Optical signaling device

Abstract

Optical signaling device (1), in particular a signal light or a modularly constructed signal column (1) or the like, with at least one lighting unit (2) comprising at least one lighting element (20) for the optical display of one or more different operating states of a technical device (30) such as a machine or a system, wherein at least one electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27) is provided for connecting or contacting at least the technical device (30), wherein at least one electrical and / or electronic connection unit (12) is provided between the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27) and the lighting unit (2) for the electrical and / or electronic connection of the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27) to the lighting unit (2),wherein the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (12) has at least one electrical and / or electronic switching element (21, 22) for establishing and / or separating the electrical and / or electronic connection between the lighting unit (2) and the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27), wherein the electrical and / or electronic switching element (21, 22) is additionally designed as an actuator switch (21, 22) for switching at least one actuator (28) of a first actuator (8) of the technical device (30) and a second actuator (8) separate from the technical device (30), characterized in that the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (12) has at least two electrical and / or electronic switching elements (21,22) for establishing and / or separating the electrical and / or electronic connection between the lighting unit (2) and the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27), and that at least one branching point (25) with an electrical supply line (24) for supplying electrical energy is arranged between the two electrical and / or electronic switching elements (21, 22), so that two separately switchable electrical circuits or supply circuits can be formed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an optical signaling device, in particular a signal light or a modular signal column or the like, with at least one lighting unit comprising at least one lighting element for the optical display of one or more different operating states of a technical device such as a machine, a system or the like, according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] For example, a signal tower with multiple interchangeable modules is already known from DE 195 13 983 A1 or EP 1 650 721 A1 by the applicant. A bayonet-type connection arrangement is provided for the mechanical and electrical connection of the individual light / interchangeable modules. In this case, the electrical contact is already established during the installation of the interchangeable modules.

[0003] Generally, such interchangeable modules within a signal tower have different colors. The color combination of traffic lights is often chosen, with green, for example, indicating trouble-free operation, and red indicating danger or a machine stop, etc.

[0004] For decades now, the power supply and corresponding signaling of these signal columns has been achieved by applying voltage to the power lines / circuits of the respective lighting modules. For this purpose, the signal columns have various electrical connections that are connected to the technical device to be monitored by electrical lines and that are then supplied with electrical voltage by this device as soon as an event to be indicated, e.g. an error or malfunction, occurs in / from the technical device (cf. DE 22 11 801 A, FR 2 517 021 A1). In this case, in addition to the common so-called "ground" or common reference potential, each additional connecting line of the signal device is specifically assigned to a lighting element or lighting module. In this way, each electrical line that electrically connects the technical device to the signal column is directly assigned to a lighting or interchangeable module.For example, "Line No. 3" is (exclusively) electrically connected to the red, "third" light module or its light element / LED, so that this module lights up red when this "Line No. 3" is supplied with electrical voltage by the device, for example because the device stops working or a tool breaks in the technical device or machine tool to be monitored.

[0005] In practice, it has been shown that the operating status of the technical device being monitored can be of interest not only to the on-site operator, but possibly also to the supervisor or a manager, or to an operator who is not always on-site with the technical device. Accordingly, corresponding interchangeable modules or signal towers are already known, for example from the documents DE 10 2005 011 171 A1 or EP 1 650 489 B1, which transmit the operating status of the technical device or the operating status of the warning light via wireless communication, e.g., to the operator's mobile phone, for example by means of a corresponding SMS or similar message.

[0006] A network with multiple signaling devices or signal columns is already known from EP 2 182 494 B1 or the generic EP 2 209 099 A1. The signal columns are networked separately from any networked machines via a common transmission path, thus forming a separate network. This allows the operating states of the signal columns and thus of the monitored devices to be centrally displayed and (statistically) evaluated using a computer or screen, or a mobile phone, PDA, etc. Objects and advantages of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to propose a signaling device with which additional technical possibilities and functionalities can be realized.

[0008] This object is achieved, starting from a signaling device of the type mentioned in the introduction, by the characterizing features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are possible by the measures mentioned in the subclaims.

