Patent Grant
12123244
The subject matter of the invention are various methods of emergency opening of manholes (entry openings/hatches) or loading holes (doors/hatches) in emergency situations, especially an emergency move/shift (opening, make door ajar, moving/shifting or pushing out) of movable components closing manholes (entry openings), exit openings, loading or unloading openings, from closed position into opened position, such as doors, manholes, hatches, gates, emergency exits, windows, window panes and other, especially in means of transport, construction furnishing devices and premises (buildings). The invention regards also various systems and devices and the way of their installation/assembly/fitting, which in emergency situations enable fast evacuation of people, animals, valuable objects, equipment or machinery, from various means of land, air and water (sea) transport and from various rooms and buildings/premises such as residential and public buildings, residential and office sheds (containers) and others.
The invention is especially useful for automobile vehicles, especially passenger vehicles, as their share in traffic events is predominant. Nevertheless, the invention is also intended for buses and cargo trucks/lorries/vans and other civilian and military means of land, water and air transport.
The invention also finds its specific use in heavy means of transport, especially in armoured/bullet-proof-military vehicles, such as military means of
transport, armoured fighting vehicles, vehicles with armour added and also helicopters, aircraft, submarines, cargo trucks/lorries/vans in which there are special reinforcing structures of plating/sheath, armour, vehicle body and chassis components, including the structures of door, hatches and manholes, where standard means of emergency openings used in the cases of light structures/constructions does not perform their function.
The event is also useful in other applications of civilian and military nature and also in applications other than military ones, such as military technical devices/equipment, building/civil engineering machinery, trains, underground (metro), boats, off-shore drilling platforms etc. which, due to their kind/type and intended use, must have a very robust structure.
After an occurrence of various emergency situations such as road/traffic accidents, explosions of mines and missiles, collisions of vehicles, gas explosions in buildings and on drilling platforms, earthquakes, fires, floods/sinking and other natural disasters, e.g. falling down trees or elements of buildings' structures, blown down and tossed by hurricanes and storms, people, animals and valuable items (e.g. Important documents, pieces of art in museums, computers with confidential information stored) get often trapped when the entrances or exits in means of transport, technical equipment or buildings get locked and immediate evacuation or access to the inside of vehicles, technical equipment or buildings are necessary in order to release people, carry out resuscitation of the injured or to take out valuable items.
In the present state of technology there are solutions which attempt to solve the problems of passengers trapped mainly in passenger cars because of jammed door and impossibility to free oneself from fastened seat-belts.
The mechanism of emergency opening of vehicle door after a road accident is known from a Polish patent application no. P.364324; it has an electric motor coupled with a mechanical transmission which drives a threaded mandrel/bolt which causes a bushing move out
and press on the door to open. The move out and move bac action of the bushing is controlled by an electronic system which assesses the level of opening the door and resistance (refusal) of opening.
A Polish patent no. PL194447B1 describes a system of emergency opening of vehicle door which got jammed as a result of an accident. This system is made up of pneumatic telescopic actuators driven by pyrotechnic gas generators coupled with a system of sensors which give a signal to actuate/explode the pyrotechnic gas generators. The pneumatic actuator, on the end touching the door to be opened, a self-adjusting element mating the shape of the surface of the element of the door to be opened, designed to release the mechanical blockade of opening of the door lock or activating a mechanism opening the lock. The self-adjusting element causing opening the door is formed in such a way that, while pressing a relatively large area, not in one point, it could unlock the mechanical blockade of the lock directly or by a system of levers and/or tension members (strands) fastened in the door or to initiate the mechanism of the lock opening. The telescopic actuators are installed in the reinforced elements of a vehicle body between the frame of the door opening and the movable door leaf, preferably in the sill or door posts.
The design of the telescopic actuator for emergency opening of automotive vehicle door is known prom patent no. PL225323. Such an actuator is made up of a bushing body and movable/sliding bushings placed inside it, the consecutive bushings having smaller diameters, fitted concentrically one in another and sequentially moving out driven by the pressure agent. The bushing body is connected with a head attached to its free end, the head featuring a control segment and drive system of the actuator, which is at least one gas generator. The bushing body and also the movable/sliding bushings have at least one ring channel (groove) on the surface mating another tube element, near the faces of these tube elements. At least one ring is fitted in the groove or at least one system of rings, made up of at least two rings, which function as a guide and sealing of these tube elements. The sealing and guiding function is effected by mating the individual rings or systems of rings with the tube elements of the body, middle sliding bushing and internal sliding bushing, as cylindrical tubes of high dimension precision and cylindricity of their outer and inner diameters
and low surface roughness. The telescopic actuator has a control segment and at least one gas generator which are placed in the head in graded/stepped openings in the plate fitted in the head and they are protected with a pressure back plate with a protective ring. The electric leads necessary for their function are routed through a side hole in the head wall and a two-step blind of the head is the first thrust surface of the actuator.
Another Polish patent application no. P.396300 describes a telescopic actuator with tubular cylinders which eat the same time has also the function of pistons. On one end of its tubular body, this actuator has at least one baffle featuring at least one through-hole (pass) routing the gas pressure from the gas generator to the space of the working cylinders of the actuator. On the other end of the tubular body, it has a system of blockade sliding-out of the cylinders.
Another patent application, no. P.416870, shows the way of mounting an actuator for opening a vehicle door. The base of the actuator body is fixed to a car body element which is on inner side, by screwing, riveting, gluing or welding. This element of car body is most often a door post made of robust thick sheet metal (plates/shapes) which are stronger than other parts of car body or outside plating. The actuator is placed between the inner plate (a stronger one, to which it was fastened) and the outer plate (a thinner one), and an opening is cut in the outer plate necessary to slide out the movable/sliding element in order to push off the door to be opened. The other way of installation of the actuator consists in that, that on its movable (sliding-out) piece an tip segment (cover plate) is placed having a diameter smaller than or equal to the diameter of the hole in the outer side of the post or the car body plate. This tip segment (cover plate) on the movable part of the actuator is to eliminate the single-point action of the actuator in order to avoid deformation or destruction of the element pushed out. In turn, on the inner side of the door, opposite the opening in the outside plate of the car body (with the door closed), a reinforcement element is placed in a form of a door cover plate, taking on the force of hitting by the pushing tip segment fixed on the movable (sliding-out) element of the actuator. Depending on the door construction details, the door cover plate (tip segment) can be flat or wedge-shaped.
In this second case, the wedge shaped is to compensate the slant/bevel between the door element and the tip segment (cover plate) on the actuator, as slant action of the actuator could its sliding off from the door edge and—as a result—jamming instead of opening.
These pyrotechnic actuators for emergency door opening, mainly in automotive vehicles which has light and then weak and thin outer plating of the car body, are fixed onto the robust/strong inner elements/shapes of the car body which are under the outer plane/surface of the car body, e.g. onto door posts B and C.
The purpose of this invention is to offer various systems, devices and ways of emergency opening of entrance, exit, loading or unloading holes (openings) in emergency situations, which at least partially eliminate the drawbacks of solutions in the state of art/technology or solve the problems unsolved or unknown so far.
Doors, manholes, hatches, emergency exits made of strong/robust materials, e.g. thick steel plates, and also windows in which bullet-proof panes are often fixed, often get jammed or blocked in emergency situations, which prevents quick releasing or getting out of, or it is impossible to release trapped people at all, which often results in fatalities. That is why another purpose of the invention is to provide solutions which will find application in reinforced designs, in heavy means of transportation, especially in armoured military vehicles, where standard ways of emergency opening, used in light designs, are not sufficient.
In various types of heavy designs and heavy transportation means, mainly in military armoured vehicles, cargo trucks/lorries, trains, boats and buildings, not always it is possible to install actuators for emergency opening on the rims of entry, exit manholes, loading and unloading holes or in the light of entry/exit manholes,
loading/unloading holes such as: doors, manholes, hatches, emergency exits, windows or window panes. That is why another purpose of this invention is to provide such actuators and the way of their installation, which will assure a possibility of installation in a way not interfering or not limiting the possibility/ability of convenient use of the entry or exit manholes.
According to one aspect of this invention, the system of emergency opening of entry openings in emergency situations is adjusted to emergency opening of the first closing element, which is a movable element for opening and closing the entry opening, which is made/inserted in the second element, whereas the other element is an immovable element and constitutes a barrier between the two spaces or rooms, favourably in the design in means of transport, a building structure, a building or a technological device/equipment. The system has the means of moving the movable element from its closed position to its opened position, while—according to the invention—the system has an actuator including the body, preferably made of metal, at least one sliding-out element located, at least partially, within the body and the actuating/enabling means, which drive the actuator and as a result of enabling/activation, they cause the movement of at least one sliding-out element, and
the actuator body is fixed in the opening in the immovable element, favourably supported from the side of the movable element, or
the actuator body is fixed in the opening in the immovable element, favourably supported from the side of the immovable element.
