SIGNAL BODY

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a signal body, in particular a signal ball, having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Generic signal bodies are attached to overhead cables, such as overhead power lines, high-voltage lines and / or overhead lines, in order to make them visible to air traffic and the like.

[0003] They have two half-shells and two hinges, the half-shells being connected to the hinges in such a way that the half-shells are partially pivoted into each other in an open position and enclose the free cable, preferably substantially axially symmetrically, in a closed position.

[0004] Two technical requirements are crucial for signaling devices. First, the signaling devices must be safe in the sense that they remain visible in the event of damage, for example, from rockfalls, and are secured against falling.

[0005] Second, the signal bodies must be easy to install, as they are usually installed at high altitudes. In many cases, this requires the use of a helicopter, so the cost and safety of installation depend crucially on a short installation time.

[0006] DE 102016215165 A1 discloses a signal ball which claims to be easy to install and to be secured against falls by means of a fall protection element in the form of an eyelet.

[0007] This may be true with regard to fall protection. However, in practice, installation is not as easy as suggested in DE 102016215165 A1.

[0008] This is due, firstly, to the fact that the signal sphere disclosed therein has a spring load toward the closed position of the half-shells. Secondly, a holding device is disclosed which is intended to hold the half-shells in an open position during assembly against the action of the spring load. However, it can be seen from the figures that the "open position" in which the holding device holds the half-shells does not allow the free cable to be inserted between the half-shells because the position is not open enough. The assembly worker suspended from the helicopter must therefore simultaneously exert force to keep the signal sphere open against the action of the spring load and simultaneously position it around the overhead line.

[0009] Further signal balls of the prior art are known from EP 088211 A1, US 5224440 A, CN 108629931 A, CH 579838 A5, DE 102018106316 A1, US 5224440 A, DE 2735648 A, WO 96 / 02077 A1, EP 0418751 A2 and EP 0486744 B1.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a signal body which is improved with regard to simpler assembly and / or increased safety.

[0011] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1, namely by providing at least one stop which inhibits a further opening movement of the half-shells starting from the open position.

[0012] According to the invention, the weight distribution of the signal body is designed so that it can be placed on the open cable in the open position, where it balances itself, meaning the person installing it does not need to actively hold it on the cable. The signal body can then be easily moved into the closed position and locked.

[0013] During installation, the signal body should, on the one hand, move as little as possible on its own—that is, open or close—because this obviously hinders the installer. On the other hand, the signal body should also be easy to close, allowing the installer to complete the installation as quickly as possible once the signal body is correctly positioned around the free rope.

[0014] A central, surprising finding of the invention is that these seemingly contradictory requirements are met with a good compromise thanks to the normal friction present in the hinges. It is only necessary to ensure that the opening angles of the half-shells relative to each other are not too large while the person installing the signal head is placing it over the free cable. Surprisingly, the stop according to the invention, in conjunction with the hinges, which allow the half-shells to pivot into each other, is a simple and effective means of enabling easy installation of the signal head.

[0015] When mounted, the free rope can penetrate the signal body preferably axially symmetrically (with respect to the axis of the free rope).

[0016] As mentioned, the signal body can particularly preferably be a signal ball.

[0017] According to the invention, the half-shells are pre-assembled using hinges prior to installation. This also contributes to quick assembly because the signal body "holds together."

[0018] The half shells can still be delivered separately. It's important that the half shells can be pre-assembled using the hinges before assembly (e.g., before the helicopter takes off).

[0019] The signal body may particularly preferably be a hollow body which is substantially hollow inside the half-shells, possibly with the exception of fastening devices and, of course, the free cable itself.

[0020] Embodiments in which the signal body is at least partially filled inside (e.g. "thick" half-shells) are of course conceivable in principle.

[0021] It goes without saying that, in principle, more than two half-shells and / or more than two hinges could be provided. However, preferred designs may be those in which exactly two half-shells and / or exactly two hinges are implemented.

[0022] Further advantages and details of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0023] The at least one stop can be integrated into the hinges, wherein preferably two stops are provided, each of which is integrated into one of the hinges.

[0024] Preferably, the half-shells can be freely pivoted relative to each other between the open and closed positions by means of the hinges. It should be noted that the half-shells can be fixed or locked in the open and / or closed positions. This means that the half-shells can be freely pivoted in the positions in between and, for example, are not subject to spring loading.

[0025] Alternatively, the half-shells could also be pivoted relative to each other between the open and closed positions. However, designs with free pivoting capability may be preferred.

[0026] To lock / lock the half-shells in the closed position, at least one quick-release fastener can be provided, which has: a latch having a latch surface pivotably attached to a first part of the hinges and a latch receptacle arranged on a second part of the hinges pivotably relative to the first part of the hinge, wherein the half-shells can be locked in the closed position by pivoting the latch into the latch receptacle and interaction of the latch surface with the latch receptacle.

