Signal device with plug connector

Abstract

A signaling device (11) with an alternative, simplified assembly is proposed, in which the mounting device (12) is designed as a connector for attaching and securing the housing to the free tube end (16), wherein the mounting device (12) comprises a retaining element (15) with a guide sleeve (1H) for overlapping connection with the free tube end (16) and a claw element (18) which is arranged on the guide sleeve (1H) to exert a radial clamping force on the tube (16), wherein the guide sleeve (1H) has a guide opening for cable routing through the guide sleeve (1H) and / or through the retaining element (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a signaling device for outputting a signal to indicate the state of a technical device, a technical system or a process sequence or also an object according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to mount signaling devices, such as those for indicating the status of a machine tool, which can generally be mounted on the floor or, for example, on a profile rail, also on pipe connections. Typically, such signaling devices are used in the form of a signal tower. For mounting, the lower part of the signaling device housing includes a receptacle that fits the pipe. The lowest part of the housing and the pipe are joined together and secured with a screw, while the remaining parts are then assembled section by section.

[0003] From DE 20 2007 005 494 U1 a warning light with a fixing device is also known, which is universally suitable for different diameters of holding elements.

[0004] The object of the invention is to propose an alternative, simplified assembly for signaling devices.

[0005] The task is defined, starting from a signaling device of the type mentioned at the outset, by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0006] The measures mentioned in the dependent claims make advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention possible.

[0007] The signaling device according to the invention generally serves to output a signal that, for example, provides information about the status of a technical device. The signaling device can typically be designed as a signal tower, which is arranged on or near the technical device or system and indicates its operating status. The signal can be, for example, an optical signal by displaying a color code, e.g., green for a perfectly functioning operating state, orange for a more critical state requiring inspection, such as when maintenance is needed, and red in the presence of a fault or defect that must be rectified immediately or poses a danger.

[0008] Furthermore, such a signal can also be used to indicate a process sequence, for example to monitor individual process steps in a technical manufacturing process.

[0009] Another application of a signaling device is to indicate the condition of an object, e.g., whether the temperature in a cold room or an oven is within the desired temperature range, or whether the particle concentration in a cleanroom does not exceed a certain value.

[0010] The signal itself is generated by the signal generation device, which generates, for example, optical or acoustic signals.

[0011] The signal generating device can, for example, be designed as a signal tower. In this case, it typically consists of several light elements of different colors arranged one above the other, similar to a traffic light, with each color having a different meaning (green, for example, for normal operation, red for a malfunction, etc.). The signal generating device is housed in a casing. The casing is connected to a mounting device to mount the signaling device in a fixed location, such as on or in the area of ​​a technical device or system. The signaling device according to the invention can be attached to the free end of a tube or rod. A tube, i.e., a hollow body, is generally used to allow cables to be routed through the interior of the tube to the signal generating device. The tube can be mounted on a base and stand freely in space.It can be placed on the floor. However, the pipe can also be mounted directly on a machine or system, or on a wall.

[0012] The signaling device according to the invention is characterized by its particularly simple and quick installation. The mounting device is designed as a plug connector and allows for rapid attachment to the end of the tube.

[0013] According to the invention, the assembly device also includes a retaining element with a guide sleeve. When the parts are assembled, the guide sleeve overlaps with a portion of the end section of the tube. Due to the overlapping, adjacent areas of the guide sleeve and the tube, the housing is also supported against tilting or lateral forces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0014] Furthermore, the guide sleeve has a guide opening for cable routing, meaning cables can be routed through the guide sleeve or the retaining element. Electrical cables can thus be routed invisibly and protected through the tube to the housing.

[0015] To ensure the housing remains positionally stable along the longitudinal axis of the tube, the mounting device also features a claw element that exerts a radial clamping force on the tube. When the connection is made, the claw element can be deflected and pressed against the tube by an elastic restoring force. The guide sleeve is divided into tabs that deflect when connected to the tube and, via an elastic restoring force, press a claw element against the tube. Alternatively, a radial force could be generated by fastening or fixing the mounting device, for example, with a tapered retaining pin or by a screw, pressing the claw elements against the tube.

