Signal device and method for producing a signal device

Abstract

A method and a signaling device are proposed with a housing made of at least two housing elements (2) which are arranged adjacent to one another along a longitudinal axis (A) of the signaling device, wherein the housing elements (2) each have at least one housing shell section, in particular a cylindrical housing shell, and a transverse section (4) running transversely to the longitudinal axis (A), wherein a separating element (3) running transversely to the longitudinal axis (A) is attached to at least one of the at least two housing elements (2) as a partition between the at least two housing elements (2) and / or wherein at least one of the at least two transverse sections (4) comprises the separating element (3), which has an improved housing element or segment and / or separating element.This is achieved according to the invention in that at least one of the at least two transverse sections (4) has at least one hot-melt adhesive layer (3) for bonding / connecting / fixing the separating element (3) to this transverse section (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a signaling device, such as a signal column, a signal light or the like, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 8. State of the art

[0002] So-called signal lights are commercially available, consisting of a base element and a dome. These housing elements are usually manufactured and assembled separately. The base usually contains the electrical connection elements for an external power supply and, if required, an external control unit.

[0003] Furthermore, signal columns are known, for example from publications EP 3 174 021 A1 and WO 95 / 28598, in which the dome consists of several housing elements for several segments for different signal elements, e.g., to combine different color signals or even acoustic signal elements. Such housing elements or segments, which are arranged adjacent to one another along a longitudinal axis of the signaling device, have transverse sections and, in most cases, separating elements arranged thereon, which act as a partition transverse to the longitudinal axis. The separating elements serve primarily to shade the segments from one another and, e.g., as a label for identifying the segment.

[0004] Signal towers with separately manufactured separating elements connected to the housing elements of segments are commercially available. These separating elements also serve to shade the segments from each other and to attach a label.

[0005] The above-mentioned housing elements or segments are made of hard plastic, with an O-ring being provided as a seal in the area of ​​the connection point of the housing elements, for example to seal the segments to the outside. Object and advantages of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to propose an improved housing element or segment and / or separating element.

[0007] This object is achieved on the basis of a signaling device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 8 by their characteristics.

[0008] Accordingly, a signaling device according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the at least two transverse sections has or is used to have at least one hot-melt adhesive layer for bonding / connecting / fixing the separating element to this transverse section.

[0009] This measure advantageously enables a faster, automated, and safe process. This results in a particularly cost-effective manufacturing process and signaling device.

[0010] For the purposes of the invention, a hot melt adhesive, also called hot glue, hot melt adhesive, or hot melt adhesive, is understood to be a solvent- or water-free product that is more or less solid at room temperature. When hot or heated, it forms a viscous liquid and can be applied to the corresponding adhesive surface in this state. Upon cooling, the hot melt adhesive usually solidifies reversibly, forming a strong bond. This group of adhesives is made up of thermoplastic polymers that can be based on various chemical raw materials.

[0011] Advantageously, at least the hot melt adhesive layer is made of plastic. These hot melt adhesives can be divided into physically and chemically setting adhesives. Physically setting adhesives are thermoplastics, while chemically setting adhesives form thermosets, i.e., three-dimensional networks. Another classification is possible based on the solidification mechanism. Hot melt adhesives are divided into amorphous polymers, semi-crystalline polymers, and high-molecular-weight polymers. The glass transition temperature of the former two is above room temperature, while the glass transition temperature of the latter is below room temperature.

[0012] The most important polymers used for physically setting hot melt adhesives include polyamide resins, saturated polyesters, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), polyolefins, block copolymers (styrene-butadiene-styrene or styrene-isoprene-styrene), and polyimides. Polyamides, polyesters, and polyimides are used in so-called high-performance hot melt adhesives, while ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and polyolefins are used in so-called bulk hot melt adhesives.

[0013] In a particular development of the invention, at least one of the at least two transverse sections is designed as the hot-melt adhesive layer. In this case, no separators in the form of additional plastic parts or the like are necessary.

[0014] In an advantageous variant of the invention, at least the separating element is designed as the hot-melt adhesive layer. This measure can eliminate the need for separate labels, although labels are usually always the same for each batch.

[0015] Advantageously, at least the separating element and / or the hot-melt adhesive layer is formed as a film. This film can advantageously be bonded / connected / fixed to / with the respective housing element and / or cross section.

