High energy shock absorbing pillar

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shock absorbing pillar for impact protection. The shock absorbing pillar comprises a base, a basic impact part, at least one inner impact part and a connection part. The base has a bottom plate and a hollow connecting edge. The connecting edge is fixed to the bottom plate and extends perpendicularly to the bottom plate. The basic impact part and the at least one inner impact part are hollow profiles extending perpendicularly to the bottom plate. The connecting edge is provided inside the basic impact part. The length of the at least one inner impact part is shorter than the length of the basic impact part. The at least one inner impact part is provided on the bottom plate inside the connecting edge. The present invention also relates to a method and a use.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shock absorbing pillar for crash protection, more particularly for high energy impact crash protection. The present invention also relates to a method for assembling said shock absorbing pillar and to a method for using said shock absorbing pillar and / or crash protection to withstand an impact of at least 12 kJ. [Background technology]

[0002] Crash protection shock absorbing pillars are known and are used in particular to reduce the risk of injury to persons or to avoid damage to infrastructure or valuable goods. Such shock pillars are used in locations where vehicular and pedestrian traffic is disrupted or where there are vehicles, such as forklifts or trucks, carrying heavy loads that may cause substantial damage to buildings, infrastructure or stored goods, such as parking lots, warehouses or industrial facilities.

[0003] A first type of known shock absorbing column has a metal base onto which a vertical tube is screwed. The tube is made of an elastically deformable material. However, this type of shock absorbing column is not suitable for absorbing high energy impacts, for example impacts of more than 3 kJ. During the impact, the tube bends and the metal base penetrates into the tube, damaging it. High tensile forces arising around the bolt inside the tube cause further damage and in most cases the shock absorbing column breaks.

[0004] A second type of known shock absorbing column also has a metal base onto which a first elastically deformable tube is pressed and screwed. A foam is attached to the surface of the first tube so as to absorb a portion of the shock. A second elastically deformable tube is provided to cover the first tube and the foam. This type of shock absorbing column also cannot withstand high energy impacts. During the impact, the second tube slides over the first tube. Since the second tube only deforms slightly, only a small portion of the impact energy is absorbed by the second tube and the foam. Since most of the energy is absorbed by the first tube, the first tube usually breaks near the metal base.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a free-standing road sign pole. The sign pole can be bent at an angle of 90° and can return to an upright position. Therefore, this pole is not suitable as an impact absorbing pole.

[0006] Patent document 2 describes a traffic sign tower. The traffic sign tower has a columnar shaft and an adapter attached to the shaft for fixing the traffic sign tower to a base plate. The attachment must be flexible enough to allow the traffic sign tower to remain flat when a vehicle drives over the traffic sign tower, without lifting the base plate in the air. Again, this makes the traffic sign tower unsuitable for use as a shock absorbing pillar.

[0007] No. 5,399,633 relates to a mast for supporting a signal panel. The mast has the advantage that it is not torn apart in the event of a collision. However, the mast undergoes plastic deformation at the base, which is undesirable for a shock absorbing column. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 4,522,530 [Patent Document 2] German patent number 29722257 [Patent Document 3] French Patent No. 2616818 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention aims to address at least some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention and its embodiments serve to provide a solution to one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the invention relates to a shock absorbing pillar for crash protection as claimed in claim 1.

[0011] The shock absorbing column is advantageous because it can absorb high energy shocks of more than 3 kJ by utilizing the basic shock part and at least one inner shock part. Thanks to the connection part, the basic shock part does not slide over the entire at least one inner shock part, allowing the basic shock part to absorb part of the impact energy and avoiding the impact energy being mainly absorbed by the at least one inner shock part, which causes the at least one inner shock part to break. Since the length of the at least one inner shock part is shorter than the length of the basic shock part, the basic shock part first elastically deforms, and only when the basic shock part is bent sufficiently and comes into contact with the at least one inner shock part, the at least one inner shock part starts to elastically deform and absorb energy. The shock absorbing column gradually becomes harder when elastically deforming. Providing the at least one inner shock part inside the connecting edge is essentially advantageous in avoiding the connecting edge cracking inside the basic shock part, which causes structural damage to the shock absorbing column and ultimately causes it to break. During bending, the base impact portion mainly contacts the at least one inner impact portion, but (only slightly) contacts the connection edge.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the shock absorbing column is shown in any one of claims 2 to 10.

[0013] A particularly preferred embodiment relates to the invention as defined in claim 4.

[0014] This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the shock absorbing pillar is long, in which case high energy impacts of more than 3 kJ are expected to occur at a relatively high level over the entire surface. This can result in buckling of the shock absorbing pillar. Simply increasing the height of the at least one inner impact part makes the shock absorbing pillar stiffer and prevents the shock absorbing pillar from buckling. However, simply increasing the height of the at least one inner impact part reduces the elastic deformation of the shock absorbing pillar and therefore also reduces the absorption of the impact. The impact energy is mostly transferred to the base. As a result, the base breaks, the shock absorbing pillar is detached from the surface and / or the surface is damaged. In either of these cases, the shock absorbing pillar breaks. By adding a buckling prevention part located inside the at least one inner impact part and shorter than the at least one inner impact part, the shock absorbing pillar is prevented from buckling while still being able to absorb high energy impacts. Since the impact is at a high level - higher than the at least one inner impact part - and since the buckling prevention part is not in contact with the basic impact part, the basic impact part continues to elastically deform and absorb the energy of the impact. Since there is a risk that the basic impact part will bend and buckle significantly, the basic impact part comes into contact with the buckling prevention part and a part of the impact energy is transferred to the buckling prevention part. As the basic impact part further elastically deforms, the at least one inner impact part also elastically deforms, and the impact with a high level and high energy that exceeds the surface is successfully absorbed by the entire shock absorbing column.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 11.

[0016] This method is very beneficial because it provides a shock absorbing column that can withstand impacts with high energies - above 3 kJ - without breaking. Neither the basic impact part, nor the base part, nor the at least one inner impact part are damaged by the impact. The shock absorbing column remains rigidly fixed to the surface without damaging the surface. In case a part of the shock absorbing column is damaged, the shock absorbing column can be easily disassembled and the damaged part can be simply replaced. This is in contrast to a shock absorbing column in which a tube is pressed on the base. The method also allows a flexible assembly of the shock absorbing column according to the expected impact energy that has to be withstood and the level above the surface where the impact is expected, simply by varying, for example, the number of inner impact parts and the length of the inner impact parts.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the method are set out in any of claims 12-14.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use according to claim 15.

