EP0479693B1 - Road lighting process and device using horizontal luminous flux directed toward rear of vehicles - Google Patents

Road lighting process and device using horizontal luminous flux directed toward rear of vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0479693B1
EP0479693B1 EP91430024A EP91430024A EP0479693B1 EP 0479693 B1 EP0479693 B1 EP 0479693B1 EP 91430024 A EP91430024 A EP 91430024A EP 91430024 A EP91430024 A EP 91430024A EP 0479693 B1 EP0479693 B1 EP 0479693B1
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Prior art keywords
flux
vehicles
public lighting
light flux
roadway
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0479693A1 (en
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Claude Pomero
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/08—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation with a standard
    • F21S8/085—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation with a standard of high-built type, e.g. street light
    • F21S8/086—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation with a standard of high-built type, e.g. street light with lighting device attached sideways of the standard, e.g. for roads and highways
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/60—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
    • E01F9/604—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs specially adapted for particular signalling purposes, e.g. for indicating curves, road works or pedestrian crossings
    • E01F9/619—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs specially adapted for particular signalling purposes, e.g. for indicating curves, road works or pedestrian crossings with reflectors; with means for keeping reflectors clean

Definitions

  • the subject of the present invention is a method of public lighting of roads and motorways, and devices resulting therefrom intended to ensure in particular better efficiency, better safety and energy savings, with a low installation cost and great ease of maintenance.
  • the BLACKWELL curve shows that the contrast must then increase by approximately 70% for equivalent visibility.
  • the objective of the present invention is to provide the means of lighting the roads according to a process offering a much greater contrast than the traditional means, without generally using candelabras and with lower energy consumption.
  • the means according to the invention comprise the laying, in central reservation of roads with separate roads or on the edge of two-way roads, lanterns or projectors containing a light source, regularly spaced.
  • the object of the invention is achieved by a method according to which the flux coming from the lamps (light sources) of the lanterns or projectors is directed by means of a reflector, towards the rear of the vehicles and along a substantially horizontal axis more or less 5 ° angle and whose total opening (A) in a vertical plane is 10 ° maximum for more than 95% of the flux, so that the rear of the vehicles is well lit, while the pavement is dark, thus providing a luminance and a positive contrast of high values thus allowing motorists following this vehicle to distinguish it perfectly.
  • a device comprises a plurality of projectors regularly spaced along the roads, these projectors producing by reflection a narrow luminous flux (in a vertical plane) whose axis is substantially horizontal.
  • the part of the light flux emitted by the source of the headlamp and reflected by the reflector in a single reflection is directed substantially horizontally at more or less five degrees of angle and towards the rear of the moving vehicles, and the The total opening (A) of this flow in a vertical plane is ten degrees maximum, for more than 95 percent of the flow.
  • the projectors are placed on supports at a low height, less than two meters from the ground, preferably less than 1.50 m, more particularly less than 1.20 m, these protectors are supplied with energy electric by transport cables or by photovoltaic cells in special cases.
  • the reflector of the headlamp returns in a single reflection the part of the light energy which illuminates it, substantially horizontally towards the rear of the vehicles, for example by means of a reflector of parabolic cylindrical shape whose axial plane which passes through the line of the focal point is horizontal, the light source being placed substantially at the focal point of the parabola, and on the other hand thanks to absorbers (or mirrors) placed at the ends of this cylindro-parabolic reflector to absorb (or return) the part of the light rays which move towards the front of vehicles or towards vehicles traveling in the opposite direction; absorbent planes can also be used to limit certain parts of the undesirable flux, in particular direct radiation which can dazzle the conductors, for example by mirrors.
  • the reflector can also have a polyellipsoidal surface (also called a complex surface): its shape is defined by computer, point by point (around 50,000), so that each part of the emitted beam is directed towards a precisely fixed area (this type of reflector is used in car headlights).
  • a polyellipsoidal surface also called a complex surface: its shape is defined by computer, point by point (around 50,000), so that each part of the emitted beam is directed towards a precisely fixed area (this type of reflector is used in car headlights).
  • the substantially horizontal luminous flux directed towards the rear of the vehicles is highly concentrated in narrow fluxes which can then be guided to specific points at the rear of the vehicles (which can advantageously be provided with retro-reflectors), or towards signposts or substantially vertical retro-reflective devices which then allow very good guidance for motorists, or else in unidirectional tunnels.
  • a particular embodiment consists in the use of light sources with flux developing essentially in the ultraviolet, that is to say of which the wavelength of the radiation is less than 0.40 micron, with an objective of no glare from motorists coming in the opposite direction and / or in regions where fog and snow prevail frequently.
  • the method according to the invention results in new road public lighting devices.
  • the devices according to the invention have the following advantages: they offer high contrasts and strong luminances with lower energy consumption: it is more efficient to light a vehicle which will come off on a dark road than the opposite, and it is thus possible to illuminate traffic signs or retroreflective surfaces, which are in a vertical plane to be seen from the conductors.
  • the production of the public lighting system and its maintenance will be very economical, given the very low height of the supports; good "guidance” of the vehicles is obtained using retro-reflective devices provided on the sides of the road.