[0016] For example, the film is arranged on a roll or cylinder or the like and is unwound / unrolled over the respective housing element and / or cross section during the manufacturing process and is advantageously heated and applied or printed on, in particular by means of hot foil stamping. This is the printing technology used to produce the film, the coating or second / additional covering / layer of which is released or detached from the carrier layer / layer / foil by pressure and heat and pressed onto the respective surface. This can also be advantageously used in conjunction with embossing. For example, hot foil stamping in the printing process can also be combined with relief embossing or high embossing. The latter is particularly useful for the three-dimensional surface of the housing element or cross section that is sometimes present in the area of ​​hot melt bonding.Accordingly, the separating element advantageously comprises at least one hot stamping foil.

[0017] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the separating element and / or the hot stamping foil can be inscribed, preferably with a laser. This allows the separating element and / or the hot stamping foil to function as a nameplate. Automated application of aligned separating elements and / or hot stamping foils, especially as nameplates, can also be achieved, especially in relatively small sizes, which represents a significant challenge today.

[0018] In principle, labeling or other information can advantageously be applied, for example, to a separating element, using a machine or automated method. This can be done, for example, using a printer, a pen, or advantageously, a laser or the like, and can be done specifically for each individually manufactured part. Applying such information to hard plastic is difficult, which is why separately manufactured labels have been used up to now, which entails corresponding manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0019] In general, a separating element according to the invention can be designed to be non-transparent for visible light in order to effect mutual shading between individual housing elements of the signaling device, in particular segments of a signal column.

[0020] In addition, an elastomer can be provided as a seal, for example a lip seal and / or an O-ring, for example in a groove provided specifically for this purpose in the respective housing element and / or cross section.

[0021] Preferably, information applied in the area of ​​the separating element, in particular by labeling or coding, e.g., a QR code or the like, is applied using a controllable tool such as a laser. This allows the information to be applied during production of the separating element without the need for additional marking elements. In particular, this measure simplifies the application of individual, part-specific information.

[0022] To use the separating element for mutual shading of the housing elements, it preferably has a continuous separating surface, which can be interrupted by at least one recess for at least one connection element for the electrical connection of a signal element arranged in the adjacent housing element. For shading, a continuous light-absorbing or light-reflecting surface is advantageous; for functional reasons, the connection element(s) for the signal elements housed in an adjacent housing element can be passed through the separating element. Since this separating surface is generally clearly visible, it is also suitable for clearly visible information or labeling.

[0023] The connection elements can close these recesses when installed, thus contributing to shading. The connection element(s) can be designed in a variety of ways, for example, as a single contact, particularly as a contact spring, or as a printed circuit board protruding through the housing elements.

[0024] The separating element can be molded / glued / fixed to a housing element as a single piece, which is particularly advantageous for large production runs. However, it can also be connected to the housing element as a separately manufactured component, allowing, for example, different separating elements to be used for similarly shaped housing elements or the same separating elements for differently designed housing elements.

[0025] As already mentioned, a signaling device according to the invention can be a signal column with a multi-part dome formed from various segment elements or a signal light with a housing consisting of a one-part dome and a base element.

[0026] The described separating element can therefore be used to separate a base from a dome as well as to separate individual housing elements of a multi-part dome made up of several segments, e.g. a signal column.

[0027] In principle, according to the invention, the function of light separation can be advantageously realized with the separating element. For example, a (white) hot-stamping foil for absorbing the light can be applied or "stamped" to the segment / housing element / cross section.

[0028] The so-called upper surface of the segment / housing element or cross-section can also be fully utilized or used / occupied as far as possible. For example, the film or its adhesive layer adheres to all areas where material is present on the segment / housing element / cross-section, especially during hot-press processes.

[0029] According to the invention, a minimized upward radiation of light can be achieved. Furthermore, the recesses on the segment / housing element or cross section, i.e., the plastic part, are advantageously not covered with adhesive.

[0030] In general, the invention allows for the automated application of particularly small type plates. Laser engraving also enables automated application and customized labeling options. This allows for traceability of elements using the serial number / QR code or similar, if necessary, individually. Furthermore, very high resolution can be achieved through engraving, which improves quality. For example, a QR code for traceability and for storing technical product documentation, a QR code as a link to an app, and / or a QR code for wireless access data, etc., can be provided.

