FR2954367A1 - Barrier element for use in barrier assembly utilized to form safety barrier during roadway reconstruction of highway, has locking element locking connection between base bodies, and joint element forming connection between base bodies - Google Patents

Abstract

The element (1) has a joint element (11) intended to form a connection between two base bodies (10, 20). The connection authorizes relative rotation between the two base bodies. A locking element (14) permits locking of the connection between two base bodies when the base bodies are positioned with respect to each other. One of the base bodies includes a fixation point (15) in which the locking unit includes a plate element (142) that is provided with fixation units (16, 140) permitting to maintain the fixation point at a given distance (D). An independent claim is also included for a method for installing a safety barrier.

Description

The present invention relates generally to safety barriers, in particular for road traffic.

The invention more particularly relates to safety barriers composed of a plurality of barrier elements connected to each other.

More particularly, the invention relates to safety barriers in which the barrier elements are composed essentially of concrete blocks.

In the case of a reconstruction carried out on a roadway (for example the repair of the roadway of a motorway), it is sometimes necessary to transfer all the traffic on a single lane and consequently to mark it temporarily and artificially. a dividing line between two temporary lanes. Generally, such a temporary demarcation line is symbolized by a security barrier.

Of course, for security reasons, it is necessary for this security barrier (or the constituent elements of this barrier) to be of sufficient weight to guarantee its stability of position. Indeed, in the event of a collision between a vehicle and a constituent part of the safety barrier, the movement of all or part of the safety barrier on the other traffic lane should be avoided as much as possible in order to prevent any accident or over-accident due to the presence of the barrier on the other lane. As a result, the barrier must be able to be struck with a minimum displacement.

For this purpose, it should be noted that there are tests for measuring the reliability of such a barrier. For example, the INRETS Road Equipment Testing Laboratory (LIER) offers a test of modular concrete lane separators (or safety barrier for traffic lanes). This test consists in sending a vehicle of large size (for example a bus or a bus) on a security barrier previously arranged with a given angle of attack and speed; then to measure the consequences in terms of deviation of the constituent elements of the barrier.

In addition, another constraint related to this safety barrier is the fact that these barriers must sometimes follow a trajectory with curves. It is therefore necessary that these barriers have a certain articulation allowing the arrangement of the barrier along a given trajectory.

Referring to Figure 1, (figure from US 5 156 486) a security barrier according to the state of the art is composed of a plurality of concrete blocks 10, each concrete block comprising metal inserts 32 overmolded in the concrete blocks 10. These metal inserts can create links between each metal block as shown in Figure 1.

Although such an embodiment known from the state of the art makes it possible to obtain a certain articulation between the constituent elements (overmoulded concrete blocks) of the barrier, it has the major disadvantage of allowing a significant deviation of elements of concrete blocks 10 in the event of percussion of one of these elements.

Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a barrier element constituting a safety barrier, especially for road traffic lanes, making it possible to form, in cooperation with other elements, a transferable safety barrier (ie it can be arranged along a given trajectory) while guaranteeing a minimum deviation of said barrier in case of percussion of this barrier by a vehicle. For this purpose, the invention relates to a barrier element intended to form a safety barrier, particularly for a road safety way, the barrier element comprising: a base body; at least one articulation element intended to form a safety barrier; with a hinge element complementary to another barrier element a connection between the two basic bodies, this connection allowing a relative rotation between the two basic bodies, the barrier element further comprising a locking means allowing locking the connection between the two basic bodies, once they are positioned relative to each other.

Thus, a barrier consisting of different barrier elements according to the invention can be quite displaceable or transferable by unlocking the connection between the two basic bodies and can guarantee a minimum deviation of these elements in case of shock by locking the links. .

Advantageously, but optionally, the invention comprises at least one of the following features: the base body comprises at least one attachment point and in that the locking means comprises a plate element comprising fixing means allowing maintain the attachment point at a given distance from an attachment point of another barrier element, - the distance between the two attachment points is adjustable, - the attachment point comprises a threaded rod and that the plate element comprises at least two oblong slots, the threaded rod being adapted to be inserted into an oblong slot and is provided with a fastener means for adhesively fastening the plate member to the base body; level of the contact between the base body and the plate element, the base body comprises a holding surface, - the base body comprises a relief intended to limit the rotation of the plate element. Around the attachment point, the base body comprises a second attachment point and the locking means comprises a second plate member for holding the second attachment points of two barrier members at a second given distance. this distance being adjustable, the articulation element comprises at least one light associated with a tubular element, this tubular element being intended to be inserted in a light of a complementary articulation element of another element. in order to allow relative rotation between the two base bodies around the main axis of the tubular element.

