EP2663692A1

EP2663692A1 - Joint device for retaining a signpost

Info

Publication number: EP2663692A1
Application number: EP13707894.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter OBERKOFLER; Sascha HOFER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-09
Filing date: 2013-03-07
Publication date: 2013-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-07
Also published as: ITVR20120040A1; US9303374B2; US20150121733A1; WO2013132026A1; EP2663692B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a joint device (9) for retaining a signpost (95) or the like, comprising a first member (1) that can be connected to a substructure (99) and a second member (2) that can be connected to a base section (96a) of the signpost (95). A joint connection (3) connects the first member (1) to the second member (2) in such a way that the second member (2) can be moved relative to the first member (1) between an aligned position and a tilted position. A restoring unit (4), which comprises an elastic element (40) and a deforming element (45) for interaction with the elastic element (40), restores the two members (1, 2) in the direction of the aligned position. The elastic element (40) is accommodated in an inner pipe receptacle (25), which is removed in the first member (1) and the second member (2).

Description

Hinge device for holding a shield post

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of street equipment or the like. In particular, it relates to a holder device for a shield post or similar post, which is e.g. is placed vertically on the ground or in the immediate or indirect area of a road, parking or path.

Background of the invention and prior art

Traffic signs are usually attached to support posts which are rammed in the ground, in a street or in a sidewalk. With some frequency, such posts (hereinafter referred to as "tag posts") of vehicles, e.g. during a park maneuver of a vehicle near a shield post or in an accident of loss of control of the vehicle near the post. As a result of the collision of the vehicle, the post is damaged and deformed, leaving it bent and no longer allows a perfect view of the traffic sign; in a particularly strong impact, the post can almost break.

Road sign management, such as a municipal council responsible for the roads, therefore has to incur substantial costs for the supervision, maintenance of the damaged shield posts and the complete replacement of the posts, which are broken or broken beyond a certain tolerance level. the.

In some prior art solutions, this problem is addressed by dividing the shield post into two sections near its base and combining the two sections via a coil spring located outside the two sections. The coil spring acts as a link between the two sections and allows flexibility of the post, which is resiliently inclined upon impact and then returns to the vertical position. Such solutions are known for example from US 2008/0067299 AI or from US 5207175. A first drawback associated with these solutions is that the outer coil spring is unable to keep the shield post sufficiently stable under normal conditions due to its internal technical features. For example, a post with a height of 3 meters with the road sign attached at its upper end has a weight and a force of wind exerted by wind, which are larger than can be compensated by the coil spring. Such a shield post is less stable under normal conditions, vibrates constantly and can be tilted considerably under wind pressure.

In addition, if the post is damaged, it is necessary to remove the entire post, including its substructure, and a new post must be erected by also rebuilding the substructure. Such two-post shield posts with a coil spring connection must be fully assembled in the workshop and therefore it is not possible on the road to replace only the upper section and leave the substructure untouched. A second disadvantage is therefore associated with the cost and complexity of maintaining the shield post provided with an external coil spring. Added to this is the fact that the outer coil spring may be subject to damage and be unesthetic. From AU 43436 A a Pfostenfuß is known, which has a base plate, at the top of a return ring is arranged. The return ring engages in a lower opening of a tube arranged perpendicular to the base plate, at the upper end of a shield post is attached. Within the return ring and at the top of the base plate, a U-shaped bolt is placed, which is brought into engagement with an eyebolt, wherein the eyebolt projects into the interior of the tube. At the eyebolt a coil spring is arranged, which is to exert a certain restoring force at a tilted tube, so that the tube returns to an upright position. A disadvantage of this solution is that due to the arrangement of the U-shaped bolt and the eye bolt relative to each other, the tube can not be tilted uniformly in all directions. Tilting the tube obliquely to the U-shaped bolt can even lead to the U-shaped bolt or the eye bolt being deformed or even damaged. From EP 0112804 A2, a street post is known, which should be self-erecting again after tilting. In a first embodiment, an elastic rubber hose is arranged in the interior of the tube in the region of the joint, which exerts a certain restoring force. In a second embodiment, a spiral spring is arranged in the upper part of the two-part tube, which is coupled to a cable. The rope is guided in a guide joint in the lower part of the tube, deflected there at a deflection plate and guided in a further guide joint back into the upper part of the tube. A similar street post is also known from AU 766749 B2.

From DE 86 07 898 U a shut-off device for parking is known. The shut-off device has a base with a post arranged thereon, which can be tilted on the base. Inside the post, a coil spring is arranged to exert a certain restoring force on a tilted post so that the post returns to an upright position. Object of the invention

The present invention is therefore based on the technical problem to provide a holding device of a shield post or the like, which makes it possible to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages with reference to the prior art and / or to achieve further advantages, in particular a structurally simple and stable To provide hinge device for holding a shield post.

Inventive Solution According to the invention, this object is achieved with a hinge device, a system, a shielding device and a method according to the independent claims.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims. The hinge device according to the present invention is useful for implementing an elastically flexible shielding device in which no spring is visible on the outside. This has the advantage that a particularly aesthetic shielding device can be provided, which is also characterized by a high weather resistance and represents no additional danger. It is also useful for providing a flexible shielding device with considerable stability and, under normal conditions, for the shielding device to remain essentially immobile, deforming only under the action of a considerable force, such as a vehicle impact.

