EP3043111B2 - Signalling device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a signaling device, in particular for a signaling column, for displaying operating states, with at least one signaling module, which has a printed circuit board element for at least one signaling element for emitting a signal, in particular for a lighting element for emitting a signaling light, the signaling module being detachably connected to a further signal module can be connected and the signal modules are arranged one above the other in the connected state, the signal module having a bayonet connection element for connection to a bayonet connection element of the further signal module and a connecting line running through the signal module for controlling a printed circuit board element of the further signal module being provided.

Such a signaling device with multiple signal modules is from EP 1 460 332 A2 known, wherein the signal modules each have a horizontally arranged circuit board element for at least one signal element ur delivery of a signal. In addition, the signal modules have wires running through the respective signal module as connecting lines for controlling a printed circuit board element of the further signal module. Plate elements are plugged onto the printed circuit boards to establish an electrical connection between the wires of adjacent signal modules in the connected state and to contact the printed circuit board element.

Another luminous column for displaying operating states, for example errors in automatically operating machines, is, for example, from DE 195 13 983 A1 known. The light column has a plurality of signaling elements which are essentially the same in terms of their design and are arranged one above the other and are connected to one another by means of a locking connection. The signaling elements consist of a cylindrical part for accommodating an optical or acoustic signal transmitter and electrical connecting lines, which are used for the individual power supply of the signaling elements. The electrical connecting lines are in the form of wires which each have an approximately U-shaped connecting bridge lying in an approximately tangentially aligned plane at one end and an angled connecting bridge at the other end. When two adjacent signaling elements are assembled, the connecting bridge of one signaling element interacts in a non-positive manner with the connecting web of the adjacent lighting element by means of a resilient wire connection. As a result, the electrical contact is made when the individual signaling elements are mechanically connected to one another via a bayonet connection.

Also from the EP 1 650 489 A2 a signaling device with a plurality of signaling modules that are detachably connected to one another is known, which has wires routed outside of the electronics carrier used in order to produce an electrical connection between the signaling modules when the signaling modules are assembled.

A particular disadvantage of this prior art is that connecting or supply lines interfere with the light image that may be emitted by the signaling element. In addition, the assembly is time-consuming and expensive. In addition, the arrangement of the connecting or feed lines within the signal elements requires a lot of space. As a result, the number of signal elements that can be arranged one above the other is limited for a given diameter of the cylindrical receiving part.

In addition, from the EP 1 347 233 A2 a signaling column with a plurality of segments of different colors has become known, in which a printed circuit board that extends through all segments and carries light-emitting diodes as illuminants is provided. The light-emitting diodes are each assigned to a segment, with the light-emitting diodes of different segments being able to be controlled separately. A disadvantage of this design, however, is that the variability of the light column for different applications is lost.

In addition, a signaling column has already been proposed in the prior art, in which the signaling modules each have a printed circuit board. In this version, the signal modules are plugged into one another, with the printed circuit boards being connected to one another. However, this embodiment is disadvantageous in that the contacting between two printed circuit boards and the connection between two signal modules that are connected to one another must be carried out separately.

Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to create a generic signaling device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the individual signaling modules are contacted using structurally simple means that require little space, the signaling modules being disassembled at any point without the use of tools and can be reassembled.

This object is solved by a signaling device having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the printed circuit board element of the signal module has a conductor track assigned to the signal element of the further signal module to form the connecting line, which conductor track is connected in the connected state of the signal modules via a contact element to a conductor track on the printed circuit board element of the further signal module, the printed circuit board elements being in an assembled, non-twisted state of the Bayonet connection elements are arranged in a contact-free position and in a mated, twisted state of the bayonet connection elements in a contact position with respect to one another and run in one plane.