The invention also relates to a barrier assembly comprising: - at least two basic bodies, - the first base body comprising a hinge element intended to form with a complementary hinge element of the other base body a connection between the two basic bodies, this connection allowing a relative rotation between the two basic bodies, the barrier assembly further comprising a locking means for locking the connection between the two basic bodies once the latter positioned the one compared to the other.

The invention also relates to a safety barrier, particularly for road traffic lanes, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of base bodies, the base bodies forming two by two a barrier assembly according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a method of installing a safety barrier according to the invention comprising the following steps: - unlocking the connection between each basic body, - arranging the set of basic bodies in order to define a given trajectory - lock the connection between each basic body.

Advantageously but optionally, the method further comprises the following step: - solder the connection between each basic body.

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples and in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation; of barrier elements according to the state of the art, - Figure 2 is a schematic representation of barrier elements according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, - Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a locking element according to 4 is a schematic representation of barrier elements according to a possible embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a connecting element according to a possible embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a barrier element according to a pos FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a barrier element according to a possible embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a safety barrier according to a possible embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a method of installing a safety barrier according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 2, and according to one possible embodiment of the present invention, a barrier element 1 comprises a base body 10. This base body consists essentially of concrete and preferably of reinforced concrete. Such a basic body constituting a safety barrier for road traffic is known from the state of the art and will not be more detailed.

The barrier element 1 also comprises two elements of joints 11 and 13.

These hinge elements are intended to form with complementary hinge elements 21 and 23 of a base body 20 of another adjacent barrier element 2, a connection L between these two base bodies 10 and 20, this link L allowing a relative rotation between the two basic bodies.

More specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the hinge elements 11, 13, 21 and 23 preferably comprise a protruding plate element of the base body (respectively 10 and 20) and comprising at the level of the protruding part a light (respectively 110, 130, 210 and 230) preferably of circular section. Such a protruding plate element is preferably of a thickness of 2 cm and a length N and a width N of about 10 cm. In the case of a reinforced concrete concrete block, the wafer element is preferably integral with the frame of the block.

The hinge elements of a base body 10 are arranged such that the complementary hinge elements of another adjacent base body 20 are offset along the height of the base bodies so that the hinge elements 11, 13, 21 and 23 are interposed, while being arranged in such a way that the lights of the various protruding plate elements are however aligned.

The hinge elements 11 and 13 of the body 10 are associated with a tubular element 12. This tubular element is intended to be inserted into the set of aligned lights of the wafer elements of the hinge elements 11, 13, 21 and 23 two base bodies 10 and 20 to allow relative rotation between the two base bodies around the main axis A of the tubular element 12.

The tubular element 12 is preferably constituted by a cylindrical body having a circular section, because it guarantees the pivot connection (and therefore the rotation). Preferably, the cylindrical portion 120 of the tubular element 12 to a diameter of 3.5 cm. Such a tubular element 12 makes it possible to easily connect (or undo the connection) two basic bodies of two barrier elements by simple manipulation of the tubular element 12.

In order to maintain the tubular element in its height along the four lumens formed by the protruding plate elements of the hinge elements 11, 13, 21 and 23, the tubular element comprises a cap portion 122 for the maintenance of the tubular element. tubular element at the highest protruding wafer (in the case of Figure 4, the wafer 21), the width of the cap portion being greater than the diameter of the light of the highest protruding wafer. Preferably, the width M of the hat member is about 6 to 7 cm.

Returning to FIG. 2, the barrier element 1 further comprises a locking means 14 making it possible to lock the link L between the two basic bodies 10 and 20 once these have been positioned relative to one another. . Thus it is possible thanks to the locking means 14 to lock the link L between the two basic bodies, after they have been positioned in the desired manner.

In other words, this locking element 14 allows, if it is unlocked, a free rotation of the base body 20 relative to the base body 10 around the main axis A; and, if the locking element 14 locks the link L between the two base bodies, it does not allow any movement of one base body with respect to the other.

An advantage provided by such a locking element is to allow to lock the link L between the two bodies of bases once they are positioned relative to each other. In addition, such a locking element can be completely locked and unlocked as needed and as many times as necessary.

Referring to Figure 2, the base body 10 comprises at least one attachment point 15, the locking means 14 comprising a plate member 142 comprising fastening means for holding the attachment points 15 and 25 of the two bodies base 10 and 20 at a given distance D, this distance being adjustable.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the point of attachment of the base body 10 of the barrier element 1 comprises a threaded rod 15 (at least in part), the plate element 142 comprising two oblong slots 140 and 141, the threaded rod being adapted to be inserted into the oblong slot 140 and the threaded rod 25 of the base body 20 being able to be inserted into the oblong slot 141.

