DESCRIPTION

5 Field of the invention

[0001] A cold scari fication and recycling assembly for restoring a road pavement and an operating machine comprising said assembly form the subj ect matter of the present invention .

10 [0002] In particular, the present invention refers to an assembly intended for removing layers of asphalt or similar material and the cold recycling thereof for direct repositioning on the portion of road pavement j ust removed .

15 Prior art

[0003] The use of excavating devices connectable to operating machines , such as machines for earth moving, for example excavators or bulldozers or wheeled or tracked loaders for removing layers of asphalt or similar

20 materials , is known .

[0004] It is further known that for restoring road pavements it is possible to recycle in place the bituminous layers removed from the road surface in a cold process so as to repair damaged road pavements , for

25 example with the presence of holes or cracks of the surf ce .

[0005] In general , the damaged bituminous layers in cold recycling are scari fied and shredded, and the obtained milled material is then regenerated with the addition of binding agents and then compacted and re-laid on the road bed .

[0006] In this type of intervention, dedicated and bulky regeneration machines are utili zed which receive the milled conglomerate , regenerate it and trans fer it via a conveyor belt to a road paver that follows the recycling machine and proceeds to spread the regenerated conglomerate immediately .

[0007] Inconveniently, the operation for restoring the road surface by using said regeneration and paving machines turns out to be burdensome , both from the standpoint of time and in terms of the costs and of the road and transport bulkiness . In fact , in an inconvenient manner, the systems of the prior art require the milled material to be set aside in a dedicated regeneration machine , which recycles the milled material , which is then reconveyed to the paving machine .

[0008] Therefore , this solution turns out to be not suitable for restoring small zones of damaged road surface and is generally utili zed for resurfacing large surfaces . [0009] Inconveniently, furthermore , the resurfacing of the road surface according to the prior art requires that , once the regeneration machines have carried out the regeneration of the milled conglomerate and its redeposition on the road surface , a further layer of new hot conglomerate is also applied in order to create the wear-resistant layer . Therefore , according to the prior art , the regenerated milled conglomerate serves only as a carrier layer for receiving the new hot conglomerate on which the road traf fic then operates . In an inconvenient manner, therefore , it is nevertheless necessary to deposit the new conglomerate , and it is not possible to create a road surface exclusively with recycled conglomerate . Disclosure of the invention

[0010] Therefore , the need for speeding up and rendering the road surface resurfacing procedure simpler and more streamlined remains strongly felt , especially for relatively reduced surface areas of damaged road surface . [0011] Furthermore , the need remains strongly felt for a device that allows for restoring of the damaged road surface that is compact , streamlined and ef fective , and does not require bulky supporting machines . In particular, the need is felt for a streamlined device that does not require sel f-propelled regeneration machines of enormous dimensions , typically provided with their own means for movement on the road integrated into the machine itsel f .

[0012] Furthermore , the need is felt for a device that allows the restoring of a damaged road surface by utili zing recycled conglomerate and without the need for further superficial treatments with the addition of new hot conglomerate .

[0013] These and other purposes are achieved by means of a scari fication and recycling assembly, an operating machine and a method for restoring the road surface according to the attached independent claims .

[0014] Some advantageous embodiments are the subj ect of the dependent claims .

Description of the drawings

[0015] Further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description given below of its preferred embodiments as non-limiting examples , in reference to the attached figures , wherein :

[0016] - Fig . 1 is an axonometric exploded view of a scari fication and recycling assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0017] - Fig . 2 is an axonometric view of the scari fication and recycling assembly wherein the external housing has been arti ficially removed in order to show the internal components according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0018] - Fig. 3 is an axonometric view from above of the scarification and recycling assembly according to one embodiment of this invention;

[0019] - Fig. 4 is a bottom axonometric view of the scarification and recycling assembly of Fig. 3;

[0020] - Fig. 5 is a further axonometric view of the scarification and recycling assembly of Fig. 3, wherein interception device is in an open configuration;