[0016] The signaling device according to the invention enables, in particular, tool-free mounting on the pipe. Specifically, the signaling device can be simply plugged onto the pipe via the plug connection according to the invention. This advantageously avoids the need for section-by-section assembly of the housing, which would otherwise require time-consuming disassembly of the signaling device. According to the prior art, section-by-section assembly was often necessary, for example, to allow the insertion of a locking screw to secure the housing to the pipe while the housing was open, i.e., to provide access for the tool used to tighten the screw.

[0017] Depending on the embodiment of the invention, the guide sleeve can surround the tube or the guide sleeve can engage with the tube, i.e., the tube surrounds the guide sleeve. The guide sleeve or the tube can be cylindrical, at least in sections. The guide sleeve and the tube can interlock positively. By joining the guide sleeve and the tube, a stable, supportive mounting of the housing relative to the tube can be achieved immediately.

[0018] Another possible design variant involves the guide sleeve surrounding the outside of the pipe and simultaneously supporting it from the inside, i.e., being inserted into the pipe, thus achieving a particularly stable support.

[0019] The claw element can exert a clamping force on the outer wall of the pipe when the guide sleeve surrounds the pipe. Conversely, the claw element can also exert a clamping force on the inner wall of the pipe when the guide sleeve is inserted into the pipe.

[0020] As already explained, the elastic clamping force can be achieved by allowing the retaining element to deflect elastically. For example, the claw element can protrude into the guide opening, and when the pipe is inserted into the guide opening, the claw element is pushed radially outwards, generating a counterforce that acts as a clamping force.

[0021] To ensure that the claw element exerts a force as homogeneously as possible around the circumference of the pipe, it can completely surround the guide opening or guide sleeve. Alternatively, the claw element can be arranged in sections along a circle around the longitudinal axis of the pipe, meaning it can consist of individual elements arranged at regular angular intervals. With respect to the guide sleeve, the claw element can be oriented inwards or outwards, pressing against either the inner or outer wall of the pipe.

[0022] Another embodiment of the invention provides for tool-free mounting of the housing to the tube and additionally uses a pin that can be used without any additional tools. The pin tapers conically at least partially along its outer surface and can be inserted into the guide opening. The conical shape allows for easy insertion of the pin into the opening with its narrow end. As the pin is inserted and its diameter increases, its outer wall presses against the guide sleeve. This force can be used to fix the retaining element to the tube. The force can also be transferred to the claw element, pressing it more firmly against the tube and thus increasing the holding force.

[0023] Advantageously, the pin incorporates a cable passage to allow for flexible cable routing. This passage can be designed as a through-hole. Especially when the pin is inserted along the longitudinal axis of the tube, it does not obstruct cable routing.

[0024] The required tightness of the housing's attachment to the tube depends heavily on the signaling device's application, but also, of course, on the materials used for the tube and the clamping element or guide sleeve. Depending on the material combination, the friction between the guide sleeve or clamping element and the tube will vary. For easy mounting on the tube, the friction should not be too high, ensuring that attaching the retaining element, which involves the surfaces sliding past each other, proceeds smoothly. Conversely, a strong, friction-fit connection provides stable support and secure mounting of the housing. To generate the necessary friction, the soft component, such as the plastic, presses against the tube surface.According to the invention, the signaling device comprises a claw element, wherein the claw element is designed as a cutting edge or thorn-shaped, and can thus cut into or at least be pressed into the pipe material. This is because, firstly, not only can the removal of such fasteners be difficult, but they can also damage the pipe. Frequent assembly and disassembly of the pipe can therefore lead to noticeable wear or deformation of the pipe. On the other hand, the use of cutting edges or the like also enables a secure hold and strong fixation.

[0025] If the claw elements are made of metal, their cutting action can be stronger. However, if the claw elements are made of plastic or a soft component, they allow for an adhesive grip on the pipe. Furthermore, the guide sleeve and claw element can be formed as a single piece if they are made of plastic, for example, as a single injection-molded part.

[0026] The claw elements can also be designed as flat surfaces, achieving a holding effect through friction against the pipe. In this design, the claw elements can, for example, be glued onto the guide sleeve as pads. The flat design increases the frictional forces, while, compared to cutting-edge or mandrel-shaped designs, the force is distributed over a larger area, thus reducing the pressure on the pipe.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, the mounting device can also include a seal to seal the housing against the pipe. This measure can prove advantageous, for example, if the signaling device is exposed to gases, vapors, or liquids that affect or damage the electronics inside the signal generation device.

