Driving surface and vehicle restraint system

Abstract

The invention relates to a driving surface (2) having a vehicle restraint system (1) and to this vehicle restraint system (1). In order to be able to ensure a restraining capacity specified for the vehicle restraint system (1), it is proposed that a mounting element (8) is provided between at least one upright (3) of the uprights (3) and the tension element (4), which mounting element, on the one hand, is connected, in particular directly and / or fixedly, to the upright (3) on a first upright side (3a), in particular centrally, by means of a screw connection (10) with at least one screw (10a), and, on the other hand, is connected, in particular directly and / or fixedly, to the tension element (4) by means of the clamping connection (6) with the clamping bracket (7).

Description

[0001] Driving surface and vehicle restraint system

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a vehicle restraint system with several uprights, with at least one elongated tension element extending from upright to upright and connected thereto, in particular with at least one tension rod, and with several clamping connections with at least one, in particular U-shaped, clamping bracket for connecting the tension element to the respective upright.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] U-shaped clamping brackets or U-brackets are known for directly clamping a tension rod to a post of a vehicle restraint system. In the event of an impact, the tension rod and post deform together, which can adversely lead to a situation where the post folds over and the tension rod moves under the vehicle along with the post. This results in a reduced restraint effect of the vehicle restraint system, which can, for example, jeopardize the required restraint capacity.

[0006] Furthermore, depending on the position on the upright and / or its profile shape, creating a clamp connection can be comparatively complex to handle during the installation and repair of a vehicle restraint system.

[0007] Description of the Invention: The invention therefore aims to structurally modify a vehicle restraint system described above in such a way that it can reliably fulfill a specified restraint capacity. Furthermore, it should also facilitate the installation of the vehicle restraint system.

[0008] The invention solves the stated problem by the features of claim 1.

[0009] If a mounting element is provided between at least one upright and the tensioning element, mechanical decoupling of the clamping connection from the upright can be achieved. This is accomplished by connecting the mounting element to the upright on one side of the upright via a screw connection with at least one screw, and to the tensioning element via the clamping connection with the clamping bracket.

[0010] This means that the mechanical connection between the tension element and the upright incorporates both a screw connection and a clamp connection, allowing the behavior of the tension element and the upright to be adjusted more independently of each other in the event of an impact.

[0011] This is particularly advantageous if the screw connection and the clamp connection are coordinated in such a way that, in the event of an impact, the screw connection between the mounting element and the upright is the first to release. This prevents, for example, the tensioning element from necessarily moving along with a bending or folding upright and thus being pulled under an impacting vehicle. A predetermined restraint capacity can therefore always be guaranteed. It is conceivable, for instance, that due to the magnitude of the impact forces, the clamp connection might also lose its fixed connection to the tensioning element. Preferably, however, a movable connection between the mounting element and the tensioning element remains in place to prevent, for example, loose and / or detached parts of the vehicle restraint system in the event of an impact.

[0012] Furthermore, the mounting element can simplify the installation of the vehicle restraint system, as the clamping connection can be established regardless of the mounting height on the upright and / or the geometry of the upright. For example, the mounting element could be connected centrally to the first side of the upright via the screw connection.

[0013] The mounting element can be connected directly and / or securely to the upright on the first side of the upright via a screw connection. Alternatively, the mounting element can be connected directly and / or securely to the clamping bracket via a clamp connection.

[0014] The vehicle restraint system according to the invention can therefore reliably fulfill the specified restraint capacity in contrast to the prior art and is significantly easier to handle during assembly, which can facilitate initial installation as well as repair.

[0015] Preferably, the clamping connection is mechanically more robust than the screw connection, so that in the event of an impact the screw connection between the mounting element and the upright releases. This ensures that the screw connection between the mounting element and the upright releases first, which, for example, can guarantee the restraint capability of the vehicle restraint system, as described above.

[0016] For example, if the mounting element is held against the tensioning element in the event of an impact, this can prevent the mounting element from unintentionally detaching from the vehicle restraint system, which can further increase its safety.

[0017] The behavior of the mounting element in relation to the upright in the event of an impact can be further improved if the clamping connection to this first upright side, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tension element, is arranged off-center, in particular to the side of this first upright side.

[0018] If the tension element runs continuously through the overlapping area with the upright, the tension element can reliably guarantee its restraint function even in the area of ​​the upright.

