EP3167227A1

EP3167227A1 - Signal generator for a traffic light, and traffic light

Info

Publication number: EP3167227A1
Application number: EP15766795.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Volker Schumacher
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
Priority date: 2014-09-29
Filing date: 2015-09-17
Publication date: 2017-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-17
Also published as: WO2016050523A1; DE102014219687A1; PL3167227T3; EP3167227B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a signal generator for a traffic light, comprising: - a light emitting diode (109) for emitting a signal light; - a photodetector (113); and - an optical waveguide (118) for guiding a portion of the emitted signal light from the diode to the photodetector so that - the photodetector can measure the portion of the emitted signal light that is guided thereto.

Description

description

Signaling device for a traffic signal system and traffic signal system The invention relates to a signal transmitter for a traffic signal system. The invention further relates to a Lichtsig ^¬ nalanlage.

Known signal generator of a traffic signal system usually comprise a light-emitting diode (in English: light emitting diode, LED). In the known LED signal generators, an amount of the light that the LEDs emit is not accurately and reliably measured. In particular, extraneous light entering from outside is not suppressed. Therefore, can not be accurately determined whether the amount of light that radiates the signal from ^¬ is sufficient to meet the minimum requirements, which sets the norm.

The object underlying the invention can therefore be seen therein, an improved signal generator for a

Provide light system that overcomes the known Nachtei ^¬ le and enables a more accurate and reliable measurement of the signal light. The object underlying the invention can furthermore be seen in providing a corresponding traffic signal system.

These objects are achieved by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of each dependent subclaims.

In one aspect, there is provided a signal transmitter for a light signal application, comprising:

- a light emitting diode for emitting a signal ^¬ light,

a photodetector and a light guide for guiding a part of the emitted signal light from the diode to the photodetector so that

- The photodetector can measure the weggeleiteten part of the emitted signal light.

According to still one aspect, a light system is bereitge ^¬ represents which comprises the signal generator according to the invention.

In particular, the invention therefore includes the idea of directing a portion of the emitted signal light away from the diode toward a photodetector by means of a light guide. Since ^¬ through it is thus advantageously allows a location of the measurement can be flexibly selected by means of the photodetector, so that for example a mounting location for the Pho ^¬ todetektor can be chosen at which only low hindringt to no extraneous light. In particular, it is provided so in some exemplary prior ^¬ a way that the major part of light that reaches the photodetector, is derived from the signal light of the light emitting diode. This is because the light ^¬ conductor can be positioned so that as possible from ^¬ finally signal light is coupled from the diode, wel ^¬ ches is then coupled out at the photodetector. Thus, therefore, it can be advantageously reduced or even avoided a negative influence by means of extraneous light with respect to the measurement by the photodetector.

By means of the light guide, it is thus possible in an advantageous manner that a targeted part of the signal light of the diode can be passed to the photodetector. Insbesonde- it is re ^¬ it enables by means of the light guide in an advantageous manner that a part of the signal light can be focused through the optical fiber directed to the photodetector.

This causes in an advantageous manner that an amount of light that emits the diode can be determined very accurately, and that light entering from the outside (external light) does not cause we ^¬ sentlichen influences. The light-emitting diode can also be abbreviated as LED below. "LED" stands for the English terms light emitting diode, ie light emitting diode. According to one embodiment, multiple light emitting diodes Di ^¬ are provided. The statements made in connection with a light-emitting diode apply analogously to a plurality of light-emitting diodes and vice versa. According to one embodiment, the light system comprises meh ^¬ eral signal transmitter. For example, the Lichtsignalanla ^¬ ge a red, yellow and green signal generator. Red, yellow, green here refers to the color of the signal light, wel ^¬ Ches is emitted by means of the corresponding diode.

According to one embodiment, the signal generator is designed to emit a plurality of signal colors, for example red, yellow and green. The signal generator thus has in particular a plurality of fields.

