Signalling post

Abstract

A signal post (1) comprises a housing (2) with at least one lighting device (5) connected to an electronic control unit (8) and a first locking element (14) at a foot end which can be secured with a locking device (21) and which interacts with a second locking element (15) of a fixedly mountable base (16), wherein the housing (2) has a modular structure and at least the lighting device (5) and the first locking element (14) are assigned to different modules which can be connected to each other by means of a pulling device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a signal post.

[0002] Accidents at zebra crossings, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian crossings, or similar situations are usually caused by various risk factors. Poor visibility or poor perception of this particular situation is often a contributing factor. When such an accident occurs, pedestrians usually suffer serious injuries, with the driver ultimately being held solely responsible for the accident. Particularly in dim light conditions and at night, dangerous situations often arise in which road users have difficulty perceiving each other.

[0003] In cities with high traffic volumes and the necessary infrastructure, pedestrian crossings often have traffic lights installed, which can be integrated into the traffic control routine using a push button if necessary. Such traffic light systems are relatively expensive.

[0004] EP 3 091 523 A1 discloses a signaling device with at least one first warning post and a second warning post, at least one connecting line between the warning posts, and a switching device, wherein at least one first flashing light on the first warning post and at least one second flashing light on the second warning post can be switched on using the switching device and the connecting line. The warning post is attached to a first lane by means of a base plate or by means of a lower base piece in a first foundation. The switching device comprises at least one light barrier or at least one motion sensor. With this signaling device, it proves particularly problematic that the flashing light cannot be excluded from being switched on, for example, by blown-up or falling leaves or other moving objects detected or people walking past.

[0005] KR 102226032 B1 discloses a flexible road bollard with a plastic housing in which two metal sleeves are arranged. The two sleeves 30, 40 are connected to each other by a tensioning device 60, 61 with a rod 62. The flexible rod 62 allows the road bollard to bend and automatically reset in the event of an external impact. A base of the road bollard can be inserted into a tube in the ground, and a connecting bolt is provided to connect the base to a lower section of the road bollard. Furthermore, the base can be connected to the lower section of the road bollard with a bayonet lock. In particular, the connecting bolts and the components of the bayonet lock are not arranged within the tubular road bollard, but rather in an externally circumferential collar.

[0006] JP 4055063 B2 discloses a display column for displaying information. Several connectors are provided between individual modules. These connectors are inserted and screwed into grooves in module 10A, while others are also inserted and screwed into grooves in the adjacent module. The connectors only connect directly adjacent modules and do not extend through the entire display column.

[0007] CH 711 039 A1 discloses a warning post with a flashing light.

[0008] JP 3172868 U discloses an illuminated signal bollard consisting of several modules, between each of which a cover with a disc-shaped body is inserted. A recess is provided in the disc for wiring.

[0009] KR 101726862 B1 discloses a signal bollard that can be anchored in a base by means of a bayonet lock.

[0010] The KR 20130071553 A discloses a signal bollard that can be anchored in a base by means of a bayonet lock.

[0011] GB 2485195 A discloses a signal bollard that can be secured in a base by means of a lock.

[0012] The invention is based on the object of creating a signal post of the type mentioned at the outset which, with a simple structure, can be reliably and inexpensively replaced, installed, operated and maintained and can also be integrated into a system comprising several signal posts.

[0013] According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.

[0014] A signal post comprises a housing with at least one lighting device connected to an electronic control unit and a first closure element at a base end which can be secured with a locking device and which cooperates with a second closure element of a base which can be mounted in a fixed position, wherein the housing has a modular structure and at least the lighting device and the first closure element are assigned to different modules which can be connected to one another by means of a pulling device.

[0015] According to the invention, a head module of the housing is equipped with at least one switching device and is connected to a pull rod of the pulling device on the side facing the first closure element. The head module forms an upper closure of the signal post's housing, and the pull rod extends from the head module through the plurality of stacked modules that form the housing to the first closure element, to which it can also be secured.

