Signaling system for vehicles and plug-in hinge for such signaling systems

Abstract

Signaling system for vehicles, comprising a warning light carrier (2), a signal light (5) mounted on the warning light carrier (2), and a plug-in hinge (3) with which the warning light carrier (2) is pivotably connected, characterized in that the signaling system (1) comprises, in addition to the signal light (5), an acoustic signal generator (6) which can be attached to the warning light carrier (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a signaling system for vehicles and also to a plug-in hinge for such signaling systems.

[0002] DE 44 22 150 C1 describes a signaling system for vehicles comprising a beacon bracket for accommodating an optical signal light. The beacon bracket is connected to a plug-in hinge mounted on the vehicle roof. The plug-in hinge has a pivot pin onto which a corresponding receptacle in the beacon bracket can be plugged, allowing the beacon bracket to pivot about the axis of the plug-in hinge and compensate for roof curvatures. The plug-in hinge is either screwed to the roof or attached to a gutter via a claw mount. The beacon bracket also has a support base, designed as a suction or magnetic plate, which can be attached directly to the vehicle roof.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of attaching a signaling system for vehicles to a vehicle roof in a structurally simple manner.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. The subclaims specify expedient developments.

[0005] The signaling system according to the invention, in particular a special signaling system, can be attached to vehicles, preferably to the roofs of vehicles. The attachment is designed to be detachable, so that the signaling system is only attached to the vehicle when needed and can be released and removed again when not in use. The signaling system comprises a beacon carrier, a signal light mounted on the beacon carrier, and a plug-in hinge with which the beacon carrier can be connected. The plug-in hinge is designed to be attachable to the vehicle, in particular to the vehicle roof.

[0006] In addition to the signal light, which generates a visually perceptible signal, the signaling system includes an acoustic signal generator attached to the beacon carrier. The acoustic signal generator is designed, for example, as a loudspeaker and can generate an acoustic signal. The signaling system is thus capable of generating various types of signals that can be perceived both visually and acoustically. The signal light and the acoustic signal generator can preferably be controlled independently of one another, so that either only the signal light or only the acoustic signal generator, or both the signal light and the acoustic signal generator generate signals.

[0007] The signal light and / or the acoustic signaling device are controlled by signals that can be fed to the signaling system from outside, for example, via cables from the vehicle interior, where the signals are generated in a signal generating device. Alternatively, the signals for controlling the signal light and / or the acoustic signaling device can also be generated in a signal generating device integrated into the signaling system.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the beacon carrier has a carrier plate, preferably made of metal, and two carrier feet, wherein the carrier plate accommodates the signal light and one of the carrier feet is designed for connection to the plug-in hinge. In a further advantageous embodiment, the plug-in hinge is designed such that the beacon carrier can perform a pivoting movement to compensate for a curvature of the vehicle roof via the connection of the carrier foot and the plug-in hinge. The pivoting connection of the carrier foot to the plug-in hinge is achieved, for example, in such a way that a pivot pin engages in an associated pivot recess, wherein the pivot pin is located either on the plug-in hinge or on the carrier foot, and the pivot recess is located in a correspondingly complementary manner either on the carrier foot or on the plug-in hinge.

[0009] The second support base, which is positioned at a distance from the plug-in hinge, can be supported on the vehicle roof without a fixed connection. In the case of a magnetizable vehicle roof, a design with a magnet integrated into the support base is also possible. This support base can be height-adjustable for horizontal alignment of the signaling system, for example, in a design with an adjustable threaded rod. The support base can be designed, for example, as a rubber base.

[0010] The two support feet can be formed as one piece with the beacon support. If necessary, a separate construction of one or both support feet is also possible. The beacon support is typically made of glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) or a plastic material.

[0011] It may be useful for the support plate to be pivotably connected to the plug-in hinge. This has the advantage of ensuring the entire signaling system is extremely stable.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment, the acoustic signaling device is attached to the carrier plate of the beacon holder. The acoustic signaling device is located, for example, on the underside of the carrier plate, whereas the signal light can be located on the top of the carrier plate. The signal light, carrier plate, and beacon holder can be screwed together.

[0013] Both the signal light and the acoustic signaling device are advantageously detachably mounted on the beacon carrier. This allows the signal light and the acoustic signaling device to be removed after use and reattached to the beacon carrier as needed. In another preferred embodiment, all components of the signaling system can be disassembled after use and reassembled and mounted on the vehicle, particularly on the vehicle roof, as needed.