[0009] Accordingly, a signaling device according to the invention is characterized in that the connecting unit has at least one electrical and / or electronic switching element for establishing and / or separating the electrical connection between the lighting unit and the connection unit, wherein the electrical and / or electronic switching element is also designed as an actuator switch for switching at least one actuator of a first actuator of the technical device and a second actuator separate from the technical device,that the electrical and / or electronic connection unit has at least two electrical and / or electronic switching elements for establishing and / or breaking the electrical connection between the lighting unit and the connection unit, and that at least one branching point with an electrical supply line for electrical energy supply is arranged between the two electrical and / or electronic switching elements, so that two separately switchable electrical circuits or supply circuits can be formed.

[0010] According to the invention, the connecting unit has at least two electrical and / or electronic switching elements, in particular arranged one behind the other or along the electrical and / or electronic connection, for establishing and / or breaking the connection between the lighting unit and the connection unit. Preferably, the two switching elements can be assigned or are assigned to a lighting unit in a unique or defined manner. This advantageously allows for decoupling the operation or display / illumination of the lighting unit from other functionalities and / or other control or actuation processes.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the invention, at least one branch point with an electrical supply line for supplying electrical energy is arranged between the two electrical and / or electronic switching elements, so that two separately switchable electrical circuits or supply circuits can be formed. Thus, the electrical supply line can have the reference potential or an electrical pole / connection point of the supply voltage, and the lighting unit can be supplied with electrical energy / voltage or switched on by means of the one switching element, i.e., a signaling circuit comprising at least the lighting element can be closed and / or opened or switched (within the signaling device).

[0012] By means of the other or second switching element, which is advantageously designed as the actuator switch, the external actuator of the actuator to be controlled can be supplied with electrical energy / voltage or switched on. This means that a control circuit formed essentially outside the signaling device and preferably not comprising the lighting unit can advantageously also be closed and / or opened or switched within the signaling device. This generates two separately controllable or switchable circuits which advantageously partially "overlap", i.e. have a common branch point and a common supply line. These circuits are thus essentially arranged or interconnected electrically in parallel to one another.

[0013] In contrast to the design according to the invention, in the prior art, this "second switching element" is arranged completely separately / independently from or outside the signaling device, e.g., as a switch in the technical device to be monitored. The control of the external actuator according to the invention thus represents a complete departure from the prior art, in which such control of an external actuator could not be performed by the signaling device, but rather manually and / or via a device control system such as a PLC, etc.

[0014] With the aid of the invention, the signaling devices or warning lights can advantageously also be designed as "active control components" in a system or machine complex. This means that the signaling device(s) according to the invention can advantageously transmit / generate their own, variable control commands "outwards" and are thus "actively active themselves" or can "activate" the actuator and thus the separate or external actuator. The switching element according to the invention can thus optionally generate the information "zero" or "one" and advantageously forward this "outwards", i.e. outside the signaling device, to the actuator and thereby influence / change the actuator or its state. In this case, the system or machine complex comprises at least the signaling device and the technical device to be monitored and / or separate, external machines, units, or other actuators.

[0015] In contrast, previous signaling devices according to the state of the art are only designed as "passive components", i.e. they receive electrical energy / information "from outside" or are supplied with electrical voltage / current and thus with control commands / information "from outside" at the respective connection of the signaling device as defined by the technical device to be monitored and "react passively" (without the ability to change the information or control commands themselves) with their signaling or lighting / display and are therefore "inactive by themselves".

[0016] For the purposes of the invention, an actuator is understood to be a converter or drive element controlled by the signaling device, which converts electrical signals or energy, preferably into mechanical movement, in particular into rotary movement in the case of an electric motor, or into other physical quantities such as pressure or temperature. Electric, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic actuators can preferably be provided.

[0017] By means of the electrical and / or electronic switching element designed as an actuator switch, advantageous control of the external actuator can be achieved. Thus, according to the invention, control of external / separate components or actuators can now be advantageously achieved in a manner that was previously not possible using the previous "passive" signaling devices. This means that with the electrical and / or electronic switching element designed as an actuator switch, the actuator(s) and thus at least the external / separate actuator can be switched on, i.e., put into operation, and also switched off, i.e., put out of operation.

[0018] The actuator(s), e.g., configured as an electromechanical / magnetic control relay, electronic transistor, or the like, advantageously allows them to be controlled, for example, by means of a low voltage, and the actuator(s) can advantageously be operated / supplied by a different or "external" energy source, e.g., three-phase current, 230V mains voltage, hydraulic oil pressure, compressed air, or the like. This means that, according to the invention, the switching or control of the actuator and thus of the actuator can be achieved by means of a (low) control voltage, e.g., 12V or 24V, via the switching element or the actuator switch of the optical signaling device.

