CH719039A9 - Solar construction site warning light and method of operating a warning light. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a warning light for optically marking a danger point, comprising: a. an at least partially translucent housing with a light source (13, 14) for emitting an optical warning light, the light source comprising at least one warning light LED (13, 14), b. a photovoltaic unit (8, 16) comprising at least one photovoltaic cell (8) and at least one accumulator (16) for electrically feeding the light source (13, 14) with solar power, and c. in addition to the at least one accumulator (16), a battery (21) for supplying the light source (13, 14) with battery power, and d. a circuit (20) which is designed to switch the electrical supply of the light source (13, 14) from solar power to battery power to ensure continuous operation of the light source (13, 14) as soon as the charge level of the at least one rechargeable battery (16) is one falls below the charging threshold. The invention also relates to a method for operating a warning light.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention is in the technical field of solar lamps. The invention relates to a solar warning light for construction sites and a circuit and a method for operating the solar warning light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

DE20213622 U1 discloses a solar lamp with a spherical housing made of transparent plastic material. Inside the housing, in the lower part, there is a photovoltaic power supply consisting of silicon cells oriented horizontally upwards, two replaceable accumulators, at least one light-emitting diode and a control circuit with or without a twilight switch. Due to the arrangement in the lower part of the housing, the silicon cells can receive solar radiation from all directions and the at least one light-emitting diode can emit light in all directions. The round body sits on a base to form a table lamp, or on an adapter, ground spike or stand to form a garden lamp or similar.

DE202017100734U1 discloses a multifunctional solar lamp with a housing comprising a bottom housing and a top cover. A switch seat, a solar module holder and a battery holder are arranged on the inside of the top cover and integrated into a one-piece base support. The solar panels are oriented horizontally upwards to receive sunlight from above. Light-collecting bulges are arranged evenly distributed on the bottom housing, through which a good light emission takes place in the lower hemisphere and in particular in the direction of the bottom. The lamp can be provided with a counterpoise in the bottom case and with a support surface to be used as a water floating lamp or as a desk lamp on top. The lamp can also be mounted on a lawn stake and used as a lawn lamp.

DE29808876 U1 discloses a solar lamp with a lamp housing which includes a lamp head, two side parts and a photovoltaic block which are movably connected to one another via articulated connections. The light head contains a permanently lit light-emitting diode for locating the lamp and a light bulb that can be switched on for lighting purposes. The side parts accommodate the accumulators. The photovoltaic block consists of three panels, each of which has a frosted mirror surface on the back. When folded up, the solar lamp can be used as a flashlight, with the handle being formed from the photovoltaic block and the side parts. When unfolded, the solar lamp can be used as a charging station and as a table lamp. In the charging position, all three panels can receive sunlight. As a table lamp, the lamp head can illuminate the panels from below, so that the frosted mirror surface reflects a large, diffuse table light.

In all these cases, the rechargeable batteries are used to store the solar power to allow the operation of the solar lamp in the dark.

The CN109827131 A discloses a solar lamp which has a decorative sphere with solar cells and including a transom with a light source radiating downwards. The solar cells are spherically curved in order to efficiently absorb sunlight from all directions. The light source comprises multiple LED light strips arranged in light tubes filled with inert gas. An energy storage battery and a backup battery are provided in the base and are electrically connected in parallel with each other and in series with the light source. The solar lamp serves as a decorative garden lamp.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to create a roadworks warning light with improved operational safety. This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims, combinations of claims and in the description together with the figures.

According to the invention, a warning light, in particular a construction site warning light, is specified which is used to visually mark a danger point and comprises the following: a. an at least partially translucent housing with a light source for emitting an optical warning light, the light source comprising at least one warning light LED, b. a photovoltaic unit comprising at least one photovoltaic cell and at least one accumulator for electrically feeding the light source with solar power, and c. in addition to the at least one accumulator, a battery for electrically feeding the light source with battery power, and d. an electrical circuit that is designed to switch the electrical supply of the light source from solar power to battery power to ensure continuous operation of the light source as soon as a state of charge of the at least one accumulator falls below a charging threshold value.

