EP1643473B1 - Optical element for a variable message sign - Google Patents

Optical element for a variable message sign Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1643473B1
EP1643473B1 EP04023304A EP04023304A EP1643473B1 EP 1643473 B1 EP1643473 B1 EP 1643473B1 EP 04023304 A EP04023304 A EP 04023304A EP 04023304 A EP04023304 A EP 04023304A EP 1643473 B1 EP1643473 B1 EP 1643473B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
lens
housing
optical element
light source
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Not-in-force
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EP04023304A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1643473A1 (en
Inventor
Bernd Eschbach
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Dambach Werke GmbH
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Dambach Werke GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Dambach Werke GmbH filed Critical Dambach Werke GmbH
Priority to DE502004002913T priority Critical patent/DE502004002913D1/en
Priority to EP04023304A priority patent/EP1643473B1/en
Priority to AT04023304T priority patent/ATE354152T1/en
Priority to BRPI0504348-4A priority patent/BRPI0504348A/en
Priority to US11/236,901 priority patent/US7591574B2/en
Publication of EP1643473A1 publication Critical patent/EP1643473A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1643473B1 publication Critical patent/EP1643473B1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
    • F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
    • G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
    • G09F9/33—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2111/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
    • F21W2111/02—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 for roads, paths or the like

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an optical element for variable message signs according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Variable message signs are used in many places to regulate road traffic by displaying certain traffic signs, which may be displayed as symbols or as characters, depending on the traffic density and predetermined boundary conditions.
  • a variable message sign is equipped with a matrix-like arrangement of optical elements, which make up the overall display. Each optical element corresponds to a point of light, which is to be taken by the driver already at a distance, so that the traffic can be safely routed.
  • EP 0 930 600 A1 is an example of an optical element in the case of variable traffic signs, in which the problem of phantom light is explicitly addressed.
  • the light emitted by an LED light is focused by a converging lens and directed to a scattered lens arranged at some distance from the convergent lens.
  • the scattering lens By suitable design of the scattering lens, the light can be distributed according to desired specifications.
  • the disadvantage here is the inevitable to avoid phantom large distance between the converging lens and the diffusing lens and the fact that a diaphragm has to be arranged in the region of the focal spot of the condenser lens in order to comply with the relevant regulations for light distribution and phantom light.
  • the LEDs are constantly being improved, e.g. through improved reflection of the light actually emitted to the rear. This was achieved mainly by the use of modern reflectors within the LEDs, so that currently extremely powerful LEDs are available. When using modern LEDs, the potentially higher phantom light must be prevented by appropriate measures.
  • the present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide an optical element for variable message signs, which emits a very high light output in the desired areas, at the same time all regulations are observed with respect to the phantom light and the lowest possible space consumption is ensured with a simple and inexpensive construction.
  • the optical element according to the invention for variable message signs has an elongated housing in which at least one light source and at least two lenses are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the housing, wherein the lenses are used to determine the beam path of the light emitted by the light source in the emission direction, and wherein the closer arranged on the light source lens is designed as a converging lens.
  • the optical element according to the invention is characterized in that the lens which is farther from the light source is designed as a rod lens.
  • a light entry surface of the rod lens has a first radius in the horizontal direction, which merges in a vertical direction into a generally larger radius or a plane surface, so that upon passage of the light beams horizontally stronger bundling and thus a deflection of the light beam at a shorter distance from the convergent lens takes place as in the vertical direction.
  • the light exit surface of the rod lens has a spherical or aspherical optical shaping surface, which ensures a scattering of the exiting light in a predetermined angular range, so that the road users can easily perceive the traffic signal both from a relatively large distance as well as from close.
  • the converging lens and the light entry surface of the rod lens are designed such that light beams emitted by the light source intersect within the rod lens between the light entry surface and the light exit surface, whereby a brighter light output in the field of view is achieved.
  • the rod lens has in a lower region in the direction of the light entry surface a bevelled surface which serves on its own or in combination with further elements for suppressing the light rejection.
  • the light entry surface of the rod lens strikes in a lower region on a projection, which also prevents stray light from reaching the LED reflector, whereby both a defined distance between the optical elements is ensured and it is ensured that it is even very flat incident sunlight produces virtually no phantom light.
  • the housing advantageously has a first housing section in which the light source and the condenser lens are fixed, and a second housing section in which the rod lens is mounted. This facilitates the assembly of the individual elements.
  • the first housing section is attached to the second housing section, wherein a cavity, which is formed in a front region of the first housing section, receives the second housing section.
  • a further outer panel is arranged in the outer upper end region of the second housing section, which minimizes the irradiation of sunlight into the optical lens system.
