WO2017175105A1 - An impact attenuator fixable to a rear side of a lorry - Google Patents

An impact attenuator fixable to a rear side of a lorry Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017175105A1
WO2017175105A1 PCT/IB2017/051865 IB2017051865W WO2017175105A1 WO 2017175105 A1 WO2017175105 A1 WO 2017175105A1 IB 2017051865 W IB2017051865 W IB 2017051865W WO 2017175105 A1 WO2017175105 A1 WO 2017175105A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
collapsible
group
fixing
impact attenuator
tubular elements
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2017/051865
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pasquale Impero
Original Assignee
Pasquale Impero
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pasquale Impero filed Critical Pasquale Impero
Publication of WO2017175105A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017175105A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
    • E01F15/14—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
    • E01F15/145—Means for vehicle stopping using impact energy absorbers
    • E01F15/148—Means for vehicle stopping using impact energy absorbers mobile arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
    • B60R2019/005—Crash attenuators, i.e. means added to highway service vehicles for softening high speed impacts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the technical sector relating to impact attenuators that are fixable to a rear side of a lorry.
  • the present invention relates to an impact attenuator fixable to a lorry for road maintenance.
  • impact attenuators are known that are fixable to the rear side of a lorry (these impact attenuators are known as TMAs, Truck Mounted Attenuator).
  • An impact attenuator is known that is fixable to a rear side of a lorry which comprises a head and a rear member which is opposite the head and can be fixed to the rear side of a lorry;
  • This known impact attenuator further comprises a collapsible portion able to absorb the kinetic energy of any vehicle that impacts the impact attenuator.
  • this collapsible portion is identified as a metal parallelepiped made in a honeycomb fashion.
  • the collapsible portion is fixed to the rear member and is conformed so that there is an empty space between it and the head so that, when a vehicle impacts against the head, the vehicle will first encounter a small resistance (at the empty space) which then increases (at the collapsible portion).
  • the empty space determines a non-continuous absorption of the kinetic energy of the vehicle which impacts against the head: the kinetic energy of the vehicle that impacts against the head is absorbed only in the moment when the vehicle reaches the collapsible portion of the impact attenuator.
  • the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-cited drawback.
  • the proposed impact attenuator comprising the first collapsible group and the second collapsible group which are fixed to one another and which are fixed to the head and the rear member, ensures a continuous absorption of the kinetic energy of a vehicle impacting against the head of the impact attenuator.
  • first collapsible group and the second collapsible group comprise the first and the second plurality of collapsible elements and the first and second plurality of fixing plates, enables obtaining an impact attenuator having an optimal capacity for absorption of the kinetic energy of a vehicle which impacts against the impact attenuator.
  • FIG. 1 and 2 are respectively perspective views of an embodiment of the impact attenuator of the present invention
  • figure 3 is a view from above of figure 2;
  • - figure 4 is a lateral view of the attenuator of figure 2 in a use configuration
  • - figures 5 and 6 are lateral views of the attenuator of figure 2 in intermediate configurations with respect to the use configuration and the configuration of minimum volume
  • - figure 7 is a lateral view of the attenuator of figure 2 in a configuration of minimum volume.
  • an impact attenuator fixable to the rear side of a lorry, object of the present invention is denoted by reference numeral (1).
  • the present impact attenuator (1 ) comprises a head (2) and a rear member (3) which is opposite the head (2) and can be fixed to the rear side of a lorry.
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) further comprises a first collapsible group (4) which has a longitudinal development along a first development axis and which comprises a first end (4a) fixed to the head (2) and a second end (4b) fixed to the rear member (3).
  • the first collapsible group (4) comprises a first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) arranged horizontally one following another and a first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) which are arranged alternated with the collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) for fixing each collapsible tubular element (40) to the adjacent collapsible tubular elements (40).
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) further comprises a second collapsible group (5) which has a longitudinal development along a second development axis and which comprises a first end (5a) fixed to the head (2) and a second end (5b) fixed to the rear member (3), which second collapsible group (5) is arranged flanked and parallel to the first collapsible group (4).
  • the second collapsible group (5) comprises a second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) arranged horizontally one following another and a second plurality of fixing plates (51 ) which are arranged alternated with the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) for fixing each collapsible tubular element (50) to the adjacent collapsible tubular elements (50).
  • Each collapsible tubular element (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and each collapsible tubular element (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) has a length and a transversal section that are related to one another in order to determine an irreversible compression deformation of the collapsible tubular element (40, 50) along the relative axis, when an impact takes place of a vehicle against the head (2) of the impact attenuator (1 ).
  • the impact attenuator (1) comprises a plurality of fixing members (6) for fixing the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) to one another, in which each fixing member (6) is arranged perpendicular to the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) and is fixed to a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) and to a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) is advantageously such as to ensure a continuous absorption of the energy of a vehicle impacting against the head (2) of the impact attenuator (1 ).
  • the collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) can have a hexagonal transversal section. They can be made of sheet metal.
  • collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) can comprise two half-shells fixed (for example welded) to one another.
  • the collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) are preferably designed in such a way that the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) have a growing resistance from the head (2) to the rear member (3).
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) is advantageously able to ensure a continuous absorption of the kinetic energy of a vehicle impacting against the head (2) and at the same time able to ensure a growing resistance of the impact attenuator (1 ).
  • the growing resistance of the collapsible tubular elements (40, 50) can be obtained by varying the material used to realise the collapsible tubular elements (40, 50) and/or the packing layer of the wall thereof.
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) preferably comprises covering means (7) for laterally covering the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5).
