Underrun protection and commercial vehicle

Abstract

Underrun protection (10) for a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, in order to prevent the commercial vehicle from being driven under, comprising at least one carrier unit (11) which is movable in the installed state and which can be attached to one end, in particular the rear end, of the commercial vehicle and which carries a bumper element (12) which, in the installed state, extends essentially parallel to a roadway plane, wherein the at least one carrier unit (11) has a fixed element (13) which, in the installed state, is connected to the commercial vehicle, and a movable element (14) which carries the bumper element (12), wherein the movable element (14) is arranged displaceably in or on the fixed element (13) such that the movable element (14) can be moved against a restoring force from at least a first position into at least a second position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an underrun protection device for a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, trailer, or semi-trailer, to prevent the vehicle from being driven under. An underrun protection device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, for example, from EP 4 209 394 A1.

[0002] With a few exceptions, commercial vehicles are equipped with underride protection, particularly at the rear end. This is typically required by law and is designed to prevent other vehicles, such as cars, from driving underneath the commercial vehicle. For this purpose, an underride protection usually has a cross member that is hit by a vehicle approaching it in the event of a rear-end collision, for example, to prevent the vehicle from moving further underneath the commercial vehicle. This is intended to prevent serious injuries to road users. This protection is generally more pronounced if the underride protection extends further down and can therefore be driven into from a lower position.

[0003] However, the underrun protection of a commercial vehicle can, in certain situations, touch the ground. This is particularly the case when the commercial vehicle is driving up a ramp, as can happen, for example, when loading commercial vehicles onto ships. This can cause damage to the underrun protection or even the commercial vehicle itself, jeopardizing the safe operation of the commercial vehicle and potentially resulting in significant repair costs. Therefore, it is advisable to install an adjustable underrun protection to prevent such damage. It is particularly advantageous if the underrun protection is automatically adjustable.

[0004] For example, an automatically adjustable underride guard is known from the aforementioned EP 4 209 394 A1. However, the disadvantage is that the underride guard has a complex adjustment mechanism. Another disadvantage is that the underride guard extends very deep into the vehicle, leaving little space for additional attachments, such as toolboxes, spare wheels, or other storage devices.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an underrun protection which is automatically adjustable and has a simple adjustment mechanism.

[0006] This problem is solved with regard to the underrun protection by the subject matter of patent claim 1. With regard to the commercial vehicle, this problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 11.

[0007] Specifically, this object is achieved by an underrun protection device for a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, trailer, or semi-trailer, to prevent underrunning of the commercial vehicle, comprising at least one carrier unit that is movable in the installed state, which can be attached to one end, in particular the rear end, of the commercial vehicle and supports a bumper element that extends essentially parallel to a roadway plane in the installed state. The at least one carrier unit has a fixed element that is connected to the commercial vehicle in the installed state, and a movable element that supports the bumper element. The movable element is displaceably arranged in or on the fixed element such that the movable element can be moved against a restoring force from at least a first position to at least a second position.

[0008] The invention has various advantages. For example, damage to the underrun protection can be avoided when driving over steep slopes due to the automatic retraction of the underrun protection. For this purpose, the bumper element of the underrun protection is arranged on a movable element that can be moved towards the commercial vehicle, particularly upon contact with the roadway. In other words, the movable element advantageously moves upwards together with the bumper element as soon as the underrun protection comes into contact with the ground. In other words, the movable element is preferably automatically pushed or pressed upwards by contact with the ground. This controlled deflection of the underrun protection can prevent damage to the underrun protection. Another advantage is that damage to the commercial vehicle or the chassis of the commercial vehicle, to which the underrun protection is attached when installed, can be avoided.

[0009] The automated retraction of the underrun protection is particularly advantageous in loading situations, for example, when a commercial vehicle is being loaded onto a ship, as these situations often involve negotiating ramps with steep slopes. The automatic retraction of the underrun protection upon contact with the ramps prevents damage not only to the underrun protection but also to the ramp or ship.

