EP3373278A1 - Traffic sign module and traffic sign made up of traffic sign modules - Google Patents

Abstract

Proposed is a traffic sign (1), which on its front side (10) visual representations, such as characters, symbols, fonts, etc., displays, comprising a plurality of traffic sign modules (100), each comprising: one with light sources (2) for Generating the visual representations populated board (3); a front plate (5, 102) arranged in front of the circuit board (3) in the emission direction of the luminous means (2) and provided with apertures (6) for passage of the light (L) emitted by the luminous means (2); optionally a protective screen (4) which is at least partially transparent to light (L) emitted by the lighting means (2) and which is arranged between the lighting means (2) and the front panel (5); and a shield housing (102, 103), which accommodates the lighting means (2), the circuit board (3) and optionally the protective screen (4), which traffic sign is characterized in that the traffic sign modules (100) arranged in a plane side by side and are interconnected, with their front panels (5, 102) form the front side (10) of the traffic sign (1).

Description

The invention relates to a traffic sign which is composed of a plurality of traffic sign modules, according to the preamble of claim 1, and a traffic sign module according to the preamble of claim 11, which is suitable for producing a composite traffic sign.

Traffic signs are nowadays regularly carried out as self-luminous (LED) signs (so-called variable message signs), as in the DE 20 2015 104 168 U1 or the EN 20 2014 105 255 U1 discloses what is explicitly referred to.

The size of the sign to be realized in each individual case depends in particular on the prescribed character and symbol size, which in turn depends in particular on the prescribed maximum speed at the location of the sign mounting. Unlike conventional metal signs, however, it is uneconomical to produce self-luminous (LED) signs depending on the individual case in each case adapted size or vorzuhalten in a variety of possible sizes.

A traffic sign with signs, symbols and fonts is subject to certain regulations, with variable message signs the standard EN 12966 applies. In particular, requirements for light intensity, beam angle, distance between the lamps / LEDs, display colors, dimensions of the characters, font size and geometry, functional guarantee and documentation of the switching states apply in connection with the StVO. A road sign is therefore not comparable to a billboard and vice versa.

The invention has for its object to provide a self-luminous (LED) sign or (change) traffic signs, which are flexible adapted to the requirements to be realized sign size to different requirements or adaptable is, without uneconomical one-off production or warehousing would be required.

In addition, the invention has the object, an advanced self-illuminating traffic sign (module) to provide, which is particularly useful for solving the first task and also by improved properties in terms of durability and reliability over previously known self-luminous (AC) traffic signs distinguished, in particular, against the teaching of DE 20 2015 104 168 U1 or the EN 20 2014 105 255 U1 ,

These objects are achieved by a traffic sign or traffic sign with the features of claim 1 and by a traffic sign module with the features of claim 11. Advantageous developments of the inventive idea can be found in the dependent claims.

The terms "traffic sign" and "traffic signs" or "variable traffic signs" are used in the following as synonyms.

An inventive traffic sign or traffic sign, which displays on its front side visual representations, such as characters, symbols, fonts, etc., comprises a plurality of traffic sign modules, each comprising: a board equipped with light sources for generating the visual representations; a arranged in the radiation direction of the light source in front of the board front plate, which is provided with openings for a passage of the light emitted by the bulbs light; optionally a protective screen which is at least partially transparent to light emitted by the illuminants and which is arranged between the luminous means and the front panel; and a shield housing which houses the bulbs, the circuit board and optionally the protective screen. It is characterized in that the traffic sign modules are arranged in a plane next to each other and connected to each other, with their front panels form the front of the traffic sign.

In this way it is possible, based on a relatively small number of traffic sign modules, which may be formed in particular square or rectangular, by combining traffic signs or traffic signs produce in virtually any size, without a costly and expensive custom-made or storage would be required.

This gives an LED sign, in particular road sign, but not limited exclusively to such use, in the form of a surface-dependent, visual information system with signs, symbols, texts, numbers or the like. This provides an image, preferably with LED as the light source in Form of points of light, the display area being composed of a plurality of basic or base tags or modules, so as to increase the size of the sign and to provide the image with characters, symbols, texts, numbers or the like as needed for the corresponding recognition purpose; and legibility to change with larger representation. The composition of several basic or basic labels (modules) also allows to display more and other content on the display or image area. The reversal of the enlarged composite construction of several basic or basic signs to a small single sign can be implemented accordingly.