  • variable traffic sign is equipped with a front plate having a plurality of receiving holes in which the optical elements according to the invention are mounted.
  • Such variable message signs are extremely powerful and meet all standards regarding light distribution and phantom light behavior.
  • Fig. 1 and 2 the elements of the optical element according to the invention for variable message signs are shown in longitudinal section, in Fig. 3 from above in a cross section along the horizontal median plane of the arrangement.
  • the optical element 1 has a light source 3, which is preferably designed as a light emitting diode (LED).
  • the provided with the usual terminals LED 3 is received and fixed in a first elongated housing portion 5 near the rear end 7. It is likewise possible to use LEDs arranged on printed circuit boards as lighting means.
  • a converging lens 9 is fixed in a relatively short distance to the LED 3 in the first housing section 5, which bundles the light emitted by the LED 3 and transmits it to a light entry surface 11 of a rod lens 13.
  • the rod lens 13 is received and fixed in a second elongated housing portion 15, wherein the light entrance surface 11 of the rod lens 13 strikes during insertion of the same in the second housing portion 15 in a lower portion of a projection 17, which is preferably integrally formed with the second housing portion 15 and protrudes tongue-shaped inward.
  • the projection 17 thus serves for the exact positioning of the rod lens 13 in the second housing portion 15 and can simultaneously prevent stray light. It can absorb the light rays which emerge in the lower region of the converging lens 9 or absorb solar rays which are incident from the front into the optical system according to the invention and leave the rod lens 13 in the lower region through the light entry surface 11, as can be seen in FIG. In the lower area, the Rod lens 13 continues in the direction of the light entry surface 11 a beveled surface 19, which also serves to derive flat incident stray light.
  • the light entry surface 11 of the rod lens 13 is shaped in such a way that different beam focusing angles and thus different emission angles can be realized in the horizontal and vertical plane.
  • it has a first radius in the horizontal direction, which merges in the vertical direction into a second, usually larger radius or a plane surface, so that a greater bundling and a deflection of the light beam at a shorter distance from the converging lens takes place horizontally upon passage of the light beams as in the vertical direction.
  • the light entry surface 11 In interaction with the converging lens 9, the light entry surface 11 thus ensures, due to its geometry, that the light beams emitted by the light source 3 intersect within the rod lens 13 and are conducted to the light exit surface 21 of the rod lens 13.
  • the light exit surface 21 of the rod lens 13 is shaped such that the light coming from the light entry surface 11 is emitted in the vertical and horizontal directions in the respectively desired angular ranges.
  • the desired light distribution in the emission area is achieved by a suitable combination of the configuration of light entry surface 11 and light exit surface 21 of the rod lens 13.
  • the second housing portion 15 may also have in the outer upper end portion of an outer panel (not shown), which prevents the incidence of sunlight from a certain inclination angle to the horizontal from the outset.
  • outer panel, beveled surface 19 and acting as an inner projection projection 17 can be used together, but it is also conceivable to dispense with a use of one of the three elements and still achieve sufficiently good values.
  • an aspherical radiation is usually to be achieved in which no or only a small emission of light upwards, which brings the advantage of a complete light distribution in the visible from the road user direction, in the width and down to the roadway with it.
  • the radius of the light exit surface 21 moreover, the emission angle can be reduced or increased.
  • a plurality of such optical elements 1 is included.
  • a front panel 25 is shown having receiving holes 27 in which the optical elements 1 are inserted and fixed.
  • the LED 3 and the condenser lens 9 are inserted into a rear portion 7 of the first housing portion 5 and fixed therein, leaving in a front portion 29 of the first housing portion 5, a cavity 31 which corresponds substantially to the size of a receiving hole 27.
  • the rod lens 13 is inserted into the second housing portion 15 as far as the stop on the projection 17 and fixed there.
  • the second housing portion 15 is pressed from the front into the receiving hole 27, wherein angle projections 33 which are bent substantially perpendicularly from the front end of the second housing portion 15 outwardly limit the insertion when they strike the front panel 25.
  • the receiving hole 27 and the second housing portion 15 are formed, e.g.
  • the system can be made particularly waterproof when the receiving openings have a slightly conical shape and grooves 35 are provided on the outside of the second housing portion 15, which are squeezed when pressed into the front panel 25.
  • the first housing section 5 is pushed onto the second housing section 15 from the rear side and latched there by suitable means. Here, it serves to improve the stability that the first housing section 5 extends to the front panel 25. Due to the precise manufacture of the individual components and the meshing of the housing sections, the distances between the lenses 9 and 13 to each other and their spatial orientation are precisely defined.

Abstract

The optical element for an alternating traffic sign comprises a longitudinal housing (5,15) in which there is a least one light source (3) around which at least two lenses (9,13) are arranged over one another in the longitudinal direction of the housing. The lenses regulate the rays' direction. The housing comprises a first housing section in which the light source and the collector lens (9) are fixed and a second housing section in which the stabilising lens (13) is fixed and is where the mounting of the element is achieved. The second housing section is mounted on to the first housing section, with the first housing section having a hollow chamber (31) in which the second housing section is fixed such as to achieve a stable fixture.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein optisches Element für Wechselverkehrszeichen nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to an optical element for variable message signs according to the preamble of claim 1.

