bollard

Abstract

Bollard (10) for blocking or opening streets, paths or parking areas, with a housing (12) anchored in the ground (14) below the ground surface, into which the bollard (10) is designed to be wholly or partially retractable and extendable, characterized by a pneumatic drive which moves the bollard (10) out of the housing (12) above the ground surface or into the housing (12) below the ground surface.

Description

Technical FieldThe invention relates to a pylon for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas, having a housing which is anchored in the ground beneath the ground surface and into which the pylon is designed to be fully or partially insertable and extendable.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONA sinkable bollard is a technical device that is embedded in the ground and serves to temporarily prevent or control access to certain areas. This type of polling is of particular importance in urban areas, in entrances, parking spaces, pedestrian zones and in front of buildings of public interest in order to regulate traffic as required and prevent unauthorized driving. It offers a flexible solution for blocking areas without having to set up a permanent barrier.The basic design of a retractable bollard typically comprises a robust ground pipe that is firmly anchored in the ground. A hollow cylindrical shut-off post is guided therein, which can be telescopically extended and retracted. The bollard can be moved either manually or automatically to the desired position. In the extended state, the bollard forms a barrier which blocks the vehicle traffic, while in the retracted state it disappears below the surface, so that the region remains free for vehicles or pedestrians.The actuation of the polarityers is generally effected via hydraulic, electrical or mechanical systems which ensure simple and rapid operation. A retractable bollard can be secured in the desired position by a locking and locking device, which ensures reliable functionality both during the shut-off and during the release of the region. Weathering influences and mechanical stress are taken into account by robust materials and special construction elements, which guarantee a high service life and resistance.Retractable bollards offer not only a practical solution for temporary locks, but also aesthetic advantages, since they can be integrated seamlessly into the environment. They contribute to flexible traffic control without permanently disrupting the flow of vehicles or pedestrians making them a preferred choice for many modern city and traffic planning projects.Prior ArtDE 196 31 678 A1 describes a telescopic pylon which is retractable into the ground and is used as a shut-off measure. The bollard consists of a stand pipe which is installed in the ground and comprises three tubes which are pushed into one another and form the bollard proper. An internal mechanism ensures that the pole is locked in the extended state and prevents the sinking. To open the shut-off region, the bollard is opened, as a result of which the inner mechanism releases the bollard and the bollard can be lowered into the ground. A lock in the cover of the segment enables the poleer to be terminated. The telescopic pylon can also be raised and lowered electromechanically.DE 3608788 A1 describes a vertically extendable and retractable bollard which serves as a road barrier for stopping vehicles. The pole is integrated into a foundation which is anchored below the surface of the earth. The foundation includes a vertically disposed guide that moves the bollard along a vertical axis to a locking position. The bollard is controlled by a power operated jack, such as a hydraulic system, and can be rapidly extended or retracted. In the retracted state, the bollard is below the surface of the earth and allows free traffic. The bollard itself is reinforced to withstand high impacts and includes an internal reinforcement structure for receiving impact energy. The lifting device for the plunger may be hydraulically or spring-operated and the system enables control of the plunger movement by electrical or mechanical means. The foundation also includes a drainage device to prevent the ingress of surface water.DE 91 05 297 U1 describes a retractable blocking device for blocking entrances or paths for vehicles. It comprises a bottom tube which is let into the ground and a hollow cylindrical shut-off post which can be telescopically extended and retracted into the tube. The shut-off post is equipped with two annular guide disks which slide along the inner wall of the bottom tube. These annular guide disks carry radial grooves which engage with a radially standing guide rail in the bottom tube. The guide rail includes a locking recess in which a pivot latch of the blocking post engages to lock it. The shut-off post is equipped with a locking rod which can be rotated against the action of a spring element. The upper end of the locking bar is accessible for actuation and protects against unauthorized opening. A cover mechanism protects the opening and provides weather resistance.In addition to the disadvantages already mentioned, the known retractable shut-off posts have the disadvantage that they are relatively slow and slow during extension or lowering. The mechanism is technically complicated and requires much maintenance.Hydraulic systems have the disadvantage that they require special hydraulic fluid which can cause environmental damage in the event of a leak.Disclosure of the InventionIt is therefore the object of the invention to avoid disadvantages of the prior art and to create a rapidly extendable and retractable, as well as a maintenance-friendly bollard.According to the invention, the object is achieved in that in a pylon for blocking or releasing roads of the type mentioned at the beginning, a pneumatic drive is provided which moves the pylon out of the housing above the ground surface or into the housing below the ground surfaceThe invention is based on the principle that a pneumatic drive is used for the movement of a plunger out of the housing in the ground and back. Pneumatic drives offer a number of advantages over hydraulic, mechanical and electric drives which make them particularly attractive in certain cases when moving poleers. One of the greatest advantages is speed. Pneumatic systems react quickly and allow a rapid movement since air as working medium can be transported very