EP2182776B1 - Warning light with a cap unit and at least one light unit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a warning light for optically displaying at least one operating state, in particular of a plurality of different operating states, of a technical device such as a machine, a system, a vehicle or the like, with a base unit for placing on the device and at least one lighting unit comprising at least one light element according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

From the DE 195 13 983 A1 The Applicant is already known, for example, a signal tower with a plurality of exchange modules, wherein the mechanical and electrical connection of the individual exchange modules with each other, a bayonet lock assembly is provided. In this case, the electrical contacting is already realized with the assembly of the exchange modules.

In general, such exchange modules have different colors within a signal tower. Often the Color combination of traffic lights selected, for example, the color is green for trouble-free operation and the color red for danger or for a standstill of the machine, etc. .. Such a signal tower is in DE10058695 disclosed. Each Wechselmödul has an incandescent lamp or one or more light-emitting diodes, which are already dyed accordingly or produce the white light and determines the corresponding colored cap the luminescent color of the removable module.

The electrical contacting of the exchangeable modules produced during assembly implements separate or parallel circuits or power supplies for the individual exchangeable modules. In practice, five separate or parallel circuits are often available as standard, so that up to a maximum of five changeover modules can be used.

For special applications, however, it has been shown that the maximum number of five changeover modules per signal tower is not sufficient.

Purpose and advantages of the invention

The object of the invention is in contrast to propose a warning light for visual display at least one operating state of a technical device that is more flexible, in particular more than five change modules or lighting units may have.

This object is achieved on the basis of a warning light of the aforementioned type, by the characterizing features of claim 1. The measures mentioned in the dependent claims advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are possible.

Accordingly, a warning lamp according to the invention is characterized in that the lighting unit comprises at least one control unit for controlling the operating state of the lighting unit with an addressable interface to a digital data transmission unit.

By this measure it is achieved that the lighting unit does not light up as in the prior art, when the power supply device is supplied with electrical energy, but when the digital data transmission unit transmits addressed data or data with appropriate address of the light unit to the addressable interface of the light unit. Accordingly, the interface switches or connects the electrical energy to the / the light-emitting elements in an advantageous manner with a correspondingly transmitted or correct address. Accordingly, an information transmission separate from the power supply takes place according to the invention.

This represents a departure from prior technology in warning lights or signal towers. In order to use more lighting units or change modules for a warning light or signal tower, obviously, according to the teaching of the prior art, more, i. more than five parallel circuits are provided.

According to the invention, two energy conductor elements or electrical supply cables or the like are now sufficient for the energy supply of the one lighting unit or of several or numerous lighting units.

Advantageously, a plurality of light units according to the invention are connected in series with respect to the power supply or a single circuit is provided for one or more light units. The operation of the lighting unit or the lighting of the lighting unit is realized by the addressing. This means that, for example, in the case of several, eg, eight lighting units, a specific lighting unit lights up when the associated address, which is transmitted to the addressable interface by means of the digital data transmission unit and coincides with an advantageously determined address of the specific interface or lighting unit. Accordingly, the interface switches or connects the lighting element of the lighting unit with the power supply.

In the event that the address transmitted by means of the data transmission unit does not match the specified address of the lighting unit, the interface of the corresponding lighting unit does not switch. That is, no connection is made between the light emitting element and the power supply.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the energy supply device has at least two energy conductor elements and the data transmission unit comprises at least one data conductor element for digital data transmission. This means that the warning light with one or more lighting units requires only three conductor elements or cables, wires or the like. In this case, the energy supply is realized with the aid of the two energy conductor elements and the transmission of the address or the advantageous information which light unit is to be lit or operated is transmitted by means of the advantageous data conductor element of the light unit or the / all light units.

Especially, alternatively, in an advantageous variant of the invention, it can be provided that the energy supply device comprises at least two energy conductor elements, wherein at least one of the Energy conductor elements is also designed as a data conductor element for digital data transmission. This means that a conductor element or a cable, wire or the like has a double function. Accordingly low here is the mechanical complexity of the invention.

In the aforementioned variant of the invention, the advantageous information or data, in particular the address or the like, can be modulated onto the voltage or the current of the power supply of the conductor element (s). In this variant, too, the addressable interface of the lighting unit switches, in the case in which the transmitted information or address matches the address of the specific lighting unit, so that a connection is established between the power supply and the lighting element. Accordingly, in this variant, two conductors are sufficient. However, in this case additional, special, further conductor elements for the lighting unit or the lighting units can be provided.

