CH708355A2 - Traffic signal. - Google Patents

Abstract

The traffic signal (1) comprises a support device (3) with height-adjustable supports (17) and a signal carrier (5) held by the support device (3). By extending and then shortening the supports (17) with an autonomous drive, the traffic signal (1) can be lifted by a transport vehicle and placed on site.

Description

The invention relates to a traffic signal and a method for temporarily arranging this traffic signal along a traffic route according to the preamble of claims 1 and 13.

Traffic signals such as e.g. Road signs used in road construction or other temporary events are only needed temporarily at the site. In particular, for longer construction sites on highways such traffic signals must be placed several times before they are transported back to a central depository or to another site. Such traffic signals are distributed directly on a transport vehicle or on a trailer, which are then temporarily parked at the desired location. During the period of use of such traffic signals, these vehicles or trailers are blocked and can not be used for other tasks. Only one traffic signal can be transported and arranged locally per vehicle or trailer. In this type of traffic signal, the safety of persons is insufficiently guaranteed, because they usually stay for a long time directly at a danger point and / or have to leave the vehicle. In addition, the human and material costs per traffic signal is very high. Alternatively, transport vehicles can also transport several traffic signals. Such traffic signals typically include a heavy footplate stand and traffic signs that are held by shaft tubes to the footplate posts. The high weight of the footplate stands is problematic both during unloading and loading of the transport vehicle as well as during transport between the loading point and the actual place of use. It is not only a high risk of accidents, but also requires the use of multiple people. In addition, such traffic signals must be assembled at the site and then disassembled for transport again.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a temporary traffic signal, which can be transported with relatively little effort and safely up and dismantled.

This object is achieved by a traffic signal according to the features of patent claim 1 and by a method for temporarily arranging this traffic signal along a traffic route according to the features of claim 13.

The inventive traffic signal comprises instead of a conventional Fußplattenständers a support bridge or a support with height-adjustable supports. Attached to each carrier is a signal carrier comprising one or more holding frames to which traffic signs or other traffic signals, e.g. Electronic scoreboards are attached or can be attached. Such traffic signals can be transported fully assembled, for example, transverse to the direction of travel on the loading bridge of a transport vehicle. Of course, instead of a conventional loading bridge, the transport vehicle may also comprise another carrying device adapted to the shape of the traffic signals. Alternatively, the traffic signals can be transported on a trailer with a corresponding carrying device. Regardless of the support device several traffic signals can be arranged one behind the other and transported at the same time in the rule. In an advantageous embodiment, the signal carriers comprise two or more holding frames, which are designed to be displaceable or pivotable relative to one another. For transport, the support frame can be brought into a transport position, in which cover the part signs to the frame. This causes less air resistance during transport due to the smaller attack surface. The lower height also makes it possible to pass places with low vehicle height limits.

For the transport of the traffic signals trailer can be used, in which the wheelbase of the rear wheels is smaller than the distance between the supports at the two ends of the support bridge. Such signs can be unloaded directly from the trailer at the place of use by first extending the supports so far down or lowered until their feet touch the ground. By further lowering the respective traffic signal is slightly raised. Then the vehicle drives forward with the trailer until the traffic sign is clear. The supports are retracted again until the preferably trough-shaped middle part of the carrier rests on the terrain or ground. The holding frame with the elements of the signal panel or the display elements are moved from the transport position to the working position. In an analogous manner, the traffic signal can be brought back into a transportable state and charged to the trailer in the reverse order.

In a further embodiment, the supports are arranged on support arms, which are displaceable or pivotable in the longitudinal direction of the bridge, such that the distance between the supports on opposite arms is variable. To unload a traffic signal, the position of the support arms is first changed so that the supports laterally project beyond the edge of the loading bridge or the transport device. Subsequently, the supports are lowered as described above to raise the traffic signal. After the transport vehicle or the trailer has been pulled forward, the supports are raised until they are no longer in contact with the ground. It follows a movement of the support arms to reduce their lateral overhang in the longitudinal direction of the bridge. Thereafter, the supports are lowered again at a smaller mutual distance until they are back in contact with the ground. The weight of the traffic signal is mainly supported by the middle part of the carrier on the ground. On site, the columns usually only have a stabilizing effect.

