FR2923224A1 - Pedotactile type signalization module for being placed around passage of e.g. blind person along platform of underground railway, has supporting structures including lesser density zones covered by signalization plates - Google Patents

Abstract

The module has supporting structures for supporting signalization plates, where the structures are formed of a base and a frame (1). The structure includes lesser density zones e.g. hallow spaces (9) covered by the signalization plates. Female parts (19) fix the structures on a ground. A support portion supports the structure on the ground. Fixing orifices (11) for fixing the plates are arranged in a leading edge on upper surface of the frame.

Description

The invention relates to a module for ground signaling device of the type comprising a signaling plate having at least one raised signaling element.

Such modules, also known as podotactile modules, are used to highlight areas that are dangerous for pedestrians, and in particular visually impaired or blind people. They are used in particular around pedestrian crossings, at the edge of the railway station or metro station, and in many other places.

The relief elements can be felt under the foot arch of the pedestrian, thus providing an effective warning. The invention aims to further improve these devices to increase their warning effect, especially for use visually impaired.

To this end, the invention proposes a module of the type set out in the introduction, which furthermore comprises a supporting structure for said signaling plate, and in which this support structure comprises at least one zone of lesser density, intended to be covered by the signaling plate. This zone of lower density may comprise a generally hollow zone or an area formed of a material of another density. Thus, the zone of lower density emits a different sound when a pedestrian walks on it, or when a partially sighted person knocks it with its locomotion stick.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view, along line I-I of FIG. 2, of a frame for a signaling module of the so-called "podotactile" type on the ground according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II of the frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III of the frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a signaling plate for a podotactile module according to the first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, along line V-V, of the signal plate of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI of the signal plate of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view from above of a variant of a signaling plate for a podotactile module according to the first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII; , of the signal plate of Figure 7,

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, along line IX-IX, of the signal plate of FIG. 7,

FIG. 10 is a view from above and partly of a podotactile module according to a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of the podotactile module of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a signal plate for the module of FIG. 10, FIG. 13 is a side view of a base for the module of FIG. 10, FIG. top view of a podotactile module 20 according to a third embodiment of the invention, - Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view, along the line XV-XV, of the podotactile module of Figure 14, 25 - the figure 16 is a cross-sectional view, along line XVI-XVI, of the podotactile module of FIG. 14; FIG. 17 is a view from above of a podotactile module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 is a top view of a podotactile strip, and Figure 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frame of Figures 1 to 3.

The accompanying drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but may also contribute to its definition, if appropriate.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 3, which illustrate a frame 1 for producing a podotactile module according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The frame 1 comprises a lower face 3 intended to come into contact on a destination surface of the module, typically the ground, and an upper face 5, arranged to receive a signaling plate.

The lower face 3 and upper 5 are here arranged parallel to each other, and are both generally flat. The frame 1 further comprises a flange 7 interconnecting the lower and upper faces 5. The flange 7 here forms the periphery of the frame 1.

The frame 1 also comprises a hollow space 9 delimited here by the flange 7.

The hollow space 9 is open on the lower face 3 and on the upper face 5. The frame 1 here has an identical transverse section over its entire height. Fixing holes 11 for the signaling plate are formed in the flange 7, which open on the upper face 5 of the frame 1.

Here, the fixing orifices 11 pass through the rim 7 to further open on the lower face 3. These attachment orifices 11 extend here substantially along the height of the frame 1.

The fixing holes 11 can thus be used to fasten, for example, by riveting, the frame 1 on the ground, while simultaneously fixing the signaling plate.

The flange 7 has an inner periphery surface 13 and an outer periphery surface 15, which together enclose the lower 3 and upper 5 surfaces.

The inner contour surface 13 is composed of a plurality of substantially plane sections 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, adjacent to each other, and extending along the height of the frame 1.

The sections 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d delimit a generally rectangular contour for the hollow space 9.

The outer contour surface 15 is composed of a plurality of sections 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d generally parallel to sections 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, respectively, and having corrugations. The outer contour surface 15 thus has male parts 17, which project from a virtual median surface 30, not shown, parallel to the inner contour surface 13, as well as female parts 19, set back from this virtual central surface. .

Here, the fixing holes 11 are arranged, each time, between a male portion 17 and the inner periphery surface 13.

The frame 1 further has a plurality of transverse orifices 21, which pass through the flange 7 to open on the inner periphery surface 13 and the outer periphery surface 15. Each transverse orifice 21 has a central axis which extends in the same plane parallel to the lower faces 3 and upper 5.

When asphalt, or any other filler material is poured around the frame 1, externally, a portion of this asphalt penetrates into each of the transverse orifices 21 so that the frame 1 is fixedly held after drying of the asphalt.