Favourably, the actuator body is fixed in the opening in the immovable element from the side of the immovable element and the body has a thrust collar which is supported on the outer surface of the immovable element.
Favourably, the body features a thread and there is a nut on it on the inside surface of the immovable element, for permanent fixing of the actuator in the opening of the immovable element.
Favourably, the body is closed with a mounting head to which the actuating agents/means are attached or the body is closed with a gas generator, at least one-step one.
Favourably, the actuator body is fixed in the opening in the movable element and in this opening, from the side of the immovable element a bushing is fastened with a thrust collar which is supported on the inner surface of the movable element and overlapping, at least partially, the actuator when the movable element is in closed position.
Favourably, the actuator has a fixing-and-closing element and this element on one end is fastened to the actuator body and on the other end—to the immovable element.
Favourably, between the actuator body and the fixing-and-closing element there is a guard bushing which additionally fastens and stabilizes the enabling/actuating means (agents/media).
Favourably, the actuator is a telescopic actuator and has several movable/siding-out elements in the form of bushings, fitted concentrically one in another and sequentially moving/sliding out driven by the pressure agent.
Favourably, the actuator is a piston actuator and has at least one moving/sliding-out element in the form of a piston. There is a mandrel/rod, located behind the piston placed inside the body, which (the mandrel) is connected by an articulated joint with the movable element or with the immovable element.
Favourably, the actuator has a sliding-out element in the form of flexible material, which increases its volume as a result of externally applied gas or air pressure, or as a result of activation of an actuating agent placed hermetically inside.
Favourably, the activating/enabling agents are at least one gas generator or the pressure of compressed gas or air, or compressed air from a compressor.
Favourably, the gas generator is placed within the actuator body, basically in parallel to the axis of action of the actuator and the gas generator at least partially or in total enters the sliding-out element or sliding-out elements. Alternatively, the gas generator is placed within the actuator body basically perpendicularly to the axis of action of the actuator Favourably, the internal part of the assembly head has a slant plane opposite the gas generator, which causes a rebound of properly directed shock wave originating at the moment of activation of the gas generator and thus an increase of the shock wave.
Favourably, the activating agents is at least one material with the shape memory, of the SMA/SMP type.
Favourably, the fixing head or the gas generator, at least one-step one, closing the body, have guards preventing self-activation of the activating agent and they have reinforcement, favourably in the form of a plate made of metal or plastic, and under this reinforcement at least one activating agent is placed.
Favourably, the fixing head or gas generator, at least one-step one, has a thread for assembling within the actuator body.
Favourably, the reinforcement has a hollow or holes enabling to screw in and screw out the head having a thread or a gas generator, at least one-step one, having a thread.
Favourably, the assembly head or the gas generator, at least one-step one, have internal and external electrical connections in the form of electric cables or electrodes routed outside.
Favourably, the actuator is equipped with an electronic system controlling the start-up/activation and operation of the actuator, which (the system) is situated inside the actuator, especially in the body.
The electronic control system includes one or more of the following elements: a battery or an accumulator (storage cell) or a super-condenser to supply the control electronic system controlling the operation of the actuator, a diode or display signalling its charging level, a microprocessor controlling the actuator operation, alfa-numerical push-buttons or a touch screen to enter a code activating/enabling the operation of the actuator,
a guard (e.g. made of glass) of the digital or literal push-buttons, which is broken or removed when it is necessary to activate/enable the actuator, a push-button of emergency enabling/activation of the actuator without entering the access code (the push-button can be highlighted e.g. by colour pulsing light and stay active/enabled all the time or enabled/activated after any abnormal parameters occur as sensed/recorded by the sensors fitted in the actuator or sending signals to the actuator), a metal removable guard of the electronic systems and gas generators protecting the actuator against an electro-magnetic pulse, an acceleration sensor, a shock sensor—an accelerometer plus position sensor—a gyroscope, a sound sensor, a smoke or fire sensor or a temperature sensor, a water sensor, a voice sensor—speech analyser/recognizer, which enables giving voice commands/instructions to enable the actuator operation or its disabling, gesture sensor or scanner, finger or palm scanner or face scanner or eye scanner, a sensor—a wireless communication module—enabling remote activation of the actuator by the crew, and also remote or wired activation by special rescue units after analysing the access codes, a room-Inside pressure sensor or a vehicle interior pressure sensor or an equipment unit/facility pressure sensor, a path sensor measuring the angle of opening of the opened movable element.
Favourably, a movable element or immovable element is equipped with an additional compensating element, favourably in a form of a cover plate which compensates their plane to right angle or almost right angle relative to the vector of force of the operating actuator.
Favourably, the actuator is installed inside the floor in an immovable element. Alternatively, the actuator is installed under the floor which constitutes a part of the immovable element and the movable element has an additional extension element protruding out of the light of the opening of the movable element in the direction of the actuator installed below. An additional actuator can be installed in the movable element and the axis of the actuator action is directed towards and at the height of the floor face of the immovable element.
In another aspect of this invention the system of emergency opening of entry openings in emergency situations consists in emergency opening of the first dosing element, which is a movable element for opening and closing the entry openings, which is made/inserted in the second element, whereas the other element is an immovable element and constitutes a barrier between the two spaces or rooms, favourably in the design in means of transport, a building structure, a building or a technological device/equipment, especially of civilian and military use, with the use of an emergency opening system including means of moving the movable element from closed position to open position, and the movable element are sliding doors moved by a sliding mechanism equipped with at least one guide and a rolling element moving along the guide.
According to the invention, at least the first actuator gets activated, which is connected, on one of its ends, with the immovable element and at the other end it is connected with the sliding (driving) system of the sliding door.
Favourably, prior to activation of the first actuator which moves the movable element, first the means adjusted/intended for opening locks and bolts, securing the movable element in closed position, are activated.
Favourably, the actuator has material with shape memory, SMA/SMP, which as a result of activation changes its shape and shifts the movable element, moving the movable element from its closed position to its open position.
Favourably, the solution includes the use of at least one actuator which has a body, at least one sliding-out element located, at least partially, within the body and the actuating/enabling means, which drive the actuator and as a result of enabling/activation, they cause the movement of at least one sliding-out element.
The activating/enabling agents/means can be at least one gas generator or the pressure of compressed gas or air, supplied from a compressed air vessel, or compressed air from a compressor.
The activating means/agents can also be at least one material with the shape memory, of the SMA/SMP type.
Favourably, according to the solution, three actuators get activated in pre-determined sequence, and the first actuator is located in parallel or almost in parallel to the wider side plane of the movable element, the second actuator is located inside the immovable element from the face of the siding door and the third actuator on the inner side of the sliding door,
and the first actuator is connected by a strand/rod with the sliding mechanism which—at the moment of activating the actuator—executes work and moves the sliding mechanism of the sliding door, moving the sliding door to the open position.
Favourably, at least one actuator operation gets activated/enabled by an electronic control system, which moves the movable element, without prior activation/enabling of the actuator opening the closing means of the movable element or the closing means do not have a connection with the actuator designed for emergency opening of closing means of the movable element, whereas the closing means are then broken apart or bending or get pulled out from the movable element.
According to another aspect of this invention, the way of fastening the actuators for emergency opening of entry openings in emergency situations, used in the systems consisting in emergency opening of the first closing element, which is a movable element for opening and closing the entry opening, which is made/inserted in the second element, whereas the other element is an immovable element and constitutes a barrier between the two spaces or rooms, favourably in the design in means of transport, a building structure, a building or a technological device/equipment, and the mentioned actuator has a body, at least one sliding-out element located at least partially within the body and activating means which drive the actuator and, as a result of activation they cause movement/shift of at least one sliding-out element, characteristic with the fact that at least one additional shape is installed, which has a function of pressing surface on the movable element or immovable element, and the actuator is placed in at least one opening in this additional shape.
Favourably, at least one movable shape is installed, which goes along the plane of the movable element in such a way that it can be set in a position outside the outline/contour of the movable element or in its light.
Favourably, at least one vertical shape is installed and at least one horizontal shape is installed, and the shapes move relative to each other vertically or horizontally on guides along the plane of the movable element.
Favourably, at least one rotary (pivot) shape is installed and at least one thrust/back point to fix (immobilize) the rotary shape in the light of the movable shape.
