WO2000026472A1

WO2000026472A1 - Road traffic signal device and retractable signalling element and implementing method

Info

Publication number: WO2000026472A1
Application number: PCT/FR1999/002589
Authority: WO
Inventors: André Bigazzi
Original assignee: Bigazzi Andre
Priority date: 1998-10-30
Filing date: 1999-10-26
Publication date: 2000-05-11
Also published as: FR2785307B1; AU6345799A; FR2785307A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a road traffic signal device (1) comprising a signalling element (2) retractable into a box (3) housed in the ground and capable of being projected by translating means. The invention is characterised in that it has a cylindrical case (4) for the signalling element (2) both guiding it in translation and mounting it in the box (3). The invention also concerns a method for dismounting ad reassembling said device. The invention is applicable to the field of public works and road marking.

Description

"Road signaling device comprising a retractable signaling element and method of implementation"

The present invention relates to a road signaling device comprising a retractable signaling element in a box housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means. It also relates to a process for dismantling and reassembling the device.

This process and this device will find their application particularly in the field of public works and more precisely in that of the planning and marking of tracks and roads including highways.

In this area, in fact, it is sometimes necessary to provide signaling elements, for example, to divert vehicles from a traffic lane which has to be closed. To do this, we currently know the invention described in document EP-0. 783. 054 which has a retractable reversible signaling element, of the type which uses a box intended to be housed in the ground and containing the element signaling in the retracted position, said element being movable in translation out of the casing by means of motorization means. The box contains an inner jacket, the dimensions of which are such that the space between said box and the inner jacket serves as a reservation for the passage of the wiring, sheathing and / or others used for the implementation of the motorization means, and said inner jacket contains the signaling element and the means for motorizing said element.

Although effective in the signaling that it allows, this mechanism for signaling elements has various drawbacks and is not entirely satisfactory.

Firstly, this system is of a complex structure and therefore expensive to produce.

Several parts with distinct functions are necessary to carry out the support and the drive of the signaling element.

Another drawback of this system is that it does not allow practical mounting and dismounting of the signaling element and of the structure of the drive mechanism. However, the ability to assemble and disassemble the device is important in particular to be able to carry out renovations of the pavement.

Document WO-A-92/02683 discloses a deployable device for controlling road traffic. The lifting of the signal tube is carried out in a complex manner, by means of threads.

Unlike the present invention, this device employs various distinct means to drive the tube and guide it in translation. Document DE-ϋ-94 10774 is also known, which relates to a device for directing the flow of road traffic, provided with a piston capable of projecting from the road.

In addition to the uncertain guidance of the piston in its translation, this device provides an advantageous bellows system.

Finally, document FR-A-2,650 is known. 009 an installation for authorizing and prohibiting access to a retractable bollard.

The moving part is actuated there by a geared motor, the use of which is not without drawbacks in the field under consideration, in particular for climatic and electrical connection reasons.

The known devices have a complex structure which does not allow rapid assembly and disassembly steps, which affects their effectiveness.

Another drawback of current devices is that their tightness is made difficult by the number of existing parts.

Furthermore, the device presented in document EP-0.783.054 requires the signaling element to be sealed from the top of the device, by the presence of a seal.

Such a device also has poor soundproofing when vehicles pass over the surface of the mechanism.

There is vibration and possibly the birth of play between the various components of the mechanism.

Such mechanisms for signaling elements, moreover present operating difficulties under certain climatic conditions.

Indeed, in periods of extreme cold, it can commonly occur that gel appears in the mechanism. Operation may be disturbed and cause damage within the translational mechanisms of the signaling element.

Current systems are therefore complex and expensive. They require a tedious assembly and disassembly and have an efficiency vis-à-vis the sealing problem which can be significantly improved.

Furthermore, such mechanisms are not suitable for operation under all conditions of use, especially in very cold periods with the formation of gel or ice.

The present invention relates to a device and a method making it possible to remedy the drawbacks of the systems currently used.

The road signaling device comprising a signaling element retractable in a box housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translation means, is characterized in that it has a cylindrical envelope of the signaling element by ensuring both guiding in translation and mounting in the box and that the cylindrical envelope constitutes a translation chamber forming the means for translating and cooperates with a piston secured to the signaling element.

