Lock marking

Abstract

Lock marking (3) for representing a boundary line in a lock chamber, characterized in that the lock marking (3) comprises a guide and a reflector with a signal color, in particular a fluorescent signal color, wherein the reflector has a length (L), width (B) and thickness (D), wherein the length (L) is greater than the width (B) and thickness (D), and wherein the guide has guide elements to hold the reflector in a form-fitting manner in the direction of the width (B) and thickness (D) and to mount it slidably along the direction of the length (L).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lock marking system for improving the visibility and ease of maintenance of boundary lines in lock chambers, particularly under difficult environmental conditions and changing water levels.

[0002] Along the Danube and other rivers, several locks are in operation, equipped with vertical marker lines to guide ships. These markings serve as boundary lines within the lock chambers and are crucial for safe navigation and smooth lock operation. Therefore, the marker lines must remain clearly visible in all weather conditions and at all times of day to optimally support navigation.

[0003] The lock chambers are constantly exposed to environmental influences, making their maintenance challenging. Due to the regular fluctuations in water level and the strong current, fine sediments and biological deposits accumulate on the chamber walls, also settling on the marking lines. This soiling significantly impairs the visibility of the markings and necessitates regular cleaning. Currently, cleaning is done manually with a high-pressure cleaner, requiring the coordination of workers and the use of a workboat. This work is time-consuming, as several cleaning cycles are required per lock chamber, and delays in lock operation are unavoidable.

[0004] Besides the considerable time investment, maintaining the long-term visibility of the marking lines despite ongoing cleaning presents a challenge, especially given the need to consider weather-related limitations such as sun, rain, snow, fog, and varying times of day. Alternative approaches, such as special coatings or optical marking technologies like LED or laser systems, were tested but did not achieve the desired results in terms of durability and visibility under these specific conditions.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved lock marking system that overcomes these disadvantages.

[0006] This problem is solved by a lock marking for representing a boundary line in a lock chamber, wherein the lock marking comprises a guide and a reflector with a signal color, in particular a fluorescent signal color, wherein the reflector has a length, width and thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width and thickness, and wherein the guide has guide elements to hold the reflector in a form-fitting manner in the direction of the width and thickness and to mount it slidably along the direction of the length.

[0007] This lock marker system allows all individual components to be replaced thanks to its modular design. In particular, the reflector can be lifted out of its guide manually from above or using a winch. This can even be done while the system is in operation, so there are no interruptions when the lock marker needs cleaning.

[0008] To clean the lock marker, the reflector can be removed from its guide, cleaned, and then reinserted. This allows maintenance of the lock marker to be carried out from the edge of the lock's side wall, eliminating the need for a workboat inside the lock. Maintenance is therefore minimal, requiring only one person to perform the task.

[0009] The gate marking system according to the invention has the further advantage that individual segments can be replaced if the gate marking system is damaged, e.g., after a severe collision. Furthermore, the gate marking system according to the invention does not release any chemicals to the outside during operation, as was the case with prior art paint markings, making the solution according to the invention particularly environmentally friendly. At the end of its service life, the gate marking system can also be easily recycled, since the plastic and metal elements can be separated manually.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the guide elements are formed by two essentially U-shaped limiting elements, wherein the reflector has two end sections spaced apart in the width direction, each of which can be received in the U-shaped limiting elements, and wherein the reflector has a central section located between the end sections, and wherein the central section is the signal color. This embodiment is particularly preferred because the reflector can be designed as simply as possible. Furthermore, the U-shaped limiting elements serve as collision protection for the reflector, albeit only to a limited extent.

[0011] Alternatively, the guide elements can be formed by a preferably T-shaped or I-shaped (or also L-shaped or otherwise configured) guide projection, wherein the reflector has an internal recess in which the guide projection can be received. The guide projection is received in the internal recess in such a way that the reflector is held positively in the direction of the width of the thickness as specified and is slidably mounted along the direction of the length. The guide projection and the internal recess generally extend over the entire length of the reflector and the guide, or over the entire length of the reflector profile and the guide profile.

