EP1627201B1 - Improved anti-explosion screen - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an explosion protection screen capable of attenuating the damage caused by the blast effect released by an explosion as well as the fragments projected during the explosion, that is to say the "fragmentation ".

Such an anti-explosion screen device is known from the document US 5,076,168 .

When a suspicious object is discovered in a public place and is suspected to be an explosive device, measures are generally taken to evacuate the public, and to isolate the explosive device in order to evacuation or defusing on the spot.

To isolate the explosive device, it is possible to use blankets or screens made of splinter-proof materials resistant to the passage of fragments projected by the explosion.

However, these devices do not provide satisfactory protection. A cover placed on the explosive device may be lifted by the explosion, which limits the protection provided by the cover. A screen may be blown by the explosion and may not mitigate the effect of blast satisfactorily, and not prevent the spread of shards.

Furthermore, the implementation of these devices requires the prior detection of the explosive device, then dispose of these protective elements, which requires a certain time given the precautions that must be taken. However, during surprise terrorist attacks, for example when a suicide bomber unleashes a bomb in a public place, there is not enough time to deploy these protective devices.

An object of the invention is to provide a screen device providing improved protection by absorbing the energy of a blast effect of an explosion and stopping fragments, and which can also be discreet and deploy automatically when an explosion.

According to the independent claim 1, such an explosion-proof screen device comprises at least one panel of fire-resistant material and a set of retaining links connected on one side to the panel at fixing points and intended to be fixed on the side opposed to one or more remote anchor points located on one side of the screen, the lengths of the retaining links being adapted according to the positions of the anchor points and the corresponding fixing points to maintain the screen in erect position when the The screen undergoes a substantially horizontal pushing force away from the anchor points, and that the links are strained.

Preferably, the device comprises for a panel at least three retaining links connected to the panel at attachment points which are not aligned. Thus, a panel will be held to rotate vertically and horizontally during the explosion. Low fixing points may be provided, for example on a lower edge of a panel and high fixing points, for example on an upper edge of a panel.

The links are flexible links, such as straps or cables. This allows, for more discretion, to have the screen in position with the flexible links folded in a discrete manner to avoid attracting attention, flexible links resting for example on the ground. In the event of an explosion in front of the screen on the side of the anchorage points, the screen will be pushed back until the links are tight which will then keep it in erected position. The flexible connections allow to provide anchoring points arranged at ground level, without a flexible connection connected to a fixing point located in height on a panel is initially in a quasi-tensioned position for more discretion.

The flexible links can be provided with energy absorbers allowing an extension of the connection when it is subjected to a tensile force, together with an energy absorption.

In one embodiment, a screen includes a plurality of panels hinged together. This allows a deployment of the screen, under the effect of the blast of an explosion, to increase a protective surface.

In one embodiment, the screen device comprises at least one panel in the form of a rigid frame and a splinter cloth fabric disposed across the frame. By cloth fabric burst screen means a piece of fabric of the type used for bulletproof vests and having a high resistance and a large energy absorption capacity to prevent tearing during an explosion. This type of fabric generally comprises aramid type fibers.

In one embodiment, the splinter cloth fabric is secured to the frame by means of a set of webbing crisscrossed across the frame. The interlocking straps allow a strong fixation of the canvas on the frame. Advantageously, the interlocking straps can be provided with energy absorbers.

A rigid frame is preferably provided with feet for holding the screen in a standing position when the flexible links are not tensioned. The legs of the frame can be provided with wheels to facilitate a retreat of the screen by avoiding a tilting.

In one embodiment, a screen includes a central bumper fabric secured by two opposite vertical edges between two uprights of two rigid frames of two side panels. The central bumper fabric can be initially folded between the side panels to deploy in the event of an explosion to increase a protective surface.

• la figure 1 est une vue de face d'un dispositif de paravent à trois panneaux selon un aspect de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté d'un panneau du dispositif selon la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus du dispositif selon la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de côté d'un dispositif selon un aspect de l'invention muni de liaisons de retenue souples avec des points d'ancrage au sol, disposé en situation avant une explosion ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de côté du dispositif selon la figure 4 déplacé suite à une explosion ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus correspondant à la figure 5 ;
• les figures 7a et 7b sont des vues schématiques de dessus d'un second mode de réalisation d'un dispositif selon un aspect de l'invention, en position avant et après explosion ;
• les figures 8a et 8b sont des vues similaires aux figures 6a et 6b du dispositif selon une variante, en position avant et après explosion ; et
• la figure 9 est une vue de dessus schématique d'un groupe de dispositifs selon l'invention agencée devant un point de passage de façon préventive ;
• la figure 10 est une vue de côté d'une liaison souple du type sangle munie d'un absorbeur d'énergie.