A traffic sign module according to the invention, which is suitable for producing a traffic sign (road sign) composed according to the invention or alternatively as a traffic sign (traffic sign), comprises: a circuit board equipped with light sources for generating the visual representations; a arranged in the radiation direction of the light source in front of the board front plate, which is provided with openings for a passage of the light emitted by the bulbs light; and a protective screen, which is at least partially transparent to light emitted by the light sources and which is arranged between the light sources and the front panel. It is characterized in that the protective disk has formations which extend into the apertures of the front plate, wherein preferably an outer contour of the formations corresponds to an inner contour of the apertures.

The advantage here is that by means of the formations of the protective screen, a seal of the traffic sign against external damage influences, in particular by dirt or moisture is achieved because the formations close the openings of the front panel at least partially.

In particular, a clear plastic disc may be thermoformed or otherwise suitably coated on the back of the faceplate, e.g. can be made of aluminum, applied flat and positively in the openings or openings, which can be designed differently, are deformed forward, flush with the front surface of the front panel or beyond this protruding. The surface of the plastic disc on the back of the front panel and the deep deformations (formations) in the openings or openings of the front panel form a unit. The protective disc (plastic disc) can be divided over the base and base surface of a single shield or module into several smaller individual segments, but extend over the entire surface of the front panel with the openings as a whole. These smaller surfaces are less sensitive to the high temperature changes of the mostly dark front panels and thus caused material expansion or shrinkage at about 70 ° C in sunlight and possible -25 ° C in freezing. The front plate and the protective disc (plastic disc) behind it have different expansion and shrinkage behavior, the impact of which is minimized with the surface segmentation. The protective disk (plastic disk) or its segments can or can in particular be adhesively bonded from behind to the front plate in a watertight manner.

• Die Frontplatte kann Teil des Schildgehäuses sein. Auf diese Weise ergibt sich eine besondere sichere und kompakte Bauform.

In particular, the following developments of the traffic sign composite according to the invention have thus proved to be advantageous:

• The front panel can be part of the shield housing. This results in a special safe and compact design.

The individual traffic sign modules can be connected to one another via the shield housings. In this way, the composite road sign can be produced very easily.

The traffic sign modules can be releasably connected to each other, preferably non-positively and / or positively. Thus, a simple disassembly and reconfiguration is possible.

The traffic sign modules can by screwing and / or by an outer circumferential frame construction, in particular according to DE 20 2013 102 413 U1 which is explicitly referred to be interconnected. The frame construction protects the modules and allows easy handling and suspension. Preferably, the shield housing is secured to the housing rear side or the circumferential housing surface by means of screwing to the frame construction. The front panel, which may form part of the housing construction, is preferably not directly connected to the frame structure.

Several individual signs or modules can be similarly connected to the frame construction and at the same time assembled to a total display area of a plurality of individual surfaces with the frame construction. The frame construction is enlarged in accordance with the single-plate quantities to be recorded, with the same design function as in a single-plate with frame construction according to DE 20 2013 102 413 U1 , The frame construction can also act as a substructure for the shield assembly, as exemplified in the DE 20 2014 104 659 U1 which is explicitly referred to.

The traffic sign modules can also be non-positively, in particular magnetically, interconnected. As a result, a simple disassembly and reconfiguration is possible.

The traffic sign modules can be positively connected with each other, preferably by cooperating projection structures on each one traffic sign module with recording structures on each another traffic sign module. Said structures may advantageously be provided on the shield housing. As a result, a secure connection between the modules can be achieved.

At least some of the boards of the individual traffic sign modules can be connected separately to a central electrical control and / or supply unit of the traffic sign. Thus, the composite traffic sign is then particularly easy to operate, especially with regard to its display to program.

At least some of the boards of the individual traffic sign modules can be interconnected electrically and / or control-technically, so that a kind of series connection or master / slave arrangement results.

All basic or base plates or modules are for use as a single sign for an electronically controlled visual display, preferably by means of LED as light points, wired inside the shield housing, including the power supply, and equipped with the appropriate electronic control. In the composition of several individual signs - the electronics controls and power supplies with input and output cabling of each shield of the assembled sign to a central control with energy supply from possible different Einzelschildmengen are brought together by cabling - with appropriate development of the invention. With the central control and corresponding programming, the individual signs can be combined to a larger or different representation on all the signs assembled to the desired image on the enlarged area.

In addition, at least some of the individual traffic sign modules can be designed as in the DE 20 2015 104 168 U1 or the EN 20 2014 105 255 U1 disclosed. This applies in particular to the design of the housing, the front panels or the lamps and the possibility of colored displays.

