EP2058786B1 - Display device for displaying signals in tunnels and others - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a luminous display device for the display of signals in tunnels or the like according to the preamble of claim 1. By "like" is meant a place of limited space, such as ceilings covered with ceilings, for example multi-storey bridges.

In such places, a particularly compact display device is desired due to the limited space available. From the EP 0 917 703 B1 Applicant is aware of an optical display device which provides significant dimensional size advantages by aligning a display support device substantially parallel to a given observer's direction of motion, the display field being comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart characters to be displayed in sequence in the direction of travel arranged display segments is formed, wherein the display segments are arranged substantially parallel to the surface normal of the display panel receiving support device or inclined at less than 45 ° relative to the surface normal. As a result, the advantage of a very low height of the support frame is achieved because visually due to the direction of obliquely from below creates the impression of a contiguous display area.

The support frame of the display device according to EP 0 917 703 B1 is firmly attached to the tunnel ceiling, which, however, brings with the first installation necessary repairs and the replacement of individual display segments significant problems.

In a further development by the Applicant according to EP 1 653 430 A2 a beacon support device having a first support frame adapted for attachment to a tunnel ceiling, a second support frame for receiving a plurality of electro-optical signalers, in particular LEDs, arranged to be at least one particular one Signal image can generate, the light substantially parallel or slightly inclined to Lane of the tunnel in the direction of arriving vehicles is sent out.

The disadvantage here is, as already in the display device of EP 0 017 703 B1 the stepped arrangement of the individual signal generator, in particular with regard to their cleaning, since each stage must be cleaned individually.

DE 201 12 037 U1 discloses a display device having a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a plane and a cover plate made of a transparent material which is arranged parallel to the plane of the plurality of light emitting diodes and in the emission direction in front of the light emitting diodes. In the emission direction of the light emitting diodes, the cover plate is provided with an opaque layer having a plurality of interruptions such that each light emitting diode is associated with an interruption, wherein dimensions of the interruptions are smaller than the dimensions of the light emitting diodes.

WO 2004/068447 A1 shows an optical element that can be used in a variety of vertically arranged front surfaces of variable message signs for displaying symbols or graphic information. It consists of a controllable LED light source, a lens element with Lichteintritts-, mantle and exit surface and a surrounding the outer surface housing with substantially horizontal to downward inclined light emission, wherein the lateral surface has a maximum light absorbing absorbing surface, which directly to the light entrance and exit surface of the lens element is adjacent. The length of the lens element is greater than its diameter, and the exit surface at each surface point is curved such that all light rays from the light source are in a range below a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal and all light rays incident from the outside at greater than the predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal be directed to the absorption surface.

US 3,631,619 A discloses a traffic sign for providing information or instructions to vehicle drivers disposed over a lane at the roof of a vehicle tunnel and having a lower viewing surface that is parallel or inclined to the roadway. The viewing surface is formed of translucent material and illuminated from above, are displayed on the perceptible symbols or characters that are longitudinally stretched in the direction of travel.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to improve a light display device of the type described above such that a simple and quick cleaning of the display surface is made possible.

This object is solved by the features of patent claim 1.

Characterized in that a closed front panel is provided on the second support frame, which has according to the Signalgebem light transmission ranges, it is achieved that the display device can be cleaned in the simplest way by cleaning the front panel and a correspondingly flawless light indicator is ensured.

For holding the optical signal transmitter, a holding plate extending substantially parallel to the front plate is provided in the second carrier frame, which has recesses for receiving the signal generator. This creates a simple way to hold the signal generator and ease of mounting the same.

Furthermore, it is provided that in the recesses in the holding plate signal transmitter holder are inserted substantially vertically, in each of which there is a signal generator.

Furthermore, it is provided that an optical deflection device is provided on each signal transmitter holder, which deflects the light beam emitted by the signal transmitter in the corresponding direction. As a result, an optimal adaptation of the emitted light beams in the desired direction is made possible and in particular assembly inaccuracies of the fixed to the tunnel ceiling support frame can be compensated.

It is particularly advantageous that the electro-optical signal transmitter are formed from LEDs.

