Shock absorber with means for protected transmission of optical signals

Abstract

Shock absorber (10 I-V ) for absorbing a mechanical pressure with a damper arrangement (12) comprising: i. an elastically and / or plastically deformable damping layer (14); ii. a first luminescent film (16) comprising luminaires (18a, 18b), wherein the damping layer (14) and the first luminescent film (16) are arranged successively along a direction (24) of a sequence axis (26), the damping layer (14) and the first luminescent film (16) extending transversely to the direction (24) of the sequence axis (26).

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a shock absorber for absorbing mechanical pressure. The shock absorber has, in particular, means for the protected transmission of optical signals.

[0002] Shock absorbers, typically also referred to as shock absorbers, are known from the state of the art, for example in the form of damping plates or damping mats, which can protect a surface on which they rest from the impact of impacts.

[0003] Examples of shock absorbers for various, particularly sports-related, applications are known from DE 10 2006 058 890 A1, DE 10 2012 110 413 B4, US 2013 / 0040746 A1, DE 20 2010 013 759 U1 and DE 20 2019 000 843 U1.

[0004] Such shock absorbers are not designed to emit optical signals distributed over a large area in a protected manner, for example to mark the area to be protected or to convey information to an observer of the shock absorber, such as warning signals or an indication of a collision between the shock absorber and a collision partner. Object of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a shock absorber suitable for the protected transmission of optical signals distributed over a large area. It is also an object of the invention to provide a band with such a shock absorber. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a component manufactured by deep drawing or thermoforming with such a shock absorber. Description of the invention

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a shock absorber according to claim 1. The object is further achieved by a band according to claim 16 and a component according to claim 17. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0007] The shock absorber according to the invention is equipped with a damper arrangement which has the following elements: i. an elastically and / or plastically deformable damping layer; ii. a first luminous film comprising illuminating means, wherein the damper layer and the first luminous film are arranged one after the other along a direction of a sequence axis, wherein the damper layer and the first luminous film extend transversely to the direction of the sequence axis.

[0008] The damping layer deforms to absorb the energy exerted by a collision partner on the shock absorber. The pressure on the first luminous foil is cushioned. This better protects the first luminous foil from damage resulting from the impact.

[0009] The damper layer is preferably transparent to the radiation emitted by the luminous foil. "Extend" is understood in particular to mean that the damper layer and the first luminous foil form a surface perpendicular to the sequence axis. The damper layer and the first luminous foil each have dimensions perpendicular to the sequence axis, which may be direction-dependent. In this case, a factor AFKS, which specifies the ratio of the smallest vertical dimension of the damper arrangement to the longitudinal dimension of the damper arrangement along the sequence axis, applies, in particular, 1 ≤ AFKS ≤ 10 8 , preferably 100 ≤ AFKS ≤ 10 7, particularly preferably 10 3 ≤ AFKS ≤ 10 6 , most preferably 10 4 ≤ AFKS ≤ 10 5 . Accordingly, for a factor AFGS, which indicates the ratio of the largest vertical dimension to the longitudinal dimension of the damper arrangement along the sequence axis, in particular 1 ≤ AFGS ≤ 10 9 , preferably 10 ≤ AFGS ≤ 10 8 , particularly preferably 100 ≤ AFGS ≤ 10 7 , most preferably 10 3 ≤ AFGS ≤ 10 6 .

[0010] The shock absorber preferably has a height of 1 m to 10 m, preferably 2 m to 7 m, particularly preferably 3 m to 5 m, measured from the ground. The shock absorber preferably has a length of 10 m to 100 m, preferably 30 m to 70 m, particularly preferably 50 m to 60 m, in a direction perpendicular to its height and to the sequence axis. The damping layer and the first luminous foil preferably each have a thickness of 1 µm to 10 mm.

[0011] The sequence axis is, in particular, an axis that extends in a direction in which the damper layer and the first luminous foil are arranged one behind the other. A direction of the sequence axis refers, in particular, to a direction in which the sequence axis extends. The sequence axis is, in particular, oriented perpendicular to the surface of the damper layer and / or the first luminous foil. Preferably, the sequence axis runs perpendicular to the mutually facing partial surfaces of the respective surface of the damper layer and the first luminous foil. Preferred embodiments and further developments

[0012] An advantageous embodiment of the shock absorber is characterized by a first connecting element that connects the first luminous foil and the damping layer. The first connecting element increases the stability of the shock absorber by securing the first luminous foil and the damping layer to each other, possibly with a spacing.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the shock absorber, the first luminous film comprises light-emitting diodes as the illuminating means, which are arranged in a matrix, in particular a rectangular one. Light-emitting diodes are characterized by a compact design and a long service life. Preferably, the first luminous film comprises a pixel-controlled LED matrix. The luminous film particularly preferably comprises a controller, in particular a digital controller, for controlling the light-emitting diodes.

