Contact system connection element

Abstract

To provide a connection element for electrically connecting a signal device to a function module, adjacent to the connection element, such as a lighting module for transmitting one or a plurality of different operation states of technology devices, for example, a machine, equipment, a vehicle, and the like using signals and a radio module for creating radio connection of the signal device.SOLUTION: A connection element for electrical connection of a function module has at least one electrical contact surface 10 of an electrical conductor 9. The connection element is characterized in that the electrical conductor having the contact surface extends to a cable connection clamp 15 of the connection element for connection with at least one cable core of an electric cable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a signaling device, in particular a video signaling device, and a connection element as defined in the preamble of claim 1 for the electrical connection of functional modules adjacent to the connection element, such as, for example, a lighting module, an acoustic module for indicating one or more different operating states of a technical device, for example, a machine, installation, vehicle, etc., a wireless module for generating a wireless connection of the signaling device, and to a signaling device comprising such a connection element. [Prior art] Visual signaling devices and signaling towers have been in use for many years in a wide variety of forms. A typical signaling tower is often equipped with three interchangeable modules, typically colored red, yellow, and green. Because signaling towers are typically constructed modularly, they can accommodate additional interchangeable modules, such as blue or white, or even remove individual interchangeable modules altogether when operating conditions, use, or intended purpose change. Acoustic signaling transmitters, such as piezo disks, multi-tone generators, or horns, are often integrated into the device, allowing for acoustic as well as visual signaling, particularly with the aforementioned interchangeable modules.

[0002] Modular, and in particular visual, signalling devices are primarily known as "pre-configured" devices, having a fixed, specified and unalterable structure of modules rigidly connected to one another, e.g. red, yellow and green modules.

[0003] More widespread are interchangeable modules that can be removed and temporarily connected to one another without tools in what are known as "non-preconfigured" devices or signal towers. Here, individual modules, in particular lighting and / or sound modules, can be combined with one another as desired and then replaced or interchanged without any tools. This allows for a particularly high degree of flexibility in feasible applications using standardized interchangeable modules. As a result, it is possible, for example, to add a "blue" stage or interchangeable module and / or to replace a damaged or defective lighting / interchangeable module with a new, non-defective lighting / interchangeable module without significant effort.

[0004] This is a particular advantage, especially in modern lighting modules with long-life LEDs and printed circuit boards / circuit boards, compared to the previously frequently used incandescent lamps, which are now, mostly for financial reasons, no longer just a lighting means, as incandescent lamps were, since in the event of damage or destruction of the lighting means and / or printed circuit board / circuit board, repairs are not considered, but instead the entire compatible module / lighting module is replaced.

[0005] For many years, it has been common practice, particularly in modularly constructed signal towers with interchangeable modules, to use wires to "loop through" the power or energy supply of the individual modules. Thus, DE 100 41 202 A1 describes, for example, a signal tower with up to five stages / lighting modules, in which, in addition to five separate energy supplies or power lines / wires, each module also has a cathode or neutral line / wire that "loops through" between the stages. This means that up until now, each interchangeable / lighting module was typically equipped with six wires inside the dome, and all interchangeable modules of a signal tower with up to five stages are constructed identically and can be interchanged with one another as desired.

[0006] In particular, in signal towers with interchangeable modules, these contact points and the contacts during replacement, i.e., the assembly and / or disassembly of one of the modules / interchangeable modules, are in high demand. Therefore, during the lifespan of a signal tower, such modules or interchangeable modules are replaced quite frequently. Here, the safe contact between the modules, which can be replaced without tools, and the safety of the energy supply, must be ensured under all circumstances.

[0007] EP 1 467 140 B1 discloses a signal tower with a substrate or circuit board oriented in the longitudinal direction of the signal tower. During operation and use, wires are constantly in contact with the printed circuit board. These wires extend radially outward toward the inside of the dome, where contact points are then provided between two adjacent or two releasably connectable compatible modules / modules, which must be separated for disassembly of the respective modules. Thus, here too, the contact between the individual compatible modules / lighting modules is realized by wires, as has been the case for many years.

[0008] Document DE 10 2015 120 280 A1 discloses a further developed signaling device in which at least two releasably contactable electrical contact surfaces of a contact part are arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the signal tower in order to improve contact with a compatible module in the direction of the longitudinal axis, where one contact surface on an end face of the printed circuit board is connected to a conductor path and the other contact surface is formed as one face of a contact spring, which acts as an electrical conductor extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the signal tower.

