EP3378995B1 - Manhole comprising a latch - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to a manhole, that is to say a means for inspecting or accessing underground infrastructures. Such a manhole comprises a fixed frame embedded in the roadway, a buffer or cover (or a grid) connected to the frame by an articulation allowing the buffer to pivot between a position of closing the opening of the frame and a position released from this. opening to allow a worker to access the manhole cover.

In known manner, a lock can be associated with the buffer opposite its articulation to the frame and allows the locking of the buffer in its folded position on the frame and the unlocking of the buffer to bring it to its position of release from the frame. opening of the frame.

As presented in the document EP 0 856 611 , the lock may be in the form of an angled lever pivotally mounted on the pad and one of the arms of which cooperates with a member forming a keeper of a wall of the frame to effect the locking of the pad on the frame and The other arm forms a latch operating handle to bring the latch arm to its unlocked and pad lifting position to its upright position clearing the frame opening.

The Applicant has observed that although this device for locking the pad on the frame gives complete satisfaction, it is not however immune to a malicious act. Indeed, the arm forming the operating handle of the lock is easily accessible from the outside of the buffer occupying its locked position on the frame so that any malicious person can easily bring the lock to its position of unlocking the buffer from the frame.

In order to solve this problem, it is proposed in the document FR 3 022 923 a similar manhole cover, the buffer of which comprises a through-hole in which can be mounted a pivot pin controlled by a key and carrying under the buffer a bolt which can occupy, under the action of the key, a locking position of the latch arm in its locking position of the buffer to the frame or an unlocking position of the locking arm allowing the operation of the other lock arm to move the lock arm to its frame buffer unlock position. The manhole disclosed in this document has improved security by the use of a key lock, but has the drawback that the hole and the pivoting pin with key occupy a position between the lock and a central zone of the buffer. . This accordingly limits the surface area available for marking the stamp. In the case of a grid, this limits the open area of the grid, or where appropriate also the marking surface provided on the grid.

In addition, some applications may require the use of a manhole whose pad (or gate) is secured by a key lock, while a keyless lock pad is sufficient for other applications. Thus, except to create in a commercial range two different buffers according to the envisaged applications, the marking zone of the buffer is reduced whether or not the latter is equipped with a key lock. In addition, in the case of a buffer with a large marking surface, such differentiation does not make it possible to choose whether or not to equip the manhole with a key lock during its installation.

The invention aims to resolve at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

To this end, the invention relates to a manhole comprising a fixed frame, a buffer or a grid connected to the frame by an articulation allowing the buffer or the grid to pivot between a position of closing the opening of the frame. and a disengaged position of this opening and a lock associated with the buffer or the grid opposite the hinge. The lock comprises a movable handle vis-à-vis said buffer or said grid, between a locked position in which it immobilizes the buffer or grid vis-à-vis the frame in its position for closing off the opening, and an unlocked position in which it allows the swivel of the cover or the grid to its position released from the opening. The handle is shaped for the fixing of a key lock allowing the locking of the handle of the lock in its locked position or the release of the handle allowing the maneuver of the handle of the lock to bring it to its unlocked position.

Thanks to the particular conformation of the handle of the lock allowing the fixing of a key lock, the surface of the buffer remains widely available for marking, whether or not the manhole is finally equipped with a key lock.

The lock may for example be in the form of an angled lever pivotally mounted on the buffer or the grid and one of the arms of which cooperates with a member forming a keeper of the wall of the frame to effect the locking of the buffer or of the grid. the grid to the frame and the other arm forms the handle for operating the lock and lifting the buffer or the grid into the unlocked position of said buffer or grid.

In one embodiment, the handle has a through hole, as a configuration for the attachment of a key lock. In this case, the orifice passing through the handle may be closed by a frangible cover which can be removed by a tool to free the orifice and allow the key lock to be fitted therein.

The lock can be made of cast iron. It can be obtained by molding. The lock can be molded without insert or core.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a manhole cover as defined above and a key lock comprising a pivot pin controlled by a key and carrying under the handle a bolt which can occupy, under the action of the key, a position of locking the handle of the lock in its locked position or a release position of the handle allowing the maneuver of the handle of the lock to bring it to its unlocked position.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the handle is in the locked position, the bolt in the locked position mechanically interferes with a bearing surface formed under the pad so as to immobilize the handle vis-à-vis the pad or the pad. gate. The bearing surface may be formed by a housing for receiving the lock formed integrally with the buffer or the grid in said buffer or in said grid and under a lower face of said buffer or said grid.

