EP1669495A1 - Highway-Safety system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a roadway boundary unit running along an edge (14) of a roadway (10). The boundary unit exhibits a set of light signal reflection posts (16), which are arranged from each other in distance and manually activatable for delivery of light signals. The boundary unit and the posts are arranged at the edges of the roadway. The post is activatable by pressure on an activation switch for delivery of light signals. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) a method for warning of road users before a danger place on a roadway (B) a use of manual for delivery of light signals in a roadway safety system.

Description

The present invention relates to the safety on roads, z. B. on motor vehicle roads such as highways, highways and highways. In particular, the invention relates to a roadway safety system comprising a roadway boundary device running along at least one edge of a roadway.

Such roadway limiting devices (eg crash barriers, marker strips, guide posts, etc.) serve to better orient road users and are therefore often a permanently installed component of the overall structural design of a roadway.

But even in the presence of such a roadway boundary, there is still the problem that a danger point, such. B. a broken down on a highway vehicle is not recognized by other users of the roadway or not timely. Especially on winding roads and on lanes that are designed for a relatively high driving speed, this results in a significant accident potential.

To reduce this risk of accidents exists in many countries, for example, for road transport, the legal obligation for drivers, special warning means such. As a so-called warning triangle, a signal-colored protective vest, etc., always carry in the vehicle to warn in the event of an accident or breakdown the following traffic in front of the danger point. However, it has been found in practice that such measures only insufficiently eliminate the problem. For example, on motorways there are always serious accidents due to subsequent traffic within the period of time from the time a vehicle is left lying to the setting up of a warning triangle. In particularly confusing areas, such accidents often even occur when the danger spot has already been "secured" by the road user who has remained or has been injured.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to further increase the safety on roads and in particular to show a way to alert road users early and efficiently from a danger point.

This object is achieved by a roadway safety system according to claim 1, a method for warning road users according to claim 19 or a use of light signal generator units according to claim 20. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention.

The roadway safety system according to the invention is characterized in that the roadway limiting device has a series of light signal generator units, which are arranged at a distance from one another and can be activated manually for emitting a light signal.

An on-site person who identifies a hazard or z. B. as a stalemated or accident road user himself causes one of the danger point adjacent light signal generator unit then manually to deliver a light signal to warn the other road users. This warning preferably consists of a visually perceived eye-catching signal and does not require the use of warning means to be carried specially for this purpose. In addition, the warning in the simplest way, namely manually trigger and leads with appropriate intensity of the light signal to a particularly timely and efficient warning effect for other road users who are approaching the danger point.

A preferred use of the road safety system results for the roadway of a motor vehicle road, since in this area is expected without early and efficient warning with very serious accidents. In one embodiment of the invention, the roadway limiting device comprises a substantially continuous guardrail and / or limit marking and / or a series of spaced-apart guide posts. Such a limiting device is often already available on the roadside and offers in Within the scope of the invention, the particular further advantages that the integration of the light signal generator units on or in such a limiting device with little structural effort is possible, these light signal generator units are well visible by the road users and the necessary to trigger the warning light signal unit is quickly locate in case of danger.

If the roadway limiting device and the light signal generator units are arranged on both edges of the roadway, there are a number of further advantages. First of all, for the person who triggers the warning, there is a greater choice of suitable light signal generator units, so that the triggering can possibly take place more rapidly. Furthermore, the two-sided arrangement of the light signal generator units allows an embodiment in which the activation of a light signal generator unit on one lane side automatically leads to activation of at least one further light signal generator unit on the other lane side, which in turn improves the recognizability of the warning signal for the approaching traffic. This automatism is also beneficial in lanes that are used in two opposite directions. In this case, both the subsequent traffic and the oncoming traffic can then be warned of a danger spot on the "correct" or primarily traffic-perceived roadway side. If the light signal generator units emit the light signal substantially only in one direction, this is z. B. advantageous in terms of energy consumption. In order to be able to warn in this case in a driving in two directions roadway both subsequent and oncoming traffic, provided on both sides of the road rows of light signal generator units are then provided with opposite light emission direction.

