EP4197705B1 - Surface tracking assistance device using tracking cord - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for assisting in tracing a surface by means of a tracing line (or tracing line) according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a device is known from FR 2 679 945 A1 .

In the field of construction, it is necessary to be able to draw visual markers on a surface, which make it possible to align construction elements during their installation. Such alignment may be desired for the purposes of giving an aesthetic appearance to the construction, but it is also often necessary to ensure sufficient mechanical resistance to this construction. This may involve the alignment of vertical uprights - particularly metal ones - on horizontal lower and upper rails and forming the structure of partitions made by a plasterer. This may involve the alignment of tiles on the ground in relation to each other according to an aesthetic pattern, the installation of these tiles being carried out by a tiler. It can also involve the installation of lathing or the tracing of urns on the battens, preparatory to the installation of slates or tiles on a roof under construction and carried out by a roofer.

Considering in particular the regular installation of the battens parallel to the edge of the roof under construction, it is essential that the roofer can carry out precise tracing of the rafters over the entire length of the roof. To do this, the roofer makes a preliminary marking of the position of the battens on a first edge rafter - for example a first rafter forming a first gable of the roof - then he makes a marking of the position of these same battens on a second rafter distant from the first rafter and requests the help of a third worker to assist him in the tracing operation. Each of the two people carrying out the tracing operation position themselves, one near the first rafter, the other near the distant rafter, each of the two people handling one of the two ends of a tracing cord (or cord to draw).

This method of tracing with a chalk line requires making a first marking of the position of each batten to be placed on the first edge rafter and a second marking of the position of these battens to be placed on the rafter distant from the first rafter. These markings can be carried out substantially simultaneously by two people or successively by the same person who must necessarily move on the roof. In addition to the time required to carry out these markings by the same person or the mobilization of a third party worker, these markings made manually using a meter and a pencil are likely to be tainted by measurement errors and /or marking inaccuracies on the part of each of the two people carrying out the marking or on the part of the same person carrying out both markings.

The invention aims to overcome this drawback at least in part.

The aforementioned drawbacks are found substantially the same for the operation of tracing the slate positioning logs.

The invention also aims to overcome this drawback at least in part.

The method of tracing with a tracing line (or tracing line or “cordex”) mobilizes either two people simultaneously on the roof or a single person for a period of longer tracing and therefore slows down the progress of the construction site. It is therefore not economical. It should also be noted that since the tracing is carried out by a single person, the roofer in general, he is required to move on the roof between the edge rafter and the distant rafter or to go down on one side from the roof to move across the ground and back up onto the roof to access the marking area. These movements at height on the roof and between the roof and the ground are dangerous and can cause falls. They are therefore dangerous.

The invention therefore also aims to limit these risks of falling.

Furthermore, this method of tracing when carried out by two people, requires perfect synchronization between these people to prevent the tracing cord from being left in contact with the surface to be traced and leaving inappropriate traces on this surface which can be a source of confusion, making the subsequent alignment of the battens on the tracing carried by the rafters difficult and uncertain.

The invention also aims to overcome this drawback.

The invention therefore aims to propose a tracing aid device and a tracing method in which such a device is used, making it possible to carry out tracing operations on a surface to be traced with good precision, in particular precision of the order of the millimeter.

In particular, the invention aims to propose such an aid device and such a method making it possible to carry out tracing for the installation of a lathing.

But the invention aims to propose such an aid device and such a method making it possible to carry out tracing of slate positioning logs.

The invention also aims to propose such an aid device and such a method allowing a person - in particular a roofer - to carry out these tracing operations alone, without requiring the help of a third party worker or roofer. .

The invention thus aims to propose such an aid device and such a method making it possible to carry out these tracing operations at lower cost.

The invention aims in particular to provide such an aid device making it possible to prevent a person - in particular a roofer - from having to make successive movements between a position - in particular at the edge of the bank, hip or knot - in which he fixes one end of the tracing line and a distant position in which he brings the other end of the line, he places the extending line between these two ends and carries out the tracing.

Thus, the invention also aims to propose such an aid device and such a method making it possible to improve the safety of tracing operations carried out by a roofer.

The invention also aims to provide such an assistance device which is easy to use and which facilitates the implementation of a tracing method in which such a device is used.

