FR2823918A1 - Ground mounted retractable energy distribution terminal, uses compressed gas jack to raise distribution part above ground and manual pressure or motor to retract it - Google Patents

Abstract

The terminal includes at least an interchangeable compressed nitrogen gas bottle or reservoir which is used to extend a jack. Gas springs (7) allow the slow descent of a movable part (2), under the effect of weight when the jack is put in exhaust mode. Guides for the part (2) include two U shaped slides (8) fixed in the upper part of a chamber (1) and at least two slides formed from two mountings (2a) of a vertical chassis (2a) of the part (2). Retractable energy distribution terminal includes a chamber (1) fitted with an upper opening (1b) and designed to be fixed a below ground pit; a mobile part (2) which moves vertically in the chamber and which can occupy a base position in which it is fully enclosed in the chamber and a high position above ground; a simple jack (3) to raise the part (2); guides (2a-8) for the part (2) during its vertical movement. The jack is connected to an interchangeable gas reservoir by a distribution system. At least one but preferably two gas springs (7) are arranged parallel to the jack.

Description

a release opening (32).

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  Retractable bollard, such as a power distribution bollard.

  The present invention relates to a retractable bollard, such as a bollard.

energy distribution.

  The energy distribution terminals or other technical terminals, have the function of providing various energy sources such as electrical, telephone, gas, water sockets, etc. or light or image projectors, such bollards being extracted from the ground in which they are housed, during periods of use only, in order to protect them from accidental knocks and acts of vandalism. For example, such terminals can be installed in squares or other places of periodic sale of foodstuffs or everyday goods so that traders can connect to a source of electric current or water on market days. . These terminals include: - a box provided with an upper opening and intended to be embedded in an excavation dug in the ground; a mobile unit housed with an aptitude for vertical movement in this box, this mobile unit comprising a frame on which the energy distribution equipment is installed and a cover slab intended to close the upper opening of the box during the period of not used; - means ensuring at least the upward movements of the mobile assembly;

  To means for guiding the latter, during its vertical movements.

  The vertical movements of the mobile assembly can be ensured by a motorization (FR-2 779 753A). In this case, these are devices using hydraulic, electric or pneumatic automation representing a high cost - 2 (not justified for infrequent uses: 2 or 3 times a week). The upward movements of the mobile assembly can also be ensured by a gas spring, while the descent into the retracted position of said mobile assembly takes place under a driving force applied by one or more operators (FR-2 621 625A) . However, given the high weight of most mobile equipment (often more than 150 kg), conventional gas cylinders or springs can no longer meet the needs. Indeed, suitably sized and tared, they can ensure the upward movements of the moving parts, but it is impossible to push them into

  the box under a pushing force exerted by one person.

  Calculations have shown that to have a pushing force of kg at the end of the stroke, the pressure in the retracted rod gas spring will be 250 kg; it is therefore the load or the force which must be exerted to obtain the retraction of the rod of said jack or spring and, consequently, the descent of the mobile assembly. In these conditions, three people are essential to obtain the retraction of the terminal. Except, the users of these terminals (municipalities, communities, individuals), wish that this maneuver can be carried out

easily by one person.

  The present invention aims in particular to provide a retractable bollard free from the drawbacks outlined above, retractable bollards retractable by manual pushing and retractable motorized bollards. According to a first characteristic arrangement of the invention, the means ensuring the vertical movements of the mobile assembly of the retractable bollard include: - on the one hand, a single-acting cylinder connectable to a reserve of interchangeable compressed gas, by the through a distribution system, for example consisting of a four-way distributor and valve with three positions, ie a first position establishing communication between the reserve and the - 3 cylinder and closing the exhaust port, and a second position isolating said cylinder from the power source while keeping the exhaust closed, and a third position in which the cylinder is no longer supplied and is placed in the exhaust; - on the other hand, at least one and preferably two gas springs arranged

  parallel to said single acting cylinder.

  The device according to the invention provides several advantages: - it can be easily operated by a single person, without effort, both during lifting and during retraction of the mobile part of the terminal; À it is based on a simple concept requiring no hydraulic, electric or pneumatic automation, its manufacturing, installation and maintenance costs are therefore low; - it uses energy available at all times, without compressor, without electric motor, without hydraulic unit, and without control box essential to manage these energies; its consumption of g az co m prim e is limited to upline movements

  of the mobile equipment, this consumption being thus very reduced.

  it operates smoothly and without disturbing noise.

  According to another characteristic arrangement, the compressed gas used for

  the extension movements of the single acting cylinder is nitrogen.