The articulating device according to the present invention is also advantageous for carrying out a flexible shielding device which allows for rapid disassembly or rapid replacement of the shield post when needed without having to remove or remove the pillar substructure. Moreover, the hinge device can be used with ordinary shield posts, ie non-flexible ones, which have already been erected to easily convert them into flexible shielding devices, with the advantage of great cost savings for future maintenance.

In essence, the hinge device is intended to be interposed between a shield post and a substructure. For example, the substructure is a pipe or post section which has been fixed or cemented in the ground and slightly protruding from the ground plane, or is flush with it.

The hinge device comprises a first member and a second member, each of which is intended to be attached to the base or to the post. The first member and the second member are interconnected via a hinge connection which allows bending or tilting (angular / angular relative movement) of the second member relative to the first member. An elastic system brings the two members back in the direction of the non-bent or non-tilted position.

Under normal conditions, therefore, the two members are in a non-bent position (also referred to as the origin orientation of the links) and the shield post remains vertical and / or aligned with the substructure. If a force greater than a certain minimum force acts on the shield posts, then the two links bend or tilt relative to each other, allowing the post to change its inclination relative to the substructure. If the external force load no longer acts, the elastic system brings the post back into the vertical initial position.

The elastic system is calibrated so that the shield post remains stably maintained under normal conditions, for example under the action of the wind or a person leaning against the post, and the post bending or tilting is allowed under the action of appreciable force before it reaches the post damaged. In other words, the elastic system is calibrated to tilt the post in the region of an applied force that is below a force that would plastically deform or damage the post. Essentially, the shield post can perform a reversible bend or reversible tilt.

In particular, the elastic system comprises an elastically deformable element and a deforming element which deforms the elastic element during the movement caused by the bending or tilting of the two limbs. In the reverse movement, the deforming element is returned to an initial position.

For example, the elastic element is connected to one of the two links and the deforming element is connected to the other of the two links: the change in inclination between the two links causes mutual displacement between the elastic element and the deforming element and therefore an interaction between the latter two , which results in an elastic deformation of the elastic element and in a subsequent return force. The resilient member / deforming member elastic system allows excellent stability of the post and adjustment of the force required for bending or tilting. For example, the hinge device may be configured such that the elastic element is biased, i. the elastic element has a stored spring energy (and therefore a bias to be overcome), even if the two members are in the unbent or non-tilted position relative to each other.

The elastic system is housed within one of the two members, which has a tubular shape with an internal receptacle for the elastic system. The elastic system is therefore physically protected by the tubular member and therefore, apart from providing an aesthetic advantage, substantially eliminates the problems of dirt accumulation and wear due to weathering. In one embodiment, the elastic member is pressure-loaded during flexure of the hinge device. This is useful to obtain a more stable device against unwanted vibrations and in which a highest inclination limit is easily obtained in the range of maximum pressure that the elastic element can experience.

In one embodiment, the elastic element is a plate spring. This is advantageous in order to produce a hinge device capable of offering a very high return force in a very limited space, such as receiving within the tubular member. The diaphragm spring may e.g. a force of 10 kN to 100 kN, preferably 25 kN to 50 kN develop, while it can be arranged simultaneously in a tubular member with a diameter of a conventional shield post. This is advantageous for providing a shielding device, e.g. with a height of 3m, which is vertically stable under normal conditions and e.g. can be bent up to 35 ° in a collision of a vehicle, which then can return to the vertical position after the impact.

The elastic element may also comprise a number of plate spring packets, which are connected in series or series, wherein a disc spring assembly consists of at least two mutually interchangeable disc springs arranged.

In one embodiment, the connection between the two members is of the "multiple direction" type, i. it forms a hinge that allows bending or tilting in all directions. In other words, the connection is a hinge with cylindrical symmetry with respect to the axis of the shield post. This is advantageous in order to obtain a shielding device that behaves equally regardless of the direction from which the impact comes.

In one embodiment, the articulated connection can be configured as a chain having at least two chain links. In a preferred embodiment, the chain has exactly two chain links, wherein a first chain link is connected to the first link of the hinge device and a second chain link is connected to the elastically deformable element. The chain links are traced hereinafter also referred to as rings, wherein the rings do not necessarily have to have a round shape. Preferably, the chain links or rings have an oval or oblong shape.

In particular embodiments, the hinge device includes attachment accessories attachable to the shield post or substructure via conical expansion devices or other attachment means. Each mounting accessory is also fastened on the first or on the second member, for example via screw connection. Thereby, the attachment and the erection of the hinge device and the shield post can be facilitated. After attaching the attachment accessories to the substructure and the shield post respectively, the hinge device is interposed therebetween and bolted therebetween (i.e., between the attachment accessories) by performing the attachment. For fixing and bayonet connections or plug connections can be provided with bolts.

In one embodiment of the invention, a predetermined breaking point can also be provided. Preferably, an intermediate piece is provided which has a predetermined breaking point and which is arranged between the fastening accessories and the first member or the second member.

In one type of construction, the hinge device remains outside the floor. This is advantageous to further protect both the joint and the resilient system from dirt (e.g., mud, soil, sand) that could compromise efficiency, as well as to facilitate the maintenance and eventual removal of the articulating device. Should it be necessary for any reason to disassemble the shielding device and to remove the articulated device, this can be done without having to act on the substructure and / or perform excavation work.