[0028] The seal can be implemented in two different ways, which can optionally be used individually or together to, for example, increase the sealing effect. A sealing ring (e.g., an O-ring) can be used to seal circumferentially or along the inner contour of the pipe. For this purpose, the guide sleeve is typically provided with a groove into which the sealing ring is inserted. When the two parts are connected, the ring seals radially against the pipe (as a radial seal) and, advantageously, can also withstand comparatively high pressures.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, an axial seal can be used, which can be designed on the retaining element as a stop for the pipe end. To improve the sealing effect, the axial seal can be designed to cover a flat surface.

[0030] It is also conceivable that the guide sleeve has a flat sealing ring on its outer or inner surface in order to be able to seal radially over a larger area with less contact pressure.

[0031] A sealing element can also provide a stabilizing function with regard to the structure, because the positive fit and the force with which the seal is pressed against the surfaces create additional support.

[0032] The mounting device may additionally include an adapter for receiving the retaining element. In principle, the adapter and retaining element can also be formed as a single unit.

[0033] In general, a two- or multi-part design of the mounting device allows for a little more space to route or connect cables during assembly.

[0034] The retaining element can also be designed as an interchangeable element, which is arranged with the guide sleeve facing either the tube or the signal generation device. If the guide sleeve faces inwards towards the signal generation device, a retaining tube can be inserted into the guide opening, while conversely, in the inverted arrangement, the guide opening can be held in place within the tube.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing also includes a connection element for linking to the mounting device. The housing design then provides the signal generation device in the upper section, while the mounting device is located in the lower section. This mounting device, in turn, includes the connection element, which can be connected to the adapter. The adapter can then be connected to the retaining element or may already include it. The retaining element is connected to the end of the tube. This multi-part design of the mounting device allows space for cable routing and cable assembly. Simultaneously, the housing itself can be easily attached to the end of the tube. If a pin is used for mounting, it can also be inserted into the adapter from above.The connecting element, in turn, can also be integrated as a single unit with the rest of the housing, which also contains the signal generation device.

[0036] Due to the multi-part design, it is also possible to arrange several seals or sealing elements between the connection element and the rest of the housing, between the connection element and the adapter, between the adapter and the retaining element, and between the retaining element and the pipe, in order to improve the sealing effect of the housing interior against the environment.

[0037] If the adapter and retaining element are designed separately, the adapter can be connected to the retaining element either by snapping it into place or via a thread. This ensures a stable connection and quick assembly.

[0038] In particular, a thread, a tapered thread, or a tapered surface can each be used to exert a clamping force on the guide sleeve and thus on the claw element, so that the claw element is pressed more firmly against the pipe as the diameter of the screwed-in or inserted component increases. One way this can be achieved is through the connection between the retaining element and the adapter. Alternatively, an additional pin with a tapered surface can be provided, which is inserted into the guide opening or guide sleeve from the adapter side and presses against the guide sleeve due to its tapered surface. In a two-part design of adapter and retaining element, the pin can be used to create the fastening connection between the two parts.

[0039] However, even when connecting the connecting element to the adapter, a thread, a tapered thread, or a tapered surface can be used to exert a clamping force for fixing or stabilizing. Alternatively or additionally, other joining techniques can also be used. The connecting element can also be designed to act via the adapter or directly on the retaining element, transmitting a force accordingly during fastening.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining element can be latched relative to the adapter or above the connecting element, or connected in such a way that both parts are pre-tensioned against each other and can be released by pressing them together. To prevent the parts from separating, a locking device can be placed between them, which in turn prevents them from being pressed together. The locking device can, for example, be designed as an open retaining ring that partially surrounds the retaining element or the adapter and can be pulled off to release the connection. This allows for simple manual unlocking.

[0041] Additional connectors, such as M12, can be integrated within the adapter.

[0042] Furthermore, the retaining element can also be used as a grounding connection. Preferably, in this case, claw elements made of an electrical conductor, particularly a metal, can be used, which, when partially secured, can establish a conductive contact with a metal pipe. This eliminates the need for cumbersome cable routing for grounding. At the same time, the safety of the signaling device can be improved.