  The use of this compressible gas offers the advantage of being able to be stored in a small volume in commercial industrial bottles; in addition, it can be used with single-acting cylinders allowing pressures

of high use.

  According to another characteristic arrangement, the retractable bollard according to the invention comprises a locking means for example constituted by a - 4 axially movable finger ensuring a locking of the movable assembly in position

  high, when said moving assembly arrives at the end of the ascending race.

  According to another characteristic arrangement, the retractable terminal comprises a control device provided with an operating tip and arranged so that the rotation of this tip in a direction causes the opening of the valve of the distributor allowing the passage of the compressed gaseous fluid towards the jack and the lifting of the movable part of the terminal, while the rotation of said endpiece in the opposite direction ensures, in the initial phase of this rotational movement, the release of the locking finger, and in ia

  second phase of this movement, the exhaust of the jack.

  The above goals, features and benefits, and more,

  will emerge more clearly from the description which follows and from the attached drawings in

  which: Figure 1 is a view in axial section and schematic of a

  retractable bollard according to the invention, shown in the raised position for use.

  Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the mechanical device maneuvering the distributor for supplying or exhausting the cylinder to single acting, and the locking finger of the moving part in

high position.

  Figure 4 is a front view of said man_uvre device.

  The figure is a detail view, in axial section, of the head of the rod.

operation of this device.

  Reference is made to said drawings to describe an interesting, although in no way limiting, embodiment of the retractable bollard according to the invention. - 5 There is shown and described below, by way of example, a retractable technical terminal, such as energy distribution terminal (air, water, electricity, gas), but it is emphasized that the invention is applies, by analogy, to any type of retractable obstacle, (control cabinet or other urban furniture, light or image projectors, or even access control terminal). This retractable bollard comprises a box 1 intended to be buried in an excavation made in the ground, below the level of the pavement C or other area or passage, this box having a height much greater than that of the whole of the mobile equipment that it must be able to contain

  fully when the bollard is in the retracted position.

  The box 1 is open at its upper end and preferably has a square section (FIG. 2), so as to have four vertical walls 1c parallel in pairs and a bottom or sole 1a, but it can also have a circular section or any other polygonal section. The bottom 1a of the box is commonly provided with at least one hole (not shown) for the evacuation of water which could seep into said box which is. preferably made of stainless steel or any material having the characteristics of

  rigidity and solidity required for its function.

  In the casing 1 is housed, with an aptitude for vertical movement, the mobile assembly designated as a whole by the reference 2 and of which only some constituent parts have been shown to simplify the drawing and

  the description. This terminal comprises, for example, a vertical frame 2a, a

  base cross member 2b, a plate or slab 2c constituting the top of the terminal and intended to be embedded in the upper opening 1b of the box 1 when the terminal is in the retracted position thereby closing said opening, and a

  support element 2d placed near and below the cover slab 2c.

  On the frame 2 which may include one or more spacers or reinforcements, the various components (not shown) of the apparatus are fixed.

  of the terminal, the nature of which depends on its destination.

  - 6 The moving assembly thus produced is capable of occupying two extreme positions, namely: a low position of non-use in which it is entirely enclosed in the box 1, and; - a high position of use in which it rises above the ground,

  so as to be accessible to users.

  A single-acting cylinder 3, preferably arranged axially, connects the bottom 1a of the box 1 and an upper element of the movable element 2, for example constituted by the cover slab 2c. The body 3a of this cylinder is. preferably fixed on the bottom 1a of the casing 1, while its rod 3b is fixed under

the cover slab 2c.

  Advantageously, the compressed gaseous fluid used for the

  operation of this cylinder is constituted by nitrogen.

  A compartment is attached to the box 1 and, in this compartment are housed: - at least one interchangeable bottle 5 containing the compressed gaseous fluid used by the jack 3; - a distributor 6, controlling the admission of this fluid into the cylinder and its exhaust from the latter, this distributor being connected, on the one hand, to the lower part of the cylinder via appropriate piping and, d 'other hand, to the bottle 5, through a regulator; - the device for controlling the opening and closing of the valve of this

  distributor described in the rest of this presentation.

  At least one gas spring and, preferably, two gas springs 7 arranged vertically also connect the bottom 1a of the box and an upper element of the movable element 2 constituted, according to the example illustrated, by the support element 2d. These gas springs 7 are arranged at equal distance from the jack 3 and diametrically opposite with respect to the latter. Their calibration is determined to allow a gradual and slower descent of the crew

  mobile 2, under the effect of gravity, when the cylinder 3 is no longer under pressure.