In one embodiment, the hinge device has the same outer diameter as the shield post in which it is mounted, with the advantage that there is no visual interruption between the post and its base. In one embodiment of the invention, the hinge device has an anti-rotation device. The anti-rotation ensures that the second member of the hinge device during erection always returns to the original position relative to the first member, even if the second member rotates about its longitudinal axis during tilting. For this purpose, the lower end of the second member may be configured slightly wavy. The upper end of the first member may also be configured slightly wavy, preferably so that the two wave-shaped configured ends in an erected position of the hinge device correspond to each other or intermesh. In one embodiment of the invention may be provided between the first member and the mounting accessory, for securing the first member to the base, an intermediate piece, with which the first member is connected to the mounting accessory, such as by means of a screw, and which has a predetermined breaking point. This will prevent the hinge device from being damaged by excessive forces applied. If we exceed a certain force, the intermediate piece breaks at the predetermined breaking point, so that the remaining components of the joint device remain essentially intact and only the intermediate piece has to be replaced.

Brief description of the figures

Further advantages, features and applications of the subject matter of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment which is given by way of example and not limitation. In any event, it is clear how each embodiment of the article of the present invention may have one or more of the advantages listed above; however, it is not necessary for each embodiment to have all of the stated advantages at the same time. Reference is made to the figures of the attached drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagram of a hinge device according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the hinge device of Fig. 1, in a first angular position;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the hinge device of Fig. 1, in a second angular position;

Fig. 4 is a diagram, partially broken away, of a component of the hinge device of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the hinge device of Fig. 1 in the first angular position and with broken lines, in a plurality of second angular positions;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a shielding device showing a hinge device of Fig. 1, showing a fitting step; Figures 7-10 illustrate subsequent assembly steps of a shielding device comprising the hinge device of Figure 1;

Fig. 11 is a side view, partially broken away, of a shielding device comprising the hinge device of Fig. 1 in a vertical position; Fig. 12 is a side view of the shielding device of Fig. 11, in an inclined position;

Fig. 13 illustrates a step of a method to make a shielding device of known type reversibly flexible;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the hinge device of FIG. 1 with an intermediate piece; FIG. and

Fig. 15, the hinge device of Figure 14, wherein the second member is rotated by a certain angle relative to the first member (a) and wherein the second member corresponds with respect to the twist angle with the first member.

Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to the attached figures, a hinge device according to the present invention is indicated at 9. The hinge device 9 is designed to hold and support a shield post or the like, e.g. a post 95 provided with a sign or traffic sign 97. In use, the hinge device 9 is disposed between the shield post 95 and a base 99.

In the example, the substructure 99 is a pipe or post section which is fixed in a floor 93 and forms a base to which the shield post 95 is attached via the hinge device 9. The floor 93 may e.g. earth, road, sidewalk, square, or generally a place where the attachment of a post is required. The substructure 99 is e.g. a pipe section, which preferably has the same diameter as the shield post 95 and is cemented in the base 93.

As shown in the figures, the substructure 99 is at least partially buried in the base 93 and in particular may project slightly from the surface of the base 93, but this is not a mandatory condition.

The hinge device 9 comprises a first member 1 and a second member 2, which are connected to each other by a hinge connection 3. In particular, the first member 1 is intended to be connected to the substructure 99 and is therefore a basic member of the articulating device 9, while the second member 2 is intended to be connected to the shield post 95 (in particular case to a base portion 95a) therefore, an upper member of the hinge device 9.

In the example shown, the first member 1 and the second member 2 have a substantially tubular shape with a circular cross section and consist of Metal, for example made of steel. Other stable materials can also be used.

Thanks to the articulation 3, which will be described in more detail below, the second member 2 may vary in its inclination relative to the first member 1, so that a certain degree of flexibility (inclination / tilting / moving range) of the articulation device 9 is made possible. The first member 1 and the second member 2 are movable relative to each other between a first angular position and a second angular position.

In the first angular position, as shown in Fig. 2, the second member 2 is substantially aligned with the first member 1, i. their respective longitudinal axes 20,10 are parallel to each other or fall together. In the second angular position, as shown in Fig. 3, the second member 2 is bent or tilted with respect to the first member 1, i. their respective longitudinal axes 20, 10 are at an angle A to each other. The bending of the hinge device 9 is essentially a relative pivoting, tilting and / or rotation between the two links 1, 2 about an axis or hinge axis or pivot point defined by the articulated connection 3.

In particular, the articulated connection 3 is designed in the manner of a "multi-direction articulation", i. it allows inclination of the links 1, 2 relative to each other in a variety of 360 ° directions in plan. For example, Fig. 5 shows a plan view of the hinge device 9, and the second link 2 is slashed in a plurality of different directions in broken lines. In essence, the hinge joint 3 forms a hinge between the first member 1 and the second member 2, the hinge having a substantially cylindrical symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 of the first member 1. That is, the hinge is substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to its longitudinal axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge joint 3 comprises a chain 30 having a plurality of rings or chains connected in series with each other. tengliedem: a first ring or chain link 31 is connected to the first member 1 and a second ring or chain link 32 is connected to the second member 2. In the example shown, the chain 30 comprises a total of three rings or chain links and between the first ring or chain link 31 and the second ring or chain link 32, a third ring or chain link 33 is interposed. In an advantageous embodiment, a chain 30 with exactly two rings or chain links 31, 32 is provided. In another embodiment, more than two chain links can be provided.