[0019] For the purposes of the invention, an "external actuator" or "separate actuator" is understood to mean an actuator that is not (at the same time) the signaling device or that is not a (different / second) signaling device or a signaling column or a display unit for signaling / displaying the operating state(s) of a technical device to be monitored. This means that this actuator according to the invention does not have the functionality of signaling an operating state, but rather a different or separate technical functionality. For example, this actuator according to the invention can be designed as an electric motor that generates a mechanical rotary movement and in doing so sets, for example, a conveyor belt, a milling spindle head or a robot arm, etc., in motion.

[0020] For example, the signaling device according to the invention can, depending on a sensor / sensor information or a malfunction of the technical device to be monitored that is particularly dangerous for people, start up or switch / actuate an actuator or a corresponding actuator for closing a fire door or for opening an escape door.

[0021] This represents a complete departure from previous signaling devices, which are designed solely as "passive," meaning they are externally supplied with voltage as needed to indicate or signal the respective operating status (without their own control) with the light element. The technical device or other actuators to be monitored have always been controlled solely by the device itself or by their own control systems.

[0022] With the invention, however, an active control / influence of separate / external actuators of the technical device to be monitored or of other external actuators / components is realized by the optical signaling device according to the invention or its advantageous switching element.

[0023] A particular advantage of the invention is that, for example, a wide variety of devices, such as machine tools or the like, each with a wide variety of electronics, controls, or operating systems, can not only be monitored jointly or centrally using the signaling device according to the invention, but can also control a wide variety of actuators. This advantageously creates a common network or electrical and electronic communication system.

[0024] In large production facilities or industrial halls or the like, it is common to find machines from the middle of the last century with a retrofitted or subsequently installed electronic control system, as well as machines from the end of the last century with a special electronic control bus, as well as the latest, highly complex, automated machines with innovative bus systems. The invention advantageously does not access the very different controls or bus systems etc. of these very different devices / machines to be monitored, but rather creates a common, interconnected network with one or preferably several signaling devices. Accordingly, the invention eliminates the need for a complex and, in some cases, almost impossible connection of the very different machines orMachine controls using complex interfaces or the like.

[0025] According to the invention, additional or any actuators can be controlled in an advantageous manner, e.g. actuators of the building technology, etc., i.e. which are not part of the devices to be monitored or monitored. Thus, if required, a complete and advantageous network of all existing or controllable components of a production facility can be realized according to the invention. This means that with the signaling device according to the invention, the device(s) / machines to be monitored and / or the optical signaling device(s) / signal columns and / or the building technology such as air conditioning or building heating / ventilation and / or doors / gates and windows and / or mobile devices of the operators such as smartphones, pagers, PDAs, notebooks, etc. and / or (autonomous) transport vehicles and / or automated goods / parts warehouses or high-bay warehouses, etc. can be comprehensively monitored and now also controllable.

[0026] According to the invention, the signaling device(s) according to the invention advantageously implement a separate or parallel network to the technical devices to be monitored or to other actuators / components of the production facility or even the entire company. This means that the invention preferably implements a signaling device transmission path that is advantageously separate or parallel to the transmission path of the electronic control devices of the technical devices or the electronic device connections and / or at least partially wireless or radio-transmission.

[0027] Preferably, several interconnected signaling devices according to the invention share a common communication method or a uniform bus system. Accordingly, development, manufacture, implementation, or commissioning, etc., can be standardized and carried out independently with regard to the devices to be monitored or other components / actuators. This leads, among other things, to high production volumes or to standardized or universal signaling devices or hardware components and / or software / programming, etc., which is a decisive economic advantage.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention is universally applicable in a way that is unprecedented. In principle, the electronic signaling device connection / networking could also be implemented entirely via wires, but this appears to be impractical. For example, the use of at least partial wireless control signal and / or data transmission can be used to bridge large transmission distances, e.g., in industrial halls, etc., without great effort, and to implement retrofits in existing facilities.

[0029] Especially in existing production facilities, it is often almost impossible to install separate, longer cables for data transmission, for example to the production manager's office or to the building's heating system, etc., for a machine located in the middle of a large production hall.