[0019] The use as described herein provides the advantageous effect of being able to provide an impact protection that can withstand an impact of at least 12 kJ, said impact protection being easily repairable in case of damage and adaptable in a flexible manner depending on the expected impact energy and the level on the surface at which the impact may be expected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 1A, but having an additional member. [Figure 2B] 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A]2B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 2A, but having an outer shock portion and two inner shock portions each having a different length compared to FIG. 2A. [Figure 3B] 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] 2B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing post similar to that of FIG. 2A, but with only one inner shock portion and with a buckling prevention portion. [Figure 4B] 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 4A. [Diagram 5] 4B is a cross-sectional view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 4A, but absorbing shock at a higher level above the surface. [Figure 6A] 2B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 2A, but without the outer shock portion. [Figure 6B] 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] 2B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 2A, but having only one inner impact portion, more precisely one longest inner impact portion. [Figure 7B] 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] 7B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 7A, but without the outer shock portion. [Figure 8B] 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] 2B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 2A, but having only one inner impact part, more precisely one shortest inner impact part. [Figure 9B] 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] 9B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 9A, but without the outer shock portion. [Figure 10B] 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A]4B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 4A, but having no outer impact portion and only one inner impact portion having a length equal to the length of the buckling prevention portion of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 4A. [Figure 11B] 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12A] 2B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 2A, but having an outer impact part, two inner impact parts having different lengths compared to FIG. 2A, and one additional inner impact part. [Figure 12B] 12B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 12A. [Figure 13A] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing post having an outer impact portion, an inner impact portion, and a buckling prevention portion formed as a single edge portion. [Figure 13B] 13B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 13A. [Figure 14A] 2B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar having a base shock absorbing portion with a shorter length and smaller diameter than the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 2A, no outer shock absorbing portion, and only one inner shock absorbing portion. [Figure 14B] 14B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 14A. [Figure 15A] 14B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 14A, but having a longer inner shock portion compared to that of FIG. 14A. [Figure 15B] 15B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 15A. [Figure 16A] 14B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing post similar to that of FIG. 14A, but with an additional inner shock portion. [Figure 16B] 16B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 16A. [Figure 17A] 16B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 16A, but having an inner shock portion having a different length than that of FIG. 16A. [Figure 17B] 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 17A. [Figure 18A]14B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 14A, but having a shorter inner shock section and a buckling prevention section compared to that of FIG. 14A. [Figure 18B] 18B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar according to an embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorbing pillar including a connector for connecting a horizontal rail to the shock absorbing pillar. [Figure 19B] 19B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 19A. [Figure 20A] 19B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 19A, but with an additional element. [Figure 20B] 20B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 20A. [Figure 21A] 4B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 4A, but having a base impact portion, a buckling prevention portion having a larger diameter, a first outer impact portion, and a first inner impact portion having a larger diameter and being shorter. [Figure 21B] 21B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG. 21A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the present invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As a further guide, definitions of terms are included to better understand the teachings of the present invention.

[0022] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: As used herein, the definite and indefinite articles ("A", "an", "the") refer to the singular and plural of the reference word, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more compartments. As used herein, "comprise", "comprising", "include(s)", "including", "contain(s)", "containing" are synonymous with, for example, inclusive or open-ended terms that specify the presence of what follows a component, and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-reproduced components, features, elements, materials, steps that are known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0023] Moreover, the terms first, second, third, etc. in this specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order unless specified. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in other arrangements than described or illustrated herein.

[0024] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0025] While the term "one or more" or "at least one" is in itself explicit, such as one or more of a group of members or at least one member(s), by way of further illustration, the term specifically encompasses reference to any one of said members, or any two or more of said members, for example, any ≧3, ≧4, ≧5, ≧6 or ≧7 of said members, etc., up to and including all said members.

[0026] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure. Furthermore, although some embodiments described herein include some embodiments that are included in other embodiments but do not include other features, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0027] In this specification, extending substantially perpendicular to a plane, e.g. a surface or plate, means that the angle between the direction in which something extends relative to the plane and the plane is 90°±15°, preferably 90°±10°, more preferably 90°±5°, and even more preferably 90°±3°.

[0028] In this specification, substantially parallel means that the two directions form an angle of at most 15°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 3°.

[0029] In the context of this document, when referring to the energy that a crash column can withstand, the crash column has been tested in accordance with standard PAS13:2017.

[0030] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a crash column for crash protection.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing column comprises a base for attaching the shock absorbing part to a surface, a basic shock part for absorbing the impact of a collision, a connecting part for connecting the basic shock part to the base, and at least one inner shock part.

[0032] The base comprises a bottom plate and a hollow connecting edge for connecting the basic impact part to the base using a connecting part. The base is preferably made of metal, more preferably made of steel. The bottom plate is intended to be placed with one side on a surface. The surface is for example a concrete floor of a warehouse or an asphalt surface of a parking lot. The bottom plate comprises holes for attaching the base to the surface by using bolts, screws, anchors or other suitable means. The bottom plate comprises at least four holes, preferably at least five holes, more preferably at least six holes. The holes are preferably equally distributed around the center of the bottom plate. Optionally, the bottom plate comprises an additional hole in the center to avoid plastic deformation of the bottom plate during impact. The connecting edge is fixedly fixed to the bottom plate. Preferably, the connecting edge is welded to the bottom plate. The connecting edge extends along the longitudinal direction. The connecting edge extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that when the longitudinal direction of the connecting edge is substantially perpendicular to the base plate and is placed on a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the surface, the connecting edge is a hollow edge.

[0033] The basic impact part is a hollow edge made of a polymer, preferably a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and terephthalate (PB), more preferably polypropylene (PP). The basic impact part extends in the longitudinal direction. The basic impact part extends substantially perpendicular to the base plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connection edge and the longitudinal direction of the basic impact part are substantially parallel.

[0034] The connecting edge is located inside the basic impact part. As a result, the connecting edge cannot be directly affected during a collision. The connecting edge is protected by the basic impact part from the collision. The basic impact part is connected to the connecting edge by the use of a connecting part. Non-limiting examples of the connecting part are a screw, a bolt, a bolt and a nut, a rivet, a wedge, etc.

[0035] The at least one inner impact part is a hollow edge part made of a polymer, preferably a polyolefin, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and terephthalate (PB), more preferably polypropylene (PP). The material may be different or the same as the material from which the basic impact part is made. Preferably, the material is the same as the material from which the basic impact part is made. This is beneficial when recycling the impact absorbing column. The at least one inner impact part extends in a longitudinal direction. The at least one inner impact part extends substantially perpendicular to the base plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connecting edge, the longitudinal direction of the basic impact part and the longitudinal direction of the at least one inner impact part are substantially parallel. The at least one inner impact part is shorter than the basic impact part. The said length is measured perpendicularly from the base plate to the opposite ends of the at least one inner impact part, respectively the opposite ends of the basic impact part. This means that in the case of multiple inner impact parts, the length of all the inner impact parts is shorter than the length of the basic impact part. The length of the at least one inner impact part is longer than the connecting edge. Said length is measured perpendicularly from the base plate to the opposite ends of the at least one inner impact part, respectively the opposite ends of the basic impact part. This means that in case of multiple inner impact parts, the length of all the inner impact parts is longer than the length of the connecting edge. The at least one inner impact part is arranged on the base plate on the inside of the connecting edge. As a result, the connecting edge part surrounds the at least one inner impact part at the side of the base plate, and the at least one inner impact part protrudes from the connecting edge.

