NL1041323A - Submersible bridge and water way provided with a submersible bridge. - Google Patents

Abstract

Bridge for crossing a body of water, comprising a frame having two opposite ends, the frame provided with or providing for a road surface, and at least one actuator for moving the frame in at least a vertical direction between a first position in which the opposite ends are level with two opposite land ends, such that traffic can pass over said road surface from one of said land ends to the opposite land end, and at least a second position, wherein in the second position the frame with the road surface is below the first position

Description

iitle: submersible bridge and water way provided with a submersible bridge

The invention relates to a bridge for crossing a body of water, such as a river or canal, a lock, water inlet or outlet, sluice, sluice gate or the like.

Bridges are known as a means for traffic to cross a body of water. Such bridges can be fixed or movable, in order to allow ships to pass said bridge. Movable bridges are known in various constructions, such as for example draw bridges, bascule bridges, vertical lifting bridges, swing bridges.

In the Corinth canal a submersible bridge is in operation. This bridge appears to comprise a floating body which can be filled with water in order to increase its weight, making the body sink to the bottom of the waterway. A road surface is provided on said body. In the submerged position the road surface is below the water surface and ships can pass over it. When the water is again removed from the body the body will start to float again and the road surface is again raised above the water surface, to be crossed by road traffic.

Such submersible bridge has the advantage that no structure is to be provided above it for movement of at least part of the bridge upward or side ways in order to allow ships to pass. The body can simply be filled with water for making it sink, and can be brought back up by pumping the water out again. There is no height restriction for the ships above the water passing the bridge. A disadvantage of this known submersible bridge is that it requires a relatively large, water tight body in order to contain enough water and thus mass to make it sink, and enough floating capacity to make it float and enable it to carry enough weight for traffic to pass. The relatively large body requires a relatively large height of the body below the road surface, which means that the body of water has to have a large depth in order to achieve enough clearance above the road surface. This restricts the depth of the body of water above the road surface when submerged. Moreover the body and especially parts extending above the road surface may be vulnerable to collisions with ships passing. Furthermore the submerging and raising of the body is time consuming because of the relatively large volume of water to be displaced. A further disadvantage of this known bridge is that it will always extend at least partly in the body of water, restricting flow of water passing said bridge, both in floating and in submerged position.

The present disclosure aims at providing an alternative bridge. The present invention aims at providing a submergible bridge, especially a submergible bridge reducing or avoiding at least one of the disadvantages of the known submergible bridge. The present invention further aims at providing at least a water way, which may be part of a larger water way or part of a body of water, provided with a submergible bridge.

In an aspect a bridge for crossing a body of water is provided, comprising a frame having two opposite ends, the frame provided with or providing for a road surface, and at least one actuator for moving the frame in at least a vertical direction between a first position in which the opposite ends are level with two opposite land ends, such that traffic can pass over said road surface from one of said land ends to the opposite land end, and at least a second position. In the second position the frame with the road surface is below the first position. In the second position during use the road surface will be below the surface of a body of water which the bridge will span in the first position.

In this disclosure an actuator has to be understood at least as a means for actively moving at least part of the bridge, such as the frame, road surface or parts thereof, directly or indirectly, for pushing and/or pulling the frame or part thereof under the water surface and/or pushing or pulling the frame up in order to bring the road surface back up above the water surface. By using such actuator or actuators the frame of the bridge can be designed relatively compact and open, reducing the overall volume of the frame and bridge. It may further reduce the water body to be displaced during movement of the frame.

In an aspect a submergible bridge can be designed wherein land ends for the bridge are provided for by a prefab element. The prefab element can comprise said two land ends and a bottom portion, connecting said two land ends. The prefab element can for example further be designed as a lock, sluice, sluice gate or the like water work.

In an aspect the present disclosure can be directed to a waterway, comprising a submergible bridge and a body of water defining a water surface, wherein in the first position the road surface is above said water surface, and preferably the frame is substantially above the water surface, wherein in the second position the road surface is below the water surface, such that ships can pass over said road surface through the body of water.