The frame 1 is here made of synthetic material. For example, PVC, PA6 and EPDM materials can be used.

Reference is made to FIGS. 4 to 6, which illustrate a signal plate 23, or upper plate, intended to cover a frame 1 by covering the hollow space 9, to produce a podotactile type ground signaling module, according to FIGS. the invention.

The upper plate 23 has a bearing face 25, arranged to come into contact with the frame 1, and a signaling face 27, opposite the face 25, and intended to present relief elements to be detected by a pedestrian, for example equipped with a cane of locomotion or by simple sensation under the arch.

The bearing surfaces 25 and signaling 27 are here shaped generally flat and parallel to each other.

The signaling plate 23 has a plurality of fixing holes 29 distributed so as to coincide with the fixing orifices 11 of the frame 1, when the upper plate 23 caps the frame 1. Here, the upper plate 23 has a general rectangular shape , similar to that of the frame 1 in top view, composed of several sections of edges 31a, 31b, 31c and 31d.

Each of the edge sections 31a, 31b, 31c and 31d has a generally planar shape while describing, locally, oscillations respectively corresponding to the oscillations of the sections 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d of the outer contour surface 15. The plate upper 23 further comprises a plurality of receiving orifices 33, arranged to receive the rod of a signaling nail (not shown) whose convex head forms a relief element on the signaling face of the upper plate 23 .

Here, the orifices 29 and 33 are shaped identically so that signaling nails can be introduced through the orifices 29 to reach the fastening holes 11 to fix the signaling plate 23 on the frame 1. This allows to predict a maximum of elements in relief on the signaling plate 23.

In alternative embodiments, specific fasteners could be provided, for example in the form of rivets. In still other embodiments, the signaling plate 23 could be held on the frame 1 by different fastening means, for example by gluing.5 A method for producing a ground signaling device using the frame 1 and the upper plate 23 is described below. - One or more frames 1 are arranged so that the lower face 3 of the frames 1 rests on the ground. Preferably, the frames 1 are disposed at the bottom of a trench made in the ground, for example in the pavement of a sidewalk, a traffic lane, or a railroad transport pier, so that the the signaling face of the plates 23 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the ground.

- Upper plates 23 are arranged to cover each of the frames 1 set up. - Each upper plate 23 is fixed to its respective frame 1, for example using the signaling nails.

When a trench has been formed, a coating material, for example of the bituminous type, may be poured into the trench around the frame 1 until it is flush with the top plate 23.

A signaling nail is force-fitted into each of the orifices 33.

For such a method of producing a signaling device on the ground, it is possible to use frames 1 provided with sections 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d of the outer contour surface 15 which are straight, that is to say without undulations. This makes it possible in particular to have a simpler frame to be produced and, also, to arrange the frames 1 next to each other. Reference is made to FIGS. 7 to 9, which describe an alternative signaling plate 35. of the signaling plate 23.

The signaling plate 35 is similar to the signaling plate 23. The constituent elements of these identical plates are identified by means of identical reference numbers.

The signaling plate 35 has a shape that is generally identical to the upper plate 23. The signaling plate 35 is provided with fixing holes 29 arranged in a manner corresponding to the fixing orifices 11 of the frame 1. Unlike the upper plate 23, the signal plate 35 is devoid of receiving orifices 33. Fixing holes 29 are however provided for fixing the plate to the frame 1.

The upper plate 35 has, in addition to the signal plate 23, a plurality of relief elements 37, here having a spherical cap shape.

The relief elements 37 are here integral with the plate 35.

For example, the relief elements 37 and the plate 35 are made in one piece and in the same material, by molding.

In the case where a greater rigidity of the module is desired, it is possible to provide holding feet (not shown) extending from the face 25 to the inner face 3, for example in line with the elements of relief 37.

The method for producing a ground signaling module described above can be implemented with the upper plate 35, except that it is not necessary to provide the fitting of signaling nails in this method. plate, except to ensure the attachment of the upper plate 35 to the frame 1. Reference is made to FIGS. 10 to 13, which illustrate a signaling module 39, of the "podotactile" type, according to a second embodiment of FIG. invention.

The podotactile module 39 consists mainly of a base 41, shown alone in FIG. 13, covered with a signaling plate 43, shown alone in FIG. 12.

The base 41 comprises a base plate 44, intended to come into contact with a destination surface, typically the ground, and two lateral wings 45, disposed on the edges of the base plate 44, and extending perpendicularly to this base plate 44.

The base plate 44 here has a generally flat, elongated appearance. The wings 45 extend along the length of the base plate 43.

Optionally, additional wings 47, similar to the side wings 45, protrude from the base plate 43, perpendicular thereto. These additional wings 47 make it possible to consolidate the structure of the podotactile module 39.

The additional wings 47 are interposed between the lateral wings 45 and extend parallel thereto.