[0030] In addition, wireless control signal and / or data transmission also allows mobile devices or vehicles to be monitored and controlled / operated or switched on / off, i.e., they can be universally and completely integrated into the network according to the invention. For example, vehicles such as forklifts, tractors, etc., can be integrated into the network according to the invention. Accordingly, if necessary, almost all relevant devices whose operating states are to be monitored, or other actuators / components of the production facility, can be networked according to the invention and preferably centrally recorded or monitored / controlled.

[0031] Consequently, according to the invention, comprehensive networking and control / regulation of a wide variety of technical devices and components can be realized without great effort. This represents a significant improvement in the monitoring and operation of multiple technical devices.

[0032] In a preferred variant of the invention, at least one central detection unit is provided for detecting the operating states of at least two different signaling devices / warning lights and the actuator(s) and / or actuators. This enables advantageous central detection and / or monitoring and / or control or control and / or evaluation and / or display of the operating states of the lighting units and / or the signaling devices as well as the actuators / actuators. This can take place both in real time or promptly, as well as remotely or some time later. Accordingly, this measure represents a decisive improvement in operational reliability when monitoring the components present at a production facility or in a building. For example, the central detection unit can be positioned remotely from and / or in a different building than the devices or warning lights to be monitored.

[0033] For example, it is possible for a single operator at a specific location or in the area of ​​a single signaling device / warning light and / or a central display component of the network to monitor, without great effort, the or all other signaling devices / warning lights and thus indirectly the operating states of all or the other technical devices to be monitored, such as CNC machine tools, printing machines, assembly lines, etc., and also to control and / or have the operating states of the actuators / control elements displayed.

[0034] Advantageously, the central recording unit is designed as a computer, particularly a portable computer. This allows for the use of commercially available components, which are preferably implemented using advantageous software and, if necessary, special hardware components. This allows for an economically advantageous implementation of the invention.

[0035] Advantageously, the connection or networking of corresponding components advantageously comprises multiple transmitters and / or receivers for wireless data transmission between at least two signaling devices / signal columns and / or the actuators and / or other components and / or the central detection unit. Such a radio connection between two signaling devices and / or other components, or between almost all participants / components of the signaling device network, enables a particularly flexible connection / networking.

[0036] Preferably, a holding element and / or a base for holding the signaling device in an operating position and / or a tool-free replaceable module comprises at least the switching element. This allows an existing signaling device to be retrofitted according to the invention without significant structural and financial outlay.

[0037] Especially the subsequent installation of the invention, for example in a factory hall or in a building with several technical devices or machines that are to be monitored and controlled with signaling devices according to the invention, as well as with a wide variety of actuators, can be realized in an advantageous manner with the help of a wireless connection.

[0038] Advantageously, the two electrical and / or electronic switching elements are in the closed switching position at least during one switching phase, so that the electrical connection between the lighting unit and the connection unit is electrically conductive. This achieves a control-technical coupling of the signaling via the lighting unit and the switching of the actuator. For example, in the "magazine almost empty" state, the "yellow lighting unit" is switched on, and at the same time, a transport unit / belt or the like for refilling the magazine is activated or switched on by means of the actuator or external actuator.

[0039] Where appropriate, the two switching elements and the lighting element of a lighting unit are part of a common circuit that can be energised.

[0040] Preferably, at least one control unit is provided for monitoring / controlling and / or actuating the electrical and / or electronic switching element(s). This measure allows advantageous monitoring / control within the signaling element to be realized. For example, the control unit can comprise a transmitter and / or receiver for wireless control data or information, so that the electrical and / or electronic switching element(s) can be actuated or switched depending on corresponding data or information.

[0041] In general, for example, information or control data can be transmitted from a sensor or a computer / processor etc. to the control unit (wirelessly and / or via an electrical line) and, depending on this information / data, the electrical and / or electronic switching element(s) can then be actuated or de-actuated in order to switch a lighting element on or off and / or to switch an actuator or an external actuator on or off according to the invention.