[0016] The signal post is intended, for example, to serve in the vicinity of and to secure a pedestrian crossing or similar, and represents a self-contained warning system in road traffic. The colors, flashing frequencies, and brightness of the lighting device can, of course, be adapted in accordance with local regulations. The signal post contains a cavity in its housing, which is made primarily of plastic and / or metal, for accommodating technical components, in particular for the vandal-proof housing of the control unit. The lighting device can, for example, be inserted into an opening in the corresponding module of the housing or mounted on the wall of the module and, in addition to active elements, can also include, for example, reflective devices.

[0017] Due to the modular design of the signal post and its housing, maintenance or repair after disassembly is easy to carry out and, in particular, cost-effective and quick, since individual modules can be replaced if necessary.

[0018] The pulling device can be designed such that it can only be released from the second locking element after the first locking element has been disassembled, in order to separate the individual modules of the housing from one another. According to the invention, the pulling device comprises a pull rod fixed at the head end and a securing element or a tensioning element at the foot end, i.e., in the area of ​​the first locking element.

[0019] To securely anchor the signal post or its housing for replacement, maintenance, and repair purposes, the base, which includes or has the second locking element, is firmly anchored in a subsurface, for example, in the ground. The second locking element of the base is designed to interact with the first locking element arranged at the base end of the signal post's housing, which can, for example, be latched together and / or releasably connected to one another by a force fit.

[0020] To prevent unauthorized removal of the signal post's housing from the base, a locking device is provided. The locking device can, for example, be designed as a simple mechanical lock or comprise a locking cylinder operable with a key. The key can be a mechanical and / or electronic key, for example, equipped with a transponder or the like.

[0021] For example, a switch, in particular a push button switch or a sensor as explained below, can be assigned to the control unit to switch on the lighting device.

[0022] The lighting device can be arranged inside the housing module, which has corresponding openings, or circumferentially on the outer surface. Of course, a covering that protects against dirt and / or damage, for example, an optically optimized cover, is advantageous.

[0023] The subclaims represent advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0024] To ensure the signal post can be operated essentially autonomously, the housing comprises a module equipped with photovoltaic elements and / or a module equipped with reflectors and / or a module containing at least one accumulator and / or a module housing at least the electronic control unit. The individual modules can be electrically connected to one another using electrical connectors, either directly or via a type of cable harness inside the housing.

[0025] Centering rings are arranged between individual modules for defined mechanical coupling and alignment. Seals can also be provided between the centering rings and the individual modules to prevent moisture and / or dirt from penetrating the interior of the housing.

[0026] In order to make dismantling the signal post from the base relatively easy and quick, the first locking element forms a bayonet lock with the second locking element, wherein the first locking element can be locked in position with the second locking element.

[0027] The second locking element of the bayonet lock comprises, for example, in addition to a particularly cylindrical receptacle, two open grooves, wherein the first locking element at the base end of the signal post housing comprises, for example, a cylindrical guide projection and two transverse pins lockable in the grooves of the base for interaction with the second locking element. The bayonet lock formed in this way can hold the housing relative to the base, in particular in a predetermined position and, with an arrangement of locking elements, can also be lockable. So that the signal post housing, in its assembled end position, assumes a defined position relative to the base fixed in the ground or on a subsurface, the first locking element can expediently be lockable to the second locking element in a position-locking manner.

[0028] In addition, the bayonet lock includes an axially acting spring mechanism that preloads the housing relative to the base when mounted. This can, for example, apply load to the transverse pins of the bayonet lock.

[0029] According to a further development, the locking device comprises a switch lock that can be inserted into a transverse opening of a centering ring or a module of the housing. The switch lock interacts mechanically with a locking bolt and is electrically / electronically connected to the control unit. The switch lock, which can either be directly equipped with switching contacts or actuate switching contacts with an actuator, or, as an electronic switch lock, assumes various switching states by means of a readable or inputtable coding, allows the control unit to be set, for example, to a programming or operating mode or the like. At the same time, the switch lock actuates the locking bolt, which locks the housing of the signal post relative to the base in the mounted end position.