  The box 1 and the moving part 2 are provided with complementary guiding means ensuring the rectilinear translation of the said moving part, during its upward movements. Advantageously, these guide means comprise: On the one hand, at least two slides 8 fixed, respectively, on the internal face of two opposite vertical walls 1c of the box 1, in the upper part of the latter, and; - on the other hand, at least two slides for example constituted by two

  opposite uprights 2e of the vertical frame 2a.

  The slides 8 can be made of any material and preferably of rigid plastic such as, preferably, high density polyethylene (PE - HD) and they advantageously have a U-shaped profile defining a

  groove in which the 2nd slides guided by this can slide.

  This guidance system has the advantage of ensuring better controlled sliding of the mobile part of the bollard, as opposed to devices

  causing the slides to be supported by said movable part.

  Preferably, the jack 3, the gas springs 7 and the guide means

  8-2a are aligned in the same vertical plane.

  The supply or exhaust of the single-acting cylinder 3 is provided by the distributor or valve designated as a whole by the reference 6 in Figure 4. This distributor is of the known type with four channels and three positions, or : - a first position allowing the supply of the jack 3 and closing the exhaust orifice of the latter; - 8 a second position isolating said cylinder from the power source while keeping the exhaust closed, and; a third position according to which the jack is not supplied and is

exhausted.

  In FIG. 4, the reference 6a designates the connector for connecting the valve of the distributor to the cylinder or reserve of compressed gas, while the

  reference 6b designates the exhaust pipe.

  The dispenser operating device comprises a vertical rod 9 provided with an operating head 9a having a section allowing it to be driven in rotation by means of an impression key, for example, with ellipsodal section. This operating head is accessible through a

  opening 10 formed in a horizontal fixed plate 11.

  An annular space is formed between the operating head 9a and the edge of the opening 10 and, in this space, is housed a dust cover ring 12 held in said space by a helical spring 13 acting in

  compression and placed around the rod 9 (Figure 5).

  To operate the rod 9, a socket wrench 14 is used which allows the insertion of the dust cover ring 12 against the action.

  antagonist exerted by the spring 13.

  The lower end of the rod 9 is secured to a small horizontal plate

swivel 1 5.

  This plate is provided, at a distance from its pivot axis, with an arcuate opening 16 in which is engaged a vertical lug 17a secured to a locking finger 17 arranged horizontally and axially movable. The diameter of the lug 17a is substantially smaller than the width of the slot 16 in

which it is housed.

  This locking finger passes through the vertical wall 1c of the box 1 and the slide 8 arranged on the side where the distributor 6 is installed, and its front end automatically engages in a hole 18 which, in its lower part, the upright or 2nd corresponding slide of chassis 2a,

  when the moving team reaches the end of the ascending race.

  For this purpose, the locking finger 17 is subjected to the action of a spring 19 acting in compression and disposed around said finger, this spring tending to push that of forward towards the locking position. The pivoting plate 15 is also connected, by means of a hinge with a vertical axis 20 to a link 21 presenting a slot 21a in which said axis can move, this link being itself connected, by means of a clevis joint 22, an operating lever 23 connected to

The distributor shutter 6.

  The operation of the device for controlling the

distributor 6.

  In the low position of the movable assembly corresponding to the periods of non-use of the terminal, the valve of the distributor 6 closes the inlet and the outlet of the jack 3, the locking finger 17 is in abutment against the upright or slider 2e of the chassis 2 and pushed by the latter against the antagonistic action of the spring 19, and the drive lug 17a is located near the end of the arcuate slot 16 closest to the box 1, but at low

distance from it.

  To obtain the supply of the jack 3 and the rise of the mobile assembly 2, the key is pushed into the opening 10 by pushing the dust cover ring 12 against the action of the spring 13 and a movement of pivoting, anti-clockwise, to the rod 9 and, consequently, to the plate 15 which, via the link 21 and the lever 23, opens the valve of the distributor 6 allowing entry gaseous fluid compressed in the cylinder 3, without putting it to the exhaust. During this movement, the end of the arcuate slot 16 furthest from the box 1 comes

  place yourself in contact with or near the drive pin 17a.

  When the moving part 2 comes to the end of its upward movement, at the end of the stroke of the jack 3, the locking finger 17 engages - 1 0 automatically in the hole 18 of the upright 2e of the said moving part, thus ensuring the stopping and blocking the latter in the high position allowing

  use of the terminal by users.