[0014] In another variant of the shock absorber, the first luminous foil is rollable with an inner radius of less than 100 mm, in particular less than 50 mm, preferably less than 10 mm. Such a luminous foil can be stored and transported in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the shock absorber, the first luminous foil of the shock absorber has an interface for electrical connection to additional luminous foils. This allows the shock absorbers to form a surface that can be adapted to different contact surfaces.

[0016] In an advantageous variant of the shock absorber, the damping layer has an elastic element. This allows the damping layer to be reused after deformation due to an impact and provides a cushioning effect in the event of an impact. The elastic element is designed, in particular, as an air cushion, a spring element, and / or a reversibly deformable plastic part.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the shock absorber, the first connecting element has an air cushion and / or a holder for holding the damper assembly. An air cushion in the connecting element can provide additional cushioning of a force acting on the shock absorber due to an impact. When filled, such an air cushion also ensures a flexible distance between the damper assembly and other elements of the shock absorber, if this distance is desired. A holder holds the damper assembly in a fixed position. The holder is preferably made of plastic and / or metal, in particular aluminum. The holder has, in particular, holding elements for holding the damper assembly, preferably holding elements for holding the damper layer and / or the luminous foil. The holding elements are designed, in particular, as ropes, holding straps, clamps, and / or holding arms.The holder preferably comprises a holding frame, in particular made of aluminum. The holding frame preferably comprises the holding elements.

[0018] A preferred variant of the shock absorber is one in which the shock absorber has a pressure-tight access flap for accessing the first luminous foil. The access flap allows the first luminous foil to be repaired or replaced if it is defective.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment of the shock absorber is characterized by a second luminous foil arranged next to the damping layer in the direction of the sequence axis, opposite the first luminous foil. This allows the shock absorber to emit optical signals in both directions along the sequence axis.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the shock absorber is one in which a transparent first surface layer is arranged along the sequence axis after the damper arrangement, wherein the damper arrangement and the first surface layer extend transversely to the direction of the sequence axis, wherein, in particular, a second surface layer is arranged next to the damper arrangement, opposite the first surface layer. The first surface layer protects the damper arrangement and in particular the first luminous foil from contact. It also provides additional protection against the force applied by an impact. The first surface layer is, in particular, transparent to the radiation emitted by the luminous foil.

[0021] Another variant of the shock absorber is characterized by the first surface layer being designed as a film and / or using acrylic and / or acrylic glass as the material. Acrylic materials, especially acrylic glass, are characterized by high fracture strength. Configuring the first surface layer as a film offers the advantage that it can be transported and stored in a space-saving manner.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the shock absorber, the distance between the outer side of the first surface layer facing away from the damper arrangement in the direction of the sequence axis and the damper arrangement is between 1 µm and 1 m, in particular between 1 cm and 90 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 80 cm, particularly preferably between 40 cm and 60 cm. In particular, the first luminous film is arranged at a distance of between 1 µm and 1 m from the first outer side of the first surface layer facing away from the damper arrangement in the direction of the sequence axis. A small distance results in a compact design of the shock absorber in the direction of the sequence axis. In some embodiments of the shock absorber, the damper arrangement rests against the first surface layer. In particular, the damper arrangement is attached to the first surface layer, preferably by bonding, in particular with, for example, OCA films (optical clear adhesive).Larger distances mean that the first surface layer does not transfer any impact energy acting on it at all or transfers it to a lesser extent by deformation of this surface layer to the damper arrangement behind it, since a gap is formed between the first surface layer and the damper arrangement.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the shock absorber, the damping layer is arranged in the direction of the sequence axis between the first surface layer and the first luminous foil. The damping layer absorbs the impact energy that is transferred through the surface layer to the damping layer during an impact, thus protecting the first luminous foil from damage.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the shock absorber, the first luminous foil is arranged between the first surface layer and the damping layer in the direction of the sequence axis. The first luminous foil transfers a portion of the impact energy transferred from the surface layer to the first luminous foil during an impact to the damping layer, thereby also better protecting the first luminous foil from damage.

[0025] In a preferred variant of the shock absorber, a second connecting element is arranged in addition to the first surface layer in the direction of the sequence axis opposite the damper assembly. The second connecting element makes the shock absorber more stable, as it at least partially connects the remaining elements of the shock absorber to one another in addition to the first connecting element.

