EP2130757A1 - Device for transferring between a fixed pontoon and a floating element, in particular for mobility-impaired persons - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a mobile module (10) constituted by a carriage forming a chassis on which an accommodating platform is angularly articulated by an angular articulation (15). Embarked coupling units couple the platform to the chassis and are constituted by a main jack interposed between the platform and the chassis. The jack is associated to automatic and permanent management units for managing maintenance of horizontality of the platform during operation irrespective of a position of an assembly of a fixed pontoon (2), a gateway and a floating element (3) relative to water height (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a transfer device between a fixed pontoon and a floating element on a body of water, to allow access by persons with reduced mobility, with or without a wheelchair, independently, or to goods, by avoiding changes in the height of the water body in relation to the fixed pontoon or simply to a bank.

This is precisely the problem posed, because the change in water level, sometimes abrupt, of the body of water, river, river on which is the floating element creates a difficulty of access to any means of transfer, to put in place between said floating element and the fixed pontoon, which can be constituted by the bank.

This problem is increased when it comes to transferring a person with reduced mobility, traveling with or without a wheelchair.

• d'une passerelle reliant le ponton fixe à l'élément flottant par l'intermédiaire d'articulations supérieure et inférieure pour constituer un ensemble à géométrie variable en fonction de la hauteur d'eau,
• d'un module mobile associé à la passerelle par l'intermédiaire d'éléments de guidage et d'entraînement, en montée et en descente, module constitué par un chariot sur lequel est disposé une plateforme d'accueil, formant avec le plan du chariot un angle complémentaire à celui de la passerelle, pour lui donner une position initiale sensiblement horizontale,
• de moyens embarqués d'asservissement de la plateforme au chariot, associés à des moyens de gestion automatiques et permanents (non représentés) pour le maintien de l'horizontalité de ladite plateforme en cours de manoeuvre, quelle que soit la position de l'ensemble ponton fixe - passerelle,
• élément flottant, en fonction de la hauteur d'eau.

The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks and concerns for this purpose a transfer device between a fixed pontoon and a floating element on a body of water, to allow access by persons with reduced mobility, in complete autonomy, or even goods, by avoiding changes in the height of the water relative to the fixed pontoon, characterized in that it consists of:

• a bridge connecting the fixed pontoon to the floating element by means of upper and lower hinges to form an assembly with variable geometry as a function of the height of water,
• a mobile module associated with the bridge via guide and drive elements, up and down, module constituted by a carriage on which is arranged a docking platform, forming with the plane of the carriage an angle complementary to that of the bridge, to give it a substantially horizontal initial position,
• on-board servocontrolled means for the platform to the carriage, associated with automatic and permanent management means (not shown) for maintaining the horizontality of said platform being maneuvered, irrespective of the position of the pontoon assembly fixed - gateway,
• floating element, depending on the water level.

Such a set is equipped with a set of jacks and motors that ensure the perfect horizontality of the platform where the disabled person will take place. Thus, even in the case of a wave or a series of waves, the platform will remain perfectly flat and horizontal, regardless of the slope taken by the platform. This module is removable for overwintering. Finally, it is managed by a programmable controller that is able, in case of failure, to give the alert by any means. This same system is applied to the emergency stop in order to rescue the user. Finally, it signals to the operator when maintenance is necessary. Of course, it is usable by valid pedestrians when no disabled person uses it and the module is retracted.

1. 1/ La surface flottante peut être diminuée ou augmentée par l'ajout de modules flottants.
2. 2/ La structure est réalisée en matériaux composites, ce qui lui donne des caractéristiques bien plus performantes que les matériaux (bois, acier ou aluminium) couramment utilisés. Parmi ceux-ci, citons la capacité de torsion et de reprise de la forme initiale et la légèreté.
3. 3/ Il peut être immergé, avec une hauteur d'eau égale à la longueur de passerelle.
4. 4/ Sous réserve de trous dans le flotteur, il est insubmersible. Il ne peut pas, comme selon l'art antérieur utilisant des flotteurs ouverts, être coulé par remplissage suite à des vagues, malveillance ou intempéries.
5. 5/ Sa maintenance est réalisée par l'échange standard de pièces boulonnées et pas soudées, ce qui permet un entretien peu coûteux.

