DE202015106381U1 - Signal device with light module - Google Patents

Abstract

Optical signal device, in particular a modular signal tower (1) or the like, with at least one first, at least one light element (10) comprising, exchangeable light module (3) for optical display of one or more, different operating conditions of a technical device (2) a machine, a system, a vehicle or the like, wherein the first lighting module (3) has at least one printed circuit board (11) with the at least one first lighting element (10) and electrical components, at least one contact (32) between at least one first, detachably contactable, electrical contact surface (19) and a second electrical contact surface (18) of an adjacently arranged, as a second light module (3) and / or as a holding module (5) and / or as a base module (6) for holding and connecting the signal device to a Operating position formed module (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) is provided, wherein at least one of the end face n (19) of the printed circuit board (11) of the first lighting module (3) at least partially as the first detachably contactable electrical contact surface (19) of the contact (32) for contacting the adjacently arranged module (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) is formed, characterized in that the circuit board (11) is arranged substantially in the direction of a longitudinal axis (8) of the signal device (1) and / or the first light-emitting module (3).

Description

The invention relates to an optical signal device, in particular a modular signal tower or the like, with at least a first, at least one light element comprehensive, interchangeable light module for optical display of one or more different operating conditions of a technical device such as a machine, a system, a vehicle or The like, according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Such optical signal devices or signal towers have been in use for many years in various variants. In many cases, the "classic" signal tower with three interchangeable exchangeable modules is in use, which usually have the colors red, yellow and green. Since signal towers are usually constructed in a modular manner, it is also quite possible to include additional changeover modules in the colors blue or white, etc., or to remove individual changeover modules under changing operating conditions or applications / purposes of use. Frequently, acoustic signal transmitters such as piezo discs or multi-tone generators or horns etc. are also integrated in the device, so that not only visual, but also acoustic signaling can take place.

In the case of the modular, optical signal devices, there are on the one hand the so-called "preconfigured" devices, wherein a fixed, unchangeable structure of the firmly interconnected modules is present, for example in the colors red, yellow, green.

More widely used are tool-less detachable, temporarily interconnectable exchange modules in so-called "non-preconfigured" devices or signal towers. In this case, the individual modules, in particular lighting modules and / or acoustic modules can be combined with one another as desired and also exchanged or replaced without tools at a later time. This achieves a particularly great flexibility in the application possibilities with standardized changeover modules. For example, a "blue" stage or replacement module can subsequently be supplemented and / or a damaged or broken lighting module / replacement module can be replaced by a new, intact lighting module / replacement module without much effort.

This is especially in modern lighting modules with long-life LEDs or printed circuit boards / boards of particular advantage because compared to the previously widely used light bulbs not only the light source, that is, the bulb, but in the case of damage or destruction of the light source and / or the circuit boards / PCBs nowadays usually for economic reasons, a repair is out of the question, but the entire replacement module / light module is replaced.

Especially in the case of modularly constructed signal towers with interchangeable modules, a "looping through" of the current or energy supply of the individual modules by means of wires has been used for many years. Thus, according to the DE 100 41 202 A1 For example, a signal tower with up to five stages / light modules described, each module in addition to the five separate power supply / power lines / wires, also a negative terminal or neutral / wire present in each module and is "looped through" from stage to stage , This means that so far usually every change module / light module has six wires on the inside of the dome, so that all exchange modules of up to five-level signal tower are the same design and are interchangeable with each other. The signaling of the respective module, for example of stage no. 3, takes place in that a closed and energized circuit of line no. 3 is realized with the neutral conductor.

For example, each interchangeable module / lighting module must each have six contact points, with which the electrical connection can be "looped through" from a first module to an adjacent module. This means that both end faces of the exchange modules each have a total of six detachable contact points, so that when disassembling a module or a change module, all six contact points are dissolved or separated. When mounting or fixing two exchange modules / lighting modules with each other, the contact points are reconnected, that is, a wire or a contact surface from the first module with the corresponding second wire or a second contact surface of the adjacent module is connected to each other.

Particularly in the case of signal towers with exchangeable modules, there are high demands on these contact points or on the contacting during replacement, that is to say assembly and / or disassembly of one of the modules / exchangeable modules. Signal towers experience in the course of their lifetime sometimes a very frequent replacement of such modules or exchange modules, with a secure contact and thus the security of the power supply between the tool-replaceable modules must be guaranteed under all circumstances.

It is already out of the DE 10 2011 122 530 A1 a warning light column with a contact between adjacent modules known, wherein a circuit board or board frontal contacts and realized with the additional connecting wires of the respective adjacent module, the releasably connectable electrical contact between two adjacent modules.

As before, it is disadvantageous that these changeover modules must have the several electrical connection wires in order to ensure the "looping through" of the electrical power supply or power supply. This is not only structurally complex, but also economically unfavorable.

Purpose and advantages of the invention

The object of the invention is in contrast to propose an optical signal device, in particular a modular signal tower or the like, which can be produced with less constructive effort and thus in particular economically favorable.

This object is achieved on the basis of an optical signal device of the aforementioned type by the features of claim 1. The measures mentioned in the dependent claims advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are possible.

Accordingly, a signal device according to the invention is characterized in that the circuit board is arranged substantially in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the signal device and / or the first light module, preferably on / in a longitudinal center plane of the light module / module.

With the help of this measure u. a. achieved that in an advantageous manner virtually no torques when connecting or contacting two adjacent modules / change modules / lighting modules are generated. This reduces u. a. the risk that in the course of operation or repeated replacement or replacement of the individual modules / lighting modules or loosening and reconnecting adjacent modules / lighting modules adverse load or adverse effect on the contact or the contact point due to a torque effect eccentrically mounted contacts / surfaces can occur.

Consequently, the releasably connectable contact of the invention between two releasably connectable adjacent modules with the present invention can be a relatively large force application, preferably in the direction of the longitudinal axis on a plane of at least one of the circuit boards and / or on / in a longitudinal center plane of the light module between the two corresponding printed circuit boards can be realized. This ensures a reliable or secure contact or electrical energy / power supply between adjacent modules / exchange modules. In addition, any assembly or manufacturing tolerances of the individual contacting elements or between the longitudinally arranged printed circuit boards may be compensated for in an advantageous manner.

In addition, comparatively large-sized and multiply bent contact wires, as was customary in previous standard signal columns, can be eliminated or improved with the aid of the present invention. This not only reduces the design complexity, but also the economic effort in an advantageous manner compared to the prior art. For example, a multiple bending of the respective contact wire, for example, according to DE 100 41 202 A1 be waived or reduced. In contrast to the present invention, the assembly or fixation according to multiple bent energy supply wires according to the prior art is relatively expensive and thus economically unfavorable.

Advantageously, the light module / change module / module comprises at least one contact element with the second electrical contact surface of the contact. Preferably, this contact element is connected or electrically connected to the second electrical contact surface of the contact with an end face of the printed circuit board or adjacently arranged printed circuit board of an adjacently arranged lighting module / exchange module / module. That is, in the operating position, the contact element with the second electrical contact surface in this preferred variant is in direct contact or contact with an end face or contact surface of the adjacent printed circuit board.

