EP3043111B1 - Signalling device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a signaling device, in particular for a signal tower, for displaying operating states, with at least one signal module having a printed circuit board element for at least one signal element for emitting a signal, in particular for a luminous element for emitting a signal light, wherein the signal module releasably with a further signal module is connectable and the signal modules are arranged one above the other in the connected state, wherein the signal module has a bayonet connection element for connection to a bayonet connection element of the further signal module and a connecting line extending through the signal module is provided for driving a printed circuit board element of the further signal module.

Such a signaling device with a plurality of signal modules is known from EP 1 460 332 A2 The signal modules each have a horizontally arranged printed circuit board element for at least one signal element ur output of a signal. In addition, the signal modules have wires extending through the respective signal module as connecting lines for driving a printed circuit board element of the further signal module. For electrical connection between the wires of adjacent signal modules in the connected state and for contacting the printed circuit board element plate elements are mounted on the circuit boards.

Another light column for displaying operating conditions, such as errors in automatic machines, for example, from DE 195 13 983 A1 known. The luminous column has a plurality of signal elements which are substantially identical in their design and are arranged one above the other and which are connected to one another by means of a closure connection. The signal elements consist of a cylinder part for receiving an optical or acoustic signal transmitter and electrical connecting lines, which are used for individual power supply of the signal elements. The electrical connection lines are formed as wires, each having at its one end an approximately U-shaped, lying in an approximately tangentially oriented plane connecting bridge and at its other end an angled connecting web. The connecting bridge of a signal element acts during assembly of two adjacent Signal elements with the connecting web of the adjacent light-emitting element by a resilient wire connection non-positively together. As a result, the electrical contact is made when the individual signal elements are mechanically connected to each other via a bayonet connection.

Also from the EP 1 650 489 A2 a Signalvorrichutung with a plurality of detachably interconnected signal modules is known, the outside of the electronics carrier used guided wires for establishing an electrical connection between the signal modules in the assembly of the signal modules.

A disadvantage of this prior art is in particular that connection or feed lines disturb the optionally emitted by the signal element photo. In addition, the assembly is time-consuming and costly. In addition, the arrangement of the connection or feed lines within the signal elements requires a lot of space. As a result, the number of signal elements which can be arranged one above the other is limited for a given diameter of the cylindrical receiving part.

In addition, from the EP 1 347 233 A2 a signal tower with several segments of different color has become known, in which a through all segments extending circuit board is provided which carries light emitting diodes as a light source. The LEDs are each associated with a segment, the LEDs of different segments can be controlled separately. In this embodiment, however, is disadvantageous that the variability of the light column is lost for different applications.

In addition, a signal tower has already been proposed in the prior art, in which the signal modules each have a printed circuit board. The signal modules are plugged into each other in this embodiment, wherein the circuit boards are interconnected. However, this embodiment is disadvantageous in that the contacting between two printed circuit boards and the connection between two adjoining signal modules must be made separately.

Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a generic signaling device of the type mentioned, in which the contacting of the individual signal modules with structurally simple, small footprint-requiring means is accomplished, the signal modules can be further disassembled without the use of tools at any point and reassembled.

This object is achieved by a signaling device having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the printed circuit board element of the signal module for forming the connecting line to a signal element of the further signal module associated conductor track which is connected in the connected state of the signal modules via a contact element with a conductor on the circuit board element of the further signal module, wherein the circuit board elements in a mated, untwisted state of Bayonet connection elements are arranged in a non-contact position and in a mated, twisted state of the bayonet connection elements in a contact position to each other.