[0027] Quick fasteners of this type can significantly reduce assembly time, as no time needs to be spent arranging a screw connection.

[0028] The locking surface can be spring-loaded and / or the locking receptacle can be designed as a strip with a strip recess for pivoting in the locking bolt, wherein the strip recess has a smaller size, in particular a smaller diameter, than the locking surface.

[0029] Preferably, two quick-release fasteners (each with the features mentioned above) can be provided, each arranged on one of the hinges.

[0030] The latches of the quick-release fasteners can preferably be designed as screws which engage with their threads in a pivoting part.

[0031] The spring load on the locking surface can be realized, for example, by a spring (preferably a coil spring).

[0032] The interaction of the locking surface with the locking receptacle can be achieved through the effect of the spring load and can be reinforced by screwing in the locking bolt in the form of the screw, so that ultimately a reliable screw connection is achieved.

[0033] Accordingly, the quick-release fasteners described here can be understood as devices that allow an assembling person to arrange the screw connection particularly quickly.

[0034] Preferably, a fastening device for securing the half-shells by frictional engagement in the open position may be provided, wherein the frictional engagement can be overcome by an operator to bring the half-shells into the closed position.

[0035] This can also contribute to the shortened and simplified installation of the signal body, as the signal body remains in the open position with slight resistance until the installer has positioned it around the free rope. Overcoming this slight resistance allows the signal body to close easily and quickly, and then only needs to be locked.

[0036] The fastening device can have a tab on the first part of the hinges and a recess corresponding to the tab on the second part of the hinges, wherein the frictional connection is created by pivoting the tab into the corresponding recess.

[0037] The half-shells can be made of a plastic colored in a signal color, preferably orange, such as RAL 2011. The half-shells are therefore preferably completely colored. Even if the surface of the half-shells is damaged, for example, by stone chips, the signaling effect is retained because any plastic part exposed by the damage (e.g., a scratch) simply retains the same signal color – unlike, for example, a painted or powder-coated plastic of a different color.

[0038] The hinges can be connected inside the signal body via at least one strut. Since signal spheres with a relatively large diameter are also used, struts can be advantageous for stabilization.

[0039] Further advantages and details are revealed in the figures and the accompanying descriptions. They show: Fig. 1a and 1b side views of a first embodiment of the invention in the closed and open positions, Fig. 2a and 2b sectional views of the first embodiment, Fig. 3 and 4 further sectional views of the first embodiment, Fig. 5a and 5b side views of a second embodiment of the invention in the closed and open positions, Fig. 6a and 6b sectional views of the second embodiment, Fig. 7, 8 and 9 detailed views of the first and second embodiment, Fig. 10a and 10b perspective views of the first embodiment in the assembled state and of a hinge, Fig. 11a and 11b perspective and an exploded view of the first embodiment and Fig. 12a and 12b perspective and an exploded view of the second embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 1a and 1bshow a first embodiment of a signal body 1 according to the invention - in this case a signal ball - in a side view, wherein Fig. 1a represents the closed position.

[0041] The signal body 1 comprises two half-shells 2, which are pivotally mounted on each other via two hinges 3.

[0042] The half-shells 2 have the basic shape of a hollow hemisphere, with a change in radius being provided so that the half-shells 2 can be pivoted into each other, which is Fig. 1b shown open position of signal body 1 can be seen.

[0043] The half shells 2 are made of orange-colored plastic by deep drawing or injection molding. Even if the half shells 2 are damaged, for example, by stone chips, the orange signal color can be retained because scratches or similar damage expose the plastic beneath the surface, which is also colored orange. This offers a decisive advantage over painted half shells.

[0044] The plastic is designed in such a way that any transponders (in the future) will not suffer from any shielding and normal signals can be received or sent.

[0045] The hinges 3 comprise a first part 6 and a second part 7, each of which is connected to one of the half-shells 2, and via a (imaginary or physical) pivot axis, which results from the comparison of the Figures 1a and 1b can be pivoted relative to each other.

[0046] There is a quick release fastener 5 on both sides, which in conjunction with the Figures 4 and 9 will be explained in more detail.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first part 6 and the second part 7 of the hinges 3 have the basic shape of a semicircular disc (can also be referred to as holding jaws) with a central opening for the free rope (see Fig. 10a ).

[0048] There is also an eyelet for fall protection.

[0049] A guard for the free cable can be provided in the holding jaws 2 (not shown). In the prior art, a spiral was required to protect the free cable. This can thus be eliminated, and the installation time can be further shortened.

[0050] Fig. 2a shows a section through the plane AA in Fig. 1a (closed position) and Fig. 2b shows a section through the equivalent plane AA in Fig. 1b (open position) so that the interior of the hinges 3, in particular the pivot axis, can be seen.