In one embodiment, the light signal generator unit can be activated by pressure on an activation switch for light signal output. Such an activation switch, like the other components required for activatable emission of a light signal, can be arranged in a housing which protects against the weather. If the switch is designed for example as a pressure switch or pushbutton, so this is preferably on or immediately under a protective plastic sheath z. B. can form a portion of such a protective housing. There are many possibilities for the concrete arrangement and design of the activation switch. To ensure good visibility or operability, such an activation switch (eg pushbutton) may be arranged on an outer surface of a housing of the light signal generator unit (eg roadway guide posts).

Alternatively or additionally, in parallel with the activation switch, the light signal generator z. B. have an acceleration or vibration sensor or be connected to such that can activate the light signal output by a certain vibration. The vibration sensor can in this case have a response characteristic such that the manual activation z. B. by a person carried out bumping or shaking the light signal transmitter unit can be done. This bumping or shaking can be done willfully by a person (manual activation) or by an accidental impact of a vehicle on the light signaling unit (automatic activation). In the latter regard, it is preferred if the light signal generator units are integrated into the roadway limiting device such that leaving the intended lane at the roadside edge by a vehicle leads as far as possible to concussion of at least one adjacent light signal transmitter unit or a vibration sensor coupled thereto. This can be realized, for example, by fastening the light signal transmitter unit or its vibration sensor to or in a guardrail. It is also advantageous in this regard if the light signal transmitter unit or the vibration sensor is integrated on or in roadway delineator posts. Although it should not be ruled out that a vibration sensor serves to activate a plurality of light signal generator units, it is preferred that a separate sensor is provided for each light signal generator unit, which is preferably combined together with further electronic components of the light signal generator unit to form a structural unit.

As an alternative or in addition to a vibration sensor, one or more other hazard sensors (eg fog sensors, congestion sensors, etc.) may also be activated one or more light signal generator units in the vicinity of the roadway, in particular as part of the roadway limiting device, be provided. In this case, an automatic "remote activation" of the light signal generator unit can advantageously take place.

It is also advantageous if an activation can also be triggered by a danger detection center (eg road maintenance, fire department, police, emergency call center, rescue center, etc.) arranged away from the light signal generator unit.

For all types of remote activation, it is expedient if the light signal generator unit can also be activated via an electrical line arrangement and / or electromagnetic radiation (in particular, for example, a radio-frequency radio signal or an infrared signal).

The light signal generator unit may have, for example, a transmitting and / or receiving device for communicating with a center remote from the light signal generator unit and / or a hazard sensor. Such a transmitting and / or receiving device is also of great use for an embodiment in which the activation of a light signal generator unit automatically leads to a "follow-up activation", described below, of at least one further light signal generator unit. Such a transmitting and / or receiving device can finally also be used to establish a voice connection via the light signal transmitter unit, for. As a voice connection to a security alarm center of the type already mentioned above. For this additional functionality of the light signal generator unit only minor additions to the electronics are required, these are essentially the arrangement of a microphone and a speaker on or in the unit.

With regard to the remote release is worth noting that z. B. also the problem of "ghost drivers" can be taken into account, either by means of a sensor provided for this purpose (eg, arranged under a roadway induction loop sensor) or by triggering by a danger control center.

It is also possible to provide a remote triggering using transmission standards such as GSM, GPRS, UMTS, SMS, etc. Thus, for example, a mobile phone release is possible, be it the mobile phone of an on-site road user (who has, for example, a breakdown or an accident) or the telephone of a person professionally engaged in road safety.

Furthermore, when used in road traffic, it is possible to incorporate the vehicle electronics, which are in any case already present, into the function of the roadway safety system. Thus, for example, vehicles may be provided with a manually actuable remote triggering device arranged in the vehicle interior and easily accessible, for example, by means of which a short-range (eg 20 to 50 m) radio signal can activate one or more light signal generator units located in the vicinity , This does not require leaving the vehicle. It can be a simple push of a button in the dashboard of the vehicle suffice. Alternatively or additionally, this remote activation via the vehicle electronics can also be automated, in particular using the output signal of a so-called airbag sensor, so that the activation signal emitted by the vehicle is emitted simultaneously with the triggering of an airbag.

In particular, in the case of a remote activation (eg by a road maintenance) it can also be provided that a desired duration of the light signal delivery is transmitted together with the activation signal, so that, for example, B. at an all-day planned site z. B. the warning signal from the outset according to long lasting can be controlled.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the road safety system comprises follow-up activation means for automatically activating at least one further light signal generator unit arranged in the vicinity of the light signal generator unit as a result of activation of the first-mentioned light signal generator unit. This design has the extremely important in practice advantage that the warning of road users before a danger point particularly early and especially can be done efficiently because multiple light signal generator units are activated virtually simultaneously.

