A light emitting device for a guardrail, a guardrail base, a guardrail
By designing a self-powered light-emitting device with a base, light-emitting components, and solar panel components on the guardrail, the problems of traditional guardrails being difficult to notice at night and difficult to install are solved, achieving efficient and stable nighttime indication and convenient installation and maintenance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUNAN XIANGXU TRAFFIC & LIGHTING HI TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images

Figure CN224494955U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of traffic safety product technology, specifically to a light-emitting device for guardrails, a guardrail base, and a guardrail. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of road traffic, the requirements for road beautification and traffic safety have increased, leading to the widespread use of road guardrails. Traditional guardrails suffer from the following technical problems:
[0003] I. In the existing technology, traditional guardrails are difficult for drivers to notice at night when visibility is poor, which can easily lead to traffic accidents where vehicles hit the guardrails. When a vehicle hits a single guardrail, multiple guardrails connected to it will fall together, which will pose a great safety hazard to other vehicles.
[0004] Second, in the existing technology, some guardrails use reflectors or reflective strips to warn drivers. However, when the light is insufficient, the reflectors or reflective strips cannot reflect light and cannot play a warning role, which still poses a great safety hazard.
[0005] Third, in the existing technology, the installation and removal of guardrails require a lot of manpower and resources, and the transformation of traditional guardrails is costly and inefficient. Utility Model Content
[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a light-emitting device for guardrails that is simple and compact in structure, has good indication effect, and is easy to manufacture, install and maintain. It also provides a guardrail base based on the light-emitting device for guardrails and a guardrail.
[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0008] A light-emitting device for guardrails, used to cooperate with the base and posts of the guardrails, includes a base, the bottom of the base is provided with a covering cavity for covering and fixing the base to the base, the top of the base is provided with a through hole communicating with the covering cavity for the post to pass through and be fixed to the base, and at least one side of the base is provided with a light-emitting component and a solar panel assembly for emitting light to indicate traffic.
[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:
[0010] The light-emitting component is vertically fixed to the side wall of one side of the base, and the solar panel component is horizontally fixed to the top of the same side of the base.
[0011] The light-emitting component is vertically fixed to the side wall of one side of the base, and the same side of the base is also provided with an outwardly extending mounting plate, on which the solar panel component is fixed.
[0012] The base is used to fix the recessed mounting cavity on the side wall of the light-emitting component, and the light-emitting component is embedded and fixed in the mounting cavity.
[0013] The base is used to fix the recessed mounting cavity on the side wall of the light-emitting component, and the light-emitting component is embedded and fixed in the mounting cavity.
[0014] The base includes a first half-base and a second half-base arranged opposite to each other. The first half-base and the second half-base are brought together horizontally and connected to form a cover cavity and a through hole. At least one of the first half-base and the second half-base is provided with a light-emitting component and a solar panel component.
[0015] The first half-base and the second half-base are identical products with the same structure and size. The ends of the first half-base and the second half-base that come into contact are provided with a connecting structure for detachably connecting and fixing the first half-base and the second half-base. The first half-base and the second half-base are provided with a light-emitting component and a solar panel component.
[0016] The connection structure includes a protruding mounting tenon and a recessed mortise.
[0017] A guardrail base includes a base and is further provided with a light-emitting device for the guardrail as described in any of the above claims.
[0018] A guardrail includes a base, posts, and a light-emitting device for the guardrail as described in any of the above claims.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:
[0020] Firstly, the base of this utility model connects the base, column and base into one unit by setting a cover cavity and a through hole. The base is fixed to the surface of the base. The insertion of the column not only ensures that the base will not rotate, but also increases the counterweight of the base, which greatly improves the stability of the structure.
[0021] Secondly, this utility model achieves surface illumination of the guardrail base by providing a light-emitting component and a solar panel assembly on at least one side of the base. The solar panel assembly and the light-emitting component form a telecommunication connection, enabling the light-emitting component to emit light for indication, greatly improving driving safety. By installing the solar panel assembly, there is no need for external mains power, significantly improving energy utilization and construction efficiency.