[0051] It should be noted that the examples shown here are generally symmetrical. For the sake of clarity, however, reference symbols are not always shown on both sides.

[0052] In Fig. 2b , it can be seen how the stop 4 according to the invention functions. In this exemplary embodiment, it is arranged on a tab 12 on the first part 6 of the hinges 3. When the signal body 1 is moved into the open position, the tab 12 moves into a complementarily shaped recess 13 on the second part 7 of the hinges 3. The stop 4 strikes inside the recess 13 and thus prevents further opening movement once the open position is reached.

[0053] At the same time, the half-shells 2 remain freely pivotable relative to each other before reaching the open position. This allows for particularly simple installation of the signal body 1 on the free cable compared to the prior art, because the installer does not have to constantly exert force to hold the signal body in the open position. The signal body 1 can thus be positioned around the free cable with one hand and closed with the other hand.

[0054] Furthermore, the complementary design of the tab 12 and the recess 13 in the open position creates a frictional connection that holds the signal body 1 in the open position, further enhancing the aforementioned advantage of simplified assembly. This frictional connection prevents the person installing the signal body 1 from accidentally closing it. Minor impacts on the signal body 1 are unavoidable, especially during assembly by helicopter.

[0055] At the same time, the frictional connection can be easily overcome by the operator if the signal body is correctly positioned. By closing and locking the signal body 1 (see the description of the quick-release fastener below), the assembly is then complete.

[0056] Fig. 3 shows a section through the plane BB in Fig. 1a .

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a section through the plane CC in Fig. 1a , whereby the functionality of the quick-release fasteners 5 becomes particularly clear.

[0058] The latch 8 is pivotally mounted on the first part 6 of the hinges 3.

[0059] The latch 8 comprises a screw, a spring, and a latch surface 9. The thread engages with a pivoting element on the first part 6 of the hinge 3. Supported by the screw head, the spring creates a spring preload on the latch surface 9 and the latch receptacle 10. The latch 8 could therefore also be referred to as a clamping unit.

[0060] In the closed and locked state shown here, the locking surface 9 interacts with the locking recess 10 (which are therefore marked with the same arrow). This prevents the signal body 1 from opening.

[0061] By further tightening the screw, the locking effect can be increased by increasing the spring preload of the locking surface 9 on the locking receptacle 10.

[0062] In addition, the spring counteracts any undesirable setting behavior of the screw and the locking mechanism 10.

[0063] Incidentally, the quick release 5 is also available in Fig. 9 clearly visible.

[0064] Once the signal body 1 is wrapped around the free cable and closed, only the latches 8 of the quick-release fasteners 5 need to be moved into the locked position. Optionally, the aforementioned screws can be tightened further to achieve a tighter locking mechanism.

[0065] Furthermore, the weight distribution of signal body 1 is designed so that it can be placed on the open cable in the open position, where it balances itself, meaning the person installing it does not need to actively hold it on the cable. Signal body 1 can then be easily moved into the closed position and locked.

[0066] The Figures 5a, 5b , 6a and 6b show a further embodiment of a signal body 1 according to the invention, which is constructed in principle analogously to the first embodiment, but has a diameter twice as large.

[0067] Fig. 5a corresponds Fig. 1a (closed position), Fig. 5b corresponds Fig. 1b (open position), Fig. 6a corresponds Fig. 2a and Fig. 6b corresponds Fig. 2b .

[0068] Since the signal body 1 according to the second embodiment has a larger diameter, struts 14 (which could also be referred to as coupling rods) are provided, which are inserted between the first parts 6 of the hinges 3 on the one hand and the second parts 7 of the hinges 3 on the other hand, so that the first parts 6 of the hinges 3 and the second parts 7 of the hinges 3 can be pivoted together relative to one another. This improves the stability of the signal body 1 without compromising the ease of assembly according to the invention.

[0069] The second embodiment, in particular, is designed so that the assembly of the signal body 1, i.e., the attachment of the half-shells 2 to the hinges 3, can be carried out particularly easily and in just a few steps. This allows the signal body 1 to be easily transported in a disassembled state, saving a lot of space during transport, which can of course be advantageous for logistics.

[0070] Fig. 7 shows the detail G from Fig. 2a (open position), whereby the tab 12 is not completely in the recess 13 and thus there is no frictional connection.

[0071] The swivel axis is designed as a self-locking screw 15, which is held in holding jaws via a grain.

[0072] Fig. 8 shows detail E from Fig. 6a . The fastening of the half-shell 2 to the second part 7 of the hinges 3 (analogous for the first part 6) and the fastening of the strut 14 are particularly clear.

[0073] In addition, a seal 16 is present, which in this embodiment has a settling behavior of 2.5 mm.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows the enlarged section along the plane FF from Fig. 6a , with the quick-release fastener 5 shown again in an enlarged view. The pivoting mounting of the bolt 8 is indicated by an arrow.