[0043] The tube can also be considered part of the signaling device. As a hollow body, it can be used for routing wires / cables to create a compact signaling device. The free end of the tube can be supported in the guide opening, or the guide sleeve can engage with the tube's cavity.

[0044] In one embodiment, a support column with a tube having a free end can be part of the signaling device, wherein the tube is connected to the mounting device and the free end of the tube is stored in the guide opening to form a signaling device that can be set up freely in space and is freestanding. Examples of implementation:

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below, including further details and advantages. Specifically, the drawings show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of the area between the housing, via the mounting device, and the tube for a signaling device according to the invention; Fig. 2: a perspective view of an adapter and a retaining element with claw elements; Fig. 3: a retaining ring; and Fig. 4: a schematic representation of the area analogous to Fig. 1for a further signaling device according to the invention with a fixing pin.

[0046] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a part of a signaling device 1 according to the invention with a mounting device 2, which can be connected to a connection element 3 of the housing of the signaling device 1 and comprises an adapter 4 and a retaining element 5. The connection element 3 can be directly snapped into place with the rest of the housing (not shown), in which the actual signal generation device is also housed. In the view shown... Figure 1 The remaining part of the housing with the signal generation device is placed onto the connection element 3 from above and locked in place via a twist lock with bayonet fitting.

[0047] The adapter 4 forms an intermediate element between the connection element 3 and the retaining element 5. The retaining element 5, in turn, serves for the direct connection to the tube 6. In this case, the tube 6 has a base 7 to widen the footprint and to allow the signaling device 1 to be placed freely on the ground.

[0048] The tube 6 as well as all components 4, 5 of the mounting device 2 and the connection element 3 are hollow inside, so that cable routing through the tube 6 and the entire mounting device 2 to the housing is easily possible.

[0049] Adapter 4 and retaining element 5 are designed here as separate parts. The retaining element 5 (see below) Figure 2The assembly comprises a cylindrical guide sleeve H, which forms a guide opening as a cavity or through-hole along its longitudinal axis. The guide sleeve H is itself composed of individual tabs L, six in this embodiment, each of which covers the same angular range (here, therefore, slightly less than 60°). The tabs L are each connected at their base to the remaining part of the retaining element 5. Inside the retaining element 5, a claw element 8 is attached to each tab L, projecting radially inwards.The guide opening defined by the guide sleeve H, with its inwardly projecting claw elements 8, is designed such that the tube 6 can be inserted into this guide opening of the guide sleeve H. The claw elements 8, pre-tensioned by the adapter, project radially inwards to such an extent that they must be displaced slightly outwards by the tube 6 when the tube 6 is inserted into the guide opening of the guide sleeve H. For this reason, the tabs L are only connected to the rest of the retaining element 5 on one side; that is, the tabs L can be bent slightly outwards radially. Due to the elastic counterforce during deflection, the tabs L, in turn, press the claw elements 8 radially against the outer surface of the tube 6. This creates a locking or fixing action for the tube 6.

[0050] To improve the holding effect, it is conceivable, for example, to tilt the claw elements 8 towards the signal generating device, so that the insertion of the tube 6 is made easier, but its removal without further measures is made more difficult.

[0051] To release the connection to the pipe 6, the retaining element 5 can be slidably mounted relative to the adapter 4. When the retaining element 5 and adapter 4 are moved against each other, the tabs L move into an area of ​​the adapter 4 whose inner diameter is enlarged by a recess, allowing the tabs L to return to their original position and the pipe 6 to be released.

[0052] The multi-part design of the mounting device 2 creates more space inside and allows for easier cable routing and assembly.

[0053] To prevent this relative movement between adapter 4 and retaining element 5, and thus to avoid the unintentional release of the fixation of the tube 6 by, for example, a mechanical impact, the following can be done, as shown in Figure 1 As sketched, a retaining ring R is inserted between the retaining element 5 and the adapter 4. To release the fixation, this ring R must first be removed. The retaining ring R, made of an elastically springy material with an open section that allows the retaining ring R to be pulled out of the mounting device 2, is shown again in perspective in Figure 3 depicted.