Advantageously, therefore, the connection or supply lines for the supply of the signal elements over several signal modules away in the form of interconnects in the printed circuit board elements integrated. As signal elements, lighting elements, for example light-emitting diodes, or sound signal elements can be provided. As a result, it is possible to dispense with connection lines or feed lines running outside of the circuit board elements, for example, in the form of wire or platelets. Such connecting or feeding lines were arranged in the prior art at a distance from each other on the inside of the signal modules, extending in the axial direction, which - to keep optical defects within an acceptable range - the number superimposed on one another signal modules was virtually limited. In addition, the assembly / Assemblieraufwand increased with the number of connecting or feed lines. In the case of the signal device according to the invention, the printed circuit board element serves not only to control or supply the signal element located thereon, but also to forward control or supply signals to the signal elements overlying signal modules. For this purpose, the printed circuit board element has at least one conductor track, which is set up to forward electrical control or supply signals to an overlying signal module. In addition, each printed circuit board element has at least one conductor track connected to the signal element of this signal module in order in particular to set the luminous state of the luminous element on the respective signal module; Of course, the circuit board element but also have several, supplied via different tracks signal elements. The assembly / assembly effort is advantageously substantially independent of the number of tracks. In the mechanically connected state of the signal modules, the printed circuit board elements are electrically conductively connected to one another via at least two contact elements. Preferably, at least the lowermost signal module has a plurality of interconnects for the forwarding of control or supply signals to a plurality of signal modules located above them on, with a corresponding number of contact elements is provided between the signal modules. When assembling the signal modules, the electrical contacting of the printed circuit board elements is thus at the same time made. The signal device can, preferably at the lower end, have a base element, which is supplied with the control or supply signals for the individual signal modules via connection means known per se in the prior art. The embodiment according to the invention has the particular advantage that the number of individually mountable or demountable signal modules that can be arranged one above the other can be increased (for a given diameter). In addition, the contacting of the circuit board elements during assembly of the signaling device can be made more reliable. Furthermore, the embodiment of the invention is particularly stable. Another advantage of the invention is that the mounting of the signaling device can be carried out more simply and therefore more cost-effectively. In addition, cost advantages can also be achieved by the partially-saving design. Finally, it is advantageous that the light output of the signal modules to the environment is not hindered by feed lines.

In addition, the signal module has a bayonet connection element for connection to a bayonet connection element of the further signal module, wherein the circuit board elements are arranged in a mated, untwisted state of the bayonet connection elements in a non-contact position and in a mated, twisted state of the bayonet connection elements in a contact position to each other. In the prior art, it is known per se, the signal modules via bayonet connections releasably connect to each other. For this purpose, the signal modules have cooperating bayonet connection elements, which are formed by a bayonet projection on the one signal module and a bayonet opening on the other signal module. The bayonet connection elements can be connected to one another via a plug-in rotary movement, wherein the bayonet projection is first inserted through an entrance region of the bayonet opening extending in the axial direction and then twisted along a securing section of the bayonet opening extending substantially at right angles thereto. In the present embodiment, the mechanical connection via the bayonet connection elements is coupled to the electrical connection between the circuit board elements. For this purpose, the contact elements of a signal module in the assembled, untwisted state of the bayonet connection elements are arranged in a non-contact position to the corresponding contact points of the other signal module. By arranging the bayonet connection elements in the mated, twisted position, the contact elements of a signal module are brought into contact with the contact points of the other signal module. Thus, the signal line between the successive signal modules can be released via the bayonet connection.

In order to be able to apply a control or supply voltage to a specific signal module of the signal tower, it is favorable if the printed circuit board element extends substantially over the entire height of the signal module, wherein the contact element in the connected state of the signal modules between a top contact point of a printed circuit board element and a lower-side contact point of the other printed circuit board element is arranged. This embodiment is preferably provided in a signal module with a luminous element. For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "up" and "down" refer to a substantially vertical operating position of the signaling device in which the signal modules are stacked. In this vertical or stationary operating position of the signaling device, the printed circuit board element is preferably arranged in a substantially vertical position within the signal module, wherein the printed circuit board element extends over substantially the entire height of the associated signal module. In order to forward the electrical control or supply signals through a signal module to an overlying signal module, at least two interconnects of this signal module are connected via at least two contact elements with associated interconnects of the overlying signal module. Accordingly, the signal transmission takes place substantially over the entire height of the signal device along the conductor tracks of the printed circuit board elements, wherein the successive signal modules are contacted by the contact elements.