The process for dismantling and reassembling a road signaling device is characterized in that it comprises the following dismantling steps: the coating resin of the box is cored over a diameter equivalent to that of the tank up to rim of the tank; the tie rods are dismantled; - the collar and the plate are removed; the tank is covered with a cover, to dismantle the part of the box close to the roadway in order to authorize the repair of the roadway while preserving the tank. The invention includes various embodiments, including those introduced below.

The cylindrical casing includes a safety valve preventing excessive pressure on the piston. The cylindrical envelope comprises at least two position sensors, one placed at the start of the piston stroke, the other placed at the end of the stroke.

The cylindrical envelope comprises an upper plate which is applied in the upper part of the box. The cylindrical envelope comprises an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall forming the jacket of the piston, an air gap being formed between the two walls.

The cylindrical envelope includes a sealing ring. The upper plate contains, near the signaling element, a heating means preventing any formation of ice between the signaling element and the cylindrical envelope.

The box receives heating means allowing the device to be kept at temperature.

It has at least one temperature measurement probe, the probe or probes possibly being located near the surface of the road surface or in the interior volume of the device for temperature regulation. The box includes:

- a tank provided with a rim;

- a collar applied to the rim of the tank and adapting the height of the box for good positioning of the upper plate relative to the level of the road surface.

The box includes a plate covering the collar and on which an upper plate is applied.

The tank and the plate are secured by tie rods. The box is embedded in the ground at least for its upper part by means of a coating resin facilitating disassembly and serving as thermal insulation and sealing.

The resin contains an adjuvant such as rubber, increasing the elasticity to promote damping and soundproofing when vehicles pass over the device.

It includes, after repairing the roadway, the following reassembly steps: - core coating of the roadway possibly deposited above the tank over a diameter equivalent to that of the tank up to the rim of the tank,

- we remove the cover,

- successively mounting a collar of height adapted to a good positioning of the upper plate relative to the level of the floor, the upper plate and the tie rods,

- a new resin coating is poured around the part of the box near the road.

The attached drawings are given as indicative and non-limiting examples. They represent preferred embodiments according to the invention. They will allow the invention to be easily understood.

Figures 1 and 2 show the cylindrical casing according to the invention in two particular embodiments. Figure 3 illustrates the formation of a box.

Figures 4 and 5 show a device according to the invention in a particular embodiment in a retracted situation for Figure 4 and the signaling element protruding for Figure 2. Figure 6 shows an overview of the device according to the invention in a particular embodiment.

The road signaling device 1 presented here can be installed within a roadway. It makes it possible to contain a signaling element 2 capable of being projecting beyond the level of the surface of the road surface 21 to signal.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the device 1 firstly comprises a box 3 housed in the ground.

It also includes a signaling element 2 retractable in the box 3 and capable of projecting.

To carry out the movement of the signaling element 2, means for translating are used. Such a device allows a warning to motorists or a diversion of traffic to other lanes or a signaling on the edge of the roadways.

In a particular embodiment, the device 1 is integrated into the ceiling or sub-slabs of undergrounds or tunnels.

Element 2 then projects downward.

In accordance with FIG. 3, the box 3 is housed in the ground and kept sealed, in particular by means of a mortar 16. It will be possible to form a box 3 of substantially cylindrical shape, for example made of metallic material.

The box 3 allows the reception of the signaling element 2 in its retracted position.

It also makes it possible to contain the elements necessary for the operation of the device 1 and in particular the means of translation.

In a particular embodiment, the box 3 comprises a passage 18 as shown in FIG. 3 allowing the passage of cable or pneumatic hose in the interior volume to the box 3.

Such a passage 18 allows communication between the device 1 and a possible external element such as a central unit or a control and supply module for the device 1. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 6, the box 3 is composed of different parts.

The first of them is a tank 10 constituting the lower part of the box 3. The tank 10 represents a rim 11 oriented inwards and allowing reception and joining with the other constituent elements of the box 3.

Thus, a collar 12 can be supported on the edge

11 of the tank 10 as shown in FIG. 3. A collar 12 can be made of plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride.

The collar 12 has the advantage of being destructive and allows, by choosing its height, an adjustment in height of the box 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the collar 12 can receive a plate 13 in its upper part.

The plate 13 covers the collar 12 and constitutes the part of the device 1 level with the road surface 21.

We can use a collar 12 of substantially cylindrical hollow shape and a plate 13 of annular shape having a flange on its outer periphery.