[0012] The guide may preferably comprise at least one guide profile, preferably several guide profiles connected lengthwise, with the U-shaped limiting elements extending over the entire length of each guide profile. Since the side wall of the lock typically has a length exceeding 10 m, it is advantageous to provide shorter guide profiles and join them together lengthwise. For example, the lock height may be 18 m, and three guide profiles, each 6 m long, may be provided to create a guide of the corresponding length. In general, the length of the guide profiles can be between 2 m and 10 m, although deviations from these values ​​are also possible.

[0013] The at least one guide profile can be, in particular, a one-piece metal profile, preferably a rolled or bent metal profile. Such a metal profile is particularly weather-resistant and well-suited for the intended application. Preferably, all guide profiles are of the same design, e.g., as rolled or bent metal profiles.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferred that the reflector comprises at least one reflector profile, preferably several reflector profiles extending lengthwise, wherein the reflector is preferably made of plastic, particularly preferably polyethylene. The reflector can also be composed of several reflector profiles to facilitate handling. It has been found that the length of the reflector profiles should preferably be between 1 m and 3 m to ensure ease of handling and quick cleaning. Preferably, all reflector profiles of the reflector are of the same design.

[0015] It should be noted that the reflectors are generally made of a floating material, so that when reflector profiles are arranged in a row, the uppermost one can always be pulled out, and the next one will float upwards and therefore be easily grasped by the maintenance person. At the lower end, the guide may have a rib profile to prevent the reflector profiles from being pushed downwards, for example by strong waves.

[0016] During operation, a clamp can be inserted at the upper end to prevent the uppermost reflector profile from being pushed out of the guide. However, a different locking element can generally be used instead of the clamp. It can therefore be stated that, preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises releasable locking elements designed to prevent the reflector from shifting along its length.

[0017] As already explained, in preferred embodiments the reflector can be removed from the guide for manual cleaning. However, cleaning by a robot is also possible. To facilitate this, the guide, particularly the U-shaped limiting elements, can have at least one guide section extending lengthwise and projecting outwards. The cleaning robot can be guided by the guide section, especially if it has a receiving unit in which the guide sections of the guide can be received. The cleaning robot has a cleaning unit for cleaning the reflector profile located in the guide. The cleaning unit can be a brush that is rotated by means of pressurized water. In general, it is preferred if the cleaning robot is connected via a pressurized water line to a location outside the airlock (e.g.,The cleaning robot is connected to a hydraulic motor located on a service cart, and the robot's drive (for movement and / or brush operation) is provided via the pressurized water line. This eliminates the need for power cables to be connected to the cleaning robot.

[0018] In another aspect, the invention provides a lock chamber comprising at least one described lock marking, wherein the lock chamber includes at least one side wall, the guide is mounted on the side wall, and the reflector is inserted into the guide. The guide and the reflector extend vertically downwards.

[0019] Preferably, the side wall of the lock chamber can have a recess, wherein the length and width of the recess are at least equal to the length and width of the lock marker, and wherein the lock marker is mounted in the recess. This protects the lock marker from collisions with ships in the lock.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the lock chamber can include at least one impact plate, preferably two impact plates, mounted next to the lock marker on the side wall of the lock chamber. Thanks to the impact plates, the side wall does not need to have a recess to protect the lock marker from collisions. However, it is understood that both a recess and one or two impact plates can be provided to protect the lock marker.

[0021] To better understand the present invention, the accompanying figures are described in more detail below. These figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of an exemplary lock marking system and show the essential features and components that contribute to achieving the desired advantages. The following figures are intended to supplement the description of the invention and facilitate understanding of the technical details and the operating principle. However, the figures only show preferred embodiments and should therefore not be considered limiting. Fig. Figure 1 shows a lock marking according to the state of the art. Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a lock marking according to the invention in a schematic perspective view. Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a lock marking in a schematic side view. Fig. Figure 4 shows the lock marking of Fig. 3 in a top view. Fig. Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of a lock marking in a schematic side view. Fig. Figure 6 shows the lock marking of Fig. 5 in a top view. Fig. Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the lock marking according to the invention.