The warning light according to the invention has several advantages. Due to the presence of a solar power supply with solar cells and at least one battery that can be charged by solar power on the one hand and a powerful additional battery for alternative power supply with battery power on the other hand, an extraordinarily long service life of the construction site warning light is achieved. Operating times of e.g. 1-2 weeks or even longer are possible. This significantly improves the operational safety of the warning light even in the harsh environment on construction sites, e.g. road construction sites. Solar operation can also significantly extend the life of the battery, especially in sunny weather, which is very advantageous from an ecological point of view. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are given below. These can be combined with one another as desired.

In this application, the light source comprises or consists of low-power LEDs for generating the warning light. For example, the light source includes or consists of several, in particular four, warning light LEDs. In general, other power-saving light sources can also be used as an alternative or in addition, which should hereby also be included in the term LED.

In exemplary embodiments, there is a switch for activating an operational readiness of the warning lamp, so that the circuit can control the light source and the indicator lamps. The switch can preferably be actuated by hand.

In exemplary embodiments, the circuit comprises a twilight switch which switches off the light source in daylight. This can reduce power consumption, extend battery life, and overall increase the amount of time the warning light can run without maintenance between battery changes.

In all of the exemplary embodiments, the operational readiness of the warning lamp can include a first operational readiness for flashing light and a second operational readiness for continuous light of the warning lamp and in particular its light source. In this case, for example, a flashing light can be brought about by a first actuation of the switch and a permanent light by a second actuation of the switch, and deactivation of the operational readiness by a third actuation of the switch. When the switch is actuated in daylight, the switched-on operational readiness can be carried out for a short period of time, e.g. 3-10 seconds, by the warning light and in particular its light source. As a result, the user recognizes the operating status of the warning light even in daylight when the warning light is actually switched off by the twilight switch.

In exemplary embodiments, the circuit for controlling the light source and its power supply is designed in such a way that at least one of the following functions can be performed: a. Turning on the warning light when the switch is activated; b. Automatic switching on of the light source in solar mode after dusk; c. Automatic switching off of the light source after daylight; and d. Monitoring the state of charge of the accumulator and, when it is detected that the charging threshold value is not reached, switching the light source to power supply from the battery.

In exemplary embodiments, the circuit for driving preferably two LED indicator lights is designed in such a way that at least one of the following functions can be displayed: a. "Warning lamp switched on ready for operation" is represented by a first optical signal, e.g. a first control lamp or red LED lights up continuously; b. "Warning light in solar mode" is represented by a second visual signal, e.g. both indicator lights are off; c. "The charge level of the accumulator has fallen below the charge threshold and the light source has switched to battery power supply" is represented by a third optical signal, e.g. a second control lamp or a green LED lights up continuously; and d. "The battery charge level has fallen below a capacity limit, e.g. 20% of the maximum capacity" is represented by a fourth optical signal, e.g. the second control lamp or green LED flashes (e.g. in the dark) and/or the first control lamp or red LED flashes (e.g. by daylight).

In exemplary embodiments, the housing comprises a light-transmitting lamp lens which is designed to emit the warning light in a predominantly horizontal direction. In particular, the lamp lens includes or is an all-round lens that is designed to emit the warning light in a predominantly horizontal direction on all sides. The lamp lens or all-round lens has the advantage that, by bundling the light beams largely in a horizontal plane, the warning light with relatively low light output has a wide radiation over long distances, and in particular can radiate on all sides regardless of its suspension. This ensures easy use of the warning light without alignment. The warning light is preferably placed at a location with as free a view as possible or all-round view.

In exemplary embodiments, the warning lamp can be mounted hanging from a suspension, e.g. a metal bracket, so that the warning lamp is automatically aligned vertically by gravity. This further simplifies the use of the warning lamp.