quickly. Compared to hydraulic systems that operate more slowly, pneumatic drives are for rapid movements.Another advantage of pneumatics is the energy source. Compressed air is widely used, inexpensive, and readily available in many environments. Unlike hydraulic systems that rely on special liquids and electrical systems that require continuous power, pneumatic systems can operate without complex infrastructure, which saves costs. In addition, pneumatic systems are often more maintenance-friendly. They do not require expensive liquids which must be changed regularly, as is the case with hydraulic systems. The wear parts are also often longer-lived in such pneumatic drives, since the air does not cause deposits or corrosion, as is the case with oil or hydraulic fluid.Pneumatics are also a particularly clean and safe technology. Since no liquids are used, there is no risk of leaks or contamination, making them ideal for applications elsewhere. Moreover, pneumatic systems are safer, since they do not use high pressure loaded liquids as in hydraulic systems, which minimizes the risk of leaks or even explosions.A further advantage of pneumatics is the low weight of the components. Pneumatic systems are often lighter than hydraulic or electric drives. The compactness and lower weight also allow for easier integration into existing systems.Moreover, pneumatic drives are very flexible and simple to use. They do not require complex control mechanisms such as hydraulic or electrical systems, which simplifies the design and implementation. Pneumatic systems can be easily adapted to different requirements and offer high modularity, which is particularly advantageous in applications with several similar units.Finally, environmental friendliness is another aspect that cancels pneumatics from other drive technologies. Air is a nearly inexpert and environmentally friendly resource that does not cause harmful emissions or wastes. Compared to hydraulic systems which operate with environmentally hazardous liquids, pneumatics are a clean and persistent choice.Overall, pneumatic drive offers an attractive solution for applications where speed, cost efficiency, cleanliness and flexibility are the primary concern.An advantageous embodiment of the bollard according to the invention for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas consists in that the bollard for blocking or releasing consists of a plurality of profile tube components which can be pushed into one another and form a telescopic construction. The advantage of such a bollard is its flexibility and compactness. This construction enables the bollard to be quickly and efficiently deployed to the desired position when needed, while at the same time taking up a particularly small amount of space in a retracted state. The telescopic construction ensures high stability and load-bearing capacity, since the individual components engage one another and support one another during the extension. This ensures a solid and reliable locking effect. In addition, the bollard with this construction can be easily adapted to different requirements by varying the number or size of the pipe components used. This flexibility allows efficient use of the bollard in various applications, whether for temporary or permanent shut-offs of roads, road or parking areas. In addition, the compact construction contributes to the bollard being able to be used effectively even in confined spaces, which is advantageous particularly in urban areas.In a further advantageous embodiment of the bollard according to the invention for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas, the pneumatic drive has a lifting cylinder. The advantage of a bollard equipped with a pneumatic drive and a lifting cylinder is the high efficiency and speed of the system. Pneumatic drives provide a fast reaction time so that the bollard can be extended or retracted in a short time, which is especially important in situations where rapid shut-off or release is required. The lifting cylinder, which functions as a central element of the pneumatic drive, enables a precise and uniform movement of the plunger, so that the latter is reliably brought into the desired position.A particular embodiment of the bollard according to the invention for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas consists in a pneumatic control for controlling the respective position of the bollard. A substantial advantage is the high precision and flexibility made possible by the pneumatic control. By using compressed air, the bollard can be brought exactly into the desired position, whether during extension for locking or during lowering for releasing the region. This precise control is particularly advantageous in applications where accurate positioning of the bollard is required, for example, to efficiently steer traffic or safely control access. Another advantage of pneumatic control is the fast response time. Pneumatic systems allow for almost immediate extension or retraction of the bollard, which is particularly advantageous in situations where rapid shut-off or release of the area is necessary. The fast and reliable function makes the pneumatic control an ideal solution in areas with high traffic volume or in temporary locks, such as in pedestrian zones, parking areas or in events. In addition, the pneumatic control is distinguished by its simplicity and robustness. Pneumatic systems are less susceptible to failure and provide greater operational reliability as compared to electrical or hydraulic controls. They do not require complex electronic systems or expensive hydraulic fluids, which simplifies maintenance and reduces operating costs. This makes pneumatic controls an economical and long term low maintenance solution. The pneumatic control also contributes to a higher safety since it is based on a safe medium - compressed air - which does not comprise hazardous substances such as hydraulic fluids or electricity. This minimizes the risk of leaks or shorts and makes the bollard safer in various environments, including public or high frequency areas.A further advantageous embodiment of the bollard according to the invention for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas consists in providing a locking mechanism for locking the bollard in a specific position. The locking mechanism ensures that the bollard is firmly fixed in its extended or retracted position, so that it cannot