Modular barrier device and associated system

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular barrier device (10) of the type comprising a plurality of panels (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), the panels defining an enclosure (18) intended to contain or block a fluid, characterized in that at least one electromagnet (48) is arranged on the lower portion of each panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), each electromagnet (48) being intended to be controlled between an inactive state in which the electromagnet (48) is inoperative and an active state in which the electromagnet (48) is powered by an electric current which generates a magnetic field intended to press the associated panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) onto an underlying ferromagnetic surface (20).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Modular barrier device and associated system Field of invention

[0003] [1] This patent application relates to the field of modular, watertight barrier devices, and more particularly to a device usable for firefighting in electric motor vehicles equipped with lithium-ion batteries.

[0004] [2] The present invention will find advantageous applications in the field of maritime transport, in particular by equipping ships with metal decks, as well as in terrestrial environments such as underground car parks, and as a flood protection system.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] [3] Fighting fires in vehicles equipped with lithium-ion batteries, known as "electric vehicles", on ships presents a series of challenges and limitations.

[0007] [4] Lithium-ion batteries are subject to fire and explosion hazards due to their chemical content and design.

[0008] [5] Indeed, in damaged lithium-ion batteries, individual cells are prone to overheating, expelling flammable and toxic gases and affecting surrounding cells in an explosive chain reaction known as thermal runaway.

[0009] [6] Also, lithium-ion battery fires can spread rapidly and are difficult to extinguish.

[0010] [7] Often, ship crews lack the knowledge and skills to identify hazards, prevent fires and respond effectively in the event of a fire.

[0011] [8] Current fire protection systems on ships are poorly adapted or not adapted to deal with lithium-ion battery fires.

[0012] [9] Water sprinkler systems are known, in particular, but are often ineffective in extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires.

[0010] However, more effective fire protection systems and methods are known, such as the use of pressurized water mist, low-expansion foam, piercing nozzles, and immersion devices.

[0013]

[0011] An immersion device, also called a cradle, immersion cell, or electric fire extinguishing cell, is particularly suitable for extinguishing burning electric vehicles.

[0014]

[0012] Indeed, the immersion device forms a sealed container filled with an extinguishing agent, a container in which the burning electric vehicle is immersed in order to cool the burning batteries.

[0015]

[0013] For this purpose, the container is open from the top and is delimited by a bottom and four peripheral walls.

[0016]

[0014] In addition, such an immersion device can be equipped with a door and a ramp to facilitate the movement of the burning vehicle inside the container.

[0017]

[0015] Once submerged, the battery compartment of the electric vehicle cools down rapidly.

[0018]

[0016] This type of immersion device can make it possible to control the fire in the electric vehicle, or even to extinguish it and / or prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring vehicles.

[0019]

[0017] Although it has certain advantages, an immersion device such as the one described above raises operational difficulties related to handling the vehicle with a battery in an unstable state.

[0020]

[0018] These difficulties are exacerbated in the context of a transport ship in which vehicles are generally close together and therefore not easily accessible.

[0021]

[0019] A mobile immersion device is also known, described and represented in the document "Synthesis of work on extinguishing fires in Li-ion batteries of electric vehicles", Ineris, May 2024, v1.0, pages 16, 17.

[0022]

[0020] This type of mobile immersion device comprises a plurality of panels which are intended to be assembled together around a burning vehicle to form an immersion enclosure.

[0023]

[0021] Once the panels are arranged around the vehicle, the enclosure thus formed is filled with a fire extinguishing agent to immerse the electric vehicle in order to cool the burning batteries.

[0022] Such a mobile immersion device has the particular advantage of limiting electrical risks for the responders because they do not need to come into contact with the burning vehicle.

[0024]

[0023] However, to be effective, an immersion device must be watertight in order to best contain the extinguishing agent.

[0025]

[0024] However, the mobile immersion device described above does not appear to be suitable for ensuring the watertightness of its immersion enclosure, particularly between the ground on which the device rests and the lower part of the panels that form the immersion enclosure.

[0026] Description of the invention

[0027]

[0025] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems mentioned above, by eliminating the disadvantages of the prior art cited, by providing a mobile barrier device which is optimized to create a watertight connection with a ground, in particular with a ferromagnetic ground such as the deck of a transport ship.