In one embodiment, the photodetector is a photodiode or phototransistor. In particular, a photodiode may also be referred to as a monitor diode. As a rule, a phototransistor has a significantly higher sensitivity than a photodiode, but this can be partially compensated by the larger area of the photodiode. In contrast, a photodiode generally has better linearity and a lower temperature response. Typical temperature coefficients are for example:

Photodiode: approx. 0.16% / K

Phototransistor: approx. 0.9% / K

According to another embodiment, it is provided that an optical element for an optical imaging of the signal light is provided in a beam path of the signal light, where ^{¬ is} optically coupled to the optical fiber with the optical element, so that the optical element transmitting signal Partially light can be partially coupled into the light guide as the part to be conductive.

Thus, the technical advantage is in particular causes in an efficient manner, both an optical image of the signal light as well as simultaneously a coupling to the lei ^¬ Tenden part can be brought into the light guide. The optical element is for example a lens. The lens is formed, for example, as a slip-on lens. This means in particular that the lens is plugged or arranged on the carrier.

The optical element according to another embodiment is a lens, in particular a slip-on lens.

In a further embodiment, the optical element is attached to the carrier and / or to the diode, for example by means of screws ^¬ . The optical element is glued and / or attached, for example, to the carrier and / or to the diode. Additionally or alternatively, there is provided according to one embodiment, that the cover (see discussion below), the optical element fixed or locked or buildin ^¬ Untitled. That is, the optical element is fixed or locked or secured by means of Cover B ^¬ ckung this before ^¬ preferably the support and / or on the diode.

The optical element according to an embodiment has one or more through holes for fastening means, for example screws, so that thereby advantageously a corresponding attachment of the optical element to the carrier and / or to the diode is effected.

The light guide and the optical element are formed according to an ^embodiment as a common component. This means that the light guide and the optical element are integrally formed. For example, the common component is formed as an injection molded part. Due to the integral construction, in particular the technical advantage is achieved that a positive tion of the light guide relative to the optical element can be accurately determined during manufacture, so that subsequent assembly inaccuracies can be avoided. According to one embodiment, two optical elements are seen ^¬ provided, of which in each case a separate optical fiber going respectively optically coupled respectively with the two optical elements. Here, too, an integral construction is preferably ^¬ be provided so that the two optical elements and the two light conductors are formed as a common component, for example as an injection molded part. The two light guides guide light signal, for example, to a common Photode ^¬ Tektor or in each case to two separate photodetectors. Even when more than two light conductor is preferably integral construction described above, for example as an injection molded part ^¬ provided.

In another embodiment, it is provided that a second photodetector and a second optical waveguide for directing a further portion of the emitted signal light from the diode to the second photodetector is provided so that the second photodetector can measure the diverted further portion of the emitted signal light. In another embodiment, it is provided that a second optical waveguide is provided for conducting a further part of the emitted signal light from the diode to the photodetector, so that the photodetector can measure the deflected further part of the emitted signal light.

By the above-mentioned embodiments comprising a second optical fiber, which leads either to the photodetector (which may be referred to as a first photodetector) or to a second photodetector, in particular the technical advantage is effected that an extraneous light component can be determined even more accurately. This is particularly because ^¬ rin established that an incident angle of extraneous light in the two optical fibers is different, and thereby the amount the extraneous light, which is fed or coupled into the respective optical fiber, is of different heights. As a further explanation that when the maximum ambient light is fed into one light ^¬ conductor (optimum angle of incidence) is noted, this will be nied ^¬ engined in the second optical fiber, since the external light is not incident here in the optimal angle of incidence. By comparing these two values (amount of extraneous light), a part of the ambient light can be eliminated (eliminated). Designs that are made in connection with a light guide are analogous to two or more light guides.

The idea of the invention consists in this case particularly in the fact that different amounts of extraneous light in the two light conductors are coupled, so that the detectors measure two photo ^¬ respectively of a photodetector different signals. Thus, therefore, an extraneous light component can be calculated out in an advantageous manner. Overall, a more accurate determination egg nes foreign light component is there ^¬ caused by advantageously. The two light guides are preferably the same or in particular differently gebil ^¬ det. Even in the case of different light guides, it is possible to calculate out an extraneous light component, as described above, and according to one embodiment, to provide this.

