DE202023101166U1 - Modular mast as a road mobility aid - Google Patents

Abstract

Multifunction mast (1) as an aid for road mobility, characterized in that it comprises:- a first functional module (2) with a tubular shape, comprising a first end (2a) from which a support flange (22) radially in direction of the interior of the first functional module (2) protrudes from its first side wall (21), the support flange (22) having a support portion (23) in the vicinity of a first inner peripheral edge (24);- a second functional module (3) of tubular shape comprising a second open end (3a) from which an anchoring flange (33) protrudes radially towards the inside of the second functional module (3), starting from its second side wall (31), and with its second inner peripheral edge (34) a inner opening (35), wherein the second functional module (3) comprises a first access opening (32) formed on the second side wall (31); wherein the second functional module (3) is coupled to the first functional module (2) in such a way that the anchoring flange (33) rests directly or indirectly on the supporting flange (22), and in such a way that the supporting flange (22) and the anchoring flange (33) are centered on a median central axis (4) which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (5) of the first functional module (2), the multifunction mast (1) comprising a restriction device (6) set up to restrict the second functional module ( 3) to bind to the first functional module (2) by selectively allowing their mutual rotation; the internal opening (35) facing the support portion (23), the restricting device (6) being located inside the multifunctional mast (1). and is at least partially accessible from the outside through the first access opening (32), wherein the restriction device (6) comprises a locking element (61) having a central portion (611) facing the support portion (23) and a peripheral portion (612 ) which faces a support surface (36) of the anchoring flange (33) which is remote from the support flange (22), the restriction device (6) comprising one or more first tightening elements (62) which are fixed to the locking element (61) and fixed to the support flange (22) to clamp between them the anchoring flange (33) with a desired pressure so as to selectively block its rotation with respect to the support flange (22) by friction.

Description

technical field

The present disclosure relates to a modular mast as an on-road mobility aid.

Background of the Invention

Nowadays, there is a great need to equip roads with assistive mobility systems, e.g. to support technologies for assisted or autonomous driving, which are increasingly used in vehicles.

There are known road mobility assistance systems in which a plurality of masts are erected along a given stretch of road, equipped with one or more electronic devices, e.g. a video camera for reading license plates, a speed detector, an antenna, etc.; these masts are hereinafter referred to as "multi-function masts".

In the case of known multifunction masts, the electronic devices are usually contained in one or more function modules which are located one above the other and which are coupled to one another in such a way that they can rotate independently of one another about the central longitudinal axis of the multifunction mast.

The modularity of the known multifunction masts makes it possible to control the electronic device contained in each functional module independently of the others, depending on the specific needs.

However, these known multifunction masts have some disadvantages.

It can happen that after one of these multifunction masts has been set up, one or more large objects, e.g. buildings, traffic signs, pylons, etc., are set up in the vicinity of such a multifunction mast.

Such objects may make it necessary to correct the alignment of one or more functional modules of the multifunction mast, for example in order to restore an acceptable operating condition for the electronic device contained therein.

Correcting the orientation of one or more functional modules of a known multifunction mast requires the dismantling of a large part of the mast, in some cases even its complete removal and subsequent reconstruction.

This process is therefore quite laborious, time-consuming and, for these reasons, also relatively expensive.

In addition, the connecting elements with which the functional modules of the known multifunction masts can be connected to one another are often exposed to the elements, as a result of which they deteriorate both functionally and aesthetically over time.

The main object of the present invention is to create a multifunction mast as a mobility aid that allows the mutual orientation of its functional modules to be changed relatively easily, quickly and inexpensively.

Within the scope of this aim, an aim of the invention is to obtain a multifunction mast that allows the mutual orientation of its functional modules to be modified on site without having to be removed and then repositioned in place.

A further object of the present invention is to obtain a multifunctional mast as a mobility aid, in which the connecting elements between the functional modules are only slightly affected by weather influences.