[0021] - Fig. 6 is a further axonometric view of the scarification and recycling assembly of Fig. 3, wherein an interception device is in a closed configuration;

[0022] - Fig. 7 is an axonometric view of a scarification and recycling assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0023] - Fig. 8 is an axonometric view of the scarification and recycling assembly of Fig. 7 wherein the external housing has been artificially removed in order to show the internal components according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0024] - Fig. 9 shows a bottom axonometric view of the scarification and recycling assembly of Fig. 7;

[0025] - Fig. 10 is an axonometric exploded view of the scarification and recycling assembly of Fig. 7;

[0026] - Fig. 11 is a lateral sectional view of a scari fication and recycling assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, mounted on an operating machine , in particular a mini-loader having an operating machine mobile arm to which the scari fication and recycling assembly is connected, during a step of milling and machining the damaged asphalt , wherein an interception device is in an open configuration ;

[0027] - Fig . 12 is a lateral view of a second step of machining the road surface , preferably subsequent to the step of Fig . 11 , according to one embodiment of the method for restoring a road surface , wherein a binding agent is applied;

[0028] - Fig . 13 is a lateral sectional view of a scari fication and recycling assembly mounted on an operating machine , in particular a mini-loader, having a mobile arm of an operating machine to which the scari fication and recycling assembly is connected, during a machining step of the method for restoring the road surface , preferably subsequent to the second step and/or the step of Fig . 11 , wherein the interception device is in an open configuration;

[0029] - Fig . 14 is a lateral sectional view of a scari fication and recycling assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, said assembly being mounted on an operating machine , in particular a mini loader, having a mobile arm of an operating machine to which the scari fication and recycling assembly is connected, during a machining step of the method for restoring the road surface , optionally and preferably subsequent to the step of Fig . 13 , wherein the interception device is in a closed configuration;

[0030] - Fig . 15 is a lateral view of a step of machining the road surface , preferably subsequent to the step of Fig . 14 , according to one embodiment of the method for restoring a road surface , wherein the compaction is performed;

[0031] - Fig . 16 is a lateral sectional view of a scari fication and recycling assembly mounted on an operating machine , in particular a mini-loader, having a mobile arm of an operating machine to which the scari fication and recycling assembly is connected, during a machining step of the method for restoring the road surface and wherein the direction of advancement of the operating machine is opposite that of the direction of advancement Y of Fig . 13 ;

[0032] - Fig . 17 is a lateral sectional view of a scari fication and recycling assembly mounted on an operating machine , in particular on the back of a tractor with a hydraulic power take-off , during a machining step of the method for restoring the road surface ; [0033] - Fig. 18 is a lateral sectional view of a scarification and recycling assembly mounted on an operating machine, in particular on the back of a tractor with a mechanical power take-off, during a machining step of the method for restoring the road surface.

Detailed description

[0034] In reference to the attached figures, the reference number 1 designates, in its entirety, a cold scarification and recycling assembly 1 for restoring a damaged road pavement P, which has holes or cracks at least in its outermost layer. The cold scarification and recycling assembly 1 (or, more simply, the scarification and recycling assembly 1) is an integrated assembly which carries out both the functions of scarification of the road pavement and of cold recycling (that is, regenerating the conglomerate for reapplication) in a single machine. Said scarification and recycling assembly 1 is further suitable for being directly connected to a mobile arm of an operating machine 2, for example a miniloader, or a tractor. As is more clearly visible in the figures from 13 to 18, it is clear that the scarification and recycling assembly 1 may be configured both for being pushed and for being towed by the operating machine 2, according to the working need. For example, it may be hitched to the rear of a tractor, as shown in Fig. 17 and 18, or moved forward or in reverse, as shown in Fig. 13 to 16, on a loader or mini-loader.

[0035] As a function of the operating configuration, the scarification and recycling assembly 1 is therefore configured so that the scarification group 10 is always before the recycling group 20 in the direction of advancement Y.