  • the covering means (7) comprise a first covering member (70) arranged flanked to the first collapsible group (4) and solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41) and a second covering member (71 ) arranged flanked to the second collapsible group (5) and solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
  • the covering means (7), the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) are reciprocally arranged in such a way that the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) are located between the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ).
  • the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can have the same length as the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5).
  • the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) advantageously also facilitate guiding the deformation of the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) along respectively the first development axis and the second development axis.
  • the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) are plates having a bellows conformation. In a case of impact of a vehicle t against the head (2) the bending thereof is advantageously facilitated at the same time as the deformation of the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) (figure 3).
  • the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can be flat plates.
  • the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can each comprise a first end (70a, 71 a) and a second end (70b, 71 b), wherein the first end (70a, 71 a) of the first covering member (70) and of the second covering member (71 ) is proximal to the head (2) with respect to the second end (70b, 71 b).
  • the first covering member (70) is preferably arranged in such a way that the first end (70a) is closer to the first collapsible group (4) with respect to the second end (70b) and the second covering member (71) being arranged in such a way that the first end (71 a) is closer to the second collapsible group (5) with respect to the second end (71 b) (see figure 3).
  • first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can be parallel to the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5).
  • the first covering member (70) can comprise a first plurality of elements (700) arranged one following another and flanked to the first collapsible group (4), wherein each element (700) of the first plurality of elements (700) is solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) and the second covering member (71 ) can comprise a second plurality of elements (710) arranged one following another and flanked to the second collapsible group (5), wherein each element (710) of the second plurality of elements (710) is solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (41) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41).
  • the assembly of the impact attenuator (1 ) is advantageously simplified.
  • first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can be made in a single body.
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) can be projectingly borne by a lorry.
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) preferably comprises a first wheel (8) (or possibly a pair of wheels) borne by the head (2) in such a way that when the impact attenuator (1 ) is in use, the first wheel (8) contacts a ground surface.
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) preferably comprises a first hinge (9) designed so that the impact attenuator (1 ) can take on a use configuration (A) and a minimum volume configuration (B).
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) can comprise: a first portion (1 a) which comprises a first collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), a first collapsible part of the second collapsible group (5) which faces the first collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), at least a fixing member (6); a second portion (1 b) which comprises a second collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), a second collapsible part of the second collapsible group (5) which faces the first collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), at least a fixing member (6).
  • the first hinge (9) connects the first portion (1 a) and the second portion (1 b) of the impact attenuator (1 ) so that the first portion (1 a) can be bent on the second portion (1 b) (the configuration of minimum volume, figure 7).
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) preferably comprises a second hinge (10) borne by the rear member (3) so as to hinge the impact attenuator (1 ) to the rear side of a lorry.
  • the impact attenuator (1 ) can also comprise a further wheel (20) (or pair of wheels) arranged at the first hinge (9).
  • the further wheel (20) can be borne by a fixing member (6).
  • each fixing member (6) of the plurality of fixing members (6) can comprise: a first bar (60) fixed superiorly to a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41) and superiorly to a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ); a second bar opposite and parallel to the first bar and fixed inferiorly to a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) and inferiorly to a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
  • each fixing member (6) can comprise a third bar (61) and a fourth bar which are opposite and parallel and which both connect the first bar (60) and the second bar to one another.
  • the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can be fixed to the fixing members (6) or to the fixing plates (41 , 51).
  • the first collapsible group (4) is preferably identical to the second collapsible group (5).
  • the number of collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) is identical to the number of collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50).
  • the number of the fixing plates (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) is preferably equal to the number of the fixing plates (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
  • collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and the fixing plates (41) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) preferably face respectively the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) and the fixing plates (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
  • the number of the fixing members (6) of the first plurality of fixing members (6) can be smaller than the number of fixing plates (41 , 51 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) and the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
  • the impact attenuator (1) might also comprise a third collapsible group (not illustrated) which has a longitudinal development along a relative development axis and which comprises a first end fixed to the head (2) and a second end fixed to the rear member (3), which third collapsible group would be arranged flanked and parallel to the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5).
  • a third collapsible group (not illustrated) which has a longitudinal development along a relative development axis and which comprises a first end fixed to the head (2) and a second end fixed to the rear member (3), which third collapsible group would be arranged flanked and parallel to the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5).
  • the third collapsible group would comprise a third plurality of collapsible tubular elements, arranged horizontally one following another, and a third plurality of fixing plates that are arranged alternated with the collapsible tubular elements of the third plurality of collapsible tubular elements for fixing each collapsible tubular element to the adjacent collapsible tubular elements.
  • Each collapsible tubular element of the third plurality of collapsible tubular elements would have a length and a transversal section that are related to one another in order to determine an irreversible compression deformation of the collapsible tubular element along the relative axis, when an impact takes place of a vehicle against the head (2) of the impact attenuator (1 ).
  • the fixing members would also fix the third collapsible group to the first collapsible group (4) and to the second collapsible group (5).