To secure the constituent elements of the box 3, tie rods 14 may be used as shown in FIG. 3. Such tie rods are passed through the plate 13 and the rim 11 of the tank 10.

By tightening, the connection of the plate 13 of the collar

12 and the tank 10 is thus produced.

In a particular embodiment, the box 3 is embedded in the ground at least for its upper part by means of a coating resin 15 also presented in FIGS. 3 to 6.

Thus, the lower part of the casing 3 is sealed by means of a mortar 16 and the upper part of the casing 3 is embedded in a coating resin 15. The use of such a resin 15 has many advantages.

First, it facilitates disassembly of the device since this resin is easy to core. Furthermore, it is a more elastic material than mortar, therefore less sensitive to vibrations and fulfilling a damping function.

The coating resin 15 is also a good quality thermal insulator preventing excessive propagation of the temperature from the roadway to the device 1.

The coating resin 15 also seals the upper part of the box 3.

Different types of resin can be used and in particular an epoxy type resin. To this resin can be added components such as rubber by increasing the modulus of elasticity.

This produces better damping and better soundproofing when the vehicle passes over the device 1.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the box 3 thus formed makes it possible to receive in its internal volume a cylindrical envelope 4 of the signaling element 2.

This cylindrical envelope 4 allows both the guiding in translation of the signaling element 2 and its mounting in the box 3. To favor the reservation of a large space between the walls of the tank 10 and the cylindrical envelope 4, it will be possible to constitute a box 3 and a cylindrical envelope 4 having offset axes of symmetry.

Thus, a larger reservation volume is formed on one side of the tank 10.

The cylindrical casing 4 guides the signaling element 2 in translation.

To do this, the device 1 may include a piston 5 secured to the signaling element 2. In this way, the cylindrical casing 4 constitutes a translation chamber and forms with the piston 5 the means for translating the signaling element 2.

A pneumatic assembly can thus be produced. Its supply as illustrated in FIG. 4 will preferably take place through the lower part of the cylindrical envelope 4.

An electrical and pneumatic connection 17 is shown diagrammatically to illustrate the supply. In a particular embodiment, the cylindrical casing 4 comprises a safety valve 6 preventing any excessive pressure on the piston 5.

This safety valve 6 may be presented as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the lower part of the cylindrical casing 4.

The operational safety of the device 1 is thus increased and prevents any degradation of the mechanism during an overpressure.

To allow a control of the operation of the device 1 according to the invention, it may include at least two position sensors 7, 8.

As shown in the various figures, a sensor 7 will preferably be positioned in the lower part of the cylindrical envelope corresponding to the start of stroke of the piston 5.

The other sensor 8 will be placed in the upper part of the cylindrical casing 4 corresponding to the end of stroke of the piston 5.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate in particular the correspondence of the positions of the sensors 7 and 8 with the start of travel and end of travel positions of the piston 5.

Since the signaling element 2 and the piston 5 can be made of plastic, added elements of metallic material can be positioned on their surface outside in order to cooperate with the sensors 7, 8 and carry out the presence detection.

In a particular embodiment, two sensors 7, 8 are used to detect the presence of the piston 5 in the start-of-travel or end-of-travel position and an additional sensor to detect the presence of a signaling element 2 when the latter is in the retracted position. In this way, it is possible to detect a possible operating anomaly, for example, if a signaling element 2 has been mowed down by a vehicle. An absence of signaling element 2 is detected while the piston 5 is at the start of the stroke.

In a particular embodiment, the device 1 comprises an upper plate 9 situated on the cylindrical envelope 4. The upper plate 9 is applied in the upper part of the box 3 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.

In this way, the support of the entire cylindrical envelope 4 is produced by a single piece, namely the upper plate 9. This plate 9 can be secured to the box 3 for example by means of a screw between the plate 9 and the plate 13 as shown in FIG. 2 under the reference 20.

In a particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the cylindrical envelope 4 comprises different constituent elements.

Thus, the cylindrical casing 4 comprises an outer cylindrical wall 25 and an inner cylindrical wall 26.

This last inner cylindrical wall 26 forms the jacket of the piston 5 as shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 2 and 6 also illustrate that an air vacuum is formed between the two cylindrical walls 25 and 26. This air vacuum has the advantage of constituting a thermal insulator and of allowing possible passage of cables within the cylindrical envelope 4.