[0036] The shock absorbing column according to this embodiment is advantageous because it can absorb high energy shocks of more than 3 kJ by using the basic shock part and the at least one inner shock part. Due to the connection part, the basic shock part does not slide over the at least one inner shock part, forcing the basic shock part to absorb its part of the shock energy, avoiding the shock energy being mainly absorbed by the at least one inner shock part, resulting in the failure of the at least one inner shock part. Since the length of the at least one inner shock part is shorter than the first shock part, the first shock part first deforms elastically, and only when the first shock part is bent sufficiently and contacts the at least one inner shock part, the at least one inner shock part begins to deform elastically and absorb energy. When the shock absorbing column is elastically deformed, it gradually becomes harder. The arrangement of the at least one inner shock part inside the connecting edge is particularly advantageous to avoid the connecting edge cutting inside the basic shock part, resulting in structural damage to the shock absorbing column and ultimately causing it to fail. During bending, the base impact portion first comes into contact with at least one inner impact portion and does not or only in a limited way comes into contact with the connecting edge.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing pillar comprises at least one outer impact part. The at least one outer impact part is a hollow edge made of a polymer, preferably a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and terephthalate (PB), more preferably polypropylene (PP). The material may be different or the same as the material from which the basic impact part and / or the at least one inner impact part are made. Preferably, the material is the same as the material from which the basic impact part and the at least one inner impact part are made. This is beneficial when recycling the shock absorbing pillar. The at least one outer impact part extends in the longitudinal direction. The at least one outer impact part extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connecting edge, the longitudinal direction of the basic impact part, the longitudinal direction of the at least one inner impact part and the longitudinal direction of the at least one outer impact part are substantially parallel. The length of the at least one outer impact part is shorter than the basic impact part. The length of the at least one outer impact part is longer than the at least one inner impact part. The lengths are measured perpendicularly from the base plate to the opposing ends of the at least one outer impact part, the opposing ends of the basic impact part, and the opposing ends of the at least one inner impact part, respectively. This means that in the case of multiple outer impact parts, the length of all the outer impact parts is shorter than the length of the basic impact part, and the length of all the outer impact parts is longer than the length of the at least one inner impact part, and in the case of multiple inner impact parts, the length of all the outer impact parts is longer than the length of all the inner impact parts. At least one outer impact part is arranged inside the basic impact part. At least one outer impact part is arranged on the base plate outside the connecting edge. As a result, at least one outer impact part surrounds the connecting edge at the side of the base plate.

[0038] This embodiment is particularly advantageous in cases with very high impact energies, for example above 10 kJ. For such impacts, it is necessary to have a strong, but still elastically deformable, shock absorbing column to absorb the energy of the impact. Simply strengthening the basic shock part reduces its possibility of elastically deforming and its ability to absorb the impact energy, increasing the risk of damage to the basic shock part and failure of the shock absorbing column. The at least one outer shock part is beneficial because the basic shock part can still easily deform elastically to absorb the energy due to its short length. However, due to the lack of a connecting edge between the basic shock part and the at least one outer shock part, the basic shock part does not break, since it is supported more quickly by the at least one outer shock part than by the at least one inner shock part.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the at least one outer impact section is a series of subsequent outer impact sections. All subsequent outer impact sections are disposed inside the previous outer impact section. The length of all subsequent outer impact sections is shorter than the previous outer impact section. Said length is measured vertically from the base plate to the opposite ends of the outer impact sections. The subsequent outer impact sections do not have to have the same thickness, but can have the same thickness. This embodiment has the same advantages as described above. This embodiment is additionally beneficial because the stiffness of the shock absorbing post increases towards the base plate, causing elastic deformation of the shock absorbing post to spread along the length of the shock absorbing post and reduce the elastic deformation near the base. Because the elastic deformation spreads along the length of the shock absorbing post, the total displacement of the shock absorbing post in the direction of the shock absorbing post is more limited compared to a situation where the elastic deformation is mainly concentrated in a single area of ​​the shock absorbing post, increasing the safety behind the shock absorbing post. Varying the thickness of the subsequent outer impact sections gives the shock absorbing post more flexibility to spread the elastic deformation along its length.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing column comprises a buckling prevention part. The buckling prevention part is a hollow edge part made of a polymer, preferably a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and terephthalate (PB), more preferably polypropylene (PP). The material may be different or the same as the material from which the basic impact part, the at least one inner impact part and / or the at least one outer impact part are made. Preferably, the material is the same as the material from which the basic impact part, the at least one inner impact part and, if present, the at least one outer impact part are made. This is beneficial when recycling the shock absorbing column. The buckling prevention part extends in the longitudinal direction. The buckling prevention part extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connecting edge, the longitudinal direction of the basic impact part, the longitudinal direction of the at least one inner impact part, the longitudinal direction of the at least one outer impact part when present and the buckling prevention part are substantially parallel. The length of the buckling prevention part is shorter than that of the basic impact part. The length of the buckling prevention part is longer than the at least one inner impact part. The length of the buckling prevention part, if present, is longer than the at least one outer impact part. The said lengths are measured perpendicularly from the base plate to the opposing ends of the buckling prevention part, the opposing ends of the base impact part, the opposing ends of the at least one inner impact part, and the opposing ends of the at least one outer impact part, respectively. This means that in the case of multiple inner impact parts, the length of each inner impact part is shorter than the length of the buckling prevention part, and in the case of multiple outer impact parts, the length of each outer impact part is shorter than the length of the buckling prevention part. The buckling prevention part is disposed inside the at least one inner impact part.

[0041] This embodiment is particularly beneficial when having long shock absorbing columns where high energy impacts of over 3 kJ are expected to occur at a relatively high level on the surface. This may result in buckling of the shock absorbing column. In the presence of at least one inner impact section or at least one outer impact section, simply increasing the height of the shock absorbing column avoids buckling of the shock absorbing column, but also reduces the elastic deformation of the shock absorbing column and therefore the absorption of the impact energy. The impact energy is mostly transmitted to the base. As a result, the base may crack, the shock absorbing column may come off the surface, and / or the surface may be damaged. In either case, the shock absorbing column has failed. By adding a buckling prevention section that is located inside the at least one inner impact section and is longer than the at least one inner impact section and the at least one outer impact section, buckling of the shock absorbing column is avoided, while the shock absorbing column can still absorb the high energy of the impact. Since the impact is at a high level, the upper levels of the at least one inner impact section and at least one outer impact section, if present, are not in contact with the basic impact section, so the basic impact section elastically deforms as before and absorbs the energy of the impact first. Before the basic impact section bends, the basic impact section contacts the buckling prevention section, and part of the impact energy is transferred to the buckling prevention section. Due to the further elastic deformation of the basic impact section, the at least one outer impact section and at least one inner impact section, if present, also elastically deform, so that the high energy of the impact at the high level above the surface is successfully absorbed by the entire shock absorbing column.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one inner impact part is a series of subsequent inner impact parts. All subsequent inner impact parts are disposed inside the previous inner impact part. The length of all subsequent inner impact parts is shorter than the previous inner impact part. Said length is measured vertically from the base plate to the opposite end of the inner impact part. The subsequent inner impact parts do not have to have the same thickness, but they do not have to have the same thickness. This embodiment has the same advantages as described above for the at least one outer impact part, which is a series of subsequent outer impact parts. This embodiment has the additional advantage that there is typically more space available inside the connecting edge than between the basic impact part and the connecting edge, since the basic impact part is preferably disposed close to the connecting edge to avoid large translation of the basic impact part when a collision occurs. This typically allows having more subsequent inner impact parts than subsequent outer impact parts, resulting in a better spread of elastic deformation along the shock absorbing column. Varying the thickness of the subsequent inner impact parts gives more flexibility to spread the elastic deformation of the shock absorbing column along its length.