  • a coefficient of uniformity greater than 0.3 relating to the illumination of the rear of vehicles can be obtained without difficulty, that is to say that the ratio of the minimum received luminance to the maximum received luminance on a plate vertical moving, 0.50 m high, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the highway, for example on the rightmost traffic lane, remaining substantially perpendicular to this axis, is greater than 0.3.
  • Figure 1 shows a portion of highway seen from above, the light devices being located on the central reservation.
  • FIG. 2 represents an example of a device comprising two projectors, seen in perspective.
  • FIG. 1 represents a portion of about fifty meters of motorway or road comprising two separate carriageways each comprising two lanes which are marked 4, 5, 6, 7, seen from above.
  • each assembly comprises a mat or support 130 on which are fixed two projectors 1 1 , 1 3 , respectively 1 2 and 1 4 ; one of the searchlights (1 3 respectively 1 4 ) illuminates towards one of the carriageways, the other (1 1 respectively 1 2 ), which turns its back on the first, illuminates towards the other carriageway.
  • the light flux is slightly offset from the longitudinal axis XX 1 of the highway, since the axis of the road is itself offset from 1 to 10 meters from the latter. This also has the advantage of reducing the possible glare of the driver by the mirrors.
  • the light fluxes F 1 and F 2 (partially hatched) between successive headlights overlap in an area 8, so as to ensure good uniformity of illumination of the rear panel of vehicles in circulation.
  • the maximum of the luminous flux being substantially in the axis YY 1 of the projector, this flux is weaker at the edges; it can therefore be seen that the rear of the automobile 3 entering the light field of the headlamp 1 3 will be reinforced by part of the light flux from the previous headlamp, which ensures uniformity greater than 0.3 for this rear panel for vehicles traveling to the right.
  • the drawing shows substantially an intersection of the luminous flux with the ground, to show the direction of the fluxes: however, the radiation being almost horizontal, only a very small part of the flux, (around 1% approximately) reaches the pathways. circulation.
  • the luminous flux F 1 coming from the spotlight may have a substantially horizontal axis ZZ to the nearest five degrees, preferably to three degrees, more particularly to two degrees, and a total opening A of beams in a plane vertical passing through this axis a maximum of 10 degrees, preferably no more than six degrees, more particularly four degrees, so as to ensure a good concentration of at least 95% of the flux (measured in lux) on the board rear of vehicles.
  • the opening B in a horizontal plane can be of the order of 30 degrees.
  • the luminous flux will have to be turned towards the rear of the vehicles, which implies that all the light rays coming from the headlamp 1 3 will have to be directed in the direction F of circulation towards the half-space limited by a passing vertical plane by the luminous focus and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the highway; preferably, the axis of the flux will make an angle C of less than forty five degrees with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis XX 1 , more particularly an angle C of between 0 and 20 °.
  • the process which is the subject of the invention therefore ensures a relatively uniform light flux towards the rear panel of vehicles in circulation, the roadway being very dimly lit since the almost horizontal light flux also extends over a very large area of land: this flux is sufficient, however, to enhance an object on the ground, much more effectively than with traditional vertical lighting, since the grazing light leads to considerable drop shadows.
  • retroreflective road signs can be noticed at a great distance by the driver, in particular for gantries, out of the range of motorists' codes, which can be lit by a specific projector.
  • This marking and enhancement of the signaling enabled by the invention is an element at least as important as lighting the rear panel of vehicles, in assessing its effectiveness. It can also be noted that traditional public lighting is designed without being able to prevent part of the light flux from being seen by the driver and illuminating the windshield, which is likely to cause visual disturbance. Public lighting from the rear eliminates this drawback, subject to taking into account in the installation of the rear view mirrors which must return a minimum of flux to the driver.
  • Figure 2 shows in perspective a support 130 of projectors, which is advantageously of a height less than 1.50 m; this support is surmounted by a plate 14 carrying two projectors: these are placed back to back to illuminate each a different road.
  • the total height H (from the ground) of the device can be from 1.00 to 1.40 m approximately, if we want the luminous flux to pass over the possible slides, the top of which is 80 cm from the ground about.
  • These projectors are provided for example with a cylindro-parabolic reflector 15, the light source 16 being horizontal and placed substantially at the focal point of the parabola.
  • a scrolling grid provided with vertical blades 17 can be placed at the front of the projector, to avoid unwanted rays, in particular towards the second carriageway, and / or possibly equipped with horizontal blades, to very precisely limit the height and the thickness of the reflected and / or direct flux.
  • the projector can also have a vertical parabolic axis, the scrolling grid then being able to have horizontal blades.
  • the projectors, the lamps, the supports and the mode of supply come from the models which are commonly found in the trade, only modified to obtain a flux corresponding perfectly to the desired objective of illumination.
  • the reflector can also have a complex surface.
  • Lighting tunnels requires the use of projectors with a very concentrated flow, in order to avoid illuminating the roadway and the pedestals of the tunnel as much as possible.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un procédé d'éclairage public des routes et autoroutes, et des dispositifs qui en découlent destinés à assurer en particulier une meilleure efficacité, une meilleure sécurité et des économies d'énergie, avec un coût d'installation modique et une grande facilité d'entretien.The subject of the present invention is a method of public lighting of roads and motorways, and devices resulting therefrom intended to ensure in particular better efficiency, better safety and energy savings, with a low installation cost and great ease of maintenance.

