Protective device and protective gate including such a protective device

Abstract

Protective device (7) for an anti-aggression protective gate comprising a separation structure (24) including a sill (5) having a base edge (84) and a crest edge (85) opposed to each other, a pane of glass (4) having an upper edge (71) capable of moving vertically relative to the sill and projecting from the crest edge (85), the pane of glass (4) being subjected to a thrust force (P) including a vertical component (N), an actuator (20) capable of exerting a reaction force greater than the vertical component (N), the actuator being positioned at the line of action of the vertical component of the thrust force (P), so as to allow the upper edge (71) to be moved away from the base edge (84). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 6.

Description

Title of the invention: Protective device and protective gate comprising such a protective device

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of protection devices, and more particularly to window lift protection devices, in particular those used in partitions with movable glass in a vertical plane, for example in buses as part of an anti-aggression protection gate, or for ticket offices requiring the use of a retractable glass.

[0002] In the present description, the expressions "protection device", "anti-aggression protection device" refer to a window lift protection device, and the expression "protection gate" refers to an anti-aggression protection gate.

[0003] Throughout the remainder of the description, reference is made to a protective device for a protective gate intended for use on buses. However, the protective device can also be used for other applications, for example for a ticket office in a shop, in a sentry box or any other shelter.

[0004] Public transport drivers, particularly bus drivers, are particularly exposed to the risk of assault. Such assaults, particularly if they are physical, can result in the development of acute stress, or even in some cases post-traumatic stress disorders, as described for example in Effects of serious acts of violence among bus drivers of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), Guay et al.

[0005] In order to prevent such acts of violence, which have serious consequences for drivers, it is known to use protective gates.

[0006] [Fig. 1] represents a protective gate 1 according to the prior art, such a protective gate 1 extending substantially along a vertical plane. Such a protective gate 1 is arranged between the driver of a bus, seated on a seat 2, and his passengers located in the space 3 dedicated to them.

[0007] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, such a protective gate 1 is generally used in buses with a window 4, often made of tempered glass. Typically, the window 4 is slidably mounted relative to a sill 5 and a rear pillar 11. The sill 5 and the rear pillar 11 are integral with each other, forming a pivoting assembly relative to the interior structure of the bus (not shown).

[0008] The window 4 is able to move in the vertical plane in the direction of ascent or descent. In [Fig.2], the window 4 is retracted, that is to say is lowered into the compartment 5, into a slot (not visible) with sufficient thickness to accommodate the window 4. In such a so-called retracted configuration, the window 4 is no longer visible, and the driver can communicate freely with the passengers.

[0009] In the event of danger, a control device (not shown in the figures) is made available to the driver to operate the window 4, which then moves into the extended configuration, i.e. slides and positions itself as an extension of the sill 5. Such an arrangement makes it possible to form a wall that is physically impassable for a potential attacker. Such a situation is illustrated [Fig.3].

[0010] The rear pillar 11, in particular, has a role of support for the protective gate 1, but also of pivot axis. The protective gate 1 can thus be opened or closed and allow access to the driving position 2 for the bus driver.

[0011] In order to best ensure its protective function, it is sought that such a protective gate 1 allows the window 4 to be raised in the shortest possible time, including when an attacker is leaning on it.

[0012] In general, the actuation of the window 4 is carried out by means of electric or compressed fluid lifting devices, for example a pneumatic cylinder.

[0013] The use of a pneumatic cylinder is generally the most widely used solution in the known prior art. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, such a cylinder 10 is housed in or near the rear upright 11

[0014] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the pneumatic cylinder 10 of the gate 1 according to the prior art has a cylinder 8 and a rod 6 driving a carriage 12. The carriage 12 allows the window 4 to be guided during its movement along the upright 11. The carriage 12 and the rod 6 take up the cantilever forces of the window 4 and the overload applied to the window 4. The overload force is for example created by an attacker leaning on the window 4 to prevent it from being closed by the driver.

[0015] In [Fig.4], the exit of the rod 6 from the cylinder 8 results in the window 4 being raised. In [Fig.5], a variant is shown in which the jack 10 is arranged in the opposite direction, the exit of the rod 6 causing the window to descend, the raising being carried out when the rod 6 enters the cylinder 8.