[0010] Furthermore, the automatic retraction of the underrun guard can significantly reduce the workload for the commercial vehicle driver. This preferably means that the underrun guard can be adjusted from a lower or distant position to an upper or near position without a person, such as the driver, having to perform any adjustment. In other words, the underrun guard can be automatically adjusted in height without manual intervention.

[0011] Furthermore, the movable element can be moved against a restoring force from at least a first position into at least a second position. The first position can be a driving position, which the underrun protection assumes while the commercial vehicle is driving. The second position can be a loading position, in which the commercial vehicle is loaded onto a ship, for example. In other words, the first position can be a lower or extended position and the second position an upper or retracted position. Other or further positions are conceivable. The underrun protection or the movable element can therefore advantageously be brought into any number of positions. In other words, the underrun protection can always be deflected exactly as far as is appropriate or necessary in order to avoid the ground if the underrun protection comes into contact with the ground.

[0012] The restoring force advantageously ensures that the underrun protection is deflected as far as necessary or not excessively. In other words, the restoring force can prevent the underrun protection from striking the commercial vehicle at considerable speed in the second or upper position and damaging the vehicle or the underrun protection itself. Furthermore, the restoring force preferably ensures that the underrun protection returns to the first or lower position after contact with the ground in order to resume its actual function. In this way, incorrect operation by the driver can be avoided, for example by forgetting to adjust the underrun protection upwards or to the second position or back down or to the first position.

[0013] Furthermore, the underrun protection advantageously has a space-saving arrangement, whereby there is sufficient room for additional attachments, such as tool boxes, spare wheels or other storage devices. For this purpose, the movable element is arranged such that it can be moved in or on the fixed element. In other words, the movable element can be telescopically movable in the fixed element. The movable element can be extended and retracted into the fixed element, with the fixed element being attached to the commercial vehicle. Alternatively, the fixed element can be arranged in the movable element or can be telescopically movable. In other words, the fixed element can be extended and retracted into the movable element.

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0015] Preferably, a return element is arranged between the fixed element and the movable element in such a way as to apply the return force to the movable element. In other words, the return element can be arranged in such a way that the movable element can be brought from the second or upper position into the first or lower position by the return force. In other words, the movable element can be brought from top to bottom into the second position by the return force of the return element. Furthermore, the movable element can be reliably held in the first position by the return force as long as the movable element is not pushed upwards. In this way, the underrun protection can reliably fulfill its function while the commercial vehicle is driving. The return force advantageously acts along a longitudinal axis of the movable element.Preferably, the return element is arranged inside the fixed element.

[0016] The return element can be designed in different ways. For example, the return element can be a spring element. This allows the required return force to be applied to the movable element very simply, cost-effectively, and reliably. Alternatively, the return element can be designed as a thrust cylinder or pneumatic cylinder.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the movable element is continuously movable from the first position to the second position against the restoring force of the restoring element. This is preferably to be understood in such a way that the movable element is continuously adjustable or movable. This means that the underrun protection can essentially be brought into any number of positions. Furthermore, any second position, upper position, or loading position can be assumed. In other words, the underrun protection can be deflected exactly as far as necessary to avoid the ground. Furthermore, the restoring force from the first position to the second position advantageously acts over the entire adjustment path. This allows the movement of the movable element from bottom to top to be dampened. This prevents damage to the underrun protection caused by excessively rapid movements.

[0018] Further preferably, the movable element can be moved, in particular automatically, from the second position to the first position by the restoring force of the restoring element. In other words, the movable element can be automatically adjusted by the restoring force. Specifically, the restoring force from the second position to the first position preferably acts in such a way that the movable element moves automatically from top to bottom, in particular as the ground moves further away from the underrun protection. This can prevent incorrect operation by the driver. In other words, it is impossible to forget to move the underrun protection back to its original position.

[0019] Furthermore, the support unit, in particular the movable element and the fixed element, and the return element are preferably arranged coaxially. In other words, the movable element, the fixed element, and the return element are arranged along the same axis. In other words, the support unit and the return element are coaxially aligned. This allows for a space-saving arrangement. Alternatively, it is possible for the return element to be arranged offset from the movable element and / or the fixed element.