In exemplary embodiments, the photovoltaic cells are arranged in the housing under a translucent top cover of the housing. In this way, sunlight can be easily and efficiently received by the photovoltaic cells during the day and solar power can be generated and stored in at least one accumulator.

In exemplary embodiments, the at least one accumulator, a holder for mounting at least a first circuit board for the at least one warning light LED and at least a second circuit board for at least one indicator light, in particular LED indicator light(s), are arranged inside the housing. In particular, these elements are enclosed by the wrap-around lens of the housing. In this way, a compact construction and simple and reliable arrangement of the light source relative to the lamp lens or all-round lens is achieved.

In embodiments, a battery housing is releasably attached below the housing, which serves to accommodate the battery and the circuit. This arrangement has the advantage that the warning light can be placed more stably due to the relatively high weight of the batteries and, in particular, that the vertical alignment of the warning light can be stabilized better when it is suspended.

In exemplary embodiments, the battery is replaceable and/or has a charge capacity of at least 7 days, preferably 10 to 14 days. Depending on the amount of solar power that can be stored during the day, the warning light can be operated for up to a month.

In exemplary embodiments, the battery cannot be charged by the photovoltaic cell(s). The batteries thus guarantee reliable night-time operation of the warning light, regardless of the amount of sunlight during the day. Alternatively or additionally, the battery can be charged from the mains. This means, for example, that two batteries can be used alternately between operation in the warning light and charging from the mains. Alternatively or additionally, the battery can be a dry battery, for example a 6 V dry battery.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to an electrical circuit for controlling the warning light as disclosed herein.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for operating a warning light as disclosed herein.

In exemplary embodiments of the method, at least one of the following functions is automatically performed by the circuit when the warning light is activated by means of a switch: a. Switching the warning light into operational readiness, comprising outputting a first optical signal, e.g. a first indicator light or red LED is switched on continuously; b. Switching on the light source in solar mode after dusk, including the output of a second optical signal, e.g. both indicator lights are switched off; c. Monitoring the state of charge of the accumulator and, when it is detected that the charging threshold value has not been reached, switching the light source to power supply from the battery, including the output of a third optical signal, e.g. a second control lamp or green LED is switched on permanently; i.e. Monitoring the state of charge of the battery and when it is detected that the battery has fallen below a capacity limit, e.g. 20% of the maximum capacity, a fourth optical signal is output, e.g. the second indicator light or green LED is operated flashing (e.g. in the dark) and/or the first indicator light or red LED is operated flashing (e.g. in daylight); and e. Switching off the light source after the onset of daylight, including the output of the first visual signal for the operational readiness of the warning light, e.g. the first control light or red LED is permanently switched on, or the fourth visual signal for a battery change, e.g. the second control light or green LED is operated flashing ( e.g. in the dark) and/or the first control lamp or red LED is operated flashing (e.g. in daylight).

In the description, several exemplary embodiments are disclosed, some of which are also shown in the figures. The exemplary embodiments are provided for purposes of illustration and should not be used to limit the interpretation of the claims. For example, features that are illustrated or described as part of one exemplary embodiment should also be usable in other exemplary embodiments and thus form a basis for further exemplary embodiments. Such modifications and variations are expressly part of the present disclosure. In particular, all of the features in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in any combination.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is explained in more detail on the basis of the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and the associated description. 1a-1c show the warning light according to the invention in three side views, each rotated through 90°; 2 shows the warning light according to the invention in an exploded view; 3a-3g components of the electrical circuit; Fig. 4 shows the electrical circuit board in plan view; and Figure 5 shows the rear of the electrical circuit board with contacts for the battery.

WAYS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

In the following figures and the associated description, identical or corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise noted. The exemplary embodiments described are each exemplary of the subject matter of the invention and have no restrictive effect.

1a, 1b and 1c show an embodiment of the warning lamp 100 according to the invention, which is specially designed as a construction site warning lamp 100. This includes a suspension 2, which holds a lamp or at least partially translucent housing 3 from above. The upper cover 103 of the housing 3 is translucent and accommodates one or more solar cells 8 underneath. The battery 21 is available in addition to the solar power supply and is used to substantially extend the service life of the warning light 100.