[0019] The behavior of the tensioning element relative to the upright can be further improved if the mounting element rests directly against the upright and / or the tensioning element. The design of the vehicle restraint system can be further simplified if the mounting element has a first web that is penetrated by the screw and / or the clamping bracket.

[0020] This first bridge can, for example, be designed to run parallel to the tension element.

[0021] The above can be further improved if the first web runs straight in its longitudinal direction. This can also facilitate the installation of, for example, a straight tensioning element.

[0022] The mounting element can also be used, for example, to transfer longitudinal forces from the tension element to the upright. This is achieved by the mounting element having a second web that is inclined towards the first web and runs along a second side of the upright, which connects to the first side of the upright. This allows longitudinal forces to be transferred laterally to the upright via the second web, or absorbed by it, which can further increase the mechanical stability of the vehicle restraint system in the event of an impact. This stability is maintained even after the rigid connection between the mounting element and the upright has been released due to the impact.

[0023] Preferably, the second web is perpendicular to the first web. For example, the second web can also run parallel to the second side of the upright.

[0024] The foregoing is also independent of the direction of the tensile forces if the mounting element has a U-shaped section formed by the first web, the second web and a third web which is inclined to the first web and runs along a third support side which connects to the first support side.

[0025] Preferably, the third web is perpendicular to the first web. For example, the third web can also run parallel to the third side of the upright. The design of the mounting element can be further simplified if the i-shaped section of the mounting element is formed by two L-angles. This can also facilitate the installation of the mounting element.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the U-shaped section of the mounting element can have two L-angles that are penetrated by the clamping bracket.

[0027] To further simplify the construction of the vehicle restraint system, one of the two L-angles can form the first and second webs, and the other L-angle can run with one leg along the first web and with another leg form the third web.

[0028] The above can be further improved if the clamping brackets are mounted on the side of the mounting element with nuts and, if necessary, washers and / or locking washers that faces away from the side of the mounting element with the, in particular, adjacent, pulling element.

[0029] The specified restraint capacity can be ensured for a wide variety of vehicles if the tensioning element runs essentially at the midpoint of the upright. Preferably, the tensioning element runs horizontally.

[0030] The stiffness of the vehicle restraint system can be further increased if at least a second elongated tension element, in particular with at least one tension rod, runs from upright to upright above the tension element, wherein the second tension element is directly and rigidly connected to the uprights via several, in particular U-shaped, clamping brackets. For example, the additional tension element can further improve the structural integrity, energy absorption, and load distribution of the vehicle restraint system.

[0031] The vehicle restraint system according to the invention is particularly suitable for use on a driving surface. Such a driving surface can be, for example, a road, a carriageway, a path, or even an undeveloped area such as a meadow. In general, a driving surface can be any surface that a vehicle can drive on.

[0032] Brief description of the drawings

[0033] The figures illustrate the invention in more detail using an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows an impact-side view of a vehicle restraint system,

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a side view of a support of the vehicle restraint system shown in Fig. 1 and

[0036] Fig. 3 is a sectional view according to Ill-Ill of Fig. 2.

[0037] Ways to implement the invention

[0038] Figure 1 shows, for example, a vehicle restraint system 1 on a road surface 2 designed as a meadow. The vehicle restraint system 1 has several uprights 3 arranged side by side, running vertically and made, for example, of bent sheet steel. The vehicle restraint system 1 also has elongated tension elements 4, 5 that extend continuously from upright 3 to upright 3 and thus also run continuously with the upright 3, at least in the overlapping area. The tension elements 4, 5 each have several tension rods arranged one after the other, which are preferably butt-jointed and connected to each other via connectors, for example, round sleeves, which are not shown in detail. Locknuts provided on both sides of the round sleeve secure it, for example.The tension elements 4 and 5 are anchored at their ends, for example, exclusively by clamping connections 6 to a post 3, which has not been shown in detail. A tension rod, for example, could be considered a tension rod. A rope could also be considered a tension element.

[0039] The tensioning elements 4, 5 are provided on the impact side 1a of the vehicle restraint system 1 and are rigidly connected to the support 3. For this mechanical connection, the vehicle restraint system 1 has clamping connections 6. These clamping connections 6 have U-shaped clamping brackets 7. These clamping brackets 7 consist of a U-shaped bracket body 7a, for example, made of round steel, at each of whose two ends an external thread 7b with a nut 7c is provided, as shown, for example, in Fig. 2 at clamping connection 6 for the tensioning element.

