WO2017012664A1

WO2017012664A1 - Optical assembly of a variable traffic sign and variable traffic sign

Info

Publication number: WO2017012664A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/066790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kai Freund; Rolf Ackermann
Original assignee: Adolf Nissen Elektrobau Gmbh + Co. Kg
Priority date: 2015-07-22
Filing date: 2015-07-22
Publication date: 2017-01-26
Also published as: EP3326017A1

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to an optical assembly (40) for a display field having at least one light source, in particular a display field of a traffic sign (WVZ) or a variable traffic sign (WVZ), having at least one lens (10) for the at least one light source. The lens (10) is designed as an optical element (18) having an optical, preferably horizontal axis (20), wherein the optical element (18) is designed having a collecting lens assembly (12) for the entering light on the light entry side thereof facing the light source, wherein the optical element (18) has a prismatic emitting lens assembly (14) on a light emitting side facing away from the light source and wherein the optical axis (20) of the optical element (18) and the optical axis (24) of the prismatic emitting lens assembly (14) are aligned toward each other at an angle of greater than 0° (> 0°).

Description

Optical assembly of a variable traffic sign and variable message signs

description

The invention relates to an optical assembly for a display field having at least one light source, in particular a display field of a traffic sign or a variable traffic sign. Furthermore, the invention relates to a display field, in particular for a traffic sign or variable message signs, as well as a traffic sign, in particular variable message signs with an optical display panel.

DE 20 2004 01 8 81 0 U 1 discloses a variable traffic signaling device for displaying a traffic sign having luminous elements arranged in a matrix, wherein at least one traffic sign according to the Highway Code and optionally at least one reference text and / or at least one additional character according to the Highway Code can be displayed simultaneously for driving the luminous elements are . Übl iche variable traffic sign devices have a plurality of lighting elements, preferably light emitting diodes (LED), which are appropriately driven together a traffic sign or a hint for road users together.

Furthermore, EP 0 930 600 B1 describes an optical element for traffic signs, in particular variable message traffic signs, display panels or the like, wherein the optical element comprises a collecting lens, a light source arranged in front of the collecting lens and a scattering lens arranged behind the collecting lens, the collecting lens and the scattering lens have the same optical axis, on which the light source is arranged. Here, the converging lens, scattering lens and light source are surrounded by a common housing. In this case, there is a focal spot formed by the arrangement of the light source to the converging lens, formed by the emerging from the convergent lens, diverging light beam focal spot in front of the scattering.

Based on this prior art, the object of the invention is to provide a compact optical assembly for a display panel, in particular a display panel of a traffic sign, where it should be possible light with a defined intensity and defined Win angle to a viewer h in to broadcast.

This object is achieved by an optical assembly for a display field having at least one light source, in particular a display panel of a traffic sign or a variable traffic sign, with at least one lens for the at least one light source, wherein the lens is formed as an optical body with an optical, preferably horizontal, axis is and the optical body on its light source facing Lichtein- the optical body on a light exit side facing away from the light source has a prismatic abstraction, wherein the optical axis of the optical body and the optical axis of the prismatic radiation are aligned at an angle greater than 0 ° to each other ,

Characterized in that the optical assembly comprises an optical body as a light guide having on the light source side facing the light collection side and on the light exit side, which faces the viewer, a prismatic, preferably toric, Abstrahloptik has, is a compact, einteil ige lens provided, it is possible that by the compact lens the light emitted from a light source, such as a light emitting diode, in a large beam angle is focused by the collection optics and after passing through the optical body (as a light guide) by means of the prismatic Abstrahloptik to a Viewer is emitted with defined intensity in defined angles. In this case, due to the different orientations of the optical axis of the one-piece or one-piece optical body and the optical axis of the prismatic abstraction, the light is radiated sideways I and up or down towards the viewer. This makes it possible that the light is directed in a preferred direction.

As a light source for the optical assembly, a light-emitting diode (LED) is preferably provided, which is arranged at the light entrance side of the lens at a predetermined distance.

In addition, a development of the optical assembly is characterized in that the prismatic emission surface by means of an aspherical lens surface or by means of a toric Lens surface is formed, wherein the optical axis of the aspherical or toric lens or Linsenfäche is aligned at an acute angle to the optical axis of the optical body.

By means of an aspheric or toric lens it is achieved that the emitted light is distributed in an opening radiation area towards the viewer.