Each threaded rod 15 and 25 is provided with a fastener means (16 and 26) for fixing by pressure and adhesion the plate member 142 on the base body 10 and on the base body 20. These elements of FIG. fasteners 16 and 26 may be nuts or any other manipulable element allowing by a screwing action along the threaded rods 15 or 25 to tighten the element to the plate 142 against the base bodies 10 and 20. The lights 140 and 141 accepting the threaded rods 15 and 25 being oblong, they allow a variation of the distance D between the threaded rods 15 and 25 and a locking of this distance D by tightening the fasteners 16 and 26 in order to fix by adhesion the plate member 142 on the base bodies 10 and 20.

The arrangement of such a plate member 142 thus makes it possible to lock the link L between the base bodies 10 and 20; the oblong slots of the plate member 14 once unlocked allow free rotation of the base body 10 relative to the base body 20 (rotation however limited by the length of the oblong slots).

Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the plate element 142 of the locking element 14 to comprise a plurality of circular lights in place of an oblong slot, thus making it possible to arrange the threaded rods 15 and 25 at different values. distance D.

It should be noted that the curvatures required in the case of a motorway for example are not excessive; accordingly the range of variation of the length D between the threaded rods 15 and 25 is reduced.

With reference to FIG. 3 and according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the locking element 14 comprises two plate elements 142a and 142b situated on either side of the link L between the two basic bodies (for example, FIG. example symbolized by the tubular element 12) and the threaded rods 15 and 25 are doubled for each basic body, each doublon being placed on either side of the link L between the two basic bodies.

Thus, the base body 10 comprises a first threading rod 15a and a second threading rod 15b. The base body 20 comprises a first threading rod 25a and a second threading rod 25b each threading rod being in pairs in pairs on either side of the link L between the two basic bodies.

The locking means comprises two plate members 142a and 142b, each comprising two oblong slots 140a and 141a for the plate member 142a, 140b and 141b for the plate member 142b. Each of these lights operates in cooperation with each of the rods 15a, 25a, 15b and 25b.

Such an arrangement makes it possible while consolidating the locking by means of a duplication of the locking element to keep a freedom of connection for the link L since the locking distances Da between the threaded rods 15a and 25a and Db between the Threaded rods 15b and 25b are both independently adjustable. In the same way as in FIG. 2, each threaded rod is provided with a fastener element capable of adhesively fastening each corresponding base element to each of the basic bodies. Back to FIG. 2 and in order to reinforce the adhesion of the plate elements to each of the basic bodies, the invention provides at the contact zone between each of the plate elements and the base body a holding surface 170. Such a holding surface allows a better maintaining in cooperation with the bearing surface of the plate member 142. More particularly, the holding surface 170 may be included within an angle 17 and is preferably made of metallic material. Indeed, the fact that the holding surface is made of metal material allows welding between the plate member and the holding surface 170 to strengthen the connection lock. Of course, the material of the holding surface 170 may be chosen from any other material for welding the plate member thereon.

Welding means all assembly techniques materials (similar or different) by heat input and optionally by providing another bonding material (brazing).

Alternatively, one can provide any other material for increasing the coefficient of adhesion of said surface such as any type of rubber materials.

Although the fasteners allow attachment by pressure, adhesion and / or welding of the plate elements on the base bodies and thus allow locking of the connection between the base bodies 10 and 20, a violent impact on one the two base bodies can generate forces necessary for a relative displacement of the plate elements with respect to the base body (sometimes even despite the maintenance welding).

With reference to FIG. 3 and so that the "forced" displacement of the plate elements with respect to the base body 10 and 20 is limited, provision is made to provide the base body, and more particularly the bracket holding surface. 17, of relief 18a, 18b, 28a and 28b respectively associated with the attachment points 15a, 25a, 15b and 25b and for limiting the forced rotation of the plate member around the attachment points.

Such a relief is advantageously elongated L-shaped capping an edge of the plate member as shown in Figures 3 and thus has a shape complementary to the plate member 14. However, a clearance between the relief and the element plate is necessary in order to allow a necessary freedom of connection when the link is unlocked.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7 showing a barrier element 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the base body 10 is characterized by a main axis DL, a transverse axis DT, a height H. The basic body 10, along its main axis DL comprises on both sides of the hinge elements to form a connection allowing rotation with other basic bodies as described above. It also comprises on either side along its main axis DL fixing points (threaded rods) for the arrangement of locking means as described above to lock the connections between each basic body.

Preferably, a base body also comprises at its base 100 (located in a lower part of its height H) which is intended to be in contact with the ground S, a recess 101 intended to allow a flow of water (eg rainwater) to avoid a dike effect of each barrier element. In addition, if a barrier element comprises two recesses located at its base 100 along the main axis DL, it allows to move the barrier element using for example a pallet truck.