[0043] In one embodiment, the connecting edge, the basic impact part and the at least one impact part have the same shape in cross section, the cross section being made transverse to the longitudinal direction of the connecting edge, the basic impact part and the at least one impact part, respectively. The cross sections of the members each have a center. The centers are preferably superimposed in a direction transverse to the bottom plate. This embodiment is useful for transmitting impact energy between the members, regardless of the direction in which the impact occurs, since it is possible to arrange the members such that the distance between one of the members and its adjacent members is equal along its circumference. Preferably, the cross section is circular.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the connecting edge, the basic impact part, the at least one impact part and the buckling prevention part have the same shape in cross section, the cross section being made transverse to the longitudinal direction of the connecting edge, the basic impact part, the at least one impact part and the buckling prevention part, respectively. This embodiment has the same advantages as described above.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing post comprises a connector for connecting the horizontal rail to the shock absorbing post. The connector is suitable for sliding the horizontal rail into or onto the connector, for placing the horizontal rail in the connector, or another suitable method for connecting the horizontal rail to the connector. The horizontal rail may be, but is not necessarily, rigidly attached to the connector. The connector extends through the base shock part substantially perpendicular to the shock absorbing post. Preferably, the base shock part comprises an opening for allowing the connector to extend through the base shock part. The connector may be, but is not necessarily, rigidly attached to the base shock part. Preferably, the connector is not rigidly attached to the base shock part. The shock absorbing post comprises a buckling prevention part as described in the previous embodiment. The buckling prevention part extends through the connector. The connector preferably comprises an opening for allowing the buckling prevention part to extend through the connector. The connector may be, but is not necessarily, rigidly attached to the buckling prevention part. Preferably, the connector is not rigidly attached to the buckling prevention part. The connector, which is not firmly attached to the buckling prevention section and the base impact section, allows for easier elastic deformation of the impact absorbing column. This embodiment is useful for providing crash protection between the impact absorbing columns. The connector can be loosely attached since it is held transversely to the base plate by the base impact section and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the buckling prevention section by the buckling prevention section itself.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the connection is at least two bolts and a nut. The bolts traverse from a first side of the shock absorbing column through the shock absorbing column to a second opposite side of the shock absorbing column. The first bolt is substantially perpendicular to the second bolt. This embodiment is advantageous because the bolts connect not only the basic impact section, but also at least one inner impact section, and when at least one outer impact section and the buckling prevention section are present. Two substantially perpendicular bolts are advantageous to have a balanced distribution of the energy of the impact over the connection, regardless of the direction in which the impact occurs. The bolts have at least a size M8, preferably at least M10, and even more preferably at least M12. A larger size is advantageous to avoid the basic impact section tearing around the bolt upon impact.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, at least one inner impact part and, if present, at least one outer impact part are formed as separate hollow edges. This means that all inner impact parts and all outer impact parts, if present, are separate edges. All inner impact parts can slide against adjacent inner impact parts, and, if present, all outer impact parts can slide against adjacent outer impact parts. This is beneficial for the elastic deformation of the shock absorbing column and absorbs the energy of the impact.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one inner impact part and the at least one outer impact part are formed as a single edge with a stepped inner side. The single edge has a recess for receiving the connecting edge. If present, the buckling prevention part may or may not be integrated into the single edge. Preferably, the buckling prevention part is integrated into a single profile. A single edge is advantageous for easy manufacture and assembly of the shock absorbing column, since the number of steps for assembling the shock absorbing column is reduced. However, some flexibility is lost with regard to easy adaptation of the dimensions of the at least one inner impact part and the at least one outer impact part.

[0049] From the description of this embodiment, it is clear that a similar embodiment is possible in which, if there is no at least one outer impact part, then at least one inner impact part is formed as a single edge with a stepped inner side. It is also clear that a similar embodiment is possible in which only at least one outer impact part is formed as a single edge with a stepped inner side. In these last two embodiments, it is not necessary to foresee a recess for receiving the connecting edge of the base. It is also clear that these last two embodiments can be combined.

[0050] In one embodiment, the base impact section, at least one inner impact section, and at least one outer impact section and the anti-buckling section, if present, are extruded edges, which is advantageous for easy manufacture of the component.

[0051] In one embodiment, adjacent impacts from the group formed by the base impact and at least one outer impact are at a distance of at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, more preferably at most 10 mm, even more preferably at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, the distance being measured as the shortest distance in a direction perpendicular to the impacts. This embodiment is advantageous for good energy transfer between the impacts.

[0052] In one embodiment, adjacent impacts from the group formed by at least one inner impact and, if present, the buckling prevention portion are at a distance of at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, more preferably at most 10 mm, even more preferably at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, the distance being measured as the shortest distance in a direction perpendicular to the impacts. This embodiment is advantageous for good energy transfer between the impacts.

[0053] In one embodiment, adjacent impacts from the group formed by at least one inner impact and at least one outer impact are at a distance of at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, more preferably at most 10 mm, even more preferably at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, the distance being measured as the shortest distance in a direction perpendicular to the impacts. This embodiment is advantageous for good energy transfer between the impacts.

[0054] In one embodiment, adjacent impacts from the group formed by the base impact and at least one inner impact are at a distance of at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, more preferably at most 10 mm, even more preferably at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, the distance being measured as the shortest distance in a direction perpendicular to the impacts. This embodiment is advantageous for good energy transfer between the impacts.

[0055] In one embodiment, the bottom plate of the base comprises an additional hole for attaching the base to a surface. The extra hole is located in the center of the bottom plate. The additional hole is advantageous to avoid plastic deformation of the bottom plate upon impact. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for bottom plates with large dimensions, for example circular bottom plates with a diameter of more than 300 mm, or square bottom plates with sides of 265 mm. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for shock absorbing columns that should withstand expected impact energies of more than 15 kJ.

[0056] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the above-mentioned embodiments of the distance between the impacts can be advantageously combined.

[0057] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of assembling a crash column for crash protection.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: - placing a base on a surface, the base comprising a bottom plate and a hollow connecting edge; - attaching the bottom plate to the surface; - positioning a basic impact part on the base; and - attaching the basic impact part to the base using the connecting part.

[0059] The base is preferably made of metal, more preferably made of steel. The bottom plate is intended to be placed with one side on a surface. The bottom plate comprises holes for attaching the base to the surface by using bolts, screws, anchors or other suitable means. The bottom plate comprises at least four holes, preferably at least five holes, more preferably at least six holes. The holes are preferably equally distributed around the center of the bottom plate. Optionally, the bottom plate comprises an additional hole in the center to avoid plastic deformation of the bottom plate during impact. The connecting edge is fixedly fixed to the bottom plate. Preferably, the connecting edge is welded to the bottom plate. The connecting edge extends along a longitudinal direction. The connecting edge extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connecting edge is substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate and substantially perpendicular to the surface. The connecting edge is a hollow edge.