[0031] It has been shown that it is particularly advantageous to use, for example, a process with a thermal transfer foil, whereby this or its corresponding layer / covering / position can advantageously be transferred to the surfaces by a hot stamping process using a stamp and / or a hot stamping foil / thermal transfer ribbon adheres to the surfaces with "counter material", in particular to the cross section or segment, whereby gaps / recesses or the like are advantageously not glued over.

[0032] For example, a stamp for hot stamping can advantageously be made of silicone, which is available in different hardnesses. The softer the silicone, the more surface irregularities can be compensated for and deeper layers can be embossed.

[0033] Subsequently, the individual marking, especially by laser, is advantageously carried out in an automated line.

[0034] According to the invention, the function as a type plate can be realized in an advantageous manner, whereby, for example, for the connecting elements, laser inscription is also possible directly on the surface and / or for / in the case of lighting and acoustic elements, lasering is provided, if possible, after the attachment of the separating element or thermal transfer ribbon.

[0035] In general, with the help of the invention, when integrated into the automation process, the full area can be utilized and / or individual labeling or the like can be provided. Example

[0036] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0037] In detail: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cut-open base element of a signal column according to the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base element according to Figure 1and Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of manufacturing steps of a base / housing element with separating element according to the invention.

[0038] A base element 1 in Figure 1 comprises a cylinder / base housing 2 with an upper cross section 4 and a separating element 3. The cross section 4 is formed integrally with the base housing 2 and forms a cylinder base of the base element 1 as well as a support element for the separating element 3. This means that the separating element 3 is designed as the upper part 5 of the cross section 4. Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, the cross section 4 or the lower part 4 is formed from the same hard plastic as the base housing 2, while the upper part 5 or the applied separating element 3 is formed from a different material, in particular plastic such as a thermoplastic or the like.

[0039] The upper part 5 or separating element 3 has a continuous surface 6, which is interrupted, for example, by a recess 7 for contact elements. The surface 6, which is clearly visible on each individual housing element 2, 11, can be inscribed or marked or identified in some other way using a controllable tool such as a laser 22 or the like.

[0040] The separating element 3 or upper part 5 is opaque to visible light, so that the housing elements 11, which are usually arranged adjacently during operation, are shaded from one another.

[0041] A lip seal 8 is attached to the edge of the transverse section 4 or upper part 5, which seals radially on an inner circumference of an adjacent housing element 11 placed above it along a longitudinal axis A.

[0042] In Figure 1Furthermore, individual receptacles 10 for electrical connections (not shown) or wire end ferrules of externally supplied electrical connecting cables and, for example, contact springs (not shown) can be seen, which can be attached for the electrical connection of signaling elements housed in adjacent housing elements 2, 11, for example, on printed circuit boards. In advantageous embodiments, these printed circuit boards usually carry the signaling elements, such as lighting or acoustic warning devices, for example lamps, LEDs, piezo buzzers, horns, or the like.

[0043] The housing elements 11 and the base housing 2 are connected to each other via bayonet locks 16, 17. The lip seal 8 of the respective cross section 4 of a housing element 11 seals radially against an inner circumference 20 of the next housing element 11. Other seals such as O-rings or the like can also be used; this advantageously seals the entire housing of the signal tower, consisting of the base housing 2 and the other housing elements 11, against dust and / or moisture, depending on requirements. In addition, the lip seal 8 offers significantly less frictional resistance when rotating a bayonet lock 16, 17 compared to an O-ring.

[0044] In Figure 3 Individual manufacturing steps for applying or producing the separating element 3 are shown schematically. In this embodiment, the separating element 3 is formed as a hot-melt adhesive layer 3 according to the invention.

[0045] Alternatively, the transverse section 4 can also be designed as a hot melt adhesive layer 4 according to the invention, wherein, in contrast to the variant shown, a film 14 or a stamp 15 is not heated with a heater 18 during production, but the transverse section 4 is heated, for example, by means of infrared radiation or heater 18 and at least partially melted or melted superficially.

[0046] In the variant shown according to Figure 3For example, in a first step I, the base or housing element 2, 11 is fed to the hot melt adhesive or application device, whereby these 2, 11 do not yet have a separating element 3 on the transverse section 4 within the meaning of the invention. In a second step II, for example, a two- or multi-layer film 14 is unrolled from a first roll 13 and rolled up again from a second roll 12, whereby a stamp 15 with integrated heating 18 is arranged at the distance between the rolls 12, 13. This stamp 15 can be adjusted vertically so that in step III it presses the film 14 onto the element 11 and at the same time heats or melts the film 14, whereby this stamp 15 is kept at as constant a temperature as possible.