Such an assembly may include an indexing means retaining the key lock in a stable position either in the handle locking position or in the handle unlocking position.

• un bossage présentant une empreinte cruciforme, lié fixement au verrou ou formé intégralement avec le verrou, et
• une rondelle présentant une excroissance adaptée à s'engager dans une branche de l'empreinte cruciforme et liée fixement à la serrure à clé,

de sorte que ladite excroissance est engagée dans au moins une première branche de l'empreinte cruciforme lorsque la serrure à clé est en position de blocage de la poignée et que la partie de l'excroissance engagée dans ladite première branche en position de blocage de la poignée est engagée dans une deuxième branche de l'empreinte cruciforme orthogonale à la première branche lorsque la serrure à clé est en position de déblocage de la poignée.The indexing means may include:

• a boss having a cruciform recess, fixedly connected to the latch or formed integrally with the latch, and
• a washer having a protuberance adapted to engage in a branch of the cruciform recess and fixedly linked to the key lock,

so that said protuberance is engaged in at least a first branch of the cruciform recess when the key lock is in the locking position of the handle and the part of the protrusion engaged in said first branch in the locking position of the handle. handle is engaged in a second branch of the cruciform recess orthogonal to the first branch when the key lock is in the handle release position.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

• la figure 1 représente, selon une vue en trois dimensions, un exemple de regard de chaussée conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente, selon une vue de dessus, le regard de chaussée de la figure 1 équipé d'une serrure à clé ;
• la figure 3 représente, selon une première vue schématique en trois dimensions, un verrou pouvant être mis en œuvre dans le regard de chaussée des figures 1 et 2 ;
• la figure 4 représente, selon une deuxième vue schématique en trois dimensions, le verrou de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 représente, selon une vue schématique en trois dimensions, le verrou de la figure 3 et 4 équipé d'une serrure à clé ;
• La figure 6 représente, selon une vue schématique en trois dimensions, le verrou équipé d'une serrure à clé de la figure 5 monté sur un tampon d'un regard de chaussée conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la serrure à clé étant dans une position de blocage de la poignée du verrou, le verrou étant en position verrouillée ;
• la figure 7 représente l'ensemble de la figure 6, la serrure à clé étant dans une position de déblocage de la poignée du verrou, le verrou étant en position verrouillée ;
• la figure 8 représente l'ensemble de la figure 7, la serrure à clé étant dans une position de déblocage de la poignée du verrou, le verrou étant basculé en position déverrouillée.

In the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples:

• the figure 1 shows, in a three-dimensional view, an example of a manhole in accordance with the invention;
• the figure 2 represents, in a top view, the manhole cover of the figure 1 equipped with a key lock;
• the figure 3 shows, according to a first schematic view in three dimensions, a lock that can be implemented in the manhole of the carriageway of figures 1 and 2 ;
• the figure 4 shows, according to a second schematic view in three dimensions, the lock of the figure 3 ,
• the figure 5 shows, in a three-dimensional schematic view, the lock of the figure 3 and 4 equipped with a key lock;
• The figure 6 shows, in a three-dimensional schematic view, the lock equipped with a key lock of the figure 5 mounted on a buffer of a manhole in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the key lock being in a locking position of the handle of the lock, the lock being in the locked position;
• the figure 7 represents the whole of figure 6 , the key lock being in a position for unlocking the handle of the lock, the lock being in the locked position;
• the figure 8 represents the whole of figure 7 , the key lock being in an unlocking position of the handle of the lock, the lock being tilted to the unlocked position.

To the figure 1 is shown a manhole in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The manhole cover 1 is intended to be embedded in a roadway and comprises a frame 2 which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, has a general octagonal exterior shape. The manhole cover 1 further comprises a buffer 3 connected to the frame 2 by an articulation 4. The buffer 3 corresponds to a cover making it possible to close or make visible an opening 5 of the frame 2. Alternatively, a grid can be used for cover the opening 5 while allowing for example the passage of water in said opening 5.

