Safety hatch(es) for closing off an underground container casing

Abstract

A secure closure system for a containment structure (1) located in the ground, covering the upper opening of the containment structure and closing automatically when the container (2) is removed from the containment structure (1), and comprising: - at least one rectangular hatch (3, 3') rotating about a horizontal axis between at least one horizontal closing position obstructing the upper opening of the containment structure (1) and a vertical opening position inside the containment structure (1); - means for returning the hatch(es) (3, 3') to the closed position; and - a mechanical locking / unlocking device for each hatch(es) (3, 3') in the closed position, said device being unlocked by the container (2) when it comes into contact with the hatch(es) (3, 3'). This system is characterized in that the mechanical locking / unlocking device includes at least one gravity mechanism. (See abstract figure: Fig. 4)

Description

Title of the invention: Safety hatch(es) for closing a buried container casing

[0001] The present invention relates to waste management and more particularly to waste containers, placed at predetermined locations in sites dedicated to waste collection, and which the competent authorities must empty at regular intervals. Since the regions, municipalities, etc., in charge of managing waste collection points are sensitive to solutions which do not harm the visual harmony of the places, we are witnessing a generalization of sites in which the containers are buried, with only external filling mouths remaining visible. The waste containers are therefore placed invisibly underground, placed in underground volumes located below ground level and equipped to receive and house them.

[0002] To empty these containers, they are extracted by means of a crane or equivalent from their underground cavities, then they are brought above a skip into which they are emptied from below, because they are equipped with a retractable bottom. The underground volume is in practice provided with a fixed casing remaining in the ground, constituting the walls of the underground volume and in which the waste container is placed. To avoid any risk of falling into a casing emptied of its container during the operation of emptying the latter, a safety system is provided whose function is to automatically close the upper opening of the casing, at ground level, as soon as the waste container is extracted from it.

[0003] Constraints, particularly normative ones, also weigh on such a security system:

[0004] - it must not be powered by any external energy source;

[0005] - when in the closed position, it must be able to support a normative load of 150 kg at any point without opening, but at the same time it must be designed to allow the emptied container, which is far from reaching this weight, to descend without any manual intervention;

[0006] - it must not in any way hinder the handling of the container, whatever the direction of its movement, that is to say whether to extract it from the fixed casing or to put it back there. In particular, no mechanical element must catch the container during its upward or downward movements.

[0007] It is furthermore preferred that the safety system does not have any element at or near the bottom of the casing, which often contains waste and / or water which could alter the operation of such a system, to the detriment of safety. stakeholders. This also makes it easier to maintain the system.

[0008] Currently, particular attention is paid to environmental considerations, and in particular to eco-design: the present invention is therefore furthermore developed with a view to reducing the resources used. Thus, to save raw material and more generally all secondary costs linked to its production, transport, etc., the present design voluntarily departs from certain conventional solutions in this field, for example by limiting the use of counterweight systems.

[0009] To meet all these objectives and constraints, the present invention relates to an innovative design of a secure closure system for a casing arranged in the ground and comprising an upper opening, this casing being, as indicated, designed to house an extractable waste container. This closure system, which is more particularly the subject of the invention, covers the upper opening and closes automatically when the container is removed from the casing. It firstly conventionally comprises:

[0010] - at least one rectangular hatch rotating around a horizontal axis between at least at least one horizontal closing position obstructing the upper opening of the casing and one vertical opening position inside the casing;

[0011] - means for returning the hatch(es) to the closed position; and

[0012] - a mechanical device for locking / unlocking each hatch in position closing device, said device being unlocked by the container when it comes into contact with the hatch(es).

[0013] Specifically, according to the invention, the mechanical locking / unlocking device comprises at least one gravity mechanism provided with at least one member movable by gravity in a first direction actuating a lock blocking the hatch when it is in the closed position, the bottom of the container placed on the hatch actuating said at least one movable member of the gravity mechanism in an opposite direction capable of unlocking the hatch.

[0014] This is a simple and reliable mechanism providing a locking mechanism which results from movements naturally caused by gravity, causing displacements and / or actions on moving components resulting in locking in the closed position of the hatch(es). The mechanism is further designed so that reverse movements / displacements of these components are possible as soon as the container, even empty, is placed in contact with them, in order to allow unlocking of each hatch.