[0022] Thirdly, the detachable assembly structure design of this utility model gives the guardrail the advantages of being versatile in form, having multiple light-emitting surfaces, and being highly adaptable. For example, by utilizing the placement of the light-emitting components and solar panel components, guardrails can be formed to meet the light-emitting indication requirements of one-way lanes, two-way lanes, and intersections (such as three-way intersections and crossroads). In short, this utility model can be flexibly changed according to the actual needs of traffic signs, has strong adaptability, and greatly reduces manufacturing costs.
[0023] Fourth, this utility model features a vertically fixed light-emitting component that is perpendicular to the lane at night, thus providing better indication. The solar panel component, horizontally fixed to the top of the base, converts light energy into electrical energy and stores it during the day. At night, the light-emitting component uses the electrical energy stored in the solar panel component to emit light, achieving self-powered lighting. This greatly improves energy utilization, reduces costs, saves wiring and power supply procedures, and significantly improves installation efficiency.
[0024] Fifth, this utility model provides an outward-extending mounting plate on the side wall of the base to support and fix the solar panel assembly, so that the solar panel assembly is set at an angle to the ground. By utilizing the angled reflection, the utilization rate and conversion rate of light are improved, which greatly improves the power supply stability and reliability of the light-emitting device.
[0025] Sixth, this utility model protects the light-emitting component by setting a recessed mounting cavity on the side wall of the base and embedding and fixing the light-emitting component in the mounting cavity, thus preventing rainwater from causing short circuits in the light-emitting component and greatly improving the stability and reliability of the light-emitting device.
[0026] Seventh, this utility model, by setting the base as a split structure of a first half-base and a second half-base, allows the first and second half-bases to be directly placed on the base, eliminating the need to remove the existing guardrail posts from the base and reinstall the base. This significantly reduces the difficulty and labor intensity of modifying existing guardrails, greatly shortens the operation time, and significantly reduces the cost of replacement and maintenance. Light-emitting components and solar panel components can be flexibly installed on the first and second half-bases according to actual road conditions to achieve illuminated traffic indication. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the light-emitting device for guardrails according to this utility model. Figure 1 .
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the light-emitting device for guardrails according to this utility model. Figure 2 .
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the light-emitting device for guardrails according to this utility model. Figure 3 .
[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the left-side structure of the light-emitting device for guardrails according to this utility model.
[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA.
[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the light-emitting device and base for guardrails according to this utility model.
[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the first half of the base of this utility model.
[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the first half-base and the second half-base of this utility model.
[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the present invention in a specific application embodiment 1.
[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the present invention in a specific application embodiment 2.
[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the present invention in a specific application embodiment 3.
[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the present invention in specific application embodiment 4.
[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural principle of the base of this utility model, which is equipped with a top-tightening limiting component.
[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the guardrail of this utility model.
[0041] The labels in the diagram represent: 1. Base; 2. Column; 3. Base; 31. Cover cavity; 32. Through hole; 33. Mounting plate; 34. First half of base; 35. Second half of base; 36. Mounting tenon; 37. Mortise hole; 38. Tightening and limiting component; 4. Light-emitting component; 5. Solar panel component. Detailed Implementation
[0042] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.
[0044] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0045] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0046] like Figures 1 to 14 As shown, this utility model provides a light-emitting device for guardrails, which cooperates with the base 1 and post 2 of the guardrail. It includes a base 3, with a covering cavity 31 at the bottom for covering and fixing the base 3 to the base 1. A through hole 32 communicating with the covering cavity 31 is opened at the top of the base 3 for the post 2 to pass through and be fixed to the base 1. At least one side of the base 3 is provided with a light-emitting component 4 and a solar panel assembly 5 for illuminating and indicating traffic. When the guardrail is installed on a one-way lane, the base 3 only has the light-emitting component 4 and solar panel assembly 5 on the side facing the traffic flow direction; when the guardrail is installed on a two-way lane, the base 3 has the light-emitting component 4 and solar panel assembly 5 on opposite sides in the traffic flow direction; when the guardrail is placed in the middle of a large intersection, the base 3 has the light-emitting component 4 and solar panel assembly 5 on all four sides, so that the side facing the driver illuminates, thus serving as a traffic indicator. The positions of the light-emitting component 4 and the solar panel component 5 can be changed according to the actual needs during use, and both should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0047] The operating principle of this light-emitting device used for guardrails is as follows:
[0048] First, the covering cavity 31 at the bottom of the base 3 is attached to the base 1, so that the base 3 is fixedly covered to the base 1. Then, the column 2 is inserted and fixed to the base 1 through the through hole 32 at the top of the base 3. Finally, the solar panel assembly 5 supplies power to the light-emitting component 4 on one side of the base 3 to illuminate and indicate traffic.