An advantageous contact element with the second electrical contact surface of the contact can be used to compensate for manufacturing or assembly tolerances and / or other advantageous functions. So is the production of a frontal contact of the circuit board, z. B. realized as a solder joint, relatively inflexible with respect. A compensation of assembly or manufacturing tolerances. Although it is possible to attach solder or metal material to the front side of the printed circuit board / circuit board in an advantageous manner, these solder joints etc. may have comparatively disadvantageous manufacturing tolerances, if appropriate. In these cases, possibly adjacent arranged second contact surfaces may possibly cause z. B. one of the contacts between two adjacently arranged modules / exchange modules, where appropriate, only conditionally sufficient electrical passage of the power supply or power supply between adjacent modules can guarantee. To safely avoid such, conceivable adverse effects when "looping through" the energy or power supply, z. As a post-processing such as a grinding / grinding of the front side or solder joints or the like and / or the use of the advantageous contact element with the second electrical contact surface of the contact of particular advantage. For example, the contact element is designed to be yielding or flexible or adjustable / movable at least in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the contact element is designed as at least partially longitudinally adjustable in the direction of the longitudinal axis and / or substantially perpendicular in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the contact spring for generating a aligned in the direction of and / or transversely to the longitudinal axis contact force. This can be compensated in an advantageous manner manufacturing tolerances in the circuit boards or adjacent modules and / or multiple contacts. In addition, advantageous contact / contact forces can be realized, so that a secure electrical contacting or forwarding of the electrical power supply between the modules / lighting modules is realized.

Advantageously, the contact element is designed at least as a latching element for latching with the housing element and / or as a clamping element for clamping with the circuit board. Hereby, an advantageous production or assembly of the module or light module / exchange module is possible because, for example, by mounting the contact element designed as a latching element this latched by mounting with the housing element and / or jammed with the circuit board. Consequently, it can be achieved by the assembly process of the contact element in or on the module or with the module that the already preassembled circuit board using the contact element securely fixed during operation or jammed / clamped. Thus, not only the contact element in the module or light module / change module is fixed by the mounting of the contact element in an advantageous manner, but at the same time fixed the circuit board. Accordingly, additional assembly or work steps in the production of a corresponding module / light module can be avoided according to the invention, which has an economically favorable.

In a particular variant of the invention, the contact element on at least one, preferably on two sides, in particular on two opposite in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis and / or aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis sides, (each) at least one latching nose or the like, so that the contact element or locking element can be snapped or fixed in an advantageous manner with the housing element or the dome of the module / light module / change module. For this purpose, a substantially symmetrical configuration of the latching noses or of the clamping element is provided at least in this area, so that the assembly of the contact element or latching element on / with / in the housing element u. a. can be flexibly mounted or fixed in two rotated by 180 ° positions. This facilitates the assembly of the contact element, since, for example, an assembly person or a mounting robot or machine does not have to pay attention to the "only correct side" when installing / mounting the contact element on / in / with the housing element.

The printed circuit board preferably has at least one contact section per contact or per contact element on two opposite side surfaces aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis. As a result, in turn, a flexibility in the assembly of a contact element, which is preferably designed as a clamping element for clamping with the circuit board, realized. Alternatively or in combination with the advantageous measure mentioned above, an arbitrary assembly with two mutually rotated by 180 ° mounting positions of the contact element can be realized, especially even with a non (complete) symmetrical design of the contact element, at least the connection / Verklemmbereichs of the contact element , For example, the contact element (only) on a (one-sided) connecting lip or the like for contacting with the circuit board or the corresponding contact portion of the circuit board.

With two arranged on opposite sides connecting lips of the contact element, if necessary, a complete symmetry can be realized, wherein the circuit board is arranged or clamped in an advantageous manner in the assembled operating state between these two connecting lips of the contact element. Accordingly, these two connecting lips can be connected or contacted with the advantageously present on both sides arranged, electrically conductive contact portions of the side surfaces of the circuit board.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the second contact surface of the contact element between two, each acute-angled aligned to the longitudinal axis contact ramps arranged and / or the contact element one or at least on both sides of the longitudinal center plane each an acute angle to the longitudinal axis aligned contact ramp for an adjacent circuit board and / or first contact surface on. This ensures that in a transverse displacement with respect to the longitudinal axis, both linearly and rotationally about the longitudinal axis, a Front side contact of the circuit board or the first contact surface by means of the advantageous ramp to the second contact surface of the contact is adjustable or displaceable. Thus, the contact according to the invention as an advantageous sliding contact can be realized, which among other manufacturing and / or assembly tolerances of the components / elements involved are compensated.

Preferably, the acute-angled orientation of the contact ramp with respect to the second contact surface according to the invention also makes it possible to adjust the second contact surface in the longitudinal direction, so that inter alia an advantageous contact force or clamping force can also be generated. This clamping force or contact force is preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis, so that the two contact surfaces of the contact according to the invention are pressed against each other or pressed. This improves the electrical contact / passage and thus the reliability of the contact according to the invention.

In a variant with a bilateral training, each with a contact ramp, d. H. the second contact surface is arranged between two contact ramps, it is possible that when joining adjacent modules / lighting modules or the corresponding two contact surfaces, these can be adjusted or moved against each other as desired or from both sides. For example, in a rotary adjustment when mounting two adjacent modules / light modules preferably the straight circuit board and / or a linearly aligned contact strip with a plurality of along the longitudinal center plane arranged contact elements / spring contacts of a first X position of the corresponding contact surfaces by rotation about the longitudinal axis or Axis of alignment of the two X-legs can be realized in an advantageous manner. In such a rotation of the two adjacent modules / light modules namely move the circuit board and the contact strip from both sides towards each other, d. H. Each X-leg of the circuit board and the individual contact element is covered in each case by "right" and "left" of the other contact surface. Therefore arranged on both sides of the second contact surface contact ramps are of great advantage when joining adjacent modules / lighting modules.

When adjusting or joining two adjacent modules / light modules / changeover modules, an adjustment path is preferably provided in a transverse plane, which is aligned substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Such an adjustment allows the advantageous realization of a sliding contact.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, a parallel offset of the first contact surface in relation to the second contact surface is advantageously provided in the non-assembled operating state of two adjacent modules / lighting modules in the direction of the longitudinal axis. As a result, an advantageous pressing / contact force can be generated and / or manufacturing tolerances or assembly tolerances can be compensated.

Advantageously, at least one adjustment path of the light module and / or the module at least partially a rotational path about the longitudinal axis and / or at least one bayonet closure for tool-releasable connection of the first light module with the adjacent tool-solvable connecting the first light module with the adjacent module / light module arranged module provided. This ensures that, for example, by a first adjustment, which is aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis, two adjacent modules / light modules / exchange modules and possibly overcome the longitudinal axis in the original parallel offset of the two contact surfaces overcome / eliminated / compensated and with a subsequent Rotationsverstellweg or . A rotation is realized a fixing or locking / jamming. Here, on the one hand, a secure or reliable contacting and fixing in the operation of two adjacent modules / lighting modules / exchange modules is achieved. On the other hand, this replacement or replacement of a module / light module / change module can be realized without great effort.

All this is of great advantage, in particular in the case of damage or impairment of electronic components or the like of a module / light module. Also, this can be realized without great effort an extension or change of the optical signal device or the signal tower. For example, subsequently another module can be supplemented in another color not yet used or a light module in a certain color, which is no longer needed with changed conditions, be removed without much effort.

