Elettromechanically operated bollard

Abstract

An electromechanically operated bollard (100) comprising a supporting structure (1) configured to be arranged underground, a tube (2) designed to slide vertically and protruding from the supporting structure (1), an electromechanical linear actuator (3) for moving the tube (2) and comprising in turn an irreversible geared motor (4), a threaded rod (5), a stem (6) with a nut (7) and a cylinder (8). The electromechanically operated bollard (100) also comprises a manual release device (10) for manually releasing the bollard (100) and manually moving the tube (2). The manual release device (10) varies its position from a position wherein the tube (2) is integral with the stem (6) and there is a rotational constraint between the tube (2) and the stem (6), to a position in wherein the tube (2) is still axially constrained to the stem (6) but there is no longer a rotational constraint between the stem (6) and the tube (2) and the latter can be moved manually upwards or downwards, by rotation of the stem (6).

Description

[0001] ELETTROMECHANICALLY OPERATED BOLLARD

[0002] The present invention relates to an electromechanically operated bollard.

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention is in the technical field of parking and passage bollards, particularly in the field of electromechanically operated bollards, and more specifically in those with manual release.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Various types of parking and passage bollards are commonly known, which are used to temporarily reserve parking spaces, private areas and public zones to the access of authorised vehicles; these devices are extremely useful, as they allow a barrier to be placed and removed, at the desired access points, automatically and only when necessary.

[0007] Conventional electromechanical parking and passing bollards usually consist of tubular elements installed inside foundation boxes positioned below the roadway, which can be operated electrically and / or manually, to emerge from the road surface to prevent vehicle access and return to their place when the bollard is no longer needed.

[0008] Conventional electromechanical bollards have certain disadvantages and limitations that manifest themselves mainly in the event of power failures and blackouts.

[0009] In particular, known electromechanical bollards have two solutions to ensure their operation in the event of a power outage or blackout: the use of batteries or the use of braking elements.

[0010] In the first case, batteries are used to allow the bollard to rise and fall in the event of an electrical interruption.

[0011] For example, once the bollard is raised, the batteries are used to allow it to descend in the event of electrical interruptions.

[0012] In addition to increasing the cost of the bollards and being a source of clutter, such batteries have significant disadvantages.

[0013] In fact, the use of batteries increases the complexity of the bollard electronics, requiring higher maintenance costs and the need for checks to verify the charge of the batteries and their eventual replacement. Actuators with braking elements also have limitations. Braking elements are used to keep the bollard raised and their absence or deactivation would result in the bollard descending. Generally, these braking elements are electro-brakes.

[0014] In particular, such bollards must constantly keep the braking element active and energised to keep the bollard raised.

[0015] Constantly energising and activating the braking element results in ongoing costs as well as increased maintenance costs and complexity of the bollard itself.

[0016] Alternatively, braking elements can be powered by batteries with all the disadvantages and limitations listed above.

[0017] A further disadvantage of known bollards is that these bollards do not provide any system to allow them to be raised or lowered manually when needed.

[0018] In fact, known bollards do not provide for manual systems, present on board the bollards themselves, for their management in the event of problems such as electrical faults, blackouts, breakage of some bollard components, etc.

[0019] In particular, in the event of mechanical breakage of some components of these bollards, they could remain stuck in the position they are in and not being able to vary their position, they could risk being in the way or even dangerous or harmful.

[0020] Field of the invention

[0021] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an electromechanically operated bollard capable of solving the above-mentioned drawbacks and criticalities.

[0022] A further aim of the present invention is to provide an electromechanically operated bollard with manual release.

[0023] A further aim of the present invention is to provide an electromechanically operated bollard that can be raised and lowered manually.

[0024] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide an electromechanically operated bollard which is easy, simple and convenient to use.

[0025] A further aim of the present invention is to realise an electromechanically operated bollard which is easy and inexpensive to install, highly reliable, efficient and simple to use.

[0026] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide an electromechanically actuated bollard which does not have to use batteries for its ascent and descent in the event of power cuts or blackouts. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide an electromechanically actuated bollard which does not have to use an electric brake to keep the bollard raised and consequently no power supply for said braking element.

[0027] Another aim of the present invention is to provide an electromechanically actuated bollard which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture by virtue of the advantages achieved.

[0028] These and other aims are achieved by an electromechanically actuated bollard according to the appended independent claim.

[0029] Further detailed technical characteristics can be found in the attached dependent claims.

