FR2711381A1 - Lockable hatch with several panels, and method for producing such a hatch by converting an existing hatch - Google Patents

Abstract

Fastening means (10) are fastened permanently to the frame, and complementary fastening means (12, 13) are fastened permanently to each of the panels and are designed to interact respectively with the fastening means of the frame and of at least one adjacent panel. Several panels can slide on the frame along the latter parallel to at least one of the said sides between a position in which each panel is free relative to the frame and to at least one adjacent panel already fitted and a locked position in which the complementary fastening means of each of the panels are respectively in engagement with the corresponding fastening means of the frame and of at least one adjacent panel. Specific fastening means are designed to interact with moving elements for locking a panel designed to be fitted last with respect to the frame and with respect to at least one adjacent panel.

Description

 The present invention relates to a lockable hatch & several leaves.

 The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a hatch by transforming an existing hatch.

 Many types of hatches are known which are generally adapted to close openings made in the ground of a roadway or a sidewalk or a passage area. Such openings give access to rooms receiving, for example, electrical or telephone or electronic equipment. The leaves of these hatches generally comprise mechanical closing and locking means, for example locks actuated by means of a key.

 Experience has shown that it is practically necessary to provide a double locking of the leaves to avoid inadvertent opening of the leaves by unauthorized persons. One can thus combine mechanical locking means & keys associated with other locking means controlled for example by a pneumatic cylinder housed in the flap or in the vicinity thereof, this cylinder having to be supplied by a portable pump than the it is connected to air intakes connected to the jack.

 We thus know, from FR-B-2 599 066, a hatch in which a jack moves at least one comb which carries teeth which engage in grooves of the leaves to lock the latter. Access to the actuator is prohibited by a shutter which is itself locked by mechanical means.

 This device requires a powerful cylinder and pump as soon as the length of the hatch is important, and the combs become difficult over time to move due to corrosion of the metal parts and the entry of dust and debris blocking the parts. mobile.

 The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of known hatches and to propose a hatch comprising two types of locking means and which is of particularly simple and reliable structure and use.

 The hatch covered by the invention is a lockable hatch with several leaves, comprising a permanently sealed frame and having at least two opposite sides which are substantially parallel, as well as several leaves adapted to be removably fixed to said frame by fixing means which are respectively secured to the frame and the leaves and which are capable of preventing the opening of the leaves while ensuring the independence of each of them from the others, the fixing means comprising at least one movable element under the action of actuating means adapted to be supplied with energy by a source external to the hatch and independent of the latter.

 According to the invention, this hatch is characterized in that it comprises fixing means permanently fixed to the frame, and complementary fixing means permanently fixed to each of the leaves and adapted to cooperate respectively with the fixing means of the frame and at least one adjacent leaf, several leaves being able to slide on the frame along the latter parallel to at least one of said sides between a position in which each leaf is free relative to the frame and to at least one adjacent leaf already in place, and a locked position in which the complementary fixing means for each of the leaves are engaged respectively with corresponding fixing means for the frame and at least one adjacent leaf, and in that said hatch comprises particular fastening means adapted to cooperate with said movable elements to lock relative to the frame and to at least one adjacent leaf a va ntail adapted to be put in place last.

 Each of the leaves except perhaps the last one, is put in the locked position by a simple sliding along the frame. The fixing means on the frame and on the leaves can thus be very simple and reliable means known in themselves, which it is easy to define according to the shape of the leaves. No fragile moving parts are required.

A break-in is practically impossible without the use of heavy means.

 The actuating means and the movable elements are adapted to the sole locking of the leaf adapted to be put in place last. Simple and reliable means can therefore be used for this purpose, the moving parts of which have relatively small dimensions which it is easy to move despite corrosion and dust.

 According to a first version of the invention, the actuation means are fixed on the inner face of at least one leaf adapted to be placed last on the frame, and move, when they are actuated, one or more elements mobile adapted to come into engagement, in their locking output position, with corresponding fixing means for the frame and at least one adjacent leaf.

 According to another version of the invention, the actuation means and the movable elements are integral with the frame, and the movable elements are adapted to penetrate inside the frame to maintain the leaf adapted to be put in place last. locked position.