An inventive contact, in particular a sliding contact with the two contact surfaces of the contact, which are preferably aligned perpendicular or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, with repeated removal and installation or assembly and disassembly quite a bit of wear or abrasion of the contacts or contact surfaces have, without causing disadvantages for the contact or the contact according to the invention. Thus, by the parallel offset and / or the advantageous resilient training, especially the second contact surface and the contact element, a appropriate wear of the contact surfaces are compensated.

In a particular development of the invention, at least three first and / or second contact surfaces are arranged along an end face of the first and / or second printed circuit board and / or along a straight line oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, the printed circuit board and / or the straight line being oriented in a direction arranged the longitudinal axis aligned longitudinal center plane of the first light-emitting module and / or the module. For example, transversely, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, preferably on / in (an extension) of a plane at least one of the circuit boards of the light module / module, between the first circuit board and the second circuit board at least the two, detachably contactable, electrical contact surfaces of the contact arranged / intended. With the help of this measure it is achieved that virtually no torques are generated when connecting or contacting two adjacent modules / exchange modules / lighting modules. This reduces u. a. the risk that in the course of operation or repeated replacement or replacement of the individual modules / lighting modules or loosening and reconnecting adjacent modules / lighting modules adverse load or adverse effect on the contact or the contact point due to a torque effect eccentrically mounted contacts / surfaces can occur.

Consequently, between the first and the second contact surface of the contact, that is, between two detachably connectable adjacent modules, with the present invention, a comparatively large force application, preferably in the direction of the longitudinal axis on a plane of at least one of the circuit boards and / or on / in one Longitudinal plane of the light module / module between the two corresponding circuit boards can be realized. This ensures a reliable or secure contact or electrical power supply / power supply between adjacent modules / exchange modules. In addition, also occurring assembly or manufacturing tolerances of the individual contacting elements can be compensated in an advantageous manner.

In addition, comparatively large-sized and multiply bent contact wires, as was customary in previous standard signal columns, can be eliminated or improved with the aid of the present invention. This not only reduces the design complexity, but also the economic effort in an advantageous manner compared to the prior art. For example, a multiple bending of the respective contact wire, for example, according to DE 100 41 202 A1 be waived or reduced. In contrast to the present invention, the assembly or fixation according to multiple bent energy supply wires according to the prior art is relatively expensive and thus economically unfavorable.

Preferably, the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the contact between the end face of the first circuit board and the end face of the second circuit board are arranged. Thus, a direct force flow / closure or a force effect in the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board or printed circuit boards can be recorded or realized in a particularly advantageous manner. Thus comparatively large forces for contacting, that is, contact / contact forces can be realized, which can be accommodated in an advantageous manner, at least by one of the printed circuit boards and / or two printed circuit boards, without negative torques being generated on the printed circuit board or the contact.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one second contact arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis between the first printed circuit board and a third printed circuit board for electrically connecting and contacting the first lighting module is provided with an adjacently arranged, third lighting module or with the holding element and / or the base module is, wherein the second contact (also like the first contact in the sense of the invention) has at least a first contact surface and a second, with the first contact surface releasably connectable, electrical second contact surface. This means that the second contact is provided for the detachable connection of the first lighting module to a further or third module / lighting module / exchange module and preferably the corresponding two so-called "first" and "second" contact surfaces and / or structurally or constructively almost identical or similar.

The first contact is preferably arranged on / on a first base surface or first end side of the light module / module / exchange module and the second contact is arranged on / on a second, the first opposing base surface or front side of the light module / module. It is thereby achieved that advantageously a module / exchange module or lighting module can be arranged or integrated between a further or the third lighting module and another or the second lighting module or the holding element or base module. Thus, a signal device or a signal tower with a plurality of lighting modules and / or base / holding modules can be realized in an advantageous manner.

Preferably, the second contact is identical / equal and / or structurally or constructively almost identical or the same as the first contact formed. This further improves the modularity or interchangeability of the individual modules of the optical signal device or signal tower. Accordingly, a transfer or "looping through" of the power supply or the power supply from one module to another module and from this in turn to a further / third module, etc., can advantageously be realized in an advantageous manner.

In general, an advantageous force flow or force progression can take place through an entire optical signal device or an entire signal tower via the respective printed circuit boards and the contacts arranged in each case in the longitudinal direction. An adverse effect of torque due to corresponding eccentric contact points as in the prior art can be avoided according to the invention. Thinner wall thicknesses for the calottes or base areas and / or for fixing the printed circuit boards to the calottes / base areas may be realized, which has a constructive and economical advantage.

Preferably, the contact surfaces are aligned transversely or substantially perpendicular / orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Hereby, an advantageous contact pressure or contact between two adjacent modules can be ensured. Correspondingly large contact forces or contact forces can be realized, which ensures a high level of security when "looping through" the electrical power supply between the modules or between module to module and to another module.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the contact between two adjacent modules are arranged in alignment between the printed circuit boards or the respective printed circuit boards of the adjacent modules. This in turn allows an advantageous power flow between the detachably replaceable, adjacent modules / printed circuit boards in the operating state, that is, when releasably fixed, adjacent modules. Accordingly, in turn, an advantageous power flow without relevant torque generation is achieved during operation.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second end face of the first and / or second printed circuit board is at least partially formed as one of the contact surfaces. This means that the first and / or the second printed circuit board is a component or a side of the electrical contact to be produced according to the invention or this printed circuit board can be used directly for contacting two adjacent modules / exchange modules / lighting modules. This makes it possible to dispense with separate contact elements for the connection between this printed circuit board or the lighting means and the detachable contact of the modules / lighting modules, which considerably reduces both the constructive and the economic outlay for the production of the module / light module / exchange module according to the invention. Thus, separate, multi-curved electrical contacting wires as in the prior art at least partially or omitted for the electrical connection of one of the circuit boards.

Thus, it is quite possible that the first end face of the first circuit board is directly or directly electrically connected to the second end face of the second circuit board, z. B. by means of advantageous solder contacts. This means that the contact according to the invention between two adjacent modules, in particular lighting modules, is realized exclusively by two adjacent in operation, arranged in the longitudinal direction printed circuit boards. In this structurally particularly costly contact point or contacting adjacent modules / change modules / lighting modules minimization of the design effort or the required / used components is implemented.

However, it should be noted that possibly slightly larger manufacturing tolerances or tolerances in the formation of the front side contacts or front side contact surfaces, in particular corresponding solder joints, possibly to certain impairments in the electrical connection or the electrical "looping" of the (entire) energy / power supply between adjacent modules or exchange modules can lead. Against this, however, a post-processing such. B. subsequent grinding or mutual adjustment or adjustment of the dimensions of the individual end contacts / solder joints or contact surfaces be advantageous so that spatial tolerances, esp. The solder joints are compensated and an arrangement / alignment of all contact surfaces of the front side on a common plane is guaranteed.

Preferably, the contact surfaces of the contact are arranged on a longitudinal center plane oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the first and / or second light module. This means that the contact surfaces of the contact and in particular the printed circuit boards run centrally or substantially through the center of the light module / module, wherein the longitudinal center plane or the printed circuit boards divides the module or the dome into two halves, preferably in two similar circle segments / circular halves. In most cases, cylindrical modules / exchange modules / lighting modules or hollow cylindrical domes are provided.