Summary of the Invention

• - ein erstes Funktionsmodul mit einer röhrenförmigen Form, das ein erstes Ende umfasst, von dem ein Stützflansch radial in Richtung der Innenseite des ersten Funktionsmoduls von dessen erster Seitenwand übersteht, wobei der Stützflansch in der Nähe eines ersten inneren Umfangsrands einen Stützabschnitt aufweist;
• - ein zweites Funktionsmodul mit einer röhrenförmigen Form, das ein zweites, offenes Ende aufweist, von dem ein Verankerungsflansch radial in das Innere des zweiten Funktionsmoduls, ausgehend von dessen zweiter Seitenwand, übersteht und mit seinem zweiten inneren Umfangsrand eine innere Öffnung begrenzt, wobei das zweite Funktionsmodul eine an der ersten Seitenwand ausgebildete erste Zugangsöffnung aufweist.

The object and purposes described above are achieved by a multi-function mast as a road mobility aid, comprising:

• - a first functional module having a tubular shape, comprising a first end from which a support flange protrudes radially towards the inside of the first functional module from the first side wall thereof, the support flange having a support portion in the vicinity of a first inner peripheral edge;
• - a second functional module with a tubular shape, having a second, open end from which an anchoring flange protrudes radially towards the interior of the second functional module, starting from its second side wall, and delimiting with its second inner peripheral edge an internal opening, the second Function module has a first access opening formed on the first side wall.

The second functional module is coupled to the first functional module such that the anchoring flange rests directly or indirectly on the support flange and the support flange and anchoring flange are centered on a central central axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first functional module.

The multifunction mast according to the invention also comprises a restriction device which is set up to bind the second functional module to the first functional module by selectively allowing their mutual rotation.

The inner opening faces the support portion.

The restriction device is located inside the multifunction mast and is at least partially accessible from the outside through the first access opening.

The restricting device includes a locking member having a central portion facing the support portion and an edge portion facing a support surface of the anchoring flange and facing away from the support flange.

The restriction device consists of one or more first tightening elements fixed to the locking element and to the support flange in order to clamp between them with a desired pressure the anchoring flange such that its rotation with respect to the support flange is selectively blocked by friction.

Further advantageous features of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

character list

• - 1 eine Frontansicht eines vorteilhaften Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Multifunktionsmasts;
• - 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Multifunktionsmasts aus 1, bei dem zwei Funktionsmodule in Bezug auf ein drittes Funktionsmodul gedreht wurden;
• - 3 eine perspektivische Querschnittsansicht eines Details eines ersten vorteilhaften Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Multifunktionsmasts;
• - 4 einer frontalen Querschnittsansicht eines Details des Ausführungsbeispiels eines Multifunktionsmasts aus 3;
• - 5 eine perspektivische Querschnittsansicht eines Details eines zweiten vorteilhaften Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Multifunktionsmasts;
• - 6 eine frontalen Querschnittsansicht eines Details des Ausführungsbeispiels eines Multifunktionsmasts aus 5; und
• - 7 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Elements, das den Multifunktionsmast von 5 bildet.

The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, and which refers to the attached schematic drawings. Show it:

• - 1 a front view of an advantageous embodiment of a multifunction mast according to the invention;
• - 2 a perspective view of the multifunction mast 1 , in which two functional modules have been rotated in relation to a third functional module;
• - 3 a perspective cross-sectional view of a detail of a first advantageous embodiment of a multifunction mast according to the invention;
• - 4 a frontal cross-sectional view of a detail of the embodiment of a multifunction mast 3 ;
• - 5 a perspective cross-sectional view of a detail of a second advantageous embodiment of a multifunction mast according to the invention;
• - 6 1 shows a frontal cross-sectional view of a detail of the exemplary embodiment of a multifunction mast 5 ; and
• - 7 a perspective view of an element that the multifunction mast of 5 forms.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the accompanying figures, a multifunction mast has been denoted overall by the reference numeral 1 as an aid for mobility in road traffic.

The multifunction mast 1 according to the invention comprises a first functional module 2 which has a tubular shape and comprises a first end 2a from which a support flange 22 protrudes radially towards the interior of the first functional module 2 from its first side wall 21, the support flange 22 being in the vicinity its first inner peripheral edge 24 has a support portion 23.