For this purpose, it is further provided in a preferred embodiment that the prismatic radiating surface is formed as a toric surface or lens surface with a vertical meridian and a horizontal meridian, wherein the vertical meridian is more curved than the horizontal meridian. This ensures that in the vertical plane of the radiation angle is smaller than in the horizontal plane. By tilting the optical axis of the prismatic radiating surface to the optical axis of the optical waveguide portion of the lens, the radiated light is preferably radiated obliquely upward or downward toward a viewer. As a result, when using the optical assembly in a variable message sign, for example, the light emitted by a display panel of the variable traffic sign is radiated into a designated viewing area, which increases the visibility of the variable traffic sign.

In addition, in the optical package, it is preferable that the angle between the optical axis of the optical body and the optical axis of the prismatic abstract is between 0.5 ° and 20.0 °, preferably between 0.5 ° and 1, 5.0 ° ,

Characterized in that the light source facing collection optics of the lens is cone-shaped, which is emitted from a light source of the optical assembly, for example an LED, light bundled by collecting optics to the emitting surface or coupled into the lens and in the optical body.

In the case of the optical subassembly, it is preferred that the collection optics, preferably regular, are designed as free-form spheres, such that the light emitted by the light source is diffracted by means of the collection optics to the emission surface or is.

In addition, the optical assembly is characterized in that the collection optics, which is designed in particular as a free-form sphere, is surrounded by an outer prism ring. This results in a trough-like depression on the light entry side of the lens. The prism ring ensures that, for example, when sunlight is irradiated on the emission surface, the incoming sunlight is kept away from the light source, for example an LED, whereby the incident sunlight is conducted in the lens such that it is essentially the light source , in particular LED, does not hit and is not reflected by the light source, whereby the so-called phantom light effect due to the prism ring is avoided or reduced or suppressed.

For better handling or protection of the compact lens is provided that the optical body on the side facing the light source has a, preferably first boundary with a predetermined wall thickness, in particular the boundary of the collecting optics or the prism ring is discontinued, and / or that the optical body on the side facing away from the light source, ie. Light exit side, one, preferably second boundary having a predetermined wall thickness, wherein in particular the boundary is offset from the radiating surface. In addition, a preferred embodiment of the optical assembly is characterized in that a plurality, preferably one-piece, lenses are arranged on a lens carrier unit, preferably at regular intervals from each other. It is provided that the formed as each optical body lenses on the lens carrier unit, as described above, formed on the light input side facing the light input side with a collection optics for the incoming light and on the side facing away from the light source exit side each a prismatic Abstrahloptik is provided each of the optical axes of the optical bodies of the lenses and the optical axes of the prismatic Abstrahloptiken are aligned at an angle greater than 0 ° to each other. In particular, the lenses are of identical construction on the lens carrier unit. This makes it possible to arrange the lenses in a cluster or a matrix or an array during the production of the optical assembly.

For this purpose, it is further provided that the at least one lens or the lenses and / or the lens carrier unit made of plastic, in particular polycarbonate or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), are produced. In particular, the lenses and the lens carrier unit are made of the same plastic as a one-piece component.

In addition, an embodiment of the optical assembly is characterized in that a light source, in particular in each case a light-emitting diode (LED), is arranged on the light entry side of the at least one lens or on the light entry sides of the lenses.

In particular, it is preferred that the light sources are also arranged at regular intervals on a carrier unit, whereby the manufacture of the optical assembly with a carrier Gerein unit with the light sources or light-emitting diodes and the lens carrier unit is simplified with the lenses according to the invention.

Moreover, it is preferred that the lens or the lenses are arranged in each case in a recess of a diaphragm. In this case, a diaphragm is provided in order to produce a high contrast, wherein the diaphragm is preferably black, in particular on the emission side or the viewer side.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a display field, in particular for a traffic sign or variable message signs, wherein the display panel is formed with an optical assembly as described above. To avoid repetition, reference is expressly made to the above statements.

In addition, the object is achieved by a traffic sign, in particular variable message signs, with an optical display field, in particular for road users, wherein the display panel has at least one optical assembly as described above. Accordingly, reference is likewise made to the above statements.

Further features of the invention will be apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of several features.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings all details of the invention not explained in detail, reference is expressly made to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 a) to 1 e) schematically different views of a lens for an optical assembly of a display panel of a variable traffic sign according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2a) to 2e) schematically different views of a lens for an optical assembly of a display panel of a variable traffic sign according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 3a) to 3c) different views of an arrangement of a plurality of compact lenses and schematically a cross section through a see assembly of a display panel

Variable message sign.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that apart from a new idea each.