In principle, the longitudinal center plane in the sense of the invention is defined / formed in such a way that the longitudinal center plane encompasses the longitudinal axis, which extends centrally or centrally through the center / centroid of the cross section of the module / exchange module / light module. In the case of a cylindrical module, the longitudinal center plane consequently divides the circular cross-section symmetrically into two semicircles as a flat surface and also comprises the centrally arranged longitudinal axis.

Correspondingly, transversely to the longitudinal axis and at the same time on one side or in each case on two opposite sides of the longitudinal center plane in the direction of the longitudinal axis, a plurality of contacts or contact surfaces are advantageously arranged. This means that a plurality of contacts are arranged transversely, in particular perpendicular / orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, preferably along a straight line. This is a largely symmetrical design of the contacts, in particular a plurality of contact surfaces feasible. For example, when using a bayonet closure for producing the detachable module connection, that is especially in lighting modules with bayonet lock for releasably connectable fixing of adjacent light modules / modules / modules, such an arrangement of the contact surfaces or contacts according to the invention on the longitudinal center plane and / or with a symmetrical arrangement the cross-sectional area, of particular advantage.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, at least one of the first and / or second printed circuit boards has at least two electrical connecting lines, so that at least two contacts arranged opposite one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of this printed circuit board, in particular two "first" contacts with two "second" Contacts according to the invention, electrically conductively connected. Hereby, the circuit board can be formed in an advantageous manner as a connecting line. Accordingly, from a first light module / change module / module via the light module / change module / module of this circuit board or this second light module / change module / module to a third module / change module / light module, the energy or power supply durchleitbar or the so-called "Looping through" the power / power supply realized.

According to separate, additional connecting wires as in the prior art, which are usually arranged on the inside of the dome, can be omitted by means of this variant of the invention in an advantageous manner. Thus, the constructive as well as the economic effort for the production and realization of corresponding modules / lighting modules is reduced.

Preferably, six electrical connection lines are provided, which comprises the printed circuit board. Hereby, a signal tower or an optical signal device with a total of five optical / acoustic modules can be realized in an advantageous manner. In addition, it is quite conceivable that due to high quality standards or due to the miniaturization of electrical circuit boards or electronic components on a printed circuit board of the optical signal device or a light module / change module / module according to the invention, more than six electrical connection lines, especially when using multilayer Circuit boards, may be present, so that quite unlike the prior art, not only five electrical modules / change modules / lighting modules, but possibly up to 10 or even more light modules / change modules / modules are used with optical and / or acoustic electronic / signaling components can.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a housing element of the module and / or the first lighting module is designed as a fixing unit for fixing the / the contact elements and / or the circuit board. For example, the housing element is designed as a dome of a lighting module. Preferably, the housing element is transparent or transparent to visible light, in particular in the region of a cylinder jacket surface of a cylindrical module / light module.

Preferably, a fixation of the circuit board on the cylinder jacket element of the module / light module is provided. Alternatively or in combination with this, the printed circuit board and / or the contact element (also / additionally) can be fixed to a base surface element of the module / light module or to a front side / existing housing element of the module / light module.

At the end side arranged / present housing element or base element, d. H. in the area of a base area of the module / light module / exchange module, the fixing or the fixing unit for fixing the contact element or the first and / or second contact surface of the contact can be realized in an advantageous manner.

For example, the fixing unit is designed as a latching unit, so that the printed circuit board and / or the / the contact elements on the housing element, in particular fixed to the base of the housing element or the front side of the housing element / are latched. In such a fixation or Verrasterung is advantageous that in the production of the module / light module / change module, the circuit board and / or the / the contact elements by attaching / pressing in / on the housing element latch and possibly on the entire duration of use or operation are securely fixed. Under certain circumstances, if the printed circuit board or the contact element is impaired, a latching of the printed circuit board and / or the contact elements can also be achieved again (with a tool). In most cases, however, this is not economically advantageous, so rather it is to be assumed that in the event of impairment of a printed circuit board or electronic components located thereon, the corresponding module as a whole is replaced and an individual part renewal is dispensed with.

An end face of the housing element or a base area of the housing element preferably has an opaque material and / or an opaque glare or cover element and / or layer / layer, so that the light of the module / light module / interchangeable module does not become an adjacent module / light module / Replacement module should / should be forwarded. Hereby, a clear light image of a single module / light module is realized without any optical mixing between adjacent light modules / modules can take place.

Preferably, the contact element has a barb or the like, with which an electrical contact or contact with the circuit board is realized. This permanent contacting of the contact element with the circuit board advantageously allows an advantageous energy / power supply of the circuit board on the one hand and on the other hand a forwarding or looping through to an adjacent module.

The printed circuit board preferably has a contact region which is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the signal tower or the optical signal device / module and / or substantially parallel to the longitudinal center plane. This means that the contact region of the circuit board for contacting with the contact element is not realized here by means of the end face, but with the almost planar surface of the circuit board / board. This means that these as long as possible contacting the printed circuit board with the contact element present within the module / light module / exchange module is preferably realized on the longitudinal surface oriented perpendicular to the end face of the printed circuit board and having the electrical and / or electronic components.

However, it is also possible for a contact to be made as permanent as possible within the module / light module / exchange module on the end face of the printed circuit board with the contact element according to the invention. This means that in this embodiment, the contact element between the two opposite end faces of the first and the second circuit board is arranged, but one contact permanently and the other contact according to the invention between the modules / lighting modules is detachably connectable in the spirit of the invention, d. H. having the contact according to the invention with the first and second contact surface.

In general, the existing as possible within the module / light module, permanent contact as possible of the contact element or the circuit board during operation, that is, both mounted and disassembled adjacent module permanently connected, that is, this is not (if possible) / never solved. It may well be in the connection / contact between the contact element of the first module with the circuit board of the first module to a releasable electrical connection, such as a resilient contact. However, this contacting is realized in the production of the corresponding module / light module and not solved during operation or when replacing a light module / change module. In contrast, the contact according to the invention, that is connected to the inventive first and second contact surface, between two adjacent modules in operation and released as needed, that is, when replacing or disassembling a module / light module according to the invention.

For example, the electrical connection or the contact is ensured according to the invention by means of a longitudinal adjustment or a contact force in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or in combination thereto, a sliding contact can be formed as a contact according to the invention advantageously by means of the transverse adjustment or the bayonet closure of two adjacent modules. A sliding contact, in particular a longitudinally resilient sliding contact, ensures high reliability with regard to the electrical transmission of the energy / power supply from one module / lighting module to an adjacent module / lighting module.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact or sliding contact at least partially a Relativverstellbarkeit the two contact surfaces according to the invention, wherein the adjustment is aligned transversely / perpendicularly and / or rotationally with respect to the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, an adjustment or an adjustment path in the direction of the longitudinal axis for generating a spring load or spring force is additionally advantageous. This is realized in particular in a bayonet closure or the like in an advantageous manner. In other words, in addition to a longitudinal adjustment, this additionally generates a rotational adjustment when connecting two adjacent modules / lighting modules.

