FR2897624A1 - Automatic trap system for use in e.g. pipe, has trap raised to simultaneously lead to automatic deployment of transversal and lateral guide rails with respect to each other till vertical positioning of rails - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a trap (1) articulated by jacks and receiving a module (M1) at fixation in form of metallic frames (2), where the module (M1) cooperates with a module (M2). The frames each has a lateral guide rail and a tubular base (2a). The trap cooperates with the modules to shape the lateral guide rails and transversal guide rails of an access door. The trap is raised to simultaneously lead to automatic deployment of the transversal and lateral guide rails with respect to each other till the vertical positioning of the guide rails with respect to vertical position of the trap.

Description

AUTOMATED ACCESS TRAPPER SYSTEM WITH RETRACTABLE BACKHOE

  The invention relates to the technical sector access hatches to wells, conduits, pipes or underground tunnels, accessible from the outside for maintenance personnel for example underground water supply networks and the like. The invention also relates to facilities that can be equipped with access hatch or product flow.

  To the applicant's knowledge, access to underground conduits and tunnels is achieved by the creation of vertical shafts, arranged with fixed ladders, hatches or metal covers allowing access or closure of the access. These hatches or metal covers are often difficult to maneuver. In addition to this easy handling, another problem is that of security around the open hole when the hatch or lid has been removed. It is necessary either to put guardrails designed with signaling means around the well, or to put barriers with warning tapes fixed on a picket. Barriers are not always available, this poses the problem of their storage and transport on the site. They are not a means of total security, because if they are put end to end, they can be removed, easily moved by an individual. They do not offer all the security guarantees.

  The use of simple signal tapes is a second best and is a minimum means of risk information, but not a security in itself. These tapes can be moved, spread, lifted by children. Their role is essentially informational and unsafe.

  Considering the importance, especially in built-up areas, of underground canals and tunnels for water supply, for example, there is a latent security problem.

  For other applications where traps are used, in particular on metal buildings or structures used in the field of agriculture and / or storage of products, hatches may be at high heights for particular functions. with high risk of accidents. This is why it is planned to use safety barriers that are lockable to each other.

  The applicant's approach was therefore to take an interest in this problem and to search for a new security concept that associates the opening or closing of an access hatch to a well, tunnel or similar, with the automatic installation of means of protection around the well left open after lifting or removal of the hatch.

  The applicant's approach based on this idea was to implement a hatch opening or closing system that is safe, simple to implement, a cost not prohibitive cost, because the number of traps involved is immense and that there must be a control of investment of arrangement, for a commune, a community, a company, according to its needs.

  The aim is also that the system remains reliable, lockable in well access situation and unlockable exclusively by an operator using a key type of control means.

  Another object sought was that the closure opening establishment is carried out automatically by means of a single remote control or key.

  These and other goals will be apparent from the rest of the description.

  According to a first characteristic of the invention, the automated door system is remarkable in that the profile door corresponding to the receiving recess area is articulated relative to the fixed frame by means of control and lifting means under form of torque of cylinders themselves arranged in the underlying part of the frame in the access well, and in that the hatch is arranged to cooperate with modules and mechanisms allowing the shaping of at least two guards lateral bodies and, where appropriate, a transverse guard rail receiving an access door, the raising of the hatch simultaneously causing the automatic deployment of said side guards and transverse to each other to their implementation in vertical position relative to each other with respect to the verticality of the hatch, and in a single operation.

  According to another characteristic, the system including means for guiding and locking in position said side guards and, where appropriate, transverse, and in that the guide means guards are either directly associated with said guard body in a relative movement between them, either integrated into the receiving frame.