[0016] Whatever the configuration of the installation of the cylinder 10 for actuating the window 4, taking into account the space constraints linked to the ergonomics of the driving position, the stroke necessary to obtain a sufficient height of the protective gate 1 requires a constructive length of the rod 6 and therefore of the cylinder greater than the height of the sill 5. In addition, the stroke of the cylinder used being of the order of magnitude of a meter, the rod 6 is particularly subject to bending problems.

[0017] Such a problem is overcome in the prior art by oversizing and guiding the end of the rod 6.

[0018] Such a solution is however unsatisfactory. Indeed, the cylinder 10 is in all cases difficult to access for carrying out maintenance operations. In addition, the cylinder 10 is supplied with fluid via connection orifices (not shown) which require cutouts (not shown), which weaken the rear upright 11 and constrain the fluid supply tubes. In addition, the integration of the cylinder in the rear upright 11 has the consequence of increasing the volume and therefore the bulk of the latter. The driver's lateral field of vision may be hindered by such an upright 11.

[0019] Furthermore, the reduction in the size of the height of the cylinder 10 of the protective gate 1 according to the prior art is limited by the fact that such a pneumatic cylinder of the protective gates 1 does not have damping devices with limited size.

[0020] The state of the art presents several types of damping devices.

[0021] Document EPI 199480 A2 discloses pneumatic damping provided in each direction of movement by a cylindrical part concentric with the cylinder rod. Such damping does not make it possible to significantly reduce the size since such a device is superimposed on the rod seal and its guidance in the upper cover.

[0022] Patent application EP2107255 A1 describes an extension damping system, produced by means of a ring located on a piston provided with an inner peripheral seal and an outer peripheral seal. The seals consist of a single piece, which, at the start of the slowing down phase during extension of the rod, penetrate into an annular chamber of the cylinder cover. The rod guide and sealing elements are located in the core of this chamber. The guide, sealing and damping functions therefore use the same constructive length at the cylinder cover. However, the damping is insufficient.

[0023] The invention proposes to address the aforementioned drawbacks, and in particular to remedy the problems of overhang and oversizing of the jack.

[0024] A first object is to propose an anti-aggression protection device having a limited size compared to the anti-aggression protection devices of the state of the art.

[0025] A second object is to propose such a protection device which makes it possible not to obstruct a driver's vision.

[0026] A third object is to propose such a protection device offering a reduced mass compared to the known devices of the state of the art.

[0027] A fourth object is to propose such a protection device having easy maintenance.

[0028] A fifth object is to propose an anti-aggression protection gate for buses comprising the protection device presented above.

[0029] In this perspective, the invention proposes according to a first aspect a protection device for an anti-aggression protection gate comprising a separation structure comprising a sill provided with a base edge and a crest edge opposite one another, a window provided with an upper edge, the window being able to move vertically relative to the sill, and to project from the crest edge, the window being subjected to a thrust force comprising a vertical component, an actuator arranged opposite the sill, the actuator being able to exert a reaction force greater than the vertical component, the actuator being arranged in line with the line of action of the vertical component of the thrust force, so as to allow the upper edge to be moved away from the base edge.

[0030] Other additional features may be provided alone or in combination:

[0031] - the actuator comprises a reduction mechanism including a jack capable of translate vertically, the jack incorporating a body facing the sill and at least one rod articulated relative to the sill, the reduction mechanism comprises the transmission member forming a loop around the body, the transmission member defining a first termination and a second termination, both being secured to the sill via a fixing point;

[0032] - the fixing point incorporates at least two vertically movable fixing elements calmly relative to each other;

[0033] - the linear transmission member extends in a vertical transmission plane, the jack comprising two identical rods, both arranged parallel on either side of the transmission plane, the two rods being separated from each other by a gap having a transverse distance greater than the transverse dimension of the linear transmission member;

[0034] - the protection device comprises a mechanical fixing means intended to allow the securing of a distal end of a rod to the sill, when the distal end is secured to the sill, the actuator is suspended from the sill;