The chain 30 limits a distance between the first member 1 and the second member 2 from each other, but at the same time allows the members to tilt relative to each other without binding them in a specific inclination direction; the chain 30 therefore forms a joint in several directions by 360 °.

Instead of the chain, a rope, such as a steel cable, or a cross or universal joint may be provided. However, the use of the chain has proven to be particularly advantageous.

The first member 1 has an annular surface 11 at the upper end, which forms a plant and a stop for a bottom tube end 21 of the second member 2: in the first angular position, the tube end 21 rests on the annular surface 11 along the entire circumference, while in the second Angle position only a limited portion of the pipe end 21 rests on a corresponding, limiting portion of the annular surface 11. For the purpose of preventing rotation, the annular surface 11 and the tube end 21 may be configured substantially wave-shaped, as shown with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

The first member 1 further comprises a tube projection 13 which protrudes from the annular surface 11 and has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the annular surface 11. The projection 13 has a shape that is substantially complementary to a receptacle 23, which is excluded in the bottom of the second member 2. In the first angular position in which the first member 1 and the second member 2 are aligned with each other, the projection 13 is in the receptacle due to the mutual complementarity, mutual movements between the links 1 and 2 transversely to the longitudinal axes 10, 20. In other words, a transverse offset between the first member 1 and the second member 2 by the overlap between the projection 13th and the side wall of the receptacle 23 prevents. The projection 13 has a tapered or rounded shape upwards to allow the inclination in the direction of the second angular position, without coming into overlap with the receptacle 23.

The articulated device 9 further comprises a return mechanism 4 which is designed to force or retrieve the first member 1 and the second member 2 in the direction of the first angular position, i. in the direction of education. The return mechanism 4 comprises an elastic element, which in the example is a disc spring 40, and a deforming element, e.g. a slider or a piston 45 is. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the elastic element comprises a number of plate spring packets, which are connected in series or series, wherein a disc spring assembly consists of at least two mutually interchangeable disc springs arranged. The diameter of the disc springs or disc spring assemblies substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the second, i. of the upper member 2. The deforming member 45 cooperates with the elastic member 40 to deform the latter beyond the bias during movement between the first angular position and the second angular position. In other words, when the hinge device 9 is bent or tilted under the action of an external force, the elastic element 40 is additionally loaded and exerts a return force which, when the external force ceases, causes the hinge device 9 to be at rest, i. returns to the unbent or non-tilted position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second member 2 (ie, the upper member connectable to the shield post 95) has a substantially tubular shape Shape defining an inner receptacle 25 to receive the elastic member 40.

In particular, the deformation of the elastic member 40 is a compression, i. the elastic element 40 is further compressed as soon as the links 1 and 2 are in the second bending angle position relative to a rest position or less compressed as soon as the links 1, 2 are in the first aligned angular position.

The elastic element may e.g. a coil spring or another type of spring, in particular a pressure-resistant spring. Experiments have shown, however, that disc springs or plate spring assemblies are particularly well suited for the present invention. For applications in which far lower forces occur, coil springs or the like can also be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member 40 comprises a number of cup spring packs, i. it comprises a plurality of plate elements 400, which are superimposed and elastically deformable under pressure (squeezing). The plate elements 400 each have a continuous, central axial bore. The elastic member 40 therefore has a first end 41 (or base end), a second end 42 (or upper end) opposite the first end 41, and a cavity 43 extending continuously between the first end 41 and the second end 42 , The continuous cavity 43 is formed by the central, aligned bores of the plate members 400.

The receptacle 25 within the second member 2 has a holder portion for the spring 40, which is formed by a collar 26 or an annular surface or in the interior of the second member 2 protruding projection on which the first end 41 of the spring 40 rests. As a result, the inner diameter in the upper region of the second member is greater than in the lower region of the second member or larger than in the region of the collar 26. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second member is smaller than the outer diameter around the region of the collar 26. knife of the first end 41 of the spring 40th

The deforming element is essentially a spool 45 having a shaft 46 and a head 47 having a width or diameter greater than the shaft 46. The shaft 46 is slidably received in the continuous cavity 43 of the spring 40, while the head 47 rests on the second end 42 of the spring 40, thanks to its larger transverse dimensions (which are even greater than the diameter of the continuous cavity 43). In other words, the head 47 presses on the second end 42 of the spring 40 and the shaft 46 passes through the cavity 43 and protrudes from the first end 41 of the spring 40. The diameter of the protruding from the first end 41 of the spring 40 portion of the spool 45 may be greater than, less than or equal to the diameter of the continuous cavity 43.

The head and the shaft can be designed in one piece. In the embodiment shown here, the head 47 is releasably connected to the shaft 47. The head 47 is designed here as a nut.

The shaft 46 is secured to the second ring 32 of the chain 30 at the projecting from the first end 41 or side. In particular, the projecting end of the shank 46 has a recess 49 for partially receiving the second ring 32 which is secured to the shank 46 by a bolt 34 which is inserted in a through hole 490 provided therewith, which is recessed in the shank 46 , The bolt 34, when inserted in the through bore 490, passes through the recess 49 and the second ring 32 so that the second ring is held in the recess 49.

The chain 30 is inserted within the tube projection 13 of the first link 1, and the first ring 31 of the chain 30 is secured to the first link 1 via a corresponding mandrel 36 which is inserted in a through hole 19 provided therefor in the first link 1, in particular in a bottom pipe section 15 is worked out. The mandrel 36, when inserted in the through bore 19, passes through the bottom tube section 15 and the first ring 31, so that the first ring is held in the tube projection 13.