  In order to make more concrete the object of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings where: - Figure 1 is a view of the installation of an automated hatch system with guardrail in the closed position and according to a first variant of implementation. - Figure 2 is a view according to Figure 1 of the automated hatch system in fully deployed position in its first version. - Figure 3 is a front view along the arrow F of Figure 2. - Figure 4 is a view showing the lifting of the hatch with jacks. - Figure 5 is a top view according to Figure 2 of the open hatch. - Figure 6 is a detail view according to Figure 5 illustrating a guide means in the form of roller. - Figure 7 is a top view of the closed hatch. FIGS. 8 to 13 are views showing the operating kinematics of the automated hatch system in the first version according to different intermediate stages of raising the hatch. - Figure 14 is a view of the automatic hatch system in its first version but adapted to a rectangular configuration hatch. - Figure 15 is a view of the automatic hatch system in a second implementation version, the hatch being, according to this figure, in the folded and closed position. - Figure 16 is a view according to Figure 15 in which the door is in the open position. - Figure 17 is a partial view showing the raising or lowering means of the hatch. - Figure 18 is a view illustrating the position of the mechanism associated with the hatch in the closed position thereof. - Figure 19 is an intermediate view in Figure 15 with the opening of the hatch 60. Figure 20 is a top view of the hatch in the open position. - Figure 21 is a view illustrating a third version of the implementation of the invention in the closed position of the hatch and undeployed bodyguards. - Figure 22 is a view similar to the view of Figure 21 of the hatch in the open position and not deployed bodyguards. - Figure 23 is a view similar to the view, according to Figures 21 and 22, of the hatch in the open position and guards deployed. FIG. 24 is a front view according to FIG. 22 along arrow F.

  In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings. The automatic hatch system with retractable guard, according to the invention, is referenced as a whole by S and is intended to be positioned, for example, around an access well P established in a conventional manner and suitable for have access to underground pipes, tunnels, underground, in the case of the application of the invention to water supply circuits, but also in other applications where there are raised installations arranged with traps for the distribution of products of any kind.

  Figures are shown in the drawings a zone Z of embedding the trap, this area may be on the ground or established in a raised construction. Said zone Z receives a chassis (C) of square or rectangular configuration fixing by peripheral periphery (Cl) inside and allowing centering and support of the system according to the invention.

  According to the invention, the automated hatch system in its various versions is remarkable in that the trapdoor (1) corresponding to the profile of the receiving recess area is articulated relative to the fixed frame with the aid of control means and lifting in the form of a pair of cylinders (V) themselves arranged in the underlying part of the frame in the access well, and in that the hatch is arranged to cooperate with modules and mechanisms for shaping at least two side guards and, where appropriate, a transverse rail receiving a gate, the lifting of the hatch simultaneously causing the automatic deployment of said side guards and transverse relative to each other. others until they are placed in vertical position relative to one another with respect to the verticality of the hatch, and in a single operation. According to the implementations, the system including means for guiding and locking in position of said side guards and, where appropriate, transverse. The guide means of the guardrails are either directly associated with said guard body in a relative movement between them, or integrated into the receiving frame.

  Thus, according to the invention, the actuation of the control and lifting means of the cylinder type of the hatch allows, according to the invention, the automatic shaping and in position of the seat belt constituted by modules constituting the guards lateral bodies and transverse guard according to the dimensional configuration of the hatch, that is to say in a square or rectangular configuration, as it will appear later.

  It is therefore appropriate, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, to describe the characteristics of implementation of the automated hatch system in a first version and in a square configuration of the hatch. In this case, the flap (1) is hinged articulated by a pair of cylinders arranged laterally for a thrust balance and guardrail side. The hatch (1) receives, under its undetected lower face, a first module (M1) in the form of a L-shaped metal frame (2) constituting lateral guards, and comprising a tubular base (2a) secured by all means appropriate to the hatch. This base is extended perpendicularly laterally by two arms (2b) of great length and which are retracted and parallel to the vertical generatrix of the access well when the hatch is closed, and in a horizontal plane when the hatch is fully open. Each arm (2b) further receives, at the front, about two-thirds or three-fourths of its length, a tubular element (2c) perpendicular to said arms and parallel to the base. A grid portion (2d) is fixed between the constituent amounts of the base and the tubular element (2c). These elements are constituting the side guard or bodies while receiving in addition a sub-assembly (2e) U-shaped telescopic with a bottom (2e1) and two wings (2e2) parallel to each other, tubular, likely to engage and fix in height after locking relative to their receiving portions (2a-2c), as will be discussed later. The first module (M1) defining the side guards is thus defined with the components (2a ù 2b ù 2c ù 2d ù 2e). In addition, and according to the invention, each module (M1) receives two guide rollers (3 to 4) arranged, one (3) at the end and extension of the arm (2b), and the other (4) disposed at half height substantially of the tubular element (2c). These two rollers (3 to 4) are mounted slightly offset using appropriate supports (5) and fastening means (6) of the known type. The length of this first module (M1) is such that the side portions forming a bodyguard are established on a part of the width of the recess surrounding the access shaft. The first module (M1) cooperates with a second module (M2) arranged in opposition and which is pivotally and pivotally biased by the first module when the latter is raised.

