition of median barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a mobile path (1) with six transportation units and rollers. The path receives a series of separator units (A) at one end and is disposed on road by another end. The two ends are oriented in a manner to perform loading and unloading of separator units parallel to direction of displacement of the path. A transversal gap between the ends of the path is obtained by a curvilinear configuration of the path. The two ends of the mobile path are axially extended and transversely moved forward with respect to one another, in a direction of displacement of the mobile path.

Description

The invention relates to a device for carrying out a transposition side of block trains separating traffic lanes connected to each other.

When carrying out work on a road on which the traffic is not stopped, it is necessary to separate the area from road traffic area works.

This separation is materialized by means of a series of elements dividers connected to each other and temporarily placed on the separation line. These separating elements are most often made made of concrete or synthetic material.

For different reasons, it may be necessary to change the position of this train of separating elements. So, for example, at the end of week, it may be necessary to clear traffic keeping the possibility of reintegrating it into the work area at start of next week. It is then a question of moving the train laterally separating elements, that is to say transversely by train orientation.

When the separating elements are made of concrete or are in heavy plastic or containing ballast, it is practically excluded from moving them manually. This is all the more true when these separating elements or blocks are connected to each other and form a continuous barrier.

The transverse displacement of such a block train must then be carried out by machines fitted with arms which grasp some of the separator blocks at their top and transport them from initial position to a final position.

Such transport is delicate because, the blocks of the train being connected the to each other, at least a part of them is dragged on the ground. In indeed it is practically impossible to lift the entire train from separator blocks forming the barrier continues at the same time and simultaneously transport to the new position, if only because of the length of the train.

It goes without saying that a shifting of the separator blocks not only causes relatively rapid wear of the separator blocks, but is even excluded when the surface on which the block train is placed does not must not be damaged.

Moving the separator blocks of the train one by one would be first possibility to avoid a shifting of the separator blocks during the displacement. However, this solution takes too long when the continuous barrier, and therefore the train of separating blocks, is relatively long.

Another solution would be to equip the separator blocks with wheels, if applicable retractable wheels.

However, such a solution will lead to an unstable barrier when the wheels are not retractable.

And, when the wheels are retractable, this solution is not practical because before each transposition of the block train separators, put all the wheels block by block, in position displacement and, after transposition, retract them, again block by block.

A device for performing a lateral displacement of a series traffic lane marking elements linked to each other others is known from document EP-A-0527093.

This device comprises a motorized or towed vehicle comprising a guide path of general longitudinal orientation whose ends opening into the front and rear sides of the vehicle are offset transversely to each other. In fact, ends opening into the front and rear faces of the vehicle found on the same central rectilinear longitudinal axis of the path guidance and the transverse offset of these ends is obtained by a angular offset of the guide path relative to the straight axis displacement of this guide path.

Therefore, the receiving and unloading ends of the guide path do not allow direct introduction of separating elements in the guide path. To can introduce the separating elements in the guide path according to the document EP-A-0527093, it is necessary to provide an adjustable spout in front of the receiving end of the blocks which must be oriented properly before loading the train.

In a first embodiment, these separator blocks are hollowed out so that the swivel spout can engage in the recess and so ensure the positioning of the blocks in the guide path.

In a second embodiment, these separator blocks are not hollowed out and must be lifted to be placed on the spout before they are introduction in the way.

No means is described that would lift and place solid blocks on the beak.

Similarly, a swivel spout is required at the end of unloading the guideway in order to remove the blocks from the train in the desired orientation, that is to say parallel to the initial orientation.

The longitudinal guide path, which is intended to receive the markup elements, is equipped for this purpose with support means on which the markup elements rest by their base, and means lateral guide elements. It is straight and associated with means for adjusting the angle which the guide path forms with the alignment of the markup elements to be moved.

Reception of markup elements by means of an oriented spout so as to form an angle with the longitudinal axis of the guide path of the known device requires great angular flexibility around a vertical axis between the elements to be moved, to which the need is added relatively large angular flexibility around a horizontal axis between these markup elements if they do not have a hollow base.

Notwithstanding the complexity of the system, the change of orientation of the blocks of the train is carried out at two points, namely at the articulation between the inlet spout and the receiving end of the path and between the discharge end and the outlet spout. Therefore, the lag that can be obtained between the initial position of the train and the final position is necessarily very limited by the risks of blocking in these points.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a solution which allows lateral transposition of trains of connected separator blocks to each other, without the need to separate the blocks, and which is simple and efficient and does not require the wheel blocks to be fitted or other means of travel.

The object of the invention is achieved by a device for performing a lateral transposition of a train of separating blocks connected to each other others, deposited on a track, comprising a movable path having a first end, called receiving end because it is intended to receive the separator blocks, and a second end, called discharge end because it is intended to redeposit the blocks on the track, the two ends being axially distant one from the other and transversely offset from each other, seen in the direction of movement of the moving path.

According to the invention, the receiving and unloading are oriented so that the introduction and the blocks are unloaded parallel to the direction of displacement of the device and the transverse offset between the end of reception and the discharge end is obtained by a curvilinear configuration of the mobile path.