[0015] More precisely, the gravity mechanism comprises a mobile pedal integrated into the hatch, freely articulated relative to the hatch along an axis of rotation positioned between two asymmetrical parts of the pedal and making it capable of tilting by gravity. between a first position inclined relative to the hatch when the latter is in the horizontal closing position, and a second position integrated into the hatch, flush with its external surface, when the hatch is in the vertical open position in the vicinity of the walls of the casing. The lock then consists of a rod articulated to one of the parts of said pedal and having a free end capable of being housed in a housing secured to the casing when the pedal is in its first position inclined relative to the hatch in the closing position.

[0016] According to a preferred configuration, the axis of rotation of the pedal is oriented in an oblique direction relative to the sides of the rectangular trapdoor. This direction facilitates the implementation of locking by the rod, as will appear more clearly in the remainder of the description.

[0017] According to one possibility, the rod forming a lock can be provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pedal and articulated in the vicinity of the free end of the part of the pedal which pivots under the trapdoor, the pivot axis of said rod being parallel to the axis of rotation of the pedal. The pivoting of the pedal is then at least partially transformed into a rectilinear movement of the rod towards its locking housing.

[0018] To ensure this movement, according to one possible configuration, the rod is guided in the hatch, at its free end, by an orifice made in an edge of the hatch perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hatch. When the hatch is in the horizontal closed position, the free end of said rod - guided by this orifice - protrudes towards a window secured to the casing and placed in the vicinity of the opening of the latter, in order to be housed in said window, for example oblong.

[0019] In fact, more precisely, two pedals are provided in each hatch, arranged symmetrically with respect to a median axis of said hatch perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hatch and in the vicinity of the corners of said hatch distal to said axis of rotation. In short, the pedals are placed near the two free corners of each hatch, so that the locking rods protrude from the lateral edges towards the casing in the vicinity of these corners.

[0020] More preferably, the closing system comprises in practice two homologous hatches whose axes of rotation are placed opposite each other. There is then symmetry of the configuration with respect to a plane passing between and in the middle of the two free end edges of the hatches.

[0021] In practice, each hatch is rotatably mounted in a rectangular frame fitted to the upper opening of the casing. This is a frame, for example metallic, which covers the upper mouth of the casing and is held fixed there without necessarily being mechanically fixed. In this frame, preferably, each hatch comprises two pivoting hinges connecting it to the frame, a jack constituting the means for returning the hatch to its closed position being arranged between the hinges.

[0022] It is precisely this frame which includes windows allowing the housing of the free ends of the rods articulated to the pedals, which are inserted there to lock the hatches in the horizontal closing position.

[0023] This rectangular frame also fulfills additional functions: thus, it comprises a support rim on the peripheral edge of the upper opening of the casing, and two truncated pyramid sections, a first proximal section of the rim widening in the direction of said rim and a second inverted distal section distal to the rim widening in the direction of the bottom of the casing. These two sections act as means for guiding the waste container during its movements, since they allow in particular the centering of said container upon insertion into the casing for the first, and upon extraction for the second.

[0024] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during the description which follows, relating to embodiments which are given only as indicative examples. The understanding of this description will be facilitated in particular by reference to the drawings attached in the appendix and in which:

[0025] [Fig.l] shows a sectional view of a casing buried below ground level and containing a waste container, symmetrical pivoting hatches of the underground volume closure system being placed between the container and the walls of the casing, oriented parallel to the latter and in their immediate vicinity;

[0026] [Fig.2] is a view equivalent to that of the previous figure, without container at waste, the hatches of the closing system having consequently been returned to a horizontal closing position, closing the underground volume;

[0027] [Fig. 3] shows an elevation view of the upper part of the buried tank empty, with the hatches in the closed position;

[0028] [Fig.4] shows a perspective view from below of the mechanically operated hatches connected to a rectangular frame equipping the upper peripheral edge of the casing;

[0029] [Fig.5] represents a view along a section plane parallel to the pedal which illustrates the operation of the hatch locking / unlocking device;

[0030] [Fig.6] shows an enlarged detail;

[0031] [Fig.7] shows one side of the peripheral frame on which the hatches are mounted. ticulated; and

[0032] [Fig.8] shows the peripheral frame with the hatches in an open position towards the outside of the casing.