Advantageously, the support portion 23 has an annular shape.

Advantageously, the support portion 23 comprises a plurality of first holes 25, preferably distributed along a perimeter.

Preferably, the holes of the plurality of first holes 25 are equidistant from each other.

In an advantageous embodiment, the holes of the plurality of first holes 25 are through holes.

In an advantageous embodiment, the holes of the plurality of first holes 25 are blind and preferably threaded.

The multifunction mast 1 according to the invention comprises a second functional module 3 with a tubular shape, which has a second, open end 3a, from which an anchoring flange 33, which defines an inner opening 35 with a second inner peripheral edge 34, starting from a second side wall 31 of the second functional module 3 protrudes radially into its interior.

Advantageously, the inner opening 35 has a substantially circular cross-section.

The second functional module 3 includes a first access opening 32 formed in the second side wall 31 .

The second functional module 3 is coupled to the first functional module 2 in such a way that the anchoring flange 33 bears directly or indirectly on the supporting flange 22, in such a way that the supporting flange 22 and the anchoring flange 33 are centered on a central central axis 4 which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 5 of the first functional module 2 runs.

The inner opening 35 faces the support portion 23 .

The multifunction mast 1 according to the invention comprises a restriction device 6 which is set up to bind the second functional module 3 to the first functional module 2 by selectively allowing their mutual rotation.

The restriction device 6 is located within the multifunction mast 1, preferably at least partially (or completely) within the first functional module 2, or partially within the first functional module 2 and partially within the second functional module 3.

The restriction device 6 is at least partially accessible through the first access opening 32 from outside the multifunction mast 2 .

Advantageously, the first access opening 32 is dimensioned in such a way that the restriction device 6 can be passed through it, so that it can be inserted into the second functional module 3 or removed from it.

The restriction device 6 comprises a locking element 61 with a middle section 611 which faces the support section 23 and an edge section 612 which faces a support surface 36 of the anchoring flange 33 and faces away from the support flange 22 .

The locking element 61 is preferably in one piece.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the locking element 61 can be a modular body (i.e. consist of several modules connected together).

The locking element 61 is preferably of ring-shaped design.

Advantageously, the central portion 611 of the locking element 61 has a plurality of second holes 613, preferably distributed along a perimeter.

Preferably, the holes of the plurality of second holes 613 are equidistant from each other.

Advantageously, the holes in the plurality of second holes 613 are through holes.

Advantageously, the number of holes in the plurality of second holes 613 is equal to the number of holes in the plurality of first holes 25.

Advantageously, each of the plurality of second holes 613 is coaxial with a corresponding one of the plurality of first holes 25.

The restriction device 6 comprises one or more first tightening elements 62 fixed to the locking element 61 and to the support flange 22 in order to clamp between them with a desired pressure the anchoring flange 33 so that its rotation with respect to the support flange 22 is selectively blocked by friction.

In an advantageous embodiment of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention, which is not shown in the attached figures, each hole of the plurality of first holes 25 is threaded and the one or more tightening elements 62 are preferably screws, each screwed into a corresponding one of the plurality of second holes 613 can be inserted and screwed into a corresponding one of the plurality of first holes 25 arranged coaxially with the second hole 613 into which the screw is inserted.

In an advantageous embodiment of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention, as for example in the 1 until 6 As shown, the one or more tightening elements 62 are preferably bolts 10 comprising heads 101 advantageously positioned in the first module 3 and each having bolts 102 projecting therefrom, each of which is inserted into a respective second hole of the plurality of second holes 613 and 613 are inserted in and have a threaded end thereof protruding from a respective one of the plurality of first holes 25 coaxial with the respective second hole; in the advantageous embodiment, the bolts 10 comprise nuts 103 which are tightened on the free ends of the bolts 102.

By tightening these bolts 10, the locking element 61 is pushed towards the support flange 22 and between these locking elements 61 and the support flange 22, the anchoring flange 33 is clamped with a desired pressure to selectively block its rotation relative to the support flange 22 by friction.