Wechselverkehrszeichen dienen vielerorts zur Regulierung des Straßenverkehrs, indem sie je nach Verkehrsdichte und vorgegebenen Rahmenbedingungen bestimmte Verkehrszeichen, die als Symbole oder als Schriftzeichen dargestellt sein können, anzeigen. Ein Wechselverkehrszeichen ist dabei mit einer matrixartigen Anordnung von optischen Elementen ausgestattet, aus denen sich die Gesamtanzeige zusammensetzt. Jedem optischen Element entspricht dabei ein Lichtpunkt, der vom Autofahrer bereits in weiter Entfernung aufgenommen werden soll, damit der Straßenverkehr sicher geleitet werden kann.Variable message signs are used in many places to regulate road traffic by displaying certain traffic signs, which may be displayed as symbols or as characters, depending on the traffic density and predetermined boundary conditions. A variable message sign is equipped with a matrix-like arrangement of optical elements, which make up the overall display. Each optical element corresponds to a point of light, which is to be taken by the driver already at a distance, so that the traffic can be safely routed.

Im Bereich der Verkehrstechnik werden besonders strenge Maßstäbe an die Lichtverteilung angelegt, die durch Vorschalten zusätzlicher Linsen vor die Leuchtmittel erreichbar sind. Signaloptiken mit vorgeschalteter Linsenanordnung sind demnach bereits seit langem vorbekannt, siehe z. B. DE 42 25 139 A1, bei der vor ein Leuchtelement eine Sammellinse und eine Streulinse zur Erzielung der gewünschten Lichtverteilung angeordnet sind.In the field of traffic engineering, particularly strict standards are applied to the light distribution, which can be achieved by connecting additional lenses in front of the light sources. Signal optics with upstream lens arrangement are therefore already known for a long time, see, for. B. DE 42 25 139 A1, in which a collecting lens and a scattering lens to achieve the desired light distribution are arranged in front of a luminous element.

Mittlerweile haben sich als Leuchtmittel in Wechselverkehrszeichen Leuchtdioden durchgesetzt, die bekanntermaßen über eine lange Lebensdauer und eine hohe Lichtstärke verfügen. Ein wesentlicher Gesichtspunkt hierbei ist das Phantomlicht, d.h. auf die LED gelangendes Sonnenlicht, das von dieser reflektiert wird und bei ungünstigem Sonnenstand zu Täuschungen der Verkehrsteilnehmer führen kann. Auch hierfür gibt es gesetzliche Vorgaben, die im Sinne der Verkehrssicherheit einzuhalten sind.In the meantime, light-emitting diodes, which are known to have a long service life and high light intensity, have become established as light sources in variable-frequency traffic signs. An important aspect here is the phantom light, i. sunlight reaching the LED, which is reflected by it and can lead to deceptions of the road users in unfavorable position of the sun. Again, there are legal requirements that must be adhered to in terms of traffic safety.

Die EP 0 930 600 A1 ist ein Beispiel für ein optisches Element bei Wechselverkehrszeichen, bei dem das Problem des Phantomlichts explizit angesprochen ist. In dieser Vorrichtung wird das von einer LED abgestrahlte Licht durch eine Sammellinse gebündelt und auf eine in einigem Abstand von der Sammellinse angeordnete Streulinse geleitet. Durch geeignete Ausbildung der Streulinse kann das Licht nach gewünschten Vorgaben verteilt werden. Nachteilig hierbei ist der zur Vermeidung von Phantomlicht unumgängliche große Abstand zwischen Sammellinse und Streulinse sowie die faktische Notwendigkeit, eine Blende im Bereich des Brennflecks der Sammellinse anzuordnen, damit die einschlägigen Vorschriften für Lichtverteilung und Phantomlicht erfüllt werden.EP 0 930 600 A1 is an example of an optical element in the case of variable traffic signs, in which the problem of phantom light is explicitly addressed. In this device, the light emitted by an LED light is focused by a converging lens and directed to a scattered lens arranged at some distance from the convergent lens. By suitable design of the scattering lens, the light can be distributed according to desired specifications. The disadvantage here is the inevitable to avoid phantom large distance between the converging lens and the diffusing lens and the fact that a diaphragm has to be arranged in the region of the focal spot of the condenser lens in order to comply with the relevant regulations for light distribution and phantom light.

Um die Helligkeit der Leuchtdioden weiter zu erhöhen, werden die LEDs ständig verbessert, z.B. durch eine verbesserte Reflexion des eigentlich nach hinten ausgestrahlten Lichts. Dies wurde vor allem durch den Einsatz moderner Reflektoren innerhalb der LEDs erreicht, so dass derzeit bereits extrem leistungsfähige LEDs verfügbar sind. Beim Einsatz moderner LEDs muss das potenziell ebenfalls höhere Phantomlicht durch geeignete Maßnahmen verhindert werden.To further increase the brightness of the LEDs, the LEDs are constantly being improved, e.g. through improved reflection of the light actually emitted to the rear. This was achieved mainly by the use of modern reflectors within the LEDs, so that currently extremely powerful LEDs are available. When using modern LEDs, the potentially higher phantom light must be prevented by appropriate measures.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein optisches Element für Wechselverkehrszeichen zu schaffen, das eine sehr hohe Lichtleistung in die gewünschten Bereiche ausstrahlt, wobei gleichzeitig alle Vorschriften bezüglich des Phantomlichts eingehalten werden und ein möglichst geringer Platzverbrauch bei einfachem und kostengünstigem Aufbau gewährleistet wird.The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide an optical element for variable message signs, which emits a very high light output in the desired areas, at the same time all regulations are observed with respect to the phantom light and the lowest possible space consumption is ensured with a simple and inexpensive construction.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