In the Figs. 1 and 2 are each different views of a lens 1 0 for an optical assembly of a display panel are shown in different representations, in FIG. 1 and 2 different embodiments of the lens 1 0 are shown.

In Fig. 1 a), a front view of the lens 10 is shown. Fig. 1 b) shows a plan view of the lens 10, while in FIG. 1 c) a cross section through the lens 1 0 is shown. The Fig. 1 d) and 1 e) show because perspective views of the lens 1 0.

The lens 10 has on the light entrance side, incident on the light from a light source such as an LED on the lens 10, a conical central collection optics with a free-form sphere 1 2, by means of which the incident light of the light source to the light exit side with a radiating surface 14 is headed. The conical Freiformasphäre 1 2 is part of a collection optics. The Freiformasphäre 1 2 is surrounded on the light entrance side of a prism ring 1 6, wherein the surface of the conical Freiformasphäre 1 2 and the light entry side facing prism surface are preferably arranged in an obtuse angle to each other. This results between the prism surface and the free-form sphere 1 2 a circular ring on the light entrance side of the lens 1 0th

The lens 10 is also made, for example, of plastic, preferably polycarbonate or PMMA, so that the lens forms a light-transparent optical body 18 having an optical axis 24. The optical body 18 in this case has a cylindrical light guide part.

At the light exit side of the lens 1 0 is a prismatic toric abstraction with the radiating surface 14 and formed with an optical axis 24, wherein the optical axis 24 of the optics to the optical axis 20 of the optical body 1 8 kel in an angle greater than 0 ° is aligned. The optical axis 20 of the lens 10 is here preferably oriented horizontally, the optical axis 24 of the prismatic radiation optics being oriented at an angle of 2 to 15 ° to the optical axis 20. In the in Fig. 2 schematically illustrated embodiment of a lens 1 0 for an optical assembly of a display panel of a variable traffic sign is shown in FIG. 2a) shows a front view of the lens 10. Fig. 2b) shows a plan view of the lens 1 0. Furthermore, in FIG. 2c) shows a side view of the lens 10. The Fig. 2d) and 2e) show perspective views of the lens 10, respectively.

In the lens 10 according to the in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment, the optical body 1 8 an outer sheath 26, resulting in a remote boundary of the optical body 18 on the light entrance side and on the light exit side.

The radiating surface 14 of the lens 10 directed to the viewer at the light exit side is designed as a toric surface with a vertical meridian MV and a horizontal meridian MH, wherein in particular the vertical meridian MV is more strongly curved than the horizontal meridian MH. By making the horizontal meridian MH less curved than the vertical meridian MV, the radiation angle on the light exit side in the vertical direction is caused to be smaller than the radiation angle in the horizontal plane. As a result of the fact that the optical axis 24 of the abstract optics is tilted in the vertical to the, preferably horizontal, optical axis 20 of the lens 10, the light radiated from the emission surface 14 is emitted, for example, downwards to a viewer. Thus, it is possible to use the lens 1 0 for an optical assembly of a variable traffic sign, since the light is directed by means of the lens 10 according to the invention directed downwards in the direction of the road and emitted in a distributed manner from an elevated variable message sign over a road or the like. As a result of the tilting of the optical axis 24 of the prismatic radiation optics on the light exit side to the optical axis 20, the sunlight within the optical body 1 8 is deflected away from the light source by incident sunlight on the radiating surface 24, thereby reducing or avoiding possible phantom effects by reflection of sunlight become .

Fig. 3 shows, in various views, an arrangement of a plurality of lenses 10 according to the invention on a lens carrier 30, wherein the lenses are arranged at regular intervals on the lens carrier 30.

Fig. 3a) shows a plan view of the arrangement, while in FIG. 3b) is a plan view and in FIG. 3c is a side view.

In particular, the lenses 10 and the lens carrier 30 are in one piece, i. E. manufactured as a component, wherein the basic shape of the lens carrier 30 is preferably square or rectangular. In addition, other basic forms of the lens carrier 30 are possible within the scope of the invention.

Positional bodies 32 are also provided on the rear side of the lens carrier 30 in order to simplify the lens carrier 30 in cooperation with a carrier for light sources on which LEDs are arranged, for example, in the manufacture of optical assemblies 40.