Fig. 2 shows this embodiment of the warning light 100 in an exploded view with the following components: metal ring 1 and metal bracket 2 (both for carrying and/or hanging the warning light); first case 3 with transparent cover 103; solar cells 8; Light source 13, 14 for the warning light here in the form of two LED circuit boards 13, 14, each with two LEDs; Holder 1 5 preferably made of plastic for mounting the LED circuit board (s) 13, 14; accumulator 16 e.g. in the form of a chargeable battery or an Ni-Mh accumulator; further LED circuit board 17 for status LEDs, e.g. for a first control light 17a in the form of a red LED and for a second control light 17b in the form of a green LED; Bracket 18 typically made of plastic for mounting the battery 16; circuit board 20; non-solar rechargeable battery 21, e.g., 6V dry battery.

In the embodiment shown, the first at least partially translucent housing 3 is vertically constructed in two parts from two half-shells 9, 10, which together form a lamp glass typically made of translucent plastic, which is preferably designed as an all-round lens 9, 10. The elements for assembling the first housing 3 include: hexagon nuts 5a, 5b; and screws 6, 7, 11, 12.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second housing 4 for accommodating the battery 21 is constructed in two parts from an upper part 19 and a lower part 28, which together form an openable battery box, typically made of plastic, which can preferably be screwed or flanged to the first housing 3 with a bayonet connection. The elements for assembling the battery case 4 or for connecting its upper part 19 to the lower part 28 include: nuts 22, 23; mounting bracket 24; U-shaped mounting bracket 25; square nut 26; and hex nut 27.

At least the following functions (i) - (v) of the warning light 100 can be implemented individually or in combination or in sub-combinations with each other by means of the circuit 30 (see also figures 3a-3g): (i) When operating the manual switch 30, the warning light 100 is put into operation. A first, preferably optical, signal can be output for checking purposes; e.g. a first control lamp 17a, which is e.g. a red LED 17a, is permanently switched on. (ii) After the onset of twilight, the light source 13, 14 is switched on, e.g. by means of a twilight switch in solar operation, provided that there is enough electrical energy from the solar charge in the accumulator 16 during the day; otherwise it switches to battery operation (see (iii)). The operating status "Warning light in solar mode" can be represented by a second, preferably optical, signal, e.g. both indicator lights 17a, 17b are switched off. (iii) The state of charge of the accumulator 16 is monitored and compared with the charging threshold. As soon as falling below the charging threshold value is detected, the light source 13, 14 is switched over from solar power supply from the accumulator 16 to battery power supply from the battery 21. A third, preferably optical, signal can be output as a check; e.g. a second control lamp or green LED 17b is permanently switched on. (iv) The state of charge of the battery 21 is monitored and compared to a capacity limit of the battery 21, e.g., 20% of the maximum capacity. As soon as it is detected that the capacity limit has not been reached, a fourth, preferably optical, signal can be output; e.g. the second control lamp or green LED 17b and/or the first control lamp or red LED 17a is operated in a flashing manner. (v) After the onset of daylight, the light source 13, 14 is switched off and the first, preferably optical, signal is emitted (e.g. the first control lamp or red LED 17a is switched on continuously) to indicate that the warning lamp 100 is ready for operation; and/or the fourth preferably optical signal is output (e.g. the second control lamp or green LED 17b and/or the first control lamp or red LED 17a is operated in a flashing manner) to indicate the need for a battery change.

