Flexible connecting element for guideposts and guideposts with flexible connecting element

Abstract

Flexible connecting element (100) for connecting a guidepost section (300) of a guidepost (1000) to a fastening element (210, 220, 230) of a guidepost (1000), wherein the flexible connecting element (100) allows the guidepost section (300) to reversibly bend relative to the fastening element (210, 220, 230) in at least one direction, wherein the connecting element (100) is made of an elastomer and has a base plate (110), a top plate (120) parallel to the base plate (110), and two opposing side walls (130, 135) between the base plate (110) and the top plate (120), wherein the height (h) of the side walls (130, 135) of the flexible connecting element (100) is greater than the greatest distance (a) between the side walls (130, 135) of the flexible connecting element (100) from each other,wherein the flexible connecting element (100) has a connection structure (150) extending from the ceiling plate (120) in a direction away from the base plate (110) to establish a connection to the guide post section (300), characterized in that the connection structure (150) has two walls (153, 154) perpendicular to the side walls (130, 135) and perpendicular to the ceiling plate (120), which run parallel to each other but are of different lengths in this direction, and two converging walls (156, 157).

Description

[0001] Guideposts are devices well known to every road user for marking the course of the road, which in particular have a guidepost section that takes over the actual marking function of the guidepost and a fastening element with which the guidepost is anchored to the ground at the roadside or as guardrail guideposts on guardrails or crash barriers.

[0002] Despite all efforts to avoid contact with and impacts on guideposts, this is not always possible in practice. Even guardrail guideposts are subject to these effects, particularly because not only a direct collision of a vehicle with the guidepost can lead to such contact or impacts, but the guidepost can also be subjected to such impacts, for example, during snow removal or mowing work at the roadside. Without further measures, the guidepost will then bend or break, necessitating its replacement.

[0003] Therefore, many years ago the idea arose to equip the guidepost with a flexible connecting element that allows the guidepost section to reversibly bend relative to the fastening element in at least one direction. For example, DE 1 869 027, DE 1 996 929, and DE 84 32 954 U1 propose embodiments for such connecting elements in which this behavior is achieved by using tension springs. An alternative solution, in which the restoring force is provided by a compression spring or the pressure of an elastic element, which are each bent together during the bending process, is disclosed in DE 20 2005 006 967 U1.

[0004] A disadvantage of all these solutions is that they are complex to install and significantly increase the weight of the guidepost. Furthermore, they generally require individual adaptation to the specific fastening element used. In addition, practical experience shows that dirt can severely impair their function. Moreover, bending at angles greater than approximately 45° can easily lead to mechanical damage to the springs and screws.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved flexible connecting element and a guide post with such an improved flexible connecting element. This object is achieved by a flexible connecting element having the features of claim 1 and a guide post having the features of claim 10.

[0006] The flexible connecting element according to the invention for connecting a guidepost section of a guidepost to the fastening element of a guidepost, i.e., the component by which it is anchored in the ground or to a guardrail, allows, as with previously known flexible connecting elements for this purpose, a reversible buckling of the guidepost section relative to the fastening element in at least one direction. A key feature of the invention is that the connecting element consists of an elastomer and comprises a base plate, a top plate parallel to the base plate, and two opposing side walls between the base plate and the top plate, which preferably extend in the same direction parallel to the base plate, wherein the height of the side walls of the flexible connecting element is greater than the greatest distance between the side walls of the flexible connecting element.

[0007] This specific arrangement defines a space between the base plate, top plate, and side walls. When a force is applied to a guidepost section attached to the connecting element, one side wall can fold into this space. Meanwhile, the other side wall—particularly because its height exceeds the greatest distance between the side walls—is long enough to always cover the folded side wall. This ensures that a guidepost section attached to the connecting element can be positioned approximately parallel to the base plate of the connecting element, i.e., completely folded over. This allows for bending angles of 90° and (for guideposts mounted on guardrails) even greater. Simultaneously, the use of an elastomer ensures the reversibility of this deformation.