[0036] It is clear that, in the present description, the terms "scarify" or "scarification" are also intended to mean the operation of milling the road surface.

[0037] In one embodiment, the scarification assembly comprises an assembly body 2' .

[0038] In one embodiment, the scarification assembly comprises an auto-leveling body 80.

[0039] Said scarification and recycling assembly 1 preferably comprises an assembly body 2' and an autoleveling body 80.

[0040] It is worth pointing out that, unless otherwise specified, the terms "axial", "radial" or "tangential" are always in reference to a rotation axis.

[0041] In one embodiment, the assembly body 2' comprises a coupling portion 4 to the operating machine 2 for its stable mounting, for example for mounting the assembly body 2' to a mobile arm or to a support of the operating machine . [0042] Preferably, the auto-leveling body 80 comprises a pair of contact skids 81, 82 with the level of the road pavement P.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the position of the contact skids 81, 82 with respect to the assembly body 2' is adjustable.

[0044] In accordance with said variant, the assembly 1 could advantageously comprise a device 24 for adjusting the excavation depth D' for each contact skid 81, 82.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the auto-leveling body 80 is therefore rotatable parallel to a rotation axis that is parallel to the road pavement plane P.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the auto-leveling body 80 is guided by the assembly body 2' in the various angular positions via guiding means cooperating with said bodies 80, 2 ' .

[0047] According to one embodiment, the guiding means comprise at least one edge of a guide slot 64' slidingly engaged by at least one guide pin 66.

[0048] The scarification and recycling assembly 1 is therefore movable in a working direction (or advancing direction) Y while maintaining the sliding contact between the contact skids 81, 82 and the plane of the road pavement P.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the contact skids 81, 82 are arranged adj acent to one another and spaced apart in front of the other .

[0050] According to one embodiment , the contact skids 81 , 82 are created by means of bent metal sheets .

[0051] According to one embodiment , the assembly body 2 ' is at least partially housed between the contact skids 81 , 82 .

[0052] According to one embodiment , the assembly body 2 ' is mechanically connected to the auto-leveling body 80 so as to apply weight in a balanced manner to the contact skids 81 , 82 .

[0053] According to one general embodiment , the cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 comprises a scari fication group 10 housed in a first region D of the scari fication and recycling assembly 1 . Said scari fication group 10 comprises an excavation tool 100 for removing the conglomerate material of one or more layers of asphalt along a linear advancement path along a working surface S of the road pavement P in order to obtain a scari fied conglomerate material C .

[0054] Furthermore , the cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 comprises a recycling group 20 housed within a second region R of the scari fication and recycling assembly 1 . Said recycling group 20 comprises a mixing and shredding element 200 of the scari fied conglomerate material C .

[0055] Said second region R is arranged downstream of the first region D, so that the scari fied conglomerate material C ( or milled conglomerate C ) from the scari fication group 10 is receivable by the recycling group 20 for the regeneration thereof into regenerated conglomerate material CR ( or regenerated milled conglomerate CR) .

[0056] Drive means 102 , 202 are suitable for moving the excavation tool 100 and the mixing and shredding element 200 .

[0057] According to one embodiment , the drive means 102 , 202 are of the hydraulic type , for example hydraulic actuators .

[0058] According to one embodiment , the drive means 102 , 202 are of the electric type , for example electric motors .

[0059] The cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 al so comprises an interception device 30 , which at least partially separates the first region D from the second region R to convey the passage of the scari fied conglomerate material C from the first region D to the second region R .

[0060] According to one embodiment , the interception device

30 is suitable for being maintained in support against the base of the road surface being worked and for being passively guided in translation along a translation direction Z in order to follow the course of the base of the road surface being worked.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the interception device 30 is actively movable in a close configuration and in an open configuration.

[0062] In the closing configuration, the interception device 30 prevents the passage of milled conglomerate material C from the scarification group 10, i.e., from the first region D, to the recycling group 20, i.e., the second region R. In the open configuration, the interception group 30 allows the passage of milled conglomerate material C from the scarification group 10, i.e., from the first region D, to the recycling group 20, i.e., to the second region R.