[0035] - the mechanical fixing means comprises a block provided with a housing, capable of receive the distal end, the block as well as a key intended to pass through a shape provided on the block so as to be introduced into a groove provided on the distal end;

[0036] - the block comprises a fastener intended to be provided with a ball joint mounted in a ball joint housing;

[0037] - the linear transmission member is a roller chain guided by through four pinions having rotation axes integral with the jack;

[0038] - the body defines two chambers, separated by a piston arranged on a rod, said rod being hollow so as to form a fluid circulation channel respectively connecting each of the chambers to a fluid supply;

[0039] - the body comprises a cylindrical tube closed by a lower cover and a upper cover, the rods being integral with a piston intended to translate within the tube, the piston comprising a damping face opposite the rods, the damping face being provided with at least one damping cylinder intended to be inserted within an upper chamber formed within the upper cover, the axis of the at least one damping cylinder having an angular offset with the extension axis of one of the rods;

[0040] - the angular offset is 90°.

[0041] In a second aspect, there is proposed an anti-aggression protection gate for buses comprising the protection device as presented above, a rear upright fixed to an edge of the sill, sliding means comprising at least one pad secured to the window, and capable of sliding relative to the rear upright.

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and concretely on reading the following description of embodiments, which is given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0043] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a schematic top view of a cockpit of a bus equipped with a protective gate;

[0044] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a schematic side view of a gate of protection of a bus with a window in the lowered position;

[0045] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a schematic side view of a gate of protection of a bus, with a window in the raised position;

[0046] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a schematic side view of a gate of protection of a bus according to the prior art, the visible and non-visible elements being represented in solid lines;

[0047] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a schematic side view of a gate of protection of a bus according to the prior art, the visible and non-visible elements being represented in solid lines;

[0048] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a schematic side view of a gate of protection of a bus including the protection device, the visible and non-visible elements being represented in solid lines;

[0049] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a schematic sectional view of the device actuation relative to the cutting plane 0-0 of [Fig.6];

[0050] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents a schematic perspective view of the actuator of the protective device;

[0051] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a schematic side view of the actuator of the protective device in retracted configuration, and in extended configuration;

[0052] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents a schematic top view of the actuator of the protection device;

[0053] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] represents a partial schematic sectional view of an upper part of the actuator according to the section plane AA of [Fig. 10];

[0054] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] represents a partial schematic sectional view of a lower part of the actuator according to the section plane AA of [Fig. 10];

[0055] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] represents a partial schematic sectional view of the cylinder assembly according to the section plane CC of [Fig. 10];

[0056] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] represents a partial schematic sectional view of a lower part of the cylinder assembly according to the section plane DD of [Fig. 10];

[0057] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] represents a partial schematic sectional view of an upper part of the cylinder assembly according to the section plane DD of [Fig. 10];

[0058] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the distal ends of the cylinder rods.

[0059] Reference is made to [Fig.6] representing a protective gate 1 according to the invention comprising a protection device 7. Similar to the prior art, such a gate 1 comprises a separation structure 24, intended to be immobile, as well as a window 4, mounted to slide, in translation relative to the separation structure.

[0060] Similar to the prior art, the window 4 translates between an extended configuration or position, and a retracted position. The vertical direction is defined as being the direction of movement of the window 4.

[0061] In a retracted position, the window 4 is retracted, and is completely hidden by the separation structure 24. Alternatively, in the retracted position, the window 4 is partially retracted, and is partially hidden by the separation structure 24, due to a sill dimension 5 less than the travel necessary to allow the total closing of the window 4.

[0062] In an extended position, position shown in [Fig.6], the window 4 is visible, and extends in the extension of the separation structure 24.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the protective gate 1 is intended for the field of public transport comprising a cockpit and transporting passengers, for example road transport (bus, coach, automobile), rail transport (trams, metros, trains) or river transport (river shuttle for example). However, the protective gate 1 finds an advantageous application for any ticket office within which a person must be able to be protected from the public. The gate can be used for example in cash registers, ticket offices or reception areas or places open to the public, for example concert halls, sports venues (stadiums in particular), public buildings (hospitals, administration, train stations for example), shops (small and large stores), or banks.