[0028]

[0026] This objective, as well as others which will appear from reading the following description, is achieved with a modular barrier device of the type comprising a plurality of panels which delimit an enclosure intended to contain or block a fluid, each panel extending from bottom to top from a lower part to an upper part, said lower part having a lower face intended to be arranged facing the ground, characterized in that at least one electromagnet is arranged on the lower part of each panel, each electromagnet being intended to be controlled between an inactive state in which the electromagnet is inoperative and an active state in which the electromagnet is supplied by an electric current generating a magnetic field intended to press the associated panel onto an underlying ferromagnetic surface.

[0029]

[0027] Thus, in addition to promoting the anchoring and adhesion of the panels to the ground, the force exerted by the electromagnets on the ground prevents liquid leakage between the ground and the panels due to hydrostatic pressure exerted by the water. This compressive force not only effectively contains fluid inside the enclosure but also blocks fluid outside of it, giving the device a flood barrier function.

[0030]

[0028] According to other optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0029] - the underside of each enclosure panel is equipped with a sealing gasket which is arranged to be interposed between the underside of the associated panel and the ground, to ensure a seal between each panel and the ground. This feature improves the seal between the ground and the panels and adapts to any irregularities in the ground;

[0031]

[0030] - the device includes a control device comprising an electrical power source which supplies each electromagnet with electricity via an electrical power cable and a control means intended to control each electromagnet between its inactive state and its active state;

[0032]

[0031] - the panels that form the enclosure are designed to adopt an assembled configuration in which the panels are arranged side-by-side, one after the other, in a single, fixed assembly to form said enclosure, and a disassembled configuration in which the panels can be moved individually by an operator. Thus, in a vehicle firefighting application, the device can be deployed around the burning vehicle without having to move said vehicle;

[0033]

[0032] - each panel extends laterally from a first end which has a first interlocking portion, to a second opposite end which has a second interlocking portion, the first interlocking portion of each panel being provided to cooperate by cooperation of form with the second interlocking portion of the adjacent panel when the panels adopt their mounted configuration;

[0034]

[0033] - the first interlocking portion of each panel is equipped with a sealing gasket which is designed to ensure sealing with the associated second interlocking portion of the adjacent panel;

[0035]

[0034] - The enclosure has a parallelepiped shape extending longitudinally from front to back, and said panels comprise at least: • two longitudinal panels forming a first side and a second opposite side of the enclosure,

[0036] • a first transverse panel (16a) which forms a third front side of the enclosure (18) and which includes a third interlocking portion (62) designed to cooperate by form with a third transverse extension panel (116a), and • a second transverse panel (16b) which forms a fourth opposite rear side of the enclosure (18) and which includes a fourth interlocking portion (64) designed to cooperate by form with a fourth transverse extension panel (116b), to enlarge the enclosure (18) transversely. This feature allows the device according to the invention to extend the enclosure to accommodate several vehicles, in a firefighting application;

[0037]

[0035] - the device comprises a plurality of panel locking devices, each locking device being designed to laterally lock two adjacent panels together when they adopt their enclosure-mounted configuration;

[0038]

[0036] - each panel is equipped with at least one carrying handle;

[0039]

[0037] - the enclosure is configured to surround a motor vehicle, and the fluid to be contained is a fire extinguishing agent for fighting the fire on said vehicle;

[0040]

[0038] - the panels are arranged to form a protective barrier, and the fluid to be blocked is floodwater;

[0041]

[0039] The present invention also relates to a modular barrier system, characterized in that it comprises:

[0042] - a non-ferromagnetic soil;

[0043] - at least one ferromagnetic plate fixed to said non-ferromagnetic ground; and - a modular barrier device conforming to the above, arranged so that the underside of its panels rests on said ground and its electromagnets are positioned opposite said at least one ferromagnetic plate.

[0044] Brief description of the drawings

[0045]

[0040] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0046]

[0041] [Fig. 1] presents a schematic top view which illustrates the barrier device according to the invention, which comprises an enclosure surrounding an electric vehicle;

[0047]

[0042] [Fig. 2] is a three-quarter top perspective view which illustrates the device of figure 1 on the floor of a ship;

[0043] [Fig. 3] is a cross-sectional view along line lll-lll of figure 4, which illustrates a longitudinal panel of the device of figure 1;

[0048]

[0044] [Fig. 4] is a side view with tear-off which illustrates a longitudinal panel of the device of figure 1;

[0049]

[0045] [Fig. 5] is a three-quarter bottom perspective view which illustrates the device of figure 1;

[0050]

[0046] [Fig. 6] is a three-quarter top perspective detail view which illustrates portions of the interlocking between two panels of the device of figure 1;

[0051]

[0047] [Fig. 7] is a three-quarter top perspective view which illustrates the device of figure 1 in a configuration in which the enclosure is extended transversely.