Follow-up activation can be accomplished in a variety of ways. By way of example, wired or wireless communication with the light signal generator units to be subsequently activated can be used by a light signal transmitter unit.

In a wireless communication, so z. As an infrared or wireless connection, the transmission range or reception sensitivity of corresponding transmitting and receiving devices can then define the length of the subsequently to be activated roadway section. Also, a first activation can first be transmitted to a central unit provided for a plurality of light signal generator units, which in turn triggers the follow-up activation of adjacent further light signal generator units.

In a preferred development of the invention, it is provided, for example, that the follow-up activation means are designed for automatically activating further light signal generator units which are located in a predetermined section of the light signal generator unit row which extends from the first activated light signal generator unit counter to the direction of travel of the roadway. The automatically activated in the sequence of the first activation portion of the Lichtsignalgebereinheitenreihe or roadway section can be advantageously adapted to the type of roadway. Thus, for example, the activation of a light signal generator unit on a roadway to be driven at a comparatively high speed, such as a highway, can lead to the follow-up activation of light signal generator units which are located in a comparatively long section. The same applies to particularly winding roads or roadway parts.

Furthermore, the section of the light signal generator unit row provided for automatic follow-up activation can be predetermined depending on further criteria, such as eg. As the time of day, the current weather and visibility conditions and the exact location the first activated light signal unit. For example, when the first activated unit is located immediately after the exit of a turn, it is generally advantageous even at a roadway to be traveled at a comparatively low speed if the follower activation detects a lane section extending counter to the direction of travel up to that turn ,

If the follow-up activation is provided in the case of a carriageway traveling in two directions of travel or in the case of two carriageways running parallel to one another in the opposite direction of travel, then the predetermined extent of the subsequently activated section can be provided quite differently depending on local conditions.

In a preferred embodiment, the light signal generator unit has a memory device for storing an identification of the light signal generator unit.

This identification may, for example, be a serial number which is already allocated during the manufacture of the light signal transmitter unit or of a corresponding module. Preferably, the identification is provided such that a specific, arranged on a roadway light signal generator unit can be distinguished in practice from other units located in a certain radius. This is for example of great advantage if a remote activation is provided. Individual light signal generator units can then be targeted based on their identification. Also, the activation of the light signal generator unit can then be transmitted together with the identification to a central office to trigger appropriate follow-up activations and / or organizations active in security such as police and fire brigade promptly to inform about the presence of a danger and its exact location.

Above all, identification is also useful if wireless communication is to take place towards or away from the light signal transmitter unit. In a preferred embodiment, the identification is assigned or set depending on the site of the light signal generator. In particular, such Identification of a continuously distributed along the lane numbering numbering or an indication that is representative of the geographical length and width of the site of the light signal unit represent. Such dependent on the site identification is preferably assigned or set during installation or installation of the individual light signal generator units.

A preferred embodiment in terms of installation effort provides that the light signal generator units are respectively provided with or connected to an autonomous power supply (which is required in particular for the generation of light signals).

The power supply is preferably provided or buffered by an electric battery, in particular a rechargeable electric battery (rechargeable battery). For energy generation, be it separately autonomously at each light signal generator unit or at the same time for a plurality of adjacent light signal generator units, a photovoltaic device (solar module) is preferably provided. A solar module can be arranged, for example, at the top of each light signal generator unit and connected via a suitable control electronics with an electric accumulator.

In a preferred embodiment, the light signal unit is formed by a guide post or attached to a guide post.

In particular, it is advantageous if the light signal generator unit is formed by a modification and / or supplementation of a conventional guide post. Such guide posts are often provided on roads anyway and can be advantageously used in the context of the invention. Here, formation of the light signal generator unit may include attaching a prefabricated module, which has at least one electric light generating device for emitting the light signal and an activation switch for activating the light signal generator unit. This makes it possible to realize the light signal transmitter unit with particularly little effort. To protect the components contained therein, it is advantageous if the module forms a cap-like conclusion of the Leitpfostens.