According to another aspect of this invention, the system of emergency opening of entry openings in emergency situations is adjusted to emergency opening of the first closing element, which is a movable element for opening and closing of the entry opening, which is made/inserted in the second element, whereas the other element is an immovable element and constitutes a barrier between the two spaces or rooms, favourably in the design in means of transport, a building structure. a building or a technological device/equipment, whereas the system has the means to move the movable element from closed position into open position According to the invention the system includes at least one additional shape which has a function of pressing surface on the movable element or the immovable element and in at least one hole in this additional shape the actuator is placed, which has a body, at least one sliding-out element located, at least partially, within the body and the actuating/enabling means, which drive the actuator and as a result of enabling/activation, they cause the movement of at least one sliding-out element.
Favourably, the activating/enabling agents are at least one gas generator or the pressure of compressed gas or air, supplied from a compressed gas or air vessel or compressed air from a compressor.
Favourably, the activating agents is at least one material with the shape memory, of the SMA/SMP type.
Favourably, at least one movable shape is fastened, with a possibility to move along the plane of the movable element in such a way that it can be set in a position outside the outline/contour of the movable element or in its light.
Favourably, the system has at least one shape installed as a sliding one and the shape is moved vertically or horizontally on guides along the plane of the movable element.
Favourably, the system has at least one rotary (pivot) shape is installed pivotally and at least one thrust/back point to fix (immobilize) the rotary shape in the light of the movable shape.
Favourably, the system has at least one shape which is fixed permanently on the corner of the entrance opening and this shape overlaps partially the immovable element and partially the movable element.
According to another aspect of this invention, the device for emergency opening of entry openings in emergency situations is adjusted to emergency opening of the first closing element, which is a movable element for opening and closing of the entry opening, which is made/inserted in the second element, whereas the other element is an immovable element and constitutes a barrier between the two spaces or rooms, favourably in the design in means of transport, a building structure, a building or a technological device/equipment, whereas [the device] has the means to move the movable element from closed position into open position. According to the invention the device comprises at least one simple machine with a drive, located between the movable element and the immovable element, and the moving force coming from the drive makes the simple machine pushes the movable element and immovable element apart from each other, exerting on them with forces basically perpendicular/orthogonal to the plane of movable element and immovable element.
Favourably, the simple machine has the form of a wedge or a lever, especially a two-arm one.
Favourably, the drive is an actuator which has a body, at least one sliding-out element located, at least partially, within the body and the actuating/enabling means, which drive the actuator and as a result of enabling/activation, they cause the movement/shift of at least one sliding-out element.
Favourably, the activating/enabling agents are at least one gas generator or the pressure of compressed gas or air, supplied from a compressed gas or air vessel or compressed air from a compressor.
Favourably, the activating agents is at least one material with the shape memory, of the SMA/SMP type.
Favourably, the drive of the machine is a hand lever.
In another aspect of this invention, the system for emergency opening of entry openings in emergency situations, adjusted to emergency opening of the first closing element, which is a movable element for opening and closing of the entry opening, which is made/inserted in the second element, whereas the other element is an immovable element and constitutes a barrier between the two spaces or rooms, favourably in the design in means of transport, a building structure, a building or a technological device/equipment, whereas [the device] has the means to move the movable element from closed position into open position. Further, the system has a flexible actuator comprising a body made of a flexible material, which delimits a hermetic chamber for the working agent which is compressed gas, and it has got an expanding element or agent/means affecting the internal walls of the body of the actuator chamber, and the flexible actuator is placed in the space between the movable element and the immovable element in such a way that—as a result of activation—the expanding agent/means or element affects the flexible body of the actuator which expands and moves the movable element from its closed position to the open position.
Favourably, the expanding element is a material with the shape memory or a flexible container supplied with compressed gas.
Favourably, the expanding element is compressed gas or air.
Favourably, the source of energy generating the compressed gas is at least one gas generator located inside or next to the chamber of the actuator. The source of energy generating the compressed gas can also be at least one vessel of the compressed gas located outside or next to the chamber of the actuator, or compressed air supplied from a compressor.
Favourably, the actuator is a flexible gasket with a hermetic chamber which is installed on the rim of the hole/opening in the immovable element or on the inside rim of the movable element, especially of means of transport.
Favourably, the flexible gasket is spread over the entire surface of the hole rim or on the entire internal surface of the movable element, between the movable element and the immovable element, or only on a part of this surface, or on several separate sections.
Favourably, a flexible container/element is located inside the flexible gasket and after gas/air pressure is supplied from at least one gas generator or a compressed air vessel or compressed air from a compressor, the element causes expansion or breaking the pneumatic gasket which, pressing on the opened movable element, moves the movable element into open position.
According to another aspect of this invention, the actuator adjusted to be used in systems or devices for emergency opening of the first dosing element, which is a movable element for opening and closing the entry opening, which is made/inserted in the second element, whereas the other element is an immovable element and constitutes a barrier between the two spaces or rooms, favourably in the design in means of transport; a building structure, a building or a technological device/equipment, especially of civilian and military use, has a body, at least one sliding-out element located at least partially within the body and at least one gas gas generator which drives the actuator and, as a result of activation they cause movement/shift of at least one sliding-out element. Inside the actuator a solid or liquid material is placed, which has an ability to absorb and dissolve the carbon deposit generated during activation of the gas generator and having lubricating properties facilitating folding and re-sliding-out of the sliding-out elements of the actuator.
This invention also refers to a portable device adjusted to be used in systems or devices for emergency opening of the first closing element, which is a movable element for opening and closing the entry opening, which is made/inserted in the second element, whereas the other element is an immovable element and constitutes a barrier between the two spaces or rooms, favourably in the design in means of transport, a building structure, a building or a technological device/equipment, especially of civilian and military use. The portable device comprises the use of at least one actuator for opening the movable elements and has a pressing element and favourably the movable arms enabling to fix or thrust/back locking the portable device opposite the movable element or opposite a bullet-proof pane in the means of transport, the technical device or the construction/building object (facility).
Favourably, the portable device has an electronic system which controls activation/enabling and operation of at least one sliding-out element installed on the portable device, favourably in the actuator, or connected via the cables electric cables or connected in wireless manner with the control electronic system which controls activation of the actuator.
The application of the afore-described systems, devices and actuator for opening the movable elements, especially for pushing out or breaking bullet-proof panes installed in the windows, doors, window openings or bending out or pushing out the structure in transport means, building facilities or technical devices of civilian and military use. It is favourable if the actuator is installed in the external robust plane of structure of the transport means, technical device or a building facility (object), especially one of civilian and military use, and the structure favourably constitutes the main point of fastening and/or the main thrust/back point for the actuator operating with great power.
The advantage of the invention is a possibility of the application of these technical solutions in mass production in the automotive and armaments industry. Thanks to the simplified design of the actuator being a pneumatic gasket, whose manufacturing and installation cost is many times lower as compared with the typical telescopic actuators, its common/universal use of this type of actuator will be possible in newly-manufactured passenger cars as well as in those already in use and in other civilian and military means of transport. An additional advantage is a milder manner of operation of the flexible actuator as compared to the telescopic actuators, which increases the safety for the outsiders staying outside means of transport, a technical device or a building object/facility during emergency opening of the movable element.
Thanks to the developed technology, in which the actuators mating simple machines and mobile shapes are applied, there will be a possibility to use emergency opening of exits in designs of means of transport, in technical devices and in building structures/facilities in which there are significant limitations of free space, preventing installation of actuators in a position perpendicular to the movable element to be opened and at the same time the application of emergency evacuation systems which save the health and life of victims of various accidents.
In order to enable the application of the actuators in heavy means of transport such as military vehicles with added armour and armoured ones and also in building constructions/facilities and technical devices, in which thick and robust door designs occur, of manholes, hatches, emergency exits, it is required to apply very big forces to be generated by an actuator.
In the pyrotechnic actuator the gas micro-generators MGG of the GTMS initiators are applied which feature not very strong design as they are generally used to pretension the seatbelts or to initiate the right substance generating gas in airbags.
In order to make it possible to generate such big forces by the actuator, it is necessary to develop a technical solution which will make the MGG and GTMS withstand the very big pressures originated in the actuators intended for heavy means of transport and reaching 500-1000 Mpa/1-2 ccm, that is why the invention originators developed the technical solution which solves this problem. Namely, a special reinforcement was added, e.g. a metal or composite plate, inserted or fused in on the thrust/back side of the gas generator, cables or electrodes and favourable forming of the cylinder-shape head which is intended for installation in various versions of the actuator.
One more advantage of the invention is the use of the actuator installed in a portable device used for emergency opening of the movable element or immovable elements. This device can aid the typical actuators installed in means of transport, in technical devices and in building structures/facilities, or it can be the main device used for emergency opening in emergency situations.