In particular, the buffer 3 can pivot between a position of closing the opening 5 of the frame 2 in which said buffer 3 is folded down, horizontally, on said opening 5, and a free position of this opening 5. For example, in its released position the buffer 3 can form an angle of approximately 110 ° vis-à-vis the frame, the 90 ° opening position allowing the disassembly of the joint 4 and the extraction of the buffer 3 from the frame 2.

To the figure 1 , the buffer is shown in a half-open position, intermediate between the closed position of the opening 5 of the frame 2 and the released position of this opening 5.

The articulation 4 can be of the type comprising an axis 41 integral with the buffer 3 which can swing into a space 42 provided in an external ear 22 of the frame 2. Obviously, other types of articulations of the buffer 3 to the frame 2 can be. considered without departing from the invention.

In the example shown, the buffer 3 is of generally circular shape capable of engaging in the corresponding circular opening 5 of the frame 2 in order to close this opening 5. The buffer 3 is provided with centering tabs 6 making it possible to produce good guiding and centering of the buffer 3 in the circular opening 5 of the frame 2. In the closed position of the opening 5 of the frame 2, the buffer 3 rests on an internal peripheral rib 21 of the frame 2 by the intermediate of an elastic support integral with the rib 21.

The manhole cover 1 is also provided with a lock 7 associated with the buffer 3 opposite the articulation 4. Thus, when the buffer 3 has a circular shape, the lock 7 is diametrically opposed to the articulation 4.

The lock 7, an embodiment of which specific to the invention is shown in figures 3 to 5 , is in the form of a substantially angled lever, pivotally mounted on the buffer 3.

The angled lever comprises a first arm 71 comprising at its end a first transverse bar 72 shaped to cooperate with a member forming a keeper 23 and projecting from a wall of the frame 2 into the opening 5 of the latter, to effect the locking of the buffer 3 on the frame 2. In particular, the first transverse bar 72 protrudes on either side of the first arm 71 and comprises an upper face 73 capable of being placed with little play under the member forming a keeper 23 to lock stamp 3 on frame 2.

The angled lever comprises a second arm forming a handle 74 for operating the lock 7. The handle 74 also allows the buffer 3 to be lifted when the latter is unlocked from the frame 2. To this end, the handle 74 may have an end which is facilitates actuation (ie tilting or pivoting) and gripping. To this end, the second arm forming a handle 74 may include a second transverse bar 75.

The lock 7 in the form of an angled lever comprises a pivot pin 76 extending transversely to the two arms of the lock. The pivot axis 76 is formed by the bend between said two arms and two transverse lugs that are substantially cylindrical and projecting on either side of the bend of the lock 7.

The lock 7 is inserted and retained in a housing 31 provided in and under the buffer 3.

• une position verrouillée du tampon 3 sur le cadre 2, représentée aux figures 6 et 7, dans laquelle la poignée 74 occupe une position approximativement parallèle à la surface supérieure 32 du tampon 3 et le premier bras 71 s'étend vers le bas suivant une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à ladite surface supérieure 32 du tampon 3, avec la face supérieure 73 de la première barrette transversale 72 du premier bras 71 située en-dessous et à proximité de l'organe formant gâche 23 du cadre 2 pour empêcher le soulèvement du tampon 3 relativement au cadre 2 en l'absence de manœuvre du verrou 7, et
• une position déverrouillée représentée à la figure 8 dans laquelle le tampon 3 peut être basculé à l'aide de la poignée 74 vers sa position dégagée de l'ouverture 5 du cadre 2.