[0042] For example, in a plastic injection molding machine to be monitored by the signaling device, the number of parts produced can advantageously be recorded by means of a sensor or a light barrier or the like, and a target / actual comparison can advantageously determine that only a relatively small number of parts remain to be produced, whereby electrical information is transmitted to the control unit of the signaling device and, according to the invention, this control unit actuates / switches an actuator of the plastic heating of the plastic injection molding machine using the actuator switch, so that the machine is deactivated or switched off. Alternatively, a time-dependent control of the heating could also be implemented, e.g. approximately one hour before the (expected) end of production, i.e. when all parts have been produced, the plastic heating is switched off using the signaling device or the actuator switch according to the invention.Thus, the (few) unproduced parts can be produced using the "residual heat" or the remaining liquid plastic from a heatable storage tank, thus saving energy. The signaling device according to the invention thus controls the production of injection-molded parts or the like in a novel way.

[0043] Advantageously, the holding element and / or the base and / or the tool-free replaceable module comprises at least the control unit. This allows an existing signaling device to be retrofitted according to the invention without significant structural and financial outlay.

[0044] The signaling device is preferably designed as a signaling column, with at least one replaceable module or several virtually identically constructed replaceable modules being provided. Preferably, modules are provided, with a base or holding element for holding the module in an operating position or a further module for a signaling device being detachable and fixable without tools at a first end of the module, and with a further module for a signaling device or a cover element being detachable and fixable without tools at a second end of the module.

[0045] In a particular development of the invention, the actuator switch of the signaling device controls or actuates / switches an actuator or an actuator of the device to be monitored and / or a component of the building in which the signaling device and / or the device to be monitored are preferably arranged, wherein at least one component of a heating and / or ventilation and / or air conditioning system and / or a production machine is designed as the actuator. Thus, with one or more signaling devices or signal columns according to the invention, completely new technical possibilities are opened up, among other things for advantageous - Production control, in particular the implementation of the so-called "Industry 4.0" or a networked and / or retrofittable and / or self-organized and / or flexible production / manufacturing, so-called "cloud-based systems" and / or so-called "lean production" - Control of building technology, so-called “smart building” - Cost-saving energy consumption / supply, rational use of energy, especially fluctuating energy supply from renewable energy sources such as a PV system on the roof of the building, so-called "Smart Grid", temporal adjustment to the energy supply or energy prices / tariffs, - etc. Example

[0046] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0047] In detail: Fig. 1 a schematically illustrated signaling device according to the invention with three interchangeable modules and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a signaling device network with five signaling devices according to the invention and a central computer monitoring and several actuators.

[0048] In Fig. 1 shows a signaling device 1 as a signal column 1 with three schematically illustrated interchangeable modules 2 and a radio module 12 comprising a transmitter and / or receiver, wherein the schematically illustrated circular arcs are intended to symbolize the “radio waves” or the wireless information transmission.

[0049] The signal tower 1 is usually connected to a technical device (not shown in detail) via a (multi-core) cable 5 in order to display or signal its operating status. For this purpose, the signal tower 1 has several electrical connections 27 to which the cable 5 or the wires are connected.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment of a signal tower 1 with a radio module 12, an alternative or second connection to the device to be monitored can also be implemented. This allows the device's operating states to be transmitted wirelessly from a transmitter and received by the radio module 12 or its receiver. In this case, within the meaning of the invention, the receiver of the radio module 12 is (also) the corresponding "connection" or "connection unit" of the signal tower 1.

[0051] This / these two "connections" (connection 27 and / or receiver of the radio module 12) are / are electrically or electronically connected to the interchangeable modules 2 and the lighting elements 20 within the meaning of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical and / or electronic switching element 21, 22 within the meaning of the invention are the switches 21 and the switches 22. In the present case, the switches 21, 22 are, among other things, electrically connected to the cable 5 and its wires. The switches 21, 22 each form an electrical circuit or a section of an electrical circuit provided within the signaling device 1, each of which comprises one of the lighting elements 20 or LED or the like. A reference potential 24 or a supply voltage 24 (24V AC / DC) is provided here. In addition, the connection of the signal column includes an earthing 23 or so-called mass, as a so-called “opposite pole” to the reference potential 24 or to close the respective circuits.

[0052] In the example shown, these are controllable switches 21, 22, which are designed, for example, as semiconductor transistors and can be controlled or switched by a control unit 26 or a microprocessor 26. The control unit 26 is also advantageously connected to the radio receiver (not shown), so that it can also use radio information to switch / control the switches 21, 22. Furthermore, a "logic" or software and / or a data memory can be provided in the radio module 12, so that the control of the switches 21, 22 can also be implemented using additional commands or information / instructions.

