SYSTEM FOR CLOSING A PASSAGE OF ELONGATED ELEMENTS THROUGH A WALL, PROVIDING THEIR PROTECTION AGAINST PESTS

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing system (2) for a passage of elongated elements (8) in an opening (10) in a wall (12). Such a sealing system is characterized in that it comprises a base plate (4) receiving a plurality of elongated strips (14) oriented longitudinally and stacked transversely, each strip (14) being able to slide along its length independently of all the other strips (14), in a forward direction towards the elongated elements (8), and in that it comprises a clamping device (S) for these strips (14). Applicable to the protection of pipes and cables, particularly electrical cables, against pests, especially rodents, snakes, and large insects. Figure for the abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM FOR CLOSING A PASSAGE FOR ELONGATED ELEMENTS ACROSS A WALL PROVIDING THEIR PROTECTION AGAINST PESTS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for sealing a passage of elongated elements through a wall intended to ensure the protection of said elongated elements against harmful animals, in particular rodents, snakes and large insects.

[0002] It also relates to any assembly consisting of two such shutter systems.

[0003] Finally, it relates to a method of implementing such a system as well as an assembly comprising two systems arranged in opposition on either side of the elongated elements. Prior state of the art

[0004] For the passage of elongated elements with a constant cross-section, such as electrical cables or pipes for gas or other fluids, openings are provided to allow the entry of such elements, either in one of the walls of enclosed volumes, for example electrical cabinets or technical booths, or in the structures separating contiguous volumes, for example walls, partitions, floors, or intermediate ceilings between two rooms in the same building. In particular, electrical cables can enter a cabinet by passing through an opening made on one side of said cabinet, and similarly, in a building, a set of pipes and cables can pass from one room to another using an opening made in the wall separating these two rooms.

[0005] When cables or pipes are installed after the wall containing the passageway has been erected, a free lateral space is generally left around the elongated elements to allow for the necessary maneuvers for this installation. Furthermore, if the installation is to be modified, for example, with the addition of certain elements or their future replacement with elements having a different cross-section, it is necessary to provide a free lateral space in the existing passageway around the already installed elements to allow for these maneuvers.

[0006] Precisely because of this lateral space left free in the opening, a possibility is created for the passage of unwanted animals, such as reptiles, rodents or large insects, which enter a technical room or pass from one moving from one volume of a building to another, for example, to settle in a room better sheltered from the cold or to find food.

[0007] In particular, rodents pose numerous problems, such as gnawing on various brittle materials, including insulation or soft materials, to build nests or to eat, causing significant damage that can lead to breakdowns, fluid leaks, or short circuits. Power outages in such systems and the associated repair costs can result in substantial expenses, and sometimes the damage is so extensive that it can cause accidents.

[0008] To avoid these problems, a first known solution, presented in particular by document GB-A-2168774 published on June 25, 1986, consists of the use of two identical plates arranged in opposition, which can slide towards each other, which in a close position leave a central circular hole allowing the passage of a pipe arranged perpendicularly and which, in a position away from said plates, leaves an oblong hole allowing the passage of the pipe with an inclination.

[0009] This results in the protection of an opening around a single elongated element that can have different inclinations, but which can only completely surround this element with a certain amount of space around it. Therefore, in the case of an opening containing several elements arranged side by side with varying spacing, including elements that are close to or in contact with each other, this type of protection is not suitable since it can only surround each element individually. Furthermore, this method of protection is unsuitable when the elongated elements have a non-circular cross-section.

[0010] Another known solution, presented in particular by document US-Al-2005 / 0227535 published on October 13, 2005, consists of using a cable gland forming a small housing inserted into a cutout in a partition wall. This housing has two opposing walls made of a flexible material, each with a straight slot. The cable is inserted into each slot, forcing its descent into the housing due to the deformation of the flexible edges of the slots, which simultaneously tightens these edges around the sides of the cable.