The device of the invention is therefore designed so as to raise the separator blocks of the train one after the other, without detaching them, to the transfer from the receiving end to the unloading end, and to place them, always without detaching them from each other, since the unloading end on the track in their new position laterally offset from their initial position.

The separator blocks are joined to each other so that a block inserted in the path raises the next block in front be introduced into the path. So the blocks, especially blocks in concrete, are joined together preferably by keying, for example by means of rings and connecting pins.

The device of the invention allows the transposition of separators in BT4 level concrete, i.e. resistant to heavy goods vehicles, including the elements have for example a length of 3.80 m and a weight of 2150 kg, and this at an average speed of around 3000 m / h.

In order to be able to carry out the lateral transposition of the blocks separators linked to each other, and in particular to avoid being limited to the lateral transposition of blocks which are interconnected with great angular flexibility both horizontal and vertical, the path mobile is advantageously made up of a plurality of elements of transposition linked to each other and provided with elements of bearings such as rollers on which the separator blocks are move from one end to the other of the movable path.

These rollers are advantageously metal rollers; they are hereinafter called "first rolls".

Furthermore, in order to facilitate the movement of the device on the ground on which traffic lanes are laid out or on any other circulation area, the mobile path is advantageously provided rolling elements such as rollers.

These rollers are also preferably made of metal; they are hereinafter called "second rollers".

However, it is possible to use first and second rollers covered with sufficient synthetic material hard to resist wear by the passage of separator blocks or by the bearing on the ground, or which are even entirely manufactured in one suitable synthetic material.

Such a provision would contribute to less noisy use of the device of the invention compared to the use of a device provided uncoated metal rollers.

It is also possible, without departing from the principle of present invention, to use as rolling elements, balls or wheels.

The use of rollers for moving the movable path on the ground has a double advantage in particular compared to the use of wheels.

First, the use of rollers allows better load distribution on the track or taxiway, and contributes thus with less wear of the taxiway or the area of circulation on which the device moves.

The other advantage is that the use of rollers allows design a mobile path with low ground clearance, of the order of a few centimeters.

Therefore, the lifting of the separator blocks for their insertion into the receiving end of the device is also not only a few centimeters.

This low uplift is first advantageous because it can be achieved by simpler means than an uprising on a more great height.

In addition, a low lift also moves separator blocks connected to each other by socket or keying. In the first case, the separator blocks are provided with one of their ends of an essentially vertical groove and wider at the bottom of the groove only on the surface of the block, and at the other end of a means anchor shaped to be inserted and taken out in the groove of the block following in the direction of the length of the groove. In the second case, the separator blocks are provided at both ends with rings, at the through which a tigiform key is passed to connect two blocks successive. In both cases, the angular movement of such a block separator raised from the next block is within the limits of the clearance allowed by the connection between these two blocks.

In general, the device of the invention does not lift the blocks dividers only on the order of 7 cm from the ground.

When the device of the invention is equipped with both first rolls than second rolls, lateral transposition separator blocks can be done with higher speed or equal to 3000 m / h.

So that the device of the invention can receive the train separator elements, i.e. so that the elements or blocks separators can be introduced one after the other in the path mobile, you have to lift at least the first element that comes up the receiving end of the device.

A ramp mounted in front of this could be used for this purpose. the receiving end. However, given the weight of the elements separators, the free end of the ramp could have an effect planing and thus damaging the roadway coating and would risk at the same time to be worn out fairly quickly by this coating. If we want avoid these drawbacks, keep the free end of the ramp above the level of the road surface, and therefore lift the separating elements, even just a centimeter or two, to introduce them on the ramp.

To this end, the invention proposes to facilitate the lifting of a separator block by the face which is at the receiving end of the device of the invention, by means of lifting the block such as, for example, one or more rollers mounted at this end. These rollers are designated in the following by "third rollers".

So that the device of the invention can be used in two directions of advancement, especially for not needing to return the device of the invention to a traffic area when it is to return the train of separator blocks to its original position, it it is preferable that each of the two ends of the movable path is provided with lifting means, for example third rolls.

According to a first embodiment, the third rollers are passive.

This embodiment is suitable for any type of separator block, but more particularly in the case where at least the first block train separator, which is at the receiving end of the device of the invention, and preferably each of the blocks of the train, has an appropriate conformation of the lower part of the block separator such as, for example, a bevel, this bevel can be a flat or curved surface.

The relative speed of movement of the device with respect to this stationary separator block ensures the lifting of this block by the third (or third) roll (s) from the receiving end of the device of the invention.

According to a second embodiment, the third rollers are driven by at least one motor element, that is to say set in rotation, for example by the second rollers.

This training can be achieved by means of cogwheels mounted on the axes of the second and third rollers, or by surface contact between the third rollers and the second adjacent rollers. Alternatively, the third rollers can be driven by one or more motors, such as hydraulic motors.

The means ensuring the lifting of the first block are then made up of the third roller (s) and the element (s) associated motor (s).