To stabilize the traffic signal transversely to the longitudinal direction of the bridge, ie transversely to the support frame of the signal carrier or in the direction of the traffic route additional stabilizers can be provided. For example, can be arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the bridge extendable, pivotable or otherwise adjustable tubes or profile elements on the support and / or on the supports. Alternatively, the feet of the posts could also have stabilizing elements e.g. in the form of one or more rotatable or pivotable members. These are aligned at the respective location across the bridge.

The traffic signal preferably comprises an autonomous drive, a drive control and an independent power source. Preferably, a hydraulic drive is used with a hydraulic pump, said hydraulic pump and the electronic drive control are fed by a rechargeable battery, which is arranged on the bridge. Alternatively, the drive could also comprise one or more electric motors or be designed as a pneumatic drive. The batteries are preferably interchangeable. The recharging of the batteries may, depending on the design of the traffic signal, e.g. by connecting to the power grid or directly on site via solar panels that can be optionally attached to the traffic signal.

The drive control comprises controls with which single, multiple or all possible movements individually or alternatively simultaneously in combination can be controlled by an operator. The controls are preferably located on a remote control that can be operated by the cab of a transport vehicle without leaving the vehicle. The remote control is part of the drive control in this sense. Preferably, the drive control comprises control instructions for movements with a plurality of movements to be executed. The unloading of a traffic signal from the transport vehicle, the arranging at the edge of the traffic route, if necessary, the stabilization and the change of the holding frame with the display elements from the transport to the working position can be done automatically in an efficient way. The same applies when charging the traffic signal to the transport vehicle.

Preferably, the drive control comprises a transmitting and receiving electronics and can be operated by means of a radio remote control. In this way, several traffic signals, which are brought by a transport vehicle to the respective site, be successively unloaded and placed in the working position, without the operator would have to leave the vehicle. As a result, the risk of accidents of these persons can be significantly reduced. Each traffic signal can be individually addressed by the remote control. Preferably, each traffic signal comprises one or more warning lights. If the remote control communicates with one of the traffic signals, this can indicate the warning light of this traffic signal, for example by a flashing signal. Particularly advantageously, these warning lights are formed on the back of flash signal lights, which are attached to the signal carrier and aligned in the working position of the traffic signal against the direction of travel of the respective traffic route to warn approaching road users.

Furthermore, the drive control may also include sensors with which, for example, detects the bearing force on the supports and optionally regulated. This is particularly advantageous in the working position, where the supports are usually used mainly for stabilization. In addition, the drive control can optionally evaluate signals from limit switches, encoders or other position and / or position sensors. In particular, individual, multiple or all movements can be regulated and / or states of the moving parts can be monitored.

In a further embodiment, the traffic signal comprises means for compensating for uneven or sloping terrain. In particular, the signal carrier on the supporting device or the bridge can be designed to be pivotable within a limited range of motion about a first pivot axis in the longitudinal direction of the carrier and / or about a second pivot axis in the transverse direction of the carrier. For example, starting from a normal position in which the signal carrier protrudes orthogonally on the support bridge, the signal carrier can be moved manually in one or two pivoting directions within a swivel range of e.g. Adjusted +/- 15 ° and preferably secured positively in these layers with a locking or securing element. Alternatively, the supports on the carrier with corresponding adjusting means could be designed to be pivotable or otherwise adjustable. In particular, it can be provided that the load of the traffic signal in the working position is at least partially supported by the supports. If at the two ends of the support bridge not only one but each two supports are formed, the traffic signal can be worn in the working position of these supports. This can of course also be achieved with a three-point support, wherein at one end of the support bridge only one support, but on the other two supports are arranged. Preferably, the drive controller uses signals from a tilt sensor to horizontally control the position of the support bridge. In a further alternative embodiment with at least three, in particular four supports, the horizontal position of the support bridge can be set when setting up the traffic signal and optionally fixed by means of suitable latching or securing elements.