[0009] This signal tower discloses a connection module for connecting external wires to connection clamps on the connection module. The connection clamps are attached to a printed circuit board. The connection module is then connected to a base module that is used for mechanical fixation of the signal tower. The electrical connection between the connection clamps attached to the printed circuit board and the functional module located adjacent to the connection module is not detailed. [Objective of the Invention] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to enable a signaling device such as that described above to be electrically connected to external electrical lines in a simple and reliable manner.

[0010] Starting from the connecting element as defined in the preamble of claim 1, the above-mentioned object is achieved by the characteristic features of this connecting element. The connection element according to the invention is therefore distinguished by the fact that the electrical conductor having a contact surface for the electrical connection of the contact surface with the adjacent functional module and the cable core of the electric cable extends up to the cable connection clamp of the connection element.

[0011] As a result of this configuration, no interposed structural elements, such as wires or printed circuit boards, are required, and both connections of the connection element, i.e., with the adjacent functional element by means of the associated contact surfaces and with the external cable, can be made in one operation involving the mounting of such an electrical conductor, thereby significantly reducing both the number of components required and the mounting effort.

[0012] According to the invention, the electrical conductor is formed as an integral spring element, which comprises a contact surface for connection with the functional module, while also comprising a cable clamping spring of the cable connection clamp.

[0013] This embodiment provides a relief when connecting the connection element provided in this embodiment to an external cable, in which case the relief is provided by simply inserting the ferrule or wire end of the conductor. In this case, it is also called a "push-in" clamp. In this case, the connection can be made without any special tools.

[0014] A specific embodiment of such a clamp exists when the cable clamp spring is provided with a passage for inserting the cable's core end. As a result, the cable's core end is more stably secured and more securely contacted. Such a clamp is also called a "cage" clamp.

[0015] A further advantage is provided by a development of the invention in which a device is provided for releasing the cable clamping spring, in which case the connecting element or the associated signaling device can be detached from the external cable in a simple manner.

[0016] For example, a passage for a separate tool, such as a screwdriver, to press the cable clamp spring may be provided, or the cable clamp spring may be loosened by a pre-existing loosening element, such as a movable lever or pressure plunger to press the cable clamp spring.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the contact surface for the adjacent functional module is a contact spring surface that has a resilient force transverse to the contact surface and acts in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element. Such contact springs have already been tested in embodiments in which a printed circuit board extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding functional module has mating contacts on its end faces, and contact is made by pressing end surfaces against the contact spring. Furthermore, the contact spring configuration allows for variable spring movement, thereby compensating for tolerances during the connection of multiple parallel contacts. Such resilient contact surfaces can be flat or have chamfered or inclined sliding surfaces at their ends for sliding against mating contacts on the corresponding printed circuit board.

[0018] When the contact spring for the adjacent functional module is electrically connected to the cable clamp spring, an external cable is connected to the cable clamp spring and a connection for the adjacent functional module is immediately possible via the contact surface of the contact spring for the adjacent functional module.

[0019] According to the invention, the electrical connection between the contact surface of the contact spring and the cable clamp spring for the adjacent functional module is realized by an integrated spring element that has the contact surface for the connection of the functional module and the cable clamp spring of the cable connection clamp. Such a spring element performs the dual function of influencing the connection both to the external cable and to the adjacent functional module. The integrated spring element combines this dual function with a further reduction in the number of required parts and assembly steps.

[0020] The electrical connection of two or more electrical wires of adjacent functional modules can be achieved by two or more identical spring elements provided as a plurality of electrical conductors with a plurality of contact surfaces for the adjacent functional modules, the contact surfaces being arranged next to each other and facing in the longitudinal direction of the end element.

[0021] Since the contact surfaces for adjacent functional modules are arranged facing the longitudinal direction of the connection element, the invention can also be used for signal towers in which the connection of such adjacent functional modules is effected by a printed circuit board extending in the longitudinal direction of the connection element or by an end contact of the functional module which is connected to the printed circuit board by one or more of the above-mentioned contact surfaces.

[0022] In a development of such an embodiment, the contact surfaces of the electrical conductors are shaped in the form of strips and are arranged parallel to one another, and in this refinement, the connection of the contact surfaces arranged next to one another can be brought about by a common action, for example a pressing and / or a rotating action.