But the invention also aims to propose such a device to assist in the assembly of partitions by a plasterer.

In this context, the invention aims to propose such an aid device making it possible to determine the plumb and the spacing intervals to be respected between the uprights of these partitions, without requiring the use of a meter and/or 'a level.

But the invention also aims to provide such a device to assist in the laying of a floor by a tiler.

• un rail de guidage ;
• un chariot adapté pour pouvoir être guidé en déplacement par le rail, le chariot étant muni de moyens d'entrainement du chariot en déplacement pas à pas selon la direction de guidage du rail ;
• un organe de commande à distance des moyens d'entrainement du chariot, adapté pour pouvoir commander les moyens d'entrainement de façon à entraîner le chariot sur un pas d'avancement prédéterminé ;
• des moyens de solidarisation -notamment des moyens de solidarisation détachables- du chariot et de l'une des extrémités, dite extrémité proximale, du cordeau de traçage, les moyens de solidarisation étant ainsi disposés sur le chariot pour que ladite extrémité proximale du cordeau puisse s'étendre au contact de la surface à tracer lors du traçage.

To do this, the invention relates to a device for assisting in tracing a surface - in particular a flat surface - to be traced by means of a tracing line (also called a tracing line or "cordex"), according to claim 1. The device comprising:

• a guide rail;
• a carriage adapted to be able to be guided in movement by the rail, the carriage being provided with means for driving the carriage in movement step by step in the guide direction of the rail;
• a remote control member of the carriage drive means, adapted to be able to control the drive means so as to drive the carriage over a predetermined advancement step;
• securing means - in particular detachable securing means - of the carriage and one of the ends, called the proximal end, of the tracing cord, the securing means thus being arranged on the carriage so that said proximal end of the cord can be attached extend in contact with the surface to be traced during tracing.

According to the invention, the tracing aid device is characterized in that the carriage comprises an arm mounted integral with the carriage and movable relative to the carriage, the arm having one end, called the distal end, which is longitudinally free carrying the securing means.

The tracing aid device according to the invention makes it possible to trace on the surface to be traced a plurality of lines making it possible to visualize the positioning of construction elements with a view to their assembly. In certain advantageous embodiments, such an aid device makes it possible to successively trace a plurality of traces on a surface to be traced, without requiring the person in charge of this tracing to move successively for each tracing at both ends. of the tracing line to position them. The use of a tracing aid device according to the invention makes it possible, on the contrary, to successively trace said plurality of traces by remotely controlling the position of the carriage, secured to said proximal end of the tracing cord and by manually arranging the other end, called the distal end, of the cord in a predetermined position of the surface to be traced - in particular so that the successive ones are parallel to each other - and by pinching the tracing cord in a manner known in itself to make the trace.

According to the invention, said proximal end of the scribing cord is integral with said distal end of the arm, the arm being movable relative to the carriage between a first position of the arm, called scribing position, in which said proximal end of the cord is extends in contact with the surface to be traced during tracing and a second position of the arm, called the displacement position, in which said proximal end of the cord extends at a distance from the surface to be traced during movement of the carriage relative to the rail. In addition, the arm has an end, called the proximal end, longitudinally distant from said distal end, said proximal end being mounted integrally with the carriage.

In certain preferred embodiments, the rail is rectilinear in its direction main lengthening. However, nothing prevents the rail from having a curvature according to its main direction of elongation, allowing the movement of the carriage relative to the rail and the tracing of a surface to be traced.

According to certain embodiments, the arm is mounted movable in tilting relative to the carriage, along an axis of rotation substantially parallel - in particular parallel - to the plane of the surface to be traced. In these embodiments, the arm is adapted to be able to be tilted relative to the carriage between a first position, called tracing position, of the arm in which said proximal end of the cord attached to said distal end of the arm is in contact, in contact of the surface to be traced and allows the tracing of the surface to be traced, and at least a second position, called the movement position, of the arm in which said distal end of the arm extends at a distance from the surface to be traced and allows the movement of the carriage, the arm and the line carried by the arm, the line being held in traction by the person in charge of tracing, at a distance from the surface to be traced and without unintentional marking of the surface to be traced by the line during this movement .