  More particularly, this second module (M2) is also constituted by an L-shaped frame (7) defining lateral guard portions complementary to the preceding ones and being able to be arranged in their extension, as well as the transverse guard rail receiving the access door. at the well.

  More particularly, said framework comprises a base (7a) transversely articulated by its ends to anchor points (8) arranged from the frame disposed in the frame of the access well. Said frame comprises a transverse panel (7b) wire or not and two tubular end uprights (7c) from which are arranged in lateral extension of the end uprights (7d) also tubular. Mesh or not panels (7e) are between the uprights (7c to 7d). Said uprights (7c-7d) are capable of receiving, telescopically mounted, a sub-assembly (7f) U-shaped, adjustable in position, with a bottom (7f 1) and two wings (7f2) parallel to each other. This subset (7f) is therefore adjustable in height relative to the subset (2e) of the first module to then define a continuous uniform wall of the same height.

  The amounts (7c to 7d), in addition to the definition of the side and transverse side guards, provide another function by constituting guideways of the rollers (3 to 4) for raising or lowering the second module (M2). compared to the first module (M1).

  Indeed, and according to the specific implementation of the invention, the two modules are closely interlocked, so that any movement and movement of the first module, controlled by the positioning of the trap, causes the raising or lowering of the second module.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 to 13 illustrating the operation of the automated hatch system, the progressive tilting by raising the hatch will bring the roller (4) into contact with the profile facing the upright (7c) of the second module and cause a support and movement for lifting the second module above. When the lifting amplitude reaches about 75 to 80, the roller (4) is at the end of stroke along the amount (7c) and it is the roller (3) which, in turn, will be in contact with the amount (7d) in the lower part thereof and act in turn for the final lifting of the module (M2) in the vertical position. In these figures, the angulation variations in degrees have been identified so as to progressively show the position of the modules between them.

  In this situation which appears illustrated in FIG. 13, the module (M2) is, by its side and transverse body guards, in a plane substantially smaller than those of the module (M1). Then, if necessary, the lifting of the subset (7f) to upgrade it, according to the representation of Figure 2. Locking means in position are used to ensure the positioning of the assembly. The transverse side of the module (M2) is arranged with a gate that allows access to the well.

  Thus, in this implementation, raising the hatch under the action of the cylinders, whose operation is controlled by any means of remote control, key or other, allows the progressive output of the two modules (M1-M2), the module (M1) associated with the hatch generating by its output movement that of the module (M2) and the establishment thereof in a vertical position.

  Thus, in this implementation for a square opening zone, the seat belt around the access well, when the hatch is raised, is defined on one side by the hatch itself, by the side guards which they are in two parts above from the components relating to the modules (M1 - M2), and also the transverse rail receiving the access door to the well. This arrangement described above is specific to the dimensional configuration of the opening formed around the access shaft.

  Referring to Fig. 14 where said opening configuration is different, ie rectangular, the automated hatch system is configured substantially differently but implementing the same concept. In this case, two identical hatches are used arranged in opposition by their respective openings and these are thus arranged with each a module (M1) then forming the side guards. Each hatch is controlled by a pair of jacks of the aforementioned type, and an appropriate motor control, and the opening control of the one or both hatches can be performed simultaneously or successively. The safety belt obtained around the access well is thus defined in this case by the positioning of two opposed hatches and the two side guards defined by the shaping and alignment of the component parts of the modules (M1).

  It is therefore necessary to refer to the second variant of the automated hatch system illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 20. In this version, which is essentially applicable to a square dimensional configuration, around the access shaft, the positioning environment of the hatch is the same as before with the frame and the pair of jacks may cause the raising or lowering of the hatch, the jacks being controlled by any suitable motorized system.

  The module (M3), which is associated with the hatch, is arranged with a mechanism defining the side guards and the transverse guard body to operate in the manner of a deformable parallelogram and foldable being also guided by pairs of pebbles likely this time to move in guiding paths shaped on the side walls opposite the frame, walls parallel to each other and perpendicular to the hatch.