[0011] However, while this solution may be suitable for small-section cable passages, particularly those a few millimeters wide, as the flexible edges of the slots tighten sufficiently on each side to close the passages, it is completely unsuitable for protecting elongated elements with a larger cross-section, some reaching several centimeters in width, such as fluid supply pipes. Indeed, the edges of the slots will not close sufficiently on each side of these elements, thus leaving gaps around the very elements that need to be protected.

[0012] Furthermore, flexible materials used to close passages can be attacked by animals, particularly rodents. Moreover, as in the previous example, this solution is only suitable for protecting a single elongated element and certainly not for protecting a bundle of elements placed side by side.

[0013] Alternatively, any other system of protection against the passage of animals may be used, for example poisoned baits, repellents, traps, nets or wire mesh. However, these products may expire, disappear after being consumed by certain animals, be attacked or cease to function over time, in which case they then allow animals to pass freely. Presentation of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims in particular to avoid these problems of the prior art.

[0015] To this end, it proposes a system for closing a passage of elongated elements in an opening in a wall, this system being remarkable in that it comprises a base plate receiving a plurality of elongated slats in a longitudinal direction, which are stacked transversely, each slat being able to slide along its length independently of all the other slats, in a forward direction towards the elongated elements, and in that it comprises a clamping device for these slats.

[0016] One advantage of this sealing system lies in the fact that, after fixing the base plate opposite the bundle of elongated elements to be protected, arranged substantially aligned along a transverse direction, by sliding each slat to bring it into contact with an element or to insert it between two elements, and having taken care to choose a sufficiently thin slat thickness, one obtains a bypass of shapes which can be of any kind, and which will only reveal successions of small crenellations having in any case an extremely reduced width, which will not allow the passage of animals.

[0017] Two systems can also be arranged in opposition on each side of the bundle of elongated elements, the ends of the lamellae of the two systems then meeting between the elongated elements, which has the advantage of allowing better following of the contour of each of the circular elements.

[0018] Then, by operating the slat clamping device, the longitudinal sliding of all the slats is completely blocked, which has the effect of permanently maintaining each of said slats in the desired position, namely that in which it participates with its neighbors in the protection of the cables and pipes located opposite said system or of the two systems placed in opposition.

[0019] This allows for the complete, rapid, simple, and practical closure of the perimeter of each elongated element, regardless of its cross-section, arrangement, or intended use. Whether dealing with electrical cables, gas, water, or other fluid pipes, or profiles of varying cross-sections, passage between these elements is now rendered impossible for animals, provided that the material used to construct each of the longitudinally movable slats is rigid and impervious to attack, at least in part.

[0020] The sealing system according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, which may be combined with each other.

[0021] Advantageously, the base plate has holes for receiving screws for fixing to the wall.

[0022] Advantageously, the base plate includes upper guiding means for each of the slats in its longitudinal sliding.

[0023] In this case, advantageously, the upper guiding means comprise a cap parallel to the plate, which is fixed above and which forms with it the guide for each of the slats.

[0024] In addition, each lamella may have at its rear end a projection that rests on the cap in its most forward position.

[0025] Advantageously, the slats include a metallic material.

[0026] In this case, in particular, each slat can be made of a plastic material and be provided with an insert forming the metallic material.

[0027] Advantageously, the clamping device includes a screw arranged transversely which bears against the base plate to clamp the stack of slats.

[0028] In this case, the system may include an intermediate support wedge disposed between the screw of the clamping device and the first slat.

[0029] The invention also relates to an assembly for sealing a passage in a wall, remarkable in that it comprises two sealing systems which are arranged in opposition on either side of the elongated elements to be protected.

[0030] In this case, advantageously, the base plates have complementary shapes along their opposite edges which fit together to align these plates when they are juxtaposed in opposition.