 According to a preferred version of the invention, the leaf adapted to be put in place the latter is also adapted to slide on the frame along the latter until its locked position relative to the frame and to at least one adjacent leaf , the hatch also comprises an element forming an auxiliary spacer adapted to close the part of the opening which remains free once the leaf adapted to be put in place, the latter is in its locked position, and said auxiliary spacer and the frame also comprise additional fixing means ensuring with the movable members in the locked position the locking of said auxiliary spacer.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method for producing a hatch according to the first aspect of the invention by transforming an existing hatch with several leaves comprising a frame having at least two opposite sides which are substantially parallel, is characterized in that '' it includes the following stages:
a) is fixed on the frame and on the edges of the leaves complementary fixing means from each other adapted to come into engagement respectively with each other by sliding on the frame and along it of each leaf up to 'in its locked position;
b) the actuator means adapted to be supplied with energy by a source external to the hatch and independent of it, and to be actuated at least, are fixed in the vicinity of the frame or on a leaf adapted to be put in place a movable element;
c) installing particular fixing means adapted to cooperate with said movable elements to lock relative to the frame and to at least one leaf adjacent said leaf adapted to be put in place last.

 Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the detailed description below.

In the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of nonlimiting examples:
- Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a hatch according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the hatch of Figure 1 seen from the left of this figure, two leaves being shown in the open position near the frame;
- Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 of another embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portable pneumatic pump for the implementation of the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3;
- Figure 5 is a top view with cutaway of a detail of Figure 3;
- Figure 6 is a partial sectional view along VI-VI in Figure 1;
- Figure 7 is a sectional view similar to Figure 6 showing an embodiment of the anchoring of the spacer of Figure 3.

 In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lockable hatch 1 comprises a permanently sealed metal frame 2, of rectangular shape, which surrounds an access opening to a chamber 3 dug in the ground to receive, for example, telephone equipment.

 The hatch 1 comprises four leaves 4 of substantially triangular identical surface having a truncated corner 5. In this example, each leaf 4 rests by three feet 6 on the frame 2. A foot 6 located at the truncated corner 5 of the leaf 4a rests on a spar 7a of the frame 2, the other two feet resting on the opposite spar 7b. Each leaf is therefore perfectly stable and is independent of the leaf or neighboring leaves.

 In a manner known per se, the leaves 4 are adapted to be removably fixed to the frame 2 by fixing means which are secured respectively to the frame 2 and the leaves 4 and which are capable of preventing the opening of the leaves 4 while ensuring the independence of each of them from the others.

 The fixing means comprise at least one movable element under the action of a pneumatic cylinder 8 adapted to be supplied by a portable pneumatic pump 9 by hand or by foot external to the hatch 1 and independent of the latter.

 According to the invention, the hatch 1 comprises fixing means permanently fixed to the frame 2, and additional fixing means permanently fixed to each of the leaves 4 and adapted & cooperate respectively with the means for fixing the frame 2 and d '' at least one adjacent leaf. Several leaves can slide on the frame along the longitudinal members 7a, 7b between a position in which each leaf 4 is free relative to the frame 2 and at least one adjacent leaf already in place, and a locked position in which the means of additional fixing of each of the leaves is engaged respectively with corresponding fixing means of the frame and of at least one adjacent leaf.

 The hatch 1 comprises particular fixing means adapted to cooperate with the aforementioned movable elements to lock relative to the frame 2 and to at least one leaf 4d adjacent a leaf 4c adapted if necessary to be put in place the last.

 The fixing means and the complementary fixing means are means acting by combination of shapes to oppose the removal of a leaf 4 in the locked position thereof.

 The fixing means fixed to the frame 2 may be, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 6, bosses or tabs 10 welded to the vertical face 11 of the side members 7a and 7b. Two tabs 10 are provided in the figures for each of the leaves 4a, 4b, 4d.

 The complementary fixing means fixed to each leaf 4 and intended to come into engagement with the bosses or cleats 10 are then fittings 12 in the form of L whose small branch comes to slip under the corresponding cleat 10 when each is slid leaf 4 on frame 2 (see figure 6).

 The complementary fixing means also comprise a tab 13 fixed on the side of each leaf 4, the hypotenuse 14 of the leaf 4b shown in the open position in FIG. 2, which comes into contact with the corresponding edge of the adjacent leaf of the hatch, the hypotenuse 15 of the leaf 4a in said FIG. 2; when the leaf 4b is slid, the free end of the tab 13 of the leaf 4b comes to slide under the leaf 4a and prevents the leaf 4b from being raised. It is the same for the free end of the tab 13 of the leaf 4a vis-à-vis the leaf 4b.

The leaves 4a, 4b, 4d are thus identical and interchangeable.

 It will be understood that the tabs 10 and fittings 12 can be replaced by equivalent known means, for example pins penetrating the opening of a console plate substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction of the leaves.

 In the example shown, each of the leaves 4a, 4b, 4d is thus fixed at three points, two tabs 10 and the tab 13 which it carries, to resist the lifting forces.

 It is obviously possible to provide a cleat 10 on the short side 16a of the frame 2, and a fitting 12 on the corresponding side of the leaf 4a.