The connecting or feed lines for supplying the signal elements across a number of signal modules are therefore advantageously integrated in the printed circuit board elements in the form of conductor tracks. Light-emitting elements, for example light-emitting diodes, or sound signal elements can be provided as signaling elements. As a result, there is no need for connecting or supply lines, for example wire or platelet-shaped, running outside the printed circuit board elements. In the prior art, such connection or feed lines were arranged at a distance from one another on the inside of the signal modules, running in the axial direction, which meant that the number of signal modules that could be arranged one above the other was actually limited in order to keep optical defects within an acceptable range. In addition, the mounting/assembly effort increased with the number of connection or feed lines to be attached. In the signaling device according to the invention, the printed circuit board element not only serves to control or supply the signaling element located thereon, but also to forward control or supply signals to the signaling elements of signaling modules located above it. For this purpose, the printed circuit board element has at least one conductor track, which is set up for forwarding electrical control or supply signals to a signal module located above it. In addition, each printed circuit board element has at least one conductor track connected to the signaling element of this signaling module, in order in particular to set the luminous state of the luminous element on the respective signaling module; Of course, the printed circuit board element can also have several signal elements supplied via different conductor tracks. The mounting/assembly effort is advantageously essentially independent of the number of conductor tracks. In the mechanically connected state of the signal modules, the circuit board elements are electrically conductively connected to one another via at least two contact elements. At least the lowest signal module preferably has a plurality of conductor tracks for forwarding control or supply signals to a plurality of signal modules above it, with a corresponding number of contact elements being provided between the signal modules. When assembling the signal modules, the electrical contacting of the printed circuit board elements is thus made at the same time. The signaling device can have a base element, preferably at the lower end, to which the control or supply signals for the individual signaling modules are supplied via connection means known per se in the prior art. The embodiment according to the invention brings with it the particular advantage that the number of signal modules that can be arranged one above the other and individually assembled or disassembled (with a given diameter) can be increased. In addition, the circuit board elements can be contacted more reliably when the signaling device is assembled. Furthermore, the configuration according to the invention is particularly stable. A further advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the signaling device can be installed more simply and therefore more cost-effectively. In addition, cost advantages can also be achieved through the parts-saving design. Finally, it is advantageous that the light emission from the signal modules to the environment is not impeded by feed lines.

In addition, the signal module has a bayonet connection element for connection to a bayonet connection element of the further signal module, the printed circuit board elements being arranged in a contact-free position when the bayonet connection elements are plugged together and not twisted, and in a contact position with one another when the bayonet connection elements are plugged together and twisted. It is known per se in the prior art to detachably connect the signal modules to one another via bayonet connections. For this purpose, the signal modules have cooperating bayonet connection elements, which are formed by a bayonet projection on one signal module and a bayonet opening on the other signal module. The bayonet connection elements can be connected to one another by means of a plug-and-turn movement, the bayonet projection first being inserted through an axially extending entry area of the bayonet opening and then being twisted along a securing section of the bayonet opening running essentially at right angles thereto. In the present embodiment, the mechanical connection is coupled to the electrical connection between the printed circuit board elements via the bayonet connection elements. For this purpose, the contact elements of one signal module are arranged in a contact-free position with respect to the corresponding contact points of the other signal module when the bayonet connection elements are plugged together and not twisted. By arranging the bayonet connection elements in the mated, twisted position, the contact elements of one signal module are brought into contact with the contact points of the other signal module. Thus, the signal line between the successive signal modules can be released or separated via the bayonet connection.

In order to be able to apply a control or supply voltage to a specific signal module of the signaling column, the invention provides that the printed circuit board element extends essentially over the entire height of the signal module, with the contact element being located between a top-side contact point of one printed circuit board element when the signal modules are connected and an underside contact point of the other circuit board element is arranged. This embodiment is preferably provided for a signal module with a light-emitting element. For purposes of this disclosure, the terms "up" and "down" refer to a substantially vertical operating position the signaling device in which the signaling modules are arranged one above the other. In this vertical or upright operating position of the signaling device, the printed circuit board element is preferably arranged in a substantially vertical position within the signal module, with the printed circuit board element extending over substantially the entire height of the associated signal module. In order to forward the electrical control or supply signals through a signal module to an overlying signal module, at least two conductor tracks of this signal module are connected to associated conductor tracks of the overlying signal module via at least two contact elements. Accordingly, the signal is forwarded essentially over the entire height of the signaling device along the conductor tracks of the printed circuit board elements, with the successive signal modules being contacted by the contact elements.