[0047] Thus, at least one layer of the film 14 detaches and adheres to the transverse section 4 or its surface. According to the invention, the separating element 3 is thus adhered or formed on the transverse section 4 as a hot-melt adhesive layer 3 according to the invention (see step IV).

[0048] Due to the fact that the stamp 15 advantageously consists partly or on its underside of silicone or the like, unevenness of the transverse section 4 can be compensated and, in addition, the recesses 7 of the transverse section 4 are not covered with the separating element 3 or the film 14, in particular its uppermost layer.

[0049] In step IV of the Figure 3 In addition, a laser 22 with a laser beam 23 is schematically shown, which subsequently / finally applies or embosses a label 20 and / or code 21 for the (individual) identification of the element 11 or the separating element 3.

[0050] In general, in a particular development of the invention, for example, the film 14 or a special embossing film can run under the embossing stamp, which film 14 detaches from a carrier material of the film 14 under (high) pressure and heat and transfers to the element 2, 11 to be printed. The film 14 advantageously often consists of several layers. For example, a release layer is located on a carrier or base layer. This melts when the hot embossing tool 15 or the stamp 15 hits it and releases the transfer layer(s) lying above it. These in turn may comprise an adhesive layer and an optically active layer and together form the separating element 3 according to the invention. The adhesive layer, i.e. the hot melt adhesive, ensures that the optically active layer is smudge-proof and permanently bonded / fixed to the printed element 2, 11 and forms the separating element 3.

[0051] However, variants are also possible in which the adhesive layer and the optically active layer, i.e., the separating layer, form a single (common) layer, forming the separating element 3 according to the invention. However, with the aforementioned unwinding technique, a carrier layer for unwinding / rolling the film 14 is still advantageous. List of reference symbols

[0052] 1 Base element 2 Base housing 3 Separating element 4 Cross section 5 Upper part 6 Surface 7 Recess 8 Lip seal 9 Labeling area 10 Receptacle 11 Housing element 12 Roller 13 Roller 14 Foil 15 Stamp 16 Bayonet lock 17 Bayonet lock 18 Heater 19 Groove 20 Labeling 21 Code 22 Laser 23 Laser beam Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A signaling device, such as a signaling column, a signal light, or the like, comprising a housing comprising at least two housing elements (2, 11) arranged adjacent to one another along a longitudinal axis (A) of the signaling device, wherein the housing elements (2, 11) each comprise at least one housing shell section, in particular a cylindrical housing shell, and a transverse section (4) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (A), wherein a separating element (3) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (A) is attached to at least one of the at least two housing elements (2, 11) as a partition between the at least two housing elements (2, 11) and / or wherein at least one of the at least two transverse sections (4) comprises the separating element (3), characterized in that at least one of the at least two transverse sections (4) has at least one hot-melt adhesive layer (3) for bonding / connecting / fixing the separating element (3) to this transverse section (4).

2. Signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in thatat least one of the at least two transverse sections (4) is designed as the hot melt adhesive layer.

3. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the separating element (3) is designed as the hot melt adhesive layer (3).

4. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the separating element (3) and / or the hot melt adhesive layer (3) is designed as a film (14).

5. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the hot melt adhesive layer (3) is a plastic.

6. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (3) comprises at least one hot stamping foil (14).

7. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (3) and / or the hot stamping foil (14) can be inscribed with a laser (22).

8. Method for producing a housing element (2, 11) of a housing of a signaling device, wherein a separating element (3) extending transversely to a longitudinal axis (A) is attached as a partition between two housing elements (2, 11) on at least one transverse section (4) of the housing element (2, 11), characterized in that at least one hot melt adhesive is used to bond / connect / fix the separating element (3) to the transverse section (4).

9. Method according to the above claim, characterized in that at least the transverse section (4) is formed as a hot melt adhesive layer.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the separating element (3) is formed as a hot melt adhesive layer (3).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plastic is used as a hot melt adhesive.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatat least one hot stamping foil (14) is used as the separating element (3).

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the separating element (3) and / or the hot stamping foil (14) has been applied, the separating element (3) and / or the hot stamping foil (14) is inscribed with a laser (22).

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label is designed as a type plate.

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