[0053] In principle, additional or very different instructions or instructions that change due to software changes, special framework conditions or the like can also be transmitted to the control unit 26 from an external processor or computer / server or the like, in particular by radio transmission. For example, a sensor or smoke detector (not shown in detail) can report to the signal column 1, preferably by radio transmission, that there is a fire in the building. For example, the control unit 26 can close the switch 21 for the "red" interchangeable module 2 and, if necessary, also trigger a beeper or siren (not shown in detail), so that people present are alerted (inter alia due to the siren's special fire melody and, if necessary, all signal columns 1 light up "red" at the same time).

[0054] According to the invention, the signal column 1 controls in Fig. 1 schematically illustrates two actuators 28 of two actuators 8, which are sketched here as electric motors 8. Here, the switches 22 are designed as actuator switches 22. Thus, in the sense of the invention, in particular the switches 22 (and in this case also the switches 21) are integrated / arranged in the respective circuits or electrical and / or electronic connections between the terminals 27 or the radio receiver of the radio module 12 (via the microcontroller 26) and the interchangeable modules 2 or lighting elements 20.

[0055] Between the switches 21 and 22 of the respective circuits, there is a branching point 25 or a line to the reference potential 24, so that on the one hand, an "internal circuit" is formed from the reference potential 24 via the branching point 25, via the switch 21 to the lighting element 20 and back to the ground 23. In parallel, on the other hand, an "external circuit" is formed from the reference potential 24 via the branching point 25, now via the switch 22 to the cable 5 and thus to the "external" actuator 28 or actuator 29, and finally to the ground 23 of the actuator 29. The actuator 29 can be a part or component of the device to be monitored, or a separate actuator 29, such as the ventilation system of the factory building, etc.

[0056] According to Fig. In Figure 1, the two switches 21 and 22 shown "on the left" are closed, so that the lower or "green" interchangeable module 2 or its light element 20 is illuminated, and at the same time the "lower" actuator 8 or electric motor 8 shown in the figure rotates (see rotation arrow) or is activated. In contrast, the other switches 21, 22 are in the open position, so that the other interchangeable modules 2 or the other actuator 8 are not in operation or "activated."

[0057] For example, the actuators 8 are Fig. 1 with a smaller control voltage (24V AC / DC) or its actuator 28, e.g. a relay, is supplied with voltage / controlled by means of the signal column 1, but with this a power supply 29 such as a three-phase current / high current with approx. 380V is switched to drive the electric motor 8 or actuator 8.

[0058] Only in Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a networked system, wherein the radio module 12 of the signal column 1 is wirelessly connected to other signal columns 1 or a computer 9, etc., by means of an (externally mounted) antenna 11, or can exchange data / information. The signal columns 1 are closed at the top, for example, by means of a cover 3. The signal columns 1 are advantageously attached, preferably with a base 4, to the technical device 30 (illustrated only very schematically) or to the technical device to be monitored, such as a machine tool 30 or the like.

[0059] The operating states of the technical device 30 (not shown in detail) are preferably transmitted to the signal column 1 via a cable 5. Communication between the technical device 30 to be monitored and the signal column 1 (not shown in detail) takes place, for example, in the conventional manner using a controller 32 of the machine 30. However, addressed transmission of the respective operating states for advantageously addressed interchangeable modules 2 is also feasible. This variant is particularly advantageous when using an internal bus system within the signal column 1.

[0060] The Fig. 2 front-mounted devices or machines 30 of the front signal columns 1 to be monitored are electrically connected or networked with each other by means of a machine connection 31. In the case example according to Fig. 2, the signal columns 1 or machines 30 arranged at the rear are networked with each other, but not networked with the front machines 30.

[0061] All signal columns 1 are thus networked separately or in parallel to the machines 30 or connected to each other in order to be able to exchange data or control signals.

[0062] In Fig. 2 schematically shows a signaling device network, wherein the total of five signal columns 1 are advantageously connected via cables 5 to the corresponding technical device 30 to be monitored, such as a machine tool 30 or the like, or to its respective own machine control system 32.