In certain embodiments, the axis of rotation of the arm is parallel to the direction of movement of the carriage. In these embodiments, said distal end of the arm can move in a plane orthogonal to the direction of movement of the carriage so that the tracing aid device according to the invention advantageously allows tracing in a tracing direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the carriage - in particular orthogonal to the rail - in the tracing plane. However, nothing prevents us from providing that, in other embodiments, the axis of rotation of the arm is substantially parallel - in particular parallel - to the plane of the surface to be traced and not parallel to the direction of movement of the carriage. In these other embodiments, said distal end of the arm moves in a plane not orthogonal to the direction of movement of the carriage so that the tracing aid device according to the invention advantageously allows tracing in a non-tracing direction. orthogonal to the direction of movement of the carriage in the tracing plane. In these other embodiments, the tracing assistance device allows, in particular but not exclusively, in the context of making a roof, tracing on the surface to be traced from a rafter forming a roof edge biased.

In certain embodiments, the carriage comprises means for elastically returning the arm to a position, called the tracing position, in which said proximal end of the cord extends in contact with the surface to be traced. In these embodiments, said proximal end of the arm and said distal end of the cord are brought elastically into contact with the surface to be traced and can be driven away from the surface to be traced by a simple traction exerted on the cord when moving the cord. cart. Thus, the line does not mark the surface to be traced when the carriage and the line are moved and is brought elastically back into contact with the surface to be traced during tracing.

In certain embodiments, the arm is mounted so as to be able to pivot relative to the carriage along a pivot axis orthogonal to a main plane of the surface to be traced. In these embodiments, the arm is orientable so as to be able to orient the arm in the tracing direction. In these embodiments, the carriage comprises lockable/unlockable means for blocking the arm in a pivoting position of the arm along its pivot axis (rotation). These may be means of blocking by tightening, by screwing, by clipping (by elastic deformation), for example.

In certain embodiments, the means for driving the carriage in step-by-step movement comprise at least one toothed wheel adapted to be able to cooperate with a plurality of notches of the rail, the toothed wheel and the rail forming a rack for driving the carriage moving on the rail. All other means of driving the carriage are possible as long as they allow the carriage to be driven in movement with suitable precision, in particular of the order of a millimeter.

In certain embodiments, the cart comprises an electronic card for controlling the means for driving the cart moving step by step according to a predetermined step. The predetermined step may be a constant step of movement when the intervals of the tracing lines are constant. However, nothing prevents providing a succession of variable predetermined steps when the intervals of the tracing lines must vary during tracing.

In certain embodiments, the carriage drive means comprise an electric motor. In these embodiments, the tracing assistance device comprises a battery supplying the electric motor with electrical energy. In some embodiments, the power battery is carried by the cart. In these embodiments, the electric motor and the power battery are arranged in a liquid-tight enclosure, in particular water-tight.

In certain embodiments, the carriage comprises an input device - in particular for input and display - of at least one value of the carriage's movement step. The carriage includes a memory for storing this(these) movement step value(s) and, where applicable, a value indicative of the order of the successive steps.

In certain embodiments, the control member is adapted to transmit remotely - in particular to the electronic card - at least one instruction for advancing the carriage over a distance (d) corresponding to a predetermined advancement step.

In certain embodiments, the rail has a lower face opposite the carriage, flat and intended to be in contact with the surface to be traced. In some of these embodiments, the rail is formed of a longitudinal sole rigid in flexion and forming said lower face of the rail and of a longitudinal tongue for guiding the carriage, extending in a plane substantially orthogonal to a main plane of the sole. In these embodiments, the carriage is guided in movement by the tongue of the rail.

In certain advantageous embodiments, the carriage has at least one rolling roller without sliding of the carriage relative to the rail. At least one rolling roller may comprise a ball cage interposed between an outer rolling ring and an inner ring secured to the carriage. In other embodiments, at least one roller may include a needle bushing.

In certain embodiments, the rail - in particular the tongue - forms at least one longitudinal guide groove arranged to be able to receive the roller(s) and cooperate with the latter to facilitate the movement of the carriage relative to the rail by limiting - in particular by preventing - friction of the carriage on the rail. In these embodiments, the rollers can be lateral guide rollers and have an axis of rotation parallel to the bottom of the groove and perpendicular to the guide direction of the rail. In these embodiments and in combination, the rollers can be rolling rollers and each have an axis of rotation orthogonal to the bottom of the groove.