Das erfindungsgemäße optische Element für Wechselverkehrszeichen weist ein längliches Gehäuse auf, in dem mindestens eine Lichtquelle sowie mindestens zwei Linsen aufeinanderfolgend in Längsrichtung des Gehäuses angeordnet sind, wobei die Linsen zur Festlegung des Strahlengangs des von der Lichtquelle in Abstrahlrichtung emittierten Lichts dienen, und wobei die näher an der Lichtquelle angeordnete Linse als Sammellinse ausgebildet ist. Das erfindungsgemäße optische Element zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die weiter von der Lichtquelle entfernte Linse als Stablinse ausgebildet ist. Hierdurch wird bei einfacher Geometrie eine kostengünstige Möglichkeit geschaffen, unter Einhaltung aller gesetzlichen Vorschriften bezüglich Lichtverteilung und Phantomlicht eine möglichst klein dimensionierte und extrem lichtstarke Anordnung zu schaffen.The optical element according to the invention for variable message signs has an elongated housing in which at least one light source and at least two lenses are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the housing, wherein the lenses are used to determine the beam path of the light emitted by the light source in the emission direction, and wherein the closer arranged on the light source lens is designed as a converging lens. The optical element according to the invention is characterized in that the lens which is farther from the light source is designed as a rod lens. As a result, a cost-effective possibility is created with simple geometry, in compliance with all legal requirements regarding light distribution and phantom light to create a small-sized and extremely bright arrangement.

Eine Lichteintrittsfläche der Stablinse weist in horizontaler Richtung einen ersten Radius auf, der in vertikaler Richtung in einen meist größeren Radius bzw. eine Planfläche übergeht, so dass beim Durchtritt der Lichtstrahlen horizontal eine stärkere Bündelung und somit eine Umlenkung des Lichtbündels in kürzerer Entfernung von der Sammellinse erfolgt als in der vertikalen Richtung.A light entry surface of the rod lens has a first radius in the horizontal direction, which merges in a vertical direction into a generally larger radius or a plane surface, so that upon passage of the light beams horizontally stronger bundling and thus a deflection of the light beam at a shorter distance from the convergent lens takes place as in the vertical direction.

Die Lichtaustrittsfläche der Stablinse weist eine sphärische bzw. asphärische optische Formfläche auf, die eine Streuung des austretenden Lichts in einen vorgegebenen Winkelbereich gewährleistet, so dass die Verkehrsteilnehmer sowohl aus relativ großer Entfernung als auch aus der Nähe das Verkehrssignal problemlos wahrnehmen können.The light exit surface of the rod lens has a spherical or aspherical optical shaping surface, which ensures a scattering of the exiting light in a predetermined angular range, so that the road users can easily perceive the traffic signal both from a relatively large distance as well as from close.

Demnach sind die Sammellinse und die Lichteintrittsfläche der Stablinse derart ausgebildet, dass von der Lichtquelle emittierte Lichtstrahlen sich innerhalb der Stablinse zwischen Lichteintrittsfläche und Lichtaustrittsfläche kreuzen, wodurch eine hellere Lichtleistung im Sichtfeld erzielt wird.Accordingly, the converging lens and the light entry surface of the rod lens are designed such that light beams emitted by the light source intersect within the rod lens between the light entry surface and the light exit surface, whereby a brighter light output in the field of view is achieved.

Zur Verringerung des Phantomlichts weist die Stablinse in einem unteren Bereich in Richtung der Lichteintrittsfläche eine abgeschrägte Fläche auf, die für sich alleine oder in Kombination mit weiteren Elementen zur Störlichtunterdrückung dient.In order to reduce the phantom light, the rod lens has in a lower region in the direction of the light entry surface a bevelled surface which serves on its own or in combination with further elements for suppressing the light rejection.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich schlägt die Lichteintrittsfläche der Stablinse in einem unteren Bereich an einem Vorsprung an, der ebenfalls verhindert, dass Störlicht an den LED-Reflektor gelangt, wodurch sowohl ein definierter Abstand zwischen den optischen Elementen gewährleistet wird als auch sichergestellt ist, dass selbst sehr flach einfallendes Sonnenlicht nahezu kein Phantomlicht erzeugt.Alternatively or additionally, the light entry surface of the rod lens strikes in a lower region on a projection, which also prevents stray light from reaching the LED reflector, whereby both a defined distance between the optical elements is ensured and it is ensured that it is even very flat incident sunlight produces virtually no phantom light.