[0064] As shown in the figures, the separation structure 24 comprises in particular a sill 5 and a rear upright 11, secured to each other, so as to constitute a gate sufficiently robust to allow the support of a window.

[0065] Advantageously, the sill 5 is in the form of a plate having a base edge 84, intended, in the embodiment described, to be located in the vicinity of the ground (not shown), and a crest edge 85.

[0066] Advantageously, the sill 5 has a slot (not visible in the figures) allowing the window 4 to translate within the sill 5.

[0067] When the window 4 is in the retracted position, the crest edge 85 is free, that is to say that the window 4 does not protrude from the sill 5. In such a position, the protective gate 1 is in an unsecured configuration, the window 4 being invisible, and does not constitute an obstacle.

[0068] When the window 4 is in the extended position, the crest edge 85 faces the window 4, that is to say that the window 4 extends in extension, projects from the sill 5, presenting a protective surface.

[0069] When the window 4 is extended to its maximum travel, predefined to be long enough to allow the formation of an obstacle high enough for an attacker, the protective gate 1 is in a secure configuration. Such a configuration is that shown in [Fig.6].

[0070] In order to allow the translation of the window 4 relative to the separation structure 24, the protection device 7 advantageously comprises a sliding means 25, for example skates, moving on a guide rail 26, advantageously positioned within the rear upright 11.

[0071] In the embodiments shown, the window 4 has an upper edge, forming the limit of a barrier constituted by the window 4, in extension of the sill.

[0072] Thus, the window 4 is able to move between an extended position, shown in [Fig. 6], in which the window 4 extends in extension of the sill 5, and a retracted position in which the window 4 is lowered. In the extended position, the distance between the upper edge 71 and the base edge 84 is greater than the distance between the upper edge 71 and the base edge 84 when the window is in the retracted position.

[0073] As shown in the figures, the protection device 7 comprises an actuator 20 allowing the window 4 to move relative to the protection structure.

[0074] In order to remedy the problems of overhang and oversizing explained in the gates of the state of the art, and as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the actuator 20 is arranged in line with a line of action 27 of the vertical component N of a force of predetermined thrust P, resulting from all the forces exerted on the window 4.

[0075] Also, the actuator 20 exerts an actuating force opposing the vertical component N of the thrust force P, making it possible to move the upper edge 71 away from the base edge 84, in other words to allow the window 4 to rise.

[0076] In general, the line of action 27 is located close to the vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the window 4.

[0077] Such forces include, for example, the force of gravity of the window 4, the interaction forces between the window and the separation structure 24, and the vertical force that an attacker would apply preventing the window 4 from rising.

[0078] Also, the overhang of the window 4, present in the gates of the prior art, is therefore eliminated, allowing the actuator 20 to only come into contact with a vertical force by an actuating force. The stresses to which the actuator 20 is subjected are reduced, which has the consequence in particular that the wear of the protection device 7 is minimized. In addition, the size of the actuator 20 can be reduced allowing it to be positioned elsewhere than within the upright 11.

[0079] The actuator 20 is arranged opposite the sill 5, so as not to be visible, and to be able to be fixed on the sill 5. Such positioning is made possible by the reduced size of the actuator 20. In other words, the visual field of the bus driver is not impacted.

[0080] Advantageously, the actuator 20 comprises a cylinder 10, preferably of the pneumatic type, and a reduction mechanism 21. Such a reduction mechanism 21, advantageously looped on itself, allows the reduction of the stroke Cv of the cylinder 10. In this way, compared to the cylinders of the gates of the state of the art, the total stroke C of the cylinder 10 no longer depends solely on the length of the rod. The rod can therefore be minimized, making it possible to reduce the size of the cylinder 10 and the actuator 20. Such an arrangement contributes to allowing the positioning of the actuator 20 opposite the sill 5, and does not require positioning within the upright 11.

[0081] As can be seen in Figures 8, 9 and 13, in the embodiment shown, the jack 10 incorporates a body 29 provided with a cylindrical tube 35, closed at its ends by an upper cover 32 and a lower cover 33, and in which a piston 55 moves in an internal space comprising an upper chamber 62 and a lower chamber 45, the upper chamber 62 being between the piston 55 and the upper cover 32, and the lower chamber between the piston 55 and the lower cover 33.