  During this movement, the drive pin 17a of the locking finger 17 is placed in the middle part or approximately of the arcuate slot 16. On the other hand, the relaxation of the pivoting force exerted on the rod 9 , during the upward movement of the movable assembly 2, has the consequence of stopping the rise of the latter in the position of the moment, the movable members of the maneuvering device being replaced in the position

  for closing the inlet and outlet valve of the jack 3, illustrated in FIG. 3.

  To obtain the descent of the mobile assembly, a pivoting movement is made, in a clockwise direction, to the rod 9 and to the pivoting plate 15. In a first phase, the end of the slot arches 16 closest to the box 1 comes into contact with the drive pin 1 7a and drives the latter backwards by causing the withdrawal of the locking finger 17 from the hole 18, then in a second phase, the plate 15 exerts a traction on the link 21 which entrains the pivoting of the lever 23, which ensures the opening of the shutter allowing the free escape of the compressed gas which was in the jack 3, driven by the weight of the moving assembly 2, the downhill east

braked by gas springs 7.

  It is observed that the relaxation of the pivoting force exerted on the rod 9 has the effect of stopping the descent of the movable element into the momentary position, the movable members of the operating device being replaced in the closed position. the inlet and outlet valve of the jack 3,

shown in Figure 3.

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R EVE N D I CAT 10 N S

  1.- Retractable bollard, such as a power distribution bollard comprising: a box (1) provided with an upper opening (1b) and intended to be embedded in an excavation dug in the ground; a mobile assembly (2) housed with an aptitude for vertical movement in this box (1) and capable of occupying a low position in which it is enclosed in said box (1) and a high position of use in which it s pupil above the ground; - Means (3) ensuring at least the upward movements of the mobile assembly (2); guide means (8-2a) of the latter, during its vertical movements; characterized in that the means ensuring the vertical translational movements of the mobile assembly comprise: on the one hand, a single-acting cylinder connectable to an interchangeable reserve of compressed gas (5), by means of a system of distribution (6), and; on the other hand, at least one and preferably two gas springs (7)

  arranged parallel to said single-acting cylinder (3).

  2. A retractable bollard according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one interchangeable bottle or reservoir (5) of compressed gas. - 12

  3.- retractable bollard according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized

  in that the compressed gas used to ensure the movements

  extension of the single-acting cylinder (3) is nitrogen.

  S 4.- retractable bollard according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

  characterized in that the gas springs (7) are calibrated so as to allow the slower descent of the mobile assembly (2), under the effect of the

  gravity, when the cylinder (3) is exhausted.

  5.- retractable bollard according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

  characterized in that the means for guiding the moving element (2) comprise: - on the one hand, at least two slides (8) fixed in the upper part of the box (1) and preferably having a profile in U. and; - on the other hand, at least two slides consisting of two uprights

  (2e) of the vertical chassis (2a) of said mobile assembly.

  6.- retractable bollard according to claim 5, characterized in that the jack (3), the gas springs (7) and the guide means (8-2e) of

  The moving equipment (2) are aligned in the same vertical plane.

  7.- retractable bollard according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

  characterized in that it comprises a distributor (6) allowing the supply of the single-acting cylinder (3) and the exhausting thereof, this distributor being of the known type with four channels and three positions, either : - 13 - a first position allowing the supply of the jack (3) and closing its exhaust orifice; a second position isolating said cylinder from the power source while keeping the exhaust closed, and; S - a third position in which the cylinder is not supplied and is

found exhausted.

  8.- retractable bollard according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

  characterized in that it comprises a locking means, for example constituted by a doipt (17) movable axially, ensuring an automatic blocking of the movable assembly (2) in the high position, when the latter

arrives at the end of the ascending race.

  9.- retractable bollard according to claim 8, comprising a control device provided with an operating rod (9) actuable by means of a key (14), characterized in that this device comprises: on the one hand , means (15, 20, 21, 22, 23) allowing the opening of the actuator supply valve (3) and; - on the other hand, means (15, 16, 17a, 20, 21, 22, 23) allowing, in a first phase of the pivoting of the operating rod (9), the release of the locking finger (17) by relative to the moving element (2) and, in a second phase of this pivoting, the opening of the valve

exhaust of said cylinder (3).

  10.- retractable terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that the operating rod (9) is integral with a pivoting plate (15) provided with an arcuate slot (16) in which is engaged a finger (17a) integral of - 14 locking finger (17), said pivoting plate (15) being, on the other hand, connected to a connecting rod (21) by means of a hinge pin (20) passing through a longitudinal slot (21a) of said link (21) which is connected, for example by means of a clevis joint (22), to a pivoting lever