In this case, it is not necessary that the first block, and a especially the others, have a lower part shaped as described previously.

As indicated above, the means enabling lift a separator block, arranged at each end of the movable path, can be constituted as well by a third single roll only by two or more rolls arranged in line.

As also indicated above, the mobile path is advantageously made up of several transposition elements forming the curvilinear course of the moving path.

These transposition elements are advantageously grouped together into two groups of elements, each called "carriage" in the description of an exemplary embodiment.

The two carriages are symmetrical with respect to the center of the device.

The connection between the transposition elements forming the path mobile can be of two types.

Either the transposition elements are attached to each others at fixed angles, or they are attached at angles variables.

When the elements forming the movable path are attached the to each other at fixed angles, the movable path constitutes a rigid platform, having in particular a width and a length constant.

For this purpose, the transposition elements are attached to each other. to the others by means of connecting plates, arranged in the manner an insert between the two interconnection faces of each of the transposition elements considered.

The assembly is done using gussets and bolts or any other means ensuring a rigid connection between the elements of transposition.

When the transposition elements are attached to each other others from different angles, the moving path constitutes a variable platform in the sense that the transverse shift between the two ends of the device is variable.

For this purpose, the transposition elements are attached to each other. to the others by means of intermediate devices with variable geometry.

Such intermediate devices can be formed, for example example, by a triangular or trapezoidal frame having long sides whose length corresponds to the width of each of the elements of transposition, and whose third side (of the triangle) or at least one of two short sides (of the trapezoid) have a variable length in order to be able get different opening angles between the two long sides considered.

The device of the invention can be moved in two ways.

According to the first, the device of the invention is provided with a coupling. Thus, it can be towed by any type of vehicle, by for example by a truck or an agricultural tractor.

According to the second way, the device of the invention is self-propelled. In this case, the device of the invention is provided with a motor unit mounted on the same chassis as the movable path, and connected to at least part of the second rollers.

According to a variant, the motor unit can also be constituted by a vehicle to which the device of the invention is coupled to be guided, and which is provided with a drive output intended to be coupled to a drive input mounted on the device of the invention and connected at least part of the second rollers of the device.

Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous in the case where provision is made to tow the device of the invention by an agricultural tractor, because these tractors are usually equipped with a power output.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge of the description of an embodiment made with reference to drawings.

La figure 1 représente schématiquement un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention constitué de six éléments de transposition reliés les uns aux autres, qui est en train d'effectuer une transposition latérale de blocs séparateurs du bord supérieur vers le bord inférieur, dans le plan du dessin, d'une voie de circulation ;

Les figures 2A et 2B représentent schématiquement la remise en place des blocs séparateurs, c'est à dire une transposition latérale de blocs séparateurs du bord inférieur vers le bord supérieur de la voie vue dans le plan du dessin respectivement par le dispositif de la figure 1 et par un dispositif axialement symétrique par rapport à la direction d'avancement du dispositif de la figure 1 ;

La figure 3 montre en une vue de dessus le châssis et la disposition des rouleaux de l'un des deux chariots constituant le chemin mobile du dispositif de l'invention ;

La figure 4 montre schématiquement un second mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention en une vue de dessus ;

Les figures 5 à 7 montrent, en des vues de dessus, les trois éléments de transposition constituant un des deux chariots du dispositif de la figure 4 ;

Les figures 8 à 10 montrent les coupes transversales indiquées dans la figure 4 ;

La figure 11 montre une plaque de liaison pour l'attachement des éléments de transposition entre eux ;

La figure 12 représente schématiquement une des extrémités du dispositif de l'invention devant laquelle se présente un des blocs séparateurs à déplacer par le dispositif de l'invention ;

La figure 13 représente l'extrémité du dispositif de la figure 8 ;

La figure 14 montre un exemple de rouleaux des moyens de soulèvement selon la figure 13 ;

La figure 15 montre un dispositif l'attelage du dispositif de l'invention ; et

La figure 16 montre deux blocs séparateurs en train de monter sur le dispositif de l'invention.

In these drawings:

FIG. 1 schematically represents a first embodiment of the device of the invention consisting of six transposition elements connected to each other, which is in the process of carrying out lateral transposition of separator blocks from the upper edge to the lower edge, in the plan of the drawing, of a traffic lane;

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically represent the replacement of the separator blocks, that is to say a lateral transposition of separator blocks from the lower edge to the upper edge of the track seen in the drawing plane respectively by the device of FIG. 1 and by a device axially symmetrical with respect to the direction of advance of the device of FIG. 1;

Figure 3 shows in a top view the frame and the arrangement of the rollers of one of the two carriages constituting the movable path of the device of the invention;

Figure 4 schematically shows a second embodiment of the device of the invention in a top view;

Figures 5 to 7 show, in top views, the three transposition elements constituting one of the two carriages of the device of Figure 4;

Figures 8 to 10 show the cross sections shown in Figure 4;

FIG. 11 shows a connection plate for the attachment of the transposition elements to each other;

FIG. 12 schematically represents one of the ends of the device of the invention in front of which there is one of the separator blocks to be moved by the device of the invention;

Figure 13 shows the end of the device of Figure 8;

FIG. 14 shows an example of rollers of the lifting means according to FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows a device for coupling the device of the invention; and

FIG. 16 shows two separator blocks being assembled on the device of the invention.