Preferably, at least two, in particular a plurality, in each case at least one lighting element comprehensive lighting units are provided. In particular, the power supply device is designed to supply power to at least two light units and, in an advantageous manner, the control unit is designed to control the operating states of the at least two light units each having an addressable interface to a digital data transmission unit. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a plurality of luminous units preferably each having an advantageously addressable interface which is connected to a digital data transmission unit.

Advantageously, the digital data transmission unit is in the socket unit and / or in a separate Module unit, in particular a releasably fixable, tool exchangeable and interchangeable module unit arranged. Both in the base unit and in a special or separate module unit, sufficient space can be made available for accommodating a corresponding data transmission unit, etc.

The variant with releasably fixable module unit, which includes the digital data transmission unit, is of particular importance for retrofitting already existing warning lights or base units. Accordingly, existing base units which are fixed to the technical device or screwed on, etc., can continue to be used. The mechanical and / or electrical connections of the module unit preferably correspond to corresponding mechanical and / or electrical connections of the lighting units or exchange modules.

Advantageously, at least one first control unit of a first lighting unit has a control programming that is different from a second control unit of a second lighting unit. Hereby, a wide variety of functionalities can be realized on the lighting unit. For example, red luminous lighting units can generate a flashing signal and a continuous signal during operation, each indicating different operating states of the technical device. In contrast, for example, a green lighting unit only emit a continuous signal and / or different flashing phases, in particular different lengths of light and / or dark phases, than the other, for example, red light unit.

In addition, a light unit can realize other lighting effects or other functionalities, which further special operating conditions of the technical device in can be displayed advantageously.

In addition, an acoustic warning unit with an acoustic warning element can also be provided in an advantageous manner. For example, a signal horn or a signal siren is provided, in particular with an acoustic piezoelectric transducer. Above all, acoustic warning units will advantageously have a different control programming to optical light units. For example, different tones with different volume, frequency, frequency sequence or melody or speech can be generated in an advantageous manner, which signal correspondingly different operating states. In general, corresponding acoustic warnings can be used separately for visual warning or in combination or for amplifying the visual warnings.

Preferably, a first addressable interface of a first lighting unit has a different interface programming to a second addressable interface of a second lighting unit.

In a particular variant of the invention, at least one sensor unit comprising at least one sensor is provided. Preferably, the sensor unit comprises at least one control unit for controlling the operating state of the sensor unit with an addressable interface to a digital data transmission unit. Advantageously, the sensor unit has largely or identical mechanical and / or electrical connections, such as a lighting unit or an acoustic warning unit or a module unit comprising the data unit. Thus, a simple integration or replacement of a sensor unit or lighting unit or module unit in a warning light according to the invention can be realized.

In addition, a sensor signal can be generated with such a sensor unit, which can be transmitted via the interface or the data conductor element to another unit such as a lighting unit, module unit or to the digital data transmission unit, in particular addressed. Accordingly, novel functionalities of the warning light according to the invention can be realized with the aid of the sensor signal. For example, a sensor designed as a smoke detector can generate a corresponding sensor signal, so that e.g. At least the digital data transmission unit and / or an advantageous lighting unit and / or acoustic warning unit, for example, the presence of smoke can be transmitted or signaled. As a result, appropriate measures for signaling, containment or control of smoke, etc. can be arranged.

In addition, with the aid of the advantageous sensor signal of the sensor unit, for example in case of fire, an (automatic) stop of the technical device or the machine can be realized. Hereby, if necessary, an impairment or damage to the machine, for example in case of fire of adjacent technical equipment or objects, etc., can be prevented in an advantageous manner.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a sensor unit is designed as a switch. For example, the sensor unit is formed as an acknowledgment switch or emergency stop switch or the like. For example, can be provided by the corresponding operator or supervisor in the indication of a certain operating condition by the warning light advantageously an acknowledgment, which has to acknowledge the warning or signaling the corresponding operating state with the advantageous switch. With an advantageous emergency stop button can the operator or monitor, for example, turn off the technical device and / or the warning light in an emergency.

The use of a sensor unit comprising a sensor in a warning light represents a complete departure from corresponding prior art warning lights in which system-related no sensors could be provided which could pass sensor signals within the warning light or to the technical device.