Essentially, the chain 13 sets a maximum distance between the first member 1 and the slider 45 and is set to be tensioned with partial compression of the plate spring 40 as soon as the hinge device 9 is in the first angular position, ie Articulation device 9 is biased in the first angular position to ensure a certain stability of the salient Schildpfostens.

During the bend, i. in the tilting movement in the direction of the second angular position, the distance between the first member 1 and the second member 2 increases in Axialbereich (where the chain 30 is) and the chain 30 therefore exerts a pulling force on the slider 45 by the free Displacement is prevented together with the spring 40. The links 1 and 2 always remain in contact, except that during a tilting movement the bearing surface becomes a point contact. The mental focal points of the contact surfaces of the members 1 and 2 then no longer coincide but separate from each other due to the relative tilting movement about a common support point of the contact surfaces, the distances of this support point to the respective axis 10, 20 need not necessarily be identical. That is, the contact point of the upper joint slips inward on the contact surface, that is, in the direction of axis 10.

The head 47 is therefore pulled in the direction of the collar 26 of the receptacle 25 and pushes the plate spring 40 further together. In other words, the slider 45 performs a partial displacement within the cavity 43 of the spring 40 by being pulled in the direction of the first member 1 and thus pushes the spring 40 in the direction of the collar 26. Once the spring 40, the highest, physically achieved maximum permissible compression of the plate elements 400, a further increase in the inclination is prevented, or are the system limits within which the joint is working reliably achieved.

In order to prevent a further tendency (beyond the maximum permitted As a result of damage to the articulating device, the shield post or the vehicle, such as in a collision with a vehicle at excessive speed, an intermediate piece 100 may be provided which has a predetermined breaking point 101, as shown with reference to FIG. In case of damage then only the intermediate piece 100 is damaged, so that only this must be replaced, which has a significant cost and labor reduction.

For example, the Belleville spring 40 is loaded with a force of 25 kN (i.e., the Belleville spring washers are biased) when the links 1, 2 are in the first aligned angular position. The cup springs or cup spring pacts can be biased in the first aligned angular position with a larger or smaller force than 25 kN, which ultimately depends on the required stability, weight and length of the shield post to be supported.

The plate spring 40 is loaded with a force of 50 kN as soon as the links 1, 2 are in a second bending angular position, e.g. a slope A of 35 ° corresponds. In the second bending angle position, the plate springs or cup spring pacts can also be loaded with a larger or smaller force than 50 kN.

It is understood that the effective angle of inclination which the two members 1, 2 reach depends on the strength of the applied force and therefore differs from case to case.

The hinge device 9 is installed using attachment accessories that allow connection to the shield post 95 and to the base 99. A first attachment accessory 6 has a first portion 61 attachable to a base portion 95a of the shield post 95 and engageable with the base portion 95a of the shield post 95, and a second portion 62 attachable to the upper end of the second member 2 or in engagement with the upper end of the second member 2 can be brought. The first attachment accessory 6 has in particular a cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical tubular shape. The legs of the first part 61 are internally tapered and slotted, wherein the slots do not all have to be the same width. The first part 61 is a first end portion which is intended to be inserted within the end base 95 a of the shield post 95. The attachment to the shield post is carried out for example via a conical spreading device 64, which is arranged in the first part 61 and via a screw 65 (for example, with ISO thread Ml 2) is adjustable, which is accessible from the second part 62.

The second part 62 is a second end portion which is intended to be inserted within the upper end of the second member 2 of the hinge device 9. The second part 62 is provided with an external thread 66, which engages with an internal thread 28 of the second member 2, which is executed at the upper end of the second member 2. The attachment of the first attachment accessory 6 to the hinge device 9 is carried out by the first accessory 6 is screwed into the second member 2.

The attachment of the first member 1 to the mounting accessory 6 can be realized in an alternative embodiment by a bayonet lock. Between the first part 61 and the second part 62 is a collar 63 having a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the two parts 61, 62. In particular, the diameter of the collar 63 is equal to the outer diameter of the second member 2 and the shield post 95th

A second fastening accessory 7 has a first part 71, which can be fastened to the substructure 99, and a second part 72, which can be fastened to the bottom of the first member 1. The second attachment accessory 7 in particular has a cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical tubular shape. The legs of the part 71 are internally tapered and slotted, wherein the slots are not all the same width have to.

The first part 71 is a first end portion intended to be fixed inside the substructure 99. The attachment to the substructure 99 is e.g. via a conical spreading device 74, which is arranged on the first part 71 and via a screw 75 (for example, with ISO thread Ml 2) is adjustable, which is accessible from the second part 72.

The second part 72 is a second end portion intended to receive the bottom of the first member 1 of the hinge device 9. The second part 72 is provided with an internal thread 76, which engages with an external thread 18 of the first member 1, which is executed in the bottom tube portion 15 of the first member 1. The attachment of the second attachment accessory 7 to the hinge device 9 is performed by the second accessory 7 is screwed to the first member 1.

The attachment of the first member 1 to the mounting accessory 7 can be realized in an alternative embodiment by a bayonet lock.

In particular, the second part 72 has a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the second member 2 and the shield post 95. The first part 71 has a diameter smaller than the second part 72nd

The embodiment of a traffic sign device 91 according to the present invention will be described below.