[0030] In one embodiment, the locking bolt is mounted on the housing in such a way that, in a locked position, it rests in an opening in the base under spring load and is connected to the switch lock via at least one coupling element in such a way that, for unlocking, it can be displaced out of the opening in the base against the spring action. Of course, in the locked position, the locking bolt can prevent rotation of the housing relative to the base and thus determine the end position of the housing relative to the base, particularly if the locking bolt is received in the associated opening with relatively little play and is reliably guided inside the housing.

[0031] The locking device's switching lock conveniently switches the control unit into a programming and / or maintenance and / or operating mode.

[0032] Preferably, the control unit is connected to a switch-on device of the lighting device and at least one accumulator, and includes electronic charging management for the accumulator. For example, a connection to a power grid can be established for power supply, or the housing can be equipped with photovoltaic elements.

[0033] The switching-on device comprises a plurality of sensors for detecting ambient brightness, temperature, and / or movement, which are connected to the control unit for evaluating the sensor signals and controlling the lighting device. In particular, to prevent the lighting device from being switched on when dirt, leaves, or the like are stirred up, one of the sensors detects information that indicates a person, such as a specific temperature or temperature difference, predetermined movement sequences, in particular a sweeping movement of a human hand, a speed at which the sensor is touched or swept over, and the like. Corresponding values ​​are stored in a memory device of the electronic control unit, which further comprises a microcomputer, and can be read out and, if necessary, adjusted.

[0034] The lighting device advantageously comprises RGB light-emitting diodes (LEDs), whose light color and lighting behavior can be adjusted on the control unit. The LEDs can be so-called high-power LEDs. The color, in particular the light color and / or lighting behavior, can be adjusted so that the LEDs, for example, flash in certain colors depending on the environment, especially the brightness, or emit a continuous light. The LEDs can be arranged as desired on or in the housing, for example behind covers that protect the LEDs from dirt and / or damage. This means that the activated signal posts are visible to road users. Furthermore, the control unit can also control only certain LEDs, for example to avoid glare. Furthermore, the colors and flashing behavior naturally comply with current regulations or can be adapted accordingly.

[0035] For communication with programming devices and / or other signal posts, the control unit includes at least one network interface. The network interface can, for example, ensure wireless communication, particularly via the internet, allowing not only communication between several signal posts, for example, grouped together and assigned to a pedestrian crossing, but also their status checks as part of remote maintenance. Furthermore, Bluetooth interfaces or Near Field Communication (NFC) are not excluded, and if necessary, conventional wired communication can also take place.

[0036] The control unit is preferably coupled to other traffic guidance and / or safety systems and / or road user detection devices via the network interface. Thus, for example, the approach of a vehicle can also be detected via known communication devices and lead to activation of the signal post. Furthermore, a signal from a traffic light or a switch associated with a traffic light circuit or the signal post's activation device can be applied to the network interface. Of course, the interface of the signal post's control unit can also be connected to a switching module housed in a control cabinet or to other control modules via bus lines. The network interface can be wireless or wired, with signal posts according to the invention preferably communicating with each other wirelessly, although wired networking is also possible.

[0037] In a system with multiple signal posts, their respective control units can be linked to each other, or a control unit, particularly a higher-level control unit, can be assigned to a quasi-master signal post, while the other signal posts only contain simple subordinate controllers that enable communication with the master signal post. The wirelessly connected control units enable autonomous groups of signal posts.

[0038] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations. The scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims.

[0039] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic partial representation of a signal post according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the signal post according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a partial exploded view of the signal post according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 a representation of a base of the signal post according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 a schematic exploded view of detail V according to Fig. 1 .

[0040] The signal post 1 comprises a housing 2 with a cylindrical cross-section, which is composed of several individual modules 28 with centering rings 29 arranged between them. A head module 30 of the housing 2 is equipped with at least one switching device comprising a sensor module 3, wherein the head module 30 is firmly connected to a pull rod 31 of a pulling device. The pull rod 31 of the pulling device extends to a first closure element 14, which is arranged on the base side of the housing 2. Here, the pull rod 31 is equipped with a clamping nut 32 for clamping the housing.

