ES1217394U - EMERGENCY SIGNALING DEVICE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Emergency signaling device, temporarily linked to a vehicle for signaling its position, which comprises: - a base (1) connectable to the body of the vehicle, - temporary joint elements (2) for temporary union of the base (1) with the body, - a control circuit (3) linked to the base (1), - a lighting element (4) coupled to the base (1) and to the control circuit (3), and - a power supply (5) linked both to the control circuit (3) and to the lighting element (4) for power supply, the device being characterized in that: - the control circuit (3) incorporates an FFC connector (12) for coupling with the lighting element (4), and because - the lighting element (4) comprises in turn: - a flexible support (9), - a plurality of LED diodes (10) arranged on the flexible support (9), and configured for on and off, and - a connection (11) located in the flexible support (9), for coupling with the FFC connector (12). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

EMERGENCY SIGNALING DEVICE

DESCRIPTION

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention falls within the technical field of vehicle lighting devices, more specifically in that of devices for indicating an emergency situation, and refers in particular to an emergency signaling device by means of rotating lighting, temporarily linked to a vehicle for indicating the position of said vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of light devices for signaling vehicles of special characteristics such as agricultural vehicles, large transport, trucks, etc., are known in the current state of the art. These devices, generically referred to as rotating, emit a beam of intermittent light at 360 °, so that they are visible from any direction. The lighting values are determined by safety regulations.

As a particular application of these devices, those intended for the signaling of immobilized vehicles on roads traveled by emergency causes arise, so as to avoid the risk arising from the exposure of a user to the surrounding traffic during the operations of placing the signaling triangles . To ensure their functionality, these devices must be powered independently from the vehicle, usually using their own batteries.

Most of these devices have an electronic circuit on which a plurality of LEDs are mounted. There are circuits that mount diodes in thru-hole format, and are bent at 90 ° so that the light emission has a radial orientation. The main drawback of this type of devices is that they are very limited in terms of their light output.

The latest advances in the field of lighting are being produced with surface mount diodes, so that the emitted light is perpendicular to the circuit. The

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

Devices that use this technology need a parabolic reflector to orient the light in a plane parallel to that of the circuit, which represents an important decrease in performance, as well as an extra cost and a special need for control because it is a critical piece .

With this solution of the orientation reflector, in order to comply with the safety regulations, it is necessary to oversize the LED, which implies an extra cost of the product. It also requires the use of batteries of high dimensions, which entails bulky devices difficult to store inside the vehicle.

On the other hand, the temporary installation of these devices is usually carried out on the roof of the vehicle, which implies a lack of horizontality in the projection of the light beams, due to both the usual curved geometries of the roofs and the inclination of the vehicle on the road. Reflector devices lose almost all lighting capacity as soon as their angle of incidence varies.

Another disadvantage of presently existing devices is that they are powered either by the vehicle's own battery or by a battery. In the first case, if there is a failure in the electrical system, the device does not work, while in the second case the proper state of the battery is not guaranteed, and therefore its functionality in signaling.

Finally, it should be noted that since the driver is housed inside the vehicle waiting for help, to avoid exposing himself to possible accidents, he cannot visualize, and therefore, check the state of the emergency lighting.

The need therefore arises to have an emergency lighting and signaling device that complies with the demanding regulations, which ensures a minimum duration within the required range, and that maintains the light output over a wide range of inclinations. Other desirable requirements are that it be as compact as possible, that it can be adapted to advances in lighting technology and that it has the ability to report its correct operation, and all at the lowest possible cost.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

The object of the invention consists of an emergency signaling device by means of rotating lighting designed to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

For this, the device comprises a base that can be linked to the external body of a vehicle, preferably by means of magnets, a control circuit linked to the base, a lighting element linked to the base and the control circuit, and a power supply to supply the energy necessary for its operation.

The lighting element in turn comprises a plurality of LED diodes arranged on a flexible ribbon-shaped base, which allows it to be curved to give rise to a circular crown or ring, attachable on the side face of the base, which preferably has a cylindrical shape

This configuration disposes the LEDs radially and with the axis of light emission parallel to the plane of the roof of the vehicle, so it is not necessary to use reflectors obtaining maximum performance, minimizing the size of the batteries and the total volume. This lighting achieves the safety requirements demanded by the regulations without the need to oversize the diodes. Also, the viewing angle is increased and visibility improves for different inclinations.

Since the lighting element is attachable or detachable to the base of the device, it can be easily replaced in case of breakdown or change in the type of LED diodes, without the need to discard the entire device.

The lighting element is connected to the control circuit by inserting one end of its flexible base into a standardized FFC connector, thus minimizing the use of connectors and eliminating the connection cables.

To inform the driver of the correct functioning of the lighting, it is contemplated that the device incorporates an acoustic warning. You can also incorporate a wireless module for transmission to a mobile device equipped with the appropriate software, the level of lighting and its adaptation to the values required by safety regulations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- It shows a front view of the device temporarily arranged on the roof of a vehicle, where the direction of the projected light beams is shown in a broken line.