Thus, when assembling second adjacent modules, a first adjustment path can be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis, and in a subsequent step a second adjustment path in the transverse direction and / or radial direction, that is to say rotationally about the longitudinal axis, can be provided. It has been shown that such a transverse adjustment, in particular a bayonet connection of two adjacent modules / exchange modules / lighting modules is of particular advantage. In such a bayonet connection, the contacting of adjacent modules / exchangeable modules / lighting modules takes place inter alia by the fact that the two contact surfaces can be pressed or adjusted in the longitudinal direction and then an advantageously substantially parallel to one of the contact surfaces or to both contact surfaces of the contact be adjusted or rotated according to the invention. In this case, a rotation of, for example, about 10 °, 20 ° or 30 °, etc. are provided.

In a particular variant of the invention, the contact element is designed as a fixing element for fixing the printed circuit board / circuit board on the housing element of the module / light module. For example, the contact element is designed as a contact spring for fixing the circuit board, wherein by means of a spring force or more advantageous fixing elements, such. As locking hooks, fixing lips, clamping elements, barbs or the like, on the one hand a fixing to / with the circuit board and / or on the other hand a fixing to / with the housing element / module / light module can be realized. With the help of an arrangement of the contact element between the housing element and the printed circuit board, an advantageous double or multiple function of the contact element is realized, that is, on the one hand for contacting with the adjacent module and for fixing the circuit board on the corresponding module / light module and / or for fixing with the circuit board , Such a double / multiple function reduces the constructive as well as the economic effort or the number of required components.

In addition, can be provided by the formation of the contact element as a spring element at the same time an advantageous fixing force on the one hand for fixing to the circuit board and / or the other for fixing to the housing element of the module / light module / change module.

Furthermore, with a double / multiple function of the contact element at the same time an advantageous or economically favorable production of the module / light module / exchange module can be implemented according to the invention. Thus, for example, by mounting or mounting the contact element or spring element on the housing or the dome not only the contact element / spring element mounted, but at the same time also additionally fixed the circuit board in an advantageous manner and electrically connected. Consequently, for example, a soldering of the contact element on the circuit board can be omitted, which further reduces the effort and the production of a light module / module according to the invention.

Advantageously, the module / light module on an advantageous contact strip with at least three, preferably six or more contacts and / or first and / or second contact surfaces and / or contact elements, which are preferably arranged on the front side and in particular along the longitudinal center plane. Preferably, the contact strip is aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and / or arranged on / on the longitudinal center plane and / or aligned substantially in a straight line. This means that the contact strip is arranged in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and also substantially centrally. Preferably, the contact strip has at least six contacts or six second contact surfaces and / or contact elements.

Preferably, the contact strip is arranged at least on a base surface or front side of the module / light module, wherein a symmetrical design is to be preferred. A symmetrical design allows, for example, a more flexible installation or connection to an adjacent module / light module or an adjacent circuit board.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, a module / light module has a printed circuit board contact strip (ie, first contact strip) with at least three, preferably six or more first contact surfaces arranged on the front side of the printed circuit board, and a second contact surface. the first end face or base surface arranged opposite face or base a contact element contact strip (ie second contact strip) with at least three, preferably six or more, second contact surfaces and / or contact elements or contact springs.

Preferably, at least two or all or each contact of the contact strip, in particular at least two or all second contact surfaces and / or contact springs / contact elements, in the direction of the longitudinal axis substantially separately or independently adjustable. Perhaps a common spring element is provided, such. B. an elastomeric element or the like, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and are arranged on / on the at least two or all second contact surfaces and / or contact elements. Here too, a largely separate or independent adjustment of the at least two or all second contact surfaces and / or contact elements can be realized. Hereby, among other things assembly and manufacturing tolerances can be compensated, in particular the contacts or contact elements and / or printed circuit boards, and / or separate contact forces generated in an advantageous manner.

For example, especially when using a bayonet closure for connecting two detachably connectable, adjacent modules / exchange modules / lighting modules, a common contact strip and / or symmetrical design of the second contact surfaces or the contact elements of advantage. The rotational adjustment path of the bayonet closure and the generated thereby rotation of the contact surfaces of the contact according to the invention in relation to the longitudinal center plane of the adjacent module / light module generates a first position, the contact strip and the adjacent circuit board or the two longitudinal center planes are arranged at an acute angle to each other and substantially in cross the middle. Accordingly, in a second position or operating position, the two adjacent circuit boards are arranged in alignment or on a common longitudinal center plane. This means that in the rotation or relative movement, the two legs of the above-described, crossing X-arrangement of the circuit boards or longitudinal center planes of the two adjacent modules move towards each other and finally overlap or until the two X-legs arranged in parallel (one above the other) are.

Thus, a rotation or relative movement of the two circuit boards is realized, esp. The contact strip and the adjacent circuit board, both from one side and from the other side.

Advantageously, the contact element in the direction of the longitudinal axis exposed curved and / or kinked / angled surface. Hereby, a transverse adjustment or a rotational movement between two adjacent modules / exchange modules / lighting modules can be realized in an advantageous manner. For example, this can be realized in an advantageous manner, a spring contact or a contact force between the two contact surfaces according to the invention. This also allows manufacturing tolerances of or between the individual contacts are compensated, for example, a contact strip with multiple contacts.

The base module and / or the holding module preferably has at least one printed circuit board or a connecting printed circuit board for electrically connecting the signal generator and / or at least one contact element and / or a contact strip. Advantageously, the contacting of the base module and / or the holding module is identical / identical and / or structurally or structurally almost identical or similar to the contacting of the first light module and / or module formed. Hereby, an advantageous modularity of the optical signaling device according to the invention can be realized. Thus, the base or the holding module can be advantageously connected to a lighting module according to the invention or electrically contacted.

embodiment

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS.

In detail shows:

1 schematically a signal tower according to the invention,

2 the signal tower according to 1 on average,

3 a schematic, vacated arrangement of printed circuit boards of various modules of the signal tower according to 1 .

4 a schematic, perspective, enlarged detail of a contacting of two adjacent circuit boards,

5 a schematic view of a printed circuit board,

6 schematically, in perspective, two adjacent circuit boards without a contact element arranged therebetween,

7 a schematic plan view of a module of a signal tower according to 1 .

8th schematic, perspective sectional view of a detail of the signal tower according to 1 .

9 schematic, perspective, cleared printed circuit boards,

10 schematically, in perspective positioning of adjacent printed circuit boards in different positioning stages with exposed printed circuit boards and contact elements and

11 schematically, in perspective in an enlarged detail representation different mounting positions of two adjacent modules.

In 1 is a schematic signal tower 1 according to the invention on a technical device 2 mounted, with the signal tower 1 about not closer shown connection lines from the machine or the device 2 or a corresponding electrical / electronic control electrical signals as information regarding the operating conditions of the device 2 gets transmitted.

1 clarifies that the signal tower 1 is modular, in the illustrated embodiment, the signal tower 1 a total of four lighting modules 3 with illuminant and additionally at the (upper) end an acoustic module 4 for generating acoustic signals and at the end a final cover 7 having. The signal tower 1 or the lighting modules 3 are via a connection module 5 with a socket module 6 connected, wherein the socket module 6 for fixing the signal tower 1 on the technical device 2 is formed, for. B. by screw or the like.