In addition to this principle, this pontoon is innovative on five points:

1. 1 / The floating surface can be decreased or increased by adding floating modules.
2. 2 / The structure is made of composite materials, which gives it characteristics much more efficient than the materials (wood, steel or aluminum) commonly used. These include the ability to twisting and resuming the initial shape and lightness.
3. 3 / It can be submerged, with a height of water equal to the length of the bridge.
4. 4 / Subject to holes in the float, it is unsinkable. It can not, as in the prior art using open floats, be poured by filling following waves, malevolence or bad weather.
5. 5 / Its maintenance is achieved by the standard exchange of bolted and not welded parts, which allows an inexpensive maintenance.

The invention also relates to the features which will emerge during the following description, which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

• La figure 1 représente, en perspective, l'ensemble de l'installation, pour le transfert depuis un ponton fixe vers un ponton flottant par exemple, selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 représente, à échelle agrandie, la partie supérieure de l'ensemble selon la figure 1, montrant le module de transfert.
• Les figures 3 et 4 représentent schématiquement le principe de fonctionnement du dispositif, respectivement avant et après un mouvement d'eau.
• La figure 5 représente, en perspective et à échelle agrandie, un module de transfert constitué d'un chariot et d'une plateforme associée.
• La figure 6 représente schématiquement, en vue de dessus, l'ensemble : ponton fixe - passerelle - ponton flottant, montrant la décomposition des forces agissant sur le ponton flottant.
• Les figures 7A, 7B, 7C représentent schématiquement, en vue de face, l'ensemble : ponton fixe - passerelle - ponton flottant, sur un cours d'eau, respectivement de niveau bas, normal et haut.
• La figure 8 montre, en vue de dessus, un détail de construction d'un ponton fixe, plus particulièrement concernant l'amarrage par rapport à une berge.
• Les figures 9 à 18 représentent, en perspective, la cinématique et le principe de fonctionnement du dispositif de transfert selon toutes les phases d'un cycle de descente.
• Les figures 19 et 20 représentent, en perspective, la cinématique du dispositif selon deux niveaux, bas et haut, extrêmes du niveau d'eau.
• La figure 21 représente, en perspective, le dispositif avec un fauteuil roulant en cours de transfert, équipé de garde-corps.

This description given by way of nonlimiting example, will better understand how the invention can be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• The figure 1 represents, in perspective, the entire installation for the transfer from a fixed pontoon to a floating pontoon for example, according to the invention.
• The figure 2 represents, on an enlarged scale, the upper part of the assembly according to the figure 1 , showing the transfer module.
• The Figures 3 and 4 schematically represent the principle of operation of the device, respectively before and after a movement of water.
• The figure 5 represents, in perspective and on an enlarged scale, a transfer module consisting of a carriage and an associated platform.
• The figure 6 schematically represents, in plan view, the whole: fixed pontoon - bridge - pontoon floating, showing the decomposition of the forces acting on the floating pontoon.
• The FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C schematically represent, in front view, all: fixed pontoon - bridge - pontoon floating, on a watercourse, respectively low, normal and high.
• The figure 8 shows, in top view, a detail of construction of a fixed pontoon, more particularly concerning the mooring with respect to a bank.
• The Figures 9 to 18 represent, in perspective, the kinematics and the operating principle of the transfer device according to all the phases of a descent cycle.
• The Figures 19 and 20 represent, in perspective, the kinematics of the device in two levels, low and high, extreme of the water level.
• The figure 21 represents, in perspective, the device with a wheelchair being transferred, equipped with guardrails.

The device 1 generally designated in the figures is intended for transfer between a fixed element 2 which may be a pontoon and a pontoon 3 floating on a body of water 4, to allow access by persons with reduced mobility, for example in wheelchair 5, independently, or goods, by avoiding changes in height of the water level 4 relative to a fixed pontoon or a bank 6.

• d'une passerelle 7 reliant le ponton fixe 2 à l'élément flottant 3 par l'intermédiaire d'articulations supérieure 8 et inférieure 9 pour constituer un ensemble à géométrie variable en fonction de la hauteur d'eau 4,
• d'un module mobile 10 associé à la passerelle 7 par l'intermédiaire d'éléments de guidage et d'entraînement 11, en montée et en descente, module constitué par un chariot 12 sur lequel est disposé une plateforme d'accueil 13 d'un fauteuil roulant 5 par exemple, formant avec le plan du chariot 12 un angle complémentaire à celui de la passerelle 7, pour lui donner une position initiale sensiblement horizontale,
• de moyens embarqués 14 d'asservissement de la plateforme 13 au chariot 12, associés à des moyens de gestion automatiques et permanents (non représentés) pour le maintien de l'horizontalité de ladite plateforme 13 en cours de manoeuvre, quelle que soit la position de l'ensemble ponton fixe 2 - passerelle 7 - élément flottant 3, en fonction de la hauteur d'eau 4.