[0031] The invention further relates to a method for implementing a sealing system comprising any one of the preceding characteristics, said method being remarkable in that it successively comprises a step of positioning one or two sealing systems opposite the elongated elements, a step of fixing the base plate or each of the base plates to the wall, a step of pushing forward of each slat towards the elongated elements and finally a tightening step of these slats. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become more apparent upon reading the following description given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] presents a set of two closure systems according to the invention in a preparation position, arranged opposite each other on either side of a bundle of pipes and cables which, for their part, are aligned transversely;

[0034] [Fig.2] is a vertical cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of a sealing system having a blade pushed onto a pipe;

[0035] [Fig.3] shows, in a working position, the two sealing systems joined together with all their blades pushed back towards the pipes and cables to be protected; and

[0036] [Fig. 4] presents two adjoining sealing systems, without an intervening elongated element and without a cap for one of them, showing an example of a clamping device for each stack of slats implemented in the form of a screw acting transversely. Description of preferred embodiments

[0037] In the entire description that follows, the front is considered to be the most proximal part of the bundle of pipes and cables to be protected and the rear is consequently the most distal part of said bundle.

[0038] Similarly, "lower" should be understood as the part closest to the structure through which the elongated elements pass, and "upper" as the part furthest from said structure.

[0039] Fig. 1 presents a protection assembly consisting of two sealing systems 2 according to the invention, which are shown spaced apart, arranged opposite each other on each side of a row of vertical pipes and cables 8 substantially aligned along a transverse direction, which pipes and cables form elongated elements passing through an opening 10 in a floor slab 12 which constitutes, in this example, a horizontal wall 12 separating two floors of a building.

[0040] Each sealing system 2 comprises a rectangular base plate 4 formed of a sheet metal equipped with means for fixing to the floor slab 12, for example, holes 6 provided at each corner of the plate 4 and suitable for receiving each one a fixing screw 5.

[0041] Each sealing system 2 comprises a stack of a plurality of flat slats 14, elongated horizontally along the longitudinal direction, said slats being stacked vertically so as to form a compact assembly aligned transversely.

[0042] Each lamella 14 has a thickness of a few millimeters, advantageously between two and eight millimeters. Essentially, each lamella consists of a straight portion which has at its front end a rounded tip 30 in the illustrated example, and at its rear end (or heel) a superior projection 32. Alternatively, the tip 30 may be rounded only at its two front corners. It may also be beveled. The important point in any case is that this tip 30 cannot in any way notch, penetrate, or tear the elongated elements 8.

[0043] The slats 14 are advantageously made from a plastic material, for example PVC, ideally reinforced by a central metal insert 36 of the same thickness as the slat, the insert having an elongated straight shape covering more than three-quarters of the length and ending towards the rear with a "T" shape whose purpose is to guarantee perfect anchoring of the insert in the plastic material.

[0044] The insert 36 can be mounted floating in a housing provided for this purpose during the manufacture of the slat.

[0045] Alternatively, the strip can be overmolded onto the metal insert.

[0046] Regardless of the embodiment of the slat 14, ideally the front end of its metal insert should be at a distance from the front end of the slat not exceeding five millimeters, in order to make it impossible for a rodent to pass through even if it has at least partially destroyed the lower half of the slat.

[0047] Moreover, in order to reduce the manufacturing cost of the system according to the invention, it is possible to provide that the slats have a thickness of two millimeters and that only one slat 14 out of three is fitted with a metal insert. The aforementioned five-millimeter gap is indeed always perfectly maintained in such a simplified construction.

[0048] An upper guide in the form of a cap 16 made of sheet metal covers the entire stack of the slats 14. This cap has a constant longitudinal cross-section comprising a flat central portion, each transverse side of which extends into a descending rim 34 designed to contact the top of the slats, thus ensuring their guidance in the vertical plane. In the maximum forward position of the slats 14, the front part of their upper projection 32 rests on the descending rear rim 34 of the upper guide sheet 16, as can be seen in [Fig. 2].