[0033] With reference to the figures, the casing 1 is provided so that a container 2 is placed there (present only in [Fig.l]), associated with an external mouth (not shown) at by means of which users pour their waste into the container 2. In the presence of the container 2, the hatches 3, 3' of the closing system are pressed against the walls of the container 2 by the action of the jacks 4, 4'. In the absence of the container 2 (see [Fig.2]), these hatches 3, 3' are returned to the horizontal position for closing the casing 1 by jacks 4, 4', and locked in this position by a gravity locking mechanism which is the subject of the present invention. The locked closing position of the hatches 3, 3' also appears in [Fig.3].

[0034] [Fig. 4] also shows more precisely the configuration of the closing hatches 3, 3' and their articulation to a frame 20 also appearing partially in [Fig. 7] and entirely in [Fig. 8], and which is placed on the periphery of the upper opening of the casing 1. The hatches 3, 3' are made up of rectangular panels articulated in two places to said frame 20, so as to be able to pivot around a horizontal axis between at least their open position as shown in [Fig. 4] and their closed position appearing in [Fig. 3]. This latter position makes it possible to obstruct the underground cavity delimited by the casing 1 during the emptying of the container 2, and therefore prevents any accident.

[0035] The gravity locking mechanism comprises pedals 30 placed in the vicinity of the free corners of each hatch 3, 3', and each articulated in a window substantially of the same shape as they are made in the hatches 3, 3'. The shape of these pedals 30 and the location of the axis 31 of their pivoting in the hatches 3, 3' are provided such that:

[0036] - when the hatches 3, 3' are in their horizontal closing position such that shown in [Fig.3], the pedals 30 are naturally tilted, under the effect of gravity, and therefore protrude from the outer surface of said trapdoors 3, 3', but also from the lower surface;

[0037] - when the hatches 3, 3' are in their open position illustrated in [Fig.4] (with a hatch 3 whose lower face is visible and a hatch 3' whose upper face is visible), the pedals - of course still subject to gravity - naturally pivot in the opposite direction relative to the plates constituting the hatches 3, 3', they enter the windows which house them and are flush with the surface of the external face. In this position, they do not oppose the movement of the container 2 during extraction by a crane or during insertion.

[0038] It is this movement of the pedal 30 relative to the hatch 3, 3' which is used to organize a locking of the latter in the closed position of [Fig. 3], and an unlocking in the event of reverse action on the pedals 30 aimed at making them flush with the surface. [Fig. 5] and [Fig. 6] shed more particular light on the operation of the locking / unlocking mechanism: each pedal pivots along an axis 31, on either side of which it has an asymmetrical configuration which precisely allows its tilting under the effect of gravity. This can result from parts having shapes that are different on each side of the axis 31, as in the figures, in which the pedal 30 obeys a substantially triangular configuration in longitudinal section, or from an offset positioning of the axis 31 relative to the middle of the pedal 30. When the trapdoor 3, 3' is horizontal, the portion of the heavier pedal (here that which comprises the base of the triangle) causes it to tilt in the direction F. Its lighter portion protrudes from the surface of the upper face (as in [Fig.3], [Fig.5] and [Fig.6]), while its heavier portion plunges (the largest part of the triangle in section) below the lower face of the trapdoor 3, 3'.

[0039] A rod 33 is articulated around an axis 32 placed at the free end of the heaviest part which plunges under the hatch 3, 3'. This rod is, at its end opposite the articulation 32, guided in an orifice 34 made in one of the lateral edges 35 of the hatch 3, 3'. When the action of the jack 4 applied to the hatch 3, 3' brings the latter back to a horizontal orientation, the progressive tilting of the pedal 30 under the effect of its weight results in moving said rod 33 in translation, and its free end is then inserted into a window 21 made in the frame 20: the hatch 3, 3' is then blocked in a horizontal position, and the pedals 30 are tilted and protrude from the upper and lower surfaces of the hatches 3, 3'.Each hatch 3, 3' comprises in the example illustrated two corner pedals 30, so that when the two hatches 3, 3' are returned by the jacks to the horizontal position, four pedals form protrusions protruding from the upper face of the double hatch 3, 3' which is in a position obstructing the upper opening of the casing 1. The ends of the rods 33 lock the hatches in the windows 21.