Sealing is a major issue for the device 1 according to the invention.

To achieve effective sealing of the interior volume of the cylindrical casing 4, the latter may include a sealing ring 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sealing ring is located below the upper plate 9 and is inserted between this plate 9 and the cylindrical walls 25, 26.

Different seals placed at. support zones will provide an effective seal.

Similarly to the tie rods 14 used to secure the various components of the box 3, tie rods 28 can be used to secure the components of the casing 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tie rods 28 are articulated vertically from the bottom of the cylindrical casing 4 to the upper plate 9.

The bottom 30 also shown in Figure 2, ensures the closure of the casing 4 at the lower end.

A hole 31 formed in the bottom 30 allows the passage of the electrical and pneumatic connection 17. To optimize the conditions of use of this device 1 and avoid any disturbance due to climatic conditions, heating means may be used.

These means will make it possible to maintain a constant temperature within the device 1 or even to carry out punctual heating in the frost period.

To do this, the upper plate 9 will contain, near the signaling element 2, a heating means 24. The position of the heating means will prevent any formation of ice between the signaling element 2 and the cylindrical envelope 4.

No translation blockage can then occur.

To keep the entire device 1 at temperature, the box 3 can receive heating means 23.

The heating means 23 and 24 are notably illustrated in FIG. 6.

These heating means 23, 24 may be heating resistors or even simple cords.

For the purpose of self-regulation and control of the operation of the device 1, it may include one or more probes 27 capable of measuring the temperature.

As shown in Figure 6, a probe 27 near the surface of the road surface 21 may be used.

In the case presented in FIG. 2, it is the upper plate 9 which receives the probe 27. A cable 29 will allow the electrical supply of the heating means 24 and of the probe 27.

In addition to the device 1, the present invention also relates to a method for dismantling and reassembling a device 1. The assembly and disassembly are important steps since they are regularly carried out.

In fact, during the renovation of the road surfaces 21, the devices 1 must be preserved.

It is therefore important to be able to carry out the disassembly and reassembly steps quickly.

Furthermore, it is necessary to be able to adjust the height of the device 1 so that its surface corresponds to that of the road surface 21. To allow a roadway renovation, the device 1 according to the invention has firstly the advantage of having a cylindrical casing 4 ensuring both the guidance and the maintenance of the signaling element 2. Thus, by removing the 'cylindrical casing 4, a large part of the constituent elements of the device 1 is simultaneously removed.

Furthermore, the formation of a box 3 in different parts and in particular with a tank 10 makes it possible to disassemble only certain elements of the box 3.

Thus, the tank 10 will be kept in position.

According to the invention, the method comprises the following dismantling steps:

- the coating resin 15 is cored from the box 3 over a diameter equivalent to that of the tank 10 up to the rim 11 of the tank 10. The coring can be carried out by any means and the use of coating resin 15 facilitates this operation.

- The tie rods 14 are dismantled and then the collar 12 and the plate are removed 13. The use of a PVC collar 12 allows its destruction without incurring significant cost.

To preserve the tank 10 during the stages of renovation of the roadway 21, the latter is covered by means of a cover 19 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Pavement repair operations can then be carried out.

By locating the implantation position of the device 1 beforehand, the following reassembly steps can then be carried out.

First of all, the road surface coating 21, possibly deposited above the tank 10, is cored.

In fact, the renovation of pavements most often consists in applying a new coating of pavement 21. A pavement coating film is therefore often positioned above the tank 10 during the repair.

This coring step is substantially equivalent to that carried out for disassembly. The hole thus made provides access to the cover 19 to remove it.

Conversely to the disassembly steps, we can then proceed with the installation of a new collar 12, the upper plate 9 and tie rods 14. The height of the collar 12 will be adjusted so as to ensure proper positioning of the plate. higher 9 than the level of the roadway.

The tie rods 14 secure the constituent elements of the box 3 before pouring a new resin coating 15 around the part of the box 3 near the roadway.

The device 1 is thus reconstituted and the cylindrical envelope 4 can be introduced into the interior volume of the housing 3. In a particular embodiment, the cover 19 or another cover is used to close the interior volume of the housing 3 when the cylindrical casing 4 is removed.

In this way, no hole appears in the road surface 21 during periods of non-use.

The device 1 thus presented can be used alone or in combination with several equivalent devices.