Although there are standards for roadside mullions in many countries, these standards vary from country to country. In addition, in practice, even in the same country different versions of such delineators are common, which differ in particular in the dimensions. This makes it difficult to design a module that is equally suitable for as many posts as possible. Although a range of different modules may be provided to solve this problem, it is alternatively or additionally advantageous if the module is mounted via an adapter to a conventional guide post or to a conventional but modified guide post. This makes it possible to produce comparatively inexpensive adapter for existing in practice post versions, to then attach the module via this adapter. Advantageously, thus the required range of variation of modules can be reduced to a design in which only a single module design is required. In this case, all adapter versions have the same interface (eg flange for screwing, gluing, welding, latching, etc.) for attaching the module to the adapter.

Although the invention is preferably used for road traffic, in principle, other application areas are conceivable, such as a rail-bound traffic, traffic on ship channels, etc.

Fig. 1

veranschaulicht einen Teil einer Landstraße, für welche ein erfindungsgemäßes Fahrbahnsicherheitssystem installiert ist,

Fig. 2

veranschaulicht einen Teil einer Autobahn mit einem Fahrbahnsicherheitssystem gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform,

Fig. 3

ist ein Ablaufschema betreffend die Aktivierung und Folgeaktivierung von Lichtsignalgebereinheiten eines Fahrbahnsicherheitssystems,

Fig. 4

ist ein Ablaufschema einer ersten Variante der Folgeaktivierung,

Fig. 5

ist ein Ablaufschema einer weiteren Variante der Folgeaktivierung,

Fig. 6 und 7

sind Ansichten eines zur Ausbildung einer Lichtsignalgebereinheit modifizierten herkömmlichen Straßenleitpfostens von vorne (Fig. 6) und von hinten (Fig. 7),

Fig. 8

veranschaulicht die Unterbringung verschiedener elektronischer Komponenten im Kopfbereich des Leitpfostens nach Fig. 6 und 7,

Fig. 9

veranschaulicht die Ergänzung bzw. Modifikation eines herkömmlichen Leitpfostens zur Ausbildung einer Lichtsignalgebereinheit, und

Fig. 10

veranschaulicht die Verwendung von Adaptern zur Anbringung eines Signalmoduls an verschiednen Leitpfosten.

The invention will be described in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They represent schematically:

Fig. 1

illustrates a portion of a highway for which a roadway safety system according to the invention is installed;

Fig. 2

illustrates a portion of a highway having a roadway safety system according to another embodiment;

Fig. 3

FIG. 3 is a flowchart relating to the activation and follow-up of traffic signal units of a roadway safety system;

Fig. 4

is a flowchart of a first variant of the follow-up activation,

Fig. 5

is a flowchart of another variant of the follow-up activation,

6 and 7

5 are views from the front (FIG. 6) and from the rear (FIG. 6) of a conventional road-conducting post modified to form a light-signaling unit, FIG.

Fig. 8

Fig. 6 illustrates the placement of various electronic components in the head region of the guide post of Figs. 6 and 7;

Fig. 9

illustrates the addition or modification of a conventional guide post for forming a light signal generator unit, and

Fig. 10

illustrates the use of adapters to attach a signal module to various guide posts.

1 illustrates a road safety system using the example of a highway 10 with two lanes 12 for one of two directions of travel A and B. Along both road edges 14 of the highway 10 is provided in a conventional manner by structural measures a clear perceptible road boundary for the road users, formed in the illustrated example by a marking tape applied to the road surface at the roadside and a series of reflector guide posts, some of which are indicated at 16 in the figure and which are arranged in the track at a mutual distance of typically about 20 to 50 m ,

The guide posts 16 are designed for a particular security functionality described below deviating from conventional guide posts. A significant feature of the posts 16 is that they can be activated manually to emit a light signal. The posts 16 are therefore also referred to below as signal posts or light signal generator units.

In Fig. 1 can be seen on the lane 12 for the direction of travel A further - due to a breakdown or an accident - left-lying motor vehicle 18, which is a significant hazard in terms of both in the direction A following and in terms of in the direction B represents oncoming traffic. A similar danger spot also arises at construction sites or in the area of maintenance work on the road.

In this situation, it is to be feared that road users recognize this danger too late, for example at the last moment. If the driver of the vehicle 18 leaves his vehicle in this situation in order to search for a protective vest and / or a warning triangle in the trunk of his vehicle, he is already in acute danger to himself and the occupants of vehicles following in the direction A. This danger is only considerably reduced when the driver has found the warning triangle, so that a good part has run back against the direction of travel A and has placed the warning triangle in a clearly visible position. The warning of the other road users by setting up a warning triangle and / or putting on a protective vest is thus relatively late and is also not very efficient, since these warning means can be easily overlooked. This known way of securing a danger spot on a roadway is therefore in practice insufficient.