In order to reliably establish or disconnect the electrical contact between the signal modules, it is advantageous if a resiliently deflectable contact spring is provided as the contact element, which connects the printed circuit board elements together in the connected state of the signal modules. For contacting between the circuit board elements one above the other arranged signal modules therefore contact springs are provided which are created in the manufacture of the mechanical connection between the signal modules at the corresponding contact points of the respective printed circuit board element. By removing a signal module from the signaling device at the same time the electrical connection is separated via the contact springs. For reliable through-connection of the signal modules, the contact springs are in the connected state of the signal modules with a contact pressure at the corresponding contact points.

In order to accomplish the contacting between the signal modules in a structurally simple, reliable manner, it is advantageous if the printed circuit board element has contact points, protruding from the upper and the lower end side of the printed circuit board elements pin elements, wherein the lower or upper side pin elements with the contact elements are connected and the top and bottom pin elements are free of contact elements. Accordingly, the contact points of the printed circuit board element on one side, preferably on the underside, connected to contact elements and on the other side, preferably on the top, free of such contact elements. When connecting the signal modules so always contact the contact elements of a signal module with contact elements free contact points of the other signal module in contact.

For stable mounting of the printed circuit board elements within the signal modules, it is advantageous if the signal module has an attachment element connected to the printed circuit board element with a connecting element. The installation of the signaling device can be made with little effort if the connecting element via a releasable connection, preferably a locking connection, in an outer housing, preferably with a cylindrical outer surface, is added. In this version Therefore, the connecting element together with the circuit board element is snapped or latched in the outer housing. The outer housing preferably has a cylindrical outer surface which is formed on one side with a lid or bottom part and on the other side with a holding opening for connection to the further signal module. The bayonet connection elements in the form of the bayonet projections or the bayonet openings are preferably provided at opposite ends of the lateral surface, in each case adjacent to the cover / bottom part or the holding opening.

In one embodiment, the printed circuit board element can be arranged essentially completely within an attachment element comprising the connecting element. With such an attachment element in the manner of a housing, the printed circuit board element and in particular also the contact elements are substantially completely protected against mechanical influences, in particular when connecting the signal modules.

In order to be able to reliably establish and disconnect the electrical and mechanical connection of signal modules arranged one above the other without the risk of damage, it is favorable if, for the protection of the contact elements, at least one protective element is provided at least partially enclosing the contact elements. Preferably, the protective element has a plurality of, preferably pin-shaped or peg-shaped projections, which are arranged adjacent to the contact elements.

In particular, in this case two rows of such projections are provided, between which the contact elements are arranged, wherein a first row comparatively short projections and a second row are provided comparatively long projections. The contact points, in particular pin elements, of a further printed circuit board element, with which a contact is to be made, are advantageously arranged when merging the signal modules such that they can be rotated over the short projections on closing the bayonet closure, without coming into contact with them.

The long projections, however, can advantageously so be formed so that they cover the contact elements substantially over the entire length at the side on which the contact elements are not intended for contact with a contact point, so that access or damage to the contact elements is prevented as possible.

In order to enable a contact via the rotational movement when closing the bayonet connection without exposed, exposed access points, it is advantageous if a cover / bottom element of the further signal module or an attachment element of another printed circuit board element has at least one arcuately curved passage opening. Contact elements and possibly contact protection projections of a signal module can thus be inserted in the assembled, untwisted state in through holes of the other signal module. When twisting the signal modules against each other, the contact elements as well as the (protection against contact) projections are then guided in the arcuate through holes. Upon reaching the stop position, which is preferably defined by the bayonet connection, the electrical contact between the circuit board elements is made via the contact elements.

In order to improve the optical effect of the light signal transmitted by the signal element, i. In particular, to achieve a directed radiation of the light beams generated, it is advantageous if at least one optical element is connected to the printed circuit board element having at least one optical lens, wherein preferably the number of lenses substantially corresponds to a number of light emitting diodes provided as signal element.

In order to effect a protection of the contact elements, a connecting element for an outer housing and a directed delivery of the generated light beams in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner, it is advantageous if at least one attachment element comprising the connecting element, the protective element and the optical element is provided. By combining the three above-mentioned different functions in a single attachment element, both the number of parts and the assembly effort can be kept low.