[0063] In addition to the five signal columns 1, each labeled with Roman numerals, a central acquisition and evaluation unit 9 is provided, i.e., a computer 9 or processor or the like. The central computer 9 also has a screen 10 for displaying the operating states of the signal columns 1.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, bidirectional communication of the signaling devices 1 is advantageous, which occurs completely wirelessly or via radio using antennas 11. For example, the bases 4 of the signal columns 1 with the Roman numerals I, II, and V each include the antenna 11. In contrast, the signal columns 1 with the Roman numerals III and IV each have a radio module 12 designed as an interchangeable module with the antenna 11.

[0065] In contrast, the machines 30 to be monitored form two machine networks, each separate from the signaling device network, which communicate via cable connections 31. One of the two machine networks comprises a machine control center 33, which centrally controls three of the machines 30, including the internal machine controls 32.

[0066] The signal columns 1 according to Fig. 2 is common that three lighting units or interchangeable modules 2 are provided for displaying correspondingly different operating states of technical devices not shown in detail, such as machine tools or the like.

[0067] In addition, a so-called router 13 with an antenna 11 can also be provided, which can be arranged, for example, between the computer 9 and particularly distant signal towers 1 in order to advantageously bridge longer radio distances. If necessary, several signal towers 1 can be assigned to a router 13, for which the router 13 transmits corresponding radio signals to the computer 9.

[0068] For example, the antenna 11 of the computer 9 can be designed as a separate component which can be connected to the computer 9 in particular by means of a plug-in connection such as a USB plug or the like. With the aid of advantageous software on the computer 9, the central recording, monitoring and display of the signal columns 1 or the existing components, i.e. the network topology or current or past operating states, can be advantageously implemented. This can also be used, for example, to use a data memory of the computer 9 to statistically evaluate and visualize, in particular, chronologically stored operating states over a desired period of time such as a month, year, etc. In principle, advantageous bidirectional communication can be provided for all components shown or described.

[0069] Especially when using radio modules 12 or radio antennas 11 for the wireless connection 6 of the signal columns 1 with the computer 9 or between the warning lights 1, a coding or addressing of the signal columns 1 or light units or interchangeable modules 2 is of particular advantage.

[0070] In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, for example, the central computer 9 can receive data or operating states of a signal column 1, for example with the Roman numeral I, and optionally forward them to another signal column 1, for example with the Roman numeral II, so that for a particular application, the signal column 1 with the Roman numeral II now displays or represents the operating state of the signal column 1 with the Roman numeral I. Accordingly, according to the invention, a connection is provided between the signal columns 1 of the warning light system shown, in which connection the computer is integrated. Accordingly, the router 13 can also be used without, for example, the central computer 9 being particularly involved in this communication.

[0071] In general, in addition to the components shown, the signaling device network can transmit the operating states of the signal towers 1 to a separate additional device, such as a cell phone, a mobile PDA, a portable computer or notebook, or the like, primarily using wireless connections or antennas 11. When using advantageous wireless communication, already known wireless transmission systems such as GSM, UMTS, WLAN, BLUETOOTH, ZigBee, or others can be used.

[0072] It is fundamentally advantageous that, especially when using an interchangeable module 12 designed as a radio module 12, conventional signal columns 1, which are / were essentially constructed from interchangeable modules 2, can be retrofitted or upgraded without great effort, so that several signal columns 1 form an advantageous network and can connect a wide variety of devices or machines. In this case, the network does not need to be coordinated with the internal communication of the device 30 to be monitored. In practice, several different internal machine communication systems, networked or not or only partially networked, are often found within a production facility or machine hall, etc. This makes it possible to set up separate or parallel communication or networking of the signal columns 1 without great effort (without special software and hardware). This network can be set up in just a few minutes, e.g.by installing the radio module 12 and loading software onto a computer 9.

[0073] In addition, a wide variety of other components can be integrated into the network of signal columns 1. For example, with a signal column 1 according to the invention, as described above with regard to Fig. 1, an “external” actuator 28 or actuator 8 can be advantageously controlled. Fig. 2 this is indicated schematically with the different actuators such as electric motor 81, hydraulic cylinder 82 and electric heating coil or heater 83, which in the present example are each designed as a part or component of the machines 30 to be monitored.