As with signal towers 1 In many cases, the individual modules are 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 Connected via not shown bayonet locks in a known manner with each other tools releasably connected. That means the individual modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 both via an adjustment path in the direction of a longitudinal axis 8th in combination with a rotation 9 around the longitudinal axis 8th can be mounted or fixed and disassembled or released again. This is how such modules become 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 Usually referred to as so-called "change modules", as they can be quickly replaced without manual effort, that is, without the use of tools, manually and assembled and disassembled. This is in particular when supplementing or changing the number and / or color of the lighting modules 3 or acoustic modules 4 as well as in case of damage or malfunction of one of the (electronic) modules 3 . 4 . 5 of particular advantage. For example, a damaged module 3 . 4 . 5 Be exchanged or replaced by a new correspondingly similar trained module without much effort.

In 2 is the signal tower 1 according to 1 shown in a cutaway view. So are printed circuit boards 11 or so-called boards 11 the lighting modules 3 , Acoustic module 4 as well as connection module 5 shown. The connection module 5 has a circuit board 11 on, at the one terminal 12 fixed or arranged. With the help of this terminal 12 are not shown electrical wiring from the device 2 coming and through the socket module 6 going through connected or clamped.

In 2 It also becomes clear that the circuit boards 11 the lighting modules 3 advantageous bulbs 10 , preferably LED's 10 , exhibit. In contrast, the acoustic module has 4 a circuit board 11 on, having an unspecified acoustic element, in particular a piezo buzzer or the like, so that an acoustic signaling can be realized. In addition, the circuit boards 11 Depending on the application, various electrical / electronic components such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, microprocessors, etc. have different numbers and characteristics or Verschaltungsweise.

In 2 also illustrates that the circuit boards 11 or boards 11 in mounted operating position substantially aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8th behind one another or in / on a longitudinal center plane 29 the signal tower 1 are arranged. The median longitudinal plane 29 corresponds here in 2 the viewing / leaf level or lies parallel to the sheet level. In the detailed illustrations according to 3 or 4 such as 8th to 11 It also becomes clear that in the mounted operating position between the aligned in the longitudinal direction 8th arranged printed circuit boards 11 for electrical contacting contact elements 14 or contact springs 14 or leaf spring contacts 14 are provided.

Especially in the 3 and 4 For example, it will be apparent that the contacting between the printed circuit boards 11 with the help of contact springs 14 done in such a way that the circuit boards 11 at a first, in particular based on the structure of the signal tower 1 "Upper" end 15 lateral contact surfaces 17 have, which are formed for example as Lötzinnkontakte. These contact surfaces 17 are located in an advantageous manner on a side surface / plane or on the two opposite side surfaces of the circuit board 11 , The side surfaces or contact surfaces 17 are advantageously in the longitudinal direction 8th aligned and / or parallel to the longitudinal center plane 29 arranged. About these side surfaces or contact surfaces 17 is the respective circuit board 11 each with a separate contact element 14 or a separate contact spring 14 permanently connected during operation. The contact spring 14 indicates contact with an adjacent circuit board 11 a contact surface 18 that is a so-called second contact surface 18 in the sense of the invention. The contact surface 18 is especially in the 10 such as 11 to recognize more clearly.

A contact 32 according to the invention between two in the longitudinal direction 8th arranged printed circuit boards 11 two adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 becomes as a releasable contact 32 with the so-called second contact surface 18 and a so-called first contact surface 19 realized. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 19 the circuit board 11 as a front page 19 or first contact surface 19 educated. That's the contact surface 19 in an advantageous manner as a front side arranged or mounted solder joint or the like feasible.

In 5 is a circuit board 11 illustrated according to the invention, wherein, inter alia, the end faces 19 or first contact surfaces 19 are shown in more detail. There are also connecting cables 20 between the first, frontal contact surfaces 19 and the lateral contact surfaces 17 at the opposite end 15 the circuit board 11 shown. So is just in the schematic plan view of a circuit board 11 according to the invention, that from a first end 16 the circuit board 11 an electrically conductive connection of the (first) contact surfaces 19 via lines 20 the circuit board 11 up to the (lateral) contact surfaces 17 at the opposite, second end 15 the circuit board 11 is realized. That means the circuit board 11 or the board 11 as a connection between adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 is trained. Thus, the so far customary in the prior art, separate electrical wires for connecting adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 or for the so-called "looping through" the electrical energy or power supply with such an advantageously designed circuit board 11 be waived. Here is the arrangement of the circuit board 11 longitudinal 8th or on / in the longitudinal center plane 29 of great advantage, advantageously in alignment between the two adjacent circuit boards 11 the contact surfaces 18 and 19 detachably connectable contact 32 between two adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 are arranged.

For example, in 9 clearly, with the planar / planar printed circuit boards 11 and the contact springs 14 from other components like the dome 13 the signal tower 1 are cleared that an aligned in the mounted operating position arrangement preferably all printed circuit boards 11 longitudinal 8th or on / in the longitudinal center plane 29 is provided or realized, wherein between the longitudinal direction 8th aligned / exposed end faces of the circuit boards 11 the contact according to the invention or the contact surfaces according to the invention 18 and 19 are arranged / realized. As a result, inter alia, an advantageous power flow from / in the longitudinal direction 8th or within the median longitudinal plane 29 or the PCB level feasible. This means that no torques are generated on laterally offset components or eccentrically arranged contact surfaces as in the prior art. So can a fixed fixation or holder for the circuit boards 11 and / or for the contact elements 14 be comparatively small dimensioned or realized in an advantageous manner.

Also is aligned by the mounted in the mounted operating position arrangement of the circuit boards 11 with the intermediate / arranged contact elements 14 or contact surfaces 18 . 19 an advantageous, relatively large contact force with the aid of preferably metallic spring contacts 14 realizable. Thus, a comparatively large contact force / pressure force can be generated without a massive training of holding and / or fixing 26 . 30 . 31 would be necessary. Thus, in addition, assembly tolerances or manufacturing tolerances can be compensated in an advantageous manner. A high quality in the contacting or high demands on the safe electrical contact / passage between adjacent modules / light modules / exchange modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 with the help of the contact system according to the invention is ensured.

In addition, especially in the 7 . 9 and 10 clearly that on both side surfaces or longitudinal planes of the circuit board 11 a light module 3 Lamp 10 or LED's 10 are arranged. In 7 schematically the radiation directions are exemplified with schematic, individual radiation arrows. This illustrates that on the one hand in the middle area of the circuit board 11 or in the center of the light module 3 or the dome 13 so-called "top LEDs" 10 are arranged, away from the circuit board 11 radiate light radially outward in a relatively large angular range. Outside or at the edge regions of the circuit board 11 are so-called "side LEDs" 10 arranged partially parallel and partially acute angle to the circuit board 11 Emit light (see schematic light arrows). Overall, in 7 clearly that a nearly uniform all-round illumination of the entire dome 13 of the light module 3 by the advantageous arrangement of the bulbs 10 or corresponding "side LEDs" and "top LEDs" is realized.

In addition, in 7 clearly that the dome 13 on its inside an advantageous Innenriffelung 21 having. The inner corrugation is preferably as round or semicircular inner corrugation 21 educated. Among other things in combination with an external corrugation 22 is an advantageous light scattering feasible. In the 8th clarified external corrugation 22 is preferably formed jagged or triangular.

Advantageously, one is in the longitudinal direction 8th aligned inner corrugation 21 provided, in particular formed with a semicircular cross-section inner corrugation 21 , which can be generated in an advantageous manner by injection molding or correspondingly advantageous injection molding tools. Accordingly, one can transverse to the longitudinal axis 8th or perpendicular / orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 8th arranged outer corrugation 22 , in particular a jagged, or triangular, outer corrugation 22 , are also generated by means of an advantageous injection molding technique or for example by means of two injection half-shell elements.