The assembly of the signaling device can be made particularly simple if the attachment element has two half-shells, which are connected to one another via a detachable connection, preferably a latching connection. In the assembled state, therefore, the printed circuit board element is arranged between the half-shells of the attachment element, wherein the printed-circuit board element, however, can protrude laterally beyond the composite half-shells.

In order to achieve a versatile signal tower, it is favorable if at least one printed circuit board element has more than three, preferably at least five, in particular eight, printed conductors for the control of a corresponding number of signal modules.

In order to achieve a signal tower, it is favorable if at least two interconnected signal modules arranged one above the other in the connected state are provided. Preferably, at least two similar signal modules are provided as light signal modules with luminous elements. In addition, a signal module may be provided with a sound signal element.

• Fig. 1 eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Signalsäule, welche mehrere lösbar miteinander verbundene Signalmodule zur optischen und akustischen Anzeige von Betriebszuständen einer Maschine aufweist;
• Fig. 2 eine teilweise geschnittene, schaubildliche Ansicht eines Signalmoduls der Signalsäule gemäß Fig. 1, wobei das Signalmodul ein Leiterplattenelement mit einem LED-Leuchtelement aufweist;
• Fig. 3 eine weitere teilweise geschnittene, schaubildliche Ansicht des Signalmoduls gemäß Fig. 1, 2;
• Fig. 4, 5 weitere schaubildliche Ansichten des Signalmoduls gemäß Fig. 1 bis 3;
• Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 schematische Ansichten der Leiterplattenelemente übereinander angeordneter Signalmodule, deren Leiterbahnen über Kontaktfedern durch Verdrehung zwischen der in Fig. 6 dargestellten Ruhestellung und der in Fig. 7 dargestellten Kontaktstellung miteinander verbindbar sind;
• Fig. 8 eine schaubildliche Ansicht einer Halbschale eines Aufsatzelements mit eingesetztem Leiterplattenelement; und
• Fig. 9 eine weitere schaubildliche Ansicht der Halbschale des Aufsatzelements für das Leiterplattenelement;
• Fig. 10 eine schematische Ansicht von vier übereinander angeordneten Leiterplattenelementen;
• Fig. 11 eine schaubildliche Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Leiterplattenelements mit einem Aufsatzelement;
• Fig. 12 eine schaubildliche Ansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 11 mit einer abgenommenen Halbschale des Aufsatzelements; und
• Fig. 13 eine geschnittene schaubildliche Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Signalmoduls.

The invention will be explained below with reference to preferred embodiments, to which it should not be limited, however. In the drawing show:

• Fig. 1 a view of a signal tower according to the invention, which has a plurality of releasably interconnected signal modules for optical and acoustic display of operating conditions of a machine;
• Fig. 2 a partially sectioned, perspective view of a signal module of the signal tower according to Fig. 1 wherein the signal module comprises a printed circuit board element with an LED lighting element;
• Fig. 3 a further partially sectioned, perspective view of the signal module according to Fig. 1 . 2 ;
• Fig. 4, 5 further perspective views of the signal module according to Fig. 1 to 3 ;
• Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 schematic views of the printed circuit board elements superimposed signal modules whose interconnects via contact springs by rotation between the in Fig. 6 illustrated rest position and the in Fig. 7 shown contact position are connected to each other;
• Fig. 8 a perspective view of a half-shell of an attachment element with inserted circuit board element; and
• Fig. 9 a further perspective view of the half-shell of the attachment element for the circuit board element;
• Fig. 10 a schematic view of four superposed circuit board elements;
• Fig. 11 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a printed circuit board element according to the invention with an attachment element;
• Fig. 12 a perspective view of the embodiment according to Fig. 11 with a detached half-shell of the attachment element; and
• Fig. 13 a sectional perspective view of a second embodiment of a signal module according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 a signaling device 1 for displaying operating conditions of a machine or a plant component is shown. The signaling device is designed as a signal tower with a plurality of signal modules 2, which, as will be explained in more detail below, are detachably connectable to each other. In the connected state, the individual signal modules 2 are arranged one above the other. In the embodiment shown, three optical signal modules 2 'are provided for emitting different colored light signals and an acoustic signal module 2 "(which is well known in the prior art) for emitting a sound signal. The signal modules 2 'each have an outer housing 3, which with a cylindrical, partially transparent and each in another Color running lateral surface 4 and a lid 5 is formed (see. Fig. 4, 5 ). The signal modules 2 are arranged in a known manner on a base element 6, which is connected via (schematically drawn) electrical connection means with the (not shown) machine. Accordingly, the control of all signal modules 2 takes place via the common connection means of the base element 6.