The invention shall be presented below in a favourable example of embodiment/make with reference to the attached figures in which:
If in the description the following terms are used: “the movable element” or “the closing element” or “the movable closing element”, they are understood as a movable barrier/baffle or an element closing an inlet/outlet opening/hole (hatch) or a loading/unloading opening/hole (hatch), which (the element) moves from closed position into open position and vice versa. It is installed, for example, in a sliding way or in a pivotal way in inlet/outlet openings/holes (hatches) or loading/unloading openings/holes (hatches) which are made in the immovable elements, and the immovable elements together with the movable elements form a barrier between two rooms/spaces or environments, especially in means of transport, buildings, building premises/facilities or technical equipment/devices. As an example, “the movable element” can be: doors, manholes, hatches, gate valves, emergency exits, windows, window panes and others but the invention is not limited to those aforementioned. These terms can also cover and be understood the elements which are permanently fixed, i.e. without a possibility of their free movement but which close the inlet/outlet opening/hole (hatch) or a loading/unloading opening/hole (hatch)—these are, as an example, panes glued-in into a window opening in buses/coaches, rail-coaches/wagons, military vehicles and also in regular passenger cars and motor trucks/lorries.
On the other hand, “the immovable element” is an element of construction/structure in which the inlet/outlet opening/hole (hatch) or a loading/unloading opening/hole (hatch) is made, this being closed by
“the movable element”. An example of the movable element can be a car body, armour or external plating of a vehicle or another means of transport, supporting structure of a building or a building facility, such as wall or masonry/brickwork, and also a body/casing/housing of technical devices/equipment or machinery.
In
In this example of embodiment the actuator (1) is intended for emergency opening of movable elements (42), blocked or jammed, or locked by a lock or bolts such as a door, manhole, hatch, emergency exit or window.
The actuator (1) is installed in adequately strong/robust, thick external planes of the immovable element (47) of a means of transport, e.g. rail-coaches/wagons, underground/subway cars, motor trucks/lories, military vehicles, boats, submarines, helicopters, aircraft etc.
A through opening (a port) of appropriately selected diameter, proportional to the diameter of the actuator (1) installed, is made in the external plane of the immovable element (47) of a means of transport or a technical device/facility/equipment, or a building facility.
In order to enable the installation of actuators (1) in the external strong/robust planes of this immovable element (47), the panes being the fixing and resistance (support) point for the actuator (1) operating with great force, an adequate structure/design of the actuators (1) is necessary. For this purpose an external flange (6) was made and a thread on the body (88) of the actuator (1), which allows to screw down the actuator (1) with a nut (7).
Alternatively, the actuator (1) can be screwed into a threaded hole in the external plane of the immovable element (47) of a means of transport or a technical device/facility/equipment, or a building facility or a building.
The example provided does not exhaust other manners of installation of the actuator (1) in the immovable element (47). Such different ways of installation can be the use of Seeger ring (circlip) replacing the resistance (back) flange (6) and the nut (7), or the actuator (1) can be set on glue, soldered, welded-in or forced in the hole when the actuator (1) has a cone on its external surface (the surface is cone-shaped).
The actuator (1) is composed of an external threaded body/casing (88) having a resistance flange (6) which enables installation of the actuator (1) with a nut (7) in the immovable element (47). However, inside the body (88) the slid-out elements (2) and (3) of the actuator (1) are located, e.g. bushings (2) and a mandrel (3), featuring flanges with sealing (22) preventing complete sliding out of the slid-out elements (2) and (3) outside the actuator (1). The sliding-out elements (2) and (3) are closed with a hermetic pressure lid (8). However, opposite the actuator (1) a hermetic assembly head (11) is fitted, by a thread or in a different manner (e.g. squeezed, soldered, glued or secured with a Seeger ring);
it (the head) contains at least one gas generator (12) with electric cables (14) connected to it.
The actuator (1) is fed (driven) by at least one pyrotechnic generator (12) enabled/switched on by an electric impulse supplied by the electric cables (14). The base of the gas generator (12) is fitted in the assembly head (11) while the active part of the gas generator (12) is located inside the body (88) and specifically inside the sliding-out element (2) and (3) which enable maximal miniaturization of the actuator (1) design and achieving great energy the slid-out elements (2) and (3).
Such a design allowed to develop the miniaturized actuator (1), of 40 mm length, in folded condition and the stroke of the actuator of about 40 mm, which permits to use the actuator in some applications where—due to limited space—there is no possibility to use normal, i.e. quite long actuators at least 50 mm long, preserving appropriately small diameter and appropriately big stroke and power of the actuator.
In publications PL225323B1 and P.396300 the actuators are presented in which the pyrotechnic generators are entirely mounted in special heads and they do not enter the sliding-out elements of the actuators. However, in patent application P.416870 the manner of assembling is revealed of mounting the actuators in the internal surfaces of the external planes, e.g. door posts B and C in which the actuators are mounted, having resistance/thrust points on the internal surfaces of the door posts, as these internal surfaces of the door posts are made of strong/robust materials, such as steel boron plates which ensure retaining the activated actuators pressing with great energy (power) onto the movable element (e.g. a vehicle door) being opened.
The remaining designations on
In figures
In
Such positioning of the gas generator (12), so-called “lying”, allows to shorten the length of the actuator (1) substantially and to use it in some applications featuring a limited free space for installation.
The gas generator (12) is mounted in the head (11) in a way different than in solutions shown in
In the sliding-out element (2) and (3) of the actuator (1), and more precisely in the mandrel (3) slid into the bushing (2), a springy cone-shaped ring (10) was located which enables locking the telescoping movement of the actuator (1).
The springy cone-shaped ring (10) can be mounted also on each sliding-out element (2) and (3) of the actuator (1). Favourably, the cone-shaped ring (10) is mounted in a recess in the outer surface of the sliding-out element (2) and (3) in such a way that after sliding out of the sliding-out elements (2) and (3) it is partially located within this recess (e.g. In the form of a perimeter groove) and partially it protrudes outside the contour of the outer surface.
While the sliding-out elements (2) and (3) are sliding out, the springy cone-shaped ring (10) is sliding in or telescoping (retreating) into the groove in which it is set and after passing beyond the sealing rings (22) set in the resistance flanges, the springy cone-shaped ring (10) is expanding. In the event the sliding-out elements (2) and (3) tend to get back or telescope, the wide base of the cone-shaped ring (10) is stopped by the resistance flange (6) of the external sliding-out element (2) and (3) and thus prevents telescoping of the entire or a part of the actuator (1).
Such a solution is advantageous in the applications where water pressure or the weight of the movable element (42) can cause telescoping or sliding off the slid out actuator (1) and return of the actuator (1) to collapsed/folded position and the return of the opened element (42) to the closed position.
In
The closing means (58) intended to close the movable element (42) consist of an external arm (60) and an internal arm (59) and a spare/reserve arm (62) or can be a typical lock used commonly in the means of transport, in technical devices and in building facilities.
In
In some emergency situations there is a necessity of very quick opening, counted in milliseconds, of the movable element (42) to enable escape or depressurisation of compressed gases generated during explosions, e.g. of gas, in building facilities, on drilling platforms, in technical devices or in military vehicles
after an explosion of ammunition (a missile, a mine), which can cause an extremely abrupt increase of pressure inside a means of transport or in a technical device or in a building facility.
In
In some applications, there is no possibility to place the whole actuator (1) in the external plane of the immovable element (47) or partially under this plane as there is not enough room, that is why the only possibility which remains is to mount the actuator (1) entirely or almost entirely on the external plane—(the armour) of means of transport, technical device, building facility.
To do so, a hole is made in the movable element (42), favourably in its end part on the side opposite to the hinges (45). A bushing (44) is mounted in this hole and the bushing at least partially covers or overlaps the actuator (1) when the movable element (42) is in closed position.
In
A special guard bushing (17), which fastens and stabilizes the gas generator (12), is used in the design of this actuator (1). The guard bushing (17) also prevents breaking the gas generator (12) apart to the sides.
The remaining designations presented in
In an alternative example of embodiment shown in
The actuator (1) is made up of the body (88) and a piston (4) placed in it, sealed with the sealing rings (22) and driven by at least one gas generator (12) set in the assembly head (11) which closes the body (88) of the actuator (1).
The piston (4) moves inside the body (88) of the actuator (1) which is protected with an internal flange and a sealing ring (22), which prevents sliding out or falling out the piston (4) outside the actuator (1).
The piston (4) moves (pushes out) the mandrel (5) mounted on the movable element (42) which slides in/out into/out of the inside of the body (88) of the actuator (1), when the movable element shifts from opened position into closed position and vice versa. The other end of the mandrel (5) is connected by an articulated joint (45) with the movable element (42).
Such a design of the actuator (1) eliminates the problem of leakage of the seals of the telescopic sliding-out elements (2) and (3) and also eliminates the necessity of machining (turning) of precise sliding-out elements (2) and (3).