An optical fiber according to the present invention refers in particular a transparent member, for example, Fa ^¬ fibers, tubes or rods which light can be transported over a distance. The light conduction is effected here in particular by reflection at the boundary surfaces of the light guide either by total reflection due to a lower refractive index of the medium surrounding the light guide or by mirroring of the boundary surface. The optical waveguide has a light entry side or light input side, through which light, in this case preferably the signal light, enters the

Fiber optic can be coupled. The optical waveguide has a light exit side or light outcoupling side through which light, in this case preferably the signal light, emerges from Fiber optic can be disconnected. The light exit side opposite the photodetector is preferably angeord ^¬ net. The idea of the invention that two light guides are provided, can also be applied more than two light guide übertra ^¬ gen. So more than two light guides can be provided to either the light to a single photodetector or to a said further light guides corresponding to-child can conduct their own photodetector.

That means in particular that in further Ausführungsfor ^¬ men more light guides are provided, so more than two light guides. In particular, it is then provided according to further embodiments that these multiple light guides conduct light to a single photodetector. In particular is provided according to other embodiments, these plurality of light conductors respectively conduct the signal light to an own Photode ^¬ Tektor. In particular, according to further embodiments, it is provided that some of these multiple optical fibers conduct light to a single common photodetector, whereas others of these multiple optical fibers conduct signal light to a respective separate photodetector.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the second optical waveguide is optically coupled to the optical element, so that the optical element transmissive Sig ^¬ nallicht can be partially coupled into the second optical fiber as the lei ^¬ border further part. In particular, it is provided that are also DIE se to the optical element optically coupled with more than two optical fibers in an analogous manner, so that the optical element transmissive Sig ^¬ nallicht can be partially depending ^¬ weils coupled into the further light guide as the too conductive another part , The resulting advantages are analogous to the embodiment in which the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical element. Generally, for better discrimination, the light guide may be referred to as the first light guide so as to better distinguish it from the second light guide. In another embodiment, it is provided that the photodetector and / or the light guide are at least partially covered by extraneous light by means of a cover.

This technical advantage is particularly causes a negative influence of external light can be further redu ^¬ ed. This in particular by the fact that the cover shields the extraneous light. Thus, so Weni ^¬ ger to no ambient light passes through to the photodetector. In particular, this results in less or no extraneous light to the light guide, so that less or no extraneous light can be coupled into the light guide.

According to other embodiments, a cover for at least partially covering it against extraneous light is also provided in embodiments comprising a plurality of light guides and / or a plurality of photodetectors, as explained above.

The cover may in particular also be referred to as a shield. The at least partial covering comprises in particular a complete covering. Light guide and Pho ^¬ todetektor are covered differently well in another embodiment, that is, that the photodetector is more covered with extraneous light than the light guide. The Cover B ^¬ ckung, for example, also as a fastening or Arretie- tion or fixing the optical element, preferably, the lens, in particular the caps this can be used. That is, according to one embodiment, the cover secures or locks or fixes the optical element. The cover thus advantageously has a double function: covering function and fastening function.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the optical element, preferably the lens, in particular the plug-on lens, attached to the cover or fixed or locked. Thus, the optical element is particularly well protected against mechanical ^¬ African strains. In particular an optical fiber according to the present invention comprises a light input and a Lichtauskop ^¬ page spread. In the Lichteinkoppelseite the signal light is coupled or fed. From the Lichtauskoppelseite this injected signal light is decoupled again. The Lichteinkoppelseite is arranged in the beam path of the signal light, so that the signal light can be partially coupled into the Lichtlei ^¬ ter. The light outcoupling side is preferably arranged in the region of the photodetector, so that the coupled-out light can reach the photodetector via a short path. In particular, a deflection optics, for example a mirror, is provided in the region of the photodetector, which can guide the coupled-out light toward the photodetector. According to one embodiment, the optical waveguide can have a mirrored boundary surface which is shaped or formed in the beam path of the injected light in such a way that it reflects the injected signal light in the direction of the light output ^coupling side.