[0040] 5 can be seen.

[0041] According to the invention, the fixed connection between the tensioning element 4 and the upright 3 is specially designed to ensure a predetermined restraint capacity on the vehicle restraint system 1. This mechanical connection includes a mounting element 8 located between the upright 3 and the tensioning element 4. The mounting element 8 is directly connected to the upright 3 at a first upright side 3a via a screw connection 10. For this purpose, the screw connection 10 includes a screw 10a, specifically, as shown, a pan head screw with a nut 10b and a washer 10c. The latter is located on the side of the mounting element 8 that faces away from the side of the mounting element 8 with the adjacent tensioning element 4. Furthermore, the mounting element 8 is connected to the tensioning element 4 via the clamping connection.

[0042] 6 is directly connected to the clamping bracket 7, as can be seen in detail in Fig. 3. This means that the clamping connection 6 for the tension element 4 can be mounted more independently of the upright 3 than, for example, the clamping connection 6 between the tension element 5 and the upright 3. The mounting element 8 separates the connection of the tension element 4 to the upright 3 into a screw connection 10 and a clamping connection 6. The mounting of the tension element 4 is therefore less dependent on the shape of the upright 3 and its position relative to the upright 3, which simplifies initial installation as well as repairs.

[0043] Furthermore, the additional screw connection 10 enhances the functionality of the vehicle restraint system 1 by increasing safety while maintaining the specified restraint capacity. This additional connection allows the mounting element 8 to detach from the upright 3 in the event of an impact, thus preventing the tensioning element 4 from dipping into the air if the upright 3 buckles. This impact-induced detachment of the screw connection 10 can be caused by overloading, such as shearing, breakage, etc., or by the screw coming loose, etc. Therefore, in contrast to the prior art, the vehicle restraint system 1 according to the invention can reliably fulfill the specified restraint capacity.

[0044] This is particularly due to the fact that the clamping connection 6 is mechanically more robust than the screw connection 10, enabling it to release the screw connection 10 between the mounting element 8 and the upright 3 in the event of an impact and also to hold the mounting element 8 to the tensioning element 4. The latter also prevents loose parts from the vehicle restraint system 1 in the event of an impact, further reducing the risk of injury.

[0045] Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 3, the clamping connection 6 is arranged off-center to this first upright side 3a when viewed in the longitudinal direction L of the tensioning element 4, specifically to the left side of this first upright side 3a. This lateral arrangement significantly facilitates the assembly of the clamping connection 6 and can be located to the left or right of the upright in the direction of the impact side 1a, as can be seen in Fig. 1. Preferably, this lateral arrangement alternates when viewed in the longitudinal direction L of the tensioning element 4.

[0046] Figure 3 also shows that the mounting element 8 rests directly against the upright 3 and the tension element 4, which further simplifies the design of the invention. For this purpose, the mounting element 8 has a first web 8a running parallel to the tension element 4, which is penetrated by the screw 10a and the clamping bracket 7, which are spaced apart from each other. For the sake of structural simplicity, the first web 8a runs straight in its longitudinal direction L.

[0047] Furthermore, the mounting element 8 has a U-shaped section, as can be seen in Fig. 3. For this purpose, the mounting element 8 has a second web 8b and a third web 8c. The first and second webs 8b, 8c are each perpendicular to the first web 9a and adjoin it. The second web 8b runs along a second upright side 3b, and the third web 8c runs along the third upright side 3c. Both upright sides 3b and 3c adjoin the first upright side 3a. The mounting element 8 can slide along the upright 3 via the U-shaped section if, in the event of an impact, the screw connection 10 loosens and the mounting element 8 is freely movable relative to the upright 3. In addition, the U-shaped section of the mounting element 8 can help to transfer longitudinal forces from the tension element 4 to the upright 3, even after the screw connection 10 loosens in the event of an impact. In addition, this U-shaped section of the mounting element 8 can relieve the tension element 4.

[0048] The mounting element 8 is also structurally simple. It consists of two L-brackets 9a, 9b. These form the U-shaped section of the mounting element 8. The first L-bracket 9a forms the first and second webs 8a, 8b of the mounting element 8. The second L-bracket 9b has one leg running along the first web 8a of the mounting element 8 and rests against it. The other leg of the second L-bracket 8b forms the third web 8c.