[0022] According to Fig. 1. A lock marking is created according to the state of the art by painting a colored stripe 2 on a side wall 1 of a lock chamber, which then serves as a lock marker. A captain or helmsman of a ship or boat can use this as a guide when entering the lock. When the colored stripe 2 is freshly applied, it is, for example, white. However, due to the water in the lock and the regular changes in the water level, this colored stripe 2 quickly becomes discolored and is therefore no longer easily visible. Consequently, the colored stripe 2 must be frequently cleaned and repainted, which is challenging and time-consuming.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 shows a lock marker 3 according to the invention, which can be mounted on a side wall 1 of a lock and is easy to clean. This lock marker 3 has a guide profile 4 into which a reflector profile 5 is inserted.

[0024] The guide profile 4, the reflector profile 5, and the lock marker 3 are all elongated elements, meaning they have a length L that is greater than their width B and thickness D. The length L can be significantly greater than the width B and thickness D, for example, at least 10 times or at least 50 times greater. When the lock marker 3 is mounted on the side wall 1, the length L is vertical. The width B is parallel to the side wall 1 and horizontal. The thickness D is perpendicular to the side wall 1 and is measured horizontally. It should be noted that the width B, length L, and thickness D of the guide, reflector, and lock marker are measured in the same direction when assembled.

[0025] The guide profile 4 and the reflector profile 5 are designed such that the reflector profile 5 is slidably mounted within the guide profile 4 along the direction of its length L, allowing it to be removed from the guide profile 4 and cleaned as needed. Since the length L is parallel to the vertical direction, the reflector profile 5 can be pulled upwards out of the guide profile 4 during normal use. The guide profile 4, or the lowest guide profile 4, may have a rib on its underside extending in the direction of its thickness to prevent the reflector profile 5 from sliding downwards out of the guide profile 4.

[0026] In the direction of width B and thickness D, the reflector profile 5 is positively engaged with the guide profile 4. This is achieved by the guide profile 4 being positioned as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows two U-shaped boundary elements 6. A U-shaped boundary element 6 is understood to have a first leg extending in the direction of the width B of the guide profile 4 and essentially abutting the side wall 1, a second leg extending in the direction of the thickness D of the guide profile 4, and a third leg extending in the direction of the width B of the guide profile 4 and spaced from the side wall 1. However, the second leg may also be formed by a curve or omitted if the U-shape approximates a V-shape. The distance between the first leg and the third leg is at least the thickness of an end section 7 of the reflector profile 5, so that each end section 7 can be accommodated in a U-shaped boundary element 6.Since the openings of the U-shaped limiting elements 6 face each other, the reflector profile 5 can be positively engaged in the guide profile 4.

[0027] The guide profile 4 typically has the U-shaped limiting elements 6 along its entire length; that is, the guide profile 4 can be a profile that has essentially the same cross-section over its entire length L. Alternatively, the guide could have a retaining strip that rests against the side wall. Several U-shaped limiting elements 6, spaced apart along the length L, could project from this retaining strip, similar to the feet of a millipede.

[0028] It should be noted that typical heights of side walls 1 for locks range from 10 m to 30 m. It is understood that it is not always practical to provide guide profiles 4 or reflector profiles 5 of such a length L. Therefore, it can be provided that the lock marker 3 also has several guide profiles 4 and reflector profiles 5 connected along length L, so that they can be made shorter and still extend over the entire height of the side wall 1 (possibly with the exception of a minimum water level in the lock, as no lock marker 3 is necessary in this lower area). In general, it can thus be said that the lock marker 3 has a guide with one or more guide profiles 4 and a reflector with one or more reflector profiles 5.The guide profiles 4 and the reflector profiles 5 do not have to be the same length, and the reflector profiles 5 are typically shorter, e.g., with a length of 1 m to 3 m, to facilitate removal from the guide. The guide profiles can have a length of, for example, 2 m to 10 m, although deviations from these lengths are also possible. If the guide has several guide profiles 4, they are usually identical. If the reflector has several reflector profiles 5, they are generally identical. For the sake of simplicity, the figure description refers to guide profiles 4 and reflector profiles 5, but all statements also apply to guides and reflectors.