 In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the jack 8 is fixed on the inner face of the leaf 4c adapted to be put in place last on the frame 2, and moves, when it is actuated, several mobile elements adapted to come into engagement , in their locking output position, with corresponding fixing means for the frame 2 and the adjacent leaf 4d.

 In the example shown, the jack 8 pivots a pivoting plate 18 which is itself pivotally connected to the end of three locking bars 19, 20, 21 so as to cause these bars to exit towards the outside of the leaf 4c. when the pivoting plate 18 rotates in one direction and to return these bars towards the inside of the leaf 4c when the pivoting plate 18 rotates in the other direction. In this example, the bar 19 engages with the cleat 10 fixed on the side 16b of the frame 2, the bar 20 with that fixed on the spar 7a, and the bar 21 at its end which is housed under the adjacent leaf 4d . It is thus impossible to lift the leaf 4c.

 The jack 8 shown is a double-acting jack connected by two hoses 22, 23 to two pipes 24, 25 fixed to the bottom of a pocket 26 produced during the casting of the leaf 4c. This pocket 26 is closed by a flap 27 itself maintained in the closed position on the leaf 4c by mechanical means known in themselves, for example pivoting latches or screws operated from the outside by means of a special key.

 The pipes 24 and 25 are adapted to receive the hoses 28, 29 of the pump 9 from the outside.

 I1 must thus, to open the hatch 1, have both the special key to open the flap 27 and a portable pump 9, which limits the possibility of burglary.

 In the embodiment of Figures 3, 5 and 7, the actuator 8 is integral with the frame 2. Its rod 30 is articulated at 31 at the end of a branch of a movable element 32 in the form of V mounted so pivoting at 33, substantially at the point of the V, with respect to the frame 2. The free branch 34 of the element 32 projects inside the frame in the retracted position of the jack 8 shown in solid lines in the figure, and , in the extended position of the jack 8 shown in dashes, is in a folded position which does not protrude relative to the corresponding inner face 35 of the frame 2.

 In this embodiment, the leaf adapted to be put in place last, which is not shown, is identical to the other leaves and is interchangeable with them. It is put in its locked position relative to the frame and the adjacent leaf by sliding along the frame. This leaf therefore comprises, like the other leaves and like those of the embodiment of FIG. 2, two fittings 12 and a lug 13.

 The hatch also includes an auxiliary spacer element 36 adapted to close the part of the opening which remains free once the leaf adapted to be put in place last is in its locked position.

 The auxiliary spacer 36 and the frame 2 furthermore comprise additional fixing means ensuring, with the movable V-shaped element 32 in the locked position, the locking of the auxiliary spacer 36.

 As shown in FIG. 7, an angle element 37 can be placed under the spacer 36 at the end of the latter opposite the jack 8, so as to slide under the wing 38 of a profile 39 forming part of frame 2.

 When the spacer 36 is in position on the frame 2, the free branch 34 of the V-shaped element 32 enters an opening 40 of the spacer 36 to immobilize the latter in the locked position.

 As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a pocket 26 adapted to be closed by a shutter not shown makes it possible to connect the hoses 28, 29 of the pump to the pipes 24, 25 connected to the jack 8.

 In the two embodiments described, the jack 8 also drives an indicator rod 41 which penetrates inside the pocket 26 and which bears on its visible face marks indicating to an operator if the hatch is in the locked position or in the position not locked.

 It will be understood that it is easy to transform an existing hatch with several leaves to make it conform to the invention.

The transformation process according to the invention comprises the following steps:
a) fixing means 10, 12, 13 complementary to each other adapted to come into engagement with each other by sliding on the frame on the frame 2 and on the edges of the leaves 4a, 4b, 4d and along it of each leaf to its locked position;
b) one fixes in the vicinity of the frame 2 or on a leaf 4c adapted to be put in place the last of the actuation means 8 adapted to be supplied with energy by a source 9 external to the hatch 1 and independent of it, and actuating at least one movable element 19, 20, 21, 32;
c) installing particular fixing means adapted to cooperate with said movable elements to lock relative to the frame and to at least one leaf adjacent said leaf 4c adapted to be put in place last.

 In the simple case of a standardized hatch of the type represented in FIG. 1, it suffices to weld cleats 10 on the frame 2, fittings 12 and lugs 13 on the leaves, and to replace the leaf adapted to be put in place the latter with a new leaf 4c of the type described above, or the jack 8 and the locking bars 19, 20, 21 are adapted to said leaf.

 It is also possible, but it is more complicated, to modify the frame, to put the jack 8 in the vicinity thereof and to produce a hatch of the type of that shown in FIG. 3.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described, and many modifications and modifications can be made on these without departing from the scope of the invention.