Das Gehäuse weist vorteilhafterweise einen ersten Gehäuseabschnitt auf, in dem die Lichtquelle und die Sammellinse befestigt sind, und einen zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt, in dem die Stablinse befestigt ist. Dadurch wird die Montage der einzelnen Elemente erleichtert.The housing advantageously has a first housing section in which the light source and the condenser lens are fixed, and a second housing section in which the rod lens is mounted. This facilitates the assembly of the individual elements.

Der erste Gehäuseabschnitt ist dabei auf den zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt aufgesteckt, wobei ein Hohlraum, der in einem vorderen Bereich des ersten Gehäuseabschnitts ausgebildet ist, den zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt aufnimmt. Diese Anordnung liefert eine besonders stabile Lagerung des Linsensystems auch bei Schwingungen.The first housing section is attached to the second housing section, wherein a cavity, which is formed in a front region of the first housing section, receives the second housing section. This arrangement provides a particularly stable mounting of the lens system even during vibrations.

Vorteilhafterweise ist weiterhin eine Außenblende im äußeren oberen Endbereich des zweiten Gehäuseabschnitts angeordnet, die eine Einstrahlung von Sonnenlicht in das optische Linsensystem minimiert.Advantageously, a further outer panel is arranged in the outer upper end region of the second housing section, which minimizes the irradiation of sunlight into the optical lens system.

Ein erfindungsgemäßes Wechselverkehrszeichen ist mit einer Frontplatte ausgestattet, die mehrere Aufnahmelöcher aufweist, in denen die erfindungsgemäßen optischen Elemente befestigt sind. Derartige Wechselverkehrszeichen sind extrem leistungsfähig und erfüllen alle Normen bezüglich Lichtverteilung und Phantomlichtverhalten.An inventive variable traffic sign is equipped with a front plate having a plurality of receiving holes in which the optical elements according to the invention are mounted. Such variable message signs are extremely powerful and meet all standards regarding light distribution and phantom light behavior.

Weitere Einzelheiten, Merkmale und Vorteile der vorliegenden Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnungen.

Fig. 1
zeigt einen Längsschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes optisches Element einschließlich des erzielten Strahlengangs;
Fig. 2
zeigt die Darstellung aus Fig. 1 bei flach einfallendem Sonnenlicht; und
Fig. 3
zeigt die Anordnung aus Fig. 1 von oben in einem Querschnitt entlang der horizontalen Mittelebene der Anordnung.
Further details, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1
shows a longitudinal section through an inventive optical element including the obtained beam path;
Fig. 2
shows the illustration of Figure 1 in flat incident sunlight. and
Fig. 3
shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 from above in a cross section along the horizontal center plane of the arrangement.

In Fig. 1 und 2 sind die Elemente des erfindungsgemäßen optischen Elements für Wechselverkehrszeichen im Längsschnitt dargestellt, in Fig. 3 von oben in einem Querschnitt entlang der horizontalen Mittelebene der Anordnung. Das optische Element 1 weist eine Lichtquelle 3 auf, die vorzugsweise als Leuchtdiode (LED) ausgebildet ist. Die mit den üblichen Anschlüssen versehene LED 3 ist in einem ersten länglichen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 nahe dessen hinterem Ende 7 aufgenommen und befestigt. Ebenso ist es möglich, auf Leiterplatten angeordnete LEDs als Leuchtmittel zu verwenden. Vor der LED 3 ist im ersten Gehäuseabschnitt 5 des weiteren eine Sammellinse 9 in relativ kurzem Abstand zur LED 3 fixiert, die das von der LED 3 emittierte Licht bündelt und auf eine Lichteintrittsfläche 11 einer Stablinse 13 weiterleitet. Die Stablinse 13 ist in einem zweiten länglichen Gehäuseabschnitt 15 aufgenommen und fixiert, wobei die Lichteintrittsfläche 11 der Stablinse 13 beim Einschieben derselben in den zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt 15 in einem unteren Bereich an einen Vorsprung 17 anschlägt, der vorzugsweise einstückig mit dem zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt 15 ausgebildet ist und zungenförmig nach innen abragt. Der Vorsprung 17 dient somit zur exakten Positionierung der Stablinse 13 im zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt 15 und kann gleichzeitig Störlicht verhindern. Er kann die Lichtstrahlen absorbieren, welche im unteren Bereich der Sammellinse 9 austreten bzw. Sonnenstrahlen absorbieren, die von vorne in die erfindungsgemäße Optik einfallen und die Stablinse 13 im unteren Bereich durch die Lichteintrittsfläche 11 verlassen, wie aus Fig. 2 ersichtlich ist. Im unteren Bereich weist die Stablinse 13 weiterhin in Richtung der Lichteintrittsfläche 11 eine abgeschrägte Fläche 19 auf, die ebenfalls zum Ableiten von flach einfallendem Störlicht dient.In Fig. 1 and 2, the elements of the optical element according to the invention for variable message signs are shown in longitudinal section, in Fig. 3 from above in a cross section along the horizontal median plane of the arrangement. The optical element 1 has a light source 3, which is preferably designed as a light emitting diode (LED). The provided with the usual terminals LED 3 is received and fixed in a first elongated housing portion 5 near the rear end 7. It is likewise possible to use LEDs arranged on printed circuit boards as lighting means. In front of the LED 3, a converging lens 9 is fixed in a relatively short distance to the LED 3 in the first housing section 5, which bundles the light emitted by the LED 3 and transmits it to a light entry surface 11 of a rod lens 13. The rod lens 13 is received and fixed in a second elongated housing portion 15, wherein the light entrance surface 11 of the rod lens 13 strikes during insertion of the same in the second housing portion 15 in a lower portion of a projection 17, which is preferably integrally formed with the second housing portion 15 and protrudes tongue-shaped inward. The projection 17 thus serves for the exact positioning of the rod lens 13 in the second housing portion 15 and can simultaneously prevent stray light. It can absorb the light rays which emerge in the lower region of the converging lens 9 or absorb solar rays which are incident from the front into the optical system according to the invention and leave the rod lens 13 in the lower region through the light entry surface 11, as can be seen in FIG. In the lower area, the Rod lens 13 continues in the direction of the light entry surface 11 a beveled surface 19, which also serves to derive flat incident stray light.