The fact that the light transmission areas are formed elliptical, a correspondingly flat alignment of the light signals generated by the signal generator is achieved.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the front panel is provided with a Lichtundurchlässigkeits- or cover layer except for the light transmission areas. This prevents reflections from occurring through the glass.

The windscreen can be made of plastic, which makes it particularly easy. Alternatively, the front panel may be made of safety glass, depending on local requirements.

Furthermore, alternatively, the front plate may be formed of metal, wherein the light transmission areas are openings in the plate, in which optical elements are arranged in particular lenses.

Advantageously, the optical deflection device can be designed as a mirror-integrated plastic part mounted on the LED holder.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht von schräg unten auf eine Leuchtanzeigevorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine teilweise geschnittene Seitenansicht auf die erfindungsgemäße Leuchtanzeigevorrichtung von Fig. 1, einschließlich deren Befestigung an einer Tunneldecke;

Fig. 3

die Einzelheit X von Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

die Ansicht gemäß Pfeil A von Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

eine lösbare Schwenkverbindung zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Trägerrahmen;

Fig. 6

die Ausgestaltung eines zweiten Verschlussmittels zum lösbaren Arretieren des zweiten Trägerrahmens im ersten Trägerrahmen in einer noch nicht eingerasteten Stellung, und

Fig. 7

die Ansicht aus Fig. 6 in einer eingerasteten Stellung.

Further details, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view obliquely from below of a light display device according to the present invention;

Fig. 2

a partially sectioned side view of the inventive luminous display device of Fig. 1 including its attachment to a tunnel ceiling;

Fig. 3

the detail X of Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 4

the view according to arrow A of Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

a releasable pivotal connection between the first and second support frames;

Fig. 6

the embodiment of a second closure means for releasably locking the second support frame in the first support frame in a not yet engaged position, and

Fig. 7

the view Fig. 6 in a locked position.

In the drawings, like elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is a perspective view obliquely from below a light emitting device 1 according to the invention shown. The illuminated display device 1 has a first support frame 3 and a second support frame 5. The first support frame 3 is by means of conventional fastening means, for. B screws 4 permanently fastened to its mounting location, are to be regarded as preferred mounting locations tunnel ceilings and ceilings of closed carriageway shafts such as closed bridges. In principle, the illuminated display device according to the invention can also be provided in any other arbitrary arrangement.

The first support frame 3 usually has two at a certain distance from each other arranged angle rails 7, which are connected by respective cross rails 9. The angle rails 7 and the cross rails 9 together form a receiving space in which the second support frame 5 can be inserted. The second support frame 5 is of similar shape as the first support frame 3, wherein it for receiving electro-optical signal transmitters 13 (see. Fig. 2 to 4 ) or similar units.

The signal generator 13 are as out Fig. 1 to 3 can be seen covered with a front panel 14, with a smooth substantially flat outer surface of the illuminated display device 1 is provided. In the area of the signal transmitter 13 14 light transmission areas 16 are provided in the front panel, which are preferably elliptical are formed.

How out Fig. 1 and 2 clearly visible, both the encapsulation of the signal transmitter 13 is achieved by the closed front plate 14, in particular if a rear wall 11 covers the second carrier frame 5 (cf. Fig. 2 ) as well as a smooth cleaning surface, which allows a correspondingly simple and quick cleaning of exposed in tunnels heavy pollution light display devices.

The first and second support frames 3, 5 are pivotally connected to each other via first connecting means 15 and second connecting means 21, the first connecting means 15 being described in greater detail with reference to FIG Fig. 5 and the second connection means 21 with reference to FIGS Fig. 6 and 7 to be discribed.

Out Fig. 2 Furthermore, the mounting arrangement of the illuminated display device 1 according to the invention can be seen on a tunnel ceiling 2, wherein the illuminated display device 1 can be fixed by means of appropriate bolts 4 in cooperation with the angle rails 7 on the tunnel ceiling.