[0049] Both L-brackets 9a, 9b are held together by being jointly penetrated by the clamping bracket 7.

[0050] Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 1, the first tension element 4 runs horizontally at approximately the midpoint of the uprights 3. The second tension element 5 is provided at the upper end of the uprights 3. The second tension element 5 is directly and rigidly connected to the uprights 3 via U-shaped clamping brackets 7.

[0051] By loosening the screw connection 10 between mounting element 8 and upright 3 in the event of an impact, the second tension element 5 can also contribute to absorbing impact forces, thus distributing these impact forces between both tension elements 4 and 5. This is true even if the upright folds over and the other tension element 5 moves with the upright 3. The vehicle restraint system 1 according to the invention can therefore absorb more energy compared to the prior art and is thus mechanically more resilient. It is generally noted that "in particular" can be translated into English as "more particularly". A feature preceded by "in particular" is to be considered an optional feature that can be omitted and therefore does not constitute a limitation, for example, of the claims. The same applies to "preferably".

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Vehicle restraint system with several uprights (3), with at least one elongated tension element (4) extending from upright (3) to upright (3) and connected thereto, in particular with at least one tension rod, and with several clamping connections (6) with at least one, in particular U-shaped, clamping bracket (7) for connecting the tension element (4) to the respective upright (3), characterized in that a mounting element (8) is provided between at least one upright (3) and the tension element (4), which is connected on the one hand to the upright (3) at a first upright side (3a), in particular centrally, via a screw connection (10) with at least one screw (10a), in particular directly and / or firmly, and on the other hand to the tension element (4) via the clamping connection (6) with the clamping bracket (7), in particular directly and / or firmly.

2. Vehicle restraint system according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping connection (6) is mechanically more resilient than the screw connection (10) in order to release the screw connection (10) between mounting element (8) and upright (3) in the event of an impact and / or to hold the mounting element (8) on the tension element (4).

3. Vehicle restraint system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping connection (6) to this first upright side (3a) is arranged off-center in the longitudinal direction of the tension element (4), in particular laterally next to this first upright side (3a).

4. Vehicle restraint system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tension element (4) runs continuously with the upright (3) in the overlapping area.

5. Vehicle restraint system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mounting element (8) is directly attached to the upright (3) and / or to the tension element (4).

6. Vehicle restraint system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mounting element (8) has a first web (8a) which runs parallel to the tension element (4) and is penetrated by the screw (10a) and / or the clamping bracket (7).

7. Vehicle restraint system according to claim 6, characterized in that the first web (8a) runs straight in its longitudinal direction.

8. Vehicle restraint system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mounting element (8) has a second web (8b) which is inclined, in particular normal, to the first web (8a) and extends along a second support side (3b), in particular parallel to a second support side (3b), which connects to the first support side (3a).

9. Vehicle restraint system according to claim 8, characterized in that the mounting element (8) has a U-shaped section formed by the first web (8a), second web (8b) and a third web (8c) which is inclined, in particular normal, to the first web (8a) and extends along a third support side (3c), in particular parallel to a third support side (3c), which connects to the first support side (3a).

10. Vehicle restraint system according to claim 9, characterized in that the U-shaped section of the mounting element (8) is formed by two L-angles (9a, 9b) and / or that the U-shaped section of the mounting element (8) has two L-angles (9a, 9b) which are penetrated by the clamping bracket (7).

11. Vehicle restraint system according to claim 10, characterized in that one of the two L-angles (9a) forms the first and second web (8a, 8b), and the other L-angle (9b) extends with one leg along the first web (8a) and with another leg forms the third web (8c).

12. Vehicle restraint system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the clamping brackets (7) are mounted on the side of the mounting element (8) with nut (7c) and optionally with washers and / or locking washers which faces away from the side of the mounting element (8) with the, in particular, adjacent, tension element (4).

13. Vehicle restraint system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the tensioning element (4) runs essentially at the central height of the upright (3), in particular horizontally.

14. Vehicle restraint system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least a second elongated tension element (4), in particular with at least one tension rod, extends from upright (3) to upright (3) above the tension element (4), wherein the second tension element (4) is directly and rigidly connected to the uprights (3) via several, in particular i-shaped, clamping brackets (7).

15. Driving surface, in particular roadway, with a vehicle restraint system (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

Images