[0029] Regarding the guide, it should be noted that this does not necessarily have to be implemented by a profile, but could instead consist of several U-shaped limiting elements 6, each spaced apart from the others in the direction of length L and / or in the direction of width B. In this variant, the guide could be formed such that there are a multitude of elements spaced apart in the direction of length L, each individually mounted on the side wall 1 of the lock, which together hold the reflector securely and allow it to slide only in the direction of length L.

[0030] The guide profile 4 is usually made of metal and is, for example, a bent or rolled profile. In practice, it has proven effective to manufacture the guide profile 4 as a stainless steel rail.

[0031] The reflector profile 5 is available in the variant of Fig. 2 a profile which has essentially the same cross-section over its entire length L, with the exception of functional elements 9 which serve to lock the reflector profile 5 in the guide profile 4 or as a point of attack for pulling out the reflector profile 5.

[0032] The reflector profile 5 can be made of polyethylene or another plastic. For example, the reflector profile 5 can have a compressive strength of 4 kN / cm². 2 exhibit properties such as being insensitive to water and / or UV radiation, being usable in a temperature range of -65°C to +85°C and / or having a density of 0.5 kg / dm³ 3 up to 3 kg / dm² 3 e.g. a density of essentially 0.9 kg / dm³ 3 The reflector profile 5 can be processed into regenerate after use.

[0033] As already mentioned, the reflector profile 5 has end sections 7, each of which can be received in a U-shaped limiting element 6. Between the end sections 7, the reflector profile 5 has a central section 8, which is free between the U-shaped limiting elements 6 and is therefore visible from the outside, i.e., to a person inside the airlock. The central section 8 and the end sections 7 are generally manufactured as a single piece.

[0034] The central section 8 features a signal color to ensure the reflector profile 5 is highly visible. This signal color could be white, for example, since the color stripes 2 are also white in the prior art, thus eliminating the need for users to adjust to a different color. However, the reflector profile 5 offers the unique possibility of displaying fluorescent signal colors, for instance, by manufacturing it from a fluorescent plastic. The reflector profile 5 can be made entirely from a single colored plastic (including white) to represent the signal color, which is preferable because removing material from the surface of the reflector profile 5 does not alter its color. Alternatively, a colored coating could be applied to the central section 8 to represent the signal color.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the central section 8 can be thicker in the direction of thickness D than the end sections 7, so that the reflector profile 5 can form an essentially T-shaped profile. This has the advantage that the central section 8 can protrude from the guide profile 4, resulting in improved visibility of the central section 8. However, this is not mandatory, as the central section 8 can also have the same thickness D as the end sections 7, so that the reflector profile 5 can be a profile with an essentially rectangular cross-section.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the reflector profile 5 can have a functional element 9 in the form of a hole, which can be used to lift the reflector profile 5 out of the guide profile 4. For example, a person can manually grasp the functional element 9 or insert a winch hook into the functional element 9 to lift the reflector profile 5. If a reflector is provided that has several reflector profiles 5, each reflector profile 5 can have a functional element 9 on its upper surface, so that each reflector profile 5 can be grasped individually when it is the uppermost reflector profile 5.