[0060] The basic impact part is a hollow edge made of a polymer, preferably a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and terephthalate (PB), more preferably polypropylene (PP). The basic impact part extends in the longitudinal direction. The basic impact part extends substantially perpendicular to the base plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connection edge and the longitudinal direction of the basic impact part are substantially parallel.

[0061] After the basic impact part is placed on the base, the connecting edge is placed inside the basic impact part, so that the connecting edge cannot be directly affected during the collision, and the connecting edge is protected by the basic impact part from the collision.

[0062] Non-limiting examples of connections are screws, bolts, bolts and nuts, rivets, wedges, etc.

[0063] The method includes an additional step of arranging at least one inner impact part. The at least one inner impact part is a hollow edge part made of a polymer, preferably a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and terephthalate (PB), more preferably polypropylene (PP). The material may be different or the same as the material from which the basic impact part is made. Preferably, the material is the same as the material from which the basic impact part is made. The at least one inner impact part extends in a longitudinal direction. The at least one inner impact part extends substantially perpendicularly to the base plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connection edge, the longitudinal direction of the basic impact part and the longitudinal direction of the at least one inner impact part are substantially parallel. The length of the at least one inner impact part is shorter than the length of the basic impact part. The said length is measured perpendicularly from the base plate to the opposite ends of the at least one inner impact part, respectively the opposite ends of the basic impact part. This means that in the case of multiple inner impact parts, the length of all the inner impact parts is shorter than the length of the basic impact part. The length of the at least one inner impact part is longer than the connecting edge. Said length is measured vertically from the bottom plate to the opposite ends of the at least one inner impact part, respectively, to the opposite ends of the basic impact part. This means that in the case of multiple inner impact parts, the length of all the inner impact parts is longer than the length of the connecting edge. The at least one inner impact part is arranged on the bottom plate inside the connecting edge. As a result, the connecting edge part surrounds the at least one inner impact part at the side of the bottom plate, and the at least one inner impact part protrudes from the connecting edge. The at least one inner impact part can be arranged before or after arranging the basic impact part. Preferably, the at least one inner impact part is arranged before arranging the basic impact part. The at least one inner impact part is preferably arranged before attaching the basic impact part to the base.

[0064] This method is highly beneficial as it provides a shock absorbing column that can withstand high energy impacts of more than 3 kJ without the shock absorbing column failing. The base impact section, the base, and at least one inner impact section are damaged by the impact. The shock absorbing column remains firmly fixed to the surface without damaging the surface. If a member of the shock absorbing column is damaged, the shock absorbing column is easily disassembled and the damaged parts can be easily replaced, in contrast to shock absorbing columns in which the tube is pressed to the base. The method also allows for flexible assembly of the shock absorbing column depending on the expected impact energy to be withstood and the level on the surface at which the impact may be expected, for example by simply changing the number of inner impact sections and the length of the inner impact sections.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes an additional step of arranging at least one outer impact part. The at least one outer impact part is a hollow edge part made of a polymer, preferably a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and terephthalate (PB), more preferably polypropylene (PP). The material may be different or the same as the material from which the basic impact part and / or the at least one inner impact part are made. Preferably, the material is the same as the material from which the basic impact part and the at least one inner impact part are made. The at least one outer impact part extends in the longitudinal direction. The at least one outer impact part extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connection edge, the longitudinal direction of the basic impact part, the longitudinal direction of the at least one inner impact part and the longitudinal direction of the at least one outer impact part are substantially parallel. The length of the at least one outer impact part is shorter than the basic impact part. The length of the at least one outer impact part is longer than the at least one inner impact part. Said length is measured perpendicularly from the base plate to the opposing ends of the at least one outer impact part, the opposing ends of the basic impact part and the opposing ends of the at least one inner impact part, respectively. This means that in the case of a plurality of outer impact parts, the length of all the outer impact parts is shorter than the length of the basic impact part, the length of all the outer impact parts is longer than the length of the at least one inner impact part, and in the case of a plurality of inner impact parts, the length of all the outer impact parts is longer than the length of all the inner impact parts. At least one outer impact part is arranged inside the basic impact part. At least one outer impact part is arranged on the base plate outside the connecting edge. As a result, at least one outer impact part surrounds the connecting edge at the side of the base plate. At least one outer impact part can be arranged before or after arranging the basic impact part and / or at least one inner impact part. Preferably, at least one outer impact part is arranged before arranging the basic impact part and after arranging the at least one inner impact part. At least one inner impact part is preferably arranged before attaching the basic impact part to the base.

[0066] This embodiment is particularly advantageous in cases with very high impact energies, for example above 10 kJ. For such impacts, it is necessary to provide a shock absorbing pillar that is strong but still capable of elastically deforming to absorb the energy of the impact. Simply strengthening the primary purpose member reduces the possibility of elastically deforming and the ability to absorb the impact energy, increasing the risk of damage to the basic impact part and failure of the shock absorbing pillar. The at least one outer impact part is beneficial because due to the short length of the at least one outer impact part, the basic impact part can still easily deform elastically and absorb the energy. However, due to the absence of a connecting edge between the basic impact part and the at least one outer impact part, the basic impact part does not break, since it is supported more quickly by the at least one outer impact part than by the at least one inner impact part. A further advantage is that the process can be carried out at a later stage after the assembly of the shock absorbing pillar is initially finished, when conditions change and the shock absorbing pillar must be able to withstand higher impact energies. This allows a flexible assembly of the shock absorbing pillar.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the additional step of arranging the buckling prevention part. The buckling prevention part is a hollow edge part made of a polymer, preferably a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and terephthalate (PB), more preferably polypropylene (PP). The material may be different or the same as the material from which the basic impact part, the at least one inner impact part and / or the at least one outer impact part are made. Preferably, the material is the same as the material from which the basic impact part, the at least one inner impact part and, if present, the at least one outer impact part are made. The buckling prevention part extends in the longitudinal direction. The buckling prevention part extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connection edge, the longitudinal direction of the basic impact part, the longitudinal direction of the at least one inner impact part, the longitudinal direction of the at least one outer impact part when present and the buckling prevention part are substantially parallel. The length of the buckling prevention part is shorter than that of the basic impact part. The length of the buckling prevention part is longer than that of the at least one inner impact part. The length of the buckling prevention section, if present, is longer than that of the at least one outer impact section. The length is measured perpendicularly from the base plate to the opposing ends of the buckling prevention section, the opposing ends of the base impact section, the opposing ends of the at least one inner impact section, and the opposing ends of the at least one outer impact section, respectively. This means that in the case of multiple inner impact sections, the length of each inner impact section is shorter than the length of the buckling prevention section, and in the case of multiple outer impact sections, the length of each outer impact section is shorter than the length of the buckling prevention section. The buckling prevention section is disposed inside the at least one inner impact section.