Die Lichteintrittsfläche 11 der Stablinse 13 ist derart geformt, dass in horizontaler und vertikaler Ebene unterschiedliche Strahlenbündelungswinkel und damit unterschiedliche Abstrahlwinkel realisiert werden können. Insbesondere weist sie in horizontaler Richtung einen ersten Radius auf, der in vertikaler Richtung in einen zweiten, meist größeren Radius bzw. eine Planfläche übergeht, so dass beim Durchtritt der Lichtstrahlen horizontal eine stärkere Bündelung und eine Umlenkung des Lichtbündels in kürzerer Entfernung von der Sammellinse erfolgt als in der vertikalen Richtung.The light entry surface 11 of the rod lens 13 is shaped in such a way that different beam focusing angles and thus different emission angles can be realized in the horizontal and vertical plane. In particular, it has a first radius in the horizontal direction, which merges in the vertical direction into a second, usually larger radius or a plane surface, so that a greater bundling and a deflection of the light beam at a shorter distance from the converging lens takes place horizontally upon passage of the light beams as in the vertical direction.

Im Zusammenspiel mit der Sammellinse 9 sorgt die Lichteintrittsfläche 11 somit aufgrund ihrer Geometrie dafür, dass sich die von der Lichtquelle 3 emittierten Lichtstrahlen innerhalb der Stablinse 13 kreuzen und zur Lichtaustrittsfläche 21 der Stablinse 13 geleitet werden. Die Lichtaustrittsfläche 21 der Stablinse 13 ist derart geformt, dass das von der Lichteintrittsfläche 11 kommende Licht in vertikaler und horizontaler Richtung in die jeweils gewünschten Winkelbereiche abgestrahlt wird. Somit wird durch eine geeignete Kombination der Ausgestaltung von Lichteintrittsfläche 11 und Lichtaustrittsfläche 21 der Stablinse 13 die gewünschte Lichtverteilung im Abstrahlbereich erzielt.In interaction with the converging lens 9, the light entry surface 11 thus ensures, due to its geometry, that the light beams emitted by the light source 3 intersect within the rod lens 13 and are conducted to the light exit surface 21 of the rod lens 13. The light exit surface 21 of the rod lens 13 is shaped such that the light coming from the light entry surface 11 is emitted in the vertical and horizontal directions in the respectively desired angular ranges. Thus, the desired light distribution in the emission area is achieved by a suitable combination of the configuration of light entry surface 11 and light exit surface 21 of the rod lens 13.

Der zweite Gehäuseabschnitt 15 kann zudem im äußeren oberen Endbereich eine Außenblende (nicht gezeigt) aufweisen, die von vornherein Einfallen von Sonnenlicht ab einem gewissen Neigungswinkel zur Horizontalen verhindert. In der Regel können Außenblende, abgeschrägte Fläche 19 und der als innere Blende fungierende Vorsprung 17 gemeinsam verwendet werden, es ist allerdings auch denkbar, auf eine Verwendung eines der drei Elemente zu verzichten und dennoch ausreichend gute Werte zu erzielen. Insgesamt soll üblicherweise eine asphärische Abstrahlung erzielt werden, bei der keine oder lediglich eine geringe Abstrahlung von Licht nach oben erfolgt, was den Vorteil einer vollständigen Lichtverteilung in die vom Verkehrsteilnehmer sichtbare Richtung, in die Breite und nach unten auf die Fahrbahn mit sich bringt. Durch Veränderung des Radius der Lichtaustrittsfläche 21 kann zudem der Abstrahlwinkel verkleinert oder vergrößert werden.The second housing portion 15 may also have in the outer upper end portion of an outer panel (not shown), which prevents the incidence of sunlight from a certain inclination angle to the horizontal from the outset. In general, outer panel, beveled surface 19 and acting as an inner projection projection 17 can be used together, but it is also conceivable to dispense with a use of one of the three elements and still achieve sufficiently good values. Overall, an aspherical radiation is usually to be achieved in which no or only a small emission of light upwards, which brings the advantage of a complete light distribution in the visible from the road user direction, in the width and down to the roadway with it. By changing the radius of the light exit surface 21, moreover, the emission angle can be reduced or increased.