The basic body according to a possible embodiment of the present invention comprises a gripping means 19 formed of support elements 190, 191 and 192 and closure elements 193, the support elements 190, 191 and 192 are distributed along the DL main axis and have a T-shaped section (along the transverse direction DT) as shown in Figure 7.

The support elements 190, 191 and 192 are connected to each other by closure elements 193 at an upper part, thus obviously having 194 and 195 located between support elements 190, 191 and 192 and able to receive means of transport (such as for example the blades of a pallet truck or the grippers equipped on a crane) for lifting and thus moving the basic bodies. It should be noted further that the section of a base body includes several narrowing 102 of the width of the section along the height, which allows a lowering of the center of gravity to reduce the risk of overturning a barrier element in the event of a collision with a vehicle.

With reference to FIG. 8, a roadway safety barrier according to a possible embodiment of the present invention is composed of a plurality of barrier elements such as that described above; each barrier element being connected in pairs as previously described. Thus a barrier may comprise several barrier elements 81 to 84.

Referring to FIG. 9, a method of installing a security barrier according to a possible embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps: unlocking the links between each basic body (step 90). This step consists in particular in unscrewing the fastener elements to allow relative movement between all the plate elements and the base bodies. arranging all the basic bodies in order to define a given trajectory (step 91). This step can be carried out for example by means of a pallet truck, for example using a crane truck equipped with a gripper or a marker transfer machine, moving each barrier element so that the barrier define a given trajectory. - Lock all the links between each basic body (step 92). This step consists in particular in screwing the fasteners along the threaded rods in order to adhere all the plate elements to the base bodies constituting the safety barrier. Optionally, solder all the connections between each basic body (step 93). This step reinforces the locking of the connection between each basic body, the welding being performed between the plate elements and a holding surface.

Thus, it is easily understood that the invention allows the realization of a barrier that can both be movable (or transferable) in order to easily define a given trajectory; while allowing to lock the connections between each barrier element so that the deflection of the barrier in the event of collision with a vehicle, is minimal.

Claims (11)

REVENDICATIONS1. Barrier element intended to form a safety barrier, in particular for a roadway, the barrier element comprising: - a base body (10), - at least one articulation element (11, 13) intended to form with a complementary articulation element (21, 23) of a base body (20) of another barrier element (2) a connection between the two base bodies (10, 20), this connection allowing a relative rotation between the two base bodies (10, 20), characterized in that the barrier element (1) further comprises a locking means (14) for locking the connection between two base bodies (10, 20) a times they are positioned relative to each other. Barrier element according to Claim 1, characterized in that the base body (10) comprises at least one attachment point (15) and in that the locking means (14) comprises a plate element (142). comprising fastening means (140, 141, 16, 26) for holding the attachment point (15) at a given distance (D) from an attachment point (25) of another barrier member (2) . 3. Barrier element according to claim 2, characterized in that the distance (D) between the two attachment points (15, 25) is adjustable. Barrier element according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the fixing point comprises a threaded rod (15) and in that the plate element (142) comprises at least two oblong slots (140, 141). the threaded shank (15) being insertable into an oblong slot (140) and provided with a fastener means (16) for adhesively securing the plate member (14) to the base body (10). A barrier element according to claim 4, characterized in that at the contact between the base body (10) and the plate member (14), the base body comprises a holding surface (170). Barrier element according to Claim 2 to 4, characterized in that the base body (10) comprises a relief (18) for limiting the rotation of the plate element (142) around the point of attachment (15). ). Barrier element according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the base body (10) comprises a second fixing point (15b) and in that the locking means comprises a second plate element ( 14b) for maintaining the second fixing points (15b, 25b) of two barrier elements (1,2) at a given second distance (Db), this distance being adjustable. 8. Barrier element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the hinge element (11, 13) comprises at least one lumen (110, 130) associated with a tubular element (12), this tubular member (12) being adapted to be inserted into a slot (210, 230) of a complementary hinge member (21, 23) of another barrier member (20) to allow relative rotation between the two basic bodies around the main axis (A) of the tubular element (12). A barrier assembly (3) comprising: - at least two base bodies (10, 20), - the first base body (10) comprising a hinge member (11, 13) for forming with an element complementary articulation (21, 23) of the other base body (20) a connection between the two base bodies (10, 20), this connection allowing a relative rotation between the two base bodies (10, 20), characterized in that the barrier assembly (3) further comprises a locking means (14) for locking the connection between the two base bodies (10, 20) when the latter are positioned relative to one another. other. 10. Safety barrier (8) in particular for roadway, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of base body (81, 82, 83, 84), the base body forming two by two a barrier assembly according to claim 9. 11. A method of installing a security barrier according to the preceding claim characterized in that it comprises the following steps: unlocking the connection between each base body (90), arrange the set of basic bodies to define a given path (91), lock the link between each base body (92).