For example, the frontal base 24 with the hollow cylindrical dome 13 be formed integrally, in particular by injection molding of plastic material. But it can also be a module 3 . 4 . 5 be used, which is a separate (hollow cylindrical) dome 13 , in particular made of transparent or semitransparent and / or milky plastic material, with a separate base 24 or end face made of opaque material and / or with an opaque coating / occupancy. Generally, using an opaque base 24 achieved in an advantageous manner that light, in particular colored light, not from a module 3 . 4 . 5 in a correspondingly adjacent module 3 . 4 . 5 . 7 penetrate and this can partially illuminate. This will be the luminous image of a signal tower 1 improved.

Preferably, an integral unit of frontal base 24 with hollow cylindrical dome 13 provided at least transparent / translucent material, wherein on the frontal base 24 an opaque layer / occupancy is arranged. This opaque layer / occupancy of the base area 24 is preferably as a sticker with advantageous information / information, for example, the product, the manufacturer, the usability or technical properties / qualities or test certificates of the module 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 educated.

In 6 are two, in the assembled state adjacent printed circuit boards 11 but without the contact springs to be interposed therebetween 14 shown. This is especially the arrangement of the contact surfaces 17 and the frontal contact surfaces 19 the respective adjacent circuit boards 11 the corresponding adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 or lighting modules 3 clarified.

In 4 is an advantageous embodiment of the contact springs 14 seen. Here are the contact springs 14 preferably made of metal, in particular resilient, elastic metal. Preferably, at least one, in particular two opposite, substantially in the longitudinal direction 8th aligned sides arranged locking lugs 23 provided, in an advantageous manner with recesses 25 or locking lugs not shown in detail of the dome 13 or an end face arranged base 24 of the light module 3 or acoustic module 4 or connection module 5 in the assembled state in operative connection and ensure a permanent, safe or fixed Verrasterung / fixation.

By fixing the spring contacts 14 with the help of the locking lugs 23 at the base 24 in recesses 25 For example, an advantageous installation of the module 3 . 4 . 5 will be realized. For example, a circuit board 11 or a holding bridge 31 the circuit board 11 with the help of holders 26 and / or a guide groove or holding groove 30 the dome 13 held. For this purpose, the circuit board 11 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8th in the module 3 . 4 . 5 inserted, so that a radially defined arrangement or holding the circuit board 11 through the calotte 13 at least at a first end 16 is realized. A firm fixation of the circuit board 11 (at the end 15 ), especially in the longitudinal direction 8th , is due to the advantageous mounting of the spring contacts 14 in the recesses 25 the base area 24 realized. So are the spring contacts 14 or contact springs 14 through the locking lugs 23 with the base area 24 or the dome 13 firmly locked or fixed. At the same time, the advantageous shape of the contact springs 14 , in particular with acute angle to the longitudinal axis 8th aligned contact lips 27 , on the one hand a thrust force in the longitudinal direction 8th and on the other hand, a clamping force or a contact force transverse to the longitudinal axis 8th opposite the circuit board 11 generated, leaving the circuit board 11 against the calotte 13 or base area 24 on the one hand to a stop of the base 24 arranged / pressed and on the other hand transversely to the longitudinal axis 8th jammed or pressed and thus safe in the end 15 is fixed.

In addition, by the contact lip 27 also a secure contacting of the circuit board 11 or the contact surface 17 with the contact spring 14 realized. So is between the latch / n 23 or the / in the longitudinal direction 8th aligned side / n of the contact spring 14 and the contact lip 27 a frictional connection or an operative connection between the corresponding circuit board 11 and the housing or the dome 13 of the corresponding module 3 . 4 . 5 generated.

By an advantageous symmetrical design of the recess 25 and / or in the longitudinal direction 8th aligned sides of the contact spring 14 can be achieved that the contact springs 14 in any way, that is, in particular in two different, offset by 180 ° positions / mounting positions, each in the corresponding recess 25 can be pushed or latched into it, without any disadvantageous fixing or contacting would be connected thereto. This is how the circuit board points 11 in an advantageous manner correspondingly advantageous contact surfaces on both opposite longitudinal sides or planes 17 for contacting with the contact springs 14 on. Accordingly, a person or a robot or an assembly machine needs to manufacture the module 3 . 4 . 5 not particularly on the correct installation position of the contact springs 14 pay attention, because there are two correct or equivalent installation positions, which is a significant simplification / improvement of the manufacturing effort is.

In the figures it is also clear that the two contact surfaces 18 . 19 containing the releasable contact of the invention 32 between the modules 3 . 4 . 5 or the front sides of the circuit boards 11 realize, substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 8th are aligned. Especially in the 4 such as 10 and 11 It also illustrates that the contact springs 14 two each at an acute angle to the second contact surface 18 arranged ramps 28 exhibit. These ramps 28 are advantageously suitable for that z. B. in a bayonet between adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 by the transverse adjustment or the rotational movement in the direction 9 (Relative movement between two adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) a circuit board 11 or the frontally arranged / existing first contact surfaces 19 along the ramps 28 up to the second contact surface 18 of the spring contact 14 are adjustable in an advantageous manner.

So are the contact springs 14 Preferably arranged in the non-contacted state such that when contacting or in a lateral or rotary adjustment of adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 the contact springs 14 in an advantageous way (with the help of ramps 28 ) in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8th realize a certain travel. Thus, on the one hand, an advantageous spring force or contact force in the longitudinal direction 8th generated, which ensures a secure electrical contact, and on the other hand, this assembly and / or manufacturing tolerances can be compensated, for example, the frontal contacts or solder contacts of a circuit board 11 , This will surely ensure that all contact springs 14 a first module 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 (each separately / independently) together with the first contact surfaces 19 (Preferably a front side of a circuit board 11 ) of a second module 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 sure an electrical contact 32 generate according to the invention.

Especially in the 10 and 11 is the exemplary contacting process or the rotational / relative movement between adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 clarified, ie here PCBs 11 and spring contacts 14 , For example, in 11a a first joining position or mounting position shown, wherein from a first module 3 . 4 . 5 a first circuit board 11 (at the "upper" part of the 11a Shown without representation of the calotte 13 ) at an acute angle to a contact strip with a number of contact elements 14 or an adjacent second circuit board 11 a second module 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 is arranged. According to 11b is in a Zwischenmontageschritt or a second joining position, the first (upper) circuit board 11 with a smaller angle to the second (lower) circuit board 11 aligned / presented and finally according to 11c are the two printed circuit boards 11 in the operating position substantially parallel or in alignment with each other or on the longitudinal center plane 29 arranged.

According to different intermediate stages and the assembled end position of a contacting system according to the invention or a signal tower 1 according to the invention is also in 10 shown, wherein the circuit boards 11 or contact springs 14 shown without corresponding dome, ie freed to better illustrate the different joining positions. So is in the upper part of the 10 the end position or the mounted operating position between adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 or adjacent printed circuit boards 11 with the contact springs 14 shown and at the bottom of 10 is an intermediate position immediately after the axial assembly or adjustment of two adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 , in particular the connection module with the terminal 12 and a neighboring light module 3 shown. Thus, this lower representation represents the intermediate position in a bayonet closure, wherein in a first joining step, a relative adjustment of two adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 longitudinal 8th takes place and then subsequently a transverse adjustment or rotation 9 around the longitudinal axis 8th takes place as in the middle range of 10 is illustrated as an intermediate position. This rotation 9 is preferably carried out to the final position according to the upper illustration in 10 or according to 11c or 9 , where the two circuit boards 11 in the operating position substantially parallel or in alignment with each other or on the longitudinal center plane 29 are arranged.