In Fig. FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross section through an optical assembly 40, wherein the optical assembly 40 comprises a lens carrier 30 with a plurality of lenses 10, as shown in FIG. 3, has. The optical assembly 40 is part of a display field of a schematically designated variable traffic sign WVZ.

The optical assembly 40 further has on the front side facing a viewer, a diaphragm 42, wherein the aperture 42 corresponding recesses 44 for the lenses 1 0 has. Preferably, the aperture 42 is black on its surface.

At the rear of the optical assembly 40, a circuit board 46 is arranged, wherein on the board 46 corresponding to the arrangement of the lenses 1 0 at regular intervals each have a light-emitting diode (LED) 50 is arranged for each lens 1 0. The LEDs 50 are each arranged opposite the tip of the free formasphere 1 2 of the lenses 10 at a predetermined distance.

For connecting the lens carrier 30 and the circuit board 46, a screw 52 is provided, by means of which the further elements are screwed together.

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features. In the context of the invention, features which are identified by "particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 0 lens

1 2 free-form sphere

14 emitting surface

1 6 prism ring

1 8 optical body

20 optical axis

24 optical axis

30 lens wearers

32 position body

40 optical assembly 42 aperture

44 recess

46 board

50 light-emitting diode (LED) 52 screw

MV Vertical Meridian MH Horizontal Meridian WVZ variable message sign

Claims

Optical assembly of a variable traffic sign and variable message signs claims

1 . Optical assembly (40) for a display field having at least one light source, in particular a traffic sign (WVZ) or a variable traffic sign (WVZ) with at least one lens (10) for the at least one light source, the lens (10) being an optical one Body (1 8) with an optical, preferably horizontal, axis (20) is formed and the optical body (1 8) on its light source side facing the light input side with a collection optics (1 2) is formed for the incoming light, wherein the optical body (18) on a light exit side facing away from the light source, a prismatic Abstrahloptik (14), wherein the optical axis (20) of the optical body (1 8) and the optical axis (24) of the prismatic Abstrahloptik (14) at an angle greater than 0 ° (> 0 °) are aligned with each other.

Optical assembly (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the prismatic emission surface (14) is formed by means of an aspherical lens surfaces or by means of a toric lens surface.

Optical assembly (40) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the prismatic radiating surface (14) is formed as a toric surface with a vertical meridian and a horizontal meridian, wherein the vertical meridian is more curved than the horizontal meridian.

Optical assembly (40) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the angle between the optical axis (20) of the optical body (1 8) and the optical axis (24) of the prismatic Abstrahloptik (14) between 0.5 ° and 20.0 °, preferably between 0.5 ° and 1 is 5.0 °.

Optical assembly (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light source facing collection optics (12) is cone-shaped.

Optical assembly (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the collecting optics (12) as free formasphere (1 2) is formed such that the light emitted by the light source by means of the collection optics (12) to the emission surface (14) is bent or is.

Optical assembly (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the collecting optics (1 2) by an outer prism ring (1 6) is surrounded.

Optical assembly (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the optical body (1 8) on the side facing the light source has a, preferably first boundary with a predetermined wall thickness, wherein in particular the boundary of the collecting optics ( 1 2) o- the prism ring (1 6) is discontinued, and / or that the optical body (12) on the side facing away from the light source side, preferably second, boundary with a predetermined wall thickness, in particular the boundary of the Abstrahlfläche (14) is discontinued.

Optical assembly (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of lenses (10) on a lens carrier unit (30), preferably at regular intervals from one another, are arranged.

Optical assembly (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one lens (10) or the lenses (1 0) and / or the lens carrier unit (30) made of plastic, in particular polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA ) are made.

Optical assembly (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 0, characterized in that at the light inlet side of the at least one lens (1 0) or at the light entry sides of the lenses (10) each have a light source (50), in particular one light emitting diode (LED) is arranged.

Optical assembly (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the lens (1 0) or the lenses (40) in each case a recess (44) of a diaphragm (42) are arranged.

Display field, in particular for a traffic sign (WVZ) or variable message sign (WVZ), with at least one optical subassembly (40) according to one of Claims 1 to 12.

14. traffic sign (WVZ), in particular variable message signs (WVZ), with an optical display panel, in particular for road users, wherein the display panel has at least one optical assembly (40) according to one of claims 1 to 1 2.