Figure 1 shows the device of the invention according to a first embodiment and engaged in a lateral transposition action of a train of separating blocks A of traffic lanes linked together to others.

The device of the invention comprises a movable path 1, consisting of six transposition elements 11 to 16 connected to each other others and forming a curvilinear course. Path dimensions mobile 1 and the shape of the curvilinear course are chosen so that the separator blocks A located on one side of a traffic lane B1 be transferred or transposed to the other side of this lane in one passage of the device of the invention.

According to the representation of FIG. 1, the device 1 covers the entire width of track B1; thus, the separator blocks A initially located above track B1 are transposed to the lower limit of route B1.

This displacement of the separator blocks A corresponds to a situation in which of two adjacent traffic lanes B1 and B2, track B1 must be closed to traffic, for example to carry out Works.

To obtain this result, the device 1 of the invention is towed by a vehicle 2 in a direction E, which corresponds to the direction of circulation of lanes B1 and B2 indicated by an arrow C.

If the separator blocks A were to be moved laterally on a distance corresponding to the width of two lanes (for example on a three-lane highway on which traffic must be reduced on one lane), two passes should be made, with one pass empty return.

Alternatively, a device can be used whose lateral transposition capacity is double that of the device shown in Figure 1. However, for practical reasons, a such variant will remain mainly reserved for use on tracks reduced width traffic, although the width of the moving path is in principle independent of its length: there is no angle to pass since the moving path is curvilinear. However, there is a practical relationship between the length and width of the movable path, which is given by the fact that the passage of the movable path below the blocks separators A according to the orientation given by the advancement of the device of the invention causes a temporary reorientation of a number of blocks - the time of the passage of the moving path under the blocks concerned - depending on the orientation of the central part of the mobile path. Yes this orientation forms too large an angle with the direction of the advancement of the device of the invention and if, in addition, the lateral offset that we want to achieve, is too large, the angular deviation causes a semblance of shortening of the train, which is generally not achievable given the weight of the train of separator blocks.

Furthermore, if we cannot exceed an angle of given practical reorientation, great lateral shifting capacity requires a very long length of the moving path. And this could have other practical disadvantages, such as the need for a large number of transposition elements to form the moving path, since these elements must not exceed a certain length to be transportable from one site to another by road.

FIG. 2A shows the device of the invention engaged in a lateral transposition action of the return of the separator block train A towards the initial position. To obtain this result, the device 1 moves in a direction F, which is opposite to the direction of traffic C of the lane B1 and thus moves, thanks to its dimensions and the shape of the course curvilinear, the separator blocks A on the lower side of track B1 (such as shown in Figure 2) towards the upper side of this path. This procedure will not usually be used on roads, and especially on motorways, as long as at least one lane is free for traffic. However, depending on the particular circumstances of a given site, it may be necessary to do so, by example during a site interruption, when track B1 must be returned to circulation and the separator blocks A arranged on the edge left of lane B1, seen in the direction of traffic, must be returned to their original position at the right edge of track B1.

As shown by looking at Figures 1 and 2A at the same time time, the lateral transposition of the separator blocks A beforehand available at the right edge of track B1, towards the left edge of this channel, and the return of the separator blocks A to their initial position, are carried out by means of the device of the invention according to the principle of a to go and then back, i.e. without device 1 needing to turn around.

The only change between the outward and return journey is the change in the position of vehicle 2 to which the device is coupled first by one of its ends and then by the other end.

According to a variant shown in Figure 2B, the return of separator blocks is carried out by means of an axially device symmetrical with respect to that of FIG. 1 and which moves in the direction E corresponding to the direction of traffic C of lanes B1, B2.

In order to be able to carry out all the transposition operations, the device of the invention consists either of three elements of transposition of a first type and three elements of transposition of a second type, that is to say of six transposing elements of the same type and connected to each other by geometry connecting elements asymmetric, variable or not, either of two elements of transposition of each of three different types. It is this latter mode which will be described below.

The transposition elements 11 to 16 forming the device for the invention (see Figure 1) are grouped into two groups called each "cart". The two carts have the same shape, which gives at the movable path 1 a form with central symmetry.

Figure 3 shows, in a very schematic top view, a of the two carriages of the device of the invention.

Indeed, the movable path 1 consists of six elements of transposition 11 to 16 forming a curvilinear course, approximately in S. This arrangement is obtained by a symmetrical shape of the elements so that elements 11 to 13 form a first carriage 101 and the elements 14 to 16 form a second carriage 102, the carriages 101 and 102 being symmetrical with respect to the center D of the mobile support.

The number of transposition elements and their shape are chosen depending on the lateral transposition distances to be carried out. The mode shown in Figure 3 corresponds to that used for a displacement of separator blocks on motorways or tracks of comparable width.