Instead of static signal panels and electronic scoreboards can be attached to one or more frames of the signal carrier. The adjustment of these electronic displays takes place by means of control elements of the display control. Alternatively or additionally, the display can also be set and operated via a remote control, in particular via the remote control of the traffic signal or via a mobile radio network such as GSM. In a further embodiment, the drive electronics and the display control can also be designed as common control electronics. To simplify the loading on a transport vehicle, markings or other navigation aids may be formed on the traffic signal. In addition, the traffic signal may include fastening means such as straps, brackets, eyelets or the like, with which a secure attachment to the transport vehicle or trailer allows or facilitates. Preferably, these fastening elements comprise movable parts which can be moved by the drive of the traffic signal and locked with corresponding holding elements on the transport vehicle or can be unlocked from these.

Based on some figures, an exemplary embodiment of the traffic signal will be described in more detail below. Show <Tb> FIG. 1 <SEP> is a perspective view of the traffic signal in working position, <Tb> FIG. 2 <SEP> the traffic signal from FIG. 1 in transport position, <Tb> FIG. 3 <SEP> a detailed view of the signal carrier in two different positions when changing from the transport position to the working position, <Tb> FIG. 4 <SEP> a detail view of the support device in the region of the support arms in two different positions, <Tb> FIG. 5 <SEP> a detailed view in the area of the trough-shaped carrier <Tb> FIG. 6 <SEP> an arrangement of a transport vehicle with a plurality of traffic signals when unloading one of these traffic signals.

Fig. 1 shows a traffic signal 1, comprising a support device 3 and a support member 3 attached to the signal carrier 5. The signal carrier 5 comprises two spaced, on the support device 3 upstanding post 6, where at least one support frame 7 for a Road sign 9 or another display element is held. The posts 6 may also be part of this support frame 7. In the traffic signal 1 shown in Fig. 1, a lower support frame 7a and a middle support frame 7b are rigidly connected to the posts 6, wherein the posts 6 define these two superimposed support frame 7a, 7b on both sides or form their side legs. At the lower support frame 7a, a first traffic sign 9a is releasably secured again, at the middle support frame 7b of the lower part of a second road sign 9b. An upper holding frame 7c is pivotably articulated to the post 6, for example by means of Gelenkparallelogrammen. This articulated connection allows pivoting of the upper support frame 7c between an upper working position, as shown in Figure 1, and a lower transport position, as shown in Fig. 2. In the transport position the total height of the traffic signal is smaller than in the working position. In alternative embodiments, the adjusting device of the upper holding frame 7c could also be formed in another way. Thus, for example, the upper support frame 7c could be folded over a horizontal pivot axis or moved along guides parallel to the middle support frame 7b. In the upper holding frame 7c, the upper part of the second traffic sign 9c is releasably held again. The parts 9b and 9c of the upper traffic sign can optionally each comprise a narrow vertical gripping opening 11 on both sides. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the two upper holding frames 7b, 7c each comprise two upper transverse strips 8 at a small mutual distance. For the temporary attachment of the parts 9b, 9c of the second traffic sign to the respective holding frames 7b, 7c, the upper edges of these traffic sign parts 9b, 9c inserted from below into the intermediate space between the adjacent upper transverse strips 8 of the respective holding frame 7b, 7c. Subsequently, the parts 9b, 9c are lowered, so that the lower edges between two lower transverse strips 10 (FIG. 3) of the respective holding frame 7b, 7c rest on a stop element (not shown). The lower traffic sign 9a may e.g. be releasably secured by screws on the lower support frame 7a or other fasteners of the support device 3 or the signal carrier 5. In the working position, the two parts 9b, 9c of the second traffic sign complement each other to form a complete traffic sign, wherein the lower transverse strips 10 of the upper holding frame 7c are arranged behind the upper transverse strips 8 of the middle holding frame 7b. At the upper holding frame 7c two signal lights 13 are attached. They protrude beyond the upper edge of this support frame 7c. The signal lights 13 are designed and aligned so that they can emit light flashes or flashing signals, in particular in the effective direction of the traffic signs 9. The direction of action is indicated in Fig. 1 by an arrow P, which is aligned orthogonal to the support frame 7 in the direction of the view side of the traffic signs 9. Preferably, the signal lights 13 additionally include separately activatable indicator lights (not shown), which can radiate 1 control signals against the direction of action when building or dismantling the traffic signal.

