Automatic transit-dissuading column actuated hydraulically

Abstract

 The present invention refers to an automatic cylindrical transit-dissuading column (1) that moves automatically and hydraulically. Besides, column (1) is remote-controlled. This system comprises a cylindrical element (4) that can rise from the road paving in order to prevent the transit of vehicles in areas such as parking-places, cycle-tracks, building entrances, etc. The cylindrical element (4) can lower with a vertical movement and disappear completely so that the transit is made possible and vehicles are free to pass through.

Description

[0001] The present invention proposes an automatic cylindrical transit-dissuading column that moves automatically and hydraulically. Besides, column is remote-controlled.

[0002] This system comprises a cylindrical element that can rise from the road paving in order to prevent the transit of vehicles in areas such as parking-places, cycle-tracks, building entrances, etc. The cylindrical element can be lowered with a vertical movement and disappear completely so that the transit is made possible and vehicles are free to pass through.

[0003] As is known, the transit of big vehicles in pedestrian or cycle areas is prevented by means of fixed barriers which prevent motor-vehicles from passing through, but permit the passage of persons and bicycles.

[0004] A drawback of the fixed barriers is their irremovability that does not permit the transit of motor-vehicles when their transit is required and permitted.

[0005] For instance, in case of parks permitting the entry of pedestrians and cyclists, it is also necessary to provide suitable entrances for gardening vehicles such as lawn-mowers and small tractors.

[0006] The above problem is solved by means of barriers or manually removable bars that may be placed on the ground through a rotary movement in respect of the connection point with the ground. Usually, these mechanisms are utilized to avoid the parking of unwished vehicles in private parking areas or to prevent the transit of non-authorized vehicles, but to permit the admittance of authorized vehicles to urban areas of limited traffic.

[0007] However, said type of transit-dissuading elements involves at least two drawbacks: the first one refers to the lack of automatisms so that the positioning of the barrier to the ground is accomplished manually through releasing means such as keys or other mechanisms that require a direct intervention by a person. The second problem is represented by the fact that also when said barriers or barriers with a bascule movement are lowered, there is a cumbersome dangerous barrier element on the ground that hinders the passage of pedestrians or cycles.

[0008] Hydraulic barriers are used to overcome the said drawbacks. The hydraulic barriers are positioned on lateral uprights that permit an automatic movement of the barrier but said lateral uprights remain there and are ugly to see, which is an inconvenience especially in urban areas where the design is more and more important.

[0009] In addition, columns with a vertical movement have been conceived as transit-dissuading movable elements to prevent the passage of cumbersone vehicles when they are in position out of the ground, there being the possibility of withdrawing said columns in the ground through pneumatic or oil-dynamic or electric devices or other.

[0010] Said devices with a disappearing column have solved the aesthetic problems and above all, when the transit is permitted, said devices disappear nearly totally and do not hinder the transit of any vehicles at all because their upper surface finds at the same level of ground.

[0011] However, the known systems with disappearing column that are present on the market give rise to many problems: above all, the characteristic of the total disappearance of the column involves a difficult assemblying operation and a rather complex upkeep because both the extendible element and the mechanisms that permit the extension are housed under the ground.

[0012] Accordingly, in the available disappearing column systems the operations for the maintenance of the efficiency of the device are always troublesome. Besides, it is also difficult to adjust the control panel.

[0013] Another problem of such systems is represented by the complexity of the operating mechanisms which usually are provided with slide guides along which the dissuading column runs and/or mechanical levers, which makes the whole system very complex and subject to breaks.

[0014] The aim of the present invention is to carry out an automatic transit dissuading device comprising a disappearing element which solves the above-described problems by means of a cylindrical column which is lifted from the road paving to prevent the passing and is lowered until it disappears completely to permit the transit.

[0015] The present invention permits to obtain the advantage of an immediate assembly without keyings or mechanical inserts of precision thanks to the absence of slide guides or mechanical levers so that its laying can be accomplished even by unskilled technicians.

[0016] A further advantage is represented by the fact that the automation is put under the road paving and only the dissuading column is lifted.

[0017] The dissuading column shows the important characteristic of being not tip-up. In particular, the hydraulic actuator and the hydraulic control panel are incorporated in the automation, which makes the whole structure compact.

[0018] In addition, the hydraulic control panel is positioned just under the covering plate so that it permits a quick, rapid access in case of adjustment or upkeep.

[0019] All the above aims and advantages are reached according to the present invention by means of an automatic dissuading device provided with a disappering column, characterized in that it comprises a containing unit in the inside of a formwork which is to be housed in a suitable excavation of the ground, the upper surface of the formwork being at the same level of the road paving; a disappearing element is movable vertically so that it does not permit the passing when it is in its extended position while it permit the passing when it is lowered by means of automated hydraulic systems.