[0023] Electrical conductors formed as integral spring elements with cable clamp springs and contact surfaces can be rotated relative to one another while having similar shapes, with the contact surfaces facing the longitudinal direction. When integral spring elements formed as electrical conductors with cable clamp springs and contact surfaces for adjacent functional elements or modules are arranged with alternating 180-degree rotations, the contact surfaces not only face the longitudinal direction but can also be parallel to one another if shaped like bands. This alternating arrangement can provide better spatial arrangement for tools to access the cable clamp springs.

[0024] The rotated arrangement described above can be provided in blocks, i.e., non-alternating groups of similarly arranged spring elements, or in blocks, i.e., alternating groups.

[0025] Corresponding advantages can be achieved in connecting two or more electrical conductors with one cable clamp by means of a cable connection clamp having two or more parallel clamp connections, each electrically connected to one of the same shaped conductors.

[0026] The connection element according to the present invention can comprise a housing for mechanical connection with adjacent functional elements or modules and an electrical contact element for electrical connection. In a particular embodiment, the electrical contact element comprises two or more spring elements as electrical conductors with contact surfaces for adjacent functional modules and a cable connection clamp for two or more cable cores. Such contact elements allow for parallel connection of multiple cable cores with multiple contact surfaces for adjacent functional elements. For example, in this way, multiple functional elements or modules arranged in a row can be electrically connected and operated.

[0027] The cable connection clamp of the electrical contact element is formed as a cable clamping spring, and two or more cable clamping springs are provided for two or more cable cores, so that when the ends of several cables are inserted into the cable clamping springs, an electrical connection to several contact surfaces for an adjacent functional module or several adjacent functional modules can be established via electrical conductors as required.

[0028] As mentioned above, two or more electrical conductors are designed as an integrated spring element, each having a contact surface for an adjacent functional module and a cable clamping spring. Such an integrated configuration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.

[0029] If the contact elements preferably comprise an electrically insulating material between the various cable clamping springs, unwanted contact between different conductors is less likely to occur. The contact elements can be formed integrally with the housing of the connecting element, or as insert elements that are inserted into the housing of the connecting element. For example, the insulating portion of the contact element can be manufactured into the housing in an injection molding process during the manufacturing of the housing from plastic. Similarly, the contact elements can be manufactured as insert elements by injection molding the insulator. In either case, the multiple electrical conductors can be inserted subsequently or overmolded at the same time. In the case of embodiments that are formed integrally with the housing, fewer manufacturing steps are required, and in the case of embodiments that are inserts, the same contact elements can be used for different housing variants.

[0030] As already mentioned, the connection element according to the invention is advantageously used in signaling devices with interchangeable functional modules, for example signal towers. In this case, an additional advantage can be achieved by one or more functional elements with contact elements formed similarly to the contact elements of the connection element. As a result, the same contact elements can be used not only between the connection element and adjacent functional modules or elements, but also between several functional modules or elements.

[0031] This can be achieved, for example, by a contact element, such as a printed circuit board of a functional module, which comprises both a cable clamp for the cable end and a connection contact for the functional module or element.

[0032] However, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cable connection clamp of the connection element is configured to optionally allow connection of cable cores or conductor paths of a printed circuit board to produce an electrical connection, so that no separate connection contacts are required for the printed circuit board.

[0033] Thus, for example, the cable connection clamp can have one or more openings for the insertion of a printed circuit board or for the insertion of multiple protrusions of a printed circuit board, and multiple cable clamp springs are accessible through the one or more openings for the printed circuit board to optionally bring into contact via the multiple cable clamp springs with conductor paths on the printed circuit board, or with cable cores, or with ferrules of cable cores. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail below with reference to these drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a side view of a connecting element according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a connecting element according to the invention; [Figure 3] 3 shows an enlarged detail of FIG. 2 together with a first embodiment of the spring element; [Figure 4] 1 shows a second embodiment of a spring element. [Figure 5] 10 shows details of the contact element together with a further embodiment of the spring element. [Figure 6] 10 shows details of the contact element together with a further embodiment of the spring element. [Figure 7] 10 shows details of the contact element together with a further embodiment of the spring element. [Figure 8] 10 shows details of the contact element together with a further embodiment of the spring element. [Figure 9] 10 shows details of the contact element together with a further embodiment of the spring element. [Figure 10] 1 shows a special embodiment of a spring element; [Figure 11] 1 shows a detail of a perspective view of a functional module and its contact surface that contacts the printed circuit board of an adjacent functional module. [Figure 12] 10 shows a cross section through a further embodiment of a connecting element. [Figure 13] 1 shows a plan view from below of a connection element with a cable connection clamp; [Figure 14] 1 shows a side view of a signal tower with a connection element and multiple functional modules. [Figure 15] 14 shows an open view of the signal tower according to FIG. [Figure 16] 1 shows an open view of a functional module comprising a printed circuit board with connection contacts for further functional modules or connection elements; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Exemplary Embodiments 1 and 2 comprises a housing 2 with a knurl 3 and a number of projections 4 for a bayonet fastening 5 for a functional module. The functional module is arranged on the connecting element 1 and is therefore adjacent to it. In the cover 6 of the connecting module 1, contact elements 7 are present, which may be formed integrally with the housing 1 or the cover 6 or be connected to the cover 6 as insert elements.