[0074] In addition, Fig.2 shows a wind turbine 50 with an antenna 11 to illustrate that any number of additional components can also be integrated into the signaling device network. Information regarding the energy production of the wind turbine 50 or a PV system on the roof of the factory building can be transmitted wirelessly to the network. This information can then be used to optimize power consumption, depending, for example, on the company's own power production, by the central computer 9 sending an instruction / information to one of the signaling devices 1 so that it, for example, switches the heater 83 on or off. Additional production parameters can advantageously be taken into account here, e.g., the number of items still to be produced, such as injection-molded parts, or the expected end / achievement of the target production volume of the machine 30, etc.

[0075] Alternatively or in combination with this, the heating system 83 could also be a domestic water heating system 83 of the heating system of the factory building, which can thus be used as an advantageous “wind energy storage system”.

[0076] The individual application examples briefly outlined above can only provide an initial idea of ​​the almost unlimited possibilities for controlling “external” actuators 28 or actuators 8, 81, 82, 83 of production machines, building technology, energy producers / consumers, quantity recording and control, production logistics, etc. List of reference symbols 1 signal column 2 interchangeable modules 3 lids 4 bases 5 cables 6 Connection 7 light 8 Actuator 9 computers 10 screen 11 Antenna 12 radio module 13 routers 20 light elements 21 switches 22 switches 23 Grounding 24 Reference potential 25 junction point 26 Control unit 27 connections 28 Actuator 29 Energy supply 30 machines 31 connection 32 Control 33 Machine Center 50 wind turbines 81 electric motor 82 hydraulic cylinders 83 Heating

Claims

[1] Optical signaling device (1), in particular a signal light or a modular signal column (1) or the like, with at least one lighting unit (2) comprising at least one lighting element (20) for the optical display of one or more different operating states of a technical device (30) such as a machine or a system, wherein at least one electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27) is provided for connecting or contacting at least the technical device (30), wherein at least one electrical and / or electronic connection unit (12) is provided between the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27) and the lighting unit (2) for the electrical and / or electronic connection of the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27) to the lighting unit (2),wherein the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (12) has at least one electrical and / or electronic switching element (21, 22) for establishing and / or separating the electrical and / or electronic connection between the lighting unit (2) and the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27), wherein the electrical and / or electronic switching element (21, 22) is also designed as an actuator switch (21, 22) for switching at least one actuator (28) of a first actuator (8) of the technical device (30) and a second actuator (8) separate from the technical device (30), characterized bythat the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (12) has at least two electrical and / or electronic switching elements (21, 22) for establishing and / or breaking the electrical and / or electronic connection between the lighting unit (2) and the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27) and that at least one branching point (25) with an electrical supply line (24) for supplying electrical energy is arranged between the two electrical and / or electronic switching elements (21, 22), so that two separately switchable electrical circuits or supply circuits can be formed. [2] Optical signaling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that a holding element (4) and / or a base (4) for holding the optical signaling device (1) in an operating position and / or a tool-free replaceable module (2, 12) comprises at least the electrical and / or electronic switching element (21, 22). [3] Optical signaling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least in one switching phase the two electrical and / or electronic switching elements (21, 22) are in the closed switching position, so that the electrical and / or electronic connection between the lighting unit (2) and the electrical and / or electronic connection unit (27) is electrically conductive. [4] Optical signaling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one control unit (26) is provided for checking / controlling and / or actuating the electrical and / or electronic switching element(s) (21, 22). [5] Optical signaling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the holding element (4) and / or the base (4) and / or the tool-free replaceable module (2, 12) comprises at least the control unit (26). [6] Module (2, 12) for an optical signaling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at a first end of the module (2, 12) a base (4) or holding element (4) for holding in an operating position or a further module (2, 12) for the optical signaling device (1) can be released and fixed without tools, and wherein at a second end of the module (2, 12) a further module (2, 12) for the optical signaling device (1) or a cover (3) can be released and fixed without tools. [7] Signal device unit with an optical signal device (1) according to one of claims 1-5 and with at least the technical device (30) and / or at least one actuator (8). [8] Signaling device unit with an optical signaling device (1) according to one of claims 1-5 and with at least the technical device (30) and with a building comprising at least the technical device (30), wherein the building comprises at least one actuator (8) and wherein at least one component of a heating system (83) and / or a ventilation system and / or an air conditioning system and / or a production machine (30) is designed as the actuator (8).

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