According to the invention, a bidirectional communication of the lighting units, sensor units, module units, interfaces, data transmission unit, etc. can be realized.

Advantageously, at least six, in particular eight, ten or more lighting units and / or sensor units can be used. Just by being able to use sensor units or switches or the like in the warning light according to the invention, it is of great advantage to be able to use more than five units per warning light according to the invention.

Preferably, the warning light is designed as a signal tower with releasably fixable, tool-exchangeable and exchangeable light units and / or sensor units or so-called exchange modules. For example, these units or module units or exchange modules can be realized or equipped with bayonet connections, simple longitudinal connectors or the like.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the addressable interface on a position device for detecting and / or forwarding the position, especially from / to adjacent addressable interfaces. This makes it possible that the specific position of the interface or Light units, sensor units, modular units after assembly or assembly of the warning light on the spot in an advantageous manner can be determined automatically. In this case, an assignment of the respective unit or the exchange module can be implemented to a corresponding specific address in an advantageous manner. By forwarding the position or the address to adjacent interfaces or to the data transmission unit, in particular with further information such as special characteristics or properties of the associated unit, for example, red, green light unit, piezo buzzer, etc. is an advantageous assignment of the determined or actual Position of the respective unit during operation or at the beginning of operation possible.

For example, an electrical codification of the respective unit is provided. This code or this information is controlled for example after mounting the warning light or when changing the operating state of the warning light in an advantageous manner. With the help of these measures, an erroneous assignment of the operating states of the technical device to be displayed or signaled can be avoided.

Alternatively, a manual assignment of the lighting unit, sensor unit, change module or module unit can be made to a specific, predetermined address. In this case, for example, so-called dip-switches, jumpers, wire bridges or the like can be used.

Advantageously, at least one transmitter unit and / or receiver having a communication unit for wireless transmission of the operating states of the light units and / or sensor units is provided. With the help of this communication unit, both the communication between addressable interfaces of the units and the digital Data transmission unit can be realized as well as a communication of the warning light with a separate warning device or display device such as a radio, a mobile phone, a mobile PDA, a computer or the like. When using an advantageous communication unit can be used for example on already known wireless transmission systems such as GSM, UMTS, WLAN, BLUETOOTH, ZigBee or others.

Preferably, a monitoring device is provided which monitors the functionality of the lighting unit, sensor unit, module unit or the exchange module. Such a diagnostic function increases the reliability of the warning light according to the invention.

In an advantageous embodiment, a warning light installation comprises at least two or more warning lamps according to the invention. In this case, it is of particular advantage that essentially each warning lamp or each lighting unit can comprise at least the control unit for checking the operating state of the lighting unit with the addressable interface to the digital data transmission unit. Accordingly, each warning light or light unit can be operated separately, without a great deal of cabling with numerous parallel circuits must be realized. Rather, the advantageous two energy conductor elements for each warning light and / or a data conductor element or cable according to the invention are sufficient. Just the / the data conductor elements or an advantageous connection unit can be used in an advantageous manner for connection of the warning lights and / or light units with each other or for the transmission of data and / or control signals. As a result, a network or a network of at least two or several / numerous warning lights and / or light units can be realized in an advantageous manner.

Preferably, a network or network of warning lights according to the invention has an advantageous display unit such as a screen and / or a computer. Hereby, individual and / or all warning lights or lighting units and / or sensor units, etc. of the network can be displayed (centrally) and / or the operating states can be stored and optionally evaluated (statistically) in an advantageous manner.

embodiment

An embodiment is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below with reference to the single figure.

In FIG. 1 is schematically illustrated a warning lamp according to the invention with a plurality of light units and a connection element.

A warning light comprises, in addition to a connecting element 1, a plurality of lighting units 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3. In addition, a cover 3 is provided, which closes the warning light or signal tower above.

The signal tower or the connecting element 1 is connected via a plurality of cables 4 with the technical device, not shown, such as a machine tool or the like. Here, for example, a connection technique according to the prior art can be used. For example, simple control lines are provided, which are energized in a certain operating state of the technical device or not. Also can be connected by means of the cable 4, the warning light or signal tower with a bus system of the technical device such as USB, BUS, ASI, ETHERNET, etc. or wirelessly via radio using BLUETOOTH etc ..