Figure 3 shows the design of the carriages 101, 102 to the example of the carriage 101. The carriage 101 comprises a chassis 20 obtained by assembling the individual frames of the transposition elements 11 to 13, FIG. 3 of which only shows lateral profiles R21, R22 and transverse sections 23, 25 forming the horizontal part of the frame.

The other profiles and parts are shown in Figures 5 to 7.

The side profiles R21, R22 are profiles partially curves which extend essentially in the direction of travel of the device of the invention or whose tangents form angles treble with this direction.

They are connected at their front and rear ends, by the profiles transverse 23, 25, and at regular distances between the two ends by transverse profiles 24 (Figure 3).

Between the side profiles R21, R22 are arranged two sets of rollers, respectively called the first rollers 3 and the second rollers 4.

The first rollers 3 are arranged perpendicularly by relative to the tangents of one or the other of the lateral profiles R21, R22.

Since it is on these first rolls 3 that the blocks separators A move from one end to the other of the movable path 1, the rollers 3 change orientation with respect to the direction of displacement of the device of the invention and therefore of the movable path, as and as one moves away from the front end of the movable path. The terms "front" and "rear" refer to the ends of the road movable in the direction of travel of the device of the invention.

The first rollers 3 fulfill two functions, the first is to facilitate the movement of the separator blocks A along of the curvilinear course of the mobile path, therefore the longitudinal guidance.

To fulfill this function, the rollers could be replaced by means such as balls.

However, the first rollers 3 fill as a second depends on the change in orientation of the separator blocks A.

The first rollers 3 fulfill this function because of their change of orientation according to their location on the carriage 101.

The second rollers 4 are also arranged between the longitudinal profiles R21, R22 of chassis 2, but they are all arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel of the path mobile, because it is on these second rollers 4 that the mobile path 1 moves.

Guiding the separator blocks A during their journey along of each of elements 11 to 16 of the movable path 1 is facilitated by guide rollers 5 arranged along the inner edges of the profiles lateral R21, R22 and which provide lateral guidance of the blocks separators A.

Their arrangement is shown in Figures 5 to 8 for two different embodiments of the device of the invention.

Figure 3 also shows part of the means of lifting mounted on the front of element 11, seen in the direction of arrow C. These means which make it possible to lift a block A from the face which is presented at the front end of the device of the invention, are described with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

While the device of the invention according to the first mode of embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 consists of elements at less partially curved, the device of the invention according to a second embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, consists rectilinear lateral transposition elements 211 to 216, which are assembled so that the resulting movable path has a shape in S close to that of the mobile path according to the first mode of production.

Indeed, the transposition elements 211 to 213 forming a carriage 301 shown in Figure 4, are formed and assembled from way that the longitudinal axes of two transposing elements successive form an obtuse angle.

And, analogously to the first embodiment, the transposition elements 211 to 213, on the one hand, and the elements of transposition 214 to 216 forming a second carriage 302, on the other hand, are symmetrical with respect to a central point D ′ of the device of the invention.

Thus, the following description of the carriage 301 and of the elements which constitute, applies analogously to the carriage 302 mentioned briefly on figure 4.

FIG. 5 represents the first transposition element 211 of the carriage 301. The transposition element 211 is identical to the element of transposition 216 of the carriage 302.

The frame of the element 211 includes lateral profiles straight lines 21, 22, transverse sections 23, 24 arranged perpendicular to the profiles 21, 22 and a profile transverse 25 arranged at an angle other than a right angle to to the side profiles 21, 22.

Profile 25 is used to attach element 211 to element 212 by means of a connection plate 29 described with reference to the figure 11, or by means of a variable geometry element, in order to attach two successive elements of transposition to each other, respectively under a fixed angle or at a variable angle.

For this purpose, the transverse profile 25 is provided with a gusset 251 eccentrically disposed on the section 25 of which it is integral, thus than a hole 252 intended to be used for fixing by bolts elements to attach.

The chassis further comprises upright profiles 26, upper transverse 27 and upper lateral 28 forming frames by means of which a guide of the separator blocks A on the path mobile is insured.

These frames are shown in Figure 5 in a top view represented mainly by the upper transverse profile 27 and in a front view of such a frame in FIG. 8.

These figures also show the arrangement of the guide rollers 5 arranged on the inner edges of the profiles side 21, 22, as well as side guide rollers 6 and 7 whose rollers 6 are arranged on vertical axes mounted on both first transverse sections 23, 24 from the front end of item 211.

The lateral guide rollers 7 are arranged on the faces internal to the free ends of the upper lateral profiles 28.

In order to be able to give the desired orientation to block A coming from engage on the movable path 1, the rollers 5, 6 and 7 of the element of transposition 211 are arranged as follows.

In the front part of element 211, the passage for blocks A is defined by two successive rollers 6, longitudinally spaced one on the other, and arranged at the same transverse distance from the profile lateral 22 and by two rollers 7 also longitudinally spaced from each other and arranged at the same transverse distance from the profile lateral 21.