[0063] The cold scarification and recycling assembly 1 also comprises a water and/or regenerating fluid dispensing device 40 suitable for dispensing water and/or regenerating fluid directly in the first region D and/or in the second region R.

[0064] Preferably, the cold scarification and recycling assembly 1 comprises a pump group 64 configured for collecting water and/or regenerating fluid from a tank and conveying it toward the water and/or regenerating fluid dispensing device 40 .

[0065] The regenerating fluid is a fluid suitable for again allowing the cohesion between the granules of the milled conglomerate so as to allow the restoration of the road pavement once the regenerated milled conglomerate is recompacted .

[0066] The term "regenerating fluid" is therefore intended to also mean an additive fluid or a bituminous binding agent .

[0067] For example , the regenerating fluid is a bitumen mixture or a mixture containing a hydrocarbon binding agent .

[0068] In an advantageous manner, the regenerating fluid is preferably the fluid sold under the commercial name Iterlene ACF 1000 HP GREEN by the company Iterchimica Sri , Bergamo , Italy .

[0069] It is clear that a further obj ect of the present invention is the use of a regenerating fluid, and in particular the use of a bitumen mixture or a mixture containing a hydrocarbon binding agent , preferably of the fluid sold under the commercial name Iterlene ACF 1000 HP GREEN by the company Iterchimica Sri , Bergamo , Italy, for restoring a road surface in a cold process directly on the street , and more particularly the use of a cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 according to the present invention or the use in a method for restoring a road surface according to the present invention ( described below in the present description) .

[0070] The cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 further comprises a sieving element 50 arranged downstream from the recycling group 20 and suitable for receiving the regenerated conglomerate material CR and sieving a predefined particle si ze of regenerated conglomerate material CR for trans fer to the working surface S .

[0071] The sieving element 50 is an element suitable for preventing the passage of a determined si ze of milled conglomerate material C or of regenerated conglomerate material CR in order to keep it broken up in the recycling group 20 unless a desired, typically finer, si ze of the granules of the material is reached, which material is then discharged downstream of the sieving element , for example because it passes through the apertures or the meshes of the sieving element 50 .

[0072] The sieving element 50 , therefore, allows the passage of the granules of the milled conglomerate material C or of the regenerated conglomerate material CR from the recycling group 20 toward the working surface S only upon reaching a desired si ze of the granules ( i . e . , the discharge only of the milled conglomerate material or of the regenerated conglomerate CR having a determined size) .

[0073] According to one embodiment, the assembly body 2' is connected to the auto-leveling body 80 via at least one adjusting device 24 for adjusting the excavation depth D' of the assembly 1.

[0074] The function of the adjusting device 24 according to said variant is therefore that of modifying or adjusting the protrusion of the excavation tool 100 with respect to the contact skids 81, 82 and, thus, adjusting the excavation depth D' .

[0075] It is worth pointing out that the adjusting device 24 is operated (for example via the wrench or the adjusting tool U, or in a pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical or electric manner) for the purpose of determining the excavation depth D' .

[0076] Nevertheless, after the desired excavation depth has been fixed (that is, after the lower or greater protrusion of the excavation tool 100 with respect to the contact skids 81, 82 has been determined) , said device 24 preferably keeps said adjustment or setting constant or unchanged for the entire determined excavation operation. [0077] This type of adjusting device 24 has been discussed only by way of example. Other modes of adjusting the excavation depth according to other embodiments are possible .

[0078] According to one embodiment , the excavation tool 100 is a milling drum which is rotatable about a milling drum rotation axis X substantially parallel to the working surface S of the road pavement P . The milling drum is provided with cutting elements 101 for removing the conglomerate material of the road surface .