[0082] As can be seen in Figures 8 to 12, and more particularly in [Fig.9], the reduction mechanism 21 comprises a transmission member linear 30, and four pinions 31 on the jack 10. The pinions 31 each have an axis of rotation 67, integral with the jack 10.

[0083] The pinions 31 are for example arranged two by two on the upper cover 32 and the lower cover 33, the linear transmission member going around the body 29 or almost the entire body 29. Throughout the remainder of the description, and without this being limiting, the linear transmission member is a roller chain, which offers the advantages of being durable and easily available.

[0084] In other embodiments, the linear transmission member is for example a cable, or a toothed belt.

[0085] Advantageously, and as shown in Figures 7 and 10, the roller chain 30 belongs to a transmission plane TR passing through the middle of the body 29, such a plane having an acute angle with respect to the vertical plane. In this way, the forces are balanced. However, in a jack according to the prior art, the rod passes through such a middle plane. Also, the jack 10 is preferably equipped with two parallel rods 34, both connected to the same piston 55 via proximal ends 17. In other words, the two rods 34 are separated from each other by a gap having a transverse distance greater than the transverse dimension of the chain 30.

[0086] Advantageously, and as shown in [Fig. 13], the proximal ends 17 are tapped so that each of the rods 34 can receive a connecting screw 73, allowing them to be secured to the piston 55.

[0087] As can be observed in particular in Figures 11 and 13, the piston 55 is advantageously formed of an upper half-piston 74 and a lower half-piston 77, the functions of which are presented later in this text.

[0088] In an advantageous implementation illustrated [Fig. 13], the connecting screw 73 comprises a hollow 83 forming a passage in the upper half-piston 74. The screw 73 has an internal shape (not visible in the figures) allowing it to be tightened.

[0089] Advantageously, the screw 73 comprises two threaded parts with different pitches (not visible in the figures). Such a difference in pitch makes it possible to bring a rod 34 into contact with the upper half-piston 74 without requiring rotation of the rod 34. Such an arrangement is advantageous, because the rod 34 must have a precise orientation at its distal end 70 to block its rotation during assembly on the structure supporting the jack 10, the adjustment is not modified in any way by the installation of the screw 73. The assembly of the protection device 7 is thus facilitated.

[0090] Furthermore, such a screw 73 allows the addition of sealing means on its threads making it possible to achieve sealing against the fluid under pressure. In this way, such an arrangement has the advantage of isolating the fluid located in the rods 34 from the upper chamber 62.

[0091] In order to allow the translation of the actuator 20, the chain 30 comprises a first termination 18 and a second termination 19, both secured to the separation structure 24, and in particular to the sill 5. Furthermore, the window 4 is linked to the chain 30 via a connection point 28.

[0092] Advantageously, as can be seen in [Fig. 6], the sill 5 comprises a fixing point 23 making it possible to secure the ends 18, 19 of the chain to the sill 5. More specifically, and as can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, the protection device 7 comprises two fixing elements 72 on each of which the ends 18, 19 of the chain are fixed. In order to be able to adjust the position of the window 4 when the actuator 20 moves, and to compensate for any wear of the chain 30, the fixing elements 72 are spaced apart from each other.

[0093] Advantageously, the rods 34 are secured to the separation structure 24, for example to the sill 5, for example by being fixed at their distal ends 70 to the sill 5, at a suspension point 22 of the sill 5, visible [Fig. 6]. In this way, the activation of the jack 10 by introduction of fluid has the consequence of causing the translation of the body 29 relative to the separation structure 24.

[0094] Given the presence of the roller chain 30, such a movement of the body 29 has the effect of causing the translation of the chain around the jack 10, and thus moves the window 4. Also, the stroke of the jack 10 is multiplied, since in addition to the stroke linked to the movement of the jack 10 itself, the window 4 undergoes the stroke linked to the movement of the chain 30. In this way, the length of the rods 34 can be limited, making it possible to have the smallest possible jack 10.