This arrangement of the rollers 6 and 7 ensures a straight engagement, that is to say in the alignment of the separator block train A, on the moving path 1.

The four rollers 7 and following, in the direction of advancement blocks A on the mobile path 1, are arranged at distances side profile 21.

In addition, the lateral profile 22 is provided with three rollers 5 mounted on the inside of the profile and spaced longitudinally from each other.

This change in arrangement of the rollers 7 relative to the arrangement of the first two rollers 7 and of the rollers 6 ensures that block A well engaged on movable path 1 is deviated from its initial orientation to continue its lateral transposition on a approximately curvilinear course.

The transposition element 211 being identical to the element of transposition 216, from which the separator blocks A are redeposited on the taxiway in the new position the arrangement of the rollers 5, 6 and 7 described below ensures that the blocks dividers A are oriented when arriving at the rear end of the path mobile 1 so as to be redeposited on the taxiway parallel to the direction of advancement of movable path 1.

Figure 5 also shows with broken lines the arrangement of the first rollers 3 which are arranged so as to form with the normal to the sections 21, 22 an increasing angle α from the front end of element 211 to the rear end of this item.

This angle α is, for example, 0.57 ° for the second roller 3, 1.34 ° for the third roller and so on to reach 6.7 ° at the rear end of element 211.

Unlike the first rollers 3, the second rollers 4 are all arranged perpendicular to the orientation of the side profiles 21, 22.

In order to allow both the separator blocks A to move on the first rollers 3, and the movable path to move on the second rollers 4, without mutual hindrance, the first rollers 3 and the second rollers 4 are mounted at different levels, as Figures 9 and 10 show this.

Indeed, the first rollers 3 are mounted at a level high enough above ground level on which the path mobile is supposed to move, so that the advancement of the blocks separators A on the movable path 1 is not hampered by friction from one or more of the rollers 3 on roughly level ground.

Contrary to this, the second rollers 4 are arranged with so that the frames of the transposition elements 211 to 216 are raised enough above the ground not to be obstructed in the progress of the mobile path, on normally well leveled ground, and that, on the other hand, the rotation of the rollers does not hinder the advancement of separator blocks A on the mobile path.

The diameter of the first rollers 3 and of the second rollers 4 is around 7 cm.

Element 211 is also provided at its front end with a feed roller 8 whose arrangement and function are described in reference to Figures 12 to 14.

FIG. 6 shows the chassis of the transposition element 212 in a top view. This chassis is made up of side profiles rectilinear 21A, 22A parallel to each other and connected at their ends respectively by a transverse profile 26 and a transverse profile 27.

The transverse sections 26, 27 are mounted so that they form with the side profiles 21A and 22A angles not orthogonal.

The precise value of the angles formed respectively by the profile 26 and profile 27 with profiles 21A and 22A depends on the angle that the longitudinal axes of the transposition elements 211 and 212, on the one hand, and the axes of the elements 212 and 213 on the other hand, form one with the other.

The frame of the transposition element 212 is provided with first rollers 3 and second rollers 4 corresponding to those used for transposition element 211, but arranged so that the blocks A essentially slide along the longitudinal axis of the transposition element 212 and that the transposition element 212 itself advances in a direction parallel to the initial and final orientation of the separator block train A.

It follows that the first rollers 3 are arranged so as to form with the side profiles 21A, 22A almost angles orthogonal, while the second rollers 4 are arranged so that their axes of rotation form with the lateral profiles 21A, 22A angles deviating from the right angle by approximately 10 °.

The transposition element 212 only has rollers 5 arranged on the inner side of the lateral sections 21A and 22A, since the separator blocks A pass through the transposition element 212 according to a slightly curvilinear course.

FIG. 7 shows the chassis of the transposition element 213 in a top view. This chassis is made up of side profiles rectilinear 21 B, 22B parallel to each other and connected at their ends respectively by a transverse profile 28 and a transverse profile 29.

The transverse profile 28 is mounted so that it forms with the lateral sections 21B and 22B of the angles not orthogonal.

The precise value of the angle that the profile 28 forms with the profiles 21B and 22B depends on the angle that the longitudinal axes of the transposition elements 212 and 213 form with each other.

The transverse profile 29 is mounted perpendicular to the side profiles 21B and 22B.

The frame of the transposition element 213 is provided with first rollers 3 and second rollers 4 corresponding to those used for transposition element 211, but arranged so that the blocks A essentially slide along the longitudinal axis of the transposition element 213 and that the transposition element 213 itself advances in a direction parallel to the initial and final orientation of the separator block train A.

It follows that the first rollers 3 are arranged so as to form with the side profiles 21 B, 22B almost angles orthogonal, while the second rollers 4 are arranged so that their axes of rotation form with the lateral profiles 21B, 22B angles deviating from the right angle by approximately 15 °.

The transposition element 213 only has rollers 5 arranged on the inner side of the lateral sections 21B and 22B, since the separator blocks A pass through the transposition element 213 according to a slightly curvilinear course.