[0030] Brief description of the figures

[0031] The present invention will now be described, by way of example but not limitation, according to some of its preferred embodiments, and with the aid of the attached figures, wherein:

[0032] - Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of the electromechanically actuated bollard according to the invention;

[0033] - Figure 1A shows a section of the foundation box in which an electromechanically actuated bollard is arranged, according to the invention;

[0034] - Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section of the electromechanically actuated bollard release device of figure 1 ;

[0035] - Figure 3A shows a cross-section of the electromechanically actuated bollard release device of figure 1 with the manual release not operated;

[0036] - Figure 3B shows a longitudinal section of the figure 1 electromechanically actuated bollard release device with the manual release not operated;

[0037] - Figure 3C is a top view of a detail of the figure 1 electromechanically actuated bollard with the manual release not operated;

[0038] - Figure 4A shows a cross-section of the electromechanically actuated bollard release device of figure 1 with the manual release operated;

[0039] - Figure 4B shows a longitudinal section of the figure 1 electromechanically actuated bollard release device with the manual release operated;

[0040] - Figure 4C is a top view of a detail of the figure 1 electromechanically actuated bollard with the manual release operated.

[0041] Detailed description Referring to the figures mentioned, a preferred embodiment of an electromechanically operated bollard according to the invention is shown.

[0042] The invention refers to an electromechanically operated or manually operated bollard.

[0043] Referring to the above figures, the electromechanically operated bollard object of the invention is indicated with the numerical reference 100 and, in a first embodiment, according to the present invention, comprises

[0044] - a supporting structure 1 , configured to be positioned and housed within a foundation box 9 that is underground (fig. 1A);

[0045] - a cylindrical element or tube 2 designed to slide vertically within the support structure 1 ;

[0046] - an electromechanical linear actuator 3 for moving the tube 2 with respect to the supporting structure 1 ;

[0047] - a manual release device 10 for manually releasing the bollard 100 and for manually moving the tube 2.

[0048] Advantageously, the electromechanical linear actuator 3 is fixed inferiorly to the lower end of the supporting structure 1 and superiorly to the upper surface 21 of the tube 2, so that it can allow the automatic ascent or descent of the tube 2 itself.

[0049] More in detail, the fixed part of the actuator 3 is fixed to the base of the supporting structure 1 while the movable part of the same actuator 3 is fixed to the upper surface 21 of the tube 2.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the supporting structure 1 , which supports and holds the bollard 100, is arranged within the foundation box 9 which acts as a container or outer casing identifying a hollow box within which the tube 2 acts as the proper stopping and / or parking bollard.

[0051] With reference to figure 1 A, the foundation box 9 is buried or positioned inside the ground.

[0052] More in detail, the tube 2 is driven in translation in a vertical direction, so as to pass from a closed or rest position, according to which the tube 2 is totally contained within the supporting structure 1 and its upper surface 21 remains at ground level, to an open and raised or working position, according to which the tube 2, reaching certain end stops, is partially or entirely lifted out of the ground (fig. 1 ). Advantageously, tube 2 is constrained in such a way that it can only move in a vertical direction without any possibility of rotation. The constraint of tube 2 is provided by one or more constraints such as skids.

[0053] In other words, during the transition from the closed position to the open position it can only move in a vertical direction but cannot rotate.

[0054] The movement of tube 2 from the rest position to the working position and vice versa is effected by the action of the electromechanical linear actuator 3.

[0055] The electromechanical linear actuator 3 comprises an irreversible geared motor 4, a threaded rod 5 and a stem 6, which has, at one end, a nut 7, which is bound to the stem 6, and a cylinder 8.

[0056] The irreversibility of the geared motor 4 may be determined by the use of one or more irreversible gear reductions and / or a mechanical brake.

[0057] With reference to the figures, the geared motor 4 is placed and secured at the base of the supporting structure 1 .

[0058] Connected to the geared motor 4 is the cylinder 8 which has within it the threaded rod 5 on which the stem 6 can slide.

[0059] More in detail, the stem 6 is configured to slide in contact with the threaded rod 5 and inside the cylinder 8, via the nut 7.

[0060] The geared motor 4 imparts a rotary motion to the threaded rod 5 which is converted into a rectilinear motion by the nut 7.

[0061] In further detail, the geared motor 4 rotates the threaded rod 5, and the nut 7 transforms this rotation into a linear motion which is transferred to the stem 6 bound to it.

[0062] In particular, the nut 7 screws or unscrews on the threaded rod 5, so as to transform the rotary motion of the threaded rod 5 into a rectilinear motion of the stem 6.

[0063] In this way, depending on the direction of rotation generated by the geared motor 4, the stem 6 of the actuator 3 can exit or retract from the cylinder 8 allowing the tube 2 to raise or lower and move from its closed or rest position to its open and raised position or vice versa.

[0064] By way of example, in the case of counter-clockwise rotation of the threaded rod 5, the stem 6 moves upwards raising the tube 2 while, in the case of clockwise rotation of the threaded rod 5, the stem 6 moves downwards lowering the tube 2. The transformation from rotary to rectilinear motion of stem 6, and consequently of tube 2, can only occur if stem 6 is prevented from rotating along its longitudinal axis.