How out Fig. 2 . 3 can be seen, the signal module 2 within the outer housing 3 on a circuit board element 7, at which in a known manner at least one (in Fig. 8 schematically drawn) signal element 8 is arranged to output a signal. The optical signal modules 2 'each have at least one luminous element on the printed circuit boards 7. As a luminous element, in particular at least one light-emitting diode (LED) is provided, wherein the in Fig. 8 Signal element 8 shown comprises a total of six LEDs (three on each side of the printed circuit board element). For driving the printed circuit board elements 7 2 extending connecting lines are provided by the signal modules, which in the embodiment shown as in Fig. 8 schematically apparent interconnects 10 are integrated into the circuit board elements 7.

In Fig. 10 four superposed circuit board elements 7 are shown as well as schematically integrated in the base element 6 a base 9 with terminals 9 '("0" to "7"). Accordingly, each circuit board element 7 has a leading to the next signal module 2 "0" conductor track 10 '. Furthermore, in each case at least one conductor track 10 "is provided, which establishes a connection from the contact element" 1 "to the right of the" 0 "track via the respective signal element 8 to the" 0 "track, as well as further conductive tracks 10 '". , By applying voltage to the "0" conductor track and one of the connection terminals 9 '"1" to "7", a corresponding signal module 2 can thus be activated. In the mechanically connected state of the signal modules 2, the conductor tracks 10 ', 10''' via contact elements 11 to the corresponding conductor tracks 10 '' on the printed circuit board element 7 of the overlying signal module 2 electrically connected. Therefore, if voltage is applied to the terminal 9 '"0" and "1", the signal element 8 of the lowermost signal module lights up 2; if voltage is applied to the terminal 9 '"0" and "2", the signal element 8 of the (as seen from below) second signal module 2, etc. lights up Fig. 2 . 3 In the connected state of the signal modules 2, the contact elements 11 between a top-side contact point 12 of the one (lower) PCB element 7 'and a lower-side contact point thirteenth the other (upper) printed circuit board element 7 '' arranged (see. Fig. 7 ). As contact elements 11 elastically deformable contact springs 11 'are provided in the embodiment shown, which in the connected state of the signal modules 2 whose printed circuit board elements 7; 7 ', 7''interconnect (see. Fig. 7 ).

How out Fig. 2 to 5 can be seen, the signal modules 2 to the releasable connection bayonet connection elements 14 which are formed by bayonet projections 15 at an inwardly offset upper edge region of the lateral surface 4 of the outer housing 3 and corresponding bayonet openings 16 at the opposite lower edge region of the outer surface 3 of the outer housing , The bayonet connection elements 14 of signal modules 2 arranged one above the other can be connected to one another in a known manner via a plug-in rotary connection. Here, first the bayonet projections 15 are guided on the lower signal module 2 in an axially extending input region 16a of the bayonet opening 16. Thereafter, the signal modules 2 are rotated against each other, wherein the bayonet projections 15 are displaced along horizontal securing portions 16 b of the bayonet openings 16. The contact elements 11 of the one (upper) signal module 2 are arranged in the mated, untwisted state of the bayonet connection elements 14 at a distance from the corresponding contact points of the other signal module 2. By arranging the bayonet connection elements 14 in the mated, twisted position according to Fig. 1 the contact points 12, 13 superimposed signal modules 2 are brought into conductive contact. Thus, the signal line can be released or separated by the successive signal modules 2 via the bayonet connection.

As in particular from Fig. 6, 7 can be seen, the circuit board elements 7, the contact points 12, 13 forming pin members 17 which project from the top side of the printed circuit board elements 7 upwards or from the lower-side end side of the printed circuit board elements 7 down. In the embodiment shown, the lower-side pin elements 17 "are each connected to the contact elements 11, whereas the upper-side pin elements 17 'are free of such contact elements 11.