However, this problem is eliminated by a special design of the guide post 16 in a simple and effective manner. The posts 16 are designed as manually activatable for emitting a light signal signal post or light signal generator units.

Each post 16 contains a solar module for generating electricity, an accumulator for storing energy, an electric flashing light generating device (eg a light-emitting diode device, a plasma light device (light film), etc.), a switch device (button) for activating a flashing light output, an electronic control system containing a radio Transceiver, and a transmit / receive antenna. The solar module forms together with the accumulator and the control electronics autonomous power supply for the post 16, during which the accumulator is charged or recharged if necessary during the day. Thus, if necessary, power is always available for control, for radio transmission / reception operation and for flashing light operation.

In the situation according to FIG. 1, the driver of the vehicle 18 can trigger a flashing light signal lasting for a predetermined duration by pressing on a key device on each of the posts 16. The duration of the flash can be fixed (eg 10 minutes to 1 hour) or variably specified on the basis of specific criteria. These criteria can, for. As the nature of the road, the concrete road section, etc. take into account.

This can happen very quickly and causes a warning of the other road users that is already clearly visible from a greater distance. Conveniently, the suppressed road user presses the button of the nearest post 16. For such manual on-site triggering can of course be triggered by personnel at a construction site or when performing maintenance.

In addition, each post 16 would also be automatically activated by a, for example, housed in the interior of the post and coupled to the control electronics vibration sensor when a vehicle drives against the post and thus triggers a corresponding sensor signal.

In the illustrated embodiment, further, a "follow-up activation" is advantageously provided such that the manual activation or activation of a specific post 16 triggered by the vibration sensor automatically leads to the activation of further posts 16 located near the danger point. Here are for both directions of travel A and B respectively starting from the danger point (first activated post 16 in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 18) opposite the direction of travel other posts 16 in a predetermined section of the lane or the relevant post row automatically "follow-activated". Thus, in the illustrated situation, both warned in the direction of A subsequent traffic as well as the escaping traffic in direction B particularly early. In the example shown, starting from the danger point (vehicle 18) opposite to each direction of travel A and B in each case a total of four posts 16 are activated to deliver a yellow warning flashing light lasting about 20 minutes.

The color, the activation duration and the number of posts 16 to be activated in each direction of travel are freely selectable within the scope of the invention and may therefore be provided differently than stated above. In particular, each of these parameters can be selected adapted to the particular lane.

With regard to the color and / or the type of light signal (eg flashing or continuous lighting), it is also possible in particular to provide these parameters not only differently from embodiment to embodiment, but also to adapt them to the danger type in one and the same embodiment.

The sequencing activation automatism is implemented as follows: the flashing operation of a first post 16 is effected in response to the manual actuation of the pushbutton located at the top of each post or automatically by responding to the vibration sensor functionally parallel thereto for a predetermined duration. In this activation of the post 16, the latter transmits a suitable follow-up activation signal (eg radio signal) via the transceiver via the transceiver. In principle, all further posts 16 within the radio range (eg about 300 m) can be subsequently activated by remote control.

In order to realize an arrangement of activated and non-activated posts 16, as shown in FIG. 1, in which two activation sections extend from the danger point on both sides of the road 10 in different directions (respectively opposite to the direction of travel), contains the sequence activation signal also an identification of the transmitting post 16, which is initially evaluated upon receipt of the radio signal at each other post. Only with presence certain evaluation criteria, the control electronics of the receiving post then controls the delivery of the light signal. In the illustrated embodiment, the identification in each case represents the road side and one for each street side depending on the site continuously assigned number. In this case, each receiving post can easily determine, based on a comparison of the received identification with its own identification, whether the follow-up activation is to be triggered or not.

In the following description of further embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for analog components, each supplemented by a small letter to distinguish the embodiment. In this case, essentially only the differences from the embodiment (s) already described are discussed and, moreover, reference is hereby explicitly made to the description of previous exemplary embodiments.