In further elucidation of the present disclosure embodiments of a bridge and water way will be described, with reference to the drawings, which are only shown in elucidation and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure in any way. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a side view of a bridge in a first position;

Fig. 2 schematically shows a side view of the bridge of fig. 2 in a second position;

Fig. 3 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of an end of a bridge, comprising a locking element in a first position;

Fig. 4 schematically shows the embodiment of an end of a bridge of fig. 3, having the locking element in a second position;

Fig. 5 schematically showing a bridge in a top view;

Fig. 6 schematically shows a bridge in a cross section along the line VI - VI in fig. 1, both in the first and second position;

Fig. 7 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of a bridge, in a position in between a first and second position, i.e. during movement of the bridge.

In this description different embodiments of systems and parts thereof, as well methods preformed therewith are disclosed and described by way of example only. In these embodiments the same or similar elements have the same or similar reference signs. Combinations of elements of the embodiments shown are also considered to have been disclosed herein.

In this description a submergible bridge has to be understood as a bridge which in an operable position has a road surface above a body of water, such that traffic can cross the bridge from one end to another or vice versa, for crossing the body of water, wherein at least part of the bridge can be submerged into the body of water, such that the road surface of said part of the bridge extends well below the water surface, meaning that traffic can no longer cross said bridge but ships can pass over the road surface through the body of water.

In this description a frame of a bridge should be understood as at least meaning a construction, which may be monocoque or build from different parts, which can support a road surface or provide for such road surface and which can be raised and lowered in a body of water and preferably above it. The frame is preferably self supporting and can have a relatively open construction, for example such that water can flow relatively freely into, out off and/or through said frame.

Fig. 1 schematically shows in side view a bridge 1 having a frame 2, having two opposite ends 3, 4, extending over a body of water 5. Fig. 2 shows the same bridge 1 submerged in the body of water 5. A road surface 6 is provided on the frame 2, extending between said ends 3, 4, such that in the first position the road surface 6 connects to roads on either land ends 7, 8 provided on either side of the body of water 5. These land ends 7, 8 can be natural or artificial boarders or quays of the body of water 5. In the embodiment shown here the land ends 7, 8 are shown as part of a prefab element 9, wherein the land ends 7, 8 are formed mainly as substantially vertical or upward-outward sloping walls 10, 11, which are at a lower end connected by a bottom portion 12. The prefab element 9 can for example be a substantially concrete element, for example cast and shipped to the body of water 5.

In fig. 1 and 2 at each end 3, 4 at least one actuator 13 is provided for actively moving at least the frame 2 with the road surface 6 supported thereon or provided thereby between the first and second position and/or vice versa. Each actuator 13 in this embodiment can be or comprise a hydraulic cylinder, such as but not limited to a multi stage or telescopic cylinder, extending substantially vertically. In fig. 1 and 2 the actuators are shown in a position below the frame 2, such that for raising the frame the cylinders act as pushing cylinders. Alternatively and/or additionally actuators 13 can be provided above the frame, such that for raising the frame 2 the actuators 13 act as pulling cylinders. Preferably cylinders are used which can act in two opposite directions, i.e. as pulling and pushing actuators. Alternatively both pushing and pulling cylinders can be provided. Appropriate controls 14 including a hydraulic pressure means 15, here for the sake for completeness and as example only shown as a pump, are provided for activating the actuators.

In alternative embodiments the actuators 13 can be other types of actuators, such as for example but not limited to pneumatic cylinders, electric, electro mechanical or electro magnetic actuators, or for example pinion and rack actuators, or actuators comprising actuator systems for transferring forces and loads, such as for example multi rod types of actuators, levers, jacks and the like known systems.

Additional to or as an alternative to the at least one actuator at an end 3, 4 or both ends 3, 4 one or more actuators 13 can be provided spaced apart from both ends 3, 4, for example near a mid section of the frame, for moving the frame between the first and second positions.