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Abstract

An impact attenuator (1) fixable to a lorry, comprising: a head (2); a rear member (3) oppose the head (2); a first and a second collapsible group (4, 5) parallel, fixed to the head (2) and to the rear member (3), comprising respectively a first and second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40, 50) and of fixing plates (41, 51) arranged alternated with respect to the tubular elements (40, 50), each collapsible tubular element (40, 50) has a length and a transversal section to determine an irreversible compression deformation of the collapsible tubular element (40, 50) when an impact takes place against the head (2). a plurality of fixing members (6) for fixing the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) to one another, each fixing members (6) arranged perpendicular to the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) and fixed to a fixing plate (41) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41) and to a fixing plate (51) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51).

Description

AN IMPACT ATTENUATOR FIXABLE TO A REAR SIDE OF A LORRY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the technical sector relating to impact attenuators that are fixable to a rear side of a lorry. In particular, the present invention relates to an impact attenuator fixable to a lorry for road maintenance.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Frequently, in the case of road worksites, for example for restoring horizontal signage, that there are lorries either stationary or in slow movement along the road.
With the aim of protecting the occupants of any eventual vehicle that might impact the stationary or slow-moving lorry, and with the purpose of protecting the passengers of the lorry and any personnel working in the site, impact attenuators are known that are fixable to the rear side of a lorry (these impact attenuators are known as TMAs, Truck Mounted Attenuator).
An impact attenuator is known that is fixable to a rear side of a lorry which comprises a head and a rear member which is opposite the head and can be fixed to the rear side of a lorry; This known impact attenuator further comprises a collapsible portion able to absorb the kinetic energy of any vehicle that impacts the impact attenuator.
In particular, this collapsible portion is identified as a metal parallelepiped made in a honeycomb fashion. The collapsible portion is fixed to the rear member and is conformed so that there is an empty space between it and the head so that, when a vehicle impacts against the head, the vehicle will first encounter a small resistance (at the empty space) which then increases (at the collapsible portion).
However, the empty space determines a non-continuous absorption of the kinetic energy of the vehicle which impacts against the head: the kinetic energy of the vehicle that impacts against the head is absorbed only in the moment when the vehicle reaches the collapsible portion of the impact attenuator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the light of the above, the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-cited drawback.
The above aims are attained by an impact attenuator fixable to a rear side of a lorry according to claim 1.
The proposed impact attenuator, comprising the first collapsible group and the second collapsible group which are fixed to one another and which are fixed to the head and the rear member, ensures a continuous absorption of the kinetic energy of a vehicle impacting against the head of the impact attenuator.
Further, the fact that the first collapsible group and the second collapsible group comprise the first and the second plurality of collapsible elements and the first and second plurality of fixing plates, enables obtaining an impact attenuator having an optimal capacity for absorption of the kinetic energy of a vehicle which impacts against the impact attenuator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following parts of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the appended tables of drawings, in which:
- figures 1 and 2 are respectively perspective views of an embodiment of the impact attenuator of the present invention;
- figure 3 is a view from above of figure 2;
- figure 4 is a lateral view of the attenuator of figure 2 in a use configuration; - figures 5 and 6 are lateral views of the attenuator of figure 2 in intermediate configurations with respect to the use configuration and the configuration of minimum volume; - figure 7 is a lateral view of the attenuator of figure 2 in a configuration of minimum volume.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the appended tables of drawings, an impact attenuator fixable to the rear side of a lorry, object of the present invention is denoted by reference numeral (1).
The present impact attenuator (1 ) comprises a head (2) and a rear member (3) which is opposite the head (2) and can be fixed to the rear side of a lorry.
The impact attenuator (1 ) further comprises a first collapsible group (4) which has a longitudinal development along a first development axis and which comprises a first end (4a) fixed to the head (2) and a second end (4b) fixed to the rear member (3). The first collapsible group (4) comprises a first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) arranged horizontally one following another and a first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) which are arranged alternated with the collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) for fixing each collapsible tubular element (40) to the adjacent collapsible tubular elements (40).