In another embodiment, it is provided that a carrier is provided, wherein the diode and the photodetector are arranged on a front side of Trä ^¬ gers. This means in particular that the photodetector is positioned together with the diode on the front side of the carrier. This is effected in an advantageous manner that no back-sided assembly is necessary, which is aufwän ^¬ ended normally. In particular, this gives a larger selection of photodetectors. This is because, due to the front side mounting, a more flexible geometry is possible with respect to the directing of the signal light to the photodetector. The signal light can thus be directed, for example, from the side or from the top to the photodetector. The photodetector can thus arranged HA its photosensitive measuring surface or its pho ^¬ toempfindlichen measuring sensor side or top ben. Thus, a variety of different photodetectors for use in a signal generator according to the invention is possible. According to a further embodiment, it is provided that a carrier is provided, wherein the diode is arranged on a front side of the Trä ^¬ gers and on one of the front side opposite ^¬ the back of the carrier, the photodetector. So that means that the photodetector is equipped on the back of the carrier. The photodetector is thus positioned on the back of the carrier. A backside assembly has the particular advantage that the photodetector can be better protected or hidden from extraneous light.

In another embodiment, it is provided that the carrier has a breakthrough extending from the front to the rear, wherein the photodetector on the back of the breakthrough is arranged at least partially covering, wherein the light guide is partially inserted in the breakthrough. The fact that the light guide is partially inserted into the opening, in particular the technical advantage causes the light guide can be securely held. Furthermore, this allows good alignment and easy alignment relative to the photodetector.

In embodiments comprising a plurality of optical fibers and / or a plurality of photodetectors, combinations of the aforementioned carriers with rear or front positioning are possible. In particular, carriers are provided in these embodiments, which comprise one or more openings.

In one embodiment, the carrier is a circuit board, which may also be referred to as a printed circuit board. In English, a printed circuit board is usually referred to as a printed circuit board (PCB). In another embodiment, the carrier is a DCB substrate. Here, "DCB" stands for "direct copper bonding". Such a DCB carrier in particular comprises a ceramic with integrated copper leads and / or copper plated through holes, so-called vias.

According to one embodiment, the cover forms in the decoupling region of the coupled-in signal light a space with a chamber wall which has an opening through which the optical waveguide is inserted. As a result, the photodetector, which is indeed in the decoupling, even better protected from extraneous light.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments which will be described in connection with the drawing, wherein an assembly for a transducer,

another assembly for a signal generator, a plan view of another assembly for a

Transducer,

a signal generator,

each different perspective views ei ^¬ nes lens attachment with integrated light guides for a signal generator and

show a signal generator insert for a signal generator

Below may be used for the same features same Bezugszei ^¬ chen.

1 shows a side sectional view of an assembly 101 for a signal generator. This means that the signal generator according to the invention comprises, for example, this assembly 101. The assembly 101 comprises a carrier 103, which is ^{beispielswei ¬} se as a circuit board or as a circuit board formed. The carrier 103 has a front side 105. Furthermore, the carrier 103 has a rear side 107, which lies opposite the front side 105. On the front side 105, a light-emitting diode 109 is disposed ^¬. The light-emitting ^diode 109 is formed, for example, as an LED chip. The light-emitting diode 109 emits light corresponding to a signal light. The radiated signal light is sym ^¬ bolisch indicated by arrows with the reference numeral 110th

The reference numeral 111 points to an LED lens which is arranged on the diode 109 and enables an optical imaging of the signal light 110 emitted by means of the diode 109.

Further, a photodetector 113 is disposed on the front side 105. The photodetector 113 is for example a Pho ^¬ todiode or a phototransistor.

Furthermore, a slip-on lens 117 is provided, which is arranged in the beam path of the signal light 110. For this purpose, the caps this slip-117 117, for example feet ^¬ SSE or webs, by means of which the caps this 117 is mounted on the front 105 or plugged. Between the Aufstecklinse 117 and the diode 109 with its LED lens 111, a distance is provided so that between the Aufstecklinse 117 and the diode 109 with its LED lens 111, a gap 115 is formed. By means of the plug-on lens 117 is also an optical image of the signal light 110 allows, for example, a widening or scattering of the signal light 110th