The support device 3 carries the signal carrier 5 and this can at the place of use - usually along a road or another traffic route - supported on the respective ground or ground and for transporting on a trailer or transport vehicle. The support device 3 is designed as an elongate support bridge, also referred to as a bridge for short, and comprises an elongate support 15 with a centrally arranged support base 15a and support arms 15b on both sides in the longitudinal direction on the support base 15a. The support base 15a is formed like a trough, wherein the upper edge of a trapezoidal in longitudinal section trough 21 is formed as a substantially rectangular frame. The trough 21 may also have a conical contour other than the trapezoidal shape, which also facilitates centering during loading onto a transport vehicle relative to a load carrier formed on the transport vehicle. The support arms 15b are arranged in the region of the narrow sides of this frame and preferably adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the frame.

Height-adjustable supports 17 are arranged on the support arms 15b, with which the carrier 15 and thus the traffic signal 1 can be supported on the respective ground or ground. The supports 17 can be formed as so-called Nuremberg scissors or as a joint chain with a plurality of crossed scissor levers, as shown in FIG. The drive of the supports 17, for example, by means of hydraulic cylinders 19, 19a or alternatively by means of electric motors (not shown). Of course, the supports 17 may be formed and / or driven in other ways. The length or height H of the supports 17 in the vertical direction is adjustable between a minimum height Hl and a maximum height. The minimum height Hl is dimensioned such that the feet 17a of the supports 17 have a minimum distance to the bearing surface on which the trough base 21a rests when the supports 17 are retracted. The minimum distance of the feet 17a to the support surface is preferably of the order of about 1 cm to about 10 cm. If the supports 17 are extended, the carrier 3 is supported and lifted on the supports 17. The maximum height of the supports 17 is dimensioned so that the intended transport device, so for example the loading bridge of a transport vehicle transversely to the longitudinal direction of the carrier 3 is freely movable under the support 3, when the supports 17 are extended to the maximum height. The maximum height of the supports 17 may be, for example, in the order of about 50cm to about 150cm.

Fig. 2 shows the traffic signal 1 of Fig. 1 in the transport position, wherein the upper support frame 7 c is pivoted to its lowest position behind the central support frame 7 b, and wherein the height of the supports 17 is set to the minimum height Hl, so that the Total height of the traffic signal 1 is minimal.

Fig. 3 shows a detail of a section of the traffic signal 1 in the region of the two upper support frame 7b, 7c. On the left side, the arrangement is shown in transport position. On the right side of the arrangement when pivoting the upper support frame 7c is shown. For moving this holding frame 7c preferably one or two hydraulic cylinders 19b are used, wherein each of the piston rods is articulated approximately centrally on a connecting arm between two legs of the respective articulated parallelogram.

Fig. 4 shows in the upper part of a detailed view of the traffic signal 1 in the region of one of the support arms 15b of the support device 3, wherein the support 17 is retracted to minimum height Hl. This corresponds to the transport position. The one or more support arms 15b may be rigidly connected to the support base 15a or movably mounted on the support base 15a, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 15 slidably mounted. The lower detail view in Fig. 4 corresponds to the section shown in the upper part, however, wherein the height of the support 17 by the force of the associated hydraulic cylinder 19a in the vertical direction (double arrow R) extends and the support arm 15b by the action of another hydraulic cylinder 19, 19c in the longitudinal direction of the frame (double arrow S) have been moved to the outside. This corresponds to an arrangement as it can be used when loading or unloading the traffic signal 1 from a transport vehicle. Due to the sideward movement of the opposite support arms 15b of a support device 3, the relative distance between the supports 17 on these support arms 15b can be changed. In the transport and working positions, the projection of the support arms 15b via the support base 15a is preferably minimal. When loading and unloading of a vehicle, the support arms 15 can be extended to the extent that the supports 17 can be lowered laterally the loading bridge of the vehicle and raised.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of the traffic signal 1 in the region of the trough-like carrier base 15a. Inside the tub 21, a battery 23 or other energy source is arranged. The battery 23 feeds a hydraulic pump 25, which is also arranged in the tub 21. Furthermore, the traffic signal 1 comprises control electronics (not shown) which are designed to control the hydraulic cylinders 19, 19a, 9b, 19c by means of control valves or other actuators (not shown). The control electronics preferably comprise control instructions for the automatic control of movement sequences, in which one or more of the hydraulic cylinders 19 are activated in a defined sequence. In the control of these processes, if necessary, measured variables of sensors can be taken into account and / or used for control. In addition to the control part for the drives, the control electronics may also comprise a communication part which enables communication with a remote control and / or a communication via a mobile radio network with a control center. In particular, this control part can also be used for controlling electronic display means, which are fastened to one or more of the holding frames 7a, 7b, 7c. The signal lights 13 and possibly the indicator lights are also controlled by the control electronics.