[0014] A further aspect of the invention relates to a plug-in hinge for fastening a signaling system to a vehicle roof, in particular a signaling system as described above. The plug-in hinge serves to accommodate a component of the signaling system, preferably a beacon carrier, in particular in a pivotable manner, wherein the plug-in hinge is designed such that it can be adhesively bonded directly or indirectly to the vehicle roof. This design has the advantage that no mechanical connection of the plug-in hinge to the vehicle roof is required, in particular screwing to the vehicle roof or claw-hooking to a gutter can be dispensed with. The adhesive connection can in particular prevent damage to the roof skin. The adhesive connection is capable of absorbing the forces normally encountered when mounting the signaling system on the vehicle roof and during operation.Once glued in place, the hinge remains permanently attached to the vehicle roof, even if the other components of the signaling system are removed. If necessary, the adhesive connection can be removed again and the hinge removed from the vehicle roof.

[0015] In an advantageous development, the plug-in hinge is connected to at least one, preferably at least two, separately formed adhesive plates designed to be glued to the vehicle roof. In this embodiment, the plug-in hinge is not glued directly to the vehicle, but rather connected to the adhesive plates, for example, screwed, with the adhesive plates being glued to the vehicle roof with their undersides. If necessary, the connection between the adhesive plates and the plug-in hinge can be removed, particularly in the screwed version, so that only the adhesive plates remain on the vehicle roof.

[0016] Preferably, a total of three separately formed adhesive plates are provided, to which the plug-in hinge is connected, in particular screwed. The three adhesive plates can each be relatively small, which has the advantage that the smaller adhesive surface of each adhesive plate rests essentially flat on the vehicle roof despite a curvature of the vehicle roof. The adhesive plates are advantageously arranged in a row and can be spaced apart from one another, thereby providing stable support for the plug-in hinge on the vehicle roof.

[0017] If necessary, the underside of the adhesive plates facing the vehicle roof can be convex to compensate for the curvature of the vehicle roof.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one adhesive plate is screwed to the plug-in hinge, and a flexible compensating element is arranged between the adhesive plate and the plug-in hinge. The flexible compensating element is designed, for example, as a rubber compensating ring that engages around a screw between the adhesive plate and the plug-in hinge. The flexible compensating element can at least partially compensate for the curvature of the vehicle roof.

[0019] Further advantages and practical embodiments can be found in the further claims, the description of the figures, and the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a first side view of a signaling system to be mounted on a vehicle roof with a signal light and a loudspeaker as an acoustic signal generator, Fig. 2 the signal system Fig. 1 in perspective view, Fig. 3 the signal system Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 in a second side view, Fig. 4 to 6 a signaling system in a variant with the same views as in the first embodiment, Fig. 7 in side view a plug-in hinge for gluing onto a vehicle roof, Fig. 8 the plug-in hinge in perspective view.

[0020] In the figures, identical components are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0021] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a signaling system 1 to be mounted on a vehicle roof. The signaling system 1 comprises a beacon carrier 2, a plug-in hinge 3, a support plate 4, a signal light 5, and a loudspeaker 6 as an acoustic signal generator. The fixed, but in principle detachable, connection to the vehicle roof is established via the plug-in hinge 3. The signal light 5 and the loudspeaker 6 are preferably controlled via cables from the vehicle interior.

[0022] The metal support plate 4, which in turn supports the signal light 5, rests on the beacon support 2, which is made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic or a plastic material. The beacon support 2, the support plate 4 resting thereon, and the signal light 5 arranged on the support plate 4 are connected to one another by screws 7, which are guided from below through the beacon support 2.

[0023] The beacon carrier 2 comprises a horizontal support body 2a and two support feet 2b, 2c, of which the first support foot 2b is formed integrally with the support body 2a and forms an angle of approximately 70° with the support body 2a. The second support foot 2c is formed separately from the support body 2a but is connected to the support body 2a. The second support foot 2c extends vertically to the support body 2a and is height-adjustable by means of a threaded rod. The second support foot 2c has a plate-shaped support surface that rests loosely on the vehicle roof without a fixed connection. If necessary, a magnet can be integrated into the second support foot 2c so that, in the case of a magnetizable vehicle roof, a magnetic force connects the second support foot 2c to the vehicle roof. The first support foot 2b and the second support foot 2c are located at opposite ends of the support body 2a.

[0024] The lower end section of the first support foot 2b is designed for pivoting connection with the plug-in hinge 3. The pivoting connection is made by means of axle pins 8 ( Fig. 3) is realized in the area of ​​two bearings 9 on the plug-in hinge 3, wherein the two bearings 9 are offset from one another and the axle pins 8 are coaxial with one another. The pivot axis of the axle pins 8 runs horizontally and thus at least approximately parallel to the vehicle roof. The axle pins 8 are arranged, for example, at the lower end section of the first support foot 2b and protrude into associated receptacles in the bearings 9. The axle connection between the support foot 2b and the plug-in hinge 3 can be released in order to remove the beacon carrier 2, including the signal light 5 and loudspeaker 6, from the vehicle roof. The plug-in hinge can remain on the vehicle roof if necessary.