Furthermore, a light guide 118 is provided which is optically coupled to the caps this 117 and is formed with this integ ral ^¬. This advantageously causes the signal light 110 at least partially into the optical waveguide 118 through a light coupling-in side 118a (shown in dashed lines). provides) can be coupled. The part of the signal light 110 is coupled into the light guide 118 and is passed to the photodetector 113 is symbolically indicated by Pfeiffer ^¬ len by the reference numeral 119th By means of the light guide 118, it is thus made ^¬ light in an advantageous manner to direct a portion of the signal light 110 by the diode 109 to the photodetector 113th The coupled signal light 119 is coupled out by a light extraction side 118b. It is a deflection optics 121 is provided, which led the

Part of the signal light 110 in the direction of the photodetector 113 deflects. The deflecting optical system 121 is formed in FIG 1 as a verspie ^¬ applies boundary surface of the light guide 118, reflecting the coupled signal light 110 in the direction of the photodetector 113th The deflection optics 121 comprises, for example, in a not shown embodiment, a mirror which is formed separately from the light guide 118.

Furthermore, the assembly 101 comprises a cover 123 which covers the photodetector 113. Furthermore, the cover 123 at least partially covers the light guide 118. This prevents advantageously restricts or at least ^¬ is that extraneous light and to couple into the light guide 118 thus can pass to the photodetector 113th In particular is prevented or reduced so that extraneous light ^¬ di rectly to pass to the photodetector 113th By virtue of the fact that less extraneous light can reach the photodetector 113, it is advantageously achieved that the signal light 110 can be measured even more accurately. In particular, this improves a signal-to-noise ratio.

The cover 123 therefore covers, in particular, a non-active region of the attachment optics, here the attachment lens 117. The non-active area of the attachment optics is the area of the attachment optics through which no signal light 110 is radiated. This means that this non-active area does not light up when the diode emits signal light 110. Not active area may be referred to in particular as a passive area.

Furthermore, the cover 123 covers the part of the light guide 118 which leads from the attachment optics, that is to say here the slip-on lens 117, to the photodetector 113. In particular, the cover 123 covers the photodetector 113 itself. The cover 113 may also be referred to as a shading or shielding. The cover 123 is in the rich Auskoppelbe- of the coupled signal light 119, a space 124 having a chamber wall 125 having an opening 129, is inserted through wel ^¬ surface of the light guide 118th As a result, the photo ^¬ detector 113, which is located in the decoupling, even better protected from extraneous light.

The reference numeral 127 points to another on the front side 105 arranged cover for shading or shielding of light. The further cover 127 and the cover 123 partially surround the slip-on lens 117 with the light guide 118. This means that the slip-on lens 117 with the light guide 118 is located between the two covers 123, 127. Thus, it can be avoided, in particular in an advantageous manner, that extraneous light can reach the light guide 118 from below, based on the plane of the paper of the drawing.

The assembly 101 of a signal generator shown in FIG. 1 thus has a carrier 103, wherein both the photodetector 113 and the diode 109 are positioned or arranged on the front side 105. That means that according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG 1, the carrier 103 no back Be ^¬ stückung, ie a mounting, having on its back 107th All elements are thus arranged on the front side 105. This facilitates production of the signal ge ^¬ bers 101. Specifically, thereby a wider range of photodetectors possible.

2 shows a side sectional view of a further construction ^¬ group 201 for a signal transmitter. This means that the invented Signaling device according to the present invention comprises, for example, this module 201.

The assembly 201 is constructed substantially analogously to the assembly 101 of FIG. As a difference, the carrier 103 has an opening 203. The breakthrough 203 extends from the front 105 to the back side 107. As a further Un ^¬ terschied the photodetector 113 is rear loaded. That is, the photodetector 113 is disposed on the back surface 107 of the carrier 103. Here, the photodetector 113 covers the opening 203. The diode 109 is disposed on the front side 105. Although it looks in the drawing of FIG 2 so ^¬ as if the photodetector 113 would float freely over the back 107, this is not so. The photodetector 113 is attached to the back 107 by suitable means (adhesive layer and / or solder layer). The drawing of FIG 2 shows only a schematic representation.