Presented in
In turn
the piston (4) pushes out the mandrel (5) from the inside of the actuator (1) and at the same time shifts the movable element (42) to opened position.
The remaining designations presented in
The head (11), at least two-step one, or the gas generator (12), at least two-step one, favourably featuring the outer thread (15) for fastening, which mates the appropriate inner thread of the body (88) of the actuator (1).
As at least one gas generator (12), which is a source of energy, is used in the actuators (1) for emergency opening of the movable elements (42), it is necessary to mount the gas generator (12) or the gas generators in the actuator in a proper manner. For this purpose special heads (11) (e.g. turned/machined in metal) are made, and at least one gas generator (12) is fixed in them. However, the actuator (1) is enabled/activated in many stages, i.e. in several consecutive stages, e.g. In regular time intervals and that is why a number of gas generators (12) are set in the head (11), which complicates the assembly of such a head (11) and poses a potential hazard for individuals assembling the gas generators (12) in the head (11) and increases the risk of damage to the electric cables (14) or imprecise assembly and connection of several gas generators (12).
Commonly used wording regarding the drive/supply of the actuators (1) by the gas generators (12) is not entirely precise, as the supply/drive of the actuators (1) according to the invention is effected by the use—apart from the micro-gas generators (12) of the MGG type (Micro Gas Generators)—
regular fuses (detonators)—in professional terminology also called initiators—(GTMS, Glass-to-Metal-Sealed-Squibs)—which are mainly intended for firing the proper substance (e.g. Green Propellant) producing gas in typical gas generators used to fill airbags and tensioning seatbelts. Such example gas generators were revealed in documents U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,354B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,531. Therefore the originators of the invention developed a favourable solution which eliminates these hazards and inconveniences, suggesting a design in which in the production line manufacturing gas generators (e.g. GTMS or MGG) at least one gas generator (12) is fixed or sealed in the special head (11) made of metal or robust/strong plastic.
The head (11), favourably a cylinder-shaped one, can have reinforcement (20) on the end of the electric cables (14) outlet, e.g. in the form of a plate made of composite materials or metal, which will ensure safe generation of very high pressures required to drive the actuators (1). Favourably, the reinforcement (20) has hollows or holes (16) enabling to screw in and screw out the head (11) having a thread (15).
It is also favourable to route electrical connections for the gas generators (12) inside the head (11), e.g. with a minus lead (13) inside the head (11), which will allow to lead only one minus cable out of the head (11), and one plus cable for each gas generator (12) installed in the head (11).
It is also favourable to use the electric cables (14) instead of electrodes designed for connecting electric plugs in all gas generators (12)
as they enable designing miniaturized actuators (1) which can be easily installed later in limited spaces of means of transport or technical devices or building facilities.
The head (11) containing at least one gas generator (12) or at least one-step gas generator (12) favourably has—on its external surface—sealing (22) and it favourably has a thread (15) which provides strong/robust, reliable and hermetic fixing in the actuator (1). This simplifies the design/structure of the actuator (1) as there is no necessity to use e.g. Seeger rings (21) which not always protect the head (11) against pulling out because of too much of energy of the shock wave generated during activation of the gas generators (12).
It is also advantageous/favourable to reinforce the side wall (shell) of the gas generator (12), for example with a bushing (19) made of robust/strong material and the use of guards (18) in the active part of the gas generator (12), e.g. strong/robust metal lids, which will prevent intrinsic/spontaneous activation of other gas generators (12) during activation of the first one and the following gas generators (12). Instead of guards (18) a thick layer of robust/strong plastic can also be used, sealed in the manufacturing process e.g. on injection moulding machines.
the sliding-out elements (2) and (3), the sealing ring (22), the head (11), the gas generator (12), the electric cables (14). The actuator (1) features an electronic system (23) controlling the start-up/activation and operation of the actuator (1), which (the system) is situated inside the actuator (1), favourably in the body (88).
Installation of the electronic control system (23) inside the actuator (1) will eliminate the necessity of using the electric cables (14) connecting the actuator (1) with an external electronic control centre, which increase the reliability of operation of the actuator (1), as there is no risk of damage to the electric cables (14) in emergency situations or during regular operation/use of means of transport, a technical device or a building facility.
Eliminating the external electric cables (14) decreases the risk of damage, destruction of the electronic control system (23) by an electro-magnetic pulse, thanks to the movable metal guard (30) of the electronic system (23) and the gas generators (12), which (the guard) protects against an electro-magnetic pulse.
The actuator (1) has a hermetic design and is made of metal-entirely nd owing to this fact the electronic control centre and the control system (23) and the pyrotechnic gas generators (12) are protected from an effect of an electromagnetic pulse, as they are placed in so-called Faraday cage. In other embodiment versions, located outside the actuator (1) the electronic control centres or control systems (23) and the gas generators (12) also feature protection against destructive effect of an electromagnetic pulse.
The electronic control system (23) can be enabled by hand, by entering an access code or by voice commands, or by gestures, or remotely, e.g. by a remote control unit after giving signals from the sensors mounted in the actuator (1).
The electronic system (23) controlling the initiation/start-up/enabling and operation of the actuator (1) comprises connected electrical elements such as a battery or an accumulator or a super-condenser (24) being the power supply of the electronic system (23) controlling the operation of the actuator (1), a diode or a display (25) signalling the charging level, a microprocessor (26) controlling the operation of the actuator (1), alpha-numerical push-buttons (27) or a touch-screen which permit to enter the code initiating the operation of the actuator (1), a guard (28) (e.g. made of glass) of the digital or alpha push-buttons which, in the event of necessity of activation of the actuator (1) will be broken or removed, a push-button (29) of emergency start-up of the actuator (1) without entering the access code (the push-button can be highlighted e.g. by colour pulsing light and stay enabled/active al the time or get enabled/activated after any abnormal parameters occur as sensed/recorded by the sensors mounted in the actuator or sending signals to the actuator), a metal removable guard (30) of the electronic systems (23) and the gas generators (12), protecting the actuator against an electro-magnetic pulse, an acceleration sensor (31), a shock sensor—an accelerometer plus position sensor—a gyroscope, a sound sensor (32), a smoke or fire or temperature sensor (33), a water sensor (34), a voice sensor (35)—speech analyser/recognizer, which enables giving voice commands/instructions to enable the actuator operation or its stop/disabling, gesture sensor (36) or scanner, finger/thumb or palm or face or eye scanner (37), a sensor (38)—a wireless communication module—enabling remote activation of the actuator (1) by the crew, and also remote or wired activation by special rescue units after analysing the access codes, an interior pressure sensor (39) for sensing pressure inside a means of transport, a technical device or a building facility, a path sensor (40) measuring the distance/angle of opening of the movable element (42) being opened.
The principle of operation of the actuator (1) is as follows. In a situation when it is necessary to use the actuator (1) open (move to the upper position) the movable metal guard (30) and then break or remove the glass or guard (28) guarding the push-buttons (27) and (29) and enter the access code or bring closer the electronic card which will enable/start-up the actuator (1).
Depending on the software programmed in the electronic control centre, first the first gas generator (12) of small power can be initiated and then the further gas generators (12) of high power.
The electronic sensors include also a path (distance) sensor (40) measuring the distance or the angle of opening of the movable element (42), ant this sensor activation will cause stop of activation of the consecutive gas generators (12) and thus stop sliding out of the actuator (1) when the movable element (42) gets to the opened position.
The actuator (1) is made up of its external casing/body and a sliding-out element placed inside in the form of a mandrel (3) which is driven by at least one enabled gas generator (12) placed in the head (11). The actuator (1) is set inside the bushing (48) which is e.g. screwed down with a bolt/nut (50) or the ring (21), for instance Seeger ring, to the floor interior (49) of means of transport or a technical device or a building facility.
The actuator (1) is situated opposite the movable element (42) being opened, which is connected in an articulated (pivot) way by the hinge (45) with the structure a means of transport, a technical device or a building object/facility.
The remaining designations presented in
In some designs of means of transport or technical devices or building objects/facilities there is no possibility or mounting the actuators (1) in the light of openings of the
movable elements (42) and therefore it is favourable to mount the actuators (1) in the floor or under the floor of a means of transport or a technical device or a building object/facility.
An additional element (51) was added to the movable element (42)—e.g. welded or screwed down or made in the manufacturing process—in the form of an additional surface of the movable element (42) and the surface reaches out outside the light of the opening of the movable element (42) which can be e.g. a door, a manhole, a hatch. In numerous designs, especially in military applications, the movable element (42) is made in such a way that its surfaces covers the opening in a minimal extent only, therefore some extension of the surface of the movable element (42) is required. Due to the heavy weight of the movable elements (42) being opened, e.g. armoured doors/manholes/hatches, the manufacturers of means of transport maximally reduce their dimensions and weight.