[0054] In Figure 4 Figure 11 shows another embodiment of a signaling device 11 with a mounting device 12, which can also be installed on a hollow tube 16 with a base 17. Key differences from the embodiment shown are as follows: Figure 1 consist of the fact that: the retaining element 15 with its guide sleeve 1H is oriented towards the tube 16, i.e., opposite the arrangement made of Figure 1 The inverted representation shows a locking pin 19 to press the claw elements 18 against the inner surface of the cavity of the tube 16, thus securing the connection more firmly. The retaining element 15 and adapter 14 are shown in the present version according to... Figure 4 designed as a single-piece retaining adapter 145; however, a two-part version with separate adapter and separate retaining element is conceivable.

[0055] Furthermore, the retaining element 15 is analogous to the retaining element 5 according to [reference]. Figure 1 trained. The guide sleeve 1H also applies to the variant according to Figure 4The individual tabs 1L are assembled, but their free ends are now located at the foot due to the inverted arrangement. The claw elements 18, however, are attached externally, since the guide sleeve 1H does not surround the tube 16 but is inserted into the cavity of the tube 16.

[0056] The pipe 16 in Figure 4 The guide sleeve 1H facing the tube is designed with respect to its outer diameter such that it can be inserted into the cavity inside the tube 16 with the radially outwardly projecting claw elements 18. Only when the locking pin 19 with a conical outer surface is inserted into the guide opening from above through the opening of the adapter 14 does the pin press radially against the tabs 1L from a certain diameter and thus press the claw elements 18 against the inner surface of the tube 16.

[0057] The pin 19 has a rim above its conical outer surface, serving as a handle 20 with a widened diameter. This rim acts as a stop when the pin is pressed into the tube 16, preventing it from being pushed too far into the tube and simplifying handling and removal. The pin 19 also has a through-hole along its longitudinal axis for routing cables.

[0058] The connecting element 13 can be identical in the present case to the one from Figure 1 be structured.

[0059] All embodiments and further developments of the invention have in common that an alternative, simplified assembly for signal devices is enabled by designing the mounting device as a connector for attaching and securing the housing to the free end of the tube, wherein the mounting device has a retaining element with a guide sleeve for overlapping connection with the free end of the tube and a claw element which is arranged on the guide sleeve to exert a radial clamping force on the tube, wherein the guide sleeve has a guide opening for cable routing through the guide sleeve and / or through the retaining element. Reference symbol list:

[0060] 1 Signaling device 2 Mounting device 3 Connection element 4 Adapter 5 Retaining element 6 Tube 7 Base 8 Claw element 11 Signaling device 12 Mounting device 13 Connection element 14 Adapter 15 Retaining element 16 Tube 17 Base 18 Claw element 19 Pin 20 Handle 14 5 Retaining adapter 1H Guide sleeve 1L Tab H Guide sleeve L Tab R Locking ring

Claims

1. Signal device (1, 11) for outputting a signal for displaying a state of a technical device and / or of a technical installation and / or of a process sequence and / or of an object, comprising: • a signal-generating apparatus for generating the signal, and • a housing for accommodating the signal-generating apparatus, • wherein the housing has an assembly apparatus (2, 12) for fastening the housing at a free end of a pipe (6, 16), • wherein the assembly apparatus (2, 12) is designed as a plug connector for plugging the housing onto the free pipe end (6, 16) and fastening it, • wherein the assembly apparatus (2, 12) comprises: a) a retaining element (5, 15) with a guide sleeve (H, 1H) for overlapping connection to the free pipe end (6, 16), b) wherein the guide sleeve (H, 1H) has a guide opening for the passage of a cable through the guide sleeve (H, 1H) and / or through the retaining element (5, 15), and c) a claw element (8, 18) which is arranged at the guide sleeve (H, 1H) in order to exert contact pressure radially on the pipe (6, 16), • wherein the claw element (8), so that it can exert force as homogeneously as possible on the circumference of the pipe, completely surrounds the guide opening or guide sleeve (H, 1H) or is arranged distributed on segments of a circle about the longitudinal axis of the pipe and consists of individual elements which are arranged in regular angular segments, wherein the guide sleeve (H, 1H) is divided into tabs (L, 1L), characterized in that the claw element is designed as a blade or spike-shaped and thus can cut into the material of the pipe or can at least be pressed into it, and when the guide sleeve is plugged together with the pipe (6, 16), the tabs (L, 1L) are deflected and press a claw element (8, 18) against the pipe (6, 16) via an elastic restoring force.