In certain embodiments, the carriage is provided with an optical pointer device - in particular a laser pointer - mounted integrally with the carriage and adapted to be able to be activated by the remote control member. Such a pointer device mounted on the carriage of the tracing aid device according to the invention makes it possible to indicate the position of vertical uprights - in particular metal ones - and their alignment on horizontal lower and upper rails, forming the structure supporting partitions, as carried out by a plasterer. But such a pointing device mounted on the carriage of the tracing aid device according to the invention can also make it possible to guide the alignment on the ground of tiles in relation to each other according to an aesthetic pattern.

• on choisit un dispositif d'aide au traçage selon l'invention ;
• on solidarise l'une des extrémités longitudinales d'un cordeau à tracer avec le chariot ;
• on réalise un traçage au moyen du cordeau à tracer, le chariot étant dans une première position sur le rail ;
• on utilise l'organe de commande à distance des moyens d'entrainement du chariot de façon à déplacer le chariot sur une distance correspondant au pas d'avancement prédéterminé jusqu'à une deuxième position du chariot distincte de la première position, et ;
• on réalise un traçage subséquent au moyen du cordeau à tracer, le chariot étant dans ladite deuxième position.

The invention also relates to a tracing method on a surface to be traced in which:

• a tracing aid device according to the invention is chosen;
• one of the longitudinal ends of a scribing line is secured to the carriage;
• tracing is carried out using the tracing line, the carriage being in a first position on the rail;
• the remote control member of the carriage drive means is used so as to move the carriage over a distance corresponding to the predetermined advance step to a second position of the carriage distinct from the first position, and;
• a subsequent tracing is carried out using the tracing line, the carriage being in said second position.

The method according to the invention makes it possible to carry out a plurality of successive tracings - parallel or not, but preferably parallel - on the surface to be traced by means of a tracing line, making it possible to postpone manual movement of each end of the cord by automating at least one of these movements.

In a particular embodiment, during the step of moving the carriage, the arm is moved so that said proximal end of the cord does not extend into contact with the surface to be traced. In this mode of implementation of a method according to the invention, the tracing cord is kept at a distance from the surface to be traced when the carriage is moved and contamination of the surface to be traced is avoided.

The invention also relates to a tracing aid device for positioning construction elements, a tracing method using such a device, characterized in combination by all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below. Whatever the formal presentation given, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the different characteristics mentioned above or below should not be considered as closely or inextricably linked together, the invention being able to relate to only one of these structural or functional characteristics, or only part of these structural or functional characteristics, or part only one of these structural or functional characteristics, or any grouping, combination or juxtaposition of all or part of these structural or functional characteristics.

Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description which refers to the appended figures given solely as a non-limiting description of certain embodiments of the invention and, in which:

[ Figure 1 ] is a perspective representation with cutaway of a particular embodiment of a tracing aid device according to the invention, and;

[ Figure 2 ] is a perspective representation of a surface to be traced on which the particular embodiment of the tracing aid device according to the invention is implemented, represented in figure 1 .

In the figures 1 And 2 , the proportions of the different constituent elements of the tracing aid device by means of a tracing line are not necessarily respected, in particular for the purposes of clarity of the presentation.

The invention relates to a device 1 for assisting in tracing by means of a tracing line for the positioning of construction elements. The device according to the invention makes it possible to carry out tracing on a surface to be traced, in particular on a flat surface to be traced. It may be a continuous flat surface, such as for example a floor, a screed or any other continuous flat surface. It may also be a discontinuous flat surface formed by a plurality of beams or rafters, one of the main faces of each beam or each rafter forming said discontinuous flat surface.