In numerous means of transport, in technical devices and building facilities/objects there is no possibility of installation of the actuators (1) in the light of the movable element (42) due to minimal dimensions of the hole, which would make safe use of such a hole difficult.
In connection with it the only possibility is to mount the actuator (1) on the rims of the movable element (42) in the external planes of a means of transport or a technical device or a building object/facility, and this results in a necessity of adequately longer and/or wider structures (designs) of the movable elements (42).
A solution of this problem is to add an additional element (51) which extends the movable element (42) and plays a role of a press surface being pushed by the actuator (1) fixed outside the light of the movable element (42) or outside or under the gasket sealing the movable element (42).
The remaining designations presented in
In the flexible actuator (1) presented in
The flexible material (82) can be reinforced e.g. by glass fibre or carbon fibre and it is folded inside the body (88) of the actuator (1).
Inside the body (88) of the actuator (1) there is also placed at least one gas generator (12) and/or a compressed air cell opened by means of an electric (solenoid) valve or by means of a striker set in motion by the activated gas generator (12).
The actuator (1) can also be driven by compressed air pumped by a compressor.
The gas generator (12), at least one-step one, and/or the compressed air cell can be placed inside the flexible material (82) or connected with a hermetic conduit with the flexible material (82).
The remaining designations presented in
The materials featuring shape memory of the SMA type (shape memory alloys) are a unique class of metal alloys which can change their shape after heating above some temperature. The change of shape consists in return of the material to its original shape, that is to that which was given in the manufacturing process or in the so-called pseudo-flexibility effect.
Whereas the SMP type materials (shape memory polymers) are so-called smart polymers.
The principle of operation consists in heating up the material (82) SMA/SMP, e.g. by electric current, which results in an increase of temperature of the material (82) SMA/SMP and its return to the shape pre-given in the manufacturing process. During the change of shape the material (82) SMA/SMP performs work, which in this case is used to drive the actuators (1) opening the movable elements (42).
In
The use of smart materials of the SMA/SM type allows to use the actuators (1) many times and also use them in other applications.
Whereas the pneumatic gasket (69) is shown in the loose (depressurized) condition after opening of the movable element (42).
The remaining designations presented in
In an emergency situation, when there is a necessity of emergency opening of the movable element (42)—the sliding door—the electronic control system (23) supplies the voltage of electric current via the cables (14), first to the actuator (1) opening the lock or the bolts (63), and then to the actuator (1) which, after receiving the electric current voltage heats up the smart material (41) of the SMA/SMP type, which results in a change of shape of the material (41)
of the SMA/SMP type and thus the same execution of work by the material (41) of the SMA/SMP type. The material (41) (41) of the SMA/SMP type moves the sliding mechanism into the guide (48) and thus it shifts and opens the movable element (42)—the sliding door—into the open position.
In all the examples of the embodiment (except the example of embodiment in
The remaining designations presented in
In
For opening of a movable element (42), which is the sliding door, one can use at least one pyrotechnic actuator (1), whereas
The actuators (1) are fitted from the face of the door in the immovable element (47) in the external surface of a means of transport or a technical device or a building object/facility, and on the internal side of the movable element (42), and the third actuator is located in parallel or almost in parallel to the wider side plane of the movable element (42).
The first actuator (1) and the second actuator (1) press directly onto the movable element (42) to be opened, whereas the third actuator (1) is connected e.g. via a tension member (string) (83) with a sliding catch (84), which—during the activation of the actuator (1) and sliding out of one of its sliding segments
(2) and (3) (41) moves and at the same time it shifts the sliding mechanism in the guide (46) and thus it shifts the movable element (42) into the open position.
The principle of operation is as follows:
Upon an emergency situation occurrence, the electronic control system (23) sends, via the cables
(42), an electric pulse to activate the actuator (1) opening the lock or bolts (not shown in the drawings as it is described in the previous patent applications referred to in the status of the technology (the prior art)), and then to the actuator (1) situated on the internal side of the movable element (42), which—after activation—presses onto the internal surface, favourably pressing a shaped (profiled) surface (43) in the movable element (42), after which the electronic control system (23) sends electric pulses, via the cables (14) to the actuator (1) situated at the face of the movable element (42), and to the actuator (1) linked with the tension member (string) (83).
The remaining designations presented in
The remaining designations presented in
In this example of embodiment movable vertical (52) and horizontal (53) shapes are shown in which the vertical (52) shapes are shifted.
In vertical shapes (52) the actuators (1) are mounted, e.g. In pre-drilled holes (56), which—after sliding the shape (52) onto the movable element (42) to be opened or onto the immovable element (47), e.g. a window with a bullet-proof pane during activation of the actuator, sliding out the sliding-out segments (2) and (3)—open the movable element (42) to be opened.
Such advantageous solution permits the use of the actuators (1) intended for emergency opening of the movable elements (42) and of the immovable element (47), as in some designs of means of transport or technical devices or building objects/facilities there is no possibility or mounting the actuators (1) in the external plating/sheathing of the immovable elements (47), of the structure or in the light of opening of the movable element (42) or the immovable element.
It is advantageous to use this solution in the form of shapes (52), (53) as this eliminates the necessity of making holes in external surfaces or planes of means of transport, technical devices or building facilities/objects.
The principle of operation is as follows.
Upon an emergency situation occurrence, a crew or the electronic control system (23) of a means of transport or a technical device or a building object/facility can shift the vertical shapes (52) to the centre of the rim of the hole (57) of the movable element (42) or this can be effected manually or automatically, e.g. by the use of an electric motor, into a position opposite the movable element (42) to be opened and to initiate manually the operation of the emergency opening system or this can be done automatically initiated by the electronic control system (23).
The electronic control system (23) first opens the locks or bolts (63) closing the movable element (42), and then initiates opening of the movable element (42)). In special situations the electronic control system (23) effects opening of the movable element (42) without initiating the procedure of opening the locks or bolts. It is of special importance when there is a danger/hazard or there was an explosion of gas or other explosives and the purpose is to enable to make holes to let the compressed gases get out.
The remaining designations presented in
The remaining designations presented in
In this example of embodiment there are no guiding shapes/rails (52) and (53). Movable shapes (54) have a pivot fastening point at one of the ends and a stop/resistance point (55) situated below the upper rim (57) of the hole.
The holes (56) are made in the rotatable shape (54) and they enable to fast the actuator (1) which is used for emergency opening of the element (42).
A crew or passengers of a means of transport or the inhabitants of a building facility can move the rotatable movable shape (54) into vertical position or almost vertical position shown in
The remaining designations presented in
The remaining designations presented in
An advantageous solution is to fasten the actuator (1) inside the entry/exit opening (hole) (57) closed by the movable element (42) in such a way that it does not hinder the normal operation/use, including entering and exit as well as loading and unloading of a means of transport, a technical device or a building facility/object
An advantageous place to locate the actuators (1) are the arches of the rim delineating the entry/exit hole (hatch) or the loading/unloading hole (hatch) (57) on the side of a lock/bolts. For this purpose, in these arches of the hole (57) an additional reinforced shape (51) should be inserted, which is reinforced and fastened permanently, e.g. thick metal plate. The holes (56) for installation of the actuators (1) are made in this reinforced shape (51).
However, not in all applications it is possible to fasten the actuators (1) inside the rim of the hole (57) due to minimized dimensions of the hole (57) in various types of means of transport, technical devices or building facilities/objects, since the actuators (1) installed in these places would hinder safe entering and exit or loading and unloading goods.
Therefore if the hole (57) is too small or too narrow, the actuators (1) are installed outside the rim of the hole (57) and advantageously outside the gasket (69).
In some types of means of transport and technical devices, and also in building facilities/objects the movable elements (42) of minimal dimensions are used, e.g. in order to reduce the weight of these elements, and this refers specifically to the armoured or armour military means of transport.
The reinforced shapes (51) increase the surface of the movable element (42) but on the other hand they do not result in a substantial increase of its weight and can be added in the process of designing and manufacture of these movable elements (42) or installed (welded or screwed down) to the movable elements (42) used in already operated/used means of transport, technical devices and building facilities/objects.
The remaining designations presented in
The wedges (64) and the actuator (1) are installed advantageously in a bushing (48) fixed to the inner side of the immovable element (47) of a means of transport or a technical device or a building object/facility.
The external wedge (64) pressing and opening the movable element (42) has a hollowed chamber which is penetrated by the mandrel (65) guiding and protecting the wedge (64) from entire sliding out from the bushing body/casing (48).