In connection element 1, a digital data transmission unit 5 is provided, which acts as a connection or so-called gateway between the technical device and the warning light or the light units 2. However, it is also conceivable that the warning light can process addressed bus information or data of the bus system of the device to be monitored directly. This means that a separate data transmission unit of the warning light can be dispensed with.

In the illustrated embodiment, only two conductors 6.1, 6.2 are provided internally or between connection element 1 and light unit 2, which are provided both for powering the light units 2 and for data transmission or information transmission and in particular transmission of the respective address. In this case, for example, the corresponding information or data is modulated onto a conductor 6.1.

In addition, each lighting unit 2 in each case comprises an addressable interface 7 and a lighting element 8, in particular one or more light-emitting diodes. It is thus possible to use single-color as well as multi-color LEDs, such as so-called RGB LEDs.

According to the invention, for example, the lighting element 8.2 is operated or brought to light when, in addition to the power supply, in addition, the predetermined address of the lighting unit 2.2 is modulated onto the cable 6. In this case, the addressable interface 7.2 connects to the lighting element 8.2. In contrast, the interfaces 7.1 and 7.3 of the lighting units 2.1 and 2.3 do not switch, so that the corresponding lighting elements 8.1 and 8.3 do not light up or are not put into operation.

In addition, there is the possibility of a Alternative embodiment that already get the cable units 4, the light units 2 an address information using the device-specific bus system, so that in this embodiment, not the connection element 1 and the warning light includes the data transmission unit 5, but the corresponding technical device.

In general, it is advantageous for a lighting unit 2 if an advantageous control unit determines both the operation of the lighting unit 2 and preferably also the function of the lighting unit 2. For example, it is also possible to provide units 2 which are designed as acoustic units, wherein, among other things, it is possible to define not only the volume, the audio frequency, the melody or further signal parameters. For example, this is realized by means of the digital data transmission unit or via the data conductor element 6 with the aid of the addressable interface 7. In addition, different light effects of the lighting elements 8 can be realized, such as continuous light, flashing light, changes in the flashing frequency or length of pauses between luminous phases, brightness, color, etc.

Claims (12)

1. A warning light for optically displaying at least one operating state, in particular a plurality of different operating states, of an item of technical equipment, such as a machine, a system, a vehicle or the like, comprising a base unit (1) for arrangement on the equipment and at least one lighting unit (2) comprising at least one lighting element (8), wherein the lighting unit (2) has a power supply device (6) for supplying power to the lighting element (8), wherein the lighting unit (2) comprises at least one control unit for controlling the operating state of the lighting unit (2) by an addressable interface (7) to a digital data transmission unit (5), wherein at least one first and one second lighting unit (2) each comprising at least one lighting element (8) are provided, wherein the warning light is formed as a signal tower having releasably fixable lighting units (2), which can be exchanged and swapped without the use of tools, wherein the power supply device (6) comprises at least two power-conducting elements (6.1, 6.2), wherein the data transmission unit (5) has at least one data-conducting element (6.1, 6.2) for digital data transmission, wherein at least one first addressable interface (7) of the first lighting unit (2) and a second addressable interface (7) of the second lighting unit (2) are provided, wherein the addressable interfaces (7) each have a positioning device for identifying and/or forwarding the position from/to adjacent addressable interfaces (7) and/or the data transmission unit (5).
2. The warning light according to claim 1, characterised in that the power supply device (6) comprises at least two power-conducting elements (6.1, 6.2), wherein at least one of the power-conducting elements (6.1, 6.2) is formed at the same time as a data-conducting element (6.1, 6.2) for digital data transmission.
3. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the power supply device (6) is designed to supply power to the at least two lighting units (2).
4. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit is designed to control the operating states of the at least two lighting units (2) by respective addressable interfaces (7) to a digital data transmission unit (5).
5. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one first control unit of a first lighting unit (2) has different control programming from a second control unit of a second lighting unit (2).
6. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the first addressable interface (7) of the first lighting unit (2) has different interface programming from the second addressable interface (7) of the second lighting unit (2).
7. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one sensor unit comprising at least one sensor is provided.
8. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a sensor unit is formed as a switch.
9. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least six lighting units (2) and/or sensor units can be used.
10. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least ten lighting units (2) and/or sensor units can be used.
11. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base unit (1) comprises the digital data transmission unit (5).
12. The warning light according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one communication unit comprising a transmitter and/or receiver is provided for wireless transmission of the operating states of the lighting unit(s) (2) and/or sensor unit(s).

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