[0036] The contact element 7 can be seen more clearly in the detailed enlarged view according to Fig. 3. The contact element comprises an electrically insulating receptacle 8, for example made of plastic, into which a spring element 9 is inserted as an electrical conductor. The spring element has at its top a contact surface 10 for electrical connection with an adjacent functional element. The spring element is supported within the receptacle 8 via two side surfaces 11 and is fixed in place by means not specifically shown, for example by barbs or latching elements.

[0037] The spring element 9 comprises at its lower part a cable clamping spring 12 which, in a deflected position 12' depicted by dotted lines, presses a ferrule 13 of the connecting cable against an abutment 14. Due to the angled configuration of the cable clamping spring 12, the ferrule 13 is gripped against withdrawal. The abutment 14 may consist of an insulating material, for example plastic, or a conductive material, for example metal.

[0038] A cable connection clamp 15 for the ferrule 13 is thus formed by the receptacle 8, the cable clamp spring 12 and the abutment 14. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the required electrical conductor in the form of a spring element 9 therefore not only extends from the contact surface 10 to the cable connection clamp 15, but is also part of the cable connection clamp 15 as a result of the integral construction of the spring element 9 and the cable clamp spring 12.

[0039] A slot 16 in the receptacle 8, shown in dotted lines, allows for the insertion of a tool 17, for example in the form of a screwdriver, to force the cable clamp spring 12 away from the ferrule 13, releasing the latter. By this means the cable connection clamp 15 is designed to be releasable.

[0040] Due to their open shape, the spring elements 9 are also elastic in the region of the contact surface 10. In other words, the spring elements 9 form, at the top of the contact element 7, contact springs 18 for contact with the adjacent functional module.

[0041] 4 shows another embodiment of the spring element 9 of the cable clamping spring 12 with a deformed abutment 14. In this figure, the insertion direction of the ferrule, here oblique, is shown for illustrative purposes, and the cable clamping spring is in an undeflected position, which corresponds to a position without a ferrule.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a variant of the contact element 7 according to Figure 1, in which the receptacle 8 is only partially shown. The tool 17 is merely shown and in reality would of course be much larger. In this illustration it can be seen that ferrules of different cross-sections can be used. The ferrule shown is much thinner than the corresponding opening 19 in the receptacle 8, so that an oblique insertion position is possible here. However, this illustration makes clear that it would also be possible to use ferrules 13 or wire ends of cable wires with a larger cross-section.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a variant similar to that of Figure 4. In both cases, the abutment 14 is formed as an additional part that is manufactured separately and inserted into the receptacle 8. Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the abutment 14 is formed integrally with the spring element 9. In Figure 7, the abutment 14 is formed as an angled section from the side surface 11 of the spring element. The abutment can likewise be formed as an elastic clamping spring or as a dimensionally stable abutment.

[0044] 8 shows a variant in which the ends of the spring elements 9 forming the cable clamping spring are shaped to form a clamping cage 19 and an abutment 20. The ferrule is forced into an opening 21 in the clamping cage 19 and springs back in direction Z, so that it is clamped between the clamping cage 19 and the abutment 20. With a tool 17, the clamping cage can be pushed in the opposite direction to the spring direction Z, so that the clamping of the ferrule 13 can be unclamped again.

[0045] The embodiment according to Figure 9 substantially corresponds to the embodiment according to Figure 8. In Figure 9, the clamping cage 19 is formed separately from the spring element 9 and is therefore introduced into the receptacle 8 as an insert piece during assembly.