[0025] The loudspeaker 6 is located in the transition area from the support body 2a to the first support base 2b. The loudspeaker 6, which is attached to the support plate 4, is arranged essentially below and laterally offset from the signal light 5.

[0026] To protect against unauthorized removal, the signaling system 1 is equipped with a lock 10 located in the first support base 2b. When locked, the pivoting connection between the first support base 2b and the plug-in hinge 3 cannot be released. Above the lock 10 is a cover plate 11, which is screwed to the support plate 4 using screws 12. To open the lock 10 and remove the signaling system, the screws 12 must first be loosened and the cover plate 11 removed. The screwed-on cover plate 11 thus represents an additional security measure against unauthorized removal of the signaling system 1, so that removal is only possible with the aid of tools.

[0027] The second embodiment according to the Fig. 4 to 6 has the same basic structure as the first embodiment, so reference is made to the above description in this regard. However, the design of the support plate 4, which supports both the signal light 5 and the loudspeaker 6, is different. Fig. 4 to 6, the support plate 4 is provided with an additional support bracket 4a, which is integrally formed on the support plate 4 and extends along the upper side of the first support foot 2b. The free end of the support bracket 4a rests on the plug-in hinge 3 and prevents the beacon support 2, including the signal light 5 and loudspeaker 6, from pivoting open too far about the pivot axis of the two axle pins 8. However, a slight pivoting to compensate for vehicle roof curvatures is possible.

[0028] Also integral with the support plate 4 is a side panel 4b, which is located on the side of the first support base 2b with the loudspeaker 6 and has a recess at its end through which an axle pin 8 is guided. Thus, the support plate 4 is firmly connected to the plug-in hinge 3 via the side panel 4b, which provides additional stability to the signaling system 1.

[0029] In the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows a plug-in hinge 3 that can be glued to a vehicle roof. The plug-in hinge 3 includes three adhesive plates 13, the underside of which is adhesive and which are glued directly to the vehicle roof. The three adhesive plates 13 are arranged in a row and spaced apart from one another. Each adhesive plate 13 is connected to the plug-in hinge 3 via a screw 14. The underside of the adhesive plates 13 can be slightly convex to compensate for the curvature of the vehicle roof.

[0030] Between each adhesive plate 13 and the plug-in hinge 3 is a flexible compensating element in the form of a rubber compensating ring 15, which surrounds the screw 14 between the adhesive plate 13 and the plug-in hinge 3. The rubber compensating ring 15 can at least partially compensate for the curvature of the vehicle roof. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 44 22 150 C1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Signalling system for vehicles, with a beacon holder (2), with a signal light (5) which is mounted on the beacon holder (2), and with a plug-in hinge (3) to which the beacon holder (2) is pivotally connected, characterized by that the signaling system (1) comprises, in addition to the signal light (5), an acoustic signal generator (6) which can be fastened to the beacon carrier (2). [2] Signaling system according to claim 1, characterized by that the beacon carrier (2) has two support feet (2b, 2c), wherein a first support foot (2b) is designed for connection to the plug-in hinge (3) and the second support foot (2c) serves as a support foot for support on the vehicle. [3] Signaling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a support plate (4) rests on the beacon support (2) and accommodates the signal light (5). [4] Signaling system according to claim 3, characterized bythat the acoustic signal generator (6) is attached to the carrier plate (4). [5] Signaling system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the support plate (4) is pivotally connected to the plug-in hinge (3). [6] Plug-in hinge for fastening a signaling system (1) on a vehicle roof, in particular a signaling system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the plug-in hinge (3) is designed to be glued onto the vehicle roof. [7] Plug-in hinge according to claim 6, characterized by that the plug-in hinge (3) has at least one, preferably at least two separately formed adhesive plates (13) which are designed to be glued to the vehicle roof. [8] Plug-in hinge according to claim 7, characterized by that there are a total of three separately formed adhesive plates (13) which are connected to the plug-in hinge (3). [9] Plug-in hinge according to claim 8, characterized bythat the adhesive plates (13) are in a row. [10] Plug-in hinge according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the adhesive plates (13) are spaced apart from each other. [11] Plug-in hinge according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by that the side of the adhesive plates (13) facing the vehicle roof is convex. [12] Plug-in hinge according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized by that the at least one adhesive plate (13) is screwed to the plug-in hinge (3), wherein a flexible compensating element (15) is arranged between the adhesive plate (13) and the plug-in hinge (3).

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