The tracing aid device 1 shown in figure 1 comprises a rule 2 substantially rigid in traction, compression and longitudinal bending. Rule 2 is preferably formed of at least one metallic material. However, nothing prevents rule 2 from being formed of polymer material, in particular of thermoplastic polymer material or of thermosetting polymer material. Nothing prevents the rule from being made of composite material, wood or any other material that is rigid in traction, compression and longitudinal bending. The rule 2 is formed of a sole 3 intended to be placed on and in contact with a face of a construction element having a surface (continuous or discontinuous) or a substantially flat face, for example on a beam, on a rafter or on the ground. The sole 3 extends in a substantially horizontal plane, in the normal position of use of rule 2. The sole 3 may have a thickness of between 1 and 5 mm, in particular between 2 and 3 mm. In certain embodiments, the sole 3 is provided with holes 4 passing through the sole 3 and opening onto the two main faces of the sole 3, each hole 4 having a diameter adapted to allow the passage of a reversible fixing member of the rule 2 on the construction element. Rule 2 can thus be kept fixed to the construction element and be separated from the construction element. Any reversible fixing device is possible. The sole 3 may have, in cross section and parallel to the main plane of the sole 3, a width for example between 3 mm and 100 mm, in particular of the order of 50 mm. Rule 2 can have any compatible length adapted to the use made of it. The length of the ruler can be included, for example between 600 mm and 4000 mm. For the use of a positioning aid device 1 according to the invention during the development of an interior space of a building, in particular a dwelling, it will be preferred to choose a plurality of sections 6 of rules 2 of short length, for example from 600 mm to 1000 mm, adapted to be able to be transported and transported easily to the site site, then to assemble on site end to end the number of sections 6 of rules 2 according to dimensions of the work to be carried out. For this purpose, each section 6 of rule 2 can be provided, at one of its longitudinal ends, with a tenon 5 adapted to be able to cooperate with a mortise of an adjacent section 6 of rule 2, and at the other of its longitudinal ends, a mortise dimensioned to be able to receive a corresponding tenon 5. The assembly of two adjacent sections 6 can advantageously be secured by means of a dowel, a nut or by any other reversible assembly means.

The rule 2 comprises a rail 7 mounted integral with the sole 3 and extending longitudinally over the entire length of the rule 2 and along a substantially vertical plane of symmetry, in the normal position of use of the rule 2. The rail 7 longitudinally presents a plane of symmetry substantially orthogonal to the main plane of the sole 3, a width or thickness, in a direction parallel to the main plane of the sole 3, of between 10 mm and 50 mm. The rail 7 and the sole 3 can be formed in one piece, in one piece, or be assembled integrally with one another by any means. The rail 7 has, according to the plane of symmetry of the rail 7, a height for example between 10 mm and 100 mm, in particular of the order of 20 mm to 30 mm. The rail 7 has laterally two grooves 8 for guiding a carriage 9 moving parallel to the rail 7. The guide grooves 8 extend symmetrically from one another relative to the plane of symmetry of the rail 7. Each groove 8 of guide has a height - in the vertical plane of the rail 7 - of between 10 mm and 50 mm, in particular of the order of 20 mm and a depth - according to the main plane of the sole 3 - of between 3 mm and 10 mm.

The rail 7 has on its upper longitudinal face 9 opposite the sole 3, a plurality of notches 11 aligned along the longitudinal axis of the rail 7, the notches 11 of the plurality of aligned notches 11 being adapted to be able to cooperate with the complementary teeth of a toothed wheel 12 of the carriage 9, the plurality of notches 11 of the rail 7 and the toothed wheel 12 forming a rack allowing controlled movement of the carriage 9 relative to the rail 7. The carriage 9 is provided with means known in themselves same, driving the toothed wheel 12 in rotation on itself, in one or other of the two directions of rotation of the wheel 12. The carriage 9 is provided with an electronic card for controlling the means of rotation. rotating the toothed wheel 12 on itself. The electronic card is adapted to be able to receive a movement control signal of the carriage 9 relative to the rail 7 over a predetermined distance, called advancement step (represented by “d” in figure 2 ), and in one direction of movement, and to control the movement of the carriage over a distance corresponding to said step of advancement of the carriage in the direction of movement. The value of said step or steps of advancement is(are) predetermined by the user and is(are) transmitted to the electronic card by means of an input interface. The control signal for the drive means of the carriage 9 is transmitted remotely by the user to the electronic card by means of a remote control member 13. Organ 13 of control can be a remote control adapted to be able to communicate with the cart 9 by cable or preferably by infrared, by radio waves or by “ Bluetooth ”. Said advancement step of the carriage 9 relative to the rail 7 is determined by the user who programs the carriage 9 by any mechanical and/or electronic means. Said advancement step and the direction of advancement of the carriage 9 relative to the rail can advantageously be displayed digitally on a screen 14 of the carriage 9 and/or on the remote control 13. According to certain embodiments, the drive means in rotation of the toothed wheel 12 on itself comprises an electric motor and an electrical power supply circuit for this electric motor. The power supply circuit may include electric cells or a battery, in particular a removable and interchangeable battery. There is of course nothing to prevent the battery from being connected to an electrical energy distribution network via a connection cord for charging. The carriage 9 of the device according to the invention is autonomous, that is to say it includes its own electrical power supply circuit.