[0095] Preferably, the actuator 20 is positioned downwards, that is to say that the body 29 is suspended by means of the rods 34 from the sill 5, at a suspension point 22 of the sill 5, visible [Fig. 6]. In this way, the rods 34 thus undergo mainly tensile stresses avoiding the appearance of jamming or skewing of the tube 35 relative to the piston and the rods 34, which can appear during the extension of the rods 34 undergoing a force.

[0096] The tube 35 is described more specifically with reference, for example, to [Fig. 13].

[0097] In the embodiment shown, the sealing of the tube 35 is ensured by means of sealing gaskets 36, 36', each arranged between the upper cover 32 and the tube 35, and the lower cover 33 and the tube 35.

[0098] Advantageously, and as visible in [Fig. 12], the fitting of the tube 35 in the covers 32 and 33 is held in position by means of tie rods 37, provided for example in the number of four, passing outside the tube 35. The tie rods 37 allow the covers 32, 33 to grip the tube in a vice, by creating a compressive stress on the tube 35.

[0099] Advantageously, the tie rods 37 are screwed into the upper cover 32 in order to not to form a protrusion on the upper surface of the upper cover 32. The presence of such a protrusion would in fact be detrimental to the proper functioning of the cylinder 10, since it would create a risk of collision with the cylinder supply hoses connected to the rods 34.

[0100] Preferably, the tie rods 37 pass through the lower cover 33 via lower openings 65, and are each immobilized using nuts 39, making assembly easy.

[0101] Advantageously, and as visible in [Fig. 13], each of the rods 34 passes through the upper cover 32 via perforations 66. Such perforations 66 are preferably each provided with at least one sealing gasket and one scraper gasket per rod, such gaskets being for example merged into a single sealing element 40.

[0102] Advantageously, each rod 34 is guided by a guide ring 41 mounted in the perforation 66, preventing the rods 34 from bending and becoming blocked in the upper cover 32.

[0103] We will now describe more particularly the manner in which the damping of the jack 10 is achieved when the rod 34 retracts, that is to say when the piston 55 approaches the lower cover 33. To do this, we refer in particular to Figures 12 to 14.

[0104] Advantageously, the piston 55 comprises a lower face 15 facing the lower cover 33, provided with a bulge 42, preferably of cylindrical shape. The bulge 42 penetrates for example into a damping chamber 43 arranged in the lower cover 33. Such a damping chamber 43 is provided with a peripheral seal 44 at its top.

[0105] Thus, as can be seen in [Fig. 14], when the bulge 42 comes into contact with the peripheral seal 44, the air present between the piston 55 and the lower cover 33 is directed exclusively through a leak channel 46', arranged in the lower cover 33, through a throttling device 49 allowing the control of the leak flow rate. In this way, the air is put into communication with the volume located under the bulge 42 via the exhaust channel 46, which intersects the leak channel 46'.

[0106] Advantageously, such a throttling device 49 comprises a hollow shaft 48 which can pivot to regulate the air flow, the air being able to penetrate inside such a hollow shaft a radial opening. The rotation of the hollow shaft 48 makes it possible to adjust the alignment between the radial opening with an orifice 46 formed in the lower cover 33 of the cylinder. Such a feature makes it possible to limit the air flow passing through the throttling device 49, while being compact. In this way, the size of the protection device 7 can be limited.

[0107] We will now describe more particularly the manner in which the damping of the jack 10 is achieved when the rod 34 extends, that is to say when the piston 55 moves towards the upper cover 32. To do this, we refer in particular to figures 11, 13 and 15.

[0108] In the embodiment shown, the jack 10 comprises two damping cylinders 60, integral with the piston 55, arranged opposite the upper cover 32 on a damping face 68. The upper cover 32 is advantageously provided with two upper chambers 63, 63', each being provided with a seal 61. The upper chambers 63, 63' are thus intended to receive the damping cylinders 60.

[0109] As the piston 55 approaches the upper cover 32, the damping cylinders 60 come into contact with the seals 61, making it possible to isolate the upper chamber 62 from the two upper chambers 63 and 63'. In this way, the upper chamber of the cylinder 62 empties and fills from the upper chamber 63 via a channel 64 provided in the latter through a throttle device 49 adjustable by rotation intended to limit the air flow.