[0008] Because the entire connector is made of an elastomer and a large portion of its total volume consists of internal cavities, this connector is very lightweight. It is also inexpensive to manufacture, and thanks to its flat base plate, which allows for easy connection with any fastener, there is no need to adapt the connector to the multitude of different fasteners, significantly simplifying warehousing and assembly.

[0009] The desired "folding" of the side wall into the clearance volume provided by the design of the connecting element, which is defined by the base plate, top plate, and side walls, can be promoted by suitable geometric measures. In particular, it is helpful if the side walls of the flexible connecting element are tapered. Such tapering can be achieved particularly easily by circular segment-shaped cutouts at the free edges of the side walls. A second geometric measure that promotes the desired clearance movement of the side walls is to decrease the distance between the side walls of the flexible connecting element from the base plate to the top plate.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the flexible connecting element, the side walls of the flexible connecting element have a reinforced section in the transition area to the base plate. This makes it possible to define a volume in the base area that generally remains free even when the guidepost section buckles. This volume can accommodate not only any necessary reinforcing plate for the connection to the fastening element, but also connecting elements for linking the flexible connecting element and the fastening element, or parts of such connecting elements, e.g., screw heads or nuts, which, if they were to come into contact with the side walls during sudden deformation, could potentially damage them.

[0011] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the base plate to have at least one opening for receiving a connecting element to connect the flexible connecting element to the fastening element in order to accommodate such connecting means.

[0012] Preferably, the flexible connecting element also has a connection structure extending from the ceiling plate away from the base plate to create a connection to the guidepost section, onto which the guidepost section can preferably be slid. However, it is also possible to slide the guidepost section into this connection structure.

[0013] If at least one stop for the guidepost section is provided on the ceiling plate and / or on the connection structure to define a target position of the guidepost section when inserting it into or sliding it onto the connection structure, a reproducible arrangement of the guidepost section can be achieved, which makes the streetscape appear more regular.

[0014] Specifically, it is preferred that the connection structure comprises two walls perpendicular to the side walls and perpendicular to the ceiling slab, running parallel to each other but of different lengths in this direction, and two converging walls. With appropriate adjustment of the wall lengths, a precise positive fit with the cross-section of conventional guidepost sections can be achieved. It is particularly preferred that the parallel walls and the converging walls are each connected by connecting sections that project outwards beyond the parallel walls (i.e., in a direction away from the center of the ceiling slab, parallel to its plane), such that the connecting sections, together with an end section of the converging walls, form a slot for inserting a metal plate. The connecting sections can, in particular, be L-shaped.

[0015] L-shaped connecting sections are defined as those whose cross-section can be transformed into the approximate shape of the capital letter L by reflection or rotation in space, including those where the horizontal bar of the L points to the left or upwards. A characteristic feature of this letter shape is that it is composed of two essentially straight sections that meet at a single point, with the straight sections intersecting at an angle between approximately 70° and 110°.

[0016] This allows for a stable and reliable attachment of the guide post section to the flexible connecting element, for example by screwing in self-tapping screws.

[0017] The guidepost according to the invention, which can preferably be designed as a guardrail guidepost, has a guidepost section, a bottom-side fastening element, and a flexible connecting element according to the invention arranged between the guidepost section and the bottom-side fastening element.

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures showing exemplary embodiments. These show:

[0019] Fig. 1a: a three-dimensional representation of a flexible connecting element,

[0020] Fig. 1b: an isometric representation of the flexible connecting element made of Fig. 1a, seen from the front,

[0021] Fig. 1c: an isometric representation of the flexible connecting element made of Fig. 1a, viewed from the right,

[0022] Fig. 1d: an isometric representation of the flexible connecting element made of Fig. 1a, seen from above,

[0023] Fig. 2a: a three-dimensional representation of the flexible connecting element made of Fig. 1a, connected to a first fastening element,

[0024] Fig. 2b: a three-dimensional representation of the flexible connecting element made of Fig. 1a, connected to a second fastening element,

[0025] Fig. 2c: a three-dimensional representation of the flexible connecting element made of Fig. 1a, connected to a third fastening element,

[0026] Fig. 3a: an isometric representation of a guidepost with a flexible connecting element made of Fig. 1a and the fastening element made of Fig. 2a, and

[0027] Fig. 3b: the guidepost from Fig. 3a in folded-over position.