[0026] A barrier according to the invention comprises a shock absorber according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. Such a barrier is characterized by protection against the stress caused by impacts on the barrier, wherein the barrier can simultaneously emit optical signals in a protected manner. Such a barrier with a protective function provided by the shock absorber can be used in particular in various sports in which people move at high speeds, for example skiing or ice hockey. The barriers can be made of plastic, metal and / or aluminum and / or have an air cushion. The air cushion can in particular be designed to be inflated by a compressor, wherein the air cushion allows air to escape in a controlled manner upon impact between the shock absorber and a collision partner, preferably through a pressure relief valve.

[0027] A component according to the invention is manufactured by deep drawing or thermoforming and comprises a shock absorber according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. Such a component is protected against damage caused by impacts and can simultaneously emit optical signals in a protected manner. The component is preferably designed as a bumper or fender, in particular of a motor vehicle.

[0028] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those further described can be used individually or in combination. The embodiments shown and described are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are exemplary in nature for describing the invention. Detailed description of the invention and drawing Fig. 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of a first embodiment of a shock absorber; Fig. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section through the first embodiment of the shock absorber; Fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a second embodiment of the shock absorber; Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the shock absorber; Fig. 5 shows a schematic front view of a shock absorber carrier.

[0029] In Fig. 1 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a first embodiment of a shock absorber 10 I shown. A damping arrangement 12 of the shock absorber 10 Ihas a deformable damper layer 14. Furthermore, the damper arrangement 12 has a first luminous foil 16, on which illuminants are arranged, two of which are designated 18a, 18b in the figure as an example. The illuminants 18a, 18b are designed as LEDs 20a, 20b arranged in rows. An interface 22 of the first luminous foil 16 enables the connection of the first luminous foil 16 to additional luminous foils (not shown).

[0030] The damper layer 14 and the first luminous foil 16 are arranged one after the other in a direction 24 of a sequence axis 26. The damper layer 14 and the first luminous foil 16 extend in a transverse direction 28 perpendicular to the direction 24 of the sequence axis 26.

[0031] A transparent first surface layer 30 of the shock absorber 10 Iis arranged in the direction 24 of the sequence axis 26 after the damper assembly 12. The transparent first surface layer 30 extends in the transverse direction 28 perpendicular to the direction 24 of the sequence axis 26.

[0032] A first connecting element 32 of the shock absorber 10 I connects the first luminous foil 16, the damper layer 14, and, in the embodiment shown, also the first surface layer 30. A holder 34 of the first connecting element 32 has holding arms 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d for holding the first luminous foil 16, the damper layer 14, and the first surface layer 30.

[0033] The damper assembly 12 and the first surface layer 30 are spaced apart by a first distance d1 to better protect the damper assembly 12 from impacts. The first luminous foil 16 and the damper layer 14 of the damper assembly 12 are spaced apart by a second distance d2. Gaps 38a, 38b, 38c are formed between the first surface layer 30, the first luminous foil 16, the damper layer 14, and the first connecting element 32, which are arranged one behind the other along the sequence axis 26.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section through the first embodiment of the shock absorber 10 IThe damper layer 14 has elastic elements for reversible deformation, with four elastic elements being designated 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d in the figure by way of example. The elastic elements 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are designed as air cushions 42a, 42b and springs 44a, 44b. The first connecting element 32 has the holding arms 36a, 36c for connecting the first surface layer 30, the first luminous foil 16, and the damper layer 14, between which the intermediate spaces 38a, 38b, 38c are formed. The first surface layer 30, the first luminous foil 16, the damper layer 14, and the first connecting element 32 are arranged one behind the other along the sequence axis 26.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a second embodiment of the shock absorber 10 II . As in the first embodiment of the shock absorber 10 I (cf. Fig. 2) The first connecting element 32 has the holding arms 36a, 36c for connecting the first surface layer 30, the first luminous foil 16, and the damper layer 14, between which the gaps 38a, 38b, 38c are formed. The first surface layer 30, the first luminous foil 16, the damper layer 14, and the first connecting element 32 are arranged one behind the other along the sequence axis 26. In contrast to the first embodiment, the shock absorber 10 II In the second embodiment, a pressure-tight access flap 45 for access to the first luminous foil 16 in order to be able to repair or replace the first luminous foil 16.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the shock absorber 10 III . As in the first embodiment of the shock absorber 10 I (cf. Fig. 2) The first connecting element 32 has the holding arms 36a, 36c for connecting the first surface layer 30, the first luminous foil 16, and the damper layer 14, between which the gaps 38a, 38b, 38c are formed. The first surface layer 30, the first luminous foil 16, the damper layer 14, and the first connecting element 32 are arranged one behind the other along the sequence axis 26. In contrast to the first embodiment, the shock absorber 10 III a second luminous foil 46, which is arranged next to the damper layer 14 in the direction of the sequence axis 26 opposite the first luminous foil 16, so that the shock absorber 10 IIIcan emit optical signals in both directions along the sequence axis 26, for which purpose the first connecting element 32 is designed to be particularly transparent. In the embodiment shown, the first connecting element 32 does not have a holding arm 36b. In addition to the first surface layer 30, opposite the damper arrangement 12 in the direction of the sequence axis 26, there is a second connecting element 48 with holding arms, two of which are designated 50a, 50b in the figure, for example, to secure the shock absorber 10. III to make it more stable.