Il existe actuellement de nombreux procédés d'éclairage public : le plus connu et développé consiste à éclairer la chaussée grâce à des lanternes diffusant un flux lumineux à axe vertical ; on peut citer également des procédés d'éclairage des tunnels par des projecteurs dont le flux se développe dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal de la chaussée, et même des procédés imitant l'effet "sortie de tunnel", où l'on voit les véhicules se détacher en noir sur un fond brillant. On note également deux brevets, l'un US 3363092 (HARLING) qui décrit un luminaire de faible hauteur, avec diffusion de la lumière par réfraction, l'autre DEB 1212461 (SIEMENS) décrivant un luminaire également de faible hauteur, dont différents réflecteurs éclairant chacun une zone de chaussée.There are currently many public lighting processes: the best known and developed is to illuminate the roadway with lanterns diffusing a luminous flux with a vertical axis; one can also cite methods of lighting tunnels by projectors whose flux develops in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the roadway, and even methods imitating the "tunnel exit" effect, where sees the vehicles stand out in black on a shiny background. We also note two patents, one US 3363092 (HARLING) which describes a low-rise luminaire, with scattering of light by refraction, the other DEB 1212461 (SIEMENS) describing a luminaire also of low height, including different reflectors illuminating each a pavement area.

On remarque que tous ces dispositifs permettent d'obtenir un contraste négatif, c'est-à-dire que les véhicules apparaissent en sombre sur un fond clair : il faut rappeler que la valeur du contraste négatif est limitée à la valeur absolue 1, puisque le contraste est donné par la formule C = (Lo - Lf)/Lf, où Lo est la luminance de l'objet et Lf celle du fond : si Lf est supérieur à Lo (contraste négatif), cette fraction ne peut prendre que des valeurs plus petites que 1 en valeur absolue : on remarque "a contrario" que si l'objet est plus éclairé que le fond, le contraste peut prendre des valeurs très grandes.We note that all these devices make it possible to obtain a negative contrast, that is to say that the vehicles appear in dark on a light background: it should be remembered that the value of the negative contrast is limited to the absolute value 1, since the contrast is given by the formula C = (Lo - Lf) / Lf, where Lo is the luminance of the object and Lf that of the background: if Lf is greater than Lo (negative contrast), this fraction can only take values smaller than 1 in absolute value: we notice "a contrario" that if the object is more lit than the background, the contrast can take very large values.