The impact attenuator (1 ) further comprises a second collapsible group (5) which has a longitudinal development along a second development axis and which comprises a first end (5a) fixed to the head (2) and a second end (5b) fixed to the rear member (3), which second collapsible group (5) is arranged flanked and parallel to the first collapsible group (4). The second collapsible group (5) comprises a second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) arranged horizontally one following another and a second plurality of fixing plates (51 ) which are arranged alternated with the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) for fixing each collapsible tubular element (50) to the adjacent collapsible tubular elements (50).
Each collapsible tubular element (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and each collapsible tubular element (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) has a length and a transversal section that are related to one another in order to determine an irreversible compression deformation of the collapsible tubular element (40, 50) along the relative axis, when an impact takes place of a vehicle against the head (2) of the impact attenuator (1 ).
The impact attenuator (1) comprises a plurality of fixing members (6) for fixing the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) to one another, in which each fixing member (6) is arranged perpendicular to the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) and is fixed to a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) and to a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
The impact attenuator (1 ) is advantageously such as to ensure a continuous absorption of the energy of a vehicle impacting against the head (2) of the impact attenuator (1 ). The collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) can have a hexagonal transversal section. They can be made of sheet metal. Further, the collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) can comprise two half-shells fixed (for example welded) to one another.
The collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) are preferably designed in such a way that the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) have a growing resistance from the head (2) to the rear member (3).
The impact attenuator (1 ) is advantageously able to ensure a continuous absorption of the kinetic energy of a vehicle impacting against the head (2) and at the same time able to ensure a growing resistance of the impact attenuator (1 ). In particular, the growing resistance of the collapsible tubular elements (40, 50) can be obtained by varying the material used to realise the collapsible tubular elements (40, 50) and/or the packing layer of the wall thereof.
The impact attenuator (1 ) preferably comprises covering means (7) for laterally covering the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5). The covering means (7) comprise a first covering member (70) arranged flanked to the first collapsible group (4) and solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41) and a second covering member (71 ) arranged flanked to the second collapsible group (5) and solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ). The covering means (7), the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) are reciprocally arranged in such a way that the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) are located between the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ).
The first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can have the same length as the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5).
The first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) advantageously also facilitate guiding the deformation of the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) along respectively the first development axis and the second development axis.
The first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) are plates having a bellows conformation. In a case of impact of a vehicletagainst the head (2) the bending thereof is advantageously facilitated at the same time as the deformation of the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) (figure 3). Alternatively, the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can be flat plates.
The first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can each comprise a first end (70a, 71 a) and a second end (70b, 71 b), wherein the first end (70a, 71 a) of the first covering member (70) and of the second covering member (71 ) is proximal to the head (2) with respect to the second end (70b, 71 b).
The first covering member (70) is preferably arranged in such a way that the first end (70a) is closer to the first collapsible group (4) with respect to the second end (70b) and the second covering member (71) being arranged in such a way that the first end (71 a) is closer to the second collapsible group (5) with respect to the second end (71 b) (see figure 3).
Alternatively, the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can be parallel to the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5).