In these embodiments, the screen 14 includes an indicator of the state of charge of the battery.

The carriage 9 of the positioning aid device 1 according to the invention shown in figure 1 is provided with rollers 15,16 for guiding the carriage 9 in movement relative to the rail 7. By way of illustration, the carriage 9 has four rollers 15 for lateral guiding and centering of the carriage 9 relative to the bottom of the groove 8 guiding the rail 7, including a pair of two rollers 15 arranged at one of the longitudinal ends of the carriage 9 and a pair of two rollers 15 arranged at the other opposite longitudinal end of the carriage 9. On the figure 1 , only two lateral guide rollers 15 are visible, that is to say one roller 15 per pair of rollers. The lateral guide rollers 15 allow easy movement of the carriage relative to the rail 7 by allowing rollers 15 to roll on the bottom of the groove 8, and avoiding jamming and blocking of the carriage 9 on the rail 7. The carriage 9 of the positioning aid device 1 shown in figure 1 also has rollers 16 for rolling the carriage 9 in contact with the lower face of the groove 8 and, where appropriate, in contact with the upper face of the groove 8. The rolling rollers 16 allow easier movement by rolling the carriage by relative to the rail 7, without friction of the carriage 9 on the rail 7. The movement of the carriage 9 relative to the rail is facilitated and the precision of the movement of the carriage 7 relative to the rail is optimal.

In the advantageous embodiment represented in figure 1 , the carriage 9 of the positioning aid device 1 according to the invention is provided with a rigid arm 32, one of whose ends, called the proximal end 19, is mounted integral with the carriage 9 and another end, called the end 20 distal, is intended to be connected to one end, called the proximal, longitudinal end 22 of a cord 21 to be traced, called "cordex", (not shown in figure 1 ). In this advantageous embodiment, the arm 32 is mounted integral with the carriage 9 by means 26 for securing the carriage 9 and said proximal end 19 of the arm. In this advantageous embodiment, said proximal end 19 and said distal end 20 of the arm 32 extend in the same plane, called the plane of the arm, extending orthogonally to the main plane of the sole 3 and, where appropriate, orthogonally to the axis extension of the rail 7. In the embodiment shown, the arm 32 is mounted so as to be able to be oriented by rotation along an axis 18 of rotation perpendicular to the main plane of the sole 3 so as to be able to take a position of a plurality of predetermined positions, and so that said plane of the arm 32 is not necessarily perpendicular to the main vertical plane of the rail 7. Thus, the arm 32 is adapted to be able to be aligned and extend in the direction of a user holding the other longitudinal end, called the distal end 23, of said cord 21, including when the rail 7 of rule 2 is arranged so that the user is not positioned in line with the carriage 9 in relation to rule 2 when tracing. This is particularly the case when the user is a roofer carrying out the tracing with a view to lathing a roof from a roof rafter intended to form a slanted roof edge.

In the advantageous embodiment represented in figure 1 , said distal end 20 of the arm extends a short distance from the main plane of the sole 3 so that said proximal end 22 of said “cordex” 21 extends a short distance, in particular in contact with a surface to be traced, in particular of a surface formed by a plurality of rafters whose tracing is desired for the purposes of lathing these rafters.

In the advantageous embodiment represented in figure 1 , the arm 32 of the positioning aid device 1 according to the invention is pivotally mounted along a pivot axis 17 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail 7. Thus, in this advantageous embodiment, the arm 32 is adapted to be able to be pivoted due to traction exerted longitudinally on said cord 21 between a first position, called tracing position, of the arm 32 in which said cord 21 is applied to the surface 24 to be traced and allows the tracing of the surface 24 to be traced by elastic snapping of the rope of said cordex 21 on the surface 24 to be traced, and at least a second position, called the displacement position, of the arm 32 in which said proximal end 20 of the arm 32 extends at a distance from the surface 24 to be traced and allows the movement of the carriage 9, the arm 32 and said cord 21 carried by the arm 32, said cord 21 being held in traction by the roofer, at a distance from the surface 24 to be traced and without unwanted marking of the surface 24 to be traced by said cordex 21 during this movement.