[0020] Further features and details of the present invention will be better understood from the following description which is provided as a nonlimiting example on the hand of the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic axonometric view of the traffic dissuading system with a disappearing column according to the present invention;

Figg. 2, 3 show the dissuading device with the column extended out of the paving to prevent the passing and with the column disappeared to permit the passing, respectively;

Fig. 4, 5, 6 show the column lowering phases by means of a remote control;

Figg. 7, 8 represent exploded views of the dissuading element;

Figg. 9, 10 are two details of Fig. 8;

Figg. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 show the different release operations for a manual lowering of the column; and

Fig. 16 is a detail of Fig. 12.

[0021] With reference to the accompanying drawings, number 1 denotes a transit dissuading system which comprises three main components, that is a containing framework 2, a containing unit 3 for the hydraulic piston 5 and hydraulic gearcase 6, and a disappearing column 4.

[0022] The containing framework 2 is a metallic cylinder. The upper disaligned end of the containing framework 2 shows a housing 7 for the hydraulic gearcase 6. The framework 2 is conceived to be buried in the ground and fixed with concrete in the upper part in such a position that the upper surface of the framework 2 is at the same level of the road paving. Besides, the framework 2 shows a lateral hole 9 for the connection of a consumer pipe for electric cables 10, 11. The whole framework 2 is also conceived to let water or rain-water to flow out of suitable ports 25.

[0023] The containing unit 3, which contains both the hydraulic piston 5 and the hydraulic gearcase 6, is the functional component of the whole automation 1 and comprises a double-acting hydraulicpiston 5 which works in the inside of a supporting cylinder 12 to which the hydraulic gearcase 6 is fixed by means of a flange 8 in horizontal-front position in the upper part of the supporting cylinder 12.

[0024] In the inside of the gearcase 6 there is an electric motor connected to both a hydraulic pump and a valve body with thrust force registers, the whole device being "buried" in the inside of a tight tank containing hydraulic oil. The connections between the gearcase 6 and the piston 5 are rigid copper pipes 13, 14.

[0025] The inner hydraulic piston 5 is in a vertical position and a piston rod 15 goes out upwards vertically, the whole system being fixed only in the lower part to permit a comfortable insert of the disappering column 4 through an oscillation.

[0026] A manual release 16 is easily accessible from the outside by means of a shaped key 17 and permits the column 4 to be lowered manually.

[0027] In particular, the containing unit 3 is advantageous because it rests in the inside of the framework 2 without any kind of rigid connection or bracket; then, the whole device is closed with a plate 19 obtained by melting aluminum. Plate 19 is fixed to the containing framework 2 by means of bolts 20.

[0028] The disapperaring column 4 is a metallic cylinder showing a suitable thickness and acts as a "wayside stone" when it is lifted by means of the hydraulic piston 5 out of the containing unit 3. The lower part of the disappearing column 4 is so shaped that it acts as an easy slide guide in the inside of the containing unit 3.

[0029] The connection with the rod 15 of the piston 5 is obtained through a coupling eyebolt 21 to accomplish the operation of insertion of the whole containing unit 3 or the operation of removal of same.

[0030] The disappearing column 4 has all the characteristics of anti-tilting and stiffness. In fact, a rubber staff angle 22 is fixed, in the upper part, between the metallic cylinder and a cap 23 of the column 4. Said staff angle 22 protects the cylindrical edge against external pushes or shoves.

[0031] The main feature of the automation according to the present patent consists in its utmost semplicity of installation. In fact, as soon as the framework 2 is fixed rigidly to the road paving, the containing unit 3 that contains both piston 5 and gearcase 6 is inserted and arranged. Attention should be paid to cables 10, 11 that must be inserted in the suitable pipes to permit the operation of the whole system.

[0032] Other important features consist in the fact that in certain situations in which the system needs an upkeep, the whole inner containing unit 3 can be removed from its housing after having removed the covering plate 19. In fact, the containing unit 3 can be lifted by means of the couping eyebolt 21 which is utilized in the operations of installation and upkeep.

[0033] Besides, the hydraulic piston 5 is co-axial to the disappearing column 4 and is fixed to the base thereof through a constraint 24 that permits the piston itself to swing in the inside of the containing unit 3 in order to facilitate the operation of insertion of the column 4.

[0034] In addition, the height of the disappearing column is adjustable. Once lowered, the disappearing column must be close to the paving: this adjustment is limited to the end part of rod 15 of piston 5 when it is assembled in the factory.

[0035] The framework 2 has an ergonomic compact shape and houses both the containing unit 3 and the hydraulic gearcase 6. The framework 2 does not show any clamping rag bolts or projections and permits a drainage of the fluids. In fact, the base of the box-shaped housing 7 shows ports 25 opened towards the underground.

[0036] A further peculiar feature of the present apparatus consists in that the hydraulic gearcase 6, which permits to press the oil in the inside of the hydraulic piston 5, is arranged horizontally in the front part of the seat 8 of the containing unit 3, at the base of the disappearing column 4 so that it is possible to reach the gearcase 6 easily once the covering plaste 19 has been removed.