The housing 31 has an open face opening out to the upper surface 32 of the buffer 3. The open face of the housing 31 has a substantially cross shape which corresponds to the cross shape formed by the second arm forming a handle 74 and the second transverse bar. 75 of the latch 7, so that in the locked position of the buffer 3 on the frame 2, the handle 74 is housed in the open face of the housing 31 without protruding from the upper plane web 32 of the buffer 3. The housing 31 has two tabs 33 located opposite each other in a spaced manner and located under the lower face 34 of the buffer 3. These two tabs 33 serve as support bearings respectively for the two lugs of the pivot axis 76 of the latch 7, or accommodate a part, for example of plastic material, forming bearings between the pivot axis 76 and the housing 31. Once the latch 7 has been introduced into the housing 31 of the buffer 3, the latch 7 forming an angled lever can pivot in the tabs 33 forming support bearings between:

• a locked position of the buffer 3 on the frame 2, shown in figures 6 and 7 , wherein the handle 74 occupies a position approximately parallel to the upper surface 32 of the tampon 3 and the first arm 71 extends downward in a direction substantially perpendicular to said upper surface 32 of the tampon 3, with the upper face 73 of the first transverse bar 72 of the first arm 71 situated below and close to the member forming the keeper 23 of the frame 2 to prevent the lifting of the cover 3 relative to the frame 2 in the absence of operation of the latch 7, and
• an unlocked position shown in figure 8 in which the buffer 3 can be tilted using the handle 74 to its position released from the opening 5 of the frame 2.

According to the invention, the handle 74 comprises a means 8 configured to allow the fixing of a key lock. This means 8 can be a support shaped to allow the rigid fixing of a suitable key lock. In the example shown here, the means 8 shaped for fixing a key lock comprises an orifice 81 passing through the handle covered with a frangible cover 82. The frangible cover 82 can be detached using a suitable tool introduced at the level of the orifice 81. When the frangible cover is detached, the the orifice 81 is released and allows the installation of a key lock through the handle 74. The frangible cover 82 can be made detachable from the rest of the handle 74 by thin connections formed between said cover and the walls of the orifice 81 of the handle 74. The connections of small thicknesses break under the effect of the impact of a suitable tool which may be a small chisel introduced into the orifice 81 resting on the frangible cover 82, and on which is exerted a violent force, for example by a hammer, so that the impact completely disengages the cover 82 of the handle 74.

The frangible cover can be obtained in one piece with the handle 74, for example during molding, preferably without a core or insert of the latch 7 comprising the handle 74. The latch 7 comprising the handle 74 may in particular be made of cast iron.

Once the orifice 81 has been made through after separation of the cover 82 from the handle 74, a key lock 9 can be mounted through the orifice 81.

The figure 5 , as well as figures 6 to 8 , illustrate a lock 7, the handle 74 of which is equipped with a key lock 9.

The key lock 9 adapted to be mounted in the orifice 81 shown here comprises a pivoting pin 91 controlled by a key, not shown.

The pin 91 carries, towards its projecting end under the handle 74 of the lock 7, a bolt 92. The bolt 92 can occupy a locking position of the handle 74 of the lock 7, shown in FIG. figure 6 . The bolt can occupy, after rotation of approximately 90 ° of the axis 91, an unlocking position of the handle 74 of the latch 7, shown in FIG. figure 7 . The unlocking position of the handle 74 allows its maneuver, that is to say its rotation with respect to the buffer 3 and, as a corollary, the tilting of the latch 7 around its pivot axis 76. The unlocking position of the handle 74 therefore makes it possible to bring the latch 7 into a tilted position shown in figure 8 , for which the buffer is unlocked, which allows it to be opened to the released position of opening 5 of frame 2.

The bolt 92 may have the form of an elongated rigid plate. The bolt 92 is shaped to mechanically interfere with a bearing surface 35 formed under the buffer 3 so that the operation of the handle 74 and the tilting of the latch 7 are prevented, when said bolt is in a locking position of the handle. which is illustrated in the figure 6 . The bolt 92 is integral with the axis 91. The bolt extends orthogonally with respect to the axis 91. By rotation of the axis 91 the bolt 92 can be brought into the unlocking position of the handle 74. , illustrated in the figure 7 . In the unlocking position of the handle 74, the bolt 92 no longer interferes with the bearing surface 35, which frees the operation of the handle 74 and the latch 7.

The axis 91 can be constituted by a body of generally cylindrical shape. The bolt can be made stationary in rotation with respect to the axis 91 by leaving a flat on the axis 91, and by piercing the bolt with an orifice of corresponding shape. The bolt is immobilized on the axis 91 using a nut 93.

The other end of the axis 91 is located above the handle 74, that is to say at the level of its surface exposed to the upper surface 32 of the pad 3. At this end, the axis 91 is with head 94.