[0028] For identical components, the following figure descriptions use identical reference symbols unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, to improve the clarity of the figures, reference symbols are not included in every figure for all features that are generally apparent from the respective figure.

[0029] The Fig. 1a to Fig. Figure 1d shows different views of an exemplary embodiment of a flexible connecting element. 100 with a base plate 110 , a ceiling panel 120 , and two opposing side walls 130 , 135 .

[0030] The essentially flat base plate 110 It has two openings in the form of holes. 111 on, which serve to accommodate fasteners with which a fastener element 210 , 220 , 230 as in the Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c shown on the base plate of the flexible connecting element 100 can be attached.

[0031] How to best represent the flexible connecting element 100 from the front, i.e., with a properly installed flexible connecting element 100 from the direction of the road towards the edge of the roadway, as seen from the Fig. As can be seen from 1b, the height h of the side walls 130 , 135 greater than the greatest distance a between the side walls 130 , 135 from each other. This ensures that there is sufficient escape volume. 133 is present to ensure that, in the event of a folded-down guidepost, as in Fig. 3b shows a “folding in” of one side wall 135 into the escape volume 133 to allow and at the same time an “overlay” of the folded-in side wall 135 through the other side wall 130to ensure that the guidepost section 300 It can be folded into a horizontal position.

[0032] In the representation according to Fig. 1b still clearly shows that the distance between the side walls 130 , 135 of the flexible connecting element 100 from each other from the base plate 110 to the ceiling slab 120 decreases. This design of the side walls 130 , 135 promotes, especially in conjunction with the in Fig. 1c particularly noticeable tapered design of the side walls 130 , 135 by providing circular sector-shaped cutouts 131 , 136 , the desired “folding in” of the side wall 135 into the escape volume 133 .

[0033] As the Fig. As 1b shows particularly clearly, the side walls 131 , 135of the flexible connecting element in the transition area to the base plate 110 each a reinforced section 132 , 137 on, which causes a deformation of the side walls 130 , 135 counteracts this in this area. For example, how can one consider the following in conjunction with... Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b recognizes that this serves not only to receive and position a reinforcing plate. 250 , but also ensures that those in the backup volume 133 "folded in" side wall 135 not in contact with the volume in this alternative 133 protruding head section 260 a fastening device for fixing the plant section 211 , 221 , 231 a fastening element 210 , 220 , 230 This results in damage to the side wall. 135 This could lead to problems and should therefore be avoided.

[0034] The flexible connecting element100 Furthermore, it features a design extending from the ceiling slab. 120 in the direction away from the base plate 110 extensive connection structure 150 to create a connection to a guidepost section.

[0035] As when considering the Fig. 1a to Fig. As can be seen in 1d, they are on the ceiling panel 120 or at the connection structure 150 attacks 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 or 151 , 152 present, which provides an end position for sliding the guidepost section onto the connection structure 150 define.

[0036] How to take a comprehensive view of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1d particularly clearly shows the connection structure 150 In this embodiment, two perpendicular to the side walls. 130 , 135 and to the ceiling slab 120 standing walls 153 , 154, which run parallel to each other but are of different lengths in this direction. The walls 153 , 154 extend from the ceiling slab 120 in the direction away from the base plate 110 They are equipped with two support elements. 155a , 155b on the ceiling slab 120 supported to reinforce the connection structure 150 to provide additional stability.