A first attachment accessory 6 is attached to the bottom 95a of the shield post 95: the first part 61 of the accessory 6 is inserted into the bottom end of the post and the screw 65 is screwed on, with the result that the conical spreading device 64 is clamped, the first part 61 deformed by locally increasing the diameter, so that the first part 61 is clamped in the shield post 95. The hinge device 9 is then screwed to the first attachment accessory 6, ie, the upper end of the second member 2 of the hinge device 9 is screwed to the second part 62 of the accessory 6. Thus, a whole or a system is obtained, comprising the shield post 95 and the hinge device 9 with the second member 2, which is fixedly connected to the base portion 95 a of the shield post 95.

In particular, the hinge device 9 has a cross section having a shape and outer dimensions that are equal to the shape and the outer dimensions of the cross section of the shield post 95. In particular, the outer diameter D2 of the second member 2 (which has the tubular shape and which forms the entire length of the hinge device 9) is equal to the outer diameter D95 of the shield post 95. The hinge device 9 forms a continuous, also visually, with the shield post 95 and therefore has no negative aesthetic effect. Also, the annular surface 11 of the first member 1 has an outer diameter which is equal to the outer diameter D 2 of the second member 2.

For example, the diameter D2 is 60 mm and the length L9 of the hinge device 9, when mounted, is 300 mm. Of course, other diameters and lengths of the joint device can be selected, which ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the joint device.

A substructure 99 is made in the desired area for the attachment of the shield post. For example, the substructure 99 is a pipe section that is inserted and cemented in a road or sidewalk or generally in a floor 93. In particular, the pipe section 99 has the same diameter D95 of the shield post 95.

The pipe section 99 easily protrudes from the floor 93 or is flush therewith.

A second attachment accessory 7 is secured in the substructure 99: the first part 71 of the accessory 7 is inserted in the substructure 99 and the screw 75 is tightened. Similarly as described for the first accessory 6, the conical spreader 74 deforms the first part 71 locally by increasing its diameter and clamping the attachment accessory 7 in the substructure 99. The second attachment accessory 7 also remains slightly protruding from the floor 93 itself or is flush with the floor. Eventually, the tube portion 99 can be set deeper in the bottom 93, leaving only the second attachment accessory 7 above.

The assembly post 95 / hinge device 9 is screwed to the second attachment accessory 7, i. the bottom 15 of the first link 1 (and therefore the entire set) is screwed into the second part 72 of the second accessory 7 and the shield post 95 is thus secured to the bottom 93.

Alternatively, the hinge device 9 may be attached to the base 99 without the shield post 95, and the shield post may be connected to the second link 2 after the hinge device 9 has been screwed to the base 99.

A shielding device 91 is thus obtained, in which the articulated device 9 is interposed between the shield post 95 and the substructure 99, whereby a bending or inclination of the shield post 95 relative to the bottom 93 is made possible.

Thanks to the spring force of the spring 40, the shield post 95 is normally held in a substantially vertical position. Namely, the first member 1 and the second member 2 are forced toward the first alignment position. In particular, the use of disc springs or cup spring packs ensures a considerable stability and the shield post also remains under the action of wind or under the action of forces, e.g. are due to a person leaning against the post, essentially in a vertical position.

When a vehicle 96 bumps against the shield post 95 with sufficient force, the second link 2 tilts relative to the first link 1, moving toward the second angular position, and the shield post 95 therefore assumes an inclined position. If the vehicle 95 is removed, the spring the 40 both members 1, 2 in an aligned position and the shield post 95 is therefore forced elastically in the direction of the vertical position. In other words, the vertical position of the post 95 is automatically resumed without the post 95 would have suffered damage that would be due to the impact of the vehicle 96. The bending of the post 95 is therefore reversible in nature.

Thanks to this, the costs for maintenance are considerably reduced, since the post does not remain bent, is not damaged and therefore does not need to be replaced. In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 1 and the second member 2 are located outside the bottom 93, i. the entire articulated device 9 is above the level of the floor 93. This is advantageous for the device which requires a very simple substructure, and also for the maintenance in the case where the replacement of the articulated device 9 would be necessary. In particular, it is sufficient to unscrew the shield post 95 and / or the hinge device 9 without interfering with the substructure.

Moreover, should it be necessary to temporarily remove the shield post (eg around the passage of a motorcade of exceptional dimensions or for temporary traffic signs which need to be removed or altered with a certain frequency), the removal can be carried out in a short time by: simply the whole post / hinge device from the second mounting accessory 7 is unscrewed.

The hinge device 9 allows removal, replacement or replacement of the shield post 95 within a short time without any damage to the traffic sign device 91 and leaves the substructure 99 intact.

The fact that the articulating device 9 is completely out of the ground has the advantage that the articulation 3 and the return mechanism 4 are protected from dirt, mud, earth, water, which are otherwise in the device. 9 accumulate and could affect the operation and the service life.

The arrangement of the spring 40, i. a bulky component, in the second member 2, which is more remote from the bottom 93, is advantageous for bringing the hinge axis defined by the hinge joint 3 as close as possible to the bottom 93, but at the same time keeping the hinge device 9 out of the ground becomes. It should be noted that the length required for the first link 1 is far below the length required for the second link 2.