[0052]

[0048] In the description and claims, the longitudinal, vertical and transverse terminology will be adopted without limitation with reference to the L, V, T trihedron indicated in the figures, considering that the device according to the invention extends over a horizontal ground.

[0053]

[0049] Also, the terms "upper / lower", "right / left", "top / bottom", "front / back" and in general the terms designating a spatial reference relate to the position in which the elements appear on Figure 1.

[0054]

[0050] Throughout all these figures, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs.

[0055] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0056]

[0051] Figure 1 schematically represents a barrier device 10 according to the invention in an example of fire suppression of electric motor vehicles parked on a ferromagnetic ground, such as the deck of a transport ship.

[0057]

[0052] In this example, the barrier device is an immersion device.

[0058]

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the immersion device 10 surrounds a vehicle 12.

[0059]

[0054] The immersion device 10, shown in more detail in Figure 2, comprises six panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d which are arranged in a parallelepiped to delimit an enclosure 18.

[0055] The enclosure 18 is intended to contain an extinguishing agent (not shown) in order to immerse the vehicle 12 to cool it and extinguish the fire.

[0060]

[0056] The extinguishing agent can be, for example, a fluid such as water or foam.

[0061]

[0057] Panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are made of high-temperature resistant plastic material.

[0062]

[0058] For example, panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are made of polycarbonate with flame-retardant additives, or of high-density polypropylene.

[0063]

[0059] The panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d which form the enclosure 18 are shown standing on a ferromagnetic floor 20 belonging to the deck of a ship.

[0064]

[0060] According to Figure 2, the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d comprise a first longitudinal panel 14a and a second longitudinal panel 14b which form a left side of the enclosure 18, a third longitudinal panel 14c and a fourth longitudinal panel 14d which form a right side of the enclosure 18, a first transverse panel 16a and a second transverse panel 16b which form respectively a front side and an opposite rear side of the enclosure 18.

[0065]

[0061] Each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d has an overall rectangular shape which has a first large internal face 22 arranged inside the enclosure 18 and a second large external face 24 opposite turned towards the outside of the enclosure 18.

[0066]

[0062] Advantageously, as can be seen in figure 3, the inner face 22 of each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d has a concave shape designed to promote its mechanical resistance to the pressure exerted by the fluid contained in the enclosure 18.

[0067]

[0063] With reference to figures 3 to 6, each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d extends vertically from bottom to top from a lower part to an upper part, each lower part having a lower face 26 intended to be arranged facing the ground 20.

[0068]

[0064] Also, each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d extends laterally, that is to say in the direction of its longest length, from a first end which has a first interlocking portion 28, to a second opposite end which has a second interlocking portion 30.

[0065] The first interlocking portion 28 of each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d is provided to cooperate by cooperation of form with the second interlocking portion 30 complementary to the adjacent panel.

[0069]

[0066] For this purpose, according to the present embodiment of the invention, the first interlocking portion 28 and the second interlocking portion 30 have a complementary V-shape, one male and the other female.

[0070]

[0067] In other words, if the first portion 28 of a panel is of the male type then the second portion 30 of the adjacent panel is of the female type.

[0071]

[0068] It should be noted, however, that the first interlocking portion 28 and the second interlocking portion 30 of the first transverse panel 16a and the second transverse panel 16b each have a female V-shaped form which is provided on the inner face 22 of the panel 16a, 16b concerned.

[0072]

[0069] The panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d which form the enclosure 18 are designed to adopt a mounted configuration, illustrated in figure 1, or a disassembled configuration.

[0073]

[0070] In their assembled configuration, the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are arranged adjacently one after the other in a single unit to form the enclosure 18, the first interlocking portion 28 of each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d being received in the second complementary interlocking portion 30 of the following panel.

[0074]

[0071] In their disassembled configuration, the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d can be moved individually by an operator.

[0075]

[0072] To this end, it should be noted that the upper part of each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d is equipped with three carrying handles 32.