[0065] Advantageously, when the rotation of the stem 6 is prevented, the tube 2 and the stem 6 are integral with each other and the tube 2 cannot be moved manually due to the irreversible action of the electromechanical linear actuator 3.

[0066] The function of the manual release device 10 is to remove the rotation constraint between the stem 6 of the actuator 3 and the tube 2 of the bollard 100.

[0067] Thus, by removing the rotation constraint, the stem 6 will still be able to rise and fall according to the manual rotation imposed on it, and consequently the tube 2 will also follow the motion of the actuator 3 since the axial constraint between the two is still present.

[0068] In fact, the manual release eliminates the rotation constraint but does not eliminate the axial constraint between stem 6 and tube 2.

[0069] Tube 2 can therefore be lowered or raised manually by a user acting on the release system and bringing stem 6 into rotation, thereby lowering or raising tube 2 itself.

[0070] When the manual release device 10 is not actuated, the stem 6 cannot rotate relative to the tube 2 of the bollard 100. In such a situation, as tube 2 and stem 6 are integral with each other, the linear movement of stem 6 also involves the consequent vertical movement of tube 2.

[0071] On the other hand, when the release device 10 is actuated, the rotation between the stem 6 and the tube 2 is allowed and it is possible to lower or raise the tube 2 manually, by rotating the stem 6.

[0072] In fact, the release device 10 eliminates the rotation constraint between the stem 6 of the actuator 3 and the tube 2 when the release is activated. Otherwise, when the release is deactivated, the rotation constraint between the stem 6 and the tube 2 is present.

[0073] Referring to figure 2, the manual release device 10 comprises a body 12, a shaft 13 within which a pin 15 slides, a bearing 14, drive balls 11 and a return spring 16.

[0074] The shaft 13 is arranged within the body 12 and is configured to accommodate the pin 15 and the return spring 16. Additionally, the shaft 13 has a seat for the insertion of a key used to act on the pin 15 to raise or lower the tube 2.

[0075] In particular, the key is used to act on the pin 15 allowing the activation of the manual release device 10 and the rotation of the pin itself.

[0076] Advantageously, the body 12, connected to the upper surface 21 of the tube 2, is integral with the tube 2 of the bollard 100 while, the shaft 13 is integral with the stem 6 of the electromechanical linear actuator 3.

[0077] More specifically, the return spring 16 is positioned in the lower part of the shaft 13 and inferior to the pin 15, so that, when compressed, it can push the pin 15 upwards.

[0078] Even more advantageously, bearing 14 ensures the axial coupling between body 12 and shaft 13.

[0079] Again with reference to figure 2, bearing 14 is arranged externally to shaft 13.

[0080] The manual release device 10 can vary its position from a configuration in which the release device 10 is not operated and rotation between the stem 6 and the tube 2 is prevented and the rotation constraint between the two elements is present, to a configuration in which the release device 10 is operated and rotation between the stem 6 and the tube 2 is allowed so that the same tube 2 of the bollard 100 can be manually lowered or raised.

[0081] In particular, when the release device 10 is not actuated (figures 3A, 3B and 3C), the balls 11 present between the body 12 and the shaft 13 do not allow these two elements to rotate with each other, while the axial coupling is ensured by the bearing 14.

[0082] When the release device 10 is actuated (figures 4A, 4B and 4C), the pin 15 is moved downwards and, thanks to its geometry, allows the balls 11 to partially enter respective seats 151 so as to allow rotation between the body 12 and the shaft 13.

[0083] Advantageously, actuation of the release device 10 occurs through pressure on the pin 15 which moves it downwards and causes compression of the return spring 16. This action can be generated manually or by means of a suitable element.

[0084] To deactivate the release device 10, it is sufficient to remove the action and / or pressure from the pin 15 so that the return spring 16 can push it upwards and return it to its initial or rest position according to which the manual release is deactivated. Thus, by rotating the shaft 13, integral with the stem 6 of the actuator 3, the stem 6 will also rotate and thus the tube 2 of the bollard 100 can be manually raised and lowered by a user.

[0085] Advantageously, the seats 151 are recesses on the side surface of the pin 15.

[0086] As soon as the release pin 15 is released, the spring 16 will return it to its locked position, forcing the balls 11 to return to their initial position, out of the seats 151 , and thus to bind the body 12 and the release shaft 13 together again, preventing the manual raising or lowering of the bollard tube 2 of the bollard 100.

[0087] Advantageously, the possibility of manually raising or lowering the bollard tube guarantees great flexibility and ease of use even in those cases in which a component of the bollard 100 should break or in those cases in which, due to external problems, such as general black-outs, power mains interruptions or other problems, manual handling of the bollard 100 itself should become necessary.