The head 94 rests on the surface of the handle 74, for example in a circular indentation 83 made on the handle 74. Washers can be interposed between the head 94 and the handle 74, facilitating the rotation of the head 94 and thus of the axis 91, and preventing wear of the handle 74.

The head 94 has a shape suitable for being rotated by a key of corresponding shape. Thus, the head 94 may have an external shape which is not of revolution (cylinder truncated by a longitudinal flat, square, triangle, hexagon, etc.) or have an indentation making it possible to turn the head 94 (hexagonal, square indentation, etc.). triangular, cruciform, etc.).

Obviously, other types of key lock to be operated by a more complex constitution key can be successfully employed in the invention.

A coil spring 95 is mounted on the axis 91 and interposed between the bolt 92 and the handle 74. The spring bears, at the level of the handle, on a washer 96. The coil spring 95 can have several functions. The spring can maintain the keylock in the correct axial position in the orifice 81 of the handle 74. In particular, the head 94 is kept pressed in the circular recess 83, against the surface of the handle 74.

The helical spring can also operate an indexing means retaining the key lock in a stable position either in the locking position of the handle or in the unlocking position of the handle.

As previously explained, the locking position of the handle corresponds to a certain orientation of the bolt 92, and the unlocking position of the handle corresponds to an orientation of the bolt 92 substantially orthogonal to the orientation in the locking position.

In order to guarantee the bolt stability in one or the other of these orientations, the handle is provided, at its lower face (opposite to the bearing face of the head 94) with a boss 77 traversed by the orifice 81. The boss 77 has a cruciform recess 78, that is to say a hollow pattern formed on said boss 77.

The boss can advantageously be formed integrally with the latch 7, or be fixedly attached thereto.

The washer 96 has, on its face held in contact with the boss under the effect of the helical spring 95, a protuberance adapted to engage in the cruciform recess 78.

Functionally, the outgrowth can be in the form of a simple pawn, but in order to guarantee a better balance to the washer 95 the outgrowth can be in the form of two diametrically opposed pawns, or of four pawns arranged in a cross. . The protuberance can be obtained by folding the washer 95. The protrusion can be formed by a cross formed on the washer 95, and corresponding to the cruciform recess 78, pierced in its center by a hole allowing the passage of the axis 91. The hole of the washer 96 may have a flat corresponding to a flat of the axis 91 in order to immobilize the washer 96 in rotation with respect to the axis 91.

Thus, the protuberance of the washer 96 is engaged in at least a first branch of the cruciform pattern when the key lock is in the locking position of the handle and is engaged in a second branch of the cruciform pattern substantially orthogonal to the first branch when the key lock is in the handle release position. In the case of a cross-shaped protuberance, said protuberance is simultaneously engaged in the four branches of the cruciform indentation 78, an element of the protuberance (for example a branch of the cross) passing from the first branch of the indentation cruciform to the second branch of the cruciform recess between the locking position of the key handle and the unlocking position of the handle.

In other words, the part of the protuberance engaged in a first branch in the locking position of the handle is engaged in a second branch in the unlocking position of the handle.

Thus, unlocking the lock 7 (the lock being initially in the locking position of the handle and assuming that the head 94 of the pin 91 has an external shape allowing its rotation), an operator introduces the part forming the head 94 of the axis 91 in the combined recess of the locking and operating key (not shown), and turns said key in a direction making it possible to simultaneously rotate the axis 91 and the bolt 92 by a limited angle of rotation, for example 90 ° in the exemplary embodiment shown here, so that the bolt 92 no longer interferes mechanically with an element integral with the buffer 3.

In this way, the operator can then grab the second bar 75 of the operating handle 74 to pivot the lock 7 so as to make it assume the position shown in figure 8 and disengage the first bar 72 from below the keeper-forming member 23. In this so-called unlocked position of the latch 7, the operator can tilt the cover 3 from its closed position and the opening 5 is closed. of frame 2 to its open position, free from opening 5 of frame 2.