• Innerhalb der einzelnen Ausformungen kann in Richtung der Platine ein Freiraum definiert sein, in den sich vorzugsweise jeweils ein Leuchtmittel zumindest teilweise hinein erstreckt. Die Leuchtmittel befinden sich somit näher an der Vorderseite des Moduls, was eine verbesserte Lichtabstrahlung bewirken kann.

In particular, the following developments of the traffic sign module according to the invention have moreover proved to be advantageous:

• Within the individual formations, a free space can be defined in the direction of the board, into which preferably a respective illuminant extends at least partially. The bulbs are thus closer to the front of the module, which can cause improved light emission.

The protective disk can - as already stated - be formed in plastic, while the front plate in metal, preferably aluminum, is formed, most preferably the protective disk thinner than the front panel is trained. The module can thus be characterized by a low weight and low production costs.

The protective screen may be formed in several parts in the form of individual surface segments, wherein a respective surface segment has a formation or a plurality of formations. As a result, improvements in the temperature behavior can be achieved, as already pointed out.

The protective pane or its surface segments can or can be connected to a rear side of the front panel, preferably preferably adhered by material bonding, in particular waterproof or waterproof. This structure is particularly safe and durable as well as easy to manufacture.

At least some of the formations can be flush with a front side of the front panel. This gives a substantially smooth front of the module, which may be technically advantageous in terms of lighting technology and maintenance.

At least some of the protrusions may protrude from a front side of the front panel. This also allows certain lighting advantages to be achieved.

The traffic sign module may have a shield housing which accommodates at least the lighting means the circuit board and the protective screen. The housing may have a protective function for the said elements and be used to connect modules to each other or to a frame construction (see above).

The traffic sign module may in particular have a frame construction, as shown in the DE 20 2013 102 413 U1 is described in detail.

• Fig. 1 zeigt in Vorder-, Rück- und Seitenansichten ein erfindungsgemäßes Verkehrszeichen-Modul;
• Fig. 2 zeigt in Vorder-, Rück- und Seitenansichten ein anderes erfindungsgemäßes Verkehrszeichen-Modul;
• Fig. 3 zeigt schematisch in Detailvergrößerung das erfindungsgemäße Verkehrszeichen-Modul gemäß Fig. 1 oder Fig. 2;
• Fig. 4 zeigt eine mögliche Ausgestaltung der Schutzscheibe aus Fig. 3;
• Fig. 5 zeigt in Vorder- und Seitenansichten vier Verkehrszeichen-Module, die zu einem erfindungsgemäßen zusammengesetzten Verkehrszeichen verbunden sind;
• Fig. 6 zeigt eine perspektivische Vorderansicht des zusammengesetzten Verkehrsschildes gemäß Fig. 5.
• Fig. 7 zeigt ein zusammengesetztes Verkehrsschild analog zu Fig. 5;
• Fig. 8 zeigt eine perspektivische Vorderansicht des zusammengesetzten Verkehrsschildes gemäß Fig. 7;
• Fig. 9 zeigt die Rückseite des zusammengesetzten Verkehrsschildes gemäß Fig. 5;
• Fig. 10 zeigt exemplarisch die frontseitige Anzeigefläche zusammengesetzten Verkehrsschildes;
• Fig. 11 zeigt das zusammengesetzte Verkehrsschild aus Fig. 5 mit einer Aufstellvorrichtung; und
• Fig. 12 zeigt das zusammengesetzte Verkehrsschild aus Fig. 7 mit einer Aufstellvorrichtung.

The traffic sign module may be formed apart from the protective screen as in the DE 20 2015 104 168 U1 or the EN 20 2014 105 255 U1 disclosed what has already been pointed out elsewhere. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing.

• Fig. 1 shows in front, rear and side views of an inventive traffic sign module;
• Fig. 2 shows in front, back and side views of another inventive traffic sign module;
• Fig. 3 schematically shows in detail magnification according to the traffic sign module according to the invention Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 ;
• Fig. 4 shows a possible embodiment of the protective pane Fig. 3 ;
• Fig. 5 shows in front and side views of four traffic sign modules, which are connected to a composite traffic sign according to the invention;
• Fig. 6 shows a front perspective view of the composite road sign according to Fig. 5 ,
• Fig. 7 shows a composite road sign analog to Fig. 5 ;
• Fig. 8 shows a front perspective view of the composite road sign according to Fig. 7 ;
• Fig. 9 shows the back of the composite road sign according to Fig. 5 ;
• Fig. 10 shows an example of the front panel display composite road sign;
• Fig. 11 shows the composite road sign Fig. 5 with an erector; and
• Fig. 12 shows the composite road sign Fig. 7 with a positioning device.