The link device 1, properly speaking, consists of:

• a bridge 7 connecting the fixed pontoon 2 to the floating element 3 via upper 8 and lower 9 joints to constitute an assembly with variable geometry as a function of the height of water 4,
• a mobile module 10 associated with the bridge 7 via guiding and driving elements 11, up and down, module constituted by a carriage 12 on which is arranged a docking platform 13 of a wheelchair 5 for example, forming with the plane of the carriage 12 an angle complementary to that of the bridge 7, to give it a substantially horizontal initial position,
• of on-board control means 14 of the platform 13 to the carriage 12, associated with automatic and permanent management means (not shown) for maintaining the horizontality of said platform 13 during operation, whatever the position of fixed pontoon 2 - gangway 7 - floating element 3, depending on the height of the water 4.

According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the carriage 12 is a frame on which the platform 13 is angularly articulated, the on-board servocontrol means 14 being constituted by at least one jack interposed between the one and the other, and managed by the horizontal control means of the platform 13.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the platform 13 is provided, at its end directed towards the fixed pontoon 2 and at its end directed towards the element 3, in this case a floating pontoon, of hinged flaps, respectively rear 16 and before 17, said flaps being associated with control means 18, 19, on the one hand in opening to facilitate access to the bridge 7 to the fixed pontoon 2 or the floating pontoon 3, and on the other hand in closing to ensure the security, during transfer, of a person or his wheelchair 5 forwards or backwards.

The control means of the rear and front flaps consist of jacks 18, 19 connected to an automatic control unit (not shown).

The mobile module 10 comprising the carriage 12 and the associated platform 13 is foldable relative to one of its sides by means of articulations 20.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the mobile module 10 comprising the carriage 12 and the platform 13 further comprises a lateral protective casing 21 to which are associated a front guard 22 and a rear guard 23 which can be folded down, two separate parts to ensure the safety of the person in the chair 5.

According to a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment, the guiding and driving elements 11 of the mobile module 10 with respect to the bridge 7 are constituted by a mechanical drive system, for example a fixed rack, integral with the latter with which meshes with a toothed gear driven in rotation by a motor connected to the automatic control unit.

• la poussée amont B,
• la poussée avant C,
• les contraintes d'amarrage A.

As shown by figures 6 and 7 floating pontoon 3 is subject to three forces:

• the upstream thrust B,
• the forward thrust C,
• mooring constraints A.

The resistance to the stress A is achieved by the structure of the floating pontoon 3. The resistors B and C are made respectively by flexible links (slings) or rigid 24,25 connected to an anchor point upstream and downstream.

It should be noted that in the case of slings 24,25, the tension must be correctly defined according to the maximum deformation allowed by the pontoon structure 3 on the Z axis.

A mechanical buffer in the form of a high capacity spring can be envisaged so that the voltage remains constant despite a flood.

24.25 slings are recommended in the event of a body of water that can be flooded. In the case of a stable body of water, where only wave management is taken into account, a rigid mooring is preferable.

On the front views ( Fig. 7A, 7B, 7C ), are represented the two maximum permissible states, which must be taken into account in the calculation of the voltage of the slings 24,25. Springs 26, 27 serve to compensate for the variations of the distances AB and A'-B 'as a function of the height of the floating pontoon 3.

It is obvious that the distances A-B and A'-B 'are variable depending on the water level. The springs (26,27) will have to compensate for this traction variable.

As visible on the figure 8 the fixed pontoon 2 is made integral with the bank 6 by at least two concrete cylinders 28, 29, 30, 31 containing a threaded rod of large diameter. The structure of the pontoon is fixed to these threaded rods.

The slings 24,25 or the rigid lines will be fixed by concrete pads of the same type.

Regarding the weight resistance of this element, since it is placed on the ground on a flattened surface (condition of use), it has a high resistance without it being necessary to give it a structure too widely dimensioned.

• l'accès handicapé, qui doit rester sécurisé et confortable ;
• l'écartement des cylindres en béton et de ce fait, leurs capacités de résistance à l'arrachement.

The floor area is for example 2 meters wide by 3 meters long. This surface can be reduced according to two parameters:

• disabled access, which must remain secure and comfortable;
• the spacing of the concrete cylinders and therefore their resistance to tearing.

The fixed pontoon 2 must have a railing and an access gateway meeting the disabled standard (max 4 °).

Regarding the gateway 7, it consists for example of section of 3 meters. Therefore, the gateway is available in configuration 3, 6, or 9 meters.