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood on studying the detailed description of embodiments taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a front view of a three-panel screen device according to one aspect of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a side view of a panel of the device according to the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a top view of the device according to the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 is a side view of a device according to one aspect of the invention provided with flexible retaining links with anchoring points on the ground, arranged in a situation before an explosion;
• the figure 5 is a side view of the device according to the figure 4 moved after an explosion;
• the figure 6 is a top view corresponding to the figure 5 ;
• the Figures 7a and 7b are schematic views from above of a second embodiment of a device according to one aspect of the invention, in position before and after explosion;
• the Figures 8a and 8b are similar views to Figures 6a and 6b the device according to a variant, in position before and after explosion; and
• the figure 9 is a schematic top view of a group of devices according to the invention arranged in front of a waypoint preventively;
• the figure 10 is a side view of a flexible strap type link provided with an energy absorber.

On the figure 1 , a screen device 1 according to the invention comprises vertical splinter panels, here three in number, including a central panel 2, a first side panel 3 and a second side panel 4.

The screen device 1 comprises a rigid articulated frame, for example of the tubular metal type, comprising vertical uprights 5, here four in number and arranged side by side, two adjacent uprights 5 being connected on the one hand at their ends. upper by an upper cross member 6 and on the other hand at their lower ends by a lower cross member 7, to form a rigid frame consisting of two adjacent posts 5 two cross members 6, 7. Here, three adjacent rigid frames are thus formed to the using the four uprights 5, the amounts 5 between two adjacent frames being used in common for these two adjacent frames. The fastenings of the lower crosspieces 7 and upper 6 with the uprights 5 are articulated along the vertical axis of the uprights 5 to allow rotation along a vertical axis of a rigid frame relative to the adjacent rigid frame, as indicated by the arrow P ( figure 3 ) to modify a screen arrangement.

Each panel 2, 3, 4 is composed of a rigid frame as described and a cloth 8 in splintered fabric disposed across the rigid frame. Each fabric 8 is stretched in the corresponding frame by being held by vertical and horizontal straps 9 stretched between the uprights 5 and the crosspieces 6, 7 forming the frame, being intertwined.

Coverings can be provided between the canvases 8 of the adjacent frames for better protection. It will also be possible to provide a single fabric 8 arranged obstructing all the frames simultaneously, the fabric being nevertheless fixed on the intermediate uprights to allow adequate folding of the screen.

As can be seen better on the figure 2 , where only one panel is shown from the side, the panels have a low thickness, which contributes to the discretion of the device.

Referring to figures 1 and 3 , the uprights 5 of the panels 2, 3 4 are provided with feet 10. The screen device 1 further comprises retaining links 11, here in the form of straps or cables, fixed on one side to fixing points 12, 13 provided on the panels 2, 3, 4, and on the other side on anchor points 14, 15, here two in number. The anchoring points 14, 15 are provided in the form of rings fixed firmly in the ground.

High fixing points 12 are provided in the form of fastening lugs integral with the upper ends of the uprights 5, and low fixing points 13 are provided in the form of fastening lugs integral with the lower ends of the uprights 5.

Each of the attachment points 12, 13 of the first side panel 3 and the central panel 2 is connected to a first anchor point 14 by a retaining connection 11, and each of the attachment points 12, 13 of the second side panel 4 and the center panel 2 is connected to a second anchoring point 15. The fixing points of the central panel 2 are each connected simultaneously to the two anchor points 14, 15. There are therefore a total of twelve retaining links 11.

Alternatively, one could provide a single anchor point, or more anchor points. For example, one could provide an anchor points associated with each amount 5 of the screen. The arrangement of the restraining links between the uprights 5 and the anchor points may be varied to provide more or fewer restraining links depending on the force that can be supported by each of the restraining links.

In any case, the lengths of restraining links will be adapted so that the panels 2, 3, 4 of the screen are held in erect position when the screen is pushed in a direction opposite to the anchoring points 14, 15 by the effect blast of an explosion.

The anchoring points 14, 15 are located on the ground, but it would also be possible to provide some anchoring points in height when possible, for example in a hall of a building.