[0037] Fig. Figure 5 shows schematically a front view of a shock absorber carrier 52 on which two shock absorbers 10 IV , 10 V according to one of the embodiments shown in the previous figures. The shock absorber carrier 52 is designed as a band 54 or as a component 56, wherein the component 56 is manufactured by deep drawing or thermoforming.

[0038] Taking a summary of all figures of the drawing, the invention relates to a shock absorber 10 I-V to absorb mechanical pressure. The shock absorber 10 I-V has a damper assembly 12. The damper assembly 12 has a deformable damper layer 14 and a first luminous foil 16 with illuminants 18a, 18b, wherein the damper layer 14 and the first luminous foil 16 are arranged one behind the other. The damper layer 14 and the first luminous foil 16 extend transversely to the direction in which they are arranged one behind the other.

Claims

[1] Shock absorber (10 I-V ) for absorbing a mechanical pressure with a damper arrangement (12) comprising: i. an elastically and / or plastically deformable damping layer (14); ii. a first luminous film (16) comprising illuminating means (18a, 18b), wherein the damper layer (14) and the first luminous film (16) are arranged one after the other along a direction (24) of a sequence axis (26), wherein the damper layer (14) and the first luminous film (16) extend transversely to the direction (24) of the sequence axis (26). [2] Shock absorber according to claim 1 with a first connecting element (32) which connects the first luminous foil (16) and the damping layer (14) to one another. [3] Shock absorber according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first luminous foil (16) has light-emitting diodes (20a, 20b) as illuminating means (18a, 18b), which are arranged in particular in a matrix. [4] Shock absorber according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first luminous foil (16) is rollable with an inner radius of less than 100 mm, in particular less than 50 mm, preferably less than 10 mm. [5] Shock absorber according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first luminous foil (16) has an interface (22) for electrical connection to further luminous foils. [6] Shock absorber according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping layer (14) comprises an elastic element (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d). [7] Shock absorber according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first connecting element (32) comprises an air cushion (42a, 42b) and / or a holder (34) for holding the damper arrangement (12). [8] Shock absorber according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a pressure-tight access flap (45) for access to the first luminous foil (16). [9] Shock absorber according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second luminous foil (46) is arranged next to the damper layer (14) in the direction (24) of the sequence axis (26) opposite the first luminous foil (16). [10] Shock absorber according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a transparent first surface layer (30) arranged along the sequence axis (26) after the damper arrangement (12), wherein the damper arrangement (12) and the first surface layer (30) extend transversely to the direction (24) of the sequence axis (26), wherein in particular a second surface layer is arranged next to the damper arrangement (12), wherein the second surface layer is opposite the first surface layer (30). [11] Shock absorber according to claim 10, wherein the first surface layer (30) is designed as a film and / or comprises acrylic and / or acrylic glass as material. [12] Shock absorber according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the distance between the outer side of the first surface layer (30) facing away from the damper arrangement (12) in the direction (24) of the sequence axis (26) and the damper arrangement (12) is between 1 µm and 1 m, in particular between 1 cm and 90 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 80 cm, particularly preferably between 40 cm and 60 cm. [13] Shock absorber according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the damping layer (14) is arranged in the direction (24) of the sequence axis (26) between the first surface layer (30) and the first luminous foil (16). [14] Shock absorber according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first luminous foil (16) is arranged in the direction (24) of the sequence axis (26) between the first surface layer (30) and the damper layer (14). [15] Shock absorber according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein a second connecting element (48) is arranged next to the first surface layer (30) in the direction (24) of the sequence axis (26) opposite the damper arrangement (12). [16] Band (54) comprising a shock absorber (10 I-V ) according to one of the preceding claims. [17] Component (56) produced by deep drawing or thermoforming, comprising a shock absorber (10 I-V ) according to one of the preceding claims.

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