[0046] 10 shows a particular exemplary embodiment for the construction of the spring element 9, which is only partially shown in FIG. 10 in order to illustrate the cross section. In this design, the spring element is bent from a wire 21 with a circular cross section and flattened in the region of the cable clamp spring by an embossing device 22. A corresponding embossing or flattening process can also be carried out in the region of the contact surface 10.

[0047] 11 shows the arrangement of six contact surfaces 10, which are strip-shaped and arranged parallel to one another. The contact surfaces 10 protrude from the cover 6 of the connection element 1, inside which the contact elements 7 are integrated, as shown by the dotted lines. A printed circuit board 24 is electrically connected to the contact surfaces 10 of the contact elements 7 of the connection element 1 via end contacts 25. The printed circuit board 24 is an element of an adjacent functional module. The adjacent functional module, not further shown, is connected to the connection element 1 by being connected one-to-one with the connection element 1.

[0048] This figure not only clarifies the function of the multiple contact surfaces 10, but also illustrates that the multiple contact surfaces 10, in addition to the flat shape described above, can also be formed as multiple curved surfaces or multiple flat surfaces arranged at an angle to each other, thereby forming multiple ramps 26 for connecting with multiple contacts of the functional module to be connected, and that these contacts can slide on the multiple ramps 26.

[0049] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a contact element 7 in which a tool is introduced into a slot 16 parallel to the ferrule 13 to release the cable clamping spring 12, the slot being designed as in the previous example to be separated from a receiving opening 27 for the ferrule 13 by a separating wall 28.

[0050] 13, it can be seen that the use of the receptacles 27 for the ferrules 13 and the slots 16 for the tools 17 for releasing the cable clamp springs 12 allows the corresponding spring elements 9 to be arranged alternately rotated by 180 degrees. The receptacles 27 and slots 16 are numbered for this purpose, so that it can be seen that the spring elements 9 belonging to the receptacles 27.0, 27.2, 27.4 and slots 16.0, 16.2, 16.4 are rotated alternately with respect to the spring elements 9 belonging to the receptacles 27.1, 27.3, 27.5 and slots 16.1, 16.3, 16.5.

[0051] 14 and 15 show a signal tower comprising various functional modules 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, which may be configured as, for example, lighting, sound, or wireless modules. A connecting element 1, not shown in these figures, is formed according to the invention and serves to connect the functional modules 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 by means of cable cores, not shown. In the longitudinal section according to Fig. 15, several printed circuit boards 24 can be seen.

[0052] 16, the connection of the functional modules can be seen, for example between functional modules 30 or 31 and 33. The printed circuit board 35 is provided on its lower end face with a plurality of end contacts 36 in the form of a plurality of electrically conductive contact surfaces, which, as can be seen, extend transversely to the longitudinal axis A of the signal tower 28, to the functional modules 29 to 34 and to the printed circuit board 35. These end contacts 36 form, also transversely to the longitudinal axis A, a plurality of connection contacts for the contact surfaces 10 of the contact springs 18 of the connecting element 7 of the underlying functional module 31 or for the contact surfaces 10 of the underlying connecting element 1.

[0053] At the top of the functional module 30 or 31 to 33, one can see contact elements 37 belonging to the illustrated functional module. The contact elements 37 are formed in a similar manner to the contact elements 7. The printed circuit board 35 is inserted into the contact elements from below. Thus, the printed circuit board 35 can optionally be inserted into a plurality of receiving openings 27 instead of a plurality of ferrules 13 and is accordingly configured to contact a plurality of conductor paths using a plurality of spring elements 9. An upper printed circuit board 38 therefore contacts an upper or adjacent functional module in a similar manner to the lower printed circuit board 35. [List of codes] 1...connection element, 2...housing, 3...knurl, 4...protrusion, 5...bayonet fixing, 6...cover, 7...contact element, 8...receptacle, 9...spring element / electrical conductor, 10...contact surface, 11...side, 12...cable clamp spring, 13...ferrule, 14...abutment, 15...cable connection clamp, 16...slot, 17...tool, 18...cable clamp spring, 19...clamping cage, 20...abutment, 21...opening, 22...wire, 23...embossing, 24...printed circuit board, 25...end contact, 26...incline, 27...receptor opening, 28...signal tower, 29...functional module, 30...functional module, 31...functional module, 32...functional module, 33...functional module, 34...functional module, 35...printed circuit board, 36...end contact, 37...contact element, 38...printed circuit board, A...long axis.