  More specifically, with reference to said figures, the module (M3) comprises the side guards (10) each defined in two parts (10a-10b) hinged together with their median zone (10c) with respect to an axis (11) hinge. One end (10d) is fixed and articulated on a support means (12) integral with the trapdoor by its lower face, and the other end (10e) is coupled to the uprights (13) constituting the frame of the transverse guard ( 14). The latter is arranged in its lower transverse part with support means (15) of guide rollers (16) capable of moving in profiled guide grooves (17) formed on the walls of the frame (C) arranged in the frame around the access shaft. The profile of these grooves is established so as to allow the progressive deployment of the module (M3) in its deformable parallelogram so as to obtain, at the end of the stroke, linear and parallel lateral guardrails and a transverse linear guard parallel to the trapdoor. and perpendicular to the side guards. In this case too, the transverse rail is arranged with a gate. In the closed position of the hatch, the module (M3) is in the folded and superposed position of the side and transverse guardrail components.

  It is now necessary, from the same concept of the invention, to describe the third variant embodiment which also applies to a square dimensional configuration around the access shaft, illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 24. The environment the positioning of the hatch is the same as before with the frame and the pair of jacks may cause the lifting or lowering of the hatch.

  In this configuration, the hatch (1) is arranged with a module (M4) which laterally comprises two walls (20) forming guardrail having a rectangular trapezoidal configuration. The base (20a) of this trap-shaped shape is fixed facing the underside of the hatch (1) so that its inclined portion (20b) located opposite said base (20a) between the small upper upright ( 20c) and the large lower upright (20d), oriented towards the base when the hatch is closed, and facing the access opening facing an operator when the hatch is open. Importantly, said inclined portion (20b) constitutes the axis of articulation of a leaf (21) of triangular shape corresponding to the size and volume of the missing space to form the final shape of the railing. The leaf (21) is articulated at its base and locked relative to the base (20a) of the wall. When the module (M4) is completely raised with the hatch open completely, it is sufficient for the operator to unlock the flap (21), to switch it and put it in the vertical position, as it appears in Figure 23. Means locking in the vertical position of the wing reinforce the positioning and attachment of the side guards. Furthermore, a transverse gate (22) is also raised vertically relative to the walls (20) and / or flap (21) and in any appropriate manner, and then locked in position, as shown in FIG. 24. The different variants of the invention are described by way of example and will be implemented according to the environmental constraints to the installation of automated trap systems and the investments generated and their cost. The invention has many advantages. It emphasizes in particular the automation of operation of the hatch which can be triggered with any appropriate control means, by key, remote control or other, interacting on the motor means controlling the operation of the jacks.

  It also highlights the better security of the facilities receiving these systems of automated traps because it is necessary to actuate the cylinders to change the installation in the state of use or not. The mechanisms remain simple and inexpensive to implement.

Claims (4)