In einem Wechselverkehrszeichen ist eine Vielzahl derartiger optischer Elemente 1 enthalten. In den Figuren ist eine Frontplatte 25 dargestellt, die Aufnahmelöcher 27 aufweist, in denen die optischen Elemente 1 eingefügt und fixiert sind.In a variable message sign a plurality of such optical elements 1 is included. In the figures, a front panel 25 is shown having receiving holes 27 in which the optical elements 1 are inserted and fixed.

Im Folgenden soll der Aufbau des Gehäuses des erfindungsgemäßen optischen Elements 1 sowie dessen Einbau in einer Frontplatte 25 eines Wechselverkehrszeichens erläutert werden.In the following, the structure of the housing of the optical element 1 according to the invention and its installation in a front panel 25 of a variable traffic sign will be explained.

Zunächst wird die LED 3 und die Sammellinse 9 in einen hinteren Bereich 7 des ersten Gehäuseabschnitts 5 eingeführt und darin fixiert, wobei in einem vorderen Bereich 29 des ersten Gehäuseabschnitts 5 ein Hohlraum 31 verbleibt, der im wesentlichen der Größe eines Aufnahmelochs 27 entspricht. Außerdem wird die Stablinse 13 in den zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt 15 bis zum Anschlag an den Vorsprung 17 eingeführt und dort fixiert. Anschließend wird der zweite Gehäuseabschnitt 15 von vorne in das Aufnahmeloch 27 eingepresst, wobei Winkelvorsprünge 33, die im wesentlichen senkrecht vom vorderen Ende des zweiten Gehäuseabschnittes 15 nach außen gebogen sind, das Einschieben begrenzen, wenn sie an der Frontplatte 25 anschlagen. Dabei ist das Aufnahmeloch 27 und der zweite Gehäuseabschnitt 15 derart geformt, z.B. einseitig abgeflacht, dass die Einbaulage des Linsensystems festgelegt ist. Außerdem kann das System besonders wasserdicht gemacht werden, wenn die Aufnahmeöffnungen eine leicht konische Form aufweisen und Rillen 35 an der Außenseite des zweiten Gehäuseabschnitts 15 vorgesehen sind, die beim Einpressen in die Frontplatte 25 zusammengequetscht werden.First, the LED 3 and the condenser lens 9 are inserted into a rear portion 7 of the first housing portion 5 and fixed therein, leaving in a front portion 29 of the first housing portion 5, a cavity 31 which corresponds substantially to the size of a receiving hole 27. In addition, the rod lens 13 is inserted into the second housing portion 15 as far as the stop on the projection 17 and fixed there. Subsequently, the second housing portion 15 is pressed from the front into the receiving hole 27, wherein angle projections 33 which are bent substantially perpendicularly from the front end of the second housing portion 15 outwardly limit the insertion when they strike the front panel 25. At this time, the receiving hole 27 and the second housing portion 15 are formed, e.g. flattened on one side, that the installation position of the lens system is fixed. In addition, the system can be made particularly waterproof when the receiving openings have a slightly conical shape and grooves 35 are provided on the outside of the second housing portion 15, which are squeezed when pressed into the front panel 25.

Nach dem Einpressen des zweiten Gehäuseabschnitts 15 in die Frontplatte 25 wird der erste Gehäuseabschnitt 5 von der Rückseite auf den zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt 15 aufgesteckt und dort mittels geeigneter Mittel eingerastet. Hierbei dient es zur Verbesserung der Stabilität, dass der erste Gehäuseabschnitt 5 bis zur Frontplatte 25 reicht. Bedingt durch die genaue Fertigung der einzelnen Bauteile und das Ineinandergreifen der Gehäuseabschnitte sind auch die Abstände der Linsen 9 und 13 zueinander und ihre räumliche Orientierung genau festgelegt.After the second housing section 15 has been pressed into the front panel 25, the first housing section 5 is pushed onto the second housing section 15 from the rear side and latched there by suitable means. Here, it serves to improve the stability that the first housing section 5 extends to the front panel 25. Due to the precise manufacture of the individual components and the meshing of the housing sections, the distances between the lenses 9 and 13 to each other and their spatial orientation are precisely defined.

Somit ist ein leistungsfähiges, modular zusammengesetztes optisches Element geschaffen worden, das eine besonders effektive Lichtverteilung bei geringem Phantomlicht gewährleistet und gleichzeitig leicht in einem Wechselverkehrszeichen installiert werden kann.Thus, a powerful, modular optical element has been created that ensures a particularly effective light distribution with low phantom light and at the same time can be easily installed in a variable message sign.