In certain embodiments, the carriage 9 has a member 25 for fixing a pointer, in particular a laser aiming pointer. In these embodiments, the device 1 for assisting in the positioning of construction elements is particularly advantageous for use by a plasterer worker and/or a carpenter worker, who is asked to place at regular intervals and assemble elements of framework, for example framework uprights on rails and intended to support plasterboard. The device 1 for assisting in the positioning of construction elements according to the invention equipped with a laser aiming pointer makes it possible to point successively and at the user's request at the predetermined position of construction elements.

A particular and non-limiting example of use of a device 1 for assisting in the positioning of construction elements is shown in figure 2 . This example concerns the lathing of a roof prior to the installation of tiles or slates. In the example shown schematically in figure 2 , a roof 27 under construction comprises a plurality of rafters 28,29,31 extending parallel to each other. The surface 24 to be traced of the roof under construction extends between an edge rafter 29 of the roof 27 under construction and a rafter 31 distant from the edge rafter 29 and includes intermediate rafters 28 to be traced. In the example shown, the roof 27 under construction is a roof intended to have a straight edge. However, nothing prevents us from predicting that the roof 27 being constructed is a roof having a slanted edge with a lower slope than the greatest slope of the roof. In the example shown in figure 2 , the roofer places rule 2 of the positioning aid device on the upper face of the rafter 29 at the edge of the roof 27 under construction. Depending on the dimensions of the roof on which the lathing must be made, nothing prevents assembling together a plurality of sections 6 of rule 2 and fixing the rule 2 thus formed on the edge rafter 29. The roofer carries out this fixing by any means, in particular by screwing. In the example shown, the roofer engages the carriage 9 at one of the longitudinal ends of the rule 2. He determines said step “d” separating two successive tracings corresponding to the step-by-step advancement of the carriage 7, according to the dimensions of the tiles or slates to be installed and according to the specific construction constraints. The roofer programs the carriage 7 so that each movement of the carriage corresponds to this advancement step “d”. He also programs the direction of movement of the carriage 7 in relation to rule 2. The roofer also carries out a marking reporting each interval “d” on the distant rafter 31. Depending on whether the rafters 28,29,31 of the roof 27 under construction are or not perpendicular to the edge 30 of the roof (right or slanted bank), the roofer pivots the arm 32 so as to align the direction given by the plane formed by the arm 32 with the roof edge 30, by rotation of the arm 32 along the pivot axis 18 of the rigid arm 32. It blocks arm 32 in this orientation. The roofer hooks one of the longitudinal ends of said cord 21 to said distal end 20 of the arm 32 and is provided with the remote control member 13 of the carriage 7. He goes to the distant rafter 31 extending to the opposite the edge rafter 29 relative to the surface 24 to be traced, maintaining traction on said cord 21, whereby the arm 32 is maintained in said displacement position in which said cord 21 is maintained in traction and at a distance from the surface 24 to be traced, without unwanted marking of the surface 24 to be traced by said cord 21 during this movement.

The roofer places himself near the first mark extending to the right of the carriage 9 while maintaining traction on said cord 21, whereby said cord 21 is kept at a distance from the surface 24 to be traced, and brings said distal end 23 of said cord 21 in contact with the remote chevron 31, whereby the arm 32 is brought into said tracing position. It performs an elastic breakdown of the rope of said cordex 21 on the surface 24 to be traced, whereby each chevron 28,29,31 is marked in a straight line between the carriage 9 and the mark made on the distant chevron 31. The roofer raises said cord 21 held in tension, whereby the arm 32 is brought into said moving position. It remotely controls a movement of the carriage 9 over the predetermined distance “d” and in the programmed direction of movement, by means of the control member 13. It carries out this command by simply pressing a button on the control unit. As soon as the arm 32 is in said movement position, the movement of the carriage 9 and of said cord 21 is carried out without unwanted marking of the surface 24 to be traced. The roofer can then renew the operation of bringing said distal end 23 of said cord 21 into contact with the upper face of the distant chevron 31, of marking by elastic snapping of said cord 21, of raising said cord 21 driving the arm 32 in said displacement position and of remote control of the step-by-step movement of the carriage 9 relative to the rule 2 and relative to the edge rafter 29, without having to move between the edge rafter 29 and the distant rafter 31. The tracing operation is simplified and is secure due to the reduction in travel. The tracing operation is also more economical, since it can be carried out by a single person instead of two people, one posted on the edge rafter 29, the other posted on the distant cheron 31.