[0040] In this closed position, as mentioned previously, this "floor" consisting of the hatches 3, 3' must be able to support a load of 150 kg at any location without opening. The solution presented does not, however, prevent the empty container, carried by the crane, from being lowered again, since its flat-looking bottom 28 (see [Fig.l]) lowers the parts of the pedals 30 which protrude from said "floor", thereby causing all the pedals 30 to pivot in the opposite direction simultaneously, in the direction of the arrow F'. For each pedal 30, the heaviest portion located to the right of the axis 31 rises and the rod 33 is consequently driven so that its free end, opposite its articulation 32, comes out of the window 21, unlocking at the same time the two hatches 3, 3', which are driven against the return means, namely the jacks 4, 4', towards the inside of the casing 1 by the container 2 which continues its descent.

[0041] This gravity system with pedal 30 and locking / unlocking rod 33 is not perpendicular to the housing - that is to say to the window 21 made in the peripheral frame 20 - in which it is locked. The rod 33 forms an angle with the wall of the frame 20 having the housing / window 21, as well as the pedal 30, the angle being provided sufficient so that said pedal 30 can benefit from the gravitational effect and therefore position itself under the effect of gravity parallel and flush with the external surface of the safety hatches 3, 3' when the latter are in a vertical position inside the casing 1. If the pedal 30 and the rod 33 were oriented perpendicular to the proximal wall of the frame 20, controlling the movements of the pedal 30 and the movements of the rod 33 would be complicated to manage. If the pedal 30 is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hatch 3, 3', managing the rod 33 acting as a lock is impossible in the configuration presented.

[0042] As already mentioned, the hatches 3, 3' are fixed to the frame 20 arranged on the upper periphery of the fixed casing 1. This frame 20 has a particular profile, for example visible in [Fig.7] and [Fig.8] (but also in [Fig.4] and [Fig.5]), comprising in section different segments with different orientations in particular so that in three dimensions, certain functions of the frame 20 are ensured. Thus, in addition to the need for it to be attached to the upper opening of the casing, this frame is designed to facilitate the guidance of the container 2 during insertion as well as extraction. For these purposes, the frame comprises, in a vertical direction, inclined portions which make it somewhat frustoconical from top to bottom but also from bottom to top. Given its rectangular shape, these "truncated" portions are in reality truncated pyramids, in this case separated by a vertical portion and oriented opposite each other.They allow the waste container 2 to be guided when the latter is replaced downwards in its fixed casing 1, but also to prevent the lower part of the buried container 2 from catching the frame 20 too abruptly when the waste container 2 is lifted to be emptied.

[0043] Thus, starting from the outside, at ground level, the profile of the frame 20 firstly comprises a horizontal flat edge 22 which rests on the upper peripheral edge of the casing, followed by a small portion 23 in an upper vertical strip which fits inside said casing 1 and allows good positioning of the frame 20 there. A first portion in the shape of a truncated pyramid 24 forming a sort of “cone” for guiding insertion is separated by a median vertical strip 25 from the second portion in the shape of a truncated pyramid 26 oriented in an inverted manner in order to guide extraction. Finally, a lower edge / skirt 27 rises towards the walls of the casing 1. The assembly forming the frame 20 is in reality simply placed on said fixed casing 1.The small clearances between the interior vertical walls of the casing 1 and the vertical strip 23 on the one hand and the free edge of the lower border 27 on the other hand mean that it is not necessary to fix the frame 20 to prevent it from being dislodged when the container 2 is lifted. If dislodgement forces are applied to it, the profile of the frame 20 is in fact designed in such a way that it reacts by bracing itself in the fixed casing 1,. particularly at the level of the peripheral skirt 27, and remains in place.