[0037] Said covering plate 19 obtained by melting aluminum permits to cover and fix all the inner components with four screws 20. A cap 18 is screwed to cover the inner access to the release device 16 that permits a manual lowering of the column.

[0038] The manual release of column 4 as represented in Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 is obtained through a shaped key 17 which acts directly on the inner hydraulic circuit. At first, the cap 18 is removed, then, the release key 17 is inserted and has to be turned, then, the column is pushed manually downwards and disappears in its seat. Finally, the circuit is blocked by turning the key 17 in the opposite direction to the direction of the release phase.

[0039] Besides, the disappearing column 4 is provided with a rubber staff angle 22 fixed by the cap 23 of the column 4 as a protection against the edge as well as reflectors that permit column 4 to be seen by night. The reflectors are attached along the whole circumference of the disappearing column 4 in a well-visible position.

[0040] When column 4 is lowered, there is the intervention of a hermetic travel end feeler through a shaped "ogive" fixed to the rod 15. Said travel end feeler is positioned in the upper part of the hydraulic piston 5. In addition, at the end of the column lifting phase the travel end is obtained by the beat of the plunger of the hydraulic piston with the piston head.

[0041] There is also the possibility of installing an electrovalve for the control of the manual release when the power is lacking.

[0042] It is possible to carry out the present dissuading device in different versions as regards both the diameter and the travel of the disappearing column 4.

[0043] Furthermore, it is possible to conceive a vertical movement of column 4 through telescopic mechanisms in order to utilize more compact and less high containing frameworks 2.

[0044] Finally, the possibility of preventing or regulating the passage of vehicles is made easier and becomes a need at the same time because said operation is performed instantaneously with a simple control 26, for instance a radio control, far from the installation. In fact, the dissuading device according to the present invention meets the requirements thanks to its automation. Once said automation is installed, the lifting (dissuading position) or the lowering of the metallic cyilindrical column is controlled by a control impulse through a key selector, a push-button panel or a radio transmitter, connected to a suitable electronic apparatus.

[0045] A technician of this sector can modify the device and obtain solutions that are to be considered as included in the scope of protection of the invention as further defined in its peculiar features in the following claims.

Claims

1. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column, characterized in that it comprises a containing unit (3) in the inside of a formwork (2) which is to be housed in a suitable excavation of the ground, the upper surface of the formwork being at the same level of the road paving; said automatic dissuading device (1) further comprising a disappearing element (4) which is movable vertically so that it does not permit the passing of vehicles when the disappearing element (4) is in its extended position, while it permits the passing of vehicles when it is lowered by means of automated hydraulic systems, and a hooking eyebolt (21) is provided on the disappearing element (4) to permit a rapid assembly of the dissuading device itself.

2. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claim, characterized in that the containing formwork (2) shows a cylindrical or parallelepiped shape in its lower part and is provided, in its upper part, with a housing (7) for a hydraulic gearcase (6), ports (25) permitting water o rain-water to go out and at least a lateral hole (9) for the connection of a consumer pipe for electric cables (10, 11); said formwork (2) being buried in the ground and fixed, in the upper part, in such a position that its top is at the same level of the road paving.

3. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that the containing unit (3) is formed by a substantially cylindrical supporting structure (12) which supports at least an hydraulic double-acting piston (5) and a flange (8) to which a hydraulic gearcase (6) is fixed.

4. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that the inner hydraulic piston (5) is coaxial to the disappearing column (4), has a piston rod (15) which goes out upwards and is fixed at its base with the supporting structure (12) through a constraint (24) which permits a swinging of the same piston (5) in the inside of the containing unit (3) in order to facilitate the operations of insertion of the disappearing element (4).

5. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that a manual release (16) is provided on the hydraulic gearcase (6) and is accessible from the outside by means of shaped keys (17) to permit a manual lowering of column (4).

6. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that the rod (15) of piston (5) is connected to the disappearing element (4) through a hooking eyebolt (21) which permits to accomplish insertion manoeuvres for the whole containing unit (3) or removal manoeuvres.

7. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that a rubber staff angle (22) and a fixing cover (23) are fixed at the top of the disappearing element (4), said disappearing element (4) showing anti-tilting and stiffness characteristics.

8. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that the height of the disappearing element (4) is adjustable so that it can reach, once lowered, the road paving surface through a registration limited to the end part of the rod (15) of piston (5).

9. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that at the end of the lowering of the element (4) there is the intervention of a hermetic travel end feeler positioned in the upper part of the hydraulic piston (5) while the travel end at the end of the lifting of the element (4) is obtained by beating the plunger of the hydraulic piston with the piston head.

10. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that it is possible to instal an electrovalve for the control of the manual release when the power is lacking.

11. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that it is possible to control the lowering or lifting of the disappearing element (4) through a control impulse caused by key selectors, push-button panels, remote transmitters (26) or other controlling devices.

12. Automatic dissuading device (1) provided with a disappearing column as claimed in the foregoing claims, characterized in that the hydraulic piston (5) and the disappearing element (4) may be carried out by utilizing a telescopic mechanism.

Drawing