[0075] It can be seen that the bolt holder 10 is designed as a bar with a bar recess.

[0076] It is evident in Fig. 9 also a ramp 17, which is used for hooking and unhooking the bolts and prevents unwanted unhooking of the bolt 8.

[0077] The ramp 17 of the quick-release fastener 5 (in conjunction with the spring) creates an over-dead center, which prevents easy assembly and at the same time prevents the signal body 1 from falling.

[0078] Fig. 10ashows the signal body 1 in a perspective rendering, wherein the free cable is guided through the opening in the center of the signal body 1 and the half shells 2 are locked in the closed position, ie the signal body 1 is mounted on the free cable.

[0079] Fig. 10b shows a rendered representation of a hinge 3 as used in the illustrated embodiments. In these embodiments, the hinges 3 are manufactured by die-casting, preferably from aluminum. It is certainly conceivable to provide the hinges 3 with cavities to reduce weight.

[0080] Fig. 11a shows the first embodiment in the open position in perspective view. Fig. 11b shows an exploded view of the first embodiment, whereby no reference numerals have been shown for the sake of clarity. The identity and function of the components can be seen from the Fig. 1a, 1b , 2a, 2b , 3 and 4 and the corresponding part of the figure description above.

[0081] Fig. 12a and 12b show the second embodiment analogous to the Figures 11a and 11b For the second embodiment, the Fig. 5a, 5b , 6a you referred to 6b.

[0082] Of course, further embodiments are conceivable. For example, the at least one stop 4 and / or the at least one fastening device according to the invention could be arranged on the half-shells 2 instead of on the hinge components. This also applies, of course, to the at least one quick-release fastener 5.

[0083] It is also not necessary (although, as the above embodiments show, certainly possible) for the half-shells 2 to be substantially identical. For example, one of the half-shells 2 could be smaller to allow the half-shells 2 to pivot into each other without changing the radius of the half-shells 2. In principle, it would also be possible to use more than two half-shells 2 and / or more than two hinges 3. List of reference symbols:

[0084] Signal body 1 Half shells 2 hinges 3 At least one attack 4 At least a quick release 5 First part of the hinges 6 Second part of the hinges 7 Bar 8 Locking surface 9 Bolt holder 10 Fastening device 11 tab 12 recess 13 At least one strut 14 Self-locking screw 15 seal 16 ramp 17

Claims

1. Signal device, in particular signal marker ball, for attachment to a free rope, comprising two half-shells (2) and two hinges (3) , wherein the half-shells (2) are connected or connectable to the hinges (3) such that the half-shells (2) are partially pivoted into one another in an open position and enclose the free rope in a closed position, and wherein at least one stop (4) is provided which, starting from the open position, prevents further opening movement of the half-shells (2), characterized in that the signal device (1) is designed in terms of weight distribution such that it can be placed on the free cable in the open position and balances itself there.

2. Signal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one stop (4) is integrated into the hinges (3), wherein two stops (4) are provided, each of which is integrated into one of the hinges (3).

3. Signal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the half-shells (2) can be freely pivoted relative to each other between the open position and the closed position by means of the hinges (3).

4. Signal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one quick-release fastener (5) is provided for locking the half-shells (2) in the closed position, which fastener comprises: - a bolt (8) pivotably attached to a first part (6) of the hinges (3) and having a bolt surface (9), and - a bolt receptacle (10) arranged on a second part (7) of the hinges (3) which is pivotable relative to the first part (6) of the hinge (3), wherein the half-shells (2) can be locked in the closed position by pivoting the bolt (8) into the bolt receptacle (10) and by the bolt surface (9) cooperating with the bolt receptacle (10).

5. Signal device according to claim 4, characterized in that the bolt surface (9) is spring-loaded and / or in that the bolt receptacle (10) is designed as a strip with a strip recess for swivelling in the bolt (8), wherein the strip recess has a smaller size, in particular a smaller diameter, than the bolt surface (9).

6. Signal device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that two quick-release fasteners (5) are provided, each of which is arranged on one of the hinges (3).

7. Signal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fastening device (11) is provided for securing the half-shells (2) by frictional engagement in the open position, wherein the frictional engagement can be overcome by an operator in order to move the half-shells (2) into the closed position.

8. Signal device according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening device (11) has a latch (12) on the first part (6) of the hinges (3) and a recess (13) corresponding to the latch (12) on the second part (7) of the hinges (3), wherein the friction lock is created by swinging the latch (12) into the corresponding recess (13).

9. Signal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the half-shells (2) are made of a plastic colored in a signal color.

10. Signal device according to claim 9, characterized in that the signal color is orange.

11. Signal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinges (3) are connected inside the signal device (1) via at least one strut (14).

12. Signal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the half-shells (2) enclose the free cable in a substantially axially symmetrical manner in the closed position.