[0110] Advantageously, the damping rods 34 and cylinders 60 are angularly, for example orthogonally, offset relative to each other. Thanks to such an angular offset, it is possible to use the same height as the guide part of the rods 34 of the upper cover 32 for damping the cylinder 10, which advantageously reduces the construction length of the cylinder 10. The disadvantage of having a damping distance of the piston 55 in the upper cover 32 is thereby reduced, this defect being compensated for by the external reduction of the stroke of the cylinder 10.

[0111] In the embodiments shown, hollow rods 34 are provided for supplying each of the chambers 45, 62. Such an arrangement makes it possible to do without supply hoses, and advantageously eliminates malfunctions resulting from wear problems of such hoses. The durability of the protection device 7 is thus increased.

[0112] As can be seen in the figures, the upper half-piston 74 and the lower half-piston 77 take the form of two stacked discs secured to each other by mechanical means at contact faces 58, 59.

[0113] Advantageously, the upper half-piston 74 comprises a groove 75 receiving a seal 76 ensuring sealing between the two chambers 45, 62 of the jack 10.

[0114] As illustrated [Fig.13], such an upper half-piston 74 is preferably provided with two threaded orifices 78 in which the hollow screws 73 are housed which ensure the mechanical and pneumatic connection with the rods of the jack 10.

[0115] In a plane orthogonal to that containing the tapped holes 78 there are located before preferably at least two communication holes 79 ensuring the continuity of the damping orifices 80 present in the damping cylinders 60 and the first contact face 58 defined by the upper half piston 74.

[0116] Advantageously, a path 81 is provided on the first contact face 58, in order to make the two communication holes 79 communicate with the threaded orifice 78 connected to one of the rods 34. In this way, the communication of the pressurized fluid takes place between the interior of one of the rods 34 and the upper chamber 62, or the two upper chambers 63, 63' formed in the upper cover 32.

[0117] Advantageously, the lower half-piston 77, forming in particular the piston 55 in its lower part, comprises a second contact face 59 intended to center it in the upper half-piston 74. Such a second contact face 59 is provided with a peripheral seal (not visible in the figures) so as to isolate the space between the two half-pistons 74, 77 from the lower chamber 45.

[0118] Advantageously, the lower half-piston 77 is provided with a conduit 82 allowing communication between the threaded orifice 78 in connection with the supply rod 34 of the jack, and the bulge 42 which comes into interposition with the damping chamber 43 of the lower cover 33.

[0119] Advantageously, the presence of a sealing means (not visible in the figures) is provided on the contact faces 58, 59, so as to allow the conduit 82 to be isolated from the path 81.

[0120] The distal ends 70 of the cylinder 10 will now be described more specifically, with particular reference to FIGS. 13 and 16.

[0121] Advantageously, the distal ends 70 are provided with mechanical fasteners retaining the assembly constituted by the actuator 20 and the window 4. Such distal ends 70 incorporate an orifice intended for the passage of the compressed fluid.

[0122] In an advantageous embodiment illustrated in particular [Fig. 16], the rods 34 comprise, near their distal end 70, one or more grooves 100, cylindrical or rectangular. In such an embodiment, the two rods 34 penetrate inside a machined block 101, each in an opposing housing (not visible in the figures).

[0123] Advantageously, inside the opposing housing is provided a groove (not visible) allowing the installation of a seal 104 ensuring sealing with the distal end 70. The housings each enter into communication with one or more connection orifices 105 allowing the mounting of pneumatic connections (not shown) allowing the connection of the external supply pipes of the jack (not shown). In this way, the supply pipes are at a distance from the zone comprising moving elements, such as the tube 35 or the chain 30.

[0124] Advantageously, the extra connection orifices 105 are neutralized at means of plugs 106.

[0125] Advantageously, one or more cylindrical or rectangular shapes 107 are provided in the block 101 in a tangent manner to the housings 102. Such cylindrical shapes 107 receive a key 108 of a shape corresponding to the grooves 100, interposed between the rods 34 and their housing 102. Such an assembly makes it possible to ensure the connection between the rods 34 and the block 101, making it possible to contribute to the hanging of the jack 10 and therefore of the actuator 20.