The subject matter of the present invention also makes it possible to make reversibly flexible (ie tiltable) traffic sign means of conventional type 910, with a shield post 950 having a base portion which is trapped in the ground and in which the post is already bent due to an impact ( Fig. 13) is supplemented by a hinge device according to the invention. The procedure of engagement provides for the shield post 950 to be cut off above the floor 93 (intersection line 90 in Figure 13) to maintain a shield post section 95 and substructure 99 formed by the portion of the base portion located in the floor 93 remained included. Following the steps described above, a hinge device 9 is connected to the bottom 95a of the post section 95, for example, via a first attachment accessory 6. The hinge device 9 is also connected to the substructure section 99 eg via a second attachment accessory 7. Thus, a flexible traffic sign device 91 is obtained assuming a conventional already installed device 910 without the need for intervention on the substructure or on a new substructure. As a substructure namely a section 99 of the existing post 950 is used, which is already fixed in the bottom 93. FIG. 14 shows a side view of a detail of the hinge device from FIG. 1 with an intermediate piece 100, wherein the intermediate piece 100 can be arranged between the first member 1 and the second fastening accessory 7. The intermediate piece 100 has an internal thread on the upper side into which the external thread 18 of the first member 1 engages. On the lower side, the intermediate piece 100 has an external thread, which is brought into engagement with an internal thread 76 of the second fastening accessory 7. The intermediate piece 100 can thus be arranged in a simple manner by screwing between the intermediate piece 100 and the first member 1. The outer diameter of the intermediate piece 100 essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the first member 1 and the outer diameter of the second member 2.

In the embodiment shown here, the intermediate piece 100 has a radially encircling predetermined breaking point 101, which here is arranged slightly below the internal thread. The predetermined breaking point ensures that the joint device and / or the shield post are not damaged in the event of excessive bending or if the inclination is too great. Rather, opens at an excessive bending or too large a slope, the intermediate piece 100 along the predetermined breaking point 101, so ultimately only the intermediate piece 100 must be replaced. Furthermore, an anti-twist device is shown in FIG. The rotation is formed by two wave-shaped portions of the first member 1 and the second member 2, which correspond to each other. The annular surface 11 at the upper end of the first member 1 is this slightly wavy (serrated) configured. The lower tube end 21 of the second member is also slightly wavy (serrated) designed with the regions 11 and 21 have substantially the same waveform.

It is advantageous if the waveforms have a substantially irregular course in the radial direction, so that the annular surface 11 of the first member and the lower tube end 21 of the second member preferably at exactly one ner position of the first member relative to the second member correspond to each other or intermesh. This ensures that a tilted upright shield post always returns to the correct original position and does not straighten up in a twisted position relative to the first link.

Fig. 15 shows the hinge device of Figure 14, wherein the second member 2 is rotated by a certain angle relative to the first member 1 (a) and wherein the second member 2 with respect to the angle of rotation with the first member 1 corresponds. When tilting the second member 2 relative to the first member 1 or when erecting the second member 2, the second member 2 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis (when the shield post is approximately rammed sideways), so that the second member 2 is rotated relative to the first member 1 is. This condition is shown in Figure (a) of FIG. It can be seen here that the wavy configured annular surface 11 at the upper end of the first member 1 does not correspond to the wavy configured tube end 21 of the second member 2 or does not engage in this.

Due to the restoring force of the return mechanism 4 and in particular due to the slightly wavy configuration of the annular surface 11 and the pipe end 21 ensures that the second member 2 returns to its original position relative to the first member by the restoring force of the return mechanism 4, a rotation of the second member 2 causes about its longitudinal axis, until the annular surface 11 corresponds to the pipe end 21 and has been fully engaged. In other words, due to the restoring force, in a second member 2 twisted relative to the first member 1, the "mountains" of the wave-shaped pipe end 21 slip into the "valleys" of the wave-shaped annular surface 11. This condition is shown in (b) of FIG shown.

The anti-twist device ensures that a road sign attached to a rebuilt shield post is always in the right direction shows.

In an alternative embodiment, mirror image to that shown in the figures, the receptacle for the elastic element in the first member or in the base member is excluded, which has a tubular shape, while the deforming element is connected via the chain with the second member or the upper member ,

The subject matter of the present invention has heretofore been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. It is understood that also other embodiments may exist, which belong to the same inventive idea, all of which belong to the same scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

claims

Articulating device (9) for supporting a shield post (95) or the like comprising

a first link (1) for connection to a substructure (99) for the shield post (95),

- A second member (2) for connection to a base portion (95 a) of the shield post (95), and

- a hinge connection (3) connecting the first member (1) to the second member (2), via which the second member (2) is movable relative to the first member (1) between a first angular position and a second angular position,

wherein the first angular position is a position in which the first member (1) has substantially the same orientation as the second member (2) and wherein the second angular position is a tilting position of the second member (2) relative to the first member (1) .

the hinge device (9) comprising a biased return mechanism (4) configured to force the first link (1) and the second link (2) to the first angular position,

wherein the biased return mechanism (4) comprises an elastic member (40) and a deforming member (45) for cooperating with the elastic member (40) for elastically deforming the elastic member (40) during movement between the first angular position and the second Angular position includes.

A hinge device (9) according to claim 1, wherein the first member (1) or the second member (2) has a substantially tubular shape, which is a Indoors (25) for receiving the elastic element (40) has.

Articulation device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deforming element (45) is configured to deform the elastic element (40) under compression, wherein the elastic element (40) is substantially maximally compressed in the second angular position with respect to the first angular position is.