[0041] The sensor farm 3 arranged on the head module 30 comprises, in particular, sensors for detecting ambient brightness and the presence of a person, for example, an infrared sensor and / or temperature sensor or the like. These sensors form a switch-on device, which can, of course, also be associated with a manually operable switch.

[0042] Furthermore, a module 28 adjoining the head module 30 is assigned to the housing 2, which module has reflectors 4 and extends around the circumference of the housing 2 or the associated module 28, so that they are visible from all sides. Adjoining the module 28 equipped with the reflectors 4 is a centering ring 29 with recesses for the two adjacent modules 28, wherein the module 28 following the centering ring 29 has a lighting device 5 with a plurality of light-emitting diodes 6, in particular so-called high-power LEDs. The light-emitting diodes 6 are arranged distributed over the circumference of the housing 2 and can, for example, be designed as RGB diodes in order to display different colors. Of course, an arrangement of the light-emitting diodes 6 distributed completely over the circumference or a partial arrangement is possible.

[0043] The module 28 equipped with the lighting device 5 is again held at its edge in a centering ring 29, which further holds a module 28 equipped on the outside with photovoltaic elements 7 for generating electrical energy and accommodating a control unit 8 within it. The photovoltaic elements 7 are coupled via a control unit 8, which includes an electronic charging management system 9, to a battery 10, which supplies the signal post 1 with electrical energy as soon as the sun is off. The battery 10 is held in a module 28 centered relative to the upstream module 28.

[0044] In addition to a microcomputer 11 for evaluating the sensor signals from the sensor farm 3 and for controlling the LEDs 6 of the lighting device 5, the control unit 8 comprises a memory device 12 and interfaces 13 for connecting additional computer devices, for example for maintenance or programming, wherein at least one of the interfaces 13 is designed as a wireless network interface in order to couple the signal post 1, in particular for remote maintenance and / or condition monitoring, to a central computer and / or for the synchronized switching of the LEDs 6 of the lighting device 5 to other signal posts 1. Furthermore, communication with other traffic control and / or safety systems and / or road user detection devices can also take place via the interfaces 13. Of course, the control unit 8 can also control only individual LEDs 6 of the lighting device 5 to illuminate in order to avoid glare in the surrounding area.

[0045] For mechanically detachable fastening of the signal post 1, the housing 2 has a first locking element 14 at one end, which forms a bayonet lock 17 with a second locking element 15 of a stationary base 16. The second locking element 15 has a locking cam 18 into which transverse pins of the first locking element 14 engage. The housing 2 is centered relative to the base 16 by a cylindrical projection 19, which engages in a corresponding recess 20. The essentially tubular base 16 can be anchored, for example, in a borehole in the ground.

[0046] To secure the housing 2 mounted on the base 16, a locking device 21 is provided, which comprises a locking cylinder 22 of an electric or electronic switch lock 23 inserted into a centering ring 29 of the housing 2. Switch contacts of the switch lock 23 (not shown in detail) are connected to the control unit 8, for example to place it into a maintenance / programming and / or operating state. Furthermore, the locking cylinder 22 is connected via a coupling element 25 designed as a pull cable 24 to a locking bolt 26, which is mounted on the base side in the housing 2 and, in the mounted end position, is spring-loaded and inserted into an opening 27 in the base 16. Upon a corresponding rotational movement of the locking cylinder 22, the locking bolt 26 is pulled out of the opening and the bayonet catch 17 can be opened to remove the housing 2 from the base 16.In the locked end position, the switching lock 23 assumes a switching and closing position to make the control unit 8 ready for operation.

[0047] Of course, the locking cylinder 22 can be part of a locking system, so that several switching locks or the like can be locked with one key.