Especially in 7 it becomes clear that the circuit board 11 in the so-called "median longitudinal plane" 29 a module 3 or a dome 13 is arranged or positioned / fixed. This longitudinal median plane 29 extends along the longitudinal axis 8th over an entire signal tower 1 , where essentially all printed circuit boards 11 in alignment in the longitudinal center plane 29 are arranged. Between the circuit boards 11 are the contact surfaces according to the invention 18 . 19 arranged the contact according to the invention. As a result, a continuous flow of force between the individual modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 or the printed circuit boards 11 and contact springs 14 generated without detrimental torques on the contact or the circuit boards 11 Act.

Thus, an advantageous contact strip by the arrangement of all contact springs 14 along the median longitudinal plane 29 or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 8th realized. This contact strip is formed symmetrically in an advantageous manner, which z. B. in a use of a non-illustrated Bayonet closure for the tool-free detachable connection of adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 is advantageous (cf., inter alia 10 and 11 ).

In principle, it is advantageous that the contacting according to the invention of adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 not only with an adjustment of neighboring modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 longitudinal 8th takes place, but that alternatively or in combination thereto also an adjustment transverse to the longitudinal axis 8th is available. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, in particular with a bayonet closure, not shown, a rotation 9 around the longitudinal axis 8th intended. Through this rotation 9 or transverse adjustment is a sliding contact or a realization of the contact 32 according to the invention with the two contact surfaces 18 . 19 realized as sliding contact. Thus, on the one hand, a comparatively large area and thus high demands on the electrical contacting or power line can be ensured. Accordingly, the contact surfaces 18 . 19 transverse or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 8th aligned in an advantageous manner.

On the other hand, not only high demands on the electrical power supply or power supply between adjacent modules are met with this contacting according to the invention, but rather can with the contacting system according to the invention on separate electrical connection wires or lines, for example on the inside of the dome 13 arranged to be dispensed with in order to realize a "looping through" of the power supply or power supply.

Furthermore, with this contact or the sliding contact according to the invention, a long life can be ensured as wear, wear, etc. on contact 32 or the contact surfaces 18 . 19 are automatically compensated or resilient.

In addition, with the help of the base according to the invention 24 or the contact springs 14 , which are preferably formed together as a contact strip, not only an advantageous contacting adjacent modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 can be implemented, but rather can hereby also an advantageous aesthetic design of the contacting system or the modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 will be realized.

In addition, with such an advantageous planar contacting, which is preferably substantially transversely or orthogonally to the longitudinal axis at the base surface 24 arranged / is present, also an advantageous uniform and / or closed base 24 realizable. So can high demands on the protection class or moisture resistance of the modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 or the base area 24 be realized without great effort. Without further illustration, advantageous sealing elements or elastomeric seals on the spring contacts can be used for this purpose 14 or in the recesses 25 be provided. In addition, there may also be a seal between the modules 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 be provided, taking on the calotte 13 in the area of the base area 24 externally arranged O-rings or the like may be provided. This is particularly advantageous in applications with moist air or in damp rooms or the like.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

signal Tower

2

device

3

light module

4

acoustic module

5

connection module

6

socket module

7

cover

8th

longitudinal axis

9

rotation

10

LED

11

circuit board

12

terminal

13

dome

14

contact spring

15

The End

16

The End

17

area

18

contact area

19

contact area

20

management

21

interior Riffel

22

outside Riffel

23

nose

24

Floor space

25

recess

26

holder

27

contact lip

28

ramp

29

Longitudinal center plane

30

retaining groove

31

holding web

32

Contact

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10041202 A1 [0006, 0016, 0034]
• DE 102011122530 A1 [0009]

Claims (10)

Optical signaling device, in particular a modular signal tower ( 1 ) or the like, with at least one first, at least one luminous element ( 10 ), replaceable light module ( 3 ) for optically displaying one or more different operating states of a technical device ( 2 ) such as a machine, a plant, a vehicle or the like, wherein the first lighting module ( 3 ) at least one printed circuit board ( 11 ) with the at least one first luminous element ( 10 ) and electrical components, wherein at least one contact ( 32 ) between at least one first, detachably contactable, electrical contact surface ( 19 ) and a second electrical contact surface ( 18 ) of an adjacently arranged, as a second light module ( 3 ) and / or as a holding module ( 5 ) and / or as a base module ( 6 ) for holding and connecting the signaling device at an operating position formed module ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) is provided, wherein at least one of the end faces ( 19 ) of the printed circuit board ( 11 ) of the first light module ( 3 ) at least partially as a first, releasably contactable, electrical contact surface ( 19 ) of the contact ( 32 ) for contacting the adjacent module ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ), characterized in that the printed circuit board ( 11 ) substantially in the direction of a longitudinal axis ( 8th ) of the signaling device ( 1 ) and / or the first light module ( 3 ) is arranged. Signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the module ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) at least one contact element ( 14 ) with the second electrical contact surface ( 18 ) of the contact ( 32 ). Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surfaces ( 18 . 19 ) of the contact ( 32 ) transverse to the longitudinal axis ( 8th ) are aligned. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element ( 14 ) as at least partially in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( 8th ) adjustable contact spring ( 14 ) for generating in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( 8th ) aligned contact force is formed. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing element ( 13 . 24 ) of the module ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) and / or the first light module ( 3 ) as a fixing unit ( 25 . 26 . 30 ) for fixing the contact element (s) ( 14 ) and / or the printed circuit board ( 11 ) is trained. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element ( 14 ) at least as a latching element ( 14 ) for latching with the housing element ( 13 . 24 ) and / or as a clamping element ( 14 ) for jamming with the circuit board ( 11 ) is trained. Signal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least three first and / or second contact surfaces ( 18 . 19 ) along an end face of the first and / or second printed circuit board ( 11 ) and / or along a transverse to the longitudinal axis ( 8th ) aligned straight lines, wherein the circuit board ( 11 ) and / or the straight line on one in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( 8th ) aligned longitudinal center plane ( 29 ) of the first light module ( 3 ) and / or the module ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) is arranged. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element ( 14 ) on both sides of the second contact surface ( 18 ) and / or the median longitudinal plane ( 29 ) each at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis ( 8th ) aligned contact ramp ( 28 ) for one of the printed circuit boards ( 11 ) having. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for releasably connecting the first lighting module ( 3 ) with the module ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) at least one adjustment path of the light module ( 3 ) and / or the module ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) at least partially a rotation path ( 9 ) about the longitudinal axis ( 8th ) and / or that at least one bayonet closure for releasably connecting the first lighting module ( 3 ) with the adjacent module ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) having. Signaling module ( 3 . 4 ) for a signaling device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling module ( 3 . 4 ) as the first and / or second light module ( 3 ) and / or as an acoustic module ( 4 ) with one on an acoustic circuit board ( 11 ) is arranged.

Images