In order to be able to reliably establish or separate the electrical contact between the signal modules, the invention provides that an elastically deflectable contact spring is provided as the contact element, which connects the circuit board elements of the signal modules to one another when they are in the connected state. Contact springs are therefore provided for contacting between the circuit board elements of signal modules arranged one above the other, which are applied to the corresponding contact points of the respective circuit board element when the mechanical connection is established between the signal modules. By removing a signaling module from the signaling device, the electrical connection via the contact springs is separated at the same time. For reliable through-contacting of the signal modules, the contact springs are in contact with the corresponding contact points when the signal modules are connected.

In order to establish contact between the signal modules in a structurally simple, reliable manner, it is advantageous if the circuit board element has contact points and pin elements protruding from the top and bottom end faces of the circuit board elements, with the bottom or top pin elements being connected to the contact elements are connected and the top and bottom pin elements are free of contact elements. Accordingly, the contact points of the printed circuit board element are connected to contact elements on one side, preferably on the underside, and are free of such contact elements on the other side, preferably on the upper side. When connecting the signal modules, the contact elements of one signal module always come into contact with contact points of the other signal module that are free of contact elements.

For stable mounting of the printed circuit board elements within the signal modules, it is advantageous if the signal module has an attachment element with a connecting element that is connected to the printed circuit board element. The assembly of the signaling device can be carried out with little effort if the connecting element is accommodated in an outer housing, preferably with a cylindrical lateral surface, via a detachable connection, preferably a latching connection. In this embodiment, therefore, the connecting element together with the printed circuit board element is snapped or latched in the outer housing. The outer housing preferably has a cylindrical lateral surface which is formed on one side with a cover or base part and on the other side with a holding opening for connection to the further signal module. The bayonet connection elements in the form of bayonet projections or bayonet openings are preferably provided at opposite ends of the lateral surface, in each case adjacent to the cover/bottom part or the retaining opening.

In one embodiment, the printed circuit board element can be arranged essentially completely within an attachment element that includes the connecting element. With such an attachment element in the form of a housing, the printed circuit board element and in particular also the contact elements are essentially completely protected from mechanical effects, in particular when the signal modules are connected.

In order to be able to reliably establish and separate the electrical and mechanical connection of signal modules arranged one above the other without the risk of damage, it is advantageous if at least one protective element at least partially enclosing the contact elements is provided to protect the contact elements. The protective element preferably has a plurality of projections, preferably in the form of pins or pegs, which are arranged adjacent to the contact elements.

In particular, two rows of such projections are provided, between which the contact elements are arranged, with a first row of comparatively short projections and a second row of comparatively long projections being provided. When the signal modules are brought together, the contact points, in particular pin elements, of another printed circuit board element with which contact is to be made are advantageously arranged in such a way that they can be rotated over the short projections when the bayonet lock is closed without coming into contact with them.

The long projections, on the other hand, can advantageously be designed in such a way that they cover the contact elements essentially over the entire length on the side on which the contact elements are not intended to come into contact with a contact point, so that access to or damage to the contact elements is possible is prevented.

In order to enable contact to be made via the rotational movement when the bayonet connection is closed without exposed contact points that are exposed to access, it is favorable if a cover/base element of the further signal module or an attachment element of a further printed circuit board element has at least one arcuately curved through-opening. Contact elements and, if necessary, contact protection projections of a signal module can thus be inserted into through-openings of the other signal module in the plugged-in, untwisted state. When the signal modules are rotated relative to one another, the contact elements and the (contact protection) projections are then guided in the arcuate through-openings. When the stop position is reached, which is preferably defined by the bayonet connection, the electrical contact between the printed circuit board elements is established via the contact elements.

In order to improve the optical effect of the light signal emitted by the signaling element, i.e. in particular to achieve a directional emission of the light beams generated, it is favorable if at least one optical element is connected to the circuit board element, which optical element has at least one optical lens, with preferably the number of lenses essentially corresponds to a number of the light-emitting diodes provided as a signaling element.

In order to protect the contact elements, a connecting element for an outer housing and a directed emission of the light beams generated in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner, it is advantageous if at least one attachment element is provided comprising the connecting element, the protective element and the optical element. By combining the three different functions mentioned above in a single attachment element, both the number of parts and the assembly effort can be kept low.