How out Fig. 8, 9 can be seen, cf. also Fig. 2 . 3 , The signal modules 2 each have an attachment element 18 for the associated printed circuit board element 7, wherein in a first embodiment, the associated circuit board element 7 is substantially completely received within the attachment element 18. The attachment element 18 has in a lower portion a protective element 25, with two rows of projections 19, one row being provided with longer projections 19 'and one row with shorter projections 19 ", the contact elements 11 each being between the projections serving as protection against contact 19 ', 19 "arranged. The longer projections 19 'cover the contact elements 11 on the side on which no contact is made, substantially entirely. On the other hand, the shorter projections 19 '' release an end section of the contact elements 11 for contacting purposes. The contact elements 11 as well as the projections 19 ', 19' are accommodated in corresponding passage openings 20 at the top of the attachment element 18 of the adjacent signal module 2 when two signal modules 2 are brought together. To adapt to the rotational movement during the closing of the bayonet connection, the passage openings 20 of the attachment element 18 are arcuately curved. When twisting the signal modules 2 for producing the bayonet connection, the pin-shaped projections 19 of the one (upper) signal module 2 are therefore moved in the arcuately curved passage openings 20 of the other (lower) signal module 2. Accordingly, the procedure is for the respective number of signal modules 2.

The arrangement of the longer 19 'or shorter projections 19 "is on the opposite radial sections of the attachment element 18 reversed. Thus, upon reaching a stop position defined by the bayonet connection, a contacting of adjacent circuit board elements 7 is reliably produced. At the same time, the configuration of the shorter projections 19 "ensures that the contacting between the circuit board elements 7 when connecting the signal modules 2 is not hindered.

How out Fig. 8, 9 furthermore, cf. also Fig. 2 . 3 , the attachment element 18 has two half-shells 22, which are connected to one another via a latching connection 23. In the connected state of the half-shells 22, the attachment element 18 has a connection element 24, in which the passage openings 20 are provided, a protective element 25 with projections 19 ', 19 "and an optical element 26. The optical element 26 has a number of lenses 27, with which of the light beams emitted by the respectively associated LED of the signal element 8 is expediently distributed or directed The attachment element 18 itself is mounted in the outer housing 3 via a snap connection 29.

In the Fig. 11 to 13 is another embodiment can be seen in which the attachment element 18 is significantly reduced compared to the first embodiment. That is, this attachment element 18 does not enclose the printed circuit board element 7 in the manner of a protective housing, but rather a printed circuit board element 7 is provided with a substantially constant width, which extends clearly above the attachment element 18, in particular in the region of the optical element 26 and the connecting element 24. Moreover, the attachment element 18, as described in connection with the first embodiment, a connecting element 24 with locking projections 24 'for attachment to the housing 3 and a separately or integrally formed with the housing 3 cover 5.

In the second embodiment according to the Fig. 11 to 13 are the through holes 20 also also formed in the lid 5 and not in the attachment element 18th

About the locking lugs 24 ', the circuit board element 7, which is firmly connected to the attachment element 18, thus in a simple manner in the housing 3 by means of a snap connection, in particular with a central web 30 of the lid 5, are connected.

In the attachment element 18 of the second exemplary embodiment, however, the protective element 25 still encloses, in particular for the protection of contact elements 11, a lower end section of the printed circuit board element 7, the contact elements 11 between a row, as already described in detail in connection with the first exemplary embodiment short projections 19 "and long projections 19 'of the protective element 25 are received.

In the Fig. 12 and 13 In particular, it can be seen that the attachment element 18 according to the second embodiment is essentially composed of two half-shells 22, wherein the circuit board element 7 openings 31, 32 through which structurally simple connection between the two half-shells 22 of the attachment element 18 and the printed circuit board element 7 Connecting elements of the respective half-shell, in particular latching hooks 34 or connecting pins 35, for the purpose of producing a plug connection with the opposite half-shell of the attachment element 18 can be passed. However, it is essential in both embodiments only that when connecting two signal modules 2 via a bayonet connection in a twisted state at the same time an electrical connection between superimposed circuit board elements is made.