[0068] This embodiment is particularly beneficial when assembling long shock absorbing columns, where high energy impacts of more than 3 kJ are expected to occur at a relatively high level on the surface. This may result in buckling of the shock absorbing column. In the presence of at least one inner impact section or at least one outer impact section, simply increasing the height of the shock absorbing column avoids buckling of the shock absorbing column, but also reduces the elastic deformation of the shock absorbing column and therefore the absorption of the impact energy. The impact energy is mostly transmitted to the base. As a result, the base may crack, the shock absorbing column may come off the surface, and / or the surface may be damaged. In either case, the shock absorbing column has failed. By adding an anti-buckling section that is located inside the at least one inner impact section and is longer than the at least one inner impact section and the at least one outer impact section, buckling of the shock absorbing column is avoided, while the shock absorbing column can still absorb the high energy of the impact. Since the impact is at a high level, above the at least one inner impact part and at a level above the at least one outer impact part when present, and since the buckling prevention part is not in contact with the basic impact part, the basic impact part elastically deforms as before and absorbs the energy of the impact first. Before the basic impact part bends, the basic impact part contacts the buckling prevention part and a part of the impact energy is transferred to the buckling prevention part. Due to the further elastic deformation of the basic impact part, the at least one outer impact part when present and the at least one inner impact part are also elastically deformed, and the high energy of the impact at a high level above the surface is successfully absorbed by the entire shock absorbing column. An additional advantage is that when conditions change and an impact is expected at a higher level than the surface, for example by introducing a different type of forklift truck into the warehouse, the process can be carried out at a later stage after the assembly of the shock absorbing column is initially finished. This allows a flexible assembly of the shock absorbing column.

[0069] In a further embodiment, the method includes an additional step of arranging a connector for connecting the horizontal rail to the shock absorbing post. The connector first extends through the basic shock part, which is then arranged on the buckling prevention part and at the same time extends the buckling prevention part through the connector. The basic shock part comprises an opening for allowing the connector to extend through the basic shock part. The connector can be extended through the basic shock part by sliding the connector through the opening of the basic shock part. The connector comprises an opening for allowing the buckling prevention part to extend through the connector. The buckling prevention part can be extended through the basic shock part by sliding the buckling prevention part through the opening of the connector. The connector extends through the basic shock part substantially perpendicular to the shock absorbing post. This embodiment is useful for providing crash protection between the shock absorbing posts. The connector can be loosely attached since it is held by the basic shock part in a direction transverse to the base plate and by the buckling prevention part itself in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the buckling prevention part.

[0070] A person skilled in the art will understand that the shock absorbing pillar according to the first aspect is preferably assembled by carrying out the method according to the second aspect, and the method according to the second aspect is preferably carried out to obtain the shock absorbing pillar according to the first aspect. Thus, any feature described herein above and below may relate to any of the three aspects of the invention.

[0071] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a crash column according to the first aspect and / or a method according to the second aspect for crash protection to withstand an impact of at least 12 kJ.

[0072] The use as described herein provides the advantageous effect of being able to provide impact protection that is resilient against impacts of at least 12 kJ, can be easily repaired in case of damage and can be adapted in a flexible manner depending on the expected impact energy and the level on the surface at which the impact may be expected.

[0073] The present invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting drawings which further illustrate the invention and are not intended, nor should they be construed, to limit the scope of the invention.

[0074] 1A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of FIG 1A. The shock absorbing pillar (1) comprises a basic shock absorbing part (2), a base part (3), a first outer shock absorbing part (7), a first inner shock absorbing part (9), a second inner shock absorbing part (10), and a connecting part (8). The base part (3) comprises a circular bottom plate (4) and a connecting edge part (6). The bottom plate (4) is placed on a surface, for example a concrete surface. The bottom plate (4) comprises a hole (5) for attaching the base part (3) to the surface. The connecting edge part (6) is a hollow cylindrical edge part. The connecting edge part (6) is firmly attached to the bottom plate (4). The connecting edge part (6) is used to connect the basic shock absorbing part (2) to the base part (3). The basic shock absorbing part (2), the primary outer shock absorbing part (7), the primary inner shock absorbing part (9), and the second inner shock absorbing part (primary 0) are hollow cylindrical edges. It should be noted that the basic impact part (2), the first outer impact part (7), the first inner impact part (9), and the second inner impact part (10) do not all have the same thickness. The first outer impact part (7) is located on the bottom plate (4) inside the basic impact part (2) and outside the connecting edge part (6). The length of the primary outer impact part (7) is shorter than that of the basic impact part (2). The first inner impact part (9) is on the bottom plate (4) located inside the connecting edge part (6). The second inner impact part (10) is located inside the first inner impact part (9). The length of the primary inner impact part (9) is shorter than that of the basic impact part (2) and the primary outer impact part (7). The length of the second inner impact part (10) is shorter than that of the first inner impact part (9). The length of the first inner impact part (9) and the second inner impact part (10) is longer than the connecting edge part (6). The first inner impact part (9) and the second inner impact part (10) are a series of subsequent inner impact parts, each subsequent inner impact part is disposed inside the previous inner impact part, and each subsequent inner impact part has a shorter length than the previous inner impact part. The connecting part (8) is two bolts and nuts that traverse from the first side of the shock absorbing column (1) through the basic impact part (2), the first outer impact part (7), the first inner impact part (9), the second inner impact part (10), and the connecting edge part (6) of the base part (3). The two bolts are substantially perpendicular to each other. The basic impact part (2) has an outer diameter of 200 mm and a length of 1160 mm. The first outer impact part (7) has an outer diameter of 174 mm and a length of 480 mm.The connecting edge (6) has an outer diameter of 159 mm and a length of 160 mm. The first inner impact part (9) has an outer diameter of 142 mm and a length of 380 mm. The second inner impact part (10) has an outer diameter of 125 mm and a length of 280 mm. The shock absorbing column (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 14 kJ up to a level of at least 480 mm from the surface.

[0075] Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 1A, but with additional elements. Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 2A. The bottom plate (4) of the base (3) is attached to a surface using screws (12) through holes (5). The base (3) is protected by a base protector (14). The basic impact part (2) is closed at the end facing the base (3) by a cover (13).

[0076] Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 2A, but having an outer shock portion and two inner shock portions having different lengths compared to Figure 2A. Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 3A. The first outer impact section (7) has a length of 400 mm. The first inner impact section (9) has a length of 300 mm. The second inner impact section (10) has a length of 200 mm. The shock absorbing pillar (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 14 kJ up to a level of at least 400 mm from the surface.