As a further difference, the optical waveguide 118 extends in such a way that a part of the optical waveguide 118 is inserted into the aperture 203. Thus, therefore, the light which is coupled out of the light guide 118 can pass directly to the photodetector 113. The light output side 118a extends preferential ^¬ as flush with the rear 107th

3 shows a plan view of another module 301 for a signal transmitter according to the invention (that is to say that the signal transmitter according to the invention comprises, for example, this module 301), the carrier 103 not being shown for the sake of clarity. To see is only the intent optics, so the Aufstecklinse 117, in which case two such Aufstecklinsen 117 can be seen. Because this assembly 301 of FIG 3 has two light-emitting diodes 109. Although not directly visible, reference numeral 109 schematically indicates these two diodes.

Furthermore, the assembly 301 comprises a second light ^¬ conductor 303, which is analogous to the light guide 118 of the second Diode passes a portion of the signal light 110 to the photodetector 113. That is to say, the assembly 301 according to FIG. 3 comprises two diodes 109, with one light guide 118, 303 each conducting or guiding an equal portion of the correspondingly emitted signal light 110 to the photodetector 113. Again, the Aufstecklinsen 117 and the two light guides 118, 303 as a common component, for example, as an injection molded part is formed. FIG. 4 shows a three-field signal transmitter 401.

The signal transmitter includes three signal boxes 403, 405, 407. These signal fields 403, 405, 407 each comprising one of the before-mentioned ^¬ assemblies. The signal generator 401 is part of a traffic signal system according to one embodiment.

Figures 5 and 6 respectively show various perspective views of a lens attachment At ^¬ 501 with integrated Lichtlei ^¬ tern 503, 505 for a signal transmitter. 6 shows that side of the lens attachment 501 which faces the LEDs.

FIG. 5 shows that side of the lens attachment 501 which faces away from the LEDs. The respective pages are therefore arranged ^{opposite one} another. The lens attachment 501 comprises two lenses 507, 509, which have the function of the lenses 117 described above. The lens attachment has two attachment elements 511 that can be used to secure the lens attachment 501 to a carrier 103.

The lens attachment 501 is thus placed or mounted on a carrier 103, as described above, comprising LEDs and a photodetector. 7 shows a signaling device insert 701 for a signal generator in a lateral sectional view. This means that the signal generator according to the invention comprises, for example, such a signal generator insert 701. Such a signaling device sentence 701 is used in particular for a field of a signal generator. This means, for example, that the signal transmitter 401 of FIG. 4 has in each case three such signal generator inserts 701 for its three fields.

Reference numeral 703 shows an assembly 703 which is playing formed at ^¬ analogous to one of the above-described construction ^¬ groups and which includes in so far as a carrier 103, LEDs 109 and a photodetector 113, these elements of the overview not shown in detail half , The lens ^¬ essay 501 is attached to the carrier 103.

The signal encoder set 701 includes a housing 705, the assembly 703 is arranged in wel ^¬ chem. Furthermore, an opti ^¬ cal lens 707 and a front lens 709 are provided in the beam path of the signal light 110 to still reflect the signal light 110 wei ^¬ ter. The front lens 709 has, for example, a mask.

In the following, an expected photocurrent is approximately calculated as it passes to the photodetector 113. The here assumed values are exemplary and not limita ^¬ kend.

A small proportion of luminous flux of the LED signal light is output.

This results in the following illuminance in the

Photodetector level:

Output of 0.05%, which impinges in the photodetector plane 100 Im · 0.0005 = 0.05 Im

Area approx. 4 mm · 4 mm = 1.6 E-5 m ² (photodetector is outshined)

Illuminance 3.125 lm / m ² (lx)

Expected photocurrent (rough estimate):

Phototransistor: 220 μΑ / l.OOO lx ·3.125 lx = 680 μΑ Photodiode: 6.3 μΑ / l.OOO lx ·3.125 lx = 20 μΑ Thus, the invention includes in particular collectively fol ^¬ constricting approach: The new approach is to make an accurate measurement of the light. In the new approach, the light from the LED is bundled to conduct it targeted the outlet area of the Sig ^¬ nalgebers an on ^¬ plug lens, which is placed on the LED. A smaller defined part of the clear inside, which radiates the LED is determined by the caps this ge ^¬ directed by a light guide to a monitor diode abge ^¬ passes.