For a discreet positioning of the screen, the attachment points are located on the ground and retaining links are provided, as will be better understood in the study of Figures 4 to 6 , where the numerical references to the elements similar to those of the previous figures have been repeated.

On the figure 4 a high flexible retaining link 11a is fixed on one side to an anchor point 14 located on the ground and on the other side to a high attachment point 12 located at an upper end of a screen panel 2 seen from the side. A soft low retaining link 11b is attached on one side to the anchor point 14 and on the other side to a lower attachment point 13 located at a lower end of the panel 2.

The high link 11a is longer than the low link 11b. Initially, the panel 2 is located at a distance from the anchoring point 14 less than the length of the low link 11b. The panel 2 is sufficiently close to the anchoring point 14 so that the high link 11b is not stretched and is arranged vertically along the panel 2 and horizontally on the ground to the anchoring point 14.

The low link 11b and the high link 11a are not strained. An intermediate portion of the high 11a and low 11b connections is folded carefully and discreetly at the foot of the panel 2.

When an explosion occurs at an explosion point 16, located on the same side of the screen as the anchor point 14, a blast effect propagates in all directions, as illustrated by the arrows f. The blast effect, reaching the panel 2, develops efforts. The resultant of these efforts on the panel, illustrated by the arrow F, is mainly horizontal. The screen as a whole, and the panel 2 in particular is pushed on the opposite side to the anchoring point 14.

The panel 2 moves back to reach the position illustrated by the figure 5 wherein the high and low flexible links 11a, 11b are stretched. The length of the connections is adapted so that the panel 2 subjected to the blast effect is maintained erected substantially vertically, in order to prevent the panel 2 from going to bed because it would no longer protect the explosion on the opposite side from the explosion. .

In the case where the upper attachment point 12, the lower attachment point 13 and the anchoring point 14 are located in the same vertical plane, the lengths of the high and low links 11a, 11b must substantially respect, with the vertical distance between the upper fixing points and the lower fixing points, the relationship of Pythagoras right triangles.

Of course, with other provisions of the anchor points and attachment points, the link lengths must respect different relationships.

During an explosion, the panel initially close to the anchor point 14 for a discrete disposition of the high link 11a, backs out over a distance that depends on the relative length of the high and low links 11a, 11b.

For example, in the case of the panel of the figure 5 with a 2 m high panel and a 3 m long low link, the high link has a length of 3.6 m. The panel can be placed initially at approximately 1.6 m (3.6 m - 2 m) of anchor point 14. In the event of an explosion, the sign will retreat by 1.4 m.

One could predict that the panel 2 subjected to an explosion can tilt back a few degrees relative to the vertical position (for example 0 to 5 °) to deflect a breath effect.

On the figure 6 before an explosion, the screen 1 with three panels 2, 3, 4, shown in dashed lines, is arranged in a position where the side panels 3, 4 are slightly folded. Following the explosion at the point of explosion 16, the screen moves back to a second position, represented in solid lines. Given the length of the flexible retaining links initially provided, the screen 1 backs up opening.

It will be noted that the panels 2, 3, 4 are each held by two flexible links with fixing points offset horizontally to prevent rotation along a vertical axis of the panel so that it is held in position facing the explosion for better protection.

In general, each panel will preferably be retained by at least three flexible links with fixing points arranged on the triangle panel, that is to say that they are not aligned.

On the figure 7a , a screen 1 is provided with five articulated panels. In the initial position, for more discretion, the screen 1 is arranged so that the central panels of the screen 1 are folded over each other.

As illustrated on the figure 7b during an explosion, the screen 1 undergoing the blast effect of the explosion and retained by the retaining links 11 will unfold completely, thus increasing a protective surface.

On the figure 8a , a screen 1 comprises two side panels 3, 4 independent, and a central web 17 disposed between the panels 3, 4 being connected by its vertical edges opposite the panels. The central fabric 17 is folded to have a length greater than the distance between the panels 3, 4 in the initial position. The panels 3, 4 and the central fabric are connected by flexible retaining links 11 to one of the anchoring points 14.

As illustrated on the figure 8b during an explosion, the panels are separated by the blast of the explosion and the central fabric 17 unfolds and inflates by adopting a profile that depends on the lengths chosen for the retaining links 11.

On the figure 9 , a set of screen devices according to one aspect of the invention are implemented in front of a waypoint 18 which can be an entrance to a building.