Like from the Fig. 2 to 4 As can be seen, the signal transmitters 13 are mounted in a holding plate 18. As continues from the 3 and 4 it can be seen, the electro-optical signal transmitter 13 may be inserted in holders 20, which in turn are inserted into openings of the holding plate 18. The holders 20 have an integrated deflection part or element 22, which has mirrored inner surfaces 24, for deflecting the signal light emitted by the signal generator 13. How out 3 and 4 it can be seen, the mirrored surface 24 may have a kink, wherein different bending angles of the mirrored surface may be provided on different holders 20 for adaptation to the deflection angle. This leads to an optimal device of the illuminated display device according to the invention at the appropriate place of use.

The face plate 14 is otherwise provided with an opaque layer 30 except in the light transmission areas 16. This prevents stray light from being emitted by the light-emitting device 1 and so that the display signal, according to the embodiment Fig. 1 formed as an arrow, indistinctly recognizable. Additionally or alternatively, a cover layer may be applied to the front panel 14 from outside (not shown), such as in safety glass front panel 14 embodiment, which prevents mirroring of headlights of the motor vehicles.

Reference is now made to the Fig. 5 to 7 in which the first connecting means 15 and the second connecting means 21 are shown in more detail.

Fig. 5 shows a section of the illuminated display device 1 with the first connecting means 15. The connecting means 15 are therefore composed of two arranged on the longitudinal sides of the second support frame 5 hooks 17 and two bolt-shaped portions 19 which are arranged on the first support frame 3 together. The hooks 17 are shaped so that they engage around the bolt-shaped portions 19 so deep that the connection remains in the direction of the opening of the hook 17 even with slight pivoting movements. Pivoting movements carried out in the direction of the closed side of the hook 17 are possible beyond the horizontal without loss of connection occurring. Because of this connection, the two support frames 3, 5 both easily connected to each other and also be released from each other and provide a pivotal connection, the overall still ensures a very safe handling of the illuminated display device 1 in derpendent second support frame 5.

In Fig. 6 the opposite end of the illuminated display device 1 is shown in a section, wherein second connecting means 21 for locking the second support frame 5 on the first support frame 3 are shown in detail. The second connecting means 21 initially have at least one bracket 23 attached to the second support frame 5, which can also be designed as a swivel bracket. The bracket 23 has an essentially angled shape, wherein the longer leg 25 extends upward and the shorter leg 27 extends substantially horizontally and is rotatably or fixedly secured to the second support frame 5 at its end. The longer leg 25 has at its free end to an end portion or head 29, which has a tapered front end 31st has, in which a first, upper edge 33 and a second, lower edge 35 open. The lower edge 35 is substantially straight and approximately 45 ° oblique to the vertical, while the upper edge 33 may have a rounded shape.

In the region of the head 29, an outwardly projecting pin 37 is also arranged. This bolt 37 extends during insertion of the second support frame 5 in the first support frame 3 in a slot 39 which is formed in a vertical angle leg of the first support frame 3 and extending substantially perpendicular thereto. To lock the bracket 23, a first latching device 41 and a second latching device 43 are arranged on the first support frame 3. Each of the two locking devices 41, 43 taken alone would be sufficient for a releasable locking of the second support frame 5 on the first support frame 3, however, resulting from the combined connection of the two mechanisms additional advantages in the operation and safety aspects.

The first latching device 41 is designed as a spring-supported pawl 45, which has a substantially V-shaped and tilted by 90 ° recess 47. Upon the insertion of the pin 37 into the slot 39, the pin 37 is simultaneously inserted into the recess 47, and the pawl 45 makes a lateral compensating movement in accordance with the tilted V-shape of the recess 47. Once the bolt 37 has exceeded the top of the "V", it is prevented by the return that the spring-assisted pawl 45 swings back to its original position and the bolt 37 through the web 49 of the V-shaped recess 47 on a further downward movement is prevented. The web 49 preferably has a horizontal edge, so that the bolt 37 can rest on it safely.

As a second latching device 43 may be provided extending in the transverse direction of the first support frame 3 movable roller 51, which is integrated at its outer ends via two bolts 53 which are guided in two slots 55 in the first support frame 3. The elongated holes 55 extend at about 45 ° to the vertical, so that an obliquely guided upward and downward movement of the roller 51 is made possible.