The signaling device can be assembled in a particularly simple manner if the attachment element has two half-shells which are connected to one another via a detachable connection, preferably a snap-in connection. In the assembled state, therefore, the printed circuit board element is arranged between the half-shells of the attachment element, with the printed circuit board element being able to protrude in particular laterally beyond the assembled half-shells.

In order to achieve a signaling column that can be used in a variety of ways, it is favorable if at least one circuit board element has more than three, preferably at least five, in particular eight, conductor tracks for controlling a corresponding number of signaling modules.

In order to achieve a signaling column, it is favorable if at least two signaling modules which are connected to one another and are arranged one above the other in the connected state are provided. At least two signal modules of the same type are preferably provided as light signal modules with light-emitting elements. In addition, a signal module with an audio signal element can be provided.

• Fig. 1 eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Signalsäule, welche mehrere lösbar miteinander verbundene Signalmodule zur optischen und akustischen Anzeige von Betriebszuständen einer Maschine aufweist;
• Fig. 2 eine teilweise geschnittene, schaubildliche Ansicht eines Signalmoduls der Signalsäule gemäß Fig. 1, wobei das Signalmodul ein Leiterplattenelement mit einem LED-Leuchtelement aufweist;
• Fig. 3 eine weitere teilweise geschnittene, schaubildliche Ansicht des Signalmoduls gemäß Fig. 1, 2;
• Fig. 4, 5 weitere schaubildliche Ansichten des Signalmoduls gemäß Fig. 1 bis 3;
• Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 schematische Ansichten der Leiterplattenelemente übereinander angeordneter Signalmodule, deren Leiterbahnen über Kontaktfedern durch Verdrehung zwischen der in Fig. 6 dargestellten Ruhestellung und der in Fig. 7 dargestellten Kontaktstellung miteinander verbindbar sind;
• Fig. 8 eine schaubildliche Ansicht einer Halbschale eines Aufsatzelements mit eingesetztem Leiterplattenelement; und
• Fig. 9 eine weitere schaubildliche Ansicht der Halbschale des Aufsatzelements für das Leiterplattenelement;
• Fig. 10 eine schematische Ansicht von vier übereinander angeordneten Leiterplattenelementen;
• Fig. 11 eine schaubildliche Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Leiterplattenelements mit einem Aufsatzelement;
• Fig. 12 eine schaubildliche Ansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 11 mit einer abgenommenen Halbschale des Aufsatzelements; und
• Fig. 13 eine geschnittene schaubildliche Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Signalmoduls.

The invention is explained in more detail below using preferred exemplary embodiments, to which, however, it should not be restricted. Show in the drawing:

• 1 a view of a signaling column according to the invention, which has a plurality of detachably interconnected signal modules for optical and acoustic display of operating states of a machine;
• 2 a partially sectioned, perspective view of a signaling module of the signaling column according to FIG 1 , wherein the signal module has a printed circuit board element with an LED lighting element;
• 3 a further partially sectioned, perspective view of the signal module according to FIG 1 , 2 ;
• Figures 4, 5 further schematic views of the signal module according to Figures 1 to 3 ;
• 6 and 7 schematic views of the printed circuit board elements of signal modules arranged one above the other, the conductor tracks of which are connected via contact springs by twisting between the in 6 shown rest position and in 7 shown contact position are connected to each other;
• 8 a perspective view of a half-shell of an attachment element with an inserted circuit board element; and
• 9 another perspective view of the half-shell of the attachment element for the printed circuit board element;
• 10 a schematic view of four circuit board elements arranged one above the other;
• 11 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a printed circuit board element according to the invention with an attachment element;
• 12 a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG 11 with a removed half-shell of the attachment element; and
• 13 a sectional perspective view of a second embodiment of a signal module according to the invention.