[0044] As shown in [Fig.8], it is also possible to open the hatches 3, 3' towards the outside of the frame 20 and therefore of the casing 1, in particular in order to facilitate access and cleaning. In this case, we obviously do not have to worry about the position of the pedals 30 of the locking / unlocking mechanism.

[0045] The configuration examples which are the subject of the figures should not be considered as exhaustive of the invention, which on the contrary encompasses structural variants, relating for example to the shapes and angles of inclination of the pedals (30), to the shapes of the portions forming the profile of the frame (20), to the configuration of the articulation of the hatches (3, 3') to the frame (20), etc.

Claims

Claims

1. System for securely closing a casing (1) arranged in the ground, said casing (1) having an upper opening and being designed to house an extractable waste container (2), the closing system covering the upper opening and closing automatically when the container (2) is removed from the casing (1), and comprising: - at least one rectangular hatch (3, 3') rotatable about a horizontal axis between at least one horizontal closing position obstructing the upper opening of the casing (1) and a vertical opening position inside the casing (1); - means (4, 4') for returning the hatch(es) (3, 3') to the closed position; and - a mechanical device for locking / unlocking each hatch (3, 3') in the closed position, said device being unlocked by the container (2) when it comes into contact with the hatch(es) (3, 3'); characterized in that the mechanical locking / unlocking device comprises at least one gravity mechanism provided with at least one member (30) movable by gravity in a first direction actuating a lock (33) blocking the hatch (3, 3') when it is in the closed position, the bottom of the container (2) placed on the hatch actuating said at least one movable member (30) of the gravity mechanism in an opposite direction capable of unlocking the hatch (3, 3').

2. Secure closure system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the gravity mechanism comprises a movable pedal (30) integrated in the hatch (3, 3'), freely articulated relative to the hatch (3, 3') about a rotation axis (31) positioned between two asymmetrical parts of the pedal (30) and making it capable of tilting by gravity between a first position inclined relative to the hatch (3, 3') when the latter is in the horizontal closing position, and a second position integrated in the hatch (3, 3'), flush with its external surface, when the hatch (3, 3') is in the vertical open position in the vicinity of the walls of the casing (1), the lock consisting of a rod (33) articulated to one of the parts of said pedal (30) and having a free end capable of being housed in a housing (21) secured to the casing (1) when the pedal (30) is in its first position inclined relative to the hatch (3, 3') in the closed position.

3. Secure closing system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the axis of rotation (31) of the pedal (30) is oriented in an oblique direction relative to the sides of the rectangular hatch (3, 3').

4. Secure closing system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rod (33) forming a lock is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pedal (30) and articulated in the vicinity of the free end of the part of the pedal (30) which tilts under the hatch while pivoting, the pivot axis (32) of said rod (33) being parallel to the rotation axis (31) of the pedal (30).

5. Secure closing system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rod (33) is guided in the hatch (3, 3'), at its free end, by an orifice (34) made in an edge (35) of the hatch (3, 3') perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hatch (3, 3').

6. Secure closing system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that two pedals (30) are provided in each hatch (3, 3'), arranged symmetrically with respect to a median axis of said hatch (3, 3') perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hatch (3, 3') and in the vicinity of the corners of said hatch (3, 3') distal to said axis of rotation.

7. Secure closing system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the closing system comprises two homologous hatches (3, 3') whose axes of rotation are placed opposite each other.

8. Secure closure system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each hatch (3, 3') is rotatably mounted in a rectangular frame (20) fitted to the upper opening of the casing (1).

9. Secure closing system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each hatch (3, 3') comprises two pivoting hinges connecting it to the frame (20), a jack (4, 4') constituting the means for returning the hatch (3, 3') to its closed position being arranged between the two hinges.

10. Secure closing system according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the frame (20) comprises windows (21) allowing the housing of the free ends of the rods (33) articulated to the pedals (33).

11. Secure closure system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rectangular frame (20) comprises a support rim (22) on the peripheral edge of the upper opening of the casing (1), and two sections (24, 26) in the shape of a truncated pyramid, a first section (24) proximal to the rim (22) widening in the direction of said rim (22) and a second section (26) distally inverted distal to the rim (22) widening in the direction of the bottom of the casing (1).

Images