The above-described functions (i) - (v) of the warning light 100 or the electrical circuit 20 and the method described therein can also be understood by way of example with the aid of FIGS. 3a-3g. R = electrical resistances, GND = earth, D = diodes, L = coils, C = capacitances, V = voltages, Q = transistors, and LED = light-emitting diodes. Shown is an integrated circuit (Fig. 3a), which interacts with various electronic components or components (Fig.3b-3g). Fig. 3bthe charging of the accumulator 16 with accumulator voltage Vbat_NI via a diode D1 by the photovoltaic voltage Vsolar.Fig. 3c shows the Control Key signal line from the manual switch 30. Fig. 3d and 3e show linear voltage regulators for the accumulator voltage Vbat_NI and for the battery voltage VBAT_G for providing a regulated voltage of 3.3 V.Fig. 3f shows the alternative circuit and combination of the two supply voltages 3.3V_NI from the accumulator 16 (solar power supply) and 3.3V_G from the battery 21 (battery power supply) to supply voltage +3V for operating the light source or the warning light LEDs 13, 14 and the indicator light LEDs 17a, 17b. The alternative interconnection of the two supply voltages is controlled by the transistors Q4 and Q7, which act as switches, depending on the applied control voltages Vcontrol NI for the accumulator 16 and Vcontrol G for the battery 21.Fig. 3g shows from left to right the provision of reference voltages Vref_Vsolar for the photovoltaic voltage Vsolar and Vref_G for the battery voltage VBAT_G by voltage division; furthermore the provision of the 3V voltage supply for the red LED_R depending on its associated control signal LED R and for the green LED_G depending on its associated control signal LED G; Furthermore, the provision of the 3V power supply for the warning light LEDs LED_Y depending on their associated control signal LED Y.

shows the electrical circuit board 20 with the manual switch 30 and the various electronic components mentioned above and their wiring including conductor tracks and also the lines to the LEDs for the warning light 13, 14 and the indicator lights 17a, 17b. Fig. 5 shows the back of the electrical circuit board 20 with the contacts for the battery or batteries 21.

LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS

100 solar lamp, warning light, construction site warning light 1 metal ring 2 suspension, bracket, metal bracket 3 first housing, luminous body, translucent housing 103 Translucent top cover for solar panel, transparent top cover 4 second housing, battery housing 5a, 5b hex nuts 6, 7 bolts with washer 8 solar collector, photovoltaic cell(s), solar cell(s) 8, 16 photovoltaic unit for power supply with solar power 9, 10 lamp lens, all-round lens, lamp glass 11,12 screws 13, 14 light source, warning light, signal LEDs, signal LED circuit boards 15 mounting bracket the warning light LED board(s), plastic holder 16 accumulator, rechargeable battery, Ni-Mh accumulator 17 LED board for status LEDs 17a first indicator light, first status LED, red LED 17b second indicator light, second status LED, green LED 18 battery mounting bracket, plastic bracket 19 top of battery case 20 circuit board, circuit 21 battery (non-rechargeable), dry battery (e.g. 6 volts) 22, 23 nuts 24 mounting bracket 25 U-shaped mounting bracket 26 square nut 27 hex nut 28 bottom of battery case 30 switch, activation switch, manual switch

Claims (16)