When inserting the second support frame 5 in the first support frame 3, the pin 37 of the bracket 23 is guided in the slot 39, and thus also makes the head 29 of the bracket 23 a defined upward movement. In this upward movement, the upper edge 33 of the head 29 comes into contact with the roller 51 and pushes it along the slots 55 laterally obliquely upward until the front tip end 31 of the head 29 is above the height of the longitudinal axis of the roller 51. The roller 51 then slides back into the oblong holes 55 obliquely down to the initial state, and when the fitter releases the second support frame 5, the inclined lower edge 35 of the head 29 from above on the roller 51 from and is through this at one prevented downward movement.

In this in Fig. 7 illustrated latched state, the bracket 23 is in a higher position than in the locked state with respect to the pawl 45. Thus, the release of the second support frame 5 from the first support frame 3 can be done in a particularly simple manner that the fitter the roller 51 obliquely above pushes, whereby the pointed end 31 of the bracket 23 is released and the bracket 23 thus falls down until the pin 37 is stopped by the web 49 of the pawl 45. From this position, it is easy to completely unlock by pressing the pawl 45, the bracket 23 and to move the second support frame 5 in a drooping position. In this position, repairs or replacement work can be carried out particularly easily.

The double locking device 41, 43 thus serves in addition to greater safety also for easy and safe lifting of the locking connection between the second support frame 5 and the first support frame 3. To prevent the unlocking of the second support frame 5 by vibration and also the sliding down the roller 51 in the slots 55, in addition, a leaf spring (not shown) between the roller 51 and the corresponding cross rail 9 of the first support frame 3 may be arranged, which presses the roller 51 down.

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Variations are possible within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is clear that the principle according to the invention can also be realized with deviating geometric configurations. Furthermore, other connection means between the roller 51 and the first support frame 3 can be selected, and also the geometric configuration of the pawl 45 and the bracket 23 is not set to the illustrated embodiment.

Also, the signal generator 13 may be arranged obliquely in the corresponding angle of the signal light, so that a deflection of the light, as in 3 and 4 shown is dispensable.

Thus, with the illuminated display device according to the invention, it is possible not only to allow simple installation and repair of individual parts and rapid replacement of parts in any spatial orientation, but also to enable simple and quick cleaning of the front panel in order to achieve optimal operation to ensure the luminous display device.

Claims (9)

1. Illuminated display device (1) for displaying signals in tunnels or the like, comprising a first supporting frame (3) suitable for attachment to a tunnel ceiling (2), a second supporting frame (5) used for receiving a plurality of electro-optical signal transmitters (13) which are arranged in such a way that they can generate at least one specific signal pattern, the light being emitted in the direction of oncoming vehicles substantially in parallel with or at a slight angle to the road through the tunnel,
   characterised in that
   a closed front panel (14) is provided on the second supporting frame (5) and has transparent regions (16) which correspond to the signal transmitters (13),
   in that a retaining panel (18) which extends substantially in parallel with the front panel (14) is provided in the second supporting frame (5) and comprises recesses for receiving the signal transmitters (13),
   in that signal transmitter retainers (20), in each of which a signal transmitter (13) is located, are inserted into the recesses in the retaining panel (18) in a substantially perpendicular manner, and
   in that an optical deflection apparatus (22) is provided on each of the signal transmitter retainers (20) and deflects the light beam emitted by the signal transmitter (13) in the appropriate direction.
2. Illuminated display device according to claim 1, characterised in that the electro-optical signal transmitters (13) are formed by LEDs.
3. Illuminated display device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the transparent regions (16) are elliptical.
4. Illuminated display device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the front panel (14) is provided with an opaque layer 16 or cover layer except in the transparent regions (16).
5. Illuminated display device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the front panel (14) is made of plastics material.
6. Illuminated display device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the front panel (14) is made of safety glass.
7. Illuminated display device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the front panel (14) is made of metal, the transparent regions (16) being openings in the panel in which optical elements are arranged.
8. Illuminated display device according to claim 7, characterised in that lenses are provided as optical elements.
9. Illuminated display device according to any of claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the optical deflection apparatus (22) is designed as a mirrored integrated plastics part attached to the LED retainer (20).

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