[0076]

[0073] Advantageously, to facilitate the positioning of the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, the first transverse panel 16a includes a first alignment device 33 visible in figure 1 and a second alignment device (not visible) laterally opposed.

[0077]

[0074] The first alignment device 33 projects a laser beam perpendicularly to the first transverse panel 16a, along the left side of the enclosure 18, a beam which serves as a visual reference for aligning the first longitudinal panel 14a with the second longitudinal panel 14b.

[0078]

[0075] Similarly, the second alignment device projects a laser beam perpendicular to the first transverse panel 16a, along the right side of the enclosure 18, a beam which serves as a visual reference for aligning the third longitudinal panel 14c with the fourth longitudinal panel 14d.

[0079]

[0076] To ensure the sealing of the enclosure 18, each female V-shaped socket portion 28, 30 of each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d is equipped with a first sealing gasket 34, as illustrated in figure 6.

[0080]

[0077] The first joint 34 extends vertically over the bottom of each portion of the female V-shaped socket, so that said joint 34 is compressed between two adjacent panels when the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d occupy their mounted configuration.

[0081]

[0078] Similarly, in Figure 5, the lower face 26 of each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d of the enclosure 18 is equipped with a second sealing gasket 36 which is arranged so as to be interposed vertically between the lower face 26 of the associated panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and the floor 20.

[0082]

[0079] Such an arrangement makes it possible to ensure the sealing between each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and the floor 20, when the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d occupy their mounted configuration.

[0083]

[0080] The joints 36 are arranged one after the other so as to form a continuous cord which forms a closed loop, as illustrated in figure 5.

[0084]

[0081] The seals 34, 36 are for example made of high temperature silicone or thermoplastic elastomer.

[0085]

[0082] In order to secure the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d together in their mounted configuration, the immersion device 10 according to the invention comprises a plurality of locking devices 38, the latter each being designed to laterally lock two adjacent panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d together.

[0086]

[0083] For this purpose, each locking device 38 is of the toggle latch type, also called a toggle closure.

[0087]

[0084] As can be seen in Figure 4, each locking device 38 comprises a hook 40 which is fixed on the transverse end of one of the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and a movable lever clasp 42 which is hinged mounted on the transverse end of the adjacent panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.

[0088]

[0085] Each clasp 42 includes a lever 44 and an eyelet link 46 which is driven in movement by the lever 44 between a locking position in which the link 46 cooperates with the associated hook 40 and an unlocking position in which the link 46 releases the associated hook 40.

[0089]

[0086] It will be noted that the transverse end of each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d is locked onto the transverse end of an adjacent panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d by two superimposed locking devices 38.

[0090]

[0087] By way of non-limitation, the locking devices 38 may be of the screw nut type or of any other type suitable for laterally locking two panels together.

[0091]

[0088] However, the toggle-type locking device 38 has the advantage of exerting a closing force which allows the joint 34 arranged between two panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d to be compressed.

[0092]

[0089] In addition, this type of toggle locking device 38 allows for quick locking of two adjacent panels.

[0093]

[0090] According to another aspect of the invention, the lower part of each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d is equipped with three electromagnets 48.

[0094]

[0091] The three electromagnets 48 are arranged on the outside side of the associated panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, in a groove 50 which is provided for this purpose and which extends laterally.

[0095]

[0092] Each electromagnet 48 is connected to a control device 52, visible in figure 2, by a power supply cable 54.

[0096]

[0093] According to Figure 3, each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d is crossed transversely by a conduit 56, or sheath 56, which allows the passage of cables 54 between two adjacent panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.

[0097]

[0094] For this purpose, electrical continuity between the cables 54 of two adjacent panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d is ensured by a male connector and a female connector (not shown) which are arranged respectively on the first nesting portion 28 and the second complementary nesting portion 30 of each panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, so that when two adjacent panels are nested together, the cables 54 of these two panels are electrically connected in a watertight manner.

[0098]

[0095] The conduits 56 are heat resistant and are housed inside the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d to protect the cables 54 from water and heat.

[0099]

[0096] The control device 52 allows each electromagnet 48 to be controlled between an inactive state and an inactive state.

[0097] In its inactive state, each electromagnet 48 is inoperative, that is to say that it is not supplied with electrical energy, so that the electromagnet 48 does not generate a magnetic field.

[0100]

[0098] Conversely, in its active state, each electromagnet 48 is powered by an electric current generating a magnetic field which presses the associated panel 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d onto the ferromagnetic floor 20 of the ship.