be displaced unintentionally or by external influences. The pneumatic pressure can then be dispensed with with with a corresponding configuration of the plunger in order to hold it in a position. This offers an additional level of protection, in particular in areas in which unauthorized movement or manipulation of the bollard must be prevented, such as, for example, when blocking parking spaces or road sections. Another advantage of this mechanism is ensuring reliable functionality over a longer period of time. The bollard remains in the desired position without requiring continuous manual interventions, thus simplifying operation.A further advantageous embodiment of the bollard according to the invention for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas further consists in that a closure cover is provided on the uppermost profile tube component. The closure cap not only protects the interior mechanics of the bollard from dirt, dust and weather influences, but also contributes to the longevity and reliability of the system. In particular in outer areas which are strongly affected by environmental influences, the cover prevents the penetration of dirt, water or other harmful substances into the openings of the bollard and thus protects sensitive components which could otherwise wear out more quickly. A further advantage of the closure cover lies in the additional safety which it offers. It can prevent unauthorized persons from entering the bollard region and from carrying out unwanted manipulations. In combination with a locking mechanism, the closure cap ensures that the plunger remains in its retracted position and is not accidentally or intentionally actuated, which is of great importance especially in safety-critical areas.Further embodiments and advantages result from the subject matter of the dependent claims and from the drawings with the associated descriptions. An exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGFIG. 1 is a schematic schematic diagram of a top view of the pneumatically driven bollard according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic schematic diagram of a perspective view of the pneumatically driven bollard according to the invention.Preferred EmbodimentFIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a bollard 10 according to the invention in plan view. The bollard 10 comprises a housing 12 which is anchored in the base 14. The housing 12 consists of a cylindrical metal body 16. The bollard 10 comprises a plurality of profiled tube components 18 which can be pushed out and into one another telescopically. The outermost profile tube component 20 has the largest and the innermost profile tube component 22 has the smallest diameter. The innermost profiled tube component 22 is at the same time the uppermost profiled tube component in the extended position (see FIG. 2 ), on which a sealing closure cover 24 is provided. The closure cover 24 of the plunger 10 also serves as a protective cap against mechanical and other environmental influences. Its contours conform to the floor 14.FIG. 2 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 in a perspective illustration. As far as the components correspond to FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are also used. The bollard 10 is telescopically extended from the housing 12. The extension of the bollard 10 is effected by a pneumatic drive system 26; the pneumatic drive system 26 comprises a pneumatic drive 28 with a compressor for generating compressed air. The drive system 26 also includes a pneumatic controller 30 having control lines 32 and compressed air valves 34 which control the drive 28. A lifting cylinder 38 is actuated via compressed air lines 36. As soon as the lifting cylinder 38 is supplied with compressed air, the bollard 10 is extended telescopically out of the housing 12. Accordingly, when air is discharged from the lifting cylinder 38, the bollard 10 is retracted again. The lifting cylinder 38 is formed by the profile tube components 18 with the housing 12 of the bollard 10.In order not to keep the lifting cylinder 38 constantly under pressure, a locking mechanism 40 is provided for locking the individual profiled tube components 18 of the bollard 10 in specific positions. This locking mechanism 40 prevents the bollard 10 from unintentionally retracting itself even in the event of a pressure drop. The locking mechanism 40 must first be released by the pneumatic control 30 via control line 42 or manually in order that the plunger 10 can be moved into the housing 12.List of reference characters10 Bollard 12 Housing 14 Base 16 Metal body 18 Profiled pipe components 20 Outermost profiled pipe component 22 Innermost profiled pipe component 24 Closure cover 26 Drive system 28 Drive 30 Pneumatic controller 32 Control lines 34 Compressed air valve 36 Compressed air lines 38 Lifting cylinder 40 Locking mechanism 42 Control lineReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 196 31 678 A1

[0006] DE 3608788 A1

[0007] DE 91 05 297 U1

[0008]

Claims

A pylon (10) for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas, having a housing (12) which is anchored in the ground (14) below the ground surface and into which the pylon (10) is designed to be fully or partially insertable and extractable, characterized bya pneumatic drive which moves the pylon (10) out of the housing (12) above the ground surface or into the housing (12) below the ground surface.The pylon (10) for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas according to claim 1, characterized in that the pylon (10) consists of a plurality of profile tube components (18) which can be pushed one inside the other and form a telescopic construction.The bollard (10) for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the pneumatic drive (28) has a lifting cylinder (38).The bollard (10) for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a pneumatic controller (30) is provided for controlling the respective position of the bollard (10).The bollard (10) for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a locking mechanism (40) is provided for locking the bollard (10) in a specific position.The bollard (10) for blocking or releasing roads, travel or parking areas according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a closure cover (24) is provided on the uppermost profile tube component (22).

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