[0037] Furthermore, the connection structure 150 two more walls running towards each other 156 , 157 up, which are also perpendicular to the ceiling slab 120 stand and the parallel walls 153 , 154 in the respective parallel to the ceiling slab 120 horizontal direction of the wall 156 or 157 tower over.

[0038] Furthermore, there are parallel walls 153 , 154outward-projecting connecting sections 158a , 158b , 158c , 158d present, which may be particularly L-like in the sense defined above and in the Fig. 1d are executed as follows. The connecting sections 158a , 158b , 158c , 158d Each form together with an end section of the converging side walls 156 , 157 Inserts 159a , 159b , 159c , 159d , into which metal sheets not visible in the figures are inserted to ensure secure fixing of a guidepost section 300 on the flexible connecting element 100 also made possible by self-tapping screws that do not hold in the rubber material itself.

[0039] The geometry of the connection structure 150 is designed in such a way that it matches the cross-section of a guidepost section 300It is designed so that it can be slid or inserted to fit perfectly.

[0040] The Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c show this in Fig. 1a flexible connecting element shown and described in detail above 100 in conjunction with three differently designed fastening elements 210 , 220 , 230 As can be deduced from these figures, the flexible connecting element 100 together with a wide variety of fastening elements 210 , 220 , 230 usable as long as they only cover a preferably essentially flat section of the plant 211 , 221 , 231 exhibit, on which the essentially flat base plate 110 attached and with which they, for example via fastening elements that pass through holes 111 in the base plate 110 and corresponding boreholes in the plant section 211 , 221 ,231 are passed through and secured. For example, the fasteners can be formed by screws and secured by nuts. No further adjustments are necessary, regardless of whether the fastener uses a front-facing mounting through the U-shaped bracket. 212 , a fastening via a curved rail 222 or a fastening over a downward-extending section 232 This is done. This simplifies the warehousing and assembly of the flexible connecting element. 100 very comfortable.

[0041] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shows a guidepost 1000 with a guidepost section 300 , which has a flexible connecting element 100 , as shown above based on the Fig. 1a to Fig. 1d was described in detail, with a fastening element 210 , as it is in Fig. The section of the guidepost shown in Figure 2a is connected in both the upright "normal" state and the bent state. 300 This is part of the guidepost. 1000 , which is indicated by the color-coded marking 310 , the strip-shaped reflector 320 and the circular reflectors 330 , 331 It takes over the usual marking function of a guidepost. As can be seen particularly in... Fig. 3a sees, he is up to the attacks 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 151 , 152 on the connection structure adapted to its cross-section 150 pushed on, thereby brought into a precisely defined position and secured there with self-tapping screws 340 secured. The connection between the flexible connecting element 100 and the guidepost section 300 It is therefore very easy to manufacture and at the same time ensures precise positioning.

[0042] In particular, the functionality of the flexible connecting element will be examined. 100 To reiterate: It works, in the example of the Fig. 3b on the left side of the guidepost section as seen by the viewer 300 a force on the guidepost section 300 , so the right side wall, as seen from the viewer's perspective, folds over. 135 of the flexible connecting element 100 in and folds into the escape volume 133 inside, while the guidepost section 300 It is transformed into an essentially horizontal position, i.e., it is bent. At the same time, the left side wall, as seen from the viewer's perspective, deforms. 130 , so that they enter the escape volume 133 folded-in side wall 135 covered up.

[0043] These deformations of the side walls 130 , 135 lead to the connecting element 100consisting of an elastomer, to a restoring force that ensures that the guidepost section 300 It straightens itself again as soon as it is no longer held down. This ensures that the guidepost section does not buckle. 300 is reversible and the guidepost section 300 returns to its upright, intended position. Reference symbol list 100 flexible connecting elements 110 Base plate 111 Bore 120 ceiling panel 121, 122, 123, 124 Stop 130, 135 side wall 132, 137 reinforced section 133 spare volumes 150 connection structure 151, 152 stop 153, 154, 156, 157 Wall 155a, 155b Support element 158a, 158b, 158c, 158d Connecting section 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d Insert 210, 220, 230 Fastening element 211, 221, 231 Plant section 212 bracket 222 rail Section 232 250 reinforcing plates 260 Head section 300 guidepost section 310 Marking 320, 330, 331 Reflector 340 screw 1000 guideposts h height a distance QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0044] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0045] DE 1869027