A first screen 20 is arranged opposite the entrance, and second and third screens 21, 22 are arranged in a staggered recess. If a person carrying a bomb passes the waypoint 18 and detonates his bomb at the point of explosion 23 that it has reached, the first screen protects the area A located behind the first screen 20, the second and third screen 21 , 22 offers additional protection, especially if the terrorist, more advanced, is shifted laterally relative to the first screen.

The screens 20, 21, 22 can be discreetly placed in public places by integrating the decor without shock by their presence. This makes it possible not to arouse the attention of a terrorist or not to worry the public. The screens can be covered with decorative elements. The screens are arranged as a precaution before an explosion and thus protect effectively in case of terrorist attack. By, elsewhere, thanks to the restraining links, the screens will be maintained in erect position, thus protecting the public located behind the screens. The panels, consisting of frame and splinter screens are light, which facilitates the arrangement and installation of the screens. In addition, the screens retained by flexible links from a limited number of ground anchors allows easy and discreet installation of the screens.

To improve the holding of the screens, it is possible that the straps for holding the canvases on the frames ( figure 1 ) and the retaining connections are equipped with an absorber.

To do this, and as we can see on the figure 10 for example, a strap 24 may have an intermediate portion 25 consisting of three sections of similar length, a central section 25a being folded on a first lateral section 25b, the other lateral section 25c being itself folded on the central section 25a on the opposite side to the first lateral section 25b. In other words, the intermediate portion 25 is folded back on itself, forming a zone of triple thickness, the sections 25a, 25b, 25c being thus held by any suitable means, here a seam 26. This gives a portion forming reserve of length for the strap 24 and held by seams 26.

When a force is exerted on a panel, the strap 24, which is a retaining strap or a strap for holding a bursting cloth, undergoes a tension force symbolized by arrows F2. Yes the effort is sufficient, the seams 26 are torn off by absorbing energy and the strap 24 relaxes. This allows a better absorption of the energy produced by a blast effect on a panel, at the level of straps for holding a bursting cloth and / or at the level of retaining straps of the panel arranged between the panel and a point hooking. One or more absorption zones can be provided on a strap.

If the strap is attached at its ends by stitching, a seam 26 of the intermediate portion 25 less resistant than the end seam may be provided for the seam 26 of the intermediate portion 25 to yield first and fulfill its role of absorber. energy.

In the case of flexible retaining connections provided in the form of metal cables, it is possible to provide, for example, portions provided with intermediate springs for absorbing energy.

Thanks to the invention, we finally obtain an explosion-proof screen device allowing in case of explosion to maintain the screen in erect position to prevent the screen is coated by the blast of the explosion. The screen can be installed easily and quickly, and can fit into a decor without attracting attention.

Claims (9)

1. Anti-explosion screen device comprising at least one panel (2, 3, 4) made of blast-shielding material and a set of holding connectors (11) which are flexible and connected on one side to the panel at fixing points (12, 13) and which are designed to be fixed on the opposing side to one or more anchoring points (14, 15), characterized in that the anchoring point (14, 15) or the anchoring points (14, 15) are located on the ground, at a distance and located on one side of the screen, the lengths of the holding connectors (11) being adapted according to the positions of the anchoring points and the corresponding fixing points in order to maintain the screen in an upright position when the screen is subjected to a substantially horizontal thrust force moving it away from the anchoring points and the connectors are tensioned, the panel being capable of moving back from an initial position in the vicinity of the anchoring point in which the connectors are folded, to a position in which the panel is moved away from the anchoring points and the connectors are tensioned under the action of said thrust force.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least three holding connectors (11) for one panel, said holding connectors being connected to the panel at fixing points which are not aligned.
3. Device according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding connectors are flexible connectors of the strap or cable type.
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the flexible connectors are provided with energy absorbers (25, 26) which permit an extension of the connector when it is subjected to a tractive force, in addition to an absorption of energy.
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of panels which are articulated to one another.
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one panel in the form of a rigid frame (5, 6, 7) and a sheet made of blast-shielding fabric (8) arranged across the frame.
7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that a sheet made of blast-shielding fabric (8) is fixed to a frame by means of a set of straps (9) which are interlaced across the frame.
8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the interlaced straps are provided with energy absorbers (25, 26).
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a central blast-shielding sheet (16) which is fixed by two opposing vertical edges between two uprights of two rigid frames of two lateral panels (3, 4).

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