[0079] According to one embodiment , the mixing and shredding element 200 is a mixing drum, rotatable about a mixing drum rotation axis X' which is parallel and spaced apart with respect to the milling drum rotation axis X . The mixing drum is preferably provided with protruding elements 201 , for example elements proj ecting radially with respect to the mixing drum rotation axis X ' .

[0080] Preferably, the scari fication group 10 comprises a scari fication chamber 11 in which the excavation tool 100 is housed, and the recycling group 20 comprises a recycling chamber 21 in which the mixing and shredding element 200 is housed . The scari fication chamber 11 and the recycling chamber 21 are directly communicating with each other by means of a conglomerate passage opening 22 suitable for being opened or closed by means of the interception device 30 .

[0081] According to one embodiment , shown for example in

Fig . 1 to 6 , the assembly 1 comprises a scari fication group frame 15, which at least partially defines the scarification chamber 11, and a recycling group frame 25, which is disconnected but fixed to the scarification group 15 and which at least partially defines the recycling chamber 21.

[0082] Said scarification group 15 and said recycling group frame 25, when joined, preferably form the assembly body 2’ . Preferably, the scarification group 15 is therefore joined to the recycling group frame 25.

[0083] According to one embodiment, shown for example in Fig. 7 to 10, the scarification group frame 15 and the recycling group frame 25 are a single main frame which forms the assembly body 2’ . Preferably, in this embodiment, the single main frame is a single piece which supports the excavation tool 100 and the shredding and mixing element 200.

[0084] Preferably, the conglomerate passage opening 22 is made in the scarification group frame 15 or in the recycling group frame 25.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the interception device 30 comprises a bulkhead 30' translatable with respect to the scarification group frame 15 and/or to the recycling group frame 25 to determine the opening or the partial or total closing of the conglomerate passage opening 22.

[0086] In the embodiment wherein the interception device 30 is suitable for maintaining itsel f in support against the base of the road surface being worked and for being passively guided in translation along a translation direction Z in order to follow the course of the base of the road surface being worked, the bulkhead 30 ' is suitable for maintaining itsel f in support on the road surface , closing or opening the conglomerate passage opening 22 in a variable manner according to the course of the road surface and the working depth .

[0087] In general , the bulkhead 30 ' preferably functions as a bulkhead for scraping the base of the road surface and prevents the direct passage of the milled conglomerate C below the sieving element 50 from occurring without first passing through the recycling group 20 when the conglomerate passage opening 22 is at least partially open .

[0088] When, instead, the bulkhead 30 ' is in a configuration in which it totally closes the conglomerate passage opening 22 ( as for example shown in Fig . 14 ) , in this case the bulkhead 30 ' then prevents the passage of the regenerated conglomerate material CR toward the second region R, i . e . , toward the recycling group 20 .

[0089] According to one embodiment , the interception device

30 comprises a bulkhead movement group 70 , for example one or more hydraulic or electric cylinders , connected to the bulkhead 30 ' and to the scari fication group frame 15 and/or to the recycling group frame 25 . Said bulkhead movement group 70 is suitable for translating the bulkhead 30 ' along the vertical direction of translation Z substantially perpendicular with respect to the plane of the road pavement P .

[0090] Preferably, in any variant of the interception device , in the scari fication group frame 15 and/or on the recycling group frame 25 translation guides are formed which are suitable for housing the bulkhead 30 ' in translation along the direction of translation Z .

[0091] According to one advantageous embodiment , the assembly 1 comprises a dosing unit (not shown in the figures ) suitable for adj usting the amount of water and/or regenerating fluid to be dispensed via the water and/or regenerating fluid dispensing device 40 .

[0092] Preferably, the water and/or regenerating fluid dispensing device 40 comprises one or more dispensing noz zles having a dispensing mouth which directly faces into the scari fication chamber 11 and/or into the recycling chamber 21 .

[0093] The dosing unit preferably comprises means for storing water and regenerating fluid and pumping means for dispensing the water or regenerating fluid from the storage means to the water and/or regenerating fluid dispensing device .