[0101]

[0099] Thus, the joints 36 which are interposed between the lower face 26 of the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and the ground 20 are compressed vertically by the force exerted by the electromagnets 48.

[0102]

[0100] This feature ensures a seal between the floor 20 and the panels to keep the spilled fluid inside the enclosure 18, and thus to promote the cooling of the batteries of the burning vehicle.

[0103]

[0101] The control device 52 includes an electrical power source (not shown) which supplies each electromagnet 48 with electricity via the cables 54 provided for this purpose.

[0104]

[0102] The energy source is for example a battery which is housed in a box 58 and which provides a direct current of twenty-four volts.

[0105]

[0103] Also, the control device 52 includes a button forming a control means 60 which is arranged on the box 58 and which allows each electromagnet 48 to be controlled between its inactive state and its active state.

[0106]

[0104] According to another aspect of the invention, the immersion enclosure 18 of the immersion device 10 can be extended transversely to accommodate several vehicles or to adapt to a non-standard vehicle size.

[0107]

[0105] For this purpose, the first end of the first transverse panel 16a includes a third female interlocking portion 62 and the second end of the first transverse panel 16a includes a fourth male interlocking portion 64.

[0108]

[0106] Similarly, the first end of the second transverse panel 16b includes a third female interlocking portion 62 and the second end of the second transverse panel 16b includes a fourth male interlocking portion 64.

[0109]

[0107] Figure 7 shows the immersion device 10 in a configuration in which the enclosure 18 is extended transversely to accommodate a second vehicle.

[0108] For this purpose, the immersion device 10 includes a third transverse extension panel 116a which, being identical to the first transverse panel 16a, will not be described in detail.

[0110]

[0109] It should be noted, however, that the third transverse panel 116a extends transversely from a first end which includes a male interlocking portion 164 which cooperates with the third female interlocking portion 62 of the first transverse panel 16a, to a second free end which includes an opposite female interlocking portion 162.

[0111]

[0110] In addition, the immersion device 10 includes a fourth transverse extension panel 116b which is identical to the second transverse panel 16b.

[0112]

[0111] The fourth transverse panel 116b extends transversely from a first end which includes a free male interlocking portion 164, to a second end which includes a female interlocking portion 162 which cooperates with the fourth male interlocking portion 64 of the second transverse panel 16b.

[0113]

[0112] To close the enclosure 18 thus extended, the first longitudinal panel 14a and the second longitudinal panel 14b are offset transversely to cooperate with the third transverse panel 116a and the fourth transverse panel 116b respectively.

[0114]

[0113] In practice, for a firefighting application, when an electric vehicle catches fire on the deck of a transport ship, the fire safety team deploys the immersion device 10 according to the invention around the burning vehicle.

[0115]

[0114] Initially, the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are mounted around the vehicle and then they are locked together to form the sealed enclosure 18.

[0116]

[0115] In a second step, the electromagnets 48 are activated in their active state by operating the button 60 of the control device 52, to block the movement of the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d on the metal deck of the ship and to compress the sealing joints 36 interposed between the floor 20 and the panels.

[0117]

[0116] At this stage, an operator fills the enclosure 18 with water, for example by means of a fire hose.

[0117] The immersion device 10 according to the invention has many advantages for preserving people, the reception structure and the environment.

[0118]

[0118] Indeed, in the firefighting application, electrical risks are limited for responders because they do not need to come into contact with the vehicle.

[0119]

[0119] In addition, the batteries of the burning vehicle can be cooled through with a limited amount of water which should not exceed ten cubic meters.

[0120]

[0120] Since this water is polluted by contact with the burned vehicle, it is important to limit the quantity.

[0121]

[0121] In addition, the improved sealing of the immersion device 10 according to the invention makes it possible to limit leaks of contaminated water.

[0122]

[0122] The costs of restoring the vehicle's reception structure and the impact on the environment will therefore be reduced.

[0123]

[0123] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0124]

[0124] According to one embodiment, the device 10 is used in combination with a non-ferromagnetic floor, such as the concrete floor of an underground parking garage. To enable this use, the system includes at least one ferromagnetic metal plate, preferably thin and non-slip, which is judiciously and permanently fixed to the concrete floor. Thus, when the device 10 is deployed, the electromagnets 48 of each panel can anchor themselves firmly to these plates, providing the necessary compressive force to the sealing joint 36 and ensuring optimal operation of the device in this environment.