In some means of transport or in technical devices or building facilities there is not enough free space to install the actuators (1)
by the methods depicted in previous
In addition, it is advantageous to use the simple machine (64) since—as a result—a much greater pressing force onto the movable element (42) to be opened is generated, compared to the pressing force of the actuator (1).
Installation of the wedges (1) and of the actuator (1) in the way given above does not require a properly great free space since the wedges (64) and the actuator (1) are fitted in parallel to the external plane of the immovable element (47) and of the movable element (42), which occupies a small space of the width of 20 mm-25 mm, depending on the power of the actuator (1) used.
In the solutions depicted previously in
The remaining designations presented in
The principle of operation is similar as with the use of the actuator (1) to drive the simple machine (64) in the form of wedges depicted in
The remaining designations presented in
The technical solution presented in
The principle of operation is similar to the a/m ways of opening, i.e. the actuator (1) activated in an emergency situation, sliding out the sliding-out segment, presses on one of the ends of the double-arm lever (66) which, while folding, presses on the movable element (42) to be opened, moving it to the opened position.
The remaining designations presented in
In this example of embodiment the double-arm lever (66) is also used but it is driven in a different way, i.e. by means of the helical transmission (67) set in motion manually or by means of an electric motor.
In an emergency situation, when there is a necessity of opening of the movable element (42), there is a possibility of using a helical transmission (67) which—while rotating—will cause folding of the arms of the double-arm lever (66) and—at the same time—its sliding out and pressing on the movable element (42) to be opened.
The application of the helical transmission (67) and the double-arm lever (66) releases the passengers or the crew of a means of transport or the inhabitants of a building facility/object from starting-up the actuators (1) by means of electrical power.
The remaining designations presented in
In the solution depicted the sliding-out elements (2) and (3), depicted in previous solutions in
the use of special sealing (22), and apart from that, they are heavy weight and their manufacturing cost is high compared with the solution depicted in
In this example of embodiment in
The flexible actuator (75) is made of a strong/robust flexible material, the same or similar to the material used in manufacturing of airbags or of a different flexible material, e.g. one reinforced with glass or carbon fibre. Favourably the flexible actuator (75) can be accordion-folded. It is also advantageous to manufacture the pneumatic actuator (75) of thin metal sheet, formed advantageously as a cylinder, hermetically closed (sealed) on both sides and pressed as accordion-folded along the symmetry axis of the cylinder.
Presented in
In an emergency situation, when there is a necessity of opening of the movable element (42)), the electronic control system (23) (not shown in the drawing) sends a pulse of electric current via the electric cables (14) to activate at least one gas generator
(12) which produces compressed gas which advantageously partially gets into the chamber of the pneumatic actuator (75), and partially presses on the striker (72) puncturing the membrane of the compressed gas/air cell (71), which fills the casing of the pneumatic actuator (75), exerting pressure on the surface of the movable element (42) to be opened.
In a different embodiment version passengers or the crew or the inhabitants of a building facility/object can decide on their own whether to activate the pneumatic actuator (75) or not. Then the actuator (75) has advantageously the gas generators (12) only or the compressed gas/air cell (71) only opened, e.g. by a solenoid valve. Also in this example of embodiment, one can stipulate that the lock/bolt blocking the movable element (42) is opened first.
The pneumatic actuator (75) can have any shape, e.g. cylindrical, oval or oblong. In a simplified version (not shown in the drawings) the pneumatic flexible actuator (75) does need to have the external guard/shield (86).
The remaining designations presented in
This solution stipulated the modified typical gasket (68) sealing the movable element (42) adding to this gasket (68) the supply with compressed gas, for example from at least one gas generator (12) or from at least one storage cell (71) of compressed gas or air and/or from a compressor.
In order to seal the holes of the movable elements (42), all over the world, in all types of means of transport, in technical devices and building facilities, the typical flexible gaskets are used, which in general have an internal hollow chamber, which allows slight sagging/yield of the external surface of the gasket during closing of the movable element (42) and thus hermetic shield of the hole/opening closed by the movable element (42) to prevent penetration of noise, air, dust, water.
The originators of this invention developed an advantageous version of embodiment (fabrication) of the typical gasket of the movable element (42) adding to it or connecting its hermetic internal chamber with a source of compressed gas or air, which ca be at least one gas generator (12) or a compressed gas cell (71) or compressed air can be supplied by a small compressor.
The typical gaskets (68), (69) depicted in
Another advantageous effect of using the pneumatic gasket (68), (69) is less energetic/not so abrupt opening of the movable element (42) which increase the safety of its use.
If the cell (71) with compressed gas or air is used, it is advantageous to apply a solenoid valve or a valve which will enable bleeding the compressed gas or air from the inside of the pneumatic gasket (68, 69), which will permit to close the movable element (42).
The pneumatic gasket (68, 69) shown in
This way of installation does not exclude introducing or making advantageous forming (drawing/extruding die-stamping) in the places of installation of the flexible gasket (68), (69), to ensure its more stable mounting/seating.
In an emergency situation the electronic control system (23) or passengers activate the operation of the electronic control system (not shown in the drawings) which first opens the lock or the door bolts (not shown in the drawings), and then at least one gas generator (12) or the cell (71) of compressed gas or air is activated, or compressed air is supplied from a compressor, and after that the compressed gas or air gets to the internal, at least one, hermetic chamber of the pneumatic gasket (68), (69), which results in expansion of the pneumatic gasket (68), (69) exerting pressure on the movable element (42) and in its shifting into the opened position (
After supplying the gas or air pressure the pneumatic and flexible gasket (68), (69), while expanding, straightens up and increasing its volume (marking 70 shows the expanded or disrupted gasket) beyond its normal shape, at the same time exerting pressure on the movable element (42) to be opened. The greatest force is exerted on the element (42) to be opened on the longest arm of the movable element (42) to be opened, i.e. close to the lock/bolts (63), opposite the hinges (45) of the movable element (42).
The advantage of the pneumatic gasket (68, 69) is that, while pressing the part located close to the hinges (45), it allows for a large angle of opening of the movable element (42) and maintaining it in the opened position.
Another advantage of this solution are lower costs of manufacturing and mounting of the pneumatic gasket (68)—there is no need to make installation holes or special fastening devices (shapes) compared with typical turned telescopic actuators (1).
In a different embodiment version (not shown in
The solutions presented in
The remaining designations presented in
The principle of operation is the same as that in previously given examples of embodiment in
In another variant of embodiment, a solenoid valve (not shown in the drawing) can be used instead of the striker (72).
The use of the internal flexible expandable element (73), inserted into the gasket (68), (69) allows to increase the pressing force generated by the pneumatic gasket (68), (69) and simultaneous increase of the stroke/sliding-out of the tightened pneumatic gasket, which is depicted in
The pneumatic gasket (70) can also have weakened points (74) of its side walls, which—upon supply of compressed gas is broken/tom apart, which allows to slide out the expandable element (73) by a larger distance and thus to exert pressure on the movable element (42) to be opened on a longer distance.
The advantage of application of this type of pneumatic gaskets is that it uses the already existing/used shapes or places of installation provided for usual gaskets of the movable elements (42) in many means of transport, technical devices and building facilities/objects and there is no necessity of making any additional holes in the internal or external surfaces of means of transport, a technical device a building facility/object.
Such embodiment allows to open the movable element (42) in a milder way and poses less risks to the outsiders staying in the vicinity of the movable element (42) to be opened.
The remaining designations presented in
The principle of operation and the designations are described in previous
The remaining designations presented in
The pneumatic gasket (68), (69) features a number of hermetic chambers supplied with compressed gas. The first chamber (78) has at least one gas generator (12) placed inside it, with the electric cables (14) connected to it, and via the cables an electric pulse is sent to activate the gas generator (12), which results in producing the pressure of compressed gas which—while migrating to the hermetic chamber (78)—causes expansion of the hermetic chamber (78) and a pressure on the movable element (42) to be opened. And the other chamber (79) has a hermetic conduit (77) connected to it, connecting the chamber (79) with at least one gas generator (12), connected with the cell (71) of compressed gas/air.
Upon activation of the gas generator (12) a simultaneous pressure is advantageously exerted on the striker (72) which punches the membrane of the cell (71) of compressed gas/air which migrates to the hermetic chamber (79) resulting in its expansion and pressing on the movable element (42) to be opened. And also a hermetic conduit is connected to the third chamber (80), connecting the chamber (80) with the gas generator (12) mounted in the hermetic conduit (77), and the principle of operation is the same as that described for the first hermetic chamber (78).