The bridge is dimensioned in width for the passage of a handicapped person. The structure is determined by a maximum permissible load calculated as: a length of 9 meters, consider that there is, for each square meter, five of 100kg, a load of 500 Kg / M ^2; a first error coefficient will be applied, then a safety factor.

The objective of the mobile module is to allow a disabled person to access the floating pontoon 3 in complete autonomy, this with the exception of very heavy handicap: a valid person must then be able to "pilot" the module in places and places of the disabled.

• Frein automatique en cas de vitesse de descente excessive.
• Régulation et garantie du maintien de l'horizontalité de la plateforme.
• Utilisation par l'handicapé ou un accompagnant.
• En cours de montée ou de descente, les volets 16, 17 propres au module 10 sont verrouillées. C'est le fait d'être en butée contre le ponton fixe 2 ou flottant 3 qui autorise le déverrouillage.
• Quel que soit l'angle de la passerelle 7, y compris en cas de variation (vague 4a) pendant la descente ou la montée, la plateforme 13 reste horizontale.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the drive of the carriage 12 is rack-type integrates:

• Automatic brake when the speed of descent is excessive.
• Regulation and guarantee of maintaining the horizontality of the platform.
• Use by the disabled person or a companion.
• During raising or lowering, the shutters 16, 17 specific to the module 10 are locked. It is the fact of being in abutment against the fixed pontoon 2 or floating 3 which allows the unlocking.
• Whatever the angle of the bridge 7, including variation (wave 4a) during descent or climb, the platform 13 remains horizontal.

The external elements are predominant in the operation: let us assume that a platform 13 of 9 meters is exposed to a wave of 25 cm in height, a quick calculation makes it possible to determine that the angle variation that will have to be treated the carriage 12 will be about 15 °. It is obvious that only an automatism will be able to handle this.

If the slope of the platform 13 exceeds a certain angle, it is obvious that the wheelchair 5 will no longer be in a stable condition. It is therefore essential that the angle is managed by an automatism able to modify the value "X" to maintain the horizontality. This management can be integrated into the carriage 12.

The variation of levels due to a flood is not the determining factor. Indeed, it would be sufficient in this case to "adjust" before the descent horizontality of the platform. On the other hand, what is critical is the management of water movements (waves 4a, choppers, ...).

• Garantir une parfaite horizontalité en cas de vagues ou de remous inopinés et ponctuels (bateau, jet ski).
• Garantir une parfaite horizontalité en cas de vagues ou de houle constantes (météo).
• Garantir une parfaite horizontalité en cas de vagues ou de houle constantes et de phénomènes inopinés et ponctuels (météo + activité humaine).

It is really this security point that makes the system require a solution covering all the scenarios. The reflection that has been conducted has therefore considered that the system must:

• Guarantee a perfect horizontality in case of waves or unplanned and occasional waves (boat, jet ski).
• Ensure perfect horizontality in case of constant waves or waves (weather).
• Guarantee a perfect horizontality in case of constant waves or waves and unexpected and punctual phenomena (weather + human activity).

The Figures 9 to 18 represent successively the different phases of the kinematics of the transfer device, in particular of a wheelchair 5 for persons with reduced mobility, and more particularly of the operating phases of the mobile module 10, ranging from taking charge of the person, the pontoon fixed to the floating pontoon.

Phase A ( Fig. 9 ): When a user starts the operating cycle, the platform 13 unfolds. The articulation 20 is at the level of the carriage 12.
Phase B ( Fig. 10 ): The platform 13 is unfolded. The carriage 12 has just positioned in the up position. The sensor has cut the advance of the carriage and allows the action of the horizontal cylinder 14. At this stage, the front flap 17 does not move until the platform 13 is not horizontal.

• Début de la descente OU
• Annulation, dépliage du volet et attente de l'ordre de replis du chariot 12. Le repli du chariot 12 est conditionné par l'absence de poids sur la plateforme 13.
  Phase G (fig. 15) : Le chariot 12 descend la passerelle 13. Pendant ce stade, l'utilisateur ou l'accompagnant pilote la translation. Pendant ce cycle, le vérin principal 14 compense toutes variations de l'angle X de la passerelle 7 pour maintenir l'horizontalité de la plateforme 13 du chariot 12.