[0094] It is clear that the dosing unit may be installed on the assembly 1 or may be relocated on the operating machine 2 and comprise fluidic means for supplying the regenerating fluid or water toward the water and/or regenerating fluid dispensing device 40 .

[0095] According to one embodiment , the cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 comprises a speed detector device 60 . Optionally, the cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 comprises a depth detector device .

[0096] The speed detector device 60 is operatively connected to the dosing unit and suitable for detecting the advancement speed of the cold scari fication and recycling assembly along the working surface S . In this variant , the dosing unit is suitable for adj usting the amount of water and/or regenerating fluid to be dispensed according to the advancement speed detected by the speed detector device 60 .

[0097] According to one embodiment , the depth detector device is operatively connected to a dosing unit and is suitable for detecting the scari fication depth D' of the road pavement P performed by the scari fication group 10 with respect to the plane of the road pavement P . In this variant , the dosing unit is suitable for adj usting the amount of water and/or regenerating fluid to be dispensed according to the depth detected by the depth detector device 60 .

[0098] It is clear that the cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 may comprise only the speed detector device 60 , or both the speed detector device 60 and the depth detector device .

[0099] According to one embodiment , the speed detector device 60 comprises , for example , a speed detector such as a GPS , or an electronic device for detecting the linear advancement speed, or similar .

[00100] According to one embodiment , the depth detector device comprises , for example , a distance detector, such as a laser, optic or ultrasound detector or a mechanical distance detector .

[00101] According to one embodiment variant , the speed detector device 60 comprises a wheel 61 and a wheel support group 62 suitable for supporting the wheel in a manner rotatable about a wheel rotation axi s X' ’ . The wheel support group 62 is suitable for positioning the wheel in a rearward configuration A, in which the wheel is spaced apart with respect to the level of the road pavement P, and a working configuration W, in which the wheel is in contact with the road pavement P during the advancement of the cold scari fication and recycling ass e mb 1 y 1 . [00102] Preferably, the speed detector device 60 comprises a wheel rotation speed sensor, for example an electronic encoder .

[00103] According to one embodiment , the wheel support group 62 comprises a wheel support arm 63 .

[00104] Optionally, the wheel support group 62 comprises arm movement drive means .

[00105] The wheel support arm 63 is rotatable about an arm rotation axis X' ’ ’ which is parallel and spaced apart with respect to the wheel axis of rotation X' ’ . In this way, for example , the wheel support arm 63 is configurable with its main extension axis parallel to the level of the road pavement P when the assembly is in operation or perpendicular ( i . e . , vertical ) with respect to the level of the road pavement P when it is not in operation or when it is not necessary to measure the advancement speed of the assembly 1 , as shown, for example , in Fig . 11 , in the first scari fication step (milling) or in Fig . 14 .

[00106] Preferably, the wheel support group 62 further comprises an angular position sensor suitable for determining the milling depth of the cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 as a function of the angular position of the wheel support arm 63 ( functioning, therefore , as a depth detector device ) . [00107] According to one preferred embodiment , the sieving element 50 is a perforated wall or a grid having sieve openings and arranged below the mixing and shredding element 200 , in the vertical direction perpendicular to the level of the road pavement P . Therefore , the sieving element is the last element that the regenerated conglomerate CR encounters before being released on the working surface S of the road pavement P . [00108] According to one embodiment , the sieving element 50 is a perforated wall in the form of a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical sector that is fixed to and integral with the recycling group frame 25 .

[00109] According to one embodiment , the sieving element 50 is a wall comprising sieve openings having a section of a si ze recordable via manual control or via an electrical or hydraulic or mechanical actuator operatively connected to the sieving element 50 . For example , according to one embodiment , the scari fication and recycling assembly comprises a second wall in relative movement with respect to the sieving element 50 so as to reduce or expand the section of the sieve openings . For example , the second wall and the sieving element 50 are two walls , preferably in the form of a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical sector, slidable in relation to one another for opening or closing the sieve openings .