The invention may be the subject of numerous variants and applications other than those described above. In particular, it goes without saying that unless otherwise indicated the different structural and functional characteristics of each of the embodiments described above should not be considered as combined and/or closely and/or inextricably linked to each other, but to the contrary as simple juxtapositions. In addition, the structural and/or functional characteristics of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or of any different combination.

Claims (14)

1. A device (1) for aiding the tracing of a surface (24) to be traced by means of a tracing line (21), the device comprising:

   - a guide rail (7); and

   - a carriage (9) adapted to be able to be guided in displacement by the rail (7),

   characterized in that

   - the carriage (9) is provided with means for driving the carriage (9) moving step by step along the guide direction of the rail (7);

   and in that the device comprises

   - a remote control device for the drive means of the carriage (9), adapted to control the drive means so as to drive the carriage (9) over a predetermined advancement pitch;

   - means for securing the carriage (9) and one of the longitudinal ends, called the proximal end (22), of the tracing line (21), the securing means thus being arranged on the carriage (9) so that said proximal end (22) of the line (21) can extend in contact with the surface (24) to be traced during tracing, and

   - the carriage (9) comprises an arm (32) mounted secured to the carriage (9) and movable relative to the carriage (9), the arm (32) having a free longitudinal end, called distal end (20), carrying the securing means.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm (32) is mounted so as to pivot relative to the carriage (9) along an axis (17) of rotation substantially parallel to the plane of the surface (24) to be traced.
3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the carriage (9) comprises means for elastically returning the arm (32) to a position, called the tracing position, wherein said proximal end (22) of the line (21) extends in contact with the surface (24) to be traced.
4. The device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the arm (32) is mounted so as to be able to pivot relative to the carriage (9) along a pivot axis (18) orthogonal to a main plane of the surface (24) to be traced.
5. The device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the drive means comprise at least one toothed wheel adapted to be able to cooperate with a plurality of notches of the rail (7), said at least one toothed wheel and the rail forming a drive rack for the carriage (9) moving on the rail (7).
6. The device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the carriage (9) comprises an electronic card for controlling the drive means of the carriage (9) moving step by step according to a predetermined pitch.
7. The device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the means for driving the carriage (9) comprise an electric motor.
8. The device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the carriage (9) comprises a device (14) for inputting at least one value of the advancement pitch of the carriage (9).
9. The device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control member is adapted to remotely transmit at least one advance instruction for the carriage (9) over a distance (d) corresponding to a predetermined advancement pitch.
10. The device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rail (7) has a flat lower face (33) opposite the carriage (9) that is intended to be in contact with the surface (24) to be traced.
11. The device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the carriage (9) has at least one roller (15, 16) for rolling without sliding of the carriage (9) relative to the rail (7).
12. The device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the carriage (9) is provided with an optical pointing device mounted secured to the carriage (9) and adapted to be able to be activated remotely by the control member (13).
13. A method of tracing on a surface (24) to be traced, wherein:

    - a tracing aid device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 is chosen;

    - one of the longitudinal ends of a line (21) to be traced is secured with the carriage (9);

    - tracing is carried out by means of the line (21) to be traced, the carriage (9) being in a first position on the rail (7);

    - the member (13) for remotely controlling the drive means of the carriage (9) is used so as to move the carriage (9) over a distance corresponding to the predetermined advancement pitch to a second position of the carriage distinct from the first position; and

    - a subsequent tracing is carried out by means of the line (21) to be traced, the carriage (9) being in said second position.
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that during the step of moving the carriage (9), the arm (32) is moved so that said proximal end (22) of the line (21) does not extend in contact with the surface (24) to be traced.

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