The device (s) 1 can be controlled by a central unit or an external switchboard by supplying the power and the automation steps. lo

REFERENCES

1. Road signaling device

2. Signaling element 3. Casing

4. Cylindrical shell

5. Piston

6. Safety valve

7. Limit position sensor 8. Limit position sensor

9. Upper shelf

10. Tank

11. Tank edge

12.Collar 13. Platinum

14.Tie rods

15. Coating resin

16.Mortar

17. Electrical and pneumatic connection 18. Passage in box

19. Cover

20. Tray screw

21. Pavement

22. Sealing ring 23. Means for heating the casing

24. Means for heating the plate

25. Outer cylindrical wall

26. Inner cylindrical wall

27. Temperature sensor 28. Tie rods

29. Cable

30. Bottom 31. Hole

Claims

1. A road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means, characterized in that it has a cylindrical casing (4) of the signaling element (2) while ensuring both the guiding in translation and the mounting in the box (3) and that the cylindrical casing (4) constitutes a translation chamber forming the means translation and cooperates with a piston (5) integral with the signaling element (2).

2. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to claim 1 characterized in that the cylindrical casing (4) includes a safety valve (6) preventing excessive pressure on the piston (5).

3. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the cylindrical casing (4) comprises at least two position sensors (7, 8), one (7) placed at the start of the piston stroke (5), the other (8) placed at the end of race.

4. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the cylindrical casing (4) comprises an upper plate (9) applying at the top of the box (3).

5. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the cylindrical casing (4) comprises an outer cylindrical wall (25) and an inner cylindrical wall (26) forming the jacket of the piston (5), an air vacuum being formed between the two walls (25, 26).

6. Device (1) for road signaling comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to claim 5 characterized in that the cylindrical casing (4) comprises a sealing ring (22).

7. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to claims 4 or 5 or 6, characterized in that the upper plate (9) contains, near the signaling element (2), a heating means (24) preventing any formation of ice between the signaling element (2) and the casing cylindrical (4).

8. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and capable of projecting by means of translational means according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the box (3) receives heating means (23) allowing the device (1) to be kept at temperature.

9. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it has at least one temperature measurement probe (27), the probe (s) (27) possibly being located near the surface of the road surface (21) or in the interior volume of the device (1) for temperature regulation.

10. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and capable of projecting by means of translational means according to claim 4 in combination with the any one of the other claims, characterized in that the box (3) comprises:

- a tank (10) provided with a rim (11);

- A collar (12) applying to the rim (11) of the tank (10) and adapting the height of the box (3) for proper positioning of the upper plate (9) relative to the level of the road surface (21 ).

11. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to claim 10 characterized in that the box (3) comprises a plate (13) covering the collar (12) and on which an upper plate (9) is applied.

12. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translation according to claim 11 characterized in that the tank (10) and the plate (13) are secured by tie rods (14).

13. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to any one of claims

1 to 12, characterized in that the box (3) is embedded in the ground at least for its upper part by means of a coating resin (15) facilitating disassembly and serving as thermal insulation and sealing .

14. Road signaling device (1) comprising a signaling element (2) retractable in a box (3) housed in the ground and able to protrude by means of translational means according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the resin (15) contains an adjuvant such as rubber by increasing the elasticity to promote damping and soundproofing when vehicles pass over the device (1).

15. A method of dismantling and reassembling a road signaling device (1) according to claims 12 or 13 or 14 in combination with any one of the other claims, characterized in that it comprises the following dismantling steps:

- Coring the coating resin (15) of the box (3) on a diameter equivalent to that of the tank (10) to the rim (11) of the tank (10); the tie rods (14) are dismantled;

- the collar (12) and the plate (13) are removed;

- the tank (10) is covered with a cover (19), to disassemble the part of the box (3) near the roadway to authorize the repair of the roadway while preserving the tank (10).

16. A method of dismantling and reassembling a road signaling device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises, after repairing the roadway, the following reassembly steps:

- the pavement covering (21) possibly deposited above the tank (10) is cored over a diameter equivalent to that of the tank (10) up to the rim (11) of the tank (10),

- we remove the cover (19), we successively mount a collar (12) of height adapted to a good positioning of the upper plate (9) relative to the level of the floor, the upper plate (9) and the tie rods (14) ,

- a new resin coating (15) is poured around the part of the box (3) near the roadway.