[0088] Equally advantageously, the manual release device 10 acts only on certain components of the electromechanical linear actuator 3, in particular on its final part transmitting the motion, allowing the manual operation of the bollard even in the event of breakage of other components located upstream of the threaded rod 5, such as the reduction gear and / or the electric motor, guaranteeing great reliability of the manual release system.

[0089] In preferred embodiments, the tube 2 of the bollard 100 can be raised or lowered manually by means of a special key inserted on a seat of the shaft 13 to activate or deactivate the release device 10.

[0090] In particular, the key has a special geometry so that only persons having such a key can operate the manual release device 10.

[0091] Advantageously, a cap or protective device can be provided to prevent unintentional access to the release device 10 and positioned, for example, above the key seat or above the release device 10.

[0092] From the description made, the characteristics of the electromechanically operated bollard, which is the subject matter of the invention, are clear, as are its advantages.

[0093] Finally, it is clear that numerous other variations may be made to the bollard in question, without departing from the principles of novelty inherent in the inventive idea, just as it is clear that, in the practical implementation of the invention, the materials, shapes and sizes of the details illustrated may be any as required and the same may be replaced with equivalent ones.

[0094] Where the features and techniques mentioned in any of the claims are followed by reference marks, those reference marks have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and, accordingly, those reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by those reference marks.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 19 MAY 2025 (19.05.2025)1. Electromechanically operated bollard (100) comprising:- a supporting structure (1 ) configured to be arranged within a foundation box (9);- a tube (2) designed to slide vertically out of said supporting structure (1 );- an electromechanical linear actuator (3) for moving said tube (2) and comprising in turn:- an irreversible geared motor (4) placed at the base of said supporting structure;- a threaded rod (5) connected to and moved in a rotary motion by said geared motor (4);- a stem (6) connected to said tube (2) and configured to slide in contact with said threaded rod (5) in a rectilinear motion- a nut (7) placed in contact with said threaded rod (5) and constrained to said stem (6), configured to transform the rotary motion of said threaded rod (5) into the rectilinear motion of said stem (6);- a cylinder (8), connected to said irreversible geared motor (4) and presenting within it said threaded rod (5) and said stem (6);- a manual release device (10), configured to manually move said tube (2), manual release device (10), said manual release device (10) being configured to vary the position of said tube (2) from a position in which said tube (2) is integral with said stem (6) and a rotational constraint is present between said tube (2) and said stem (6), to a position in which said tube (2) is axially constrained to said stem (6), but said rotational constraint is not present and said tube (2) is manually moved upwards or downwards, by rotation of said stem (6); said electromechanically operated bollard (100) being characterised by the fact that said manual release device (10) comprises:- a body (12) connected to and integral with said tube (2);- a shaft (13) placed inside said body (12) and integral with said stem (6);- a bearing (14) placed externally to said shaft (13) and capable of ensuring the axial coupling between said body (12) and said shaft (13);- a pin (15) for sliding inside said shaft (13);- a return spring (16) for pushing up said pin (15);- one or more driving balls (11 ) present between said body (12) and said shaft (13) and configured to allow or prevent rotation between said body (12) and said shaft (13).

2. Electromechanically operated bollard (100) according to claim 1 characterised by the fact that said manual release device (10) changes its configuration from a configuration in which said manual release device (10) is not operated and said rotation constraint is present between said stem (6) and said tube (2) to a configuration in which said manual release device (10) is operated and rotation is allowed between said stem (6) and said tube (2) and said tube (2) of said bollard (100) is configured to be lowered or raised manually, by manual rotation of said stem (6).

3. Electromechanically actuated bollard (100) according to claim 2 characterised by the fact that when said manual release device (10) is not operated, said driving balls (11 ) prevent said body (12) and said shaft (13) from rotating with each other.

4. Electromechanically actuated bollard (100) according to claim 2 characterised by the fact that operating said manual release device (10), said pin(15) is configured to move downwards and said driving balls (11 ) are configured to partially enter in respective seats (151 ) of said pin (15) so as to allow rotation between said body (12) and said shaft (13).

5. Electromechanically actuated bollard (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that said manual release device (10): is configured to be activated by means of an action and / or pressure on said pin (15), through his movement downwards, compressing said return spring(16) and allowing said driving balls (15) to partially enter in said seats (151 ); and is configured to be deactivated by means of a removal of said action and / or pressure from said pin (15), so that said return spring (16) can be configured to push said pin (15) upwards and make said drive balls (11 ) return to their initial position.

6. Electromechanically actuated bollard (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised by the fact that said shaft (13) presents a seat suitable for inserting a key, said key being used to operate said manual release device (10) and to rotate said stem (6).

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