Here, the base 41 has a general shape of profile.

The signaling plate 43 has relief elements 49, similar to the relief elements 37 of FIGS. 7 to 9, for example made by stamping the signaling plate 43.

The signaling plate 43 also has two attachment wings 51 to cooperate with the lateral wings 45 of the base 41 so as to fix the signaling plate 43 on this base 41. The module thus formed comprises one or more cavities 52 which form a sounding board.

Here, this fixation is achieved by a force sink, also called "clipping". On their faces intended to face one another, the fixing wings 51 and the lateral wings are provided with small teeth (of the order of a half to a millimeter) arranged in a manner to come mutually engaged. Such a binding has the advantage of being reversible. Fixing the signal plate 43 on the base 41 requires a certain pressure so that the teeth engage one into the other. By applying this pressure in the reverse direction, the signaling plate 43 can be detached from the base without damaging the teeth.

The fixing wings 51 are made here by folding the edges of the signaling plate 43.

A method for producing a "podotactile" ground signaling device using the module 39 is now described. - The base 41, possibly already capped with a signal plate 43, is arranged in abutment on the ground, possibly-ment at the bottom of a trench. 30 - If necessary, a signal plate is disposed on the base 41.

A coating material may be cast to fill the space separating the module 39 from the edges of said trench.

Reference is made to FIGS. 14 to 16, which illustrate a podotactile type ground signaling module according to a third embodiment of the invention. The podotactile module consists essentially of a signaling plate 53.

The signaling plate 53 is similar to the signaling plate 35 of FIGS. 7 to 9. The constituent elements of these identical plates are identified by means of identical reference numbers.

The signaling plate 53 comprises a lower face 55, 20 intended to come into contact with a destination surface, typically the ground, and a signaling face 57 intended to present relief elements in order to warn pedestrians of its presence.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the lower face 55 of the signaling plate 53 could come into contact with a frame resting on the ground, for example on the upper face 5 of the frame 1 previously described or on the rim 79 of the frame 77 which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19. The lower face 55 has a recessing portion 59, bordered by a substantially flat support portion 61, and which thus delimits a hollow space 63 between this recess portion 59 and the support portion 61.

Here, the ripping portion 59 is generally rectangular.

The signaling plate 53 has a generally rectangular shape composed of portions 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d similar to the portions of FIG. 4.

The signaling plate 53 has a plurality of support feet 65 protruding from the ripping portion 59 towards the bearing face 55. The length of each of the feet 65 is such that the end of the foot 65 opposite the entrapment portion 59 is flush with the bearing face 55.

When the support face 55 is in contact with the destination surface, the support feet 65 bear on this surface to form a support for the ripping portion 59. In the variant where the bearing face 55 is in contact with a frame resting on the ground, the support legs must extend to the bottom of the frame so as to rest on the ground.

Here, the support legs 65 are made in the form of rods of signaling nails 67, whose curved heads 69 form the relief elements of the signaling surface. The signaling nails 67 and the signaling plate 53 may be made in one piece, for example by molding.

Like the plate 23 of FIGS. 4 to 6, the signaling plate 53 has fastening orifices 29, arranged here for fixing the plate 53 on the ground, or on a frame 1 or 77.

Reference is made to FIG. 17, which illustrates a podotactile ground signaling module 71, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

The module 71 essentially comprises a podotactile element 72 and a holding edge 73, consisting of a fill-wise material. Additional relief elements 74 (shown schematically by crosses) are arranged on the surface of the holding edge 73. For example, these relief elements are made in the form of signaling nails possibly housed in inserts embedded in the material of filling.

In a first variant, the podotactile element 72 comprises a frame 1 of the type described above, and a signaling plate, for example of the type of signaling plates 23, 35 or 53 which cap frame 1. The corrugations of FIG. sections 15a to 15d make it possible to arrange the relief elements in a regularly distributed manner, in the manner of a table.

In a second variant, the tactile tactile element 72 comprises a signaling plate 53 fixed on a solid parallelepiped block consisting of said filling material.

Whatever the embodiment variant, the signaling plate 23, 35 can reach up to the vicinity of the peripheral edges of the module 73. This avoids having to provide additional relief elements for the holding edge 73. It may be preferable to in this case, make the sign plate with straight edges.

Here, the asphalt module has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The filler may be a bituminous material, for example asphalt.

A first method for making the module 71 is described below.

- The frame 1 is disposed in the center of a formwork, in particular so as to define a generally rectangular zone.

10 - Asphalt is poured between the outer contour surface 15 and said formwork.

- When the asphalt is solidified, the form is removed to obtain a module 71. This module can be directly arranged in a trench formed, for example, in a sidewalk or a traffic lane. The edges of this module can be heated, for example by means of a torch, to make a joint 20 between said module and the edges of the trench.