Fig. 1 shows in front, back and side views of an inventive traffic sign module 100 or basic or base plate with square basic shape. Reference numeral 101 denotes a frame or a frame construction as shown in FIG DE 20 2013 102 413 U1 is known. At reference numeral 102, the front panel of the traffic sign module 100 is shown having a plurality of (not designated here) openings, as shown in FIG DE 20 2015 104 168 U1 or the EN 20 2014 105 255 U1 known. The front panel 102 forms the front of a (shield) housing, the back of which is shown at reference numeral 103. In the housing are among other things the bulbs (LED) and the associated board, what in Fig. 1 can not be seen, and possibly a protective screen, which can be arranged between the front panel 102 and the bulbs. Otherwise, the traffic sign module 100 shown in FIG DE 20 2015 104 168 U1 or the EN 20 2014 105 255 U1 be educated. A possible deviation thereof concerning the mentioned protective disk will be described below on the basis of Fig. 3 explained.

Reference numeral 104 shows attachment struts, over which the shield housing of front panel 102 and housing rear 103 is connected to the frame construction 101, preferably by screwing. The frame construction 101 serves to protect and suspend the traffic sign module 100, in particular as shown in FIG DE 20 2013 102 413 U1 or the DE 20 2014 104 659 U1 known.

At reference numeral 105, a compartment for control electronics of the traffic sign module 100 is shown, as also shown in FIG DE 20 2013 102 413 U1 known.

Fig. 2 shows in front, back and side views of an inventive traffic sign module 100 or basic or base plate analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 , but with a rectangular basic shape.

Fig. 3 shows schematically in detail magnification the deviation of a traffic sign module 100 according to the invention Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 of the Teaching the DE 20 2015 104 168 U1 or the EN 20 2014 105 255 U1 , Reference numeral 2 denotes a specially designed as an LED light source, which is arranged on a circuit board 3. The LED 2 emits light L, which is illuminated by a light in the front panel 5 (see reference numeral 102 in FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 ) formed breakthrough 6 occurs. Between the board 3 and light source 2 and the front panel 5 is a clear transparent protective screen 4 is arranged, which is not flat, but in the region of the opening 6 has a formation 4a, which in the opening 6 and - in the illustrated embodiment - protrudes through it, so that the formation 4a protrudes slightly from the front surface 5a of the front panel. In the interior of the formation 4a, a free space 4b is formed, into which the illuminant 2 projects, so that it is partially located within the opening 6. The protective plate 4 is inside, in addition to the breakthrough surface on the front panel 5 and can be attached there adhesive. Between the protective disk 4 in the region of the formation 4a and the edges of the opening 6, there is a narrow gap S, in order to allow different thermal deformations of the front plate 5 (eg aluminum) and protective plate 4 (eg made of plastic). Such formations 4a preferably exist for each opening 6 of the front panel 5.

The protective disk 4 does not have to be integrally formed over the entire surface of the front plate 5 or 102, as in FIG Fig. 4 is shown as an example. There, the protective screen is divided into 4x3, ie 12 area segments, as indicated schematically by the horizontal H and vertical lines V.

Fig. 5 now shows in front and side views four traffic sign modules 100 according to Fig. 1 , possibly in the embodiment according to Fig. 3 and or Fig. 4 arranged in a 2x2 arrangement in a plane side by side and connected to a composite traffic sign 1, wherein the front panels 102 of the modules 100 form a front side 10 of the composite traffic sign 1. Preferably, this is done by means of the frame construction 101, as described above. However, the individual modules 100 may also be connected to each other (additionally or alternatively), preferably by force and / or positive connection in the region of the lateral circumferential housing surfaces, in which the traffic sign modules 100 in pairs touch, which in Fig. 5 however, is not shown in more detail. This results from a plurality small base or base plates a road sign according to the invention composed of 1. The number of individual signs or modules 100 is not limited to four and the overall arrangement is not limited to a square shape.

Fig. 6 shows a front perspective view of the composite road sign 1 according to Fig. 5 ,

Fig. 7 shows a composite road sign 1 analogous to Fig. 5 , but of two rectangular modules 1.

Fig. 8 shows a front perspective view of the composite road sign 1 according to Fig. 7 ,

Fig. 9 shows the back of the composite road sign 1 according to Fig. 5 , The four control electronics 105 of the individual traffic sign modules 100 (cf. Fig. 1 ), as from the DE 20 2013 102 413 U1 are known, separately electrically connected to a central control and power supply unit 106, in particular wired. The central control and power supply unit 106 controls the operation of the composite traffic sign 1.