2 illustrates a lane safety system on a four-lane highway 10a, in which two lanes 12a are provided for each direction A and B, respectively. Along road edges 14a are lane boundary devices which again comprise signal posts 16 on the outside of the highway 10a, which can be activated in a manner similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 for warning the following traffic from a danger location (accident vehicle 18a). Further light signal generator units 16a are arranged on the upper side of a guardrail device made of steel (not shown), which extends continuously on a median strip 18a of the highway 10a. The middle signal posts 16a are each provided with a flashing light generating device which can emit the warning signal in both directions A and B, so that these posts, when activated, can warn both the traffic in direction A and the traffic in direction B. The light signal generator units installed on the crash barrier device are similar to the signal posts 16a arranged on the outer sides of the highway 10a, but shorter ("post stub"). These units 16a each have a vibration sensor which triggers the activation even if a vehicle such as the vehicle 18a shown in FIG. 2 does not travel directly against a post 16a but against the crash barrier device.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram which again generally illustrates the flow of a method according to the invention for warning road users.

A manual release 30b or an optionally provided automatic remote release 32b by a hazard sensor or 34b by a danger control center lead to an activation 40b of at least one light signal generator unit (16). In the remote release mechanisms, several units can be addressed simultaneously and thus activated.

In order to provide the warning for the road users as early as possible and clearly visible, an automatic follow-up activation 50b of further light signal generator units can be carried out as already described above.

Fig. 4 illustrates a variant of a follow-up activation already described with reference to Fig. 1, in which a first activation 40c via parallel follow-up activation paths (eg radio signals, GSM, UMTS, GPRS or SMS standard signals, etc.) simultaneously leads to a follow-up activation 50c of a plurality of further light signal generator units, which is symbolized in FIG. 4 by individual follow-up activations 50c-1, 50c-2,... 50c-n.

5 shows another variant of a follow-up activation 50d, in which a first activation 40d directly effects only the follow-up activation 50d-1 of an immediately adjacent light signal generator unit. This first follow-up activation 50d-1, in turn, causes a further follow-up activation 50d-2, etc., so that a chain of follow-up activations 50d-1, 50d-2, 50d-3, ... is created, which finally ends at a last follow-up activation 50d-n , This mode of the follow-up activation of n-1 posts can also take place, for example, by transmitting a follow-up activation signal through the first-activated light signal generator unit or the units subsequently activated subsequently.

A big advantage of this "chain follow-up activation" is that the range (eg radio range) when transmitting the follow-up activation signal only has to ensure a transmission from one unit to an immediately adjacent unit. The transmitting device can thus advantageously manage with a very low power consumption. The defined end of the activation chain reaction can be easily z. B. accomplish that the transmitted from one unit to unit or passed follow-up activation signals contain the identification of the first activated unit. Each receiving unit may then first evaluate this transmitted identification to determine, based on predetermined criteria (eg, the degree of "difference" between the transmitted identification and its own identification) to determine whether the own light signal generating means is to be activated and, if applicable, whether Follower activation signal by means of its own transmitting device is to pass.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate, by way of example only, a signal post design 16e useful in the invention based on a per se known, e.g. B. in Germany widespread road guide post, but which has been modified to form a light signal generator unit (signal post) according to the invention.

Fig. 6 shows the post 16e from the front or as it presents itself to a driver on the right side of the road. Fig. 7 shows the same post 16e from behind or in practice to see on the left lane edge.

In a known manner, various reflectors are mounted in a central region of the post 16e, for the front and back, which are useful for good visibility and distinctness of the left and right post even in poor visibility or night.

The modification of the post 16e is that the post 16e includes in its upper end region a subassembly (eg built-in module) surrounded by the plastic material of the post body, from which a light-emitting diode unit is formed 25e for emission of the visual light signal at the front of the upper end portion of the post 16e extends through the plastic envelope to the outside.

Fig. 8 shows schematically the essential components of the generally designated 20e assembly, namely a control electronics 21e, which is connected via electrical line assemblies (not shown) with a solar module 22e for power generation, a storage battery 23e for energy storage, a manually operable activation switch 24e Light emitting diode device (eg, light emitting diode array) 25e and a transmitting / receiving antenna 26e, which is connected to a transmitting / receiving part of the control electronics 21 e.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate various ways of simplifying the installation of a roadway safety system according to the invention using conventional roadside bollards.

Fig. 9 shows in the left part a conventional guide post 16f (front side), which has been converted to a light signal generator unit simply by placing a cap-like module 20f. The module 20f may be releasably or permanently attached after application to the head of the post 16f (eg, by gluing, latching, etc.).