[0125]

[0125] In another application, the device 10 is used as a barrier against water intrusion. The same intrinsic technical characteristics that allow a fluid to be contained within the enclosure 18 also allow a fluid to be blocked outside a protected area. Thanks to the modularity of the panels, an operator can assemble the device to form a straight line of defense, a U-shaped line, or any other configuration necessary to protect an access point, such as a garage entrance, a storefront, or a utility room. Once the panels are assembled and locked, the electromagnets 48 are activated. The resulting magnetic force presses the panels against the ferromagnetic floor (or the pre-installed metal plates) and strongly compresses the seals 36, creating a watertight barrier capable of withstanding the external hydrostatic pressure exerted by a flood.

[0126]

[0126] The pressure exerted on the joints can be in the order of 150 to 200 kPa, i.e. more than ten times the hydrostatic pressure generated by a water height of approximately 0.9 m. In practice, the water cannot open the joint / soil interface, which gives the system a natural capacity to retain or block a volume of water (dam function).

[0127]

[0127] In this flood control application, the panels may have a honeycomb structure - for example in aluminium - covered on both sides by carbon fibre sheets (so-called "CFRP" panels).

Claims

Demands 1. A modular barrier device (10) of the type comprising a plurality of panels (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) that delimit an enclosure (18) intended to contain or block a fluid, each panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) extending from bottom to top from a lower portion to an upper portion, said lower portion having a lower face (26) intended to be arranged facing the ground, characterized in that at least one electromagnet (48) is arranged on the lower portion of each panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), each electromagnet (48) being provided to be controlled between an inactive state in which the electromagnet (48) is inoperative and an active state in which the electromagnet (48) is energized by an electric current generating a magnetic field intended to press the associated panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) onto an underlying ferromagnetic surface (20).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower face (26) of each panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) of the enclosure (18) is equipped with a sealing gasket (36) which is arranged so as to be interposed between the lower face of the associated panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and the floor (20), to ensure sealing between each panel and the floor.

3. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control device (52) including an electrical power source which supplies each electromagnet (48) with electricity via an electrical power supply cable (54) and a control means (60) provided for controlling each electromagnet (48) between its inactive state and its active state.

4. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panels (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) which form the enclosure (18) are provided to adopt an assembled configuration in which the panels (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) are arranged adjacently laterally one after the other in a fixed assembly to form said enclosure (18), and a disassembled configuration in which the panels (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) can be moved individually by an operator.

5. Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that each panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) extends laterally from a first end which has a first interlocking portion (28), to a second opposite end which has a second interlocking portion (30), the first interlocking portion (28) of each panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) being provided to cooperate by form cooperation with the second interlocking portion (30) of the adjacent panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) when the panels adopt their mounted configuration.

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first interlocking portion (28) of each panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) is equipped with a sealing gasket (34) which is designed to ensure sealing with the associated second interlocking portion (30) of the adjacent panel.

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enclosure (18) has a parallelepiped shape extending longitudinally from front to back and said panels (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) comprise at least: • two longitudinal panels (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) which form a first side and a second opposite side of the enclosure (18), • a first transverse panel (16a) which forms a third front side of the enclosure (18) and which includes a third interlocking portion (62) designed to cooperate by form cooperation with a third transverse extension panel (116a), and • a second transverse panel (16b) which forms a fourth opposite rear side of the enclosure (18) and which includes a fourth interlocking portion 64 intended to cooperate by form cooperation with a fourth transverse extension panel (116b), to enlarge the enclosure (18) transversely.

8. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of locking devices (38) for the panels (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), each locking device (38) being designed to laterally lock two adjacent panels together when they adopt their enclosure-mounted configuration.

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each panel (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) is equipped with at least one carrying handle (32).

10. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enclosure (18) is configured to surround a motor vehicle (12), and in that the fluid to be contained is a fire extinguishing agent for fighting fire on said vehicle.

11. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the panels (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) are arranged to form a protective barrier, and in that the fluid to be blocked is floodwater.

12. Modular barrier system, characterized in that it comprises: - a non-ferromagnetic soil; - at least one ferromagnetic plate fixed to said non-ferromagnetic ground; and - a modular barrier device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, arranged so that the underside (26) of its panels rests on said ground and its electromagnets (48) are positioned opposite said at least one ferromagnetic plate.

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