Phase C ( Fig. 11 ): From this moment, the main cylinder 14 places the platform 13 in a horizontal position. It automatically compensates for any variations in the chassis angle (for example if there are waves 4a or if the system is operated on a channel and a variation in the water level appears). The pressing force on the flap 16 must be very low so as not to crush the foot of a user, but sufficient to press the shutter 17 to the ground. Phase D ( Fig. 12 ): The front door 17 is lowered to allow access. At this point, the system is waiting for a human command to continue its cycle. A sudden variation of level can intervene (vague), because of this, the cylinder must continue to maintain the horizontality.
Phase E ( Fig. 13 ): Once the chair 5 is in place, the user can initiate the cycle continuation command.
Phase F ( Fig. 14 ): The first stage of the cycle is the raising of the front hatch and its locking. At this point, the options are:

• Start of the descent OR
• Cancellation, unfolding of the shutter and waiting for the order of folding of the truck 12. The folding of the truck 12 is conditioned by the absence of weight on the platform 13.
  Phase G ( Fig. 15 ): The carriage 12 descends the bridge 13. During this stage, the user or the companion controls the translation. During this cycle, the main cylinder 14 compensates for all variations of the angle X of the bridge 7 to maintain the horizontality of the platform 13 of the carriage 12.

Phase H ( Fig. 16 ): The translation is completed when the carriage 12 is positioned on the floating pontoon 3.
Phase I ( Fig. 17 ): The rear flap 16 is then folded down, the user can then exit the carriage 12.
Phase J ( Fig. 18 ): The user folds the carriage 12 which remains in this position while waiting for a call control, the fixed pontoon 2 or floating 3, or an unfolding command.

The Figures 19 and 20 represent the device and more particularly the module 10 in extreme positions, low and high, of the water level 4.

According to figure 19 , is simulated a sudden drop in water. To maintain the front flap 17 resting on the platform 13, it is necessary that a low but constant pressure is applied by the jack 18. The combined action of this jack 18 and the jack 14 will allow the rise of the regardless of external conditions, including changes in the water level (wave 4a) during loading.

According to figure 20 , the operation in the opposite case is identical: in case of sudden rise in water, the angle X fixed pontoon 2 / gateway 7 is reduced.

In all cases, as the flap 17 is fixed on the platform 13 of the carriage 12, itself always horizontal, it is simply to constantly maintain the flap 17 in contact with the ground.

Finally, it should be noted that in the context of a transfer of a person with a very heavy disability, a key switch allows to give control to a companion. This inhibits the cart controls, but by no means the safety rules. It is impossible, for example, to lower the front or rear flap as long as the truck is not at the top or bottom stop.

Also, as long as the guardrail 22,23 is not in place, the descent or ascent controls are not usable due to a cut in the control circuits.

Claims (5)

Device (1) for transfer between a fixed pontoon (2) and an element (3) floating on a body of water (4), to allow access by persons with reduced mobility, independently, or to goods, by avoiding the changes in height of the water body (4) relative to the fixed pontoon (2), said device consisting of: - a bridge (7) connecting the fixed pontoon (2) to the floating element (3) via upper (8) and lower (9) joints to form an assembly with variable geometry depending on the water level (4), - a mobile module (10) associated with the bridge (7) via guiding and driving elements (11), up and down, characterized in that the module (10) constituted by a carriage (12) forming a frame on which is angularly articulated (15) a receiving platform (13), forming with the plane of the carriage (12) an angle complementary to that of the bridge (7), to give it a substantially horizontal initial position, and in that it comprises on-board means (14) for servocontrolling the platform (13) to the carriage (12), constituted by at least one jack interposed between the one and the other, associated with automatic and permanent management means (not shown) for managing the maintenance of the horizontality of said platform (13) being maneuvered, whatever the position fixed pontoon (2) - gangway (7) - floating element (3), depending on the water level (4). Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the platform (13) is provided, at its end directed towards the fixed pontoon (2) and at its end directed towards the floating element (3), hinged flaps, respectively rear (16) and front (17). ), said flaps being associated with control means (17, 18), firstly opening to facilitate access to the bridge (7) to the fixed pontoon (2) or to the floating pontoon (3), and on the other hand, closing to ensure the safety during transfer of a person or his wheelchair (5), forwards or backwards. Device according to claim 2,
characterized in that the control means of the rear and front flaps are constituted by jacks (18,19) connected to an automatic control unit (not shown). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mobile module (10) comprising the carriage (12) and the platform (13) associated, is foldable relative to one of its sides via joints (20). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mobile module (10) comprising the carriage (12) and the platform (13) further comprises a side protection casing (21) with associated front and rear guardrails (22) and folding guardrails (23) in two separate parts to ensure the safety of the person in the car. armchair (5).

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