[0037] The functional element 9 could also be used to attach a locking element, such as a clamp, to the reflector profile 5 to prevent the reflector profile 5 from shifting along its length L. This shift can occur, for example, when water is present in the lock and pushes the reflector profile 5 upwards. However, the locking element does not necessarily have to be connected to a functional element 9 and could also be, for example, a clamp that does not require a specific point of attachment on the reflector profile 5, or a weight placed on top of the reflector profile 5.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 2 shows that the guide profile 4 can be connected to the side wall 1 of the lock by inserting a clamping element 10, which has a base plate 11 and an arm 12, wherein the base plate 11 is smaller than the arm 12 and lies between the arm 12 and the side wall 1. This allows the arm 12 to project beyond the base plate 11 and clamp a projection 13 of the guide profile 4 between the side wall 1 and the arm 12. An anchor 14 can be driven through the arm 12 and the base plate 11 into the side wall 1 to fix the clamping element 10 and the guide profile 4 to the side wall 1.

[0039] However, the aforementioned clamping element 10 is merely optional, and an anchor 14 could be driven directly through a hole in the guide profile 4 into the side wall 1, as schematically shown in Fig. 4 is shown. In this case, a projection 13 of the guide profile 4 for the purpose of connection with the side wall 1 can also be omitted.

[0040] It should be noted that the side wall 1 of the lock is usually made of concrete. To connect the anchor 14 to the side wall 1, the anchor 14 is designed as a concrete anchor and embedded in the side wall 1 with injection mortar. Nuts can be placed on the anchor 14 to connect the guide profile 4 to the side wall 1 by clamping the guide profile 4 between the side wall 1 and the nut.

[0041] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a variant in which the side wall 1 has a recess 15. In practice, the recess 15 extends vertically downwards and is designed to accommodate the lock marker 3. It is not a hindrance that the lock marker 3 is greater in one direction (thickness D) than the depth of the recess 15, so that the central section 8 of the reflector profile 5 can also protrude from the recess 15. However, the width B and length L of the recess 15 are designed such that the lock marker 3 can be mounted in the recess 15.

[0042] From the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows that the guide profile 4 can have two guide sections 16 extending in the direction of length L and projecting outwards (e.g., at an angle of 30° to 60° from the surface of the side wall 1). Optionally, only one guide section 16 can be used. These guide sections 16 can be compatible with a cleaning robot, in which case the cleaning robot can be placed on top of the guide profile so that it can move downwards and upwards guided by the guide sections 16. During its upward and downward movement, the cleaning robot can clean the central section 8 located between the guide sections 16, e.g., by means of a rotating brush, which can be driven by pressurized water, or another cleaning unit.

[0043] The cleaning robot can be manually placed onto the guide sections 16 or lowered from a service cart. In the latter case, the service cart is positioned at the airlock marker 3 using centering aids, and the cleaning robot is lowered onto the airlock marker 3 by its own weight. The cleaning robot can then be lifted using a winch and stowed back on the service cart. In the solution using the service cart, the guide sections 16 can be omitted, although they remain the preferred option.

[0044] Fig. Figure 4 shows in particular that the reflector profile 5 has a recess 17 facing the guide profile 4. The recess 17 serves primarily to reduce the weight of the reflector profile 5, but it can also be used to create space for mounting elements such as the anchor 14. The recess 17 can also contain additional webs extending along the length L to increase the stiffness of the reflector profile 5 without significantly increasing its weight.

[0045] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows another variant in which the lock marking 3 is protected by two impact plates 18, each mounted on the side wall 1 to the side of the lock marking 3. The impact plates 18 can be made of the same material as the reflector profile 5, e.g., polyethylene, but may be a different color. The impact plates 18 can have essentially the same properties as described above for the reflector profile 5. In particular, plastics with a high recycled content can also be used for the impact plates.

[0046] The impact plates 18 can have a profile that includes at least one inclined side surface, with this side facing away from the lock marker 3. This reduces the impact of a collision with a vessel striking the impact plate 18. The impact plates 18 can have a thickness that is essentially equal to the height of the lock marker 3, and the lock marker 3 can also project beyond the impact plates 18 in the direction of the thickness, as shown, to ensure it remains clearly visible.