Figures 12 and 13 show, in a side view, the means of lifting to raise a separator block A by the side which is at the front end of the movable path 1.

Recall in this regard that the free ends of the elements of transposition 211 and 216 are configured in the same way so that each of its ends can serve respectively as a face receiving and unloading face, depending on the direction of movement of the device of the invention.

The lifting means are described on the example of those mounted at the front of the free end of the transposition element 211.

The free end of the transposition element 211, i.e. the end which constitutes at the same time one of the two ends of the movable path 1, is provided with two beams 31, 32 between which two rollers 4 are mounted, by means of which the end of element 211 rests on the traffic lane, with two rollers 3 on which move the separator blocks A, as well as a roller 8.

The longitudinal members 31, 32 constitute an extension of the profiles side 21 and 22 of the transposition element 211 and are formed of so that, when mounted at the front of element 211, their height decreases towards their free end in order to form a ramp on which the separating blocks A arriving can go up on the mobile path 1.

The driving roller 8 is arranged so that its surface cylindrical exceeds the side members 31, 32 both in height and in advancing in the forward direction of the moving path.

Thanks to this arrangement, the attack roller 8 facilitates the engagement of separator blocks A on the mobile path 1. Indeed, as shown in FIG. 12, a block A having in front of the free end of element 211, first meets the roller 8 and sets it in rotation by its relative movement by compared to element 211.

More precisely, the bevelled edge A1 of the block A ensures, in cooperation with the free rotation of the driving roller 8, than relative horizontal movement of block A with respect to the end of element 211 adds a vertical component thanks to which the block A is raised at this end of the block which appears at the end free of element 211 and therefore at the front end of movable path 1.

As the device of the invention advances and as the separator blocks A are pushed, by the blocks which are still in their initial position, on the movable path 1, the blocks are raised one after the other by the attack roller 8.

Thanks to this advanced arrangement of the attack roller 8 on the free end of element 211, the separator blocks A do not face not suddenly the front end of the device of the invention, but climb on the latter so that the blocks A engage on the sliding path 1 when sliding.

This prevents premature wear of the edges of the separator blocks Brought it there.

When the device of the invention is to be used for the lateral transposition of separator blocks whose lower edge is not not beveled, the ends of the movable path of the device of the invention can be changed in two ways.

The first consists in choosing the dimensions of the profiles longitudinal 31, 32, i.e. their length and in particular the inclination of their upper face so that the difference in level h between the taxiway and the start of the ramp from the end of element 211 be as small as possible given the construction requirements and strength of the profiles 31, 32 and of the driving roller 8.

The second way to change the end of element 11 is to connect the drive roller 8 to a drive means which does so rotate so that its cylindrical surface, at the most advanced point of the end of the element 11, describes an upward movement.

Thanks to this elementary upward movement, the roller 8 therefore intervenes actively when it encounters a block separator and gives it an ascending force by which the block is raised and helps reduce the shock of the separator block against the carriage.

In the version shown in Figure 13, the drive of driving roller 8 is carried out by a roller 4 '.

This roll 4 'corresponds, with the exception of its position, to rollers 4 by means of which the device of the invention moves over traffic lanes.

The roller 4 'is mounted so that its cylindrical surface is always in engagement with the cylindrical surface of the driving roller 8.

To ensure a good grip of the rollers 4 'and 8 one on the other, the cylindrical surfaces of these two rollers can be rough or have a particular structure, for example to be fluted.

According to a variant shown in Figure 14, the drive of the driving roller 8 can be performed by a roller 4 "whose diameter is not constant. Indeed, the roller 4" comprises several sections of axial length a having a diameter d ₁ between which extend sections of axial length b whose diameter d ₂ is less than the diameter d ₁ . This configuration of the roller 4 "makes it possible to obtain a compromise between a large area of transmission of the tensile force from the roller 4" to the driving roller 8, on the one hand, and a small contact surface between the rollers 4 "and 8, on the other hand, to minimize the rolling resistance between these two rollers. This compromise is optimized by choosing a good ratio between the set of lengths a and the set of lengths b.

According to yet another variant, the drive of the roller 8 can be carried out by a roller with which it is connected by a gear formed by toothed wheels arranged respectively on both axes of the two rollers, and possibly additional gears or by belts or chains which are engaged with corresponding toothed wheels mounted on the roller axes.

According to yet another alternative, it is conceivable that the drive roller 8 is driven by one or more motors hydraulic or any other motor means acting directly or indirectly, i.e. by means of transmission, on the feed roller 8.

FIG. 16 represents the entry of two separator blocks A1 and Successive A2 on the mobile path 1. The two blocks A1, A2 are attached to each other by means of rings 51, 52 arranged at their ends, and a tigiform key 53 inserted in these rings. Unlike the separator block A shown in Figure 12, the blocks A1 and A2 of figure 16 are not provided with a lower edge in bevel. This may cause a shock each time a block is encountered separator with the drive roller 8.