According to a second method of producing the module 71, the module 71 is made in the form of a parallelepiped asphalt module of filling material. A module type module 53 is attached to the surface of this module.

Whatever the method of embodiment, or the variant embodiment of the module 71, it is possible to use a podotactile module of the type described in the French patent applications published under the numbers FR 2 873 390 A1 and FR 2 873 391 A1 for the realization of the filling edge 73.

In FIG. 18, a podotactile type ground signaling device is produced in the form of a tactile tactile band 73 comprising a succession of podotactile modules 71. The modules 71 can be arranged edge to edge.

Where appropriate, adjacent podotactile modules 71 may be bonded to the torch by heating asphalt adjacent to their respective edges in contact.

FIG. 19 shows a frame 77 as a variant of the frame 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The frame 77 differs from the frame 1 mainly in that the thickness of its flange 79 is much smaller than that of the flange 7. The fixing orifices 11 are here replaced by cylindrical elements 81, pierced along their central axis, and connected to each other by the flange 79.

The rim 79 has on its outer periphery 83 a plurality of recesses 85, intended to facilitate the attachment of a filler material. This flange 79 further has on its outer periphery 83 a plurality of "T" shaped protruding elements 87 also for improving the attachment and retention of the frame 77 in an environment made of filler material. Here, each of the protruding elements 87 is supported on a cylindrical element 81.

In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide transverse orifices of the type of orifices 21. This configuration is particularly simple and inexpensive to achieve.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, only as examples, but encompasses all the variants that may be considered by those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims.

In particular: the lower 3 and upper 5 faces may not be parallel to each other, and / or not flat, so as to adapt, for example, to the destination surface. The hollow space 9 or 63 or 52 may be filled with a material of lesser density, for example foam. - The hollow space 9 can take different forms, such as round, oval, square, octagonal, etc. - The signaling nails can be glued, in addition, or instead, to be fitted by force. The additional wings 47 can take very different shapes, for example forming braces. - The hollow space 9, the hollow space 63 or the hollow space 52 may not be open towards the lower faces, respectively 3 and 61. - In place of the corrugations, geometric shapes, regular or otherwise, may be provided, for example sawtooth or crenellated.

Podotactile devices generally have to meet strict standards, which impose at least some of their dimensions. The podotactile modules above can be made in accordance with these standards. 15 25

Claims (18)

claims Ground signaling device module, of the type comprising a signaling plate (23, 35, 43, 53) having at least one relief signaling element (37, 49, 69), characterized in that said module comprises furthermore a support structure (1, 41, 77, 23, 35, 43, 53) for said signal plate, and in that said support structure comprises at least one zone of lower density (9, 52, 63) , intended to be covered by the sign plate. 2. Module according to claim 1, wherein said zone of lower density (9, 52, 63) comprises a generally hollow zone. 3. Module according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the support structure (1, 41, 77; 23, 35, 43, 53) comprises at least a bearing portion (3, 44, 61, 73). ) on the ground, generally flat, and at least a support portion (5, 45; 47, 65, 73) of the signal plate, generally perpendicular to said support portion. 4. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (1, 41, 77; 23, 35, 43, 53) further comprises at least one fixing portion (19, 61, 45) for the sign plate. The module of claim 4, wherein said attachment portion (19) further comprises means for securing the support structure (11) to the floor. 6. Module according to one of claims 4 and 5 attached to claim 3, wherein the fixing portion (19) is a portion of said bearing portion (3). 18 7. Module according to one of claims 4 to 6 attached to claim 3, wherein the fixing portion (19, 61) is a portion of said support portion. 8. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure comprises a support frame (1, 41, 73, 77) defining said area of lower density. The module of claim 8, wherein the support frame (1, 41, 73, 77) comprises an area of greater density surrounding said area of lower density. 10. Module according to claim 9, wherein said zone of greater density consists of a bituminous product. 11. Module according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support structure (41) comprises at least one support plate (44) having at least two wings (45, 47) as a support portion. 12. Module according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support structure (61) comprises a portion of the signal plate (53) bordering a convex portion of this signal plate. 13. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal plate (53) comprises feet (65) as a support portion of the support structure. 14. Module according to claim 13, comprising at least one signal element (69) passing through the signal plate, whose rod forms a support foot (65), and whose head (69) forms a said element. relief. 15 20 25 30 15. Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal plate (23, 53) comprises at least one nail element receiving orifice (29, 33), the head of which forms said element in relief. 16. Module according to one of the preceding claim, wherein said relief element (49) is formed in the form of a local deformation of the signal plate (43). 10 17. Ground signaling device comprising at least one module according to one of the preceding claims. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein modules are arranged to form a general band pattern. 5