[0020] The fixed element can have a stop part to position the movable element and the fixed element relative to one another and / or to limit the movement of the movable element. In the installed state, the stop part can be firmly connected to the fixed element and engage in an opening in the movable element, which is preferably designed as an elongated hole. The movable element can therefore be moved along the opening or the elongated hole. In other words, the movement of the movable element in the longitudinal direction or along the longitudinal axis of the movable element is limited by the stop part. Furthermore, the stop part can serve to align or position the movable element and the fixed element relative to one another.

[0021] Furthermore, the movable element has at least one contact part, which is arranged at a roadway-side end of the movable element and is designed to come into contact with the roadway. In other words, the contact part is the first component of the underrun protection to come into contact with the ground when the commercial vehicle drives onto a ramp or similar surface. The contact part is designed to prevent the underrun protection from becoming caught in the roadway or the ground. Furthermore, the contact part is intended to enable the underrun protection to be gently placed on the ground to prevent damage to the underrun protection or the roadway.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the contact part is designed as a roller that is rotatably mounted on the roadway-side end of the movable element so that it rolls along the roadway. Configuring the contact part as a roller ensures particularly low-friction contact between the underrun protection and the ground. This makes it easy to prevent damage to the underrun protection or the roadway. Alternatively, the contact part can be designed as a skid, sliding plate, or similar.

[0023] Furthermore, a holding element can be arranged between the fixed element and the movable element, which protrudes beyond the movable element at the track-side end of the movable element and supports the stop element. In other words, the holding element preferably serves as a holder or suspension for the contact part. Furthermore, the holding element can be configured to provide a rotatable mounting for the contact part if the contact part is designed as a roller.

[0024] Preferably, the fixed element has at least one fastening part arranged at a vehicle-side end of the fixed element for connecting the fixed element to the commercial vehicle. In this way, the underrun protection can be easily attached to the commercial vehicle. In other words, the fixed element can be easily fixed to the chassis of the commercial vehicle using the fastening part. More than one fastening part can be provided.

[0025] According to the independent claim 11, the invention relates to a commercial vehicle with an underrun protection device according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged at one end, in particular at the rear, of the commercial vehicle to prevent the vehicle from being driven under. The advantages mentioned in connection with the underrun protection device also apply accordingly to the commercial vehicle according to the invention with the underrun protection device.

[0026] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiment represents an example of how the commercial vehicle body according to the invention can be designed.

[0027] In these show, Fig. 1 a perspective view of an underrun protection according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a front view of the underrun protection according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a section of the underrun protection according to Fig. 2, wherein the return element and the stop part are clearly visible; and Fig. 4 another section of the underrun protection according to Fig. 2, where the return element and the contact part are clearly visible.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows an underrun protection device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. This illustrates the application of the underrun protection device 10 to a commercial vehicle. Specifically, the underrun protection device 10 can be used on a truck, trailer, or semi-trailer. The underrun protection device 10 serves to prevent another vehicle from driving under the commercial vehicle, particularly in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0029] Specifically, Fig. 1 shows a rear underrun protection 10. Thus, the underrun protection 10 is Fig. 1 can be attached to a rear end of the commercial vehicle or to its rear.

[0030] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows that the underrun protection 10 has two support units 11 that can be attached to one end of the commercial vehicle. The support units 11 serve to secure the underrun protection 10 to the commercial vehicle or to the chassis of the commercial vehicle.

[0031] It is in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows that the two support units 11 of the underrun protection 10 support a bumper element 12. In other words, the bumper element 12 is attached to the support units 11. When installed, the bumper element 12 serves the purpose of preventing another vehicle from driving under the commercial vehicle.

[0032] In the installed state, the bumper element 12 extends essentially parallel to a road surface. It is not absolutely necessary for the bumper element 12 to be Fig. 1 to 4, is formed in a straight line. However, it is specifically preferred if the bumper element 12 is formed in a substantially straight line and / or extends parallel to a roadway. Other configurations are conceivable.

[0033] Furthermore, the support unit 11 is movable in the installed state (not shown). This is to be understood as meaning that the support unit 11 is movable to change the position of the bumper element 12. The purpose of this is to ensure that the underrun protection 10 can fully fulfill its actual function while driving and can be retracted in situations where it is not needed, such as during loading.