[0077] Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 2A, but having only one inner shock portion and having a buckling prevention portion. Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 4A. The buckling prevention portion (15) is a hollow cylindrical edge. The buckling prevention portion (15) is disposed inside the first inner impact portion (9). The length of the buckling prevention portion (15) is shorter than the basic impact portion (2) and longer than the primary outer impact portion (7) and the primary inner impact portion (9). The buckling prevention portion (10) has an outer diameter of 125 mm and a length of 700 mm. The shock absorbing column (1) is suitable for absorbing shocks with an energy of at least 14 kJ up to a level of at least 700 mm from the surface.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of FIG. 4A, but absorbing shock at a higher level above the surface. The shock absorbing pillar (1) hits the test object (16) at a height of 600 mm from the surface. The test object (16) hits the shock absorbing pillar (1) horizontally with an impact energy of at least 10 kJ. The basic impact part (2) starts to buckle at the level of the impact. However, buckling is avoided because the basic impact part (2) contacts the buckling prevention part (15) and transfers part of the impact energy to the buckling prevention part (15). Simply increasing the height of the first outer impact part (7), the first inner impact part (9), and the second inner impact part (10) of the shock absorbing pillar (1) in FIG. 2A results in a stiffer shock absorbing pillar (1) that cannot elastically deform and absorbs less impact energy, leading to failure of the shock absorbing pillar (1). It is also clearly visible in FIG. 5 that due to the presence of the primary inner impact portion (9), the base impact portion (2) and the primary outer impact portion (7) are not cut by the connecting edge portion (6) while being elastically deformed.

[0079] Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 2A, but without the outer shock portion. Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 6A. The shock absorbing pillar (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 12 kJ up to a level of at least 380 mm from the surface.

[0080] Figure 7A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 2A, but with only one inner impact part, more precisely the longest inner impact part. Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 7A. The shock absorbing pillar (1) is suitable for absorbing shocks with an energy of at least 12 kJ up to a level of at least 480 mm from the surface.

[0081] Figure 8A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 7A, but without the outer shock portion. Figure 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 8A. The shock absorbing pillar (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 10 kJ up to a level of at least 380 mm from the surface.

[0082] Figure 9A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 2A, but having only one inner impact part, more precisely the shortest inner impact part. Figure 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 9A. The shock absorbing pillar (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 12 kJ up to a level of at least 480 mm from the surface.

[0083] Figure 10A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 9A, but without the outer shock portion. Figure 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 10A. The shock absorbing pillar (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 10 kJ up to a level of at least 280 mm from the surface.

[0084] Figure 11A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 4A, but without an outer shock portion and with only one inner shock portion having a length equal to the length of the buckling prevention portion of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 4A. Figure 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 11A. The shock absorbing pillar (1) is suitable for absorbing shocks with an energy of at least 10 kJ up to a level of at least 700 mm from the surface.

[0085] Figure 12A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 2A, but with an outer impact part, two inner impact parts having different lengths compared to Figure 2A, and one additional inner impact part. Figure 12B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 12A. The third inner impact part (11) is disposed inside the second inner impact part (10). The length of the third inner impact part (11) is shorter than the second impact part (10). The length of the third inner impact part (11) is longer than the connecting edge part (6). The first inner impact part (9), the second inner impact part (10), and the third inner impact part (11) are a series of subsequent inner impact parts, each subsequent inner impact part is disposed inside the previous inner impact part, and each subsequent inner impact part has a shorter length than the previous inner impact part. The length of the first outer impact part (7) is 550 mm long. The first inner impact part (9) has a length of 450 mm. The second inner impact part (10) has a length of 350 mm. The third inner impact part (11) has an outer diameter of 104 mm and a length of 250 mm. The shock absorbing pillar (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 16 kJ up to a level of at least 550 mm from the surface.

[0086] Fig. 13A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar having an outer impact part, an inner impact part, and a buckling prevention part formed as a single profile. Fig. 13B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Fig. 13A. The first outer impact part (7), the first inner impact part (9), the second inner impact part (10) and the buckling prevention part (15) are formed as a single edge part (17). The single outer shape (17) has a stepped inner side (19). The single edge part (17) has a recess (18) for receiving the connecting edge part (6) of the base part (3). The first outer impact part (7) has an outer diameter of 174 mm and a length of 480 mm. The first inner impact part (9) has an outer diameter of 142 mm and a length of 340 mm. The second inner impact part (10) has an outer diameter of 125 mm and a length of 250 mm. The buckling prevention part (15) has an outer diameter of 105 mm and a length of 700 mm. The shock absorbing column (1) is suitable for absorbing shocks with an energy of at least 16 kJ up to a level of at least 700 mm from the surface.

[0087] Figure 14A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar having a shorter and smaller diameter basic impact portion compared to the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 2A, no outer impact portion and only one inner impact portion. Figure 14B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 14A. The basic impact section (2) has an outer diameter of 125 mm and a length of 750 mm. The connecting edge section (6) has an outer diameter of 101.5 mm and a length of 125 mm. The first inner impact section (9) has an outer diameter of 88 mm and a length of 300 mm. The impact absorbing column (1) is suitable for absorbing impacts with an energy of at least 3 kJ up to a level of at least 300 mm from the surface.

[0088] Figure 15A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 14A, but having a longer inner shock section compared to that of Figure 14A. Figure 15B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 15A. The first inner impact section (9) has a length of 500 mm. The impact column (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 3 kJ up to a level of at least 500 mm from the surface.

[0089] Figure 16A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing post similar to that of Figure 14A, but with an additional inner shock portion. Figure 16B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing post of Figure 16A. The second inner impact section (10) has an outer diameter of 66 mm and a length of 200 mm. The impact column (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 5 kJ up to a level of at least 300 mm from the surface.

[0090] Figure 17A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 16A, but having an inner shock portion having a different length compared to the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 16A. Figure 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 17A. The first inner impact portion (9) has a length of 350 mm. The second inner impact portion (10) has a length of 250 mm. The impact column (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 5 kJ up to a level of at least 350 mm from the surface.

[0091] Figure 18A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 14A, but having a shorter inner shock section and a buckling prevention section compared to that of Figure 14A. Figure 18B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 18A. The first inner impact section (9) has a length of 250 mm. The buckling prevention section (15) has an outer diameter of 66 mm and a length of 500 mm. The impact absorption column (1) is suitable for absorbing an impact with an energy of at least 5 kJ up to a level of at least 500 mm from the surface.

[0092] Figure 19A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing post according to an embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorbing post including a connector for connecting a horizontal rail to the shock absorbing post, and Figure 19B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing post of Figure 19A. The connector (20) is suitable for connecting the horizontal rail to the shock absorbing column (1). The connector (20) extends substantially perpendicular to the shock absorbing column (1) through the basic impact section (2). The basic impact section (2) comprises an opening for allowing the connector (20) to extend through the basic impact section (2). The shock absorbing column (1) comprises a buckling prevention section (15). The buckling prevention section (15) is a beam-shaped hollow edge. The buckling prevention section (15) extends through the connector (20). The connector (20) comprises an opening for allowing the buckling prevention section (15) to extend through the connector (20). The connector (20) is held by the basic impact section (2) in a transverse direction to the bottom plate (4) and by the buckling prevention section (15) itself in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction of the buckling prevention section (15).

[0093] Figure 20A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Figure 19A, but with additional elements. Figure 20B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Figure 20A. The basic impact part (2) is closed at the end facing the base part (3) by a cover (13).