Rappelons aussi que la possibilité de distinguer un objet dépend du contraste, comme indiqué ci-dessus, mais que ce contraste doit augmenter si la luminance du fond diminue (courbe de BLACKWELL) : ceci pose également un problème dans les procédés d'éclairage à contraste négatif car la chaussée doit être suffisamment lumineuse, alors qu'elle est souvent de couleur noire, puisque composée d'un revêtement bitumineux : les flux lumineux doivent, dans ce cas très répandu, être importants, si l'on veut que le contraste des flux et donc que la luminance parvenant à l'oeil de l'automobiliste ne soient pas trop faibles.Also remember that the possibility of distinguishing an object depends on the contrast, as indicated above, but that this contrast must increase if the luminance of the background decreases (BLACKWELL curve): this also poses a problem in contrast lighting processes negative because the roadway must be sufficiently bright, while it is often black in color, since it is made up of a coating bituminous: the luminous fluxes must, in this very widespread case, be important, if one wants that the contrast of fluxes and therefore that the luminance reaching the eye of the motorist is not too weak.

Il est à noter que si la chaussée est mouillée (15 % du temps environ), sa luminance tombe sensiblement de moitié : la courbe de BLACKWELL montre que le contraste doit alors augmenter de 70 % environ pour une visibilité équivalente.It should be noted that if the roadway is wet (approximately 15% of the time), its luminance falls substantially by half: the BLACKWELL curve shows that the contrast must then increase by approximately 70% for equivalent visibility.

De plus, en cas de circulation importante, la chaussée éclairée est masquée aux yeux d'un automobiliste par les autres véhicules roulant devant lui : le principe devient alors inopérant ; enfin, ces procédés impliquant des candélabres hauts de huit à quinze mètres, si l'on souhaite que la luminance de la chaussée soit uniforme ; ces candélabres sont chers, peuvent étre cause d'accident et compliquent le problème d'entretien des lanternes.In addition, in the event of heavy traffic, the lit roadway is hidden from the eyes of a motorist by other vehicles driving in front of it: the principle then becomes ineffective; finally, these processes involving candelabras eight to fifteen meters high, if it is desired that the luminance of the roadway be uniform; these candelabras are expensive, can be the cause of an accident and complicate the problem of maintaining the lanterns.

L'objectif de la présente invention est de procurer les moyens d'éclairer les routes suivant un procédé offrant un contraste beaucoup plus important que les moyens traditionnels, sans utiliser généralement de candélabres et avec une consommation d'énergie plus faible.The objective of the present invention is to provide the means of lighting the roads according to a process offering a much greater contrast than the traditional means, without generally using candelabras and with lower energy consumption.

Les moyens selon l'invention comportent la pose, en terre plein central des routes à chaussées séparées ou en bordure des routes à double sens, de lanternes ou projecteurs contenant une source lumineuse, régulièrement espacés. L'objectif de l'invention est atteint par un procédé selon lequel on dirige au moyen d'un réflecteur le flux provenant des lampes (sources lumineuses) des lanternes ou projecteurs, vers l'arrière des véhicules et suivant un axe sensiblement horizontal à plus ou moins 5° d'angle et dont l'ouverture totale (A) dans un plan vertical est de 10° au maximum pour plus de 95 % du flux, de telle sorte que l'arrière des véhicules soit bien éclairé, alors que la chaussée est sombre, procurant ainsi une luminance et un contraste positif de valeurs élevées permettant ainsi aux automobilistes suivant ce véhicule de le distinguer parfaitement. Il sera aisé d'obtenir un coefficient d'uniformité dans un plan vertical perpendiculaire au flux, de niveau satisfaisant, vu le recouvrement partiel des flux lumineux ; naturellement les réflecteurs n'orientent horizontalement que la partie du flux lumineux qui les illumine ; le reste du flux rayonnant directement dans toutes les autres directions peut être occulté par des lames absorbantes (ou par des moyens équivalents), ou être rendu horizontal par des réfracteurs (prismes par exemple).The means according to the invention comprise the laying, in central reservation of roads with separate roads or on the edge of two-way roads, lanterns or projectors containing a light source, regularly spaced. The object of the invention is achieved by a method according to which the flux coming from the lamps (light sources) of the lanterns or projectors is directed by means of a reflector, towards the rear of the vehicles and along a substantially horizontal axis more or less 5 ° angle and whose total opening (A) in a vertical plane is 10 ° maximum for more than 95% of the flux, so that the rear of the vehicles is well lit, while the pavement is dark, thus providing a luminance and a positive contrast of high values thus allowing motorists following this vehicle to distinguish it perfectly. It will be easy to obtain a uniformity coefficient in a vertical plane perpendicular to the flux, of satisfactory level, given the partial overlap of the luminous fluxes; naturally the reflectors orient horizontally only the part of the luminous flux which illuminates them; the rest of the flow radiating directly in all other directions can be obscured by absorbent plates (or by equivalent means), or be made horizontal by refractors (prisms for example).