2. Signal device (1, 11) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the guide sleeve (H, 1H) is designed: • such that the free pipe end (6) can be plugged into the guide opening and can be mounted therein, and / or • to bear with its lateral surface against the inner wall of the free pipe end (16) and to retain the housing.

3. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the claw element (8, 18): • is arranged on the inside of the guide sleeve (H) in order to exert contact pressure radially on the outer wall of the pipe (6) mounted in the guide opening, and in particular to engage in the outer wall of the pipe (6) in order to retain the pipe (6), or • is arranged on the outside and / or lateral surface of the guide sleeve (1H) in order to exert contact pressure radially on the inside of the pipe section (16) and in particular to engage in the inside of the pipe (16) in order to retain the pipe (16).

4. Signal device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the claw element (8) projects into the guide opening and is mounted elastically in such a way that, when the pipe is plugged into the guide opening, it is deflected from its position by the pipe and exerts the contact pressure on the outer wall of the pipe (6) as a consequence of the elastic mounting.

5. Signal device (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pin (19) is provided which has a cable bushing and a pin sleeve which extends conically about the longitudinal axis at least in some regions, wherein the pin is designed to be introduced into the guide opening from the side opposite the pipe end with respect to the retaining element such that the pin sleeve presses radially against the guide sleeve from inside the latter.

6. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the claw element (8, 18): • is designed as a separate metal insert from the retaining element (5, 15), or • is designed as a single part together with the retaining element (5, 15).

7. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly apparatus (2, 12) comprises a seal in order to seal the housing from the pipe (6, 16), wherein in particular the seal is arranged as a radial seal in the guide opening and / or the seal is designed as a sealing ring.

8. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal forms an abutment for the pipe (6, 16) or is designed to interact with an abutment for the pipe (6, 16) in order to obtain a sealing effect between the pipe (6, 16) and the housing, wherein in particular the abutment has a flat axial seal.

9. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide sleeve (H, 1H) has a flat sealing ring on its inside and / or outside.

10. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly apparatus (2, 12) has an adapter (4, 14) for receiving the retaining element (5, 15).

11. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has a connecting element (3, 13) for connection to the assembly apparatus (2, 12).

12. Signal device (1, 11) according to Claim 11, characterized in that a further sealing element is present in order to seal the housing from the pipe (6, 16), wherein in particular the sealing element: • is arranged between the connecting element (3, 13) and the assembly apparatus (2, 12) and / or • between the connecting element (3, 13) and the retaining element (5, 15).

13. Signal device (1, 11) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the adapter (4, 14) is connected to the retaining element (5, 15) in latching fashion and / or via a thread.

14. Signal device (1, 11) according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the connecting element (3, 13) is connected to the assembly apparatus (2, 12) and / or the adapter (4, 14) in latching fashion and / or via a thread.

15. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the adapter (4, 14) and / or the connecting element (3, 13) is / are designed to exert a force radially on the claw element (8, 18) via the connection to the retaining element (5, 15) in order to reinforce the contact pressure, wherein in particular the connecting element (3, 13) can be and / or is connected to the adapter (4, 14) and / or the retaining element (5, 15) via a conical thread such that, by screwing in the thread, reinforcement of the contact pressure is effected by the increasing thread diameter.

16. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of Claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the retaining element (5, 15) can be mounted so that it can move relative to the adapter (4, 14) and / or relative to the connecting element (3, 13) between a first and a second position, wherein the guide sleeve (H, 1H) exerts contact pressure on the pipe (6, 16) in the first position and the guide sleeve (H, 1H) is freed relative to the pipe (6, 16) in the second position, wherein a securing apparatus (R) is provided which can be introduced removably between the retaining element (5, 15), on the one hand, and the adapter (4, 14) and / or the connecting element (3, 13), on the other hand in order to secure the fastening to the pipe (6, 16) between the first and second position.

17. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (5, 15) is designed as an earth terminal.

18. Signal device (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pipe (6, 16) for the passage of a line is provided with a free end to which the assembly apparatus (2, 12) is connected, wherein the free pipe end (6) is mounted in the guide opening and / or the guide sleeve (1H) engages in the free pipe end (16).

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