Claims (13)

1. A signalling device (1), in particular for a signalling tower, for purposes of displaying operating states, with at least one signalling module (2), which has a circuit board element (7; 7') for at least one signalling element (8) for purposes of outputting a signal, in particular for a lighting element for purposes of outputting a signal light, wherein the signalling module (2) can be detachably connected with a further signalling module (2), and the signalling modules (2) in the connected state are arranged one above another, wherein the signalling module (2) has a bayonet coupling element (14) for purposes of connecting with a bayonet coupling element (14) of the further signalling module (2), and a connecting conductor (9), running through the signalling module (2), is provided for purposes of controlling a circuit board element (7'') of the further signalling module (2), characterised in that the circuit board element (7') of the signalling module (2) for purposes of forming the connecting conductor (9) has a conducting track (10') assigned to the signalling element (8) of the further signalling module (2), which conducting track (10') in the connected state of the signalling modules (2) is connected via a contact element (11) with a conducting track (10; 10', 10'') on the circuit board element (7'') of the further signalling module (2), wherein in an interconnected, non-rotated state of the bayonet coupling elements (14) the circuit board elements (7; 7', 7'') are arranged in a zero-contact position, and in an interconnected, rotated state of the bayonet coupling elements (14) they are arranged in a position to contact one another.
2. The signalling device (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the circuit board element (7; 7', 7'') extends essentially over the whole height of the signalling module (2), wherein in the connected state of the signalling modules (2) the contact element (11) is arranged between an upper face contact point (12) of the one circuit board element (7') and a lower face contact point (13) of the other circuit board element (7'').
3. The signalling device (1) in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterised in that an elastically deflectable contact spring (11') is provided as the contact element (11), which contact spring in the connected state of the signalling modules (2) connects their circuit board elements (7; 7', 7'') with one another.
4. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the circuit board element (7; 7', 7'') has stud elements (17; 17', 17''), having contact points (12, 13), and projecting from the upper and lower face end faces of the circuit board elements (7; 7', 7''), wherein the lower or upper face stud elements (17; 17', 17'') are connected with the contact elements (11), and the upper or lower face stud elements (17; 17', 17'') respectively are free of contact elements (11).
5. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the signalling module (2) has a capping element (18) with a connecting element (24), the capping element (18) being connected with the circuit board element (7; 7', 7''), wherein the connecting element is accommodated via a detachable connection, preferably a snap connection (29), in an outer housing (3), preferably one with a cylindrical shell surface.
6. The signalling device (1) in accordance with claims 1 to 5, characterised in that for purposes of protecting the contact elements (11) at least one protective element (25) is provided, at least partially enclosing the contact elements (11).
7. The signalling device (1) in accordance with claim 6, characterised in that the protective element (25) has two rows of projections (19), between which the contact elements (11) are arranged, wherein a first row has comparatively short projections (19'') and a second row has comparatively long projections (19').
8. The signalling device in accordance with one of the claims 5 to 7, characterised in that a cover/floor element (5) of the further signalling module (2) or the capping element (18) of a further circuit board element (7; 7', 7'') has at least one passage opening (20) curved in the shape of an arc.
9. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that at least one optical element (26) is connected with the circuit board element (7; 7', 7''), which optical element has at least one optical lens (27), wherein the number of lenses (27) preferably corresponds essentially to a number of light-emitting diodes provided as a signalling element (8).
10. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised in that at least one capping element (18) is provided, comprising the connecting element (24), the protective element (25) and the optical element (26).
11. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 5 to 10, characterised in that the capping element (18) has two half-shells (22), which are connected with one another via a detachable connection, preferably a latching connection (23).
12. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 11, characterised in that at least one circuit board element (7; 7', 7'') has more than three, preferably at least five, in particular eight, conducting tracks (10; 10', 10'', 10''') for the control of a corresponding number of signalling modules (2).
13. The signalling device (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 12, characterised in that at least two signalling modules (2) are provided, connected with one another, and in the connected state arranged one above another.

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