In fig. 3 and 4 partly in cross section an end 3, 4 of a bridge 1, especially of a frame 2 is shown, with an adjacent land ends 7, 8. In fig. 3 the frame is shown in a first position, in fig. 4 moved away, especially lowered from said first position. In this embodiment a locking element 15, especially a locking pin 16, for locking the frame 2 in the first position is provided. The or each locking element 15 can bridge in this position the gap 17 between the respective end 3, 4, and the adjacent land ends 7, 8, substantially preventing vertical movement of the frame 2 relative to said land ends 7, 8. The or each locking element 15 can be designed for carrying at least part of the forces exerted on the frame 2, for example during passage of traffic over the road surface 6. This can make that the actuators 13 can be designed relatively light. In the embodiment shown the or each locking element 15 can be supported in the relevant land ends 7, 8 and movable in a substantially horizontal direction between an extended position as shown in fig. 3 and a retracted position as shown in fig. 4. The locking element can be actuated by any suitable means, such as for example but not limited to hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical actuators or even manually. In embodiments the movement of the locking elements can be initiated by and/or driven by the actuators 13 for vertical movement of the frame 2.

At least one of and preferably both of the land ends 8, 9 can be provided with a guide 18, for example a guide rail or the like, for guiding the frame 2 during movement. A guide element 21, such as for example formed by or provided on an end 19 of a beam 20 of the frame 2 can extend into and be guided by the guide 18, such that the end 3, 4 of the frame can substantially only move in a vertical direction. Any other suitable guide will be directly known to the skilled person as being also suitable for use. In embodiments the actuators 13 for moving the frame 2 can be provided in said guides 18.

Preferably the road surface 6 is at least partly permeable for water, at least during vertical movement thereof. In an embodiment the road surface can to that end be provided with openings 23, such as for example holes or slits, allowing for water to pass through from on the road surface to below it and/or vice versa. In embodiments the road surface can be provided with for example valves, movable lids or the like, which can open during movement and close when traffic passes over said surface. Alternatively the road surface can partly open during vertical movement, for example by parts of the surface tilting, sliding or otherwise moving for opening openings in said surface, for example like slats of a sun guard system. Such movement can actively be initiated by actuators, or be actuated by moving the road surface, for example by moving it against the water.

As can be seen in fig. 6 the road surface 6 can tilt slightly relative to a horizontal plane, for example sloping towards one or opposite sides 30 of the frame 2, such that water can flow off the road surface 6. This will also lead to forcing the water sideways when the frame 2 is raised from the second position towards the first position. Similarly the lower side 25 of the frame 2 can be designed to force the water away, especially sideways during movement of the frame down into the water 5. Obviously such non-horizontal surface can be provided sloping in any single or multiple direction. Thus the forces necessary for moving the frame up or down can be further limited, which means that a relatively light actuator or actuators 13 can be used.

Additionally or alternatively, as schematically shown in fig. 7, during movement of the frame 2 it can be tilted into a non horizontal position, for example by first moving one end 3 slightly earlier and/or further down than the opposite end 4. Additionally or alternatively the frame 2 could be tilted sideways during movement up and/or down, again reducing the force needed for moving the frame 2 through the body of water 5.

As discussed fig. 5 shows a bridge 1 in top view, across a water way. In the embodiment of fig. 5 the bridge 1 is shown extending across water in a lock having lock doors 26, 27 on opposite sides. The lock can be built readily on the water way but preferably is at least in part built as a prefab provision, including a prefab element 9 as discussed. Using a prefab element or at least an element having the land ends and a bottom element can have the advantage that the body of water is well defined and easily maintained. A provision 28 can be provided in or by the bottom element, as schematically shown in fig. 6, for receiving at least part of the frame 2, such that the road surface in the second position extends relatively low above the bottom element.