When it is desired to again close the frame 2 by the buffer 3, the buffer 3 is tilted around the articulation 4 in order to extend horizontally above its opening 5, and the handle 74 is brought back into position. horizontal position inside the housing 31, which swings the latch 7 into the locked position of the figures 7 and 8 wherein the first bar 72 cooperates with the striker member 23 to immobilize the tampon.

The manhole, the handle of which is predisposed to the installation of a suitable key lock, can for example be supplied with a kit allowing the installation (or not, according to needs) of the key lock. Thus, such a kit comprises said key lock, and, optionally, the tools necessary for its assembly. In the example detailed above, the tool comprises a punch suitable for removing the cap blocking the through orifice of the handle.

The invention has been described with reference to a manhole whose buffer is of generally circular shape, but it is understood that it can be applied to any other form of buffer, such as a rectangular buffer inscribed in a rectangular frame or a triangular stamp that fits with other adjacent triangular stamps in a rectangular frame. The invention can be applied to a manhole provided with a grid of any one of the aforementioned shapes.

Claims (10)

1. A roadway manhole (1) comprising a fixed frame (2), a cover (3) or a grating connected to the frame (2) by an articulation (4) allowing the cover (3) or the grating to pivot between a position of sealing the opening (5) of the frame (2) and a disengaged position of this opening (5) and a latch (7) associated with the cover (3) or with the grating opposite the articulation,

   the latch (7) including a handle (74) movable with respect to said cover (3) or to said grating, between a locked position in which it immobilizes the cover (3) or the grating with respect to the frame (2) in its position of sealing the opening (5), and an unlocked position in which it allows the pivoting of the cover (3) or of the grating towards its disengaged position of the opening (5),

   characterized in that the handle (74) is shaped for the fastening of a key lock (9) allowing the blocking of the handle (74) of the latch (7) in its locked position or the unblocking of the handle (74) allowing the handle (74) of the latch (7) to be operated in order to bring it to its unlocked position.
2. The roadway manhole according to claim 1, wherein the latch (7) is in the form of a bell crank pivotally mounted on the cover (3) or the grating and one of the arms of which cooperates with a member forming a strike of the wall of the frame (2) to lock the cover (3) or the grating to the frame (2) and the other arm forms the handle (74) for operating the latch (7) and lifting the cover (3) or the grating in the unlocked position of said cover (3) or of the grating.
3. The roadway manhole according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handle (74) includes a through orifice (81), as a shaping for the fastening of a key lock (9).
4. The roadway manhole according to claim 3, wherein the orifice (81) passing through the handle (74) is sealed by a frangible seal (82) which can be removed by a tool to release the orifice (81) and allow the mounting of the key lock (9) therein.
5. The roadway manhole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latch (7) is made of cast iron.
6. An assembly including a roadway manhole according to any of the preceding claims and a key lock (9) including an axis (91) pivotally controlled by a key and carrying under the handle (74) a bolt which can occupy under the action of the key a position of blocking the handle (74) of the latch (7) in its locked position or a position of unblocking the handle (74) allowing the handle (74) of the latch (7) to be operated in order to bring it to its unlocked position.
7. The assembly according to claim 6 wherein when the handle (74) is in the locked position, the bolt in the blocking position mechanically interferes with a bearing surface formed under the cover (3) or the grating so as to immobilize the handle (74) with respect to the cover (3) or to the grating.
8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein the bearing surface is formed by a housing (31) for receiving the latch (7) formed integrally with the cover (3) or the grating in said cover (3) or in said grating and under a lower face (34) of said cover (3) or of said grating.
9. The assembly according to any of claims 6 to 8, including an indexing means retaining in a stable position the key lock (9) either in the position of blocking the handle (74) or in the position of unblocking the handle (74) .
10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein the indexing means includes:

    - a boss having a cross recess (78), fixedly linked to the latch (7) or formed integrally with the latch (7), and

    - a washer (96) having a protrusion adapted to engage in a branch of the cross recess (78) and fixedly linked to the key lock (9),

    so that said protrusion is engaged in at least a first branch of the cross recess (78) when the key lock (9) is in the position of blocking the handle (74) and when the part of the protrusion engaged in said first branch in the position of the handle (74) is engaged in a second branch of the cross recess (78) orthogonal to the first branch when the key lock is in the position of unblocking the handle (74).

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