Fig. 10 shows by way of example the front-side display surface (front or front surface) 10 of a square composite road sign 1. The units of measurement show exemplary dimensions in millimeters.

Fig. 11 shows, frontally and laterally seen, the composite road sign 1 from Fig. 5 in operation with an erector 200, as is known from the DE 20 2014 104 659 U1 or the DE 20 2013 102 413 U1 is known, where the traffic sign 1 is suspended and fixed with its frame structure 101.

Fig. 12 shows finally, also seen from the front and side, the composite road sign 1 Fig. 7 in operation with an erector 200, as is known from the DE 20 2014 104 659 U1 or the DE 20 2013 102 413 U1 is known, where the traffic sign 1 is suspended and fixed with its frame structure 101.

Claims (15)

Traffic sign (1) displaying on its front side (10) visual representations such as characters, symbols, fonts, etc., comprising a plurality of traffic sign modules (100), each comprising: a circuit board (3) equipped with light sources (2) for generating the visual representations; a front plate (5, 102) arranged in front of the circuit board (3) in the emission direction of the luminous means (2) and provided with apertures (6) for passage of the light (L) emitted by the luminous means (2); optionally a protective screen (4) which is at least partially transparent to light (L) emitted by the lighting means (2) and which is arranged between the lighting means (2) and the front panel (5); and a shield housing (102, 103) which accommodates the lighting means (2), the circuit board (3) and optionally the protective pane (4), characterized in that the traffic sign modules (100) are arranged side by side in a plane and connected to one another, their front panels (5, 102) forming the front side (10) of the traffic sign (1). Traffic sign (1) according to claim 1, wherein the front panel (102) is part of the shield housing. Traffic sign (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the traffic sign modules (100) are interconnected via the shield housings. Traffic sign (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the traffic sign modules (100) are detachably connected to each other, preferably non-positively, in particular magnetically, and / or positively, most preferably by an outer circumferential frame structure (101), in particular according to DE 20 2013 102 413 U1, are interconnected. Traffic sign (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least some of the boards (3) or control units (105) of the individual traffic sign modules (100) are separately connected to a central electrical control and / or supply unit (106) and / or at least some of the boards (3) or control units (105) of the individual traffic signal modules (100) electrically and / or control technology with each other are interconnected. Traffic sign module (100) for producing a composite traffic sign (1) according to one of the preceding claims or for individual use as a traffic sign (1), comprising: a circuit board (3) equipped with light sources (2) for generating the visual representations; a front plate (5) arranged in front of the circuit board (3) in the emission direction of the luminous means (2) and provided with apertures (6) for passage of the light (L) emitted by the luminous means (2); and a protective screen (4) which is at least partially transparent to light (L) emitted by the lighting means (2) and which is arranged between the lighting means (2) and the front panel (5); characterized in that the protective disk (4) has formations (4a) which extend into the apertures (6) of the front plate (5), wherein preferably an outer contour of the formations (4a) corresponds to an inner contour of the apertures (6). Traffic sign module (100) according to claim 6, wherein within the individual formations (4a) in the direction of the board (3) a free space (4b) is defined, in which preferably in each case a lighting means (2) at least partially extends. Traffic sign module (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the protective plate (4) is formed in plastic, while the front plate (5) is preferably formed in metal aluminum, wherein most preferably the protective plate (4) thinner than the front plate ( 5) is formed. Traffic sign module (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the protective disc (4) is formed in several parts in the form of individual surface segments, in which preferably a respective surface segment a Shaping (4a) or multiple formations (4a). Traffic sign module (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the protective disk (4) or its surface segments are connected according to claim 9 with one of the board (3) facing the back of the front panel (5), preferably bonded, most preferably glued , Traffic sign module (100) according to one of claims 6 to 10, in which at least some of the formations (4a) are flush with one of the board (3) facing away from the front of the front panel (5). The traffic sign module (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein at least some of the protrusions protrude from a front side of the front panel (5). Traffic sign module (100) according to one of claims 6 to 12, with a shield housing (102, 103) which receives the lighting means (2), the board (3) and the protective screen (4). Traffic sign module (100) according to one of claims 6 to 13, which apart from the protective screen (4) is designed as disclosed in DE 20 2015 104 168 U1 or DE 20 2014 105 255 U1. Traffic sign (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 or traffic sign module (100) according to one of Claims 6 to 14, with an erection device (200), as disclosed in DE 20 2014 104 659 U1.

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