As can be seen in the drawings the bridge 1, especially the frame 2 can be provided with side guards 29, such as for example a railing, extending along at least one and preferably opposite longitudinal sides 30 of the bridge 2, especially along the road surface 6. These can prevent traffic from leaving road surface 6 in an inappropriate direction. Preferably the guard elements 29 can be lowered, for example alongside or into the frame 2 or against the surface 6, such that in the second position of the frame 2 the guard elements 29 extend less above said road surface 6 than in the first position. The guard elements can in the second position be substantially level with said road surface 6 as for example shown in fig. 6 in the second position. Thus the depth of the body of water 5 above the submerged frame 2 free for the passage of ships can be even larger.

In embodiments the frame can extend partly in the body of water 5 in all positions, including the first position. Preferably however in the first position the frame 2 is substantially entirely out of the water 5, such that the water can pass below said bridge, especially below said frame 2 substantially unhindered by said frame 2.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments as shown and/or described in this description. Many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the claims, including at least all combinations of parts and elements of the embodiments and parts thereof shown, in any combination or permutation.

These and other alterations and modifications are supposed to be disclosed within the scope of the claims.

Claims (22)

10 A bridge for crossing a water feature, comprising a frame with two opposite ends, the frame provided with or arranged as a road surface and provided with at least one device for moving the frame at least in a vertical direction between a first position where the opposite ends are at the same height as two opposite "land" ends, so that the (road) traffic can pass over said road surface from one land end to the opposite land end and at least a second position, in which the frame with the road surface below the first position. Bridge according to claim 1, where in the second position the road surface is below the surface of the water body, so that ships can pass over said road surface. Bridge as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein at least two actuators are provided, at least one at each of said opposite ends to move the frame with the road surface vertically. Bridge as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one moving device is provided in a position between said two ends. A bridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said moving devices is provided in one of the land ends. Bridge as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one moving device comprises a hydraulic cylinder and / or a screw or spindle and nut. 11 Bridge as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one of the land ends and / or at least one of the opposite ends of the frame is provided with at least one closing element for fixing the frame in the first position. Bridge as claimed in claim 7, wherein said closing element comprises at least one closing pin which is movable between a closing position in which it extends into both the frame and the abutment and an opening position in which it only protrudes either into the abutment or into the frame . Bridge as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one of the land ends is provided with at least one guide for guiding the frame between the first and the second position. Bridge as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one moving device is provided in or near said at least one guide. A bridge according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the road surface is at least partially water permeable. 12. Bridge as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the frame has a bottom that is at least partially non-horizontal, so that during the movement of the frame from the first to the second position water underneath said bottom is pushed aside by said bottom bottom. A bridge according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the road surface is at least partially non-horizontal, such that water on and above said road surface will flow away from said road surface at least in the first position of the frame. A bridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one moving device is designed to tilt at least a portion of the frame and / or a portion of the road surface during and / or before the frame is moved. The bridge of claim 14 wherein said at least one moving device is designed to tilt the frame with the road surface by lowering one end of the frame relative to the second part of the frame. Bridge as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the at least one moving device is adapted to move at least one longitudinal end of the frame and / or the road surface, in particular downwards, relative to a further part of the frame and / or the road surface. A bridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the land ends are provided by a prefabricated element. The bridge of claim 17, wherein the prefabricated element comprises said two land ends and a bottom part connecting said two land ends. 19. Bridge as claimed in claim 18, wherein the bottom part comprises a frame receiving provision for receiving at least a part of the frame. Bridge as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one protection such as a handrail is provided along at least a part of the road surface, which side handrail is movable relative to the road surface, preferably so that in the second position of the frame the handrail is less protrudes above said road surface then in the first position and is preferably equally high with said road surface. A waterway, including a sinkable bridge, preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, and a water feature with a water surface, wherein in the first position the road surface is above said water surface, and wherein preferably the frame is substantially above the water surface, the road surface lying below the water surface in the second position, so that ships can pass through the water body above said road surface. A waterway according to claim 21, wherein in the first position the frame is raised above the water surface, so that passage of water and preferably of ships is possible below said frame, while road traffic can pass over said road surface.