Claims

1. A connection element for electrically connecting a signaling device to a functional module adjacent to said connection element, said connection element for electrically connecting said functional modules having a housing for mechanical connection and an electrical contact element for electrical connection with at least one electrical contact surface of at least one electrical conductor, the electrical conductor having the contact surface extends to a cable connection clamp of the connection element for connection with at least one cable core of an electrical cable, The electrical conductor is formed as an integral spring element with the contact surface for connecting the functional module and the cable clamp spring of the cable connection clamp. A connecting element characterized by:

2. A connecting element according to claim 1, 10. A connecting element, characterized in that the cable clamping spring is provided with a passage for inserting a core end of a cable.

3. A connecting element according to claim 1, A connecting element, characterized in that it is provided with a device for loosening the cable clamping spring.

4. A connecting element according to claim 1, A connecting element characterized in that it is provided with a passage for an independent tool.

5. A connecting element according to claim 1, 10. A connecting element, characterized in that the contact surface for the adjacent functional module is one surface of a contact spring which has a resilient force transverse to the contact surface and acts in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

6. A connecting element according to claim 5, 10. A connecting element, characterized in that the contact spring with the contact surface for the adjacent functional module is electrically connected to the cable clamping spring.

7. A connecting element according to claim 1, 10. A connecting element, characterized in that a plurality of spring elements are provided as a plurality of electrical conductors with a plurality of contact surfaces for the adjacent functional modules and a cable connection clamp for a plurality of cable cores.

8. A connecting element according to claim 7, the spring elements have the same shape as a plurality of electrical conductors with a plurality of contact surfaces for adjacent functional modules, the contact surfaces being arranged next to each other and facing in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting element; and / or the plurality of contact surfaces of the plurality of electrical conductors having the same shape have a strip shape and are arranged parallel to each other. A connecting element.

9. A connecting element according to claim 1, 1. A connecting element comprising a contact element having a plurality of spring elements as electrical conductors with a plurality of contact surfaces for adjacent functional modules and a cable connection clamp for a plurality of cable cores, the cable connection clamp of the contact element being provided with a plurality of cable clamp springs for a plurality of cable cores.

10. A connecting element according to claim 9, A connecting element, characterized in that the contact element has an electrically insulating material between the spring elements provided as a plurality of electrical conductors.

11. A connecting element according to claim 1, A connection element, characterized in that the cable connection clamp of the connection element allows connection of cable cores or conductor paths of a printed circuit board to provide an electrical connection.

12. A connecting element according to claim 1, 1. A connection element, characterized in that the cable connection clamp has one or more openings for the insertion of a printed circuit board or a plurality of protrusions of a printed circuit board, and the cable clamp spring is accessible through the one or more openings for the conductor paths of the printed circuit board to bring into contact with the conductor paths of the printed circuit board or cable cores via the cable clamp spring.

13. A connecting element according to claim 1, A connecting element, characterized in that the contact elements are formed integrally with the housing of the connecting element or as insert elements for insertion into the housing of the connecting element.

14. A connecting element according to claim 1, A connection element, characterized in that the functional module is a lighting module for signaling one or more different operating states of a technical device or a wireless module for generating a wireless connection of the signaling device.

15. A connecting element according to claim 14, A connection element, characterized in that the technical device is a machine, a piece of equipment or a vehicle.

16. A connecting element according to claim 4, 10. A connecting element, characterized in that the separate tool is a screwdriver for pressing the cable clamp spring or a permanent loosening element.

17. A connecting element according to claim 16, 10. A connecting element, characterized in that the permanent loosening element is a movable lever or pressure plunger for pressing the cable clamp spring.

18. 1. A signaling device, comprising: Signalling device, characterized in that it is provided with a connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. 20. A signaling device according to claim 18, A signaling device, characterized in that at least one functional module has contact elements formed similarly to the contact elements of the connecting element.

20. 20. A signaling device according to claim 18, 1. A signaling device comprising: a functional module having at least one printed circuit board aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the signaling device; the signaling device having one or more end contacts extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, the end contacts being electrically connected to conductor paths on the printed circuit board and contacting multiple contact surfaces of a contact element of an adjacent functional module or multiple contact surfaces of the connecting element; the conductor paths on the printed circuit board being contacted by cable clamping springs of the contact elements of the functional module in an end region of the printed circuit board opposite the contact surface or surfaces, the contact elements being formed identically to the contact elements of the connecting element.

21. A signaling device according to claim 18, The signaling device is characterized in that the signaling device is a signal tower having a plurality of detachably mounted functional modules.

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