[0049] The above-mentioned special structural design of this utility model has the following technical advantages:
[0050] Firstly, the base 3 of this utility model connects the base 1, the column 2 and the base 3 into one unit by setting the covering cavity 31 and the through hole 32. The base 3 is fixed on the surface of the base 1. The insertion of the column 2 not only ensures that the base 3 will not rotate, but also increases the counterweight of the base 1, which greatly improves the stability of the structure.
[0051] Secondly, this utility model achieves surface illumination of the guardrail base 1 by providing a light-emitting component 4 and a solar panel component 5 on at least one side of the base 3. The solar panel component 5 forms a telecommunication connection with the light-emitting component 4, enabling the light-emitting component 4 to emit light and serve as an indicator, greatly improving driving safety. By setting the solar panel component 5, there is no need to connect to external mains power, greatly improving energy utilization and construction efficiency.
[0052] Thirdly, the detachable assembly structure design of this utility model gives the guardrail the advantages of being versatile in form, having multiple light-emitting surfaces, and being highly adaptable. For example, by utilizing the placement of the light-emitting component 4 and the solar panel component 5, a guardrail can be formed that meets the light-emitting indication requirements of one-way lanes, two-way lanes, and intersections (such as three-way intersections, crossroads, etc.). In short, this utility model can be flexibly changed according to the actual needs of traffic signs, has strong adaptability, and greatly reduces manufacturing costs.
[0053] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the light-emitting component 4 is vertically fixed to the side wall of one side of the base 3, and the solar panel component 5 is horizontally fixed to the top of the same side of the base 3. The light-emitting component 4, vertically fixed to the side wall of the base 3, is perpendicular to the lane at night, thus better serving as an indicator. The solar panel component 5, horizontally fixed to the top of the base 3, converts light energy into electrical energy during the day and stores it. At night, the light-emitting component 4 uses the electrical energy stored in the solar panel component 5 to emit light, achieving self-powered operation of the light-emitting device. This greatly improves energy utilization, reduces costs, saves on wiring and power supply procedures, and significantly improves installation efficiency.
[0054] like Figure 7 , 8As shown in Figures 9 and 12, in this embodiment, the light-emitting component 4 is vertically fixed to the side wall of one side of the base 3. The base 3 also has an outwardly extending mounting plate 33 on this side, and the solar panel component 5 is fixed to the mounting plate 33. By providing an outwardly extending mounting plate 33 on the side wall of the base 3 to support and fix the solar panel component 5, the solar panel component 5 is set at an angle to the ground. This utilizes the angled reflection to improve light utilization and conversion efficiency, greatly enhancing the power supply stability and reliability of the light-emitting device.
[0055] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 3 is used to fix the recessed mounting cavity on the side wall of the light-emitting component 4, and the light-emitting component 4 is embedded and fixed in the mounting cavity. By creating a recessed mounting cavity on the side wall of the base 3 and embedding and fixing the light-emitting component 4 in the mounting cavity, the light-emitting component 4 is protected. Firstly, the installation is more stable; secondly, the edge is glued to prevent rainwater from entering and causing short circuits in the light-emitting component 4; and thirdly, the light-emitting component 4 does not protrude, making the base 3 more aesthetically pleasing. In short, the stability, reliability, and aesthetics of the light-emitting device are greatly improved.