Figure 2.- Shows a plan view of a longitudinal section made in the device, where the direction of the projected light beams is shown in a broken line.

Figure 3.- Shows a detail of the lighting element of the device.

Figure 4.- Shows a bottom plan view of the device.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Next, a detailed explanation of a preferred embodiment of the object of the present invention is provided with the aid of the aforementioned figures.

The emergency signaling device by means of rotary lighting described is formed by a base (1) temporarily linked to the external body of a vehicle by means of temporary connection elements (2), which in this preferred embodiment are magnets, a circuit control (3) linked to the base (1), a lighting element (4) linked to the base (1) and the control circuit (3), and a power supply (5) linked to both the control circuit (3) as to the lighting element (4) to supply the energy necessary for its operation.

The base (1) has an essentially cylindrical geometry, with a lower face (6) destined to be confronted with the body and on which the temporary joining elements (2) are arranged, an upper face (7) destined to be oriented superiorly and on which the control circuit (3) is arranged, and a side face (8) on which

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

It has the lighting element.

The lighting element (4), shown in detail in Figure 3, is formed by a flexible support (9), curved on itself to adopt an annular configuration in its coupling on the side face (8) of the base (1). ). On said flexible support (9) there is an alignment of LED diodes (10), configured to turn on and off sequentially, creating a sensation of blinking light. A connection (11) of the lighting element (4) is located at one of the longitudinal ends of the flexible support (9).

A standardized FFC connector (12) links the control circuit (3) with the lighting element (4), by coupling the connection (11). This connection allows the renewal or partial repair of the device by replacing the lighting element (4), in case of failure, as well as minimizes the use of connectors and eliminates the need for cables for connection.

A translucent housing (13), which in this preferred embodiment has tulip geometry, covers the base (1), the control circuit (3) and the lighting element (4) superiorly, protecting them from external atmospheric conditions.

The power supply (5) itself is in this case a rechargeable battery via USB connection, which allows recharging with connection to the vehicle's cigarette lighter. A switch (14) is linked to the control circuit (3) to govern the operation of the device.

The incorporation of a plurality of auxiliary elements, not shown in the attached figures, is also contemplated. First of all, it is worth mentioning the incorporation of at least one sensor for detecting the light intensity generated by the LEDs (10) of the lighting means (4), for determining the light intensity generated.

Likewise, a wireless transmission module is also incorporated, linked to said detection sensor, for the emission of the measured lighting value to an external device equipped with specific software, which compares said value with those established in the road safety regulations. In the event that said light intensity is lower than that determined, the option of incorporating a warning device is contemplated

Acoustic type

In Figure 4 a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the device is observed, in which in a central sector of the lower face (6) a housing 5 (15) is defined, more internal with respect to the plane of said lower face (6). This accommodation (15)

it houses the switch (14), a USB port (16) for recharging the power supply (5) and some light indicators (17) of device parameters such as the charge level of the power supply (5) or the light intensity generated by the LEDs (10) of the lighting means (4).

10

The housing (15) prevents water from entering the device through any of the openings, since they are hidden and not exposed to rain, as well as avoid possible accumulation of liquids. In addition, being retracted from the plane defined by the underside (6) of the base (1) prevents contact with the water deposited on the surface 15 of the vehicle body.

Claims (6)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 1. Emergency signaling device, temporarily linked to a vehicle for signaling its position, comprising: - a base (1) that can be linked to the body of the vehicle, - temporary joining elements (2) for temporary joining of the base (1) with the bodywork, - a control circuit (3) linked to the base (1), - a lighting element (4) attachable to the base (1) and to the control circuit (3), and - a power supply (5) linked to both the control circuit (3) and the lighting element (4) for power supply, the device being characterized because: - the control circuit (3) incorporates an FFC connector (12) for coupling with the lighting element (4), and because - the lighting element (4) includes: - a flexible support (9), - a plurality of LED diodes (10) arranged on the flexible support (9), and configured for switching on and off, and - a connection (11) located on the flexible support (9), for coupling with the FFC connector (12). 2. Signaling device according to claim 1 characterized in that it incorporates at least one sensor for detecting the light intensity generated by the LEDs (10). 3. Signaling device according to claim 2 characterized in that it incorporates a wireless transmission module linked to the detection sensor, for transmission of the detected lighting value. 4. Signaling device according to claim 2 characterized in that it incorporates a warning device linked to the detection sensor for the emission of a low light intensity warning signal. 5. Signaling device according to claim 1 characterized in that the base (1) incorporates a housing (15) defined in the lower face (6). 6. Signaling device according to claim 5 characterized in that it incorporates, housed in the housing (15): - a drive switch (14), 5 - a USB port (16) for recharging the power supply (5), and - light indicators (17) of device parameters.