  - 1- automated hatch system characterized in that the trapdoor (1) of profile corresponding to the receiving recess area is articulated relative to the fixed frame by means of control and lifting means in the form of torque of cylinders (2) themselves arranged in the underlying part of the frame in the access well, and in that the hatch is arranged to cooperate with modules and mechanisms allowing the shaping of at least two side guards and, if necessary, a transverse guard rail receiving an access door, the raising of the hatch simultaneously causing the automatic deployment of said side and transverse side guards with respect to each other until they are put into position vertically relative to each other with respect to the verticality of the hatch, and in a single operation. -   2- trap system, according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes means for guiding and locking in position of said side guards and, where appropriate, transverse, and in that the guide means guards are either directly associated with said guardrails in a relative movement between them, or integrated into the receiving frame. -   3- automated hatch system, according to claim 2, characterized in that the hatch (1) receives fixing, under its underside not apparent, a first module (M1) in the form of a frame (2) contoured metal The constituent forming side guards, and comprising a tubular base (2a) secured by any means appropriate to the hatch, and in that the base extends perpendicularly laterally by two arms (2b) of great length and which are retracted and parallel to vertical generator of the manhole when the hatch is closed, and in a horizontal plane when the hatch is fully open, and in that the module (M1) receives on its arms guide rollers (3   4), and in that the first module (Ml) cooperates with a second module (M2) arranged in opposition and which is pivotally and pivotally biased by the first module when the latter is raised. -4- Automated trap system, according to claim 3, characterized in that each arm (2b) receives, at the front, about two-thirds or three-fourths of its length, a tubular element (2c) perpendicular to said arms and parallel to the base, and in that the elements are constituting the lateral guard or guards while receiving in addition a sub-assembly (2e) telescopic U-shaped section with a bottom (2e1) and two wings (2e2) parallel to each other, tubular, engageable and fixed in height after locking relative to their receiving portions (2a - 2c). -5- Automated trap system, according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that each module (Ml) receives two guide rollers (3 - 4) arranged, one (3) at the end and extension of the arm (2b ), and the other (4) disposed at a height substantially of the tubular element (2c), and in that the two rollers (3 - 4) are mounted slightly offset with appropriate supports (5) and fastening means (6). -6- Automated trap system according to claim 4, characterized in that the length of the first module (M1) is such that the side portions forming guard body are established on a part of the width of the recess surrounding the well of An automated hatch system according to claim 3, characterized in that the second module (M2) is constituted by an L-shaped frame (7) defining lateral guard portions complementary to the preceding ones and which can be arranged in their extension as well as the receiver transverse body guard of the access door to the well. - 8- Automated trap system, according to claim 7, characterized in that said frame comprises a base (7a) transversely articulated by its ends to anchor points (8) arranged from the frame disposed in the frame of the access well, and in that said framework comprises a transverse panel (7b) and two end tubular uprights (7c) from which are arranged lateral extension of the end uprights (7d) also tubular, and in that that panels (7e) are located between the uprights (7c-7d), said uprights (7c-7d) being able to receive, telescopically mounted, a U-shaped subassembly (7f), adjustable in position, with a bottom (7f1) and two wings (7f2) parallel to each other. -9- Automated trap system, according to claim 8, characterized in that the uprights (7c-7d), in addition to the definition of the side and transverse side guards, provide another function by constituting guideways of the rollers (3 - 5). 4) for raising or lowering the second module (M2) relative to the first module (M1). - 10- Automated trap system, according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, for a square opening area, the seat belt around the access well, when the door is raised, is formed on one side by the hatch itself, by the side guards which are themselves in two parts from the components concerning the modules (M1 - M2), and also the transverse guard receiving the access door to the well. -11 - Automated trap system, according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, for an opening area of rectangular configuration, the safety belt around the access well is constituted by two identical doors arranged in opposition by their respective openings and these are thus arranged with each a module (M1) then forming the side guards. -12- Automated trap system, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a module (M3) associated with the hatch and is arranged with a mechanism defining the side guards and the transverse guard body to operate in the manner a parallelogram deformable and collapsible being also guided by pairs of rollers capable of moving this time in guide paths formed on the side walls opposite the frame, walls parallel to each other and perpendicular to the door. -13- Automated trap system, according to claim 12, characterized in that the module (M3) comprises side guards (10) each defined in two parts (10a-10b) hinged together with their central zone (10c) relative to an axis (11) of articulation, and in that one end (1Od) is fixed and articulated on a support means (12) secured to the trapdoor by its lower face, and the other end (10e) is coupled to the uprights (13) constituting the frame of the transverse rail (14), and in that the latter is arranged in its lower transverse part with support means (15) of guide rollers (16) capable of moving in profiled guide grooves (17) formed on the walls of the frame (C) disposed in the frame around the access well, and in that the profile of these grooves is established so as to allow the progressive deployment of the module (M3) in its man deformable parallelogram to obtain, at the end of the race, side guards linear and parallel and a linear transverse guard parallel to the hatch and perpendicular to the side guards. 14- A hatch system, according to claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged with a module (M4) which laterally comprises two walls (20) forming a bodyguard having a rectangular trapezoid configuration, and that the base ( 20a) of this trap-shaped form is fixed facing the underside of the hatch (1) so that its inclined portion (20b) situated opposite said base (20a) between the upper small upright (20c) and the large lower upright (20d), oriented towards the base when the hatch is closed, and facing the access opening facing an operator when the hatch is open, and in that said inclined portion (20b) constitutes the articulation axis of a leaf (21) of triangular shape corresponding to the size and the volume of the missing space to constitute the final shape of the railing, and in that a transverse gate (22) is arranged and articulated with respect to the walls (20) and the wing (21). -15- A hatch system according to claim 14, characterized in that the leaf (21) is articulated at its base and locked relative to the base (20a) of the wall, and in that locking means in position vertical beating support the positioning and attachment of the side guards and the positioning of the gate relative to said walls (20).