[0047] Fig. Figure 7 shows an alternative variant for positively locking the reflector in the direction of width B and thickness D and for slidably mounting it along length L. In this variant, the guide or guide profile 4 has a T-shaped or I-shaped guide projection 19, which is received in a corresponding internal recess of the reflector or reflector profile 5. The guide projection 19 could also be L-shaped or similar, but its purpose is to allow the reflector to be positively locked in the direction of width B and thickness D. As shown, the guide projection 19 can again be arranged on a profile that is connected to the side wall 1 by means of an anchor. Alternatively, the guide projection 19 could also be attached directly to the side wall 1.

[0048] In summary, it is evident that a variety of guide elements can be used to hold the reflector in a form-fitting manner as specified in the direction of width B and thickness D, and to mount it slidably along the direction of length L. Two possibilities are provided by the U-shaped limiting elements 6 and the T-shaped or I-shaped guide projection 19, although other types of guide elements are also possible.

[0049] In the version of Fig. It is also evident from Figure 7 that the guide profile 4 could itself have impact plates 18 located laterally to the reflector profile 5. This could also be the case with the variants of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 will be carried out.

[0050] It is also evident from Fig. 7, that the reflector profile can have guide sections 20, which correspond to the guide sections of the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 correspond and can serve to guide a cleaning robot.

Claims

[1] Lock marking (3) to represent a boundary line in a lock chamber, characterized by , that the lock marking (3) comprises a guide and a reflector with a signal color, in particular a fluorescent signal color, wherein the reflector has a length (L), width (B) and thickness (D), wherein the length (L) is greater than the width (B) and thickness (D), and wherein the guide has guide elements to hold the reflector in a form-fitting manner in the direction of the width (B) and thickness (D) and to allow it to be slidably mounted along the direction of the length (L). [2] Lock marking (3) according to claim 1, wherein the guide elements are formed by two substantially U-shaped limiting elements (6), wherein the reflector has two end sections (7) spaced apart in the direction of the width (B), each of which can be received in the U-shaped limiting elements (6), and wherein the reflector has a central section (8) located between the end sections (7), and wherein the central section (8) has the signal color. [3] Lock marking (3) according to claim 1, wherein the guide elements are formed by a preferably T-shaped or I-shaped guide projection and the reflector has an internal recess in which the guide projection can be received. [4] Lock marking (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide comprises at least one guide profile (4), preferably at least two guide profiles (4) adjoining in the direction of the length (L), and the U-shaped limiting elements (6) extend over the entire length of the respective guide profile (4), wherein the at least one guide profile (4) is preferably a one-piece metal profile, particularly preferably a rolled or bent metal profile. [5] Lock marking (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reflector comprises at least one reflector profile (5), preferably comprising at least two reflector profiles (5) adjoining in the direction of the length (L), wherein the reflector preferably consists of plastic, particularly preferably of polyethylene. [6] Lock marking (3) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising releasable locking elements designed to prevent the reflector from being displaced along the direction of its length. [7] Lock marking (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide, in particular the U-shaped limiting elements (6), has at least one guide section (16) extending in the direction of the length (L) and projecting outwards, wherein the lock marking (3) particularly preferably further comprises a cleaning robot which has a receiving unit in which the guide sections (16) of the guide can be received, wherein the cleaning robot has a cleaning unit to clean the reflector located in the guide. [8] Lock chamber comprising at least one lock marker (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock chamber comprises at least one side wall (1), the guide is mounted on the side wall (1) and the reflector is inserted into the guide. [9] Lock chamber according to claim 8, wherein the side wall (1) of the lock chamber has a recess (15), wherein a length (L) and width (B) of the recess (15) are at least equal to a length (L) and width (B) of the lock marking (3), and wherein the lock marking (3) is mounted in the recess (15). [10] Lock chamber according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising at least one baffle plate (18), preferably two baffle plates (18) which is mounted next to the lock marking (3) on the side wall (1) of the lock chamber.

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