If the increase in the overall length of the post associated with the placement of such a module is to be avoided, for example, the embodiment of a post 16g illustrated in the right-hand part of FIG. 9 is suitable, from which an upper end section is separated (eg, 20 g) prior to fitting a module 20 g B. sawn off) was. This results in a 16g Blinkpost with the usual dimensions.

Fig. 10 shows two flashing posts 16h and 16i formed from two different conventional post types. Both posts 16h and 16i are provided with identical modules 20h and 20i, respectively. To adapt these modules to the different post constructions, in particular to the heights and / or cross-sectional contours of the conventional posts, the modules 20h and 20i are via respective adapters 28h and 28i, respectively placed. By this z. B. as a plastic molding and thus comparatively easy to manufacture adapter can be advantageously used one and the same module for different post types.

The configuration of the module 20f, 20g, 20h or 20i described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 is of course just one example of a plurality of possible module configurations. Thus, these modules can also be designed to be suitable for lateral attachment to the road guide post. In this case, the modules preferably have a comparatively flat design. Even with laterally mounted modules, the adapter can be used, the z. B. may be provided as adapter plates, which are fastened by means of a screw, adhesive, latching, etc. on the guide post and have a uniform interface for interfacing the module.

The described modules or adapters may in this case also be designed to be suitable for attachment to crash barriers, guard rails, concrete boundaries or other structures known per se and conventional in the area of roadways.

Claims (20)

Roadway safety system comprising a roadway boundary device running along at least one edge (14) of a roadway (10), characterized in that the roadway boundary device comprises a series of light signal generator units (16) which are spaced apart from one another and can be manually activated to emit a light signal. Roadway safety system according to claim 1, wherein the roadway (10) is a motor vehicle road. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roadway limiting device comprises a substantially continuous guardrail and / or boundary marking. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roadway limiting device comprises a series of spaced apart guide posts (16), each of which form or comprise one of the light signal generator units. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roadway limiting device and the light signal generator units (16) on both edges (14) of the roadway (10) are arranged. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light signal generator unit (16) can be activated by pressure on an activation switch (24) for the light signal output. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light signal generator unit (16) is further activated via an electrical line arrangement and / or an electromagnetic radiation. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation (40) can be further triggered by a danger sensor (32) arranged away from the light signal generator unit. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation (40) can be further triggered by a danger detection center (34) arranged away from the light signal generator unit. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light signal generator unit (16) has a transmitting and / or receiving device for communication with a remote from the light signal generator unit arranged center and / or a hazard sensor and / or adjacently arranged further light signal generator units. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light signal generator unit (16) has a memory device for storing an identification of the light signal generator unit. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising sequence activation means (50) for automatically activating at least one further light signal generator unit (16) arranged in the vicinity of the light signal generator unit (16) as a result of activation (40) of the light signal generator unit. Roadway safety system according to claim 12, wherein the follower activation means (50) are designed for automatically activating further light signal generator units (16) which are located in a predetermined section of the light signal generator unit row which, starting from the first activated light signal generator unit (16), opposes the direction of travel (B, A). the roadway (10) extends. A roadway safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic signal unit (16) is formed by a guide post or attached to a guide post. Roadway safety system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light signal generator unit (16) is formed by a modification and / or supplementation of a conventional guide post. Roadway safety system according to claim 15, wherein the formation of the light signal generator unit (16) comprises attaching a prefabricated module (20) having at least one electric light generating means (25) for emitting the light signal and an activation switch (24) for activating the light signal generator unit (16). Roadway safety system according to claim 16, wherein the module (20) forms a cap-like upper end of the guide post (16). Roadway safety system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the module (20) is attached via an adapter (28) to a conventional guide post or to a conventional but modified guide post. Method for warning road users of a danger spot (18) on a roadway (10) comprising a roadway boundary device running along at least one edge (14) of the roadway, characterized in that at the danger spot (18) a light signal generator unit (16) of a series of spaced apart light signal generator units (16) of the roadway limiting device is manually activated to emit a light signal. Use of light signal generator units (16) which can be activated manually for emitting a light signal in a roadway safety system, comprising arranging a row of said light signal generator units (16) at a distance from one another along at least one edge (14) of a roadway (10) extending roadway boundary device.

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