By loosening these bolts 10 the clamping of the anchoring flange 33 is released so that this anchoring flange 33 can be rotated relative to the support flange 22 and consequently the first functional module 2 can be rotated relative to the second functional module 3 .

Advantageously, the first functional module 2 has a second access opening 26 formed on the first side wall 21 and used to make the nuts 103 of the bolts 10 accessible from outside the first functional module 2, thus enabling them to be tightened.

In an advantageous embodiment of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention, as in the 5 and 6 is shown, the second functional module 3 is coupled to the first functional module 2 in such a way that the anchoring flange 33 rests indirectly on the supporting flange 22 .

In such an advantageous embodiment, the multifunction mast 1 comprises a spacer element 7, which is preferably arranged between the support flange 22 and the anchoring flange 33 and is preferably in contact with them.

Advantageously, the spacer element 7 is set up to enable the coupling of the second functional module 3 to the first functional module 2 while keeping the support flange 22 at a distance from the anchoring flange 33 .

In an advantageous embodiment, not shown in the attached figures, the spacer element 7 is in one piece.

Advantageously, the spacer element 7 has a plurality of third holes 71, preferably distributed along a circumference.

Preferably, the holes of the plurality of third holes 71 are equally spaced from each other.

Advantageously, the holes of the plurality of third holes 71 are through holes.

Advantageously, the number of holes in the plurality of third holes 71 is equal to the number of holes in the plurality of first holes 25 and the number of holes in the plurality of second holes 613.

Advantageously, each of the plurality of third holes 71 is coaxial with a corresponding one of the plurality of first holes 25 and with a corresponding one of the plurality of second holes 613.

In an advantageous embodiment of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention, as in the 5 and 6 is shown, the first side wall 21 comprises a second opening 26 which is set up to make the interior of the first functional module 2 accessible from the outside.

Advantageously, the multifunction mast 1 comprises one or more second clamping elements 8, which are preferably accessible from the first functional module 2, in particular through the second opening 26, and which are fixed to the support flange 22 and the spacer element 7 in such a way that they do not rotate in relation to one another and cannot move away from each other.

Advantageously, the support flange 22 comprises a plurality of fourth holes 27, preferably through holes.

The fourth holes 27 are advantageously arranged along a circumference, preferably between the plurality of first holes 25 and the first side wall 21 of the first functional module 2.

Preferably, the fourth holes 27 are equidistant from each other.

Advantageously, the fourth holes 27 may be threaded.

Advantageously, a plurality of fifth holes 72, preferably through holes, are formed on the spacer element 7.

Advantageously, the fifth holes 72 are arranged along a perimeter preferably between the plurality of third holes 71 and an outer edge 73 of the spacer element 7 .

Advantageously, the number of fifth holes 72 is equal to the number of fourth holes 27.

Advantageously, each fifth hole 72 is coaxial with a corresponding fourth hole 27.

Advantageously, the one or more second tightening members 8 are bolts 108 inserted into a respective fourth hole 27 and into a respective fifth hole 72 which is coaxial with this fourth hole 27.

In a further advantageous embodiment, as in the 5 until 7 As shown, the spacer 7 may be a modular body.

In such an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the spacer element 7 comprises a multiplicity of spacer modules 74 which are preferably identical and preferably detachably connected to one another.

Advantageously, each module of the plurality of spacer modules 74 has one hole of the plurality of third holes 71 and one hole of the plurality of fifth holes 72, so that a single spacer module 74 can be attached to the support flange 22 with a corresponding second clamping element 8 until the entire spacer element 7 is mounted.

In an advantageous embodiment of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention, as for example in the 1 and 2 is shown, the first functional module 2 comprises a third end 2b opposite the first end 2a, on which a mounting flange 28 protrudes from the first side wall 21, preferably in the radial direction and preferably toward the outside of the first functional module 2, in order to hold the first functional module 2 on the Floor 9 to attach.

In such an advantageous embodiment, the second functional module 3 is superimposed on the first functional module 2 .

