OPTICAL ELEMENT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNS, DISPLAY PANELS OR THE LIKE

摘要

An optical element for changeable traffic signs is proposed, consisting of a light source, in particular, a light-emitting diode (LED) (1), at least one converging lens (2) and one diverging lens (3), which are arranged coaxially in a shared housing (4). The light (6) exiting from the light source (1) is captured as completely as possible by the converging lens (2), concentrated in a focal spot (9), which is preferably surrounded by a diaphragm (10) and directed further onto the diverging lens (3) which distributes it according to certain specifications. The refracting power of diverging lens (3) is dimensioned such that light (8) exiting from it features a smaller angle of exit .beta. than a prescribed limit angle ~. The distance between converging lens (2) and diverging lens (3) is dimensioned such than sunlight (12) incident from the outside below an angle g greater than or equal to the limit angle ~ is completely blocked, either by the diaphragm (10) or by absorption on the housing wall, so that no phantom light is generated.