 The invention applies to a hatch comprising leaves of shapes other than that described. The tabs 10, fittings 12 and lugs 13 can be replaced by equivalent means. The cylinder 8 and the pump 9 can be replaced by an electric motor and a battery, or by other similar systems.

Claims (10)

 1. Lockable hatch (1) with several leaves (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), comprising a frame (2) permanently sealed and having at least two opposite sides (7a, 7b) substantially parallel, as well as several leaves (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) adapted to be removably fixed to said frame (2) by fixing means which are secured respectively to the frame and the leaves, and which are capable of preventing the opening of the leaves while ensuring the independence of each of them from the others, the fixing means comprising at least one movable element (19, 20, 21; 32) under the action of actuation means (8) adapted to be supplied with energy by a source (9) external to the hatch (1) and independent of the latter, characterized in that it comprises fixing means (10) permanently fixed to the frame (2), and additional fixing means (12, 13) permanently fixed to each of the leaves and adapted to cooperate respectively nt with the means for fixing the frame and at least one adjacent leaf, several leaves (4, 4a, 4b, 4d) which can slide on the frame (2) along it parallel to at least one of said sides (7a, 7b) between a position in which each leaf is free relative to the frame and to at least one adjacent leaf already in place, and a locked position in which the complementary fixing means (12, 13) of each of the leaves are respectively engaged with corresponding fixing means (10) of the frame (2) and of at least one adjacent leaf, and in that said hatch (1) comprises specific fixing means (10; 36, 38) adapted to cooperate with said movable elements (19, 20, 21; 32) to lock relative to the frame (2) and to at least one adjacent leaf (4d) a leaf adapted to be put in place last.  2. hatch according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means (10) and the complementary fixing means (12, 13) are means acting by combination of shapes to oppose the removal of a leaf in the locked position of it.  3. hatch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating means comprise a jack (8) adapted to move when it is actuated at least one movable element (19, 20, 21; 32), the jack ( 8) and the mobile elements (19, 20, 21; 32) being integral either with the frame (2) or with one of the leaves (4c).  4. hatch according to claim 3, the jack (8) being connected to connecting members (24, 25) adapted to be removably connected to an external energy source (9), characterized in that the members connection are protected by a flap (27) held in the closed position by mechanical means.  5. hatch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating means (8) are fixed on the inner face of at least one leaf (4c) adapted to be put in place last on the frame (2), and move, when they are actuated, one or more mobile elements (19, 20, 21) adapted to come into engagement, in their locked locking position, with corresponding fixing means for the frame (2) and at least one adjacent leaf (4d).  6. hatch according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating means (8) are adapted to pivot a pivoting plate (18) itself pivotally connected to the end of several locking bars (19, 20, 21) so as to bring these bars out towards the outside of the leaf (4c) when the pivoting plate (18) rotates in one direction and to bring these bars in towards the inside of the leaf (4c) when the pivoting plate (18) turns the other way.  7. hatch according to one of claims 1 to 4, the actuating means (8) and the movable elements (32) being integral with the frame (2), characterized in that the movable elements (32) are adapted to penetrate inside the frame (2) to keep the leaf adapted to be put in place last in the locked position.  8. hatch according to claim 7, characterized in that the leaf adapted to be put in place the latter is also adapted to slide on the frame along the latter until its locked position relative to the frame and at least an adjacent leaf, in that the hatch also includes an auxiliary spacer element (36) adapted to close the part of the opening which remains free once the leaf adapted to be put in place last is in its locked position, and in that said auxiliary spacer (36) and the frame (2) further comprise complementary fixing means (37, 38) ensuring with the movable members (32) in the locked position the locking of said auxiliary spacer (36).  9. hatch according to claim 8, the frame having a rectangular shape and the actuating means being arranged along one side (16) of the frame, characterized in that the auxiliary spacer is a cross member being received against said side of the frame.  10. Method for making a hatch according to one of claims 1 to 9 by transforming an existing hatch with several leaves comprising a frame having at least two opposite sides which are substantially parallel, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:  a) is fixed on the frame and on the edges of the leaves complementary fixing means from each other adapted to come into engagement respectively with each other by sliding on the frame and along it of each leaf up to 'in its locked position;  b) the actuator means adapted to be supplied with energy by a source external to the hatch and independent of it, and to be actuated at least, are fixed in the vicinity of the frame or on a leaf adapted to be put in place a movable element;  c) installing particular fastening means adapted to cooperate with said movable elements to lock relative to the frame and to at least one leaf adjacent said leaf adapted to be put in place the last.