[0049] The stack of slats 14 is further provided at each of its two transverse ends with a thick intermediate support wedge 20, which can slide transversely, its sliding being limited, however, by an end stop 18 which is rigidly fixed to the base plate 4 as well as to the cap sheet upper guide 16. We thus obtain in the frame formed vertically, between the base plate 4 and the cap 16, and horizontally, between the two wedges 20 which come to rest on the inner faces of the end stops 18, a cross-section of passage suitable for receiving the stacking of the slats 14, the latter however retaining the freedom to be able to slide each independently of the others along the longitudinal direction.

[0050] At least one end stop 18 comprises a transverse clamping device S for the stack of slats 14, including, for example, a push system passing through this stop via a bore 26 to slide the nearest support wedge 20 transversely. This results in a clamping force S of the stack of slats 14 applied to all the juxtaposed metal inserts 36, making it possible to maintain this clamping force constant over time, while avoiding pressure on the plastic material which could deform and cause a loss of clamping force.

[0051] Figure 3 illustrates the operation of the two sealing systems 2 arranged in a working position, the opposite edges of the two base plates 4 having near their ends two protruding tabs, one having a triangular point 22 and the other having a hollow 24 congruent with said point, this construction allowing the two tabs to fit into each other and thus ensuring the alignment of these two plates 4. After the two sealing systems 2 have been placed in this position, their fixing screws 5 are tightened on the slab 12 so as to obtain a final positioning of the base plates 4 which then in practice cover almost the entire passage opening 10 in the slab 12.

[0052] After the sealing systems 2 are fixed to the slab 12, all the slats 14 are individually pushed forward so that their rounded front end 30 rests on the elongated element 8 positioned opposite, or, for those which do not encounter such an element 8, rests on the rounded end of a slat of the opposite sealing system, provided that these two slats reach the end of their travel with their rear projections 32 coming against the edges 34 of the caps 16. The clamping device S is then actuated to obtain a definitive locking of all the slats 14 in their proper longitudinal position, which has the effect of ensuring a complete closure, thanks to the rigid slats which cover the spaces of the opening of the slab 10 previously existing around the elongated elements 8.

[0053] The length and stroke of the slats 14 are adapted to the section of the elongated elements 8 to be protected, with a stroke greater than half the diameter of the largest elements.

[0054] Figure 4 illustrates a first means for the transverse clamping of each stack of slats 14, in the form of a screw 42 which, screwed into the end stop 18, connected via the base plate 4 to the other stop located at the opposite end, and bearing against the adjacent shim 20 by moving the latter transversely, thus ensures that all the slats are clamped between said two stops. The clamping screw 42 bears directly against the thick shim 20 next to it to distribute the force over the entire surface of the first slats 14.

[0055] Alternatively, other clamping devices can be used vertically or transversely, such as, for example, vertical clamping of each cap 16, a spring maintaining a constant transverse pressure, or a lever operating a toggle system which allows for quick and tool-free clamping.

[0056] As another variant, the end stop 18 fixed to the base plate 4 can be replaced by two tabs 19, as shown on the device on the right in [Fig. 1]. In this case, each slat 14 has a slot made parallel to its long sides, substantially in the center of its straight portion, below or above the metal insert 36. A rod, threaded at least at its two ends, extends between the two wedges 20 of the shutter system, passing through each of said slots. The ends of this threaded rod are each fitted with a nut mounted outside the wedge, a nut which is tightened or loosened depending on whether one wants to block the stacking of slats or, on the contrary, whether one wants to make said slats free to slide longitudinally so that they adapt to the configuration proposed by the cables and pipes to be protected from rodents.

[0057] It should be noted that, depending on the thickness of the slats 14, small notches are formed by the stacking of the slats when they are supported on inclined surfaces, in this case the sides of a pipe. These notches, depending on their thickness, leave minimum passage areas at the level of these notches. Depending on the thickness of the slats 14, these minimum passage areas can thus be adjusted according to the desired level of sealing.

[0058] Alternatively, the base plate 4 can be fixed on all types of supports and in all orientations, in particular a vertical partition of a building or a wall of a box such as for example an electrical cabinet or a technical cabin.