[0048] After opening the bayonet lock 17 and separating the housing 2 from the base 16, the clamping nut 32 can be loosened and the housing 2 can be disassembled into its individual modules 28 and centering rings 29, wherein the electrical / electronic components are connected to one another via plug contacts or corresponding wiring 33. Reference symbol

[0049] 1. signal post 18. locking curve 2. Housing 19. Approach 3. Sensor farm 20. recess 4. reflector 21. locking device 5. Lighting device 22. Lock cylinder 6. light-emitting diode 23. Switch lock 7. Photovoltaic element 24. pull rope 8. Control unit 25. coupling element 9. Charging management 26. locking bolt 10. accumulator 27. opening 11. microcomputer 28. module 12. Storage device 29. Centering ring 13. interface 30. Head module 14. locking element 31. Drawbar 15. locking element 32. clamping nut 16. base 33. wiring 17. bayonet lock

Claims

1. Signalling pillar (1) with an electronic control unit (8) and a housing (2) with at least one lighting device (5) connected to the electronic control unit (8) and with a first locking element (14) at a base end, which is provided with a closing device (21) and can thus be secured, and with a base footing (16), wherein the first locking element (14) co-operates with a second locking element (15) of the fixedly mountable base footing (16), wherein the housing (2) has a modular design concept and at least the lighting device (5) and the first locking element (14) are associated with different modules (28) which can be connected to one another by means of a pulling device, wherein a head module (30) of the housing (2) is equipped with at least one switch-on device and is connected to a pull rod (31) of the pulling device on the side facing the first locking element (14), wherein the head module (30) forms an upper end of the housing (2) of the signalling pillar (1) and the pull rod (24) extends from the head module (30) through the plurality of modules (2) arranged one above the other, which form the housing (2), up to the first locking element (14), to which it is also fixed.

2. Signalling pillar (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing (2) has a module (28) equipped with photovoltaic elements (7) and / or a module (28) equipped with reflectors (4) and / or a module (28) having at least one accumulator (10) in its interior and / or a module (28) accommodating at least the electronic control unit (8) in its interior.

3. Signalling pillar (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that centring rings (29) are arranged between individual modules (28).

4. Signalling pillar (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first locking element (14) forms a bayonet lock (17) with the second locking element (15), wherein the first locking element (14) can be latched in a position-locking manner with the second locking element (15).

5. Signalling pillar (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the bayonet lock (17) comprises an axially effective spring device which pretensions the housing (2) relative to the base footing (16) in the mounted state.

6. Signalling pillar (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the closing device (21) comprises a switching lock (23) which can be inserted into a transverse opening of a centring ring (29) or a module (28) of the housing (2), wherein the switching lock (23) interacts mechanically with a locking bolt (26) and is electrically / electronically connected to the control unit (8).

7. Signalling pillar (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that the locking bolt (26) is mounted on the housing (2) in such a way that, in a locked position, it lies spring-loaded in an opening (27) of the base footing (16) and is connected to the switching lock (23) via at least one coupling element (25) in such a way that it can be displaced out of the opening (27) of the base footing (16) counter to the spring effect for unlocking.

8. Signalling pillar (1) according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterised in that the switching lock (23) of the closing device (21) switches the control unit (8) into a programming and / or maintenance and / or operating mode.

9. Signalling pillar (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the control unit (8) is connected to a switch-on device of the lighting device (5) and to the at least one accumulator (10) and comprises an electronic charging management (9) for the accumulator (10).

10. Signalling pillar (1) according to claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the switch-on device comprises a plurality of sensors for detecting an ambient brightness, a temperature and / or a movement, which are connected to the control unit (8) for evaluating the sensor signals and for controlling the lighting device (5).

11. Signalling pillar (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the lighting device (5) comprises RGB LED (light-emitting diodes) (6), wherein the light colour and the lighting behaviour of which can be adjusted at the control unit (8).

12. Signalling pillar (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the control unit (8) comprises at least one network interface (13).

13. Signalling pillar (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the control unit (8) is coupled via the network interface (13) to further traffic guidance and / or safety systems and / or road user detection devices.

14. System of several signalling pillars (1) according to claim 1, which are coupled to each other via their respective control units (8) and optionally comprise a common control unit (8).

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