Articulation device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic element comprises a disc spring (40) or a series of cup spring packs.

A hinge device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient member (40) has a first end (41), a second end (42) opposite the first end (41), and a continuous cavity (43) extending between extending the first end (41) and the second end (42),

wherein the inner receptacle (25) has a holder region (26) for the first end (41) of the elastic element (40),

wherein the deforming element (45) comprises a shank (46) disposed through the continuous cavity (43) of the resilient member (40) and a head (47) disposed on the second end (42) of the resilient member (40) rests, wherein the head (47) in the second angular position closer to the holder portion (26) than in the first angular position.

The hinge device (9) of claim 5, wherein the head (47) is releasably connected to the shaft (46).

A hinge device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge connection (3) comprises a chain (30) having a plurality of rings (31, 32, 33), a first ring (31) being connected to the first member (1) is, and the second ring (32) with the deforming element (45) is connected.

8. hinge device (9) according to claim 7, wherein the chain (30) has exactly two rings (31, 32).

A hinge device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge joint (3) is configured to tilt the second member (2) substantially in an arbitrary direction relative to the first member (1).

An articulated device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first attachment accessory (6) having a first portion (61) attachable to the base portion (95a) of the shield post (95) and a second portion (62) at the upper end of the second member (2) can be fastened.

An articulated device (9) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second attachment accessory (7) having a first portion (71) attachable to a base (99) for the shield post (95) and a second portion (72). which is attachable to the bottom (15) or to a lower portion of the first member (1).

An articulated device (9) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the first part (61, 71) of the attachment accessory (6, 7) is provided with a spreading device (64, 74) and the second part (62, 72). of the fastening accessory (6, 7) is provided with a thread (66, 76).

An articulated device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner receptacle (25) for receiving the elastic element (40) is recessed in the second member (2), the second member (2) having a substantially tubular shape. 14. The hinge device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second member (2) in an upper portion has a larger inner diameter than in a lower region.

15. Joint device (9) according to claim 14, wherein the inner diameter in the upper region of the second member (2) substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the elastic element (40).

16. articulated device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first member (1)

- Has a substantially cylindrical shape, and / or

- Has a thread in a lower area, and / or

- Has an axially extending recess, preferably a continuous and axially extending opening in which at least one ring of the Ket- te (30) can be arranged.

17. Joint device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first member (1) has a radial bore, preferably a blind bore, in which a fastening bolt (36) can be inserted.

18. The joint device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper end of the first member (1) is configured wave-shaped in the radial direction, wherein the lower end of the second member (2) in the radial direction is wave-shaped, and wherein the wave-shaped configured ends together and form by the bias an anti-rotation. The hinge device (9) according to claim 18, wherein the waveform of the first member (1) is substantially identical to the waveform of the second member (2) and wherein the waveforms of the first member and the second member in the radial direction are regular or irregular exhibit. 20. articulated device (9) according to one of the preceding claims,

this has at least one predetermined breaking point (101).

21. Joint device (9) according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined breaking point (101). is provided on or in an intermediate piece (100) which is arranged between the first member (1) and the substructure (99) for the shield post (95), preferably between the first member (1) and the second attachment accessory (7) , 22. The hinge device (9) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the predetermined breaking point (101) is provided on or in an intermediate piece (100) between the second member (2) and the shield post (95), preferably between the second member (2) and the first attachment accessory (6) is arranged. 23. A system comprising a shield post (95) or the like, and a hinge device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second member (2) of the hinge device (9) with a base portion (95 a) of the shield post (95) is connected ,

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the hinge device (9) has a cross-section with a shape and external dimensions that are equal to the shape and the outer dimensions of a cross section of the shield post (95).

A shielding device (91) or the like, comprising a substructure (99) at least partially inserted in the ground (93), and a system according to one of claims 23 or 24, wherein the first link (1) of the articulated device (9) is connected to the substructure (99) and wherein the articulated device (9) is interposed between the shield post (95) and the substructure (99), whereby the shield post (95) is adapted to perform a reversible flexion against the bottom (93) wherein the flexion is a movement between a substantially vertical position and an inclined position, and the shield post (95) is resiliently urged toward the substantially vertical position.

26. A shield device (91) according to claim 25, wherein the first member (1) and the second member (2) outside the bottom (93) lie.

A method of forming a shielding device (910) or the like, the shielding device (910) comprising a shielding post (950) or the like having a base portion inserted in a bottom (93), the method comprising at least the steps of:

- cutting off a shield post (950) above the floor (93) to obtain a portion of a shield post (95) and a sub floor (99), the sub floor (99) comprising the ground section formed in the ground;

- Providing a hinge device (9) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 22;

- Connecting the first member (1) of the hinge device (9) with the base (99) and connecting the portion of the shield post (95) with the second member (2) of the hinge device (9) to obtain a shielding device (91), in the a shield post (95) is reversibly flexible relative to the ground (93) between a substantially vertical position and an inclined position, wherein the shield post (95) is resiliently urged toward the substantially vertical position.

A method according to claim 27, wherein the portion of the shield post (95) is connected to the second link (2) of the articulated device (9) with the interposition of a first attachment accessory (6) and / or the first link (1) of the articulated device (9). with the substructure (99) with the interposition of a second mounting accessory (7) is connected.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein the connecting takes place with the interposition of an intermediate piece (100) having a predetermined breaking point (101).