Claims (6)

  1. An optical element for variable message signs, which comprises an oblong housing (5, 15) in which at least one light source (3) as well as at least two lenses (9, 13) are successively arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing (5, 15), wherein the lenses (9, 13) serve to define the beam path of the light emitted by the light source (3) in the irradiation direction, and wherein said lens arranged closer to the light source (3) is formed as a converging lens (9)
    characterised in
    that said lens arranged farther away from the light source (3) is formed as a rod lens (13),
    a light entry surface (11) of the rod lens (13) has a first radius in the horizontal direction, said radius merging in the vertical direction into a second, usually larger radius or into a planar surface, so that in the case of passage of light rays a stronger bundling and a deflection of the light bundle at a shorter distance from the converging lens takes place in the horizontal direction compared to the vertical direction,
    that a light emerging surface (21) has a spherical or aspherical optical form surface which ensures a scattering of the emerging light into a predetermined angular range, and
    that the rod lens (13) comprises a bevelled surface (19) in a lower portion in the direction of the light entry surface (11), said bevelled surface deflecting a majority of the stray light and/or that the light entry surface (11) of the rod lens (13) abuts in a lower portion on a projection (17), which prevents stray light from reaching the light source (3).
  2. An optical element as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the converging lens (9) and the light entry surface (11) of the rod lens (13) are formed such that light rays emitted by the light source (3) intersect within the rod lens (13) between the light entry surface (11) and the light emerging surface (21).
  3. An optical element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the housing has a first housing portion (5) in which the light source (3) and the converging lens (9) are attached, and a second housing portion (15) in which the rod lens (13) is attached.
  4. An optical element as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the first housing portion (5) is plugged onto the second housing portion (15), wherein a cavity (31) which is formed in a front portion (29) of the first housing portion (5) accommodates the second housing portion (15).
  5. An optical element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an outer screen (23) in the outer upper end portion of the second housing portion (15).
  6. A variable message sign comprising a front plate (25) which comprises a plurality of accommodation holes (27), in which optical elements according to one of the claims 1 to 5 are arranged.
EP04023304A 2004-09-30 2004-09-30 Optical element for a variable message sign Not-in-force EP1643473B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE502004002913T DE502004002913D1 (en) 2004-09-30 2004-09-30 Optical element for variable message signs
EP04023304A EP1643473B1 (en) 2004-09-30 2004-09-30 Optical element for a variable message sign
AT04023304T ATE354152T1 (en) 2004-09-30 2004-09-30 OPTICAL ELEMENT FOR VARIOUS TRAFFIC SIGN
BRPI0504348-4A BRPI0504348A (en) 2004-09-30 2005-09-20 optical element for variable message signals
US11/236,901 US7591574B2 (en) 2004-09-30 2005-09-28 Optical element for variable message signs

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04023304A EP1643473B1 (en) 2004-09-30 2004-09-30 Optical element for a variable message sign

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1643473A1 EP1643473A1 (en) 2006-04-05
EP1643473B1 true EP1643473B1 (en) 2007-02-14

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EP04023304A Not-in-force EP1643473B1 (en) 2004-09-30 2004-09-30 Optical element for a variable message sign

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US (1) US7591574B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1643473B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE354152T1 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0504348A (en)
DE (1) DE502004002913D1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8944658B1 (en) * 2009-09-11 2015-02-03 The Boeing Company LED holder for lighting panels
CN102812507B (en) 2010-03-24 2016-04-13 西门子公司 Optics indicating device and indicating equipment
ES2728269T3 (en) 2013-10-10 2019-10-23 Ortana Elektronik Yazilim Taah San Ve Tic A S Optical element for an information system to display information
PL415364A1 (en) * 2015-12-17 2017-06-19 Instytut Optyki Stosowanej Im. Prof. Maksymiliana Pluty Optical system for light distribution from a single pixel on the road sign board with changing content
PL231325B1 (en) * 2015-12-17 2019-02-28 Inst Optyki Stosowanej Im Prof Maksymiliana Pluty Optical system for a single pixel on the road sign board with changing content

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2282167A (en) * 1937-08-21 1942-05-05 George M Cressaty Flashlight
JPS5724336Y2 (en) * 1977-10-08 1982-05-26
US4779967A (en) * 1986-07-01 1988-10-25 Ram Optical Instrumentation, Inc. Objective lens assembly
JP3507284B2 (en) * 1997-06-24 2004-03-15 キヤノン株式会社 Rod lens array, contact image sensor and image reading device
AT500056B8 (en) * 1998-01-19 2007-02-15 Swarco Futurit Verkehrssignals OPTIC ELEMENT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNS, INDICATOR TABLES OR DGL.
US6550952B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2003-04-22 Ilight Technologies, Inc. Optical waveguide illumination and signage device and method for making same
AT500013B1 (en) * 2003-01-31 2006-10-15 Swarco Futurit Verkehrssysteme OPTIC ELEMENT FOR INTERMEDIATE TRANSPARENCIES
US7217022B2 (en) * 2004-08-31 2007-05-15 Opto Technology, Inc. Optic fiber LED light source

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE354152T1 (en) 2007-03-15
EP1643473A1 (en) 2006-04-05
US20060077661A1 (en) 2006-04-13
DE502004002913D1 (en) 2007-03-29
BRPI0504348A (en) 2006-05-09
US7591574B2 (en) 2009-09-22

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