[0126] Advantageously, a fastener 109 is provided in the central part of the block 101, making it possible to make the connection with the separation structure 24.

[0127] In an advantageous embodiment, the attachment 109 incorporates a ball joint 110 mounted in a housing 111 of the block 101. An axis 112 linked to the separation structure 24 penetrates inside the ball joint 110. Such an arrangement advantageously avoids any stress in the jack 10 linked to a misalignment of the suspension point 22 with the fixing point and the connection point 28.

[0128] The separation barrier 1 as described above offers numerous advantages, in particular:

[0129] - increased compactness of the actuator 20 compared to the devices of the prior art,

[0130] - increased durability, in particular due to the damping implemented in the within the cylinder 10, the reduction of internal stresses in the cylinder 10

[0131] - easy assembly.

Claims

Claims

1. Protective device (7) for an anti-aggression protective gate comprising: - a separation structure (24) comprising a sill (5) provided with a base edge (84) and a crest edge (85) opposite each other, - a window (4) provided with an upper edge (71), the window (4) being able to move in a plane vertically relative to the sill (5), and to project from the crest edge (85), the window (4) being subjected to a thrust force (P) comprising a vertical component (N), - an actuator (20) arranged opposite the sill (5), the actuator (20) being capable of exerting a reaction force greater than the vertical component (N), the actuator (20) being arranged in line with the line of action of the vertical component (N) of the thrust force (P), so as to allow the upper edge (71) to be moved away from the base edge (84).

2. Protective device (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuator (20) comprises a reduction mechanism (21) including: - a jack (10) capable of translating vertically, the jack (10) integrating a body (29) facing the sill (5) and at least one rod (34) articulated relative to the sill (5), - the reduction mechanism (21) integrating a transmission member (30) forming a loop around the body (29), the transmission member (30) defining a first termination (18) and a second termination (19), both secured to the sill (5) via a fixing point (23).

3. Protective device (7) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing point (23) incorporates at least two fixing elements (72) which can be moved vertically relative to each other.

4. Protective device (7) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transmission member (30) extends in a transmission plane (TR) passing through the middle of the body (29), the jack (10) comprising two identical rods (34), both arranged parallel on either side of the transmission plane, the two rods (34) being separated from each other by a gap having a transverse distance greater than the transverse dimension of the transmission member (30).

5. Protective device (7) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical fixing means intended to allow the securing of a distal end (70) of a rod (34) to the sill (5), when the distal end (70) is secured to the sill (5), the actuator (20) is suspended from the sill (5).

6. Protective device (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the mechanical fixing means comprises a block (101) provided with a housing (102), capable of receiving the distal end (70), the block (101) as well as a key (108) intended to pass through a shape (107) formed on the block so as to be introduced into a groove provided on the distal end (70).

7. Protective device (7) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the block (101) comprises a fastener (109) intended to be provided with a ball joint (110) mounted in a ball joint housing (111).

8. Protective device (7) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the transmission member (30) is a roller chain guided by means of four sprockets (31) having rotation axes (67) integral with the jack (10).

9. Protective device (7) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the body (29) defines two chambers (45, 62), separated by a piston (55) arranged on a rod (34), said rod (34) being hollow so as to form a fluid circulation channel respectively connecting each of the chambers (45, 62) to a fluid supply.

10. Protective device (7) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the body (29) comprises a cylindrical tube (35) closed by a lower cover (33) and an upper cover (32), the rods (34) being integral with a piston (55) intended to translate within the tube (35), the piston (55) comprising a damping face (68) opposite the rods (34), the damping face (68) being provided with at least one damping cylinder (60) intended to be inserted within an upper chamber (63, 63') formed within the upper cover (32), the axis of the at least one cylinder damping (60) having an angular offset with the extension axis of one of the rods (34).

11. Protective device (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angular offset is 90°.

12. Anti-aggression protection gate (1) for buses comprising: - the protection device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a rear upright (11) fixed to an edge of the sill (5), sliding means comprising at least one pad (25) secured to the window (4), and capable of sliding relative to the rear upright (11).

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