[0034] From the Fig. 1 to 4 clearly show that the support unit 11 comprises a fixed element 13 and a movable element 14. In other words, the support unit 11 is constructed in multiple parts, in particular in two parts. Specifically, both support units 11 of the underrun protection 10 each comprise a fixed element 13 and a movable element 14. This is to be understood in such a way that the fixed element 13 is immovable relative to the commercial vehicle, while the movable element 14 is movable relative to the commercial vehicle.

[0035] The fixed element 13 is connected to the commercial vehicle in the installed state (not shown). In other words, the fixed element 13 is attached to the commercial vehicle or the chassis of the commercial vehicle in such a way that it is immovable or fixed.

[0036] In the Fig. 1 to 4, it can be seen that the movable elements 14 of the support units 11 support the bumper element 12. Specifically, the bumper element 12 is fastened or attached to the movable elements 14 of the two support units 11 in such a way that the bumper element 12 can follow a movement of the movable elements 14.

[0037] Furthermore, the Fig. 1 to 4 show that the support unit 11, or the fixed element 13 and the movable element 14, as well as the bumper element 12, are designed as a hollow profile with a rectangular cross-section. Other configurations are possible.

[0038] Furthermore, in the Fig. 1 to 4 illustrate that the movable element 14 is arranged displaceably within the fixed element 13. In other words, the movable element 14 is arranged inside the fixed element 13, or the fixed element 13 surrounds the movable element 14. The movable element 14 is movable within the fixed element 13, ie, the movable element 14 can be moved in and out of the fixed element 13.

[0039] The fixed element 13 and the movable element 14 are connected in such a way that the movable element 14 can be moved from at least one first position to at least one second position. Specifically, the first position is a driving position in which the underrun protection 10 performs its usual function. The second driving position is a loading position in which the commercial vehicle is loaded onto a ship, for example. Fig. 1 to 4 show the movable element 14 or the underrun protection 10 in the driving position.

[0040] Furthermore, the movable element 14 can be moved from the first position to the second position against a restoring force. This should be understood to mean that a restoring force counteracts the movable element 14 when it is moved from the first position to the second position. Specifically, the movable element 14 can be moved by coming into contact with the roadway. This can be the case in particular when the commercial vehicle has to negotiate an incline with a large angle of repose. When the movable element 14 comes into contact with the roadway, the movable element 14 is pushed upwards together with the bumper element 12 against the restoring force. In other words, the movable element 14 is moved from the first position to the second position. The amount by which the movable element 14 is shifted or moved varies depending on the loading situation or the angle of repose that must be overcome.

[0041] If the road surface moves away from the commercial vehicle during further loading or further driving up the incline, the movable element 14 of the underrun protection 10 is moved back from the second position to the first position. This is achieved by the restoring force exerted on the movable element 14. Once the movable element 14 has returned to the first position, the underrun protection 10 can reliably perform its original function again.

[0042] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows that a return element 15 is arranged between the fixed element 13 and the movable element 14 in such a way as to apply the return force to the movable element 14. Specifically, the return element 15 is designed as a spring element. The spring element is compressed when the movable element 14 is pushed upward upon contact with the road surface or is moved from the first to the second position.

[0043] From the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 further shows that the movable element 14 is continuously movable from the first position to the second position against the restoring force of the restoring element 15. This is to be understood as meaning that the movable element 14 can be moved into any number of positions. The adjustment movement from the first to the second position occurs continuously.

[0044] Furthermore, in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows that the movable element 14 can be moved, in particular automatically, from the second position to the first position by the restoring force of the restoring element 15. In other words, the restoring force causes the movable element 14 to move from the second position back to the first position when the roadway moves away from the commercial vehicle again. This movement occurs automatically.

[0045] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows that the support unit 11, in particular the movable element 14 and the fixed element 13, and the return element 15 are preferably arranged coaxially. In other words, the movable element 14, the fixed element 13, and the return element 15 are aligned or positioned along the same axis.