[0059] All types of animals, particularly rodents, arriving at the opening 10 find their passage completely blocked by the slats 14, which they cannot attack because these slats include a metal insert 36 covering a large part of their length. The plastic material of the slats 14 surrounding the metal insert 36, which rests on the elongated elements 8, prevents damage to these elements. Alternatively, other resistant materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, can be used for the slats 14. This ensures the safety of all types of passages between rooms, or entry into cabinets or enclosures. electric, by a simple system which has the advantage of being able to be quickly set up.

[0060] From all the foregoing, it is readily understood that, alternatively, a single sealing system 2 can be used in the specific case where the pipes and / or cables are supported against a wall, most often a vertical one. In this particular case, the slats 14 then bear against only one side of the elongated elements 8 or, between these elements, against the wall located directly behind them. It is clear that a single sealing system is sufficient in such a configuration.

[0061] The sealing system 2, as well as the assembly consisting of two such systems, has the additional advantage of allowing work to be carried out on an installation where the elongated elements 8 are already in place, for example, an electrical cabinet that has already been wired. It is sufficient to install the protection last without having to disconnect any cables or pipes. The sealing systems 2 also allow any modification of the elongated elements 8 after their installation, for example, the exchange or addition of cables or pipes, by releasing the longitudinal sliding of the slats 14 by loosening the transverse screw 42, by moving these slats back to clear the passage 10 around the elements 8 without having to remove the base plates 4, and then by tightening the screw 42 after the modification has been carried out.There is not even a need to disconnect those elements that are not affected by the said modification, whether it be electrical cables, which can be left under tension, or fluid supply pipes, which can remain under pressure.

Claims

Demands

1. A sealing system (2) for a passage of elongated elements (8) in an opening (10) in a wall (12), intended to ensure the protection of said elongated elements against harmful animals, said system being characterized in that it comprises a base plate (4) intended to be fixed opposite the bundle of elongated elements to be protected, which base plate has holes (6) adapted to receive fixing screws (5) on the wall (12) and is provided with a plurality of elongated strips (14) in a longitudinal direction, which are stacked transversely, each strip (14) being able to slide along its length independently of all the other strips (14), in a direction said to be forward towards the most proximal part of the elongated elements (8).

2. A sealing system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a clamping device (S) for these slats (14).

3. A sealing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base plate (4) comprises means for the upper guidance of each of the slats (14) in its longitudinal sliding.

4. A sealing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the upper guiding means comprise a cap (16) parallel to the plate (4), which is fixed above and which forms with it the guide for each of the slats (14).

5. A sealing system according to claim 4, characterized in that each slat (14) has at its rear end a projection (32) bearing against the upper guide means (16) in its most forward position.

6. A sealing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slats (14) include a metallic material (36).

7. A sealing system according to claim 6, characterized in that each slat (14) is made of a plastic material and is provided with an insert forming the metallic material (36).

8. A sealing system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the clamping device (S) comprises a screw (42) arranged transversely which bears against the base plate (4) to clamp the stack of slats (14).

9. A sealing system according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate support wedge (20) disposed between the screw of the clamping device (42) and the first slat (14).

10. Assembly for sealing a passage (10) in a wall (12), characterized in that it comprises two sealing systems (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said two sealing systems being arranged in opposition on either side of the elongated elements (8).

11. Assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the base plates (4) of the two sealing systems (2) have along their opposite edges complementary shapes (22, 24) which fit into each other to align these plates (4) when they are juxtaposed in opposition.

12. Method of implementing a sealing system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it successively comprises a step of positioning said sealing system opposite the elongated elements (8), a step of fixing the base plate (4) on the wall (12), a step of pushing forward each slat (14) towards the elongated elements (8) and finally a step of tightening these slats.

13. Method of implementing a sealing assembly according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that it successively comprises a step of positioning two sealing systems (2) arranged in opposition on each side of the elongated elements (8), a step of fixing each of the two base plates (4) on the wall (12), a step of pushing forward each slat (14) of each of the two sealing systems (2) towards the elongated elements (8) and finally a step of tightening these slats.

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