In a particular embodiment, the first covering member (70) can comprise a first plurality of elements (700) arranged one following another and flanked to the first collapsible group (4), wherein each element (700) of the first plurality of elements (700) is solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) and the second covering member (71 ) can comprise a second plurality of elements (710) arranged one following another and flanked to the second collapsible group (5), wherein each element (710) of the second plurality of elements (710) is solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (41) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41).
The assembly of the impact attenuator (1 ) is advantageously simplified.
Alternatively, the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can be made in a single body.
The impact attenuator (1 ) can be projectingly borne by a lorry. Alternatively, the impact attenuator (1 ) preferably comprises a first wheel (8) (or possibly a pair of wheels) borne by the head (2) in such a way that when the impact attenuator (1 ) is in use, the first wheel (8) contacts a ground surface.
With particular reference to figures 4-7, the impact attenuator (1 ) preferably comprises a first hinge (9) designed so that the impact attenuator (1 ) can take on a use configuration (A) and a minimum volume configuration (B).
In particular, the impact attenuator (1 ) can comprise: a first portion (1 a) which comprises a first collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), a first collapsible part of the second collapsible group (5) which faces the first collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), at least a fixing member (6); a second portion (1 b) which comprises a second collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), a second collapsible part of the second collapsible group (5) which faces the first collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), at least a fixing member (6). In a preferred embodiment, the first hinge (9) connects the first portion (1 a) and the second portion (1 b) of the impact attenuator (1 ) so that the first portion (1 a) can be bent on the second portion (1 b) (the configuration of minimum volume, figure 7).
The impact attenuator (1 ) preferably comprises a second hinge (10) borne by the rear member (3) so as to hinge the impact attenuator (1 ) to the rear side of a lorry.
The impact attenuator (1 ) can also comprise a further wheel (20) (or pair of wheels) arranged at the first hinge (9). The further wheel (20) can be borne by a fixing member (6). With reference to figure 2, each fixing member (6) of the plurality of fixing members (6) can comprise: a first bar (60) fixed superiorly to a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41) and superiorly to a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ); a second bar opposite and parallel to the first bar and fixed inferiorly to a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) and inferiorly to a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
Further, each fixing member (6) can comprise a third bar (61) and a fourth bar which are opposite and parallel and which both connect the first bar (60) and the second bar to one another. The first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) can be fixed to the fixing members (6) or to the fixing plates (41 , 51).
The first collapsible group (4) is preferably identical to the second collapsible group (5). In particular, the number of collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) is identical to the number of collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50). Further, the number of the fixing plates (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) is preferably equal to the number of the fixing plates (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
Further, the collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and the fixing plates (41) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) preferably face respectively the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) and the fixing plates (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
The number of the fixing members (6) of the first plurality of fixing members (6) can be smaller than the number of fixing plates (41 , 51 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) and the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ).
The impact attenuator (1) might also comprise a third collapsible group (not illustrated) which has a longitudinal development along a relative development axis and which comprises a first end fixed to the head (2) and a second end fixed to the rear member (3), which third collapsible group would be arranged flanked and parallel to the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5). The third collapsible group would comprise a third plurality of collapsible tubular elements, arranged horizontally one following another, and a third plurality of fixing plates that are arranged alternated with the collapsible tubular elements of the third plurality of collapsible tubular elements for fixing each collapsible tubular element to the adjacent collapsible tubular elements. Each collapsible tubular element of the third plurality of collapsible tubular elements would have a length and a transversal section that are related to one another in order to determine an irreversible compression deformation of the collapsible tubular element along the relative axis, when an impact takes place of a vehicle against the head (2) of the impact attenuator (1 ). The fixing members would also fix the third collapsible group to the first collapsible group (4) and to the second collapsible group (5).