[0056] like Figure 3 , 7 As shown in Figures 8, 10, and 12, in this embodiment, the base 3 includes a first half-base 34 and a second half-base 35 arranged opposite to each other. The first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 are horizontally brought together and connected to form a covering cavity 31 and a through hole 32. At least one of the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 is provided with a light-emitting component 4 and a solar panel assembly 5. By setting the base 3 as a split structure of the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35, the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 can be directly placed on the base 1 without removing the existing guardrail posts 2 from the base 1 and then installing the base 3. This greatly reduces the difficulty and labor intensity of modifying the existing guardrail, significantly shortens the operation time, and greatly reduces the cost of replacement and maintenance. The light-emitting component 4 and the solar panel assembly 5 can be flexibly set on the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 according to the actual road conditions, realizing illuminated traffic indication.
[0057] Regarding the shape and structure of the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35, they can be identical products with the same structure and size (e.g., ...). Figure 7 As shown), the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 can also be matching products with the same shape but different sizes. Alternatively, the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 can be matching products where one is a semi-enclosed structure and the other is a plate-like structure (e.g., ...). Figure 8(As shown). In summary, the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35, which are set relatively close to each other horizontally and connected, can form a covering cavity 31 and a through hole 32. The structure and size of the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 can be flexibly changed according to the actual needs of the guardrail installation, which is highly adaptable and greatly reduces the manufacturing cost.
[0058] like Figure 7 , 10 As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 are identical products with the same structure and size. The ends of the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 that contact each other are provided with connecting structures for detachably connecting and fixing the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35. Both the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 are provided with light-emitting components 4 and solar panel components 5. By making the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 identical products with the same structure and size, production and processing are facilitated, greatly reducing production costs. The detachable connection achieved by providing connecting structures at the ends of the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 facilitates quick assembly and disassembly, greatly shortening operation time and significantly reducing replacement and maintenance costs. The light-emitting components 4 and solar panel components 5 on both the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 provide illumination indication for vehicles approaching in both directions. In other words, manufacturers only need to produce one module, the first half-base 34 (because the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 are identical products with the same structure and size; the first half-base 34 is the same as the second half-base 35), which greatly improves the convenience of production and reduces production costs.
[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the connecting structure includes a protruding mounting tenon 36 and a recessed mortise 37. The mounting tenon 36 and mortise 37 structure allows for quick and reliable installation, facilitating the rapid and detachable connection of the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35.
[0060] like Figure 13 As shown, the inner wall of the base 3 is provided with one or more movable and adjustable top-tightening limiting members 38. When the space of the covering cavity 31 is larger than that of the base 1, the top-tightening limiting members 38 are adjusted to extend towards the center of the base 3, so that the top-tightening limiting members 38 contact and tighten the base 1, thereby avoiding any movement gap between the covering cavity 31 and the base 1, and further improving the stability of the connection between the base 3 and the base 1.
[0061] In other embodiments, an elastic clamping element can be used to clamp the base 1 with elastic force, reducing the number of steps and improving the stability of the connection between the base 3 and the base 1. Of course, in other embodiments, other methods of adjustment and limiting can also be used, such as spring plungers, screws that can be screwed in or out, or others, all of which should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0062] Based on the above-disclosed technical features, and for ease of explanation, several specific application embodiments are described below. It should be emphasized that these application embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the present invention, or modify it into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention's technical solution, using the disclosed technical content.
[0063] Specific application example 1:
[0064] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 9 and 1, in this embodiment, the base 3 is an integral structure covering the base 1. The bottom of the base 3 is provided with a covering cavity 31 for covering and fixing the base 3 to the base 1. The top of the base 3 is provided with a through hole 32 communicating with the covering cavity 31 for the column 2 to pass through and be fixed to the base 1. A light-emitting component 4 is provided on one side of the base 3, and a solar panel component 5 is provided on the top of the base 3 for emitting light to indicate traffic.
[0065] Specific application example 2:
[0066] like Figure 3 , 7 As shown in Figures 8 and 10, this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the base 3 includes a first half-base 34 and a second half-base 35 arranged opposite to each other. By setting the base 3 as a split structure of the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35, the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 can be directly placed on the base 1 without removing the existing guardrail posts 2 from the base 1 and then installing the base 3. This greatly reduces the difficulty and labor intensity of modifying the existing guardrail, significantly shortens the operation time, and greatly reduces the cost of replacement and maintenance. Light-emitting components 4 and solar panel components 5 can be flexibly installed on the first half-base 34 and the second half-base 35 according to actual road conditions to achieve illuminated traffic indication.