[00110] Preferably, the second wall in relative movement with respect to the sieving element 50 opens and closes windows in order to increase or decrease the dimension of the material to be discharged or close the discharge of f completely .

[00111] It is clear that a further obj ect of the present invention is an operating machine 2 comprising a cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 described in the preceding paragraphs , for example preferably mounted on the rear of a tractor or on the loader arm of a miniloader .

[00112] Said operating machine 2 is preferably provided with at least one fluidic power take-of f 41 for powering the drive means 102 , 202 and/or the bulkhead movement group 70 and/or the arm movement drive means .

[00113] According to one embodiment , the operating machine 2 is preferably provided with at least one electrical power take-of f for powering the drive means 102 , 202 and/or the bulkhead movement group 70 and/or the arm movement drive means .

[00114] According to one embodiment , the operating machine 2 is preferably provided with at least one mechanical power take-of f 42 for powering the drive means

102 , 202 and/or the bulkhead movement group 70 and/or the arm movement drive means .

[00115] Furthermore , another obj ect of the present invention is a method for restoring a road surface which utili zes an operating machine 2 to which a cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 as previously described is attached . The method in its most general embodiment , shown for example in Fig . 16 or 17 or 18 , comprises the following operational steps :

[00116] a ) providing at least one cold scari fication and recycling assembly 1 ;

[00117] b ) providing an operating machine 2 on which said scari fication and recycling assembly 1 is mounted;

[00118] c' ) moving the scari fication and recycling assembly 1 on the damaged road surface , preferably with the interception device 30 in the open configuration, so as to obtain a milled conglomerate C and, preferably simultaneously, inj ecting regenerating fluid and possibly water on the milled conglomerate C being worked by the scari fication and recycling unit 1 , preferably in a single advancement pass in the advancement direction Y of the operating machine ;

[00119] f ) letting the regenerated milled conglomerate CR escape from the recycling chamber 21 , preferably by means of the sieving element 50 .

[00120] Preferably, the method further comprises the operational step of:

[00121] g) smoothing and compacting the regenerated milled conglomerate CR (Fig. 15) .

[00122] A further embodiment of a method for restoring a road surface which utilizes an operating machine 2 to which a cold scarification and recycling assembly 1 as previously described is attached is shown, for example, in the sequence of figures from 11 to 15. In this embodiment, the method for restoring a road surface comprises the operational steps of:

[00123] a) providing at least one cold scarification and recycling assembly 1;

[00124] b) providing an operating machine 2 on which said scarification and recycling assembly 1 is mounted;

[00125] c) moving the scarification and recycling assembly 1 on the damaged road surface with the interception device 30 in the open configuration, so as to obtain a milled conglomerate C arranged on the working surface (Fig. 11) ;

[00126] d) optionally, arranging a binding agent L, preferably a hydraulic binding agent, for example cement, on the milled conglomerate (Fig. 12) ;

[00127] e) moving the scarification and recycling assembly 1 on the milled conglomerate arranged on the working surface with the interception device 30 in the open configuration and injecting regenerating fluid and possibly water on the milled conglomerate being worked by the scarification and recycling assembly 1 (Fig. 13) ;

[00128] f) letting the regenerated milled conglomerate CR (Fig. 13) escape from the recycling chamber 21, preferably by means of the sieving element (50) ;

[00129] g) possibly, smoothing and compacting the regenerated milled conglomerate CR (Fig. 15) .

[00130] According to one embodiment, step c) involves the injection of water or, more generally, a liquid on the milled conglomerate being worked in the scarification chamber and/or in the recycling chamber 21, for example in order to suppress the dust.

[00131] Preferably, in step c' ) or in step e) , the injection of regenerating fluid and possibly water involves :

[00132] - detecting the advancement speed on the road pavement P of the cold scarification and recycling ass e mb 1 y 1 ;

[00133] - optionally, measuring the scarification depth of the road pavement with respect to the level of the road pavement P;

[00134] - dispensing a quantity of regenerating fluid and possibly water according to the advancement speed detected and also optionally according to the scari fication depth D' detected .