[0094] Fig. 21A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a shock absorbing pillar similar to that of Fig. 4A, but with a base impact section and a buckling prevention section having a larger diameter, and with first outer and first inner impact sections that are larger in diameter and shorter. Fig. 21B shows a cross-sectional view of the shock absorbing pillar of Fig. 21A. The buckling prevention part (15) is a hollow cylindrical edge. The buckling prevention part (15) is arranged inside the first inner impact part (9). The length of the buckling prevention part (15) is shorter than the basic impact part (2) and longer than the first outer impact part (7) and the first inner impact part (9). The basic impact part (2) has an outer diameter of 250 mm and a length of 1160 mm. The first outer impact part (7) has an outer diameter of 225 mm and a length of 350 mm. The connecting edge part (6) has an outer diameter of 194 mm and a length of 167 mm. The first inner impact part (9) has an outer diameter of 176 mm and a length of 301 mm. The buckling prevention part (10) has an outer diameter of 142 mm and a length of 700 mm. As the bottom plate (4) becomes larger, in this embodiment the bottom plate (4) is attached to the surface by means of an additional screw (12) through an additional hole (5) in the center of the bottom plate to avoid plastic deformation of the bottom plate during impact. The shock absorbing pillar (1) is suitable for absorbing impacts with an energy of at least 20 kJ up to a level of at least 650 mm from the surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Shock absorbing pillar 2 Basic impact section 3 base 4 Bottom plate 5 holes 6 Connection edge 7 First outer impact section 8 Connections 9 First inner impact section 10 Second inner impact section 11 Third inner impact section 12 Screws 13 Cover 14 Base protector 15 Buckling prevention part 16 Test Object 17 Single Edge 18 Recess 19 Interior with steps 20 Connectors

Claims

1. An impact-absorbing column for collision protection comprises a base portion for mounting the impact-absorbing column onto a surface, a basic impact portion for absorbing the impact of a collision, and a connecting portion for connecting the basic impact portion and the base portion, wherein the base portion comprises a bottom plate and a hollow connecting edge portion for connecting the basic impact portion and the base portion using the connecting portion, the connecting edge portion is firmly fixed to the bottom plate and extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate, and the basic impact portion is a hollow edge portion made of polymer and extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. The connecting edge is provided inside the basic impact section, and the impact-absorbing column comprises at least one inner impact section, the at least one inner impact section being a hollow edge made of polymer, the at least one inner impact section extending substantially perpendicular to the base plate, the length of the at least one inner impact section being shorter than the length of the basic impact section, the length being measured perpendicularly from the base plate, and the at least one inner impact section being provided on the base plate inside the connecting edge, the impact-absorbing column.

2. An impact-absorbing column according to claim 1, comprising at least one outer impact portion, the at least one outer impact portion being a hollow edge made of polymer, the at least one outer impact portion extending substantially perpendicular to the base plate, the length of the at least one outer impact portion being shorter than the length of the basic impact portion and longer than the length of the at least one inner impact portion, the length being measured perpendicularly from the base plate, and the at least one outer impact portion being provided on the base plate inside the basic impact portion and outside the connecting edge.

3. An impact-absorbing column according to claim 2, wherein the at least one outer impact section is a row of a plurality of subsequent outer impact sections, each of the plurality of subsequent outer impact sections is provided inside the preceding outer impact section, and the length of each of the plurality of subsequent outer impact sections is shorter than the length of the preceding outer impact section, and the length is measured perpendicularly from the bottom plate.

4. An impact-absorbing column according to claim 3, comprising a buckling prevention portion, wherein the buckling prevention portion is a hollow edge made of polymer, the buckling prevention portion extends substantially perpendicularly to the base plate, the length of the buckling prevention portion is shorter than the length of the basic impact portion and longer than the length of the at least one inner impact portion, the length is measured perpendicularly from the base plate, and the buckling prevention portion is provided inside the at least one inner impact portion.

5. An impact-absorbing column according to claim 4, wherein the length of the buckling prevention portion is longer than the length of the at least one outer impact portion, and the length is measured perpendicularly from the bottom plate.

6. An impact-absorbing column according to claim 5, comprising a connector for connecting a horizontal rail to the impact-absorbing column, wherein the connector extends perpendicularly to the impact-absorbing column through the basic impact portion, and the buckling prevention portion passes through the connector.

7. An impact-absorbing column according to claim 6, wherein the at least one inner impact section is a row of a plurality of subsequent inner impact sections, each of the plurality of subsequent inner impact sections is provided inside the preceding inner impact section, and the length of each of the plurality of subsequent inner impact sections is shorter than the length of the preceding inner impact section, and the length is measured perpendicularly from the bottom plate.

8. An impact-absorbing column according to claim 7, wherein the connection portion is made of at least two bolts and nuts, the bolts penetrate from a first surface of the impact-absorbing column through the impact-absorbing column to a second surface of the impact-absorbing column opposite to the first surface, and the first bolt is substantially perpendicular to the second bolt.

9. An impact-absorbing column according to claim 8, wherein the at least one inner impact portion and the at least one outer impact portion are formed as a single edge portion having a step inside, and the single edge portion has a recess for receiving the connecting edge portion.

10. An impact-absorbing column according to claim 9, wherein the buckling prevention portion is integrated within the single edge portion.

11. A method for assembling impact-absorbing columns for collision protection, A step in which a base is installed on a surface, wherein the base comprises a bottom plate and a hollow connecting edge, the connecting edge being firmly fixed to the bottom plate and extending substantially perpendicularly to the bottom plate, The steps include attaching the bottom plate to the surface, The step of providing a basic impact portion on the base, wherein the basic impact portion is a hollow edge made of polymer, the basic impact portion extends substantially perpendicularly to the bottom plate, and the connecting edge is provided inside the basic impact portion. The process includes the step of attaching the basic impact part to the base using the connecting part, The further step is to provide at least one internal impact portion, the at least one internal impact portion being a hollow edge made of polymer, the at least one internal impact portion extending substantially perpendicular to the base plate, the length of the at least one internal impact portion being shorter than the length of the basic impact portion, the length being measured perpendicularly from the base plate, and the at least one internal impact portion being provided in the base plate within the connecting edge portion. A method characterized by the following:

12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of providing at least one outer impact portion, wherein the at least one outer impact portion is a hollow edge made of polymer, the at least one outer impact portion extends substantially perpendicular to the base plate, the length of the at least one outer impact portion is shorter than the length of the base impact portion and longer than the length of the at least one inner impact portion, the length is measured perpendicularly from the base plate, and the at least one outer impact portion is provided on the base plate inside the base impact portion and outside the connecting edge portion. Shock-absorbing column.

13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of providing a buckling prevention portion, wherein the buckling prevention portion is a hollow edge made of polymer, the buckling prevention portion extends substantially perpendicularly to the base plate, the length of the buckling prevention portion is shorter than the length of the basic impact portion and longer than the length of the at least one inner impact portion, the length is measured perpendicularly from the base plate, and the buckling prevention portion is provided inside the at least one inner impact portion.

14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of providing a connector for connecting a horizontal rail to the impact-absorbing column, wherein the connector first penetrates the basic impact portion, and thereafter the basic impact portion is provided so as to cover the entire buckling prevention portion, while the buckling prevention portion penetrates the connector.

15. Use of an impact-absorbing column according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for impact protection capable of withstanding an impact of at least 12 kJ, and / or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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