In 1 a signaling device 1 for displaying operating states of a machine or a system component is shown. The signaling device is designed as a signaling column with a plurality of signaling modules 2 which, as will be explained in more detail below, can be detachably connected to one another. Im connected State are the individual signal modules 2 arranged one above the other. In the embodiment shown, three optical signal modules 2' are provided for emitting light signals of different colors and one acoustic signal module 2'' (well known in the prior art) for emitting a sound signal. The signal modules 2' each have an outer housing 3, which is designed with a cylindrical, partially transparent lateral surface 4, each executed in a different color, and a cover 5 (cf. Figures 4, 5 ). The signal modules 2 are arranged in a known manner on a base element 6 which is connected to the machine (not shown) via electrical connection means (shown schematically). Accordingly, all signal modules 2 are controlled via the common connection means of the base element 6.

How out 2 , 3 As can be seen, the signal module 2 has a printed circuit board element 7 within the outer housing 3, on which in a known manner at least one (in 8 schematically drawn) signal element 8 is arranged to emit a signal. The optical signal modules 2 ′ each have at least one light-emitting element on the printed circuit boards 7 . In particular, at least one light-emitting diode (LED) is provided as the lighting element, with the in 8 signal element 8 shown comprises a total of six LEDs (three on each side of the circuit board element). Connecting lines running through the signal modules 2 are provided for controlling the printed circuit board elements 7, which in the embodiment shown are shown as 8 Schematically visible traces 10 are integrated into the printed circuit board elements 7.

In 10 four printed circuit board elements 7 arranged one above the other are shown, and a base 9 with connection terminals 9' (“0” to “7”) is schematically integrated in the base element 6. Accordingly, each printed circuit board element 7 has a "0" conductor track 10' leading to the next signal module 2. Furthermore, at least one conductor track 10'' is provided in each case, which establishes a connection from the contact element "1" to the right of the "0" conductor track via the respective signal element 8 to the "0" conductor track, as well as further conductor tracks 10''' that pass through. . A corresponding signal module 2 can thus be activated by applying voltage to the “0” conductor track and one of the connection terminals 9′ “1” to “7”. In the mechanically connected state of the signal modules 2, the conductor tracks 10', 10''' are electrically connected via contact elements 11 to the corresponding conductor tracks 10'' on the printed circuit board element 7 of the signal module 2 located above them. 1" is applied, the signal element 8 of the lowest signal module 2 lights up; if voltage is applied to the connection terminal 9'"0" and "2", the signal element 8 of the second signal module 2 (seen from below), etc. lights up 2 , 3 As can also be seen, the circuit board elements 7 extend essentially over the entire height or axial extent of the signal modules 2. When the signal modules 2 are connected, the contact elements 11 are between a top contact point 12 of one (lower) circuit board element 7' and a bottom contact point 13 of the other (upper) printed circuit board element 7" (cf. 7 ). In the embodiment shown, elastically deformable contact springs 11' are provided as contact elements 11, which in the connected state of the signal modules 2 have their printed circuit board elements 7; 7', 7" together (cf. 7 ).

How out Figures 2 to 5 As can be seen, the signal modules 2 have bayonet connection elements 14 for their detachable connection, which are formed by bayonet projections 15 on an inwardly offset upper edge area of the lateral surface 4 of the outer housing 3 and corresponding bayonet openings 16 on the opposite, lower edge area of the lateral surface 4 of the outer housing 3 . The bayonet connection elements 14 of the signal modules 2 arranged one above the other can be connected to one another in a known manner via a plug-and-turn connection. First, the bayonet projections 15 on the lower signal module 2 are guided into an entry area 16a of the bayonet opening 16 running in the axial direction. Thereafter, the signal modules 2 are rotated in relation to one another, with the bayonet projections 15 being displaced along horizontal securing sections 16b of the bayonet openings 16 . The contact elements 11 of one (upper) signal module 2 are arranged at a distance from the corresponding contact points of the other signal module 2 when the bayonet connection elements 14 are plugged together and not twisted. By arranging the bayonet connection elements 14 in the mated, twisted position according to FIG 1 the contact points 12, 13 of signal modules 2 arranged one above the other are brought into conductive contact. The signal line can thus be released or separated by the successive signal modules 2 via the bayonet connection.