[0067] Specific application example 3:
[0068] like Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11, in this embodiment, the light-emitting component 4 is vertically fixed to the side wall of one side of the base 3, and the solar panel component 5 is horizontally fixed to the top of the same side of the base 3. The light-emitting component 4, vertically fixed to the side wall of the base 3, is perpendicular to the lane at night, thus better serving as an indicator. The solar panel component 5, horizontally fixed to the top of the base 3, converts light energy into electrical energy during the day and stores it. At night, the light-emitting component 4 uses the electrical energy stored in the solar panel component 5 to emit light, achieving self-powered operation of the light-emitting device. This greatly improves energy utilization, reduces costs, saves on wiring and power supply procedures, and significantly improves installation efficiency.
[0069] Specific application example 4:
[0070] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown in Figures 9 and 11, this embodiment differs from Embodiment 3 in that the light-emitting component 4 is vertically fixed to the side wall of one side of the base 3. This side of the base 3 also has an outwardly extending mounting plate 33, on which the solar panel component 5 is fixed. By providing an outwardly extending mounting plate 33 on the side wall of the base 3 to support and fix the solar panel component 5, the solar panel component 5 is set at an angle to the ground. This utilizes the angled reflection to improve light utilization and conversion efficiency, greatly enhancing the power supply stability and reliability of the light-emitting device.
[0071] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown, this utility model also provides a guardrail base, including a base 1, on which a light-emitting device for the guardrail as described above is provided.
[0072] like Figure 14 As shown, this utility model also provides a guardrail, including a base 1 and a post 2, wherein the base 1 is provided with a light-emitting device for the guardrail as described above.
[0073] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the present invention, or modify it into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the content of the present invention, should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A light-emitting device for a guardrail, used in conjunction with a base (1) and a post (2) of the guardrail, characterized in that: The base (3) includes a base (3), the bottom of which is provided with a covering cavity (31) for covering and fixing the base (3) onto the base (1), the top of which is provided with a through hole (32) communicating with the covering cavity (31) for allowing the column (2) to pass through and be fixed onto the base (1), and at least one side of the base (3) is provided with a light-emitting component (4) and a solar panel component (5) for illuminating and indicating traffic.
2. The light-emitting device for a guardrail according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light-emitting component (4) is vertically fixed to the side wall of one side of the base (3), and the solar panel component (5) is horizontally fixed to the top of the same side of the base (3).
3. The light-emitting device for a guardrail according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light-emitting component (4) is vertically fixed on the side wall of one side of the base (3). The base (3) is also provided with an outwardly extending mounting plate (33) on this side. The solar panel component (5) is fixed on the mounting plate (33).
4. The light-emitting device for a guardrail according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base (3) is used to fix the recessed mounting cavity on the side wall of the light-emitting component (4), and the light-emitting component (4) is embedded and fixed in the mounting cavity.
5. The light-emitting device for a guardrail according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base (3) is used to fix the recessed mounting cavity on the side wall of the light-emitting component (4), and the light-emitting component (4) is embedded and fixed in the mounting cavity.
6. The light-emitting device for a guardrail according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The base (3) includes a first half-base (34) and a second half-base (35) arranged opposite to each other. The first half-base (34) and the second half-base (35) are horizontally close together and connected to form a covering cavity (31) and a through hole (32). At least one of the first half-base (34) and the second half-base (35) is provided with a light-emitting component (4) and a solar panel component (5).
7. The light-emitting device for a guardrail according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first half-base (34) and the second half-base (35) are identical products with the same structure and size. The ends of the first half-base (34) and the second half-base (35) that are in contact with each other are provided with a connecting structure for detachably connecting and fixing the first half-base (34) and the second half-base (35). The first half-base (34) and the second half-base (35) are provided with a light-emitting component (4) and a solar panel component (5).
8. The light-emitting device for a guardrail according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connection structure includes a protruding mounting tenon (36) and a recessed mortise (37).
9. A guardrail base, characterized in that: Includes a base (1), on which a light-emitting device for a guardrail as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided.
10. A guardrail, characterized in that: It includes a base (1) and a column (2), wherein the base (1) is provided with a light-emitting device for the guardrail as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.