1. Warning light (100) for optically marking a danger point, comprising a. an at least partially translucent housing (3) with a light source (13, 14) for emitting an optical warning light, the light source comprising at least one warning light LED (13, 14), b. a photovoltaic unit (8, 16) comprising at least one photovoltaic cell (8) and at least one accumulator (16) for electrically feeding the light source (13, 14) with solar power, and c. in addition to the at least one accumulator (16), a battery (21) for supplying the light source (13, 14) with battery power, characterized in that i.e. a circuit (20) is present which is designed to switch the electrical supply of the light source (13, 14) from solar power to battery power to ensure continuous operation of the light source (13, 14) as soon as the charge level of the at least one rechargeable battery (16 ) falls below a charging threshold. 2. Warning lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that a switch (30) for activating an operational readiness of the warning lamp (100), in particular a first operational readiness for flashing light of the light source (13, 14) and/or a second operational readiness for continuous light the light source (13, 14) is present, so that the circuit (20) can control the light source (13, 14) and at least one indicator light (17a, 17b). 3. Warning light (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching circuit (20) comprises a twilight switch which switches off the light source (13, 14) in daylight. 4. Warning light (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit (20) for controlling the light source (13, 14) and its power supply is designed so that at least one of the following functions can be performed: a. activating the warning lamp (100) when the switch (30) is activated; b. Automatic switching on of the light source (13, 14) in solar mode after dusk; c. Automatic switching off of the light source (13, 14) after daylight; and i.e. Monitoring the state of charge of the rechargeable battery (16) and switching the light source (13, 14) to power supply from the battery (21) when it is detected that the charging threshold value has not been reached. 5. Warning light (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit (20) for controlling preferably two LED indicator lights (17a, 17b) is designed such that at least one of the following functions can be displayed: a. "Warning lamp (100) switched on ready for operation" is represented by a first visual signal, e.g. a first control lamp or red LED (1 7a) lights up continuously; b. "Warning lamp (100) in solar mode" is represented by a second optical signal, e.g. both indicator lamps (17a, 17b) are switched off; c. "Charge status of the rechargeable battery (16) has fallen below the charging threshold and the light source (13, 14) switched to power supply from the battery (21)" is represented by a third optical signal, e.g. a second control lamp or green LED (1 7b) lights up continuously; and i.e. "The battery charge level (21) has fallen below a capacity limit, e.g. 20% of the maximum capacity" is represented by a fourth optical signal, e.g. the second control lamp or green LED (1 7b) flashes and/or the first control lamp or red LED ( 1 7a) flashes. 6. warning light (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (3) comprises a light-transmissive lamp lens (9, 10) for emitting the warning light in a predominantly horizontal direction. 7. Warning light (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the light source comprises or is a plurality of warning light LEDs (13, 14), in particular four warning light LEDs (13, 14), and the lamp lens is an all-round lens (9, 10) includes or is for emitting the warning light in a predominantly horizontal direction on all sides. 8. warning light (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the warning light (100) by means of a suspension (1, 2) can be mounted hanging. 9. Warning light (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photovoltaic cells (8) are arranged in the housing (3) under a translucent upper cover (103) of the housing (3). 10. Warning light (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one accumulator (16), a holder (15) for mounting at least one first circuit board for the at least one warning light LED (13, 14) and at least one second circuit board (17) for at least one LED control light (17a, 17b) are arranged inside the housing (3), in particular surrounded by one or the all-round lens (9, 10) of the housing (3). 11. Warning light (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that below the housing (3) a battery housing (4) is releasably attached, which serves to accommodate the battery (21) and the circuit (20). 12. Warning light (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery (21) is replaceable and / or has a charge capacity of at least 7 days. 13. Warning light (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery (21) cannot be charged by the photovoltaic cell(s) (8) and/or that the battery (21) can be charged from the mains and/or or that the battery is a dry battery (21). 14. Circuit (20) for controlling a warning light (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13. 15. Method for operating a warning lamp (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13. 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that when the warning lamp (100) is activated by means of a manual switch (30), at least one of the following functions is automatically carried out by the circuit (20): a. Switching the warning lamp (100) into operational readiness, comprising outputting a first optical signal, e.g. a first control lamp or red LED (17a) is switched on permanently; b. Switching on the light source (13, 14) in solar mode after dusk, including the output of a second optical signal, e.g. both indicator lights (17a, 17b) are switched off; c. Monitoring the state of charge of the accumulator (16) and, when it is detected that the charging threshold value has not been reached, switching the light source (13, 14) to power supply from the battery (21), including the output of a third optical signal, e.g. a second control lamp or green LED (17b). permanently switched on; and i.e. Monitoring the state of charge of the battery (21) and when it is detected that the battery (21) has fallen below a capacity limit, e.g. 20% of the maximum capacity, a fourth optical signal is output, e.g. the second indicator light or green LED (17b) is operated and/or flashes the first indicator light or red LED (17a) is operated flashing; and e. Switching off the light source (13, 14) after the onset of daylight, including outputting the first optical signal for operational readiness of the warning light (100) and/or the fourth optical signal for changing the battery.