Like in particular Figures 6, 7 As can be seen, the printed circuit board elements 7 have the contact points 12, 13 forming pin elements 17 which project upwards from the upper end face of the printed circuit board elements 7 or from the lower end face of the printed circuit board elements 7 downwards. In the embodiment shown, the peg elements 17 ″ on the underside are connected to the contact elements 11 , whereas the peg elements 17 ′ on the upper side are free of such contact elements 11 .

How out Figures 8, 9 evident, cf. also 2 , 3 , the signal modules 2 each have an attachment element 18 for the associated printed circuit board element 7, with the associated printed circuit board element 7 being accommodated essentially completely within the attachment element 18 in a first exemplary embodiment. In a lower section, the attachment element 18 has a protective element 25 with two rows of projections 19, one row with longer projections 19' and a row with shorter projections 19" is provided. The contact elements 11 are each arranged between the projections 19', 19" serving as protection against accidental contact. The longer projections 19′ essentially completely cover the contact elements 11 on that side on which no contact is made. The shorter projections 19″, on the other hand, leave an end section of the contact elements 11 free for the purpose of contacting. The contact elements 11 and the projections 19′, 19″ are received in corresponding through-openings 20 on the upper side of the attachment element 18 of the adjacent signal module 2 when two signal modules 2 are brought together. To adapt to the rotational movement during the closing of the bayonet connection, the through openings 20 of the attachment element 18 are curved in an arc. When the signal modules 2 are twisted to produce the bayonet connection, the pin-shaped projections 19 of one (upper) signal module 2 are therefore moved in the arc-shaped passage openings 20 of the other (lower) signal module 2 . The procedure for the respective number of signal modules 2 is corresponding.

The arrangement of the longer 19' and shorter projections 19" is reversed on the opposite radial sections of the attachment element 18. Thus, when a stop position defined by the bayonet connection is reached, contact is reliably established with adjacent printed circuit board elements 7. The design of the shorter projections 19" provides at the same time ensure that the contact between the printed circuit board elements 7 is not impeded when connecting the signal modules 2.

How out Figures 8, 9 further evident, cf. also 2 , 3 , the attachment element 18 has two half-shells 22 which are connected to one another via a snap-in connection 23 . In the connected state of the half-shells 22, the attachment element 18 has a connecting element 24 in which the through-openings 20 are provided, a protective element 25 with projections 19', 19" and an optical element 26. The optical element 26 has a number of lenses 27, with which of the light beams emitted by the respectively associated LED of the signaling element 8 is appropriately distributed or directed.

In the Figures 11 to 13 a further exemplary embodiment can be seen in which the attachment element 18 is significantly reduced compared to the first exemplary embodiment. This means that this attachment element 18 does not enclose the printed circuit board element 7 in the manner of a protective housing, but rather a printed circuit board element 7 with a substantially constant width is provided, which extends significantly beyond the attachment element 18, particularly in the area of the optical element 26 and the connecting element 24. In addition, the attachment element 18 has, as described in connection with the first exemplary embodiment, a connecting element 24 with latching projections 24 ′ for the purpose of attachment to the housing 3 or a cover 5 formed separately or in one piece with the housing 3 .

In the second embodiment according to the Figures 11 to 13 the through openings 20 are also formed in the cover 5 and not in the attachment element 18.

The printed circuit board element 7, which is firmly connected to the attachment element 18, can thus be connected in a simple manner in the housing 3 by means of a snap connection, in particular to a central web 30 of the cover 5, via the latching lugs 24'.

In the attachment element 18 of the second exemplary embodiment, however, the protective element 25 still encloses a lower end section of the printed circuit board element 7, in particular to protect contact elements 11, whereby—as already described in detail in connection with the first exemplary embodiment—the contact elements 11 are located between a row short projections 19" and long projections 19' of the protective element 25 are accommodated.

In the 12 and 13 it can be seen in particular that the attachment element 18 according to the second exemplary embodiment is also composed essentially of two half shells 22, with the printed circuit board element 7 having openings 31, 32 for the structurally simple connection between the two half shells 22 of the attachment element 18 and the printed circuit board element 7, through which Connecting elements of the respective half-shell, in particular latching hooks 34 or connecting pins 35, can be passed through in order to produce a plug-in connection with the opposite half-shell of the attachment element 18. In both exemplary embodiments, however, it is only important that when two signal modules 2 are connected via a bayonet connection in the twisted state, an electrical connection is simultaneously established between printed circuit board elements arranged one above the other.