[0046] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 further show that the fixed element 13 has a stop part 16 for positioning the movable element 14 and the fixed element 13 relative to one another and / or for limiting the movement of the movable element 14. The stop part 16 is firmly connected to the fixed element 13 and engages in an opening in the movable element 14, which is specifically designed as an elongated hole. The movable element 14 is thus movable along the elongated hole.

[0047] Furthermore, the movable element 14, as shown in the Fig. 1 to 4, a contact part 17 is arranged at a roadway-side end of the movable element 14. The contact part 17 is designed to come into contact with the roadway. Specifically, a contact part 17 is arranged on each of the two movable elements 14 of the underrun protection 10.

[0048] It is also in the Fig. 1 to 4 illustrate that the contact part 17 is designed as a roller 18, which is rotatably mounted on the roadway-side end of the movable element 14 to roll along the roadway. Specifically, two rollers 18 are provided, each roller 18 being arranged on a movable element 14 of the underrun protection 10.

[0049] In Fig. 1 shows that a holding element 19 is arranged between the fixed element 13 and the movable element 14. This holding element 19 protrudes beyond the movable element 14 at the roadway-side end of the movable element 14 and supports the contact part 17. Specifically, the holding element 19 serves as a holder or suspension for the contact part 17. The holding element 19 is designed to provide the rotatable support for the roller 18.

[0050] In the Fig. 1 to 4, it is shown that the fixed element 13 has at least one fastening part 20, which is arranged at a vehicle-side end of the fixed element 13 for connecting the fixed element 13 to the commercial vehicle. Specifically, four fastening parts 20 are provided on each fixed element 13. A different number and configuration of the fastening parts 20 is possible and can be adapted to the commercial vehicle. List of reference symbols 10 Underrun protection 11 Carrier unit 12 bumper element 13 fixed element 14 movable element 15 Reset element 16 Stop part 17 Contact part 18 rolls 19 Holding element 20 Fastening part QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 4 209 394 A1 [0001, 0004]

Claims

[1] Underrun protection (10) for a commercial vehicle, in particular a lorry, trailer or semi-trailer, in order to prevent the commercial vehicle from being driven under, comprising at least one carrier unit (11) which is movable in the installed state and which can be attached to one end, in particular the rear end, of the commercial vehicle and which carries a bumper element (12) which, in the installed state, extends substantially parallel to a roadway plane, characterized by in that the at least one carrier unit (11) has a fixed element (13) which is connected to the commercial vehicle in the installed state, and a movable element (14) which carries the bumper element (12), wherein the movable element (14) is arranged displaceably in or on the fixed element (13) such that the movable element (14) can be moved against a restoring force from at least a first position into at least a second position. [2] Underrun protection (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat a restoring element (15) is arranged between the fixed element (13) and the movable element (14) in such a way as to apply the restoring force to the movable element (14). [3] Underrun protection (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the movable element (14) is continuously movable from the first position to the second position against the restoring force of the restoring element (15). [4] Underrun protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the movable element (14) can be moved, in particular automatically, from the second position into the first position by the restoring force of the restoring element (15). [5] Underrun protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the carrier unit (11), in particular the movable element (14) and fixed element (13), and the return element (15) are arranged coaxially. [6] Underrun protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixed element (13) has a stop part (16) for positioning the movable element (14) and the fixed element (13) relative to one another and / or for limiting the movement of the movable element (14). [7] Underrun protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the movable element (14) has at least one contact part (17) which is arranged at a roadway-side end of the movable element (14) and is designed to come into contact with the roadway. [8] Underrun protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact part (17) is designed as a roller (18) which is rotatably mounted on the roadway-side end of the movable element (14) in order to roll on the roadway. [9] Underrun protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a holding element (19) is arranged between the fixed element (13) and the movable element (14), which holding element (19) projects beyond the movable element (14) at the roadway-side end of the movable element (14) and carries the contact part (17). [10] Underrun protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixed element (13) has at least one fastening part (20) which is arranged at a vehicle-side end of the fixed element (13) for connecting the fixed element (13) to the commercial vehicle. [11] Commercial vehicle with an underrun protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged at one, in particular rear, end of the commercial vehicle in order to prevent the commercial vehicle from being driven under.

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