This risk is minimal, when the ramp with the roller Attack 8 descends as far as possible on the lane or taxiway. A difference in level of around 7 cm between the track and the start of the ramp is achievable.

Thanks to this arrangement, the separator blocks are lifted each other as follows. When the first of the blocks successive rises on element 211, there comes a moment when its face rear, seen in the direction of advancement of the separator blocks, begins to rise above the level of the path on which still rest the following blocks. Thanks to an adequate arrangement of the connected rings to each other by the key, the rings on the rear face of the block A1 lift block A2 by the rings on the front face of block A2. At as the block train advances on the moving path, each block thus raises the next.

Figure 11 shows in a side view the connecting plate 29 which is mounted between two transposition elements intended to be rigidly attached to each other and at a fixed angle.

The connecting plate 29 is essentially an element parallelepiped whose length corresponds to the width of transposition elements 211 to 216 and whose height corresponds to that of the mobile track chassis. This connecting plate 29 is used as well for the connection between two transposition elements of the same carriage as for the connection between two carriages of the transposition of the invention.

The thickness of the connecting plate 29 corresponds to that of the profiles of the mobile track chassis.

Each connection plate 29 is provided with three orifices 291, 292 and 293.

The orifices 291 and 293 are arranged at a distance from the median of the plate so that they can receive either gussets 251 of the two elements of carriages intended to be assembled.

The orifice 292 is disposed on the median of the connection plate 29 and is intended to receive, together with the orifice 252 of each of the transposition elements intended to be mounted, a bolt intended to attach two successive elements.

It is specified that, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the bolt connection can be replaced by any other type of connection ensuring a temporary rigid connection.

The term "temporary" is understood as the opposite of the term "Permanent" and thereby excludes any permanent connection obtained by welding or riveting.

However, when the device of the invention is intended for a application involving a short distance lateral transposition it is conceivable that the two carriages forming the movable path of the device of the invention is formed from elements connected to each other from permanently, for example by welding or riveting, since their transportation from a depot to a job site, or from a job site to a other, can be done without the need to disassemble the elements of the carriage.

To facilitate the assembly of the transposition elements, and in particular the installation of the connection plate between these elements, the connecting plate 29 is provided with a manipulation rod 294 extending vertically from the upper side of the plate link in the position of use.

FIG. 15 shows a coupling device 40 by means of which the device of the invention can be hung on a truck or any other type of tractor to pull it from one end of a traffic lane to the other or any other circulation surface on which separator blocks must be transposed laterally.

The coupling device 40 consists of three rods 41 to 43 interconnected so as to form a longitudinal bar of the device, as well as an oblique rod 44 and a yoke 45.

The yoke 45, the first longitudinal rod 45 and the oblique rod 44 form a triangle in which the yoke 45 is perpendicular to the rods longitudinal 41 to 43.

The yoke 45 is provided with a coupling means 46 such as an orifice intended to be inserted in a coupling device of a truck or a tractor, in which it will be retained by means of a pivot coupling.

When the device of the invention is designed so as to be able be adapted to different widths of use, yoke 45 is formed advantageously in an extensible manner so that its length can be adapted to the width of the device of the invention.

To this end, the connection between the oblique rod 44 and the rod longitudinal 41 and / or 42 is a pivoting connection.

The coupling device 40 is designed so that it can be fixed with pins or other easy-to-install components and to disassemble, on one or the other of the carriages forming the device the invention, depending on the direction of movement required.

Similarly, when the dimensions of the device of the invention are such that the elements forming each of the carriages of the device do not need to be disassembled for transporting the device from first place to another, the longitudinal rods 41 to 43 can be replaced by a single longitudinal rod on which is fixedly mounted the oblique rod 44.

Claims (7)

Device for performing a lateral transposition of a train of separating blocks (A) of traffic lanes connected to each other, comprising a movable path (1) intended to receive the separating blocks (A) by one of its ends and to deposit on the track by the other of its ends, the two ends being axially distant from each other and transversely offset from each other, seen in the direction of movement of the movable path (1) , the end receiving the separator blocks (A) and the end depositing the separator blocks (A) being oriented so that the introduction and unloading of the separator blocks (A) takes place parallel to the direction of movement of the movable path (1), the transverse offset between the ends being obtained by a curvilinear configuration of the movable path (1), said movable path (1) consisting of a plurality of transposition elements (11-16 or 211-216) connected to each other and provided with first rollers (3) on which the separating blocks (A) move from one end to the other of the movable path (1), characterized in that the transposition elements (11-16 or 211-216) are provided with second rollers, arranged perpendicular to the direction of advance of the movable path (1), ensuring the displacement of said movable path (1). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transposition elements (211-216) are rectilinear and assembled so that the resulting movable path (1) has an S shape. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two ends of the movable path (1) are provided with third rollers (8) constituting means making it possible to lift a separating block (A) by the face which is at one of these ends. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transposition elements (11-16 or 211-216) are attached to each other at fixed angles. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transposition elements (11-16) forming the movable path (1) are attached to one another at variable angles. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with a coupling device (40). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is self-propelled.

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