Fig. 6 shows a transport vehicle, the loading bridge is designed as a preferably interchangeable or temporarily connectable to the vehicle load carrier for a plurality of traffic signals 1. On the transport vehicle in the direction of travel three traffic signals 1 are held one behind the other. Depending on the design of the load carrier, a plurality of, for example, six or ten traffic signals can be arranged on a transport vehicle. In the illustration in Fig. 6, the front two traffic signals 1 are held in transport position on the load carrier. The rearmost traffic signal 1 is being lifted off the load carrier. For this purpose, the support arms 15b are maximally extended in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 15 and the supports 17 have been extended downwards. Preferably, the traffic signals 1 comprise one or more adjustable securing elements (not shown), for example in the form of gripping arms or hooks, with which the traffic signals 1 can be secured in a form-fitting manner during transport on the load carrier. Such security elements can be locked, for example, as the last action when setting the transport position and unlocked when setting up a traffic signal 1 as a first action again. The weight of the support device 3 is high enough that the traffic signal 1 is stable in working position. It can be a few hundred kilograms. If necessary, a space for additional weights can be provided in the tub 21.

Claims (13)

1. traffic signal (1), comprising a support device (3) and a on the support device (3) held signal carrier (5), characterized in that the support device (3) as a bridge with a height-adjustable supports (17) supportable support (15 ), said support (15) comprising support arms (15b) on opposite sides, and wherein said supports (17) are arranged on said support arms (15b). 2. traffic signal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support arms (15b) on a support base (15a) of the carrier (15) are adjustably mounted. 3. traffic signal (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the carrier base (15) has the shape of a trapezoidal in longitudinal section or otherwise conical trough (21), and that the edge of this trough (21) is a substantially rectangular Frame is. 4. Traffic signal according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the support arms (15b) on the support base (15a) in the longitudinal direction of the carrier (15) are displaceably mounted. 5. traffic signal (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the relative distance between supports (17) on opposite support arms (15b) is variable. 6. traffic signal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the signal carrier (5) comprises at least one holding frame (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) for a traffic sign (9a, 9b, 9c) or another display element , 7. Traffic signal (1) according to claim 6, wherein the signal carrier (5) comprises more than one holding frame (7, 7a, 7b, 7c), characterized in that the position of at least one of these holding frame (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) is adjustable. 8. traffic signal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a drive device for adjusting the height of the supports (17). 9. Traffic signal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the drive device comprises a hydraulic pump (25) and hydraulic cylinder (19, 19 a). 10. Traffic signal (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the hydraulic pump (25) connected to at least one further hydraulic cylinder (19b, 19c) and as a drive for moving one or both retaining arms (15b) and / or the upper support frame (7c ) is usable. 11. traffic signal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that on the signal carrier (5) at least one signal light (13) is fixed. 12. traffic signal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by a battery (23) or other autonomous energy source and by an electronic control unit for controlling individual movements or related movements. 13. A method for temporarily arranging this traffic signal along a traffic route according to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the following method steps are carried out successively: - Move support arms (15b) outwards in the longitudinal direction of the carrier (15) - Extend the supports (17) and raise the carrier (15) from the transport vehicle - After moving the transport vehicle, shorten the supports (17) to the minimum height Hl, so that the tank bottom (21a) rests on the ground - Move the support arms (15b) inwards in the longitudinal direction of the support (15) - Lower the supports (17) until they touch the ground