Claims (11)

1. A signalling device (1), in particular for a signalling tower, for purposes of displaying operating states, with at least one signalling module (2), which has a circuit board element (7; 7') for at least one signalling element (8) for purposes of outputting a signal, in particular for a lighting element for purposes of outputting a signal light, wherein the signalling module (2) can be detachably connected with a further signalling module (2), and the signalling modules (2) in the connected state are arranged one above another, wherein the signalling module (2) has a bayonet coupling element (14) for purposes of connecting with a bayonet coupling element (14) of the further signalling module (2), and a connecting conductor (9), running through the signalling module (2), is provided for purposes of controlling a circuit board element (7") of the further signalling module (2), characterised in that the circuit board element (7') of the signalling module (2) for purposes of forming the connecting conductor (9) has a conducting track (10') assigned to the signalling element (8) of the further signalling module (2), which conducting track (10') in the connected state of the signalling modules (2) is connected via a contact element (11) with a conducting track (10; 10', 10") on the circuit board element (7") of the further signalling module (2), wherein in an interconnected, non-rotated state of the bayonet coupling elements (14) the circuit board elements (7; 7', 7") are arranged in a zerocontact position, and in an interconnected, rotated state of the bayonet coupling elements (14) they are arranged in a position to contact one another and extend in one plane, whereas the circuit board element (7; 7', 7") extends essentially over the whole height of the signalling module (2) and in the connected state of the signalling modules (2) the contact element (11) is arranged between an upper face contact point (12) of the one circuit board element (7') and a lower face contact point (13) of the other circuit board element (7") and an elastically deflectable contact spring (11') is provided as the contact element (11), which contact spring in the connected state of the signalling modules (2) connects their circuit board elements (7; 7', 7") with one another.
2. The signalling device (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the circuit board element (7; 7', 7") has stud elements (17; 17', 17"), having contact points (12, 13), and projecting from the upper and lower face end faces of the circuit board elements (7; 7', 7"), wherein the lower or upper face stud elements (17; 17', 17") are connected with the contact elements (11), and the upper or lower face stud elements (17; 17', 17") respectively are free of contact elements (11).
3. The signalling device (1) in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the signalling module (2) has a capping element (18) with a connecting element (24), the capping element (18) being connected with the circuit board element (7; 7', 7"), wherein the connecting element is accommodated via a detachable connection, preferably a snap connection (29), in an outer housing (3), preferably one with a cylindrical shell surface.
4. The signalling device (1) in accordance with claims 1 to 3, characterised in that for purposes of protecting the contact elements (11) at least one protective element (25) is provided, at least partially enclosing the contact elements (11).
5. The signalling device (1) in accordance with claim 4, characterised in that the protective element (25) has two rows of projections (19), between which the contact elements (11) are arranged, wherein a first row has comparatively short projections (19") and a second row has comparatively long projections (19').
6. The signalling device in accordance with one of the claims 3 to 5, characterised in that a cover/floor element (5) of the further signalling module (2) or the capping element (18) of a further circuit board element (7; 7', 7") has at least one passage opening (20) curved in the shape of an arc.
7. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least one optical element (26) is connected with the circuit board element (7; 7', 7"), which optical element has at least one optical lens (27), wherein the number of lenses (27) preferably corresponds essentially to a number of light-emitting diodes provided as a signalling element (8).
8. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that at least one capping element (18) is provided, comprising the connecting element (24), the protective element (25) and the optical element (26).
9. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 3 to 8, characterised in that the capping element (18) has two half-shells (22), which are connected with one another via a detachable connection, preferably a latching connection (23).
10. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised in that at least one circuit board element (7; 7', 7") has more than three, preferably at least five, in particular eight, conducting tracks (10; 10', 10", 10‴) for the control of a corresponding number of signalling modules (2).
11. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 10, characterised in that at least two signalling modules (2) are provided, connected with one another, and in the connected state arranged one above another.

Images