[0003] DE 1996929

[0003] DE 8432954 U1

[0003] DE 202005006967 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Flexible connecting element ( 100 ) for connecting a guidepost section ( 300 ) of a guidepost ( 1000 ) with a fastening element ( 210 , 220 , 230 ) of a guidepost ( 1000 ), wherein the flexible connecting element ( 100 ) a reversible buckling of the guidepost section ( 300 ) relative to the fastening element ( 210 , 220 , 230 ) in at least one direction characterized by that the connecting element ( 100 ) consists of an elastomer and a base plate ( 110 ), one for the base plate ( 110 ) parallel ceiling slab ( 120 ) and between the base plate ( 110 ) and ceiling panel ( 120 ) two opposing side walls ( 130 , 135 ) has the height (h) of the side walls ( 130 , 135 ) of the flexible connecting element ( 100) is greater than the greatest distance (a) between the side walls ( 130 , 135 ) of the flexible connecting element ( 100 ) from each other. [2] Flexible connecting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized by that the side walls ( 130 , 135 ) of the flexible connecting element ( 100 are waist-shaped. [3] Flexible connecting element ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the distance between the side walls ( 130 , 135 ) of the flexible connecting element ( 100 ) from each other from the base plate ( 110 ) to the ceiling slab ( 120 ) decreases. [4] Flexible connecting element ( 100 ) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized by that the side walls ( 130 , 135 ) of the flexible connecting element ( 100 ) in the transition area to the base plate ( 110 ) a reinforced section ( 132 , 137exhibit. [5] Flexible connecting element ( 100 ) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized by that the base plate ( 110 ) at least one opening ( 111 ) for receiving a connecting element for connecting the flexible connecting element ( 100 ) with the fastening element ( 210 , 220 , 230 ) exhibits. [6] Flexible connecting element ( 100 ) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized by that the flexible connecting element ( 100 ) a starting from the ceiling slab ( 120 ) in the direction away from the base plate ( 110 ) extending connection structure ( 150 ) to establish a connection to the guidepost section ( 300 ) exhibits. [7] Flexible connecting element ( 100 ) according to claim 6, characterized by that on the ceiling panel ( 120 ) and / or at the connection structure ( 150) at least one stop ( 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 151 , 152 ) for the guidepost section ( 300 ) to define a target position of the guidepost section ( 300 ) when inserting into or sliding onto the connection structure ( 150 ) is available. [8] Flexible connecting element ( 100 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the connection structure ( 150 ) two perpendicular to the side walls ( 130 , 135 ) and perpendicular to the ceiling slab ( 120 ) standing walls ( 153 , 154 ), which run parallel to each other but are of different lengths in this direction and form two walls running towards each other ( 156 , 157 ) exhibits. [9] Flexible connecting element ( 100 ) according to claim 8, characterized by that the parallel walls ( 153 , 154) each over the parallel walls ( 153 , 154 ) outwardly projecting connecting sections ( 158a , 158b , 158c , 158d ) with the walls running towards each other ( 156 , 157 ) are connected, so that the connecting sections ( 158a , 158b , 158c , 158d ) each together with an end section of the converging walls ( 156 , 157 ) an insertion ( 159a , 159b , 159c , 159d ) to form a slot for inserting a sheet of metal. [10] Guideposts ( 1000 ), in particular guardrail guideposts, with a guidepost section ( 300 ), a fastening element ( 210 , 220 , 230 ), and one between the guidepost section ( 300 ) and the fastening element ( 210 , 220 , 230 ) arranged, flexible connecting element ( 100), wherein the connecting element ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9.