Advantageously, the second function module 3 and/or the first function module 2 can comprise an electronic device, not shown, such as a camera for reading license plates, a speed detector, an antenna, etc.

An electronic device is advantageously fastened within the second functional module 3 and/or the first functional module 2, preferably in a removable manner.

The functioning of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention is as follows.

The multifunction mast 1 can be erected by attaching a first functional module 2 to the floor 9, e.g. with the mounting flange 28, if present.

In an advantageous embodiment of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention, as in the 1 until 4 is shown, the second function module 3 is positioned on the first function module 2 by resting with its anchoring flange 33 on the support flange 22 of the first function module 2, so that the two contact each other.

The second functional module 3 is then rotated in relation to the first functional module 2 which is fixed to the floor.

As soon as the desired alignment of the second functional module 3 has been achieved, the locking element 61 is inserted into the module through the first access opening 32 .

The locking member 61 is positioned such that its central portion 611 faces the support portion 23 of the support flange 22 through the inner opening 35 and the edge portion 612 faces the support surface 36 of the anchoring flange 33 .

The locking member 61 is then rotated about itself relative to the support portion 23 until each of its second holes 613 is coaxial with a corresponding first hole 25 of the support portion 23.

At this time, a respective jig 62 is inserted into each of the second plurality of holes 613 .

In an advantageous embodiment of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention, which is not shown in the attached figures, the holes of the plurality of first holes 25 are provided with a thread, and the one or more clamping elements comprise a screw which is screwed into the respective first hole 25 to is screwed with a desired pressure to achieve the clamping of the anchoring flange 33 between the locking element 61 and the support flange 22 .

This blocks, by friction, the rotation of the anchoring flange 33 with respect to the support flange 22. The rotation of the second functional module 3 with respect to the first functional module 2 is thus prevented.

In order to correct the alignment of the second function module 3, the screws are loosened and the second function module 3 is rotated by the desired angle.

Finally, the screws are tightened again so that the second function module 3 is again secured against rotation relative to the first function module 2 .

In an advantageous embodiment of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention, as in the 1 until 6 As illustrated, the holes of the plurality of first holes 25 are through holes.

The one or more tightening elements can in this case be bolts 10 comprising a screw 102 which is inserted in a respective second hole 613 and a respective first hole 25 and protrudes with one of its free ends 104 from the latter.

The one or more bolts 10 each include a nut 103 which can be screwed onto the free end 104 of the respective screw 102 .

Each nut 103 is advantageously accessible via a second opening 26 formed on the first side wall 21 of the first functional module 2 .

In such an advantageous exemplary embodiment of the multifunction mast 1 according to the invention, the bolts 10 on the respective screw 102 are tightened with a desired pressure until the anchoring flange 33 is clamped between the locking element 61 and the support flange 22 .

This blocks, by friction, the rotation of the anchoring flange 33 with respect to the support flange 22.

The rotation of the second function module 3 relative to the first function module 2 is thus prevented.

In order to correct the orientation of the second functional module 3, each bolt 10 is loosened by unscrewing the respective nut 103 from the respective screw 102 and the second functional module 3 is rotated through the desired angle.

Finally, the bolts 10 are tightened again in order to prevent the second function module 3 from rotating again with respect to the first function module 2 .

At the in the 5 until 7 illustrated further advantageous embodiment, in which the multi-function mast 1 has a spacer element 7 arranged between the support flange 22 and the anchoring flange 33, the functioning of the multi-function mast 1 is essentially the same as that in FIGS 1 until 4 illustrated advantageous embodiment, with the only differences that in this further advantageous embodiment the anchoring flange 33 does not rest directly on the support flange 22, but the spacer element 7 is arranged in between, and that the one or more clamping elements 62 also pass through the third holes 71 of the spacer element 7 go through.

It was found that the multi-function mast as a road mobility aid fulfills the tasks and purposes described above.

In fact, the multifunction mast according to the invention makes it possible to change the mutual orientation of two of its functional modules directly on site by simply loosening and then tightening the constraining device contained therein, which is easily accessible to an operator from outside the multifunction mast.