The light guide and the monitor diode are replaced by a

Covered so that almost no extraneous light from the outside either directly or by feeding (refraction or reflection) of the light in the Aufstecklinse in the light guide to the monitor diode can be passed. This is the light ^¬ crowd, the (general photodetector) falls on the monitor diode, almost exclusively from the LED and can be determined exactly so.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the external light component can be determined more accurately by means of a second, independent light guide which leaves the attachment lens and leads either to the same monitor diode or to a second monitor diode (generally the second photodetector). This is due to the fact that the angle of incidence of the extraneous light is different in the ^¬ light guide and thereby the amount of extraneous light that is fed into the respective light guide is different levels. Explanation: when the maximum ambient light is fed into an optical waveguide (optima ^¬ ler angle of incidence), this will be lower in the second optical fiber, since the external light is not incident here in the optimal angle of incidence. By comparing these two values (amount of extraneous light), a part of the ambient light can be eliminated (eliminated). The inventive step is, in particular, that a part of the light of the LED is directed and bundled over at least one light guide to the monitor diode.

The advantage of this solution lies in the fact that the amount of light that emits the LED can be determined very accurately and that from the outside penetrating light does not cause ^{wesentli ¬} chen influences.

While the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

claims

1. Signal generator (401) for a traffic signal system, comprising:

a light emitting diode (109) for emitting a signal light (110),

a photodetector (113) and

- A light guide (118, 303) for directing a portion of the emitted signal light (110) from the diode (109) to the photodetector (113), so that

- The photodetector (113) the deflected portion (119) of the emitted signal light (110) can measure.

2. Signal generator (401) according to claim 1, wherein in an optical path of the signal light (110) an optical element for an optical image of the signal light (110) is provided, where ^¬ in the optical fiber (118, 303) optically coupled to the optical element is such that the optical element transmitting- the signal light (110) can be partially coupled into the light guide (118, 303) as the part to be conductive.

3. A signal generator (401) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second photodetector (113) and a second light guide (118, 303) for directing a further portion of the emitted signal light (110) from the diode to the second photodetector (113) is provided such that the second photodetector (113) is capable of measuring the deflected further portion of the emitted signal light (110).

4. Signal transmitter (401) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second light guide (118, 303) for guiding a further

Part of the emitted signal light (110) from the diode (109) to the photodetector (113) is provided, so that the photodetector (113) can measure the deflected further part of the emitted signal light (110).

5. Signaling device (401) according to claim 2 and claim 3 or 4, wherein the second light guide (118, 303) is optically coupled to the optical element, so that the optical element transmissive signal light (110) can be partially coupled into the second light guide (118, 303) as the other part to be guided.

6. Signal transmitter (401) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photodetector (113) and / or the light guide (118, 303) by means of a cover (123) are at least partially covered from extraneous light.

7. signal generator (401) according to claim 6 and one of claims 1 to 5 as far back referring to claim 2, wherein the op ^¬ table element is attached to the cover (123).

8. Signal transmitter (401) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a carrier (103) is provided, wherein on a front side (105) of the carrier (103), the diode (109) and the photo detector ^¬ (113) are arranged.

9. A signal generator (401) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a carrier (103) is provided, wherein on a front side (105) of the carrier (103), the diode (109) and on one of the front side (105). opposite rear side (107) of the carrier (103) of the photodetector (113) are arranged.

10. A signal generator (401) according to claim 9, wherein the carrier (103) from the front (105) to the back (107) extending aperture (203), wherein the photodetector (113) on the back (107) the breakthrough ( 203) is arranged at least partially covering, wherein the Lichtlei- ter (117, 303) is partially inserted in the opening (203).

11. Signaling device (401) according to one of the preceding claims as far back to claim 2, wherein the light guide (118, 303) and the optical element as a common construction ^¬ part, in particular as an injection molded part, are formed.

12. A traffic signal system comprising a signal generator (401) according to one of claims 1 to 11.