[00135] According to one embodiment , the method for restoring a road surface , after step c ) or after step c' ) , comprises the optional step of :

[00136] h) moving the scari fication and recycling assembly 1 on the damaged road surface or on the milled conglomerate C arranged on the working surface S or on the regenerated milled conglomerate CR arranged on the working surface S with the interception device 30 in the closed configuration;

[00137] Said step h) is shown, for example , in Fig . 14 in an exemplary embodiment wherein the scari fication and recycling assembly 1 is moved on the regenerated milled conglomerate CR following the execution of the preceding step e ) , or of the preceding step c' ) or of the preceding step d) . In said variant , step h) allows an adequate remixing of the regenerated milled conglomerate CR, for example without having to further crush the conglomerate or reduce the si ze of the pieces being worked in the recycling group 20 .

[00138] Innovatively, the present invention is suitable for overcoming the drawbacks related to the prior art .

[00139] More precisely, the cold scari fication and recycling assembly of the present invention makes it possible to restore a damaged road surface without the need for removing and carrying the road surface material elsewhere , but by regenerating the same removed material and redepositing it anew on the road surface .

[00140] This makes it possible to immediately repair the road surface , completely on site , without adding ( or possibly with a minimum addition of ) further conglomerate material . Consequently, a repair intervention requiring minimal times and at contained costs is achieved .

[00141] Furthermore , thanks to the fact that the conglomerate material is recycled, it is not necessary to store such material and dispose of it as special waste .

[00142] Additionally, compared to the cold regeneration machines of the prior art , the assembly according to the present invention turns out to be particularly compact and suitable for the speci fic purpose of repairing small plots . In fact , the assembly according to the present invention does not require bulky and non-sel f-propelled conglomerate regeneration machines , but executes the operation of scari fication and regeneration and placement of the conglomerate in an integrated manner .

[00143] According to a further advantage , the fact that the assembly according to the present invention is suitable for being directly connected to a mobile arm of an operating machine and, preferably, the fact that it is configured both for being pulled and for being pushed renders the use of the assembly itsel f particularly versatile and flexible . In fact , is easily connectable to the maj ority of known operating machines and does not require the application of sensitive modi fications to the design of the known operating machines .

[00144] Furthermore , said possibility allows to adapt the known operating machines for the execution of activities of scari fication and recycling of the road pavement without requiring the predisposition of a sel f- propelled machine dedicated for the application . Therefore , this provides great potential for converting the already existing operating machines .

[00145] In an advantageous manner, the possibility of metering the amount of regenerating fluid and water in line ( i . e . , during the advancement of the assembly) and in a controlled manner during the advancement of the assembly makes it possible to render the regeneration procedure more ef fective and ef ficient . In fact , the amount of regenerating fluid is adaptable as a function of the advancement speed and the type of conglomerate involved .

[00146] Furthermore , in an advantageous manner, thanks to the presence of the interception device in the form of a bulkhead, it is possible to integrate the two functions of scari fication and recycling in a simple and compact manner in a single assembly, which is transportable and connectable to an operating machine of small dimensions , thereby allowing repair operations of small plots that cannot be reali zed with the cold regeneration machines of the prior art (which are bulky and onerous in terms of economic and time resources ) .

[00147] Additionally, thanks to the assembly and the method according to the present invention, it is possible to provide resurfacing interventions of j ust the most superficial portion of the road surface ( for example , the first 5- 10 centimeters ) , without signi ficant labor costs being required in the case of more in-depth interventions .

[00148] A person skilled in the art , in order to satis fy contingent and speci fic needs , may make numerous modi fications and adaptations to the embodiments described above , and replace elements with other functionally equivalent ones , without however departing from the scope of the following claims .

[00149] Moreover, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be implemented independently of the other variants described .