In order to make this modification possible, the multifunction mast does not have to be dismantled or even dismantled; the alignment of one of its functional modules directly on site, even after installation, is therefore a relatively simple, quick and economical operation.

Since the connecting elements between the functional modules, such as the support flange, the anchoring flange and the restricting device, are arranged inside the functional modules, they are not subject to the effects of the weather.

Finally, it is clear that the multifunction mast as a road mobility aid according to the invention described here is susceptible to numerous modifications or variations, all falling within the scope of the invention; moreover, all the details may be replaced with technically equivalent elements without going beyond the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

Multifunction mast (1) as an aid for road mobility, characterized in that it comprises: - a first functional module (2) with a tubular shape, comprising a first end (2a) from which a support flange (22) extends radially in direction of the interior of the first functional module (2) protrudes from its first side wall (21), the support flange (22) having a support section (23) in the vicinity of a first inner peripheral edge (24); - A second functional module (3) of tubular shape, comprising a second, open end (3a) from which an anchoring flange (33) radially into the interior of the second functional module (3), starting from its second side wall (31), and delimiting an inner opening (35) with its second inner peripheral edge (34), the second functional module (3) comprising a first access opening (32), which is formed on the second side wall (31); wherein the second functional module (3) is coupled to the first functional module (2) in such a way that the anchoring flange (33) rests directly or indirectly on the supporting flange (22), and in such a way that the supporting flange (22) and the anchoring flange (33) are centered on a central central axis (4) which runs essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (5) of the first functional module (2), the multifunction mast (1) comprising a restriction device (6) which is set up to restrict the second functional module ( 3) to bind to the first functional module (2) by selectively allowing their mutual rotation; wherein the inner opening (35) faces the support section (23), wherein the restricting device (6) is arranged inside the multifunction mast (1) and is at least partially accessible from the outside through the first access opening (32), wherein the restricting device (6 ) a locking element (61) comprising a central portion (611) facing the support portion (23) and a peripheral portion (612) facing a support surface (36) of the anchoring flange (33) comprising the support flange (22), the restriction means (6) comprising one or more first tightening elements (62) fixed to the locking element (61) and to the support flange (22) to form between them the anchoring flange (33) with a desired Pressure to clamp in such a way that its rotation with respect to the support flange (22) is selectively blocked by friction. Multifunction mast (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the anchoring flange (33) rests indirectly on the support flange (22), the multifunction mast (1) comprising a spacer element (7) which is arranged between the support flange (22) and the anchoring flange (33) and is in contact with them , and is set up to enable the coupling of the second functional module (3) to the first functional module (2) while the support flange (22) remains spaced from the anchoring flange (33). Multifunction mast (1) according to claim 2 wherein the spacer element (7) is in one piece or a modular body. Multifunction mast (1) according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the spacer element (7) is annular. Multifunction mast (1) according to one or more of claims 2 until 4 , wherein the first side wall (21) comprises a second opening (26) which is set up to make the interior of the first functional module (2) accessible from the outside, wherein the multifunction mast (1) comprises one or more second tensioning elements (8), which are accessible from the first functional module (2) through the second opening (26) and are fixed to the support flange (22) and to the spacer element (7) in such a way that they are prevented from rotating and moving away from each other. Multifunction mast (1) according to claim 5 , wherein the one or more second tightening elements (8) comprise one or more screws (108). Multifunction mast (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (61) has an annular shape. Multifunction mast (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (61) is in one piece or a modular body. Multifunction mast (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more first clamping elements (62) comprise one or more screws and / or one or more bolts (10) having a head (101) from which a Screw (102) protrudes, and are provided with a nut (103) which can be tightened at the free end (104) of the screw (102). Multifunction mast (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first functional module (2) comprises a third end (2b) opposite the first end (2a), on which a for fastening the first functional module (2) to the ground (9 ) suitable mounting flange (28) protrudes from the first side wall (21) in the radial direction and towards the outside of the first functional module (2).

Images