Claims

CLAIMS ) An impact attenuator (1 ) fixable to a rear side of a lorry, comprising a head (2) and a rear member (3) which is opposite the head (2) and can be fixed to the rear side of a lorry; the impact attenuator (1 ) being characterised in that it comprises: a first collapsible group (4) which has a longitudinal development along a first development axis and which comprises a first end (4a) fixed to the head (2) and a second end (4b) fixed to the rear member (3); the first collapsible group (4) comprising a first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) arranged horizontally one following another and a first plurality of fixing plates (41 ) which are arranged alternated with the collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) for fixing each collapsible tubular element (40) to the adjacent collapsible tubular elements (40); a second collapsible group (5) which has a longitudinal development along a second development axis and which comprises a first end (5a) fixed to the head (2) and a second end (5b) fixed to the rear member (3), which second collapsible group (5) is arranged flanked and parallel to the first collapsible group (4); the second collapsible group (5) comprising a second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) arranged horizontally one following another and a second plurality of fixing plates (51 ) which are arranged alternated with the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) for fixing each collapsible tubular element (50) to the adjacent collapsible tubular elements (50); each collapsible tubular element (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and each collapsible tubular element (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) having a length and a transversal section that are related to one another in order to determine an irreversible compression deformation of the collapsible tubular element (40, 50) along the relative axis, when an impact takes place of a vehicle against the head (2) of the impact attenuator (1 ); a plurality of fixing members (6) for fixing the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) to one another, in which each fixing member (6) is arranged perpendicular to the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) and is fixed to a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41) and to a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51). 2) The impact attenuator (1 ) of the preceding claim, wherein the collapsible tubular elements (40) of the first plurality of collapsible tubular elements (40) and the collapsible tubular elements (50) of the second plurality of collapsible tubular elements (50) are designed in such a way that the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) have a growing resistance from the head (2) to the rear member (3).
3) The impact attenuator (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising covering means (7) for laterally covering the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5), which covering means (7) comprise a first covering member (70) arranged flanked to the first collapsible group (4) and solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (41) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ), and a second covering member (71 ) arranged flanked to the second collapsible group (5) and solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (51 ) of the second plurality of fixing plates (51 ); the covering means (7), the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) being reciprocally arranged in such a way that the first collapsible group (4) and the second collapsible group (5) are located between the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71).
4) The impact attenuator (1 ) of the preceding claim, wherein the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) are plates having a bellows conformation. 5) The impact attenuator (1 ) of claim 3 or 4, wherein the first covering member (70) and the second covering member (71 ) each comprise a first end (70a, 71 a) and a second end (70b, 71 b), wherein the first end (70a, 71 a) of the first covering member (70) and of the second covering member (71 ) is proximal to the head (2) with respect to the second end (70b, 71 b); the first covering member (70) being arranged in such a way that the first end (70a) is closer to the first collapsible group (4) with respect to the second end (70b) and the second covering member (71 ) being arranged in such a way that the first end (71 a) is closer to the second collapsible group (5) with respect to the second end (71 b).
6) The impact attenuator (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims from 3 to 5, wherein: the first covering member (70) comprises a first plurality of elements (700) arranged one following another and flanked to the first collapsible group (4), wherein each element (700) of the first plurality of elements (700) is solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ); the second covering member (71 ) comprises a second plurality of elements (710) arranged one following another and flanked to the second collapsible group (5), wherein each element (710) of the second plurality of elements (710) is solidly constrained to at least a fixing plate (41 ) of the first plurality of fixing plates (41 ).
7) The impact attenuator (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first wheel (8) borne by the head (2) in such a way that when the impact attenuator (1) is in use, the first wheel (8) contacts a ground surface.
8) The impact attenuator (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first hinge (9) designed in such a way that the impact attenuator (1 ) can assume a use configuration (A) and a minimum volume configuration (B).
9) The impact attenuator (1) of the preceding claim, comprising: a first portion (1 a) which comprises a first collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), a first collapsible part of the second collapsible group (5) which faces the first collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), at least a fixing member (6); a second portion (1 b) which comprises a second collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), a second collapsible part of the second collapsible group (5) which faces the first collapsible part of the first collapsible group (4), at least a fixing member (6); the first hinge (9) connecting the first portion (1 a) and the second portion (1 b) of the impact attenuator (1 ) so that the first portion (1 a) can be bent on the second portion (1 b).
10) The impact attenuator (1 ) of claim 8 or 9, comprising a second hinge (10) borne by the rear member (3) so as to hinge the impact attenuator (1 ) to the rear side of a lorry.
PCT/IB2017/051865 2016-04-04 2017-03-31 An impact attenuator fixable to a rear side of a lorry WO2017175105A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITUA2016A002276A ITUA20162276A1 (en) 2016-04-04 2016-04-04 IMPACT ATTENUATOR FIXABLE TO THE REAR SIDE OF A TRUCK
IT102016000034285 2016-04-04

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WO2017175105A1 true WO2017175105A1 (en) 2017-10-12

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PCT/IB2017/051865 WO2017175105A1 (en) 2016-04-04 2017-03-31 An impact attenuator fixable to a rear side of a lorry

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US6536986B1 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-03-25 Barrier Systems, Inc. Energy absorption apparatus with collapsible modules

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EP0042645A2 (en) * 1980-06-24 1981-12-30 STAAT DER NEDERLANDEN te dezen vertegenwoordigd door de Directeur-Generaal van de Rijkswaterstaat Obstacle protection arrangement
EP0221438A1 (en) * 1985-10-25 1987-05-13 Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. Vehicle impact attenuating device
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