In turn the fourth chamber (81), contains the material with the memory of shape (41) of the SMA/SMP type, which can have the shape of a flat bar, with the electric cables (14) connected to its opposite ends, which (the cables) transmit the voltage of electric current, which causes heating up the material (41) of the SMA/SMP type and the change of its shape e.g. a sinusoid or accordion (bellows). The change of shape of the material (41) results in extension (expansion and bulging/belly) and disruption of the chamber (81) and simultaneous pressure on the movable element (42) to be opened.
The remaining designations presented in
By means of the SMA/SMP actuator (1) locks or bolts can be advantageously opened many times, in contract with the pyrotechnic actuators (1) in use, which are of one-off use and require replacement of the gas generators (12) used-up with the new ones.
The principle of operation consists in heating up the material (41) of the SMA/SMP type. e.g. by electric current, which results in an increase of temperature of the SMA/SMP material (41) and its return to the shape pre-given in the manufacturing process. During the change of shape the SMA/SMP materials (41) perform work, which in this case is used to drive the actuator (1) intended for emergency opening of the lock or a bolt of the movable element (42).
The electric cables (14) are connected to the SMA/SMP actuator (1), which are used to supply the voltage of electric current. And also one of the ends of the actuator (1) with the SMA/SMP material (41) is connected with the internal arm (59) of a lock or a bolt (58) and the other end is connected with any point situated next to the lock or the bolt (58).
The pyrotechnic opener is used to release people trapped, in various emergency situations, in means of transport (planes, helicopters, military vehicles, boats, submarines), in technical devices/facilities, e.g. radar stations or in building facilities/objects, e.g. drilling platforms, refineries, chemical plants/sites producing inflammable (combustible)/explosive chemical compounds.
While—in the examples of embodiment given previously—the depicted solutions are intended mainly for newly designed, and also already in use, means of transport/technical devices/building facilities/objects etc., where there is a necessity of interference in the design/structure, e.g. making holes for installation, reinforcement of a structure etc., the originators of the invention, in order to avoid these inconveniences—weakening a structure, developed a solution which provides the application of an entirely independent technical method of opening/getting ajar/shifting/pushing out various elements, i.e. doors/manholes/hatches/lids/emergency exits/windows or panes in windows, in doors and window openings, or in doors, by means of a portable device, the “Pyrotechnic Opener”.
The pyrotechnic opener shown in
The pyrotechnic opener presented in
(a pyrotechnic, pneumatic, electric one or a SMA/SMP actuator), which is installed in the pyrotechnic opener. As an example the actuator (1) can be the actuator shown in
The pyrotechnic opener can be started manually or remotely by people present in means of transport, technical devices or building facilities/objects and has adequate support elements (89, 96) (struts, fastening arms), providing a point of support or thrust/resistance for a siding out (3) segment/support element, which—pressing on the movable element (42) to be opened/got ajar/shifted/pushed out—moves it to its opened position.
Another advantageous technical solution is the use of special fastening devices mounted on the floor/ceiling/wall inside a means of transport, in a technical device or in a building facility/object, to which (the fastening device) the pyrotechnic opener from
The pyrotechnic opener has a possibility of multiple use in one action and there is no necessity to replace the pyrotechnic actuators (1) which drive it.
The originators of the invention developed an advantageous technical solution which assures the multiple use of the actuator (1) in various applications, not only in the pyrotechnic opener, i.e. multiple sliding out and return of the sliding-out elements (2) and (3) of the telescopic actuator (1) or the piston (4), used in the pyrotechnic piston actuator (1).
For this purpose, in the spaces between the sliding-out elements (2) and (3) and/or between (11) the multi-step head containing (12) gas generators or between the multi-step gas generators (12) and the face of the siding-out bushings (2) and/or the sliding-out mandrel (3), or the piston (4) of the actuator (1), a lubricant (99) should be put, e.g. grease (solid lubricant) or in liquid form, or oil, or liquid/fluid silicone, or other solid or liquid/fluid substances providing slide of the siding-out elements (2), (3), (4) and absorption and dissolving the products—carbon deposit generated during activation of the pyrotechnic gas generators.
The use of pyrotechnic opener can be a supplement or an alternative option for the actuators (1) and other devices (84), (66), (68), (70), (73), (75), (78), (79), (80), (81), installed as permanent in means of transport, technical devices or building facilities/objects. The opener can also be the only device used for emergency opening of various movable elements and bullet-proof panes.
The pyrotechnic opener has a control panel controlling the operation of the device, which can be connected via the electric cables (14) or wireless with the device—the pyrotechnic actuator (1) (pyrotechnic actuators), or can be installed on a device in a shock-absorbing manner, so that to avoid any damage to the power supply battery/accumulator/super-condenser and the electronic control devices (23, 27).
Both versions of control provide a possibility to set the delay times of initiating the device and a selection of number and sequence of activation of specific gas generators (12) so that the operating staff would have time to walk away safely from the device to be operating. The pyrotechnic opener can also be used for opening (getting ajar, pushing out, shifting) various elements, also in other means of transport, technical devices, or building facilities/objects, including those used by the road traffic rescue teams/units, fire brigades and other rescue units/services.
The pyrotechnic opener has at least one electronic control centre unit (23) installed in the actuator (1) and/or at least one electronic control centre
(23) connected via the cables (14) and advantageously disconnecting plug or wireless with the pyrotechnic (1) telescopic actuator, driving the pyrotechnic opener and the electronic control centres (23) are power supplied by at least one battery and/or
an accumulator and/or a super-condenser. The electronic control centres/units (23) are initiated/started by means of the push-buttons (27) or by means of the access codes entered via the touch screen or by means of voice commands (35).
The pyrotechnic telescopic actuator (1) features the head (11) having at least one pyrotechnic gas generator (12) or has at least one multi-step gas generator (12) (as a target, several or up to twenty pyrotechnic gas generators of various rated powers). Upon initiation/operation of the actuator (1) there is a possibility to telescope (slide-in) of the bushings (2) and (3) of the actuator (1), which allows for multiple use of the pyrotechnic opener. Certainly, there is also a possibility of simultaneous activation of several gas generators (12), in order to achieve the greatest possible force of performance/operation of the pyrotechnic actuator and to open, as fast as possible, the given movable element (42), e.g. when human life is in danger.
There is also stipulated a possibility of exchange of the actuators and replacing the actuators with used-up gas generators (1), with new actuators featuring several or up to twenty gas generators (12).
Depending on the intended use of the device, in the actuators, the generators (12) of more and more power/energy can be applied, which will let achieve graduated pressing power up to many tonnes.
The principle of operation is as follows.
Upon an emergency situation occurrence, when the door(s)/manholes/hatches etc. has got blocked, the individuals staying inside in means of transport, technical devices or building facilities/objects can set the pyrotechnic opener opposite the movable element (42) to be opened, (e.g. to put it up to the element to be opened) and then to lock the device by means of the movable arms (96), adjusting the strut (97) of the arms by means of the thread (98), e.g. against the opposite wall or against specially fastening devices/projections/caving (hollows/pits) in the floor/ceiling or against the floor and ceiling etc. Then unwind the cables with the control console and walk away from the device by a safe distance. Then, upon making sure, that no other individuals are behind the element to be opened, initiate emergency opening (getting ajar, pushing out or shifting) of the movable element (42).
There is also a possibility of remote control of the device by the crew/team without the electric cables (14). For this purpose, the actuator (1) features its own electronic control/power supply system (23) and the module (38) of wireless communication, which enables the initiation/start-up of the pyrotechnic opener fastened inside a means of transport, a technical device or in a building facility/object, and also from outside by special rescue units, having the access codes or magnetic cards inserted in the card reading device, or by means of adequate outputs of the wireless module (38), (or the wired module), where there is a possibility to connect to it the plugs of the electronic device/computer of rescue units. The entire electronic control system (23), has protection against an electromagnetic pulse.
The manner of initiating/start-up from inside and from outside of the pyrotechnic opener given above also refers to all and any other examples of embodiment of the actuators (1), applied for emergency opening of the movable elements (42).
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 425422 | May 2018 | PL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/PL2019/050026 | 4/30/2019 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019/212370 | 11/7/2019 | WO | A |
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| 3043338 | Hanson | Jul 1962 | A |
| 3744123 | Vers | Jul 1973 | A |
| 4043128 | Bendler | Aug 1977 | A |
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| 20060010769 | Pelz | Jan 2006 | A1 |
| 20120242069 | Parks | Sep 2012 | A1 |
| 20130139681 | Nowak | Jun 2013 | A1 |
| 20160186479 | Delbos | Jun 2016 | A1 |
| 20190128045 | Nowak | May 2019 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2543750 | Oct 2006 | CA |
| 2431965 | Apr 1975 | DE |
| H1118918 | Jan 1999 | JP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210115721 A1 | Apr 2021 | US |