Un dispositif selon l'invention comporte une pluralité de projecteurs régulièrement espacés le long des routes, ces projecteurs produisant par réflexion un flux lumineux étroit (dans un plan vertical) dont l'axe est sensiblement horizontal.A device according to the invention comprises a plurality of projectors regularly spaced along the roads, these projectors producing by reflection a narrow luminous flux (in a vertical plane) whose axis is substantially horizontal.

Selon l'invention, la partie du flux lumineux émis par la source du projecteur et réfléchie par le réflecteur en une seule réflexion est dirigée sensiblement horizontalement à plus ou moins cing degrés d'angle et vers l'arrière des véhicules en mouvement, et l'ouverture totale (A) de ce flux dans un plan vertical est de dix degrés au maximum, pour plus de 95 pour cent du flux.According to the invention, the part of the light flux emitted by the source of the headlamp and reflected by the reflector in a single reflection is directed substantially horizontally at more or less five degrees of angle and towards the rear of the moving vehicles, and the The total opening (A) of this flow in a vertical plane is ten degrees maximum, for more than 95 percent of the flow.

Ces surfaces réfléchissantes (réflecteur) permettent de diriger ce flux vers l'arrière des véhicules circulant sur la partie de la chaussée ainsi éclairée. ainsi que vers dispositifs rétroréfléchissants ou des panneaux de signalisation éventuels ; des plans absorbants éliminant les parties du flux indésirable. Selon un mode de réalisation, les projecteurs sont placés sur des supports à faible hauteur, à moins de deux mètres du sol, de préférence à moins de 1,50m, plus particulièrement à moins de 1,20 m, ces protecteurs sont alimentés en énergie électrique par des câbles de transport ou par les cellules photovoltaïques dans des cas particuliers. Le réflecteur du projecteur renvoie en une seule réflexion la partie de l'énergie lumineuse qui l'illumine, sensiblement horizontalement vers l'arrière des véhicules, par exemple grâce à un réflecteur de forme cylindro parabolique dont le plan axial qui passe par la ligne du foyer est horizontal, la source lumineuse étant placée sensiblement au foyer de la parabole, et d'autre part grâce à des absorbeurs (ou miroirs) placés aux extrémités de ce réflecteur cylindro-parabolique pour absorber (ou renvoyer) la partie des rayons lumineux qui se dirigeraient vers l'avant des véhicules ou vers les véhicules qui roulent en sens inverse ; on peut également utiliser des plans absorbants pour limiter certaines parties du flux indésirables, en particulier le rayonnement direct qui peut éblouir les conducteurs, par exemple par les rétroviseurs.These reflecting surfaces (reflector) make it possible to direct this flow towards the rear of the vehicles traveling on the part of the roadway thus lit. as well as to retro-reflective devices or possible traffic signs; absorbent planes eliminating parts of the unwanted flow. According to one embodiment, the projectors are placed on supports at a low height, less than two meters from the ground, preferably less than 1.50 m, more particularly less than 1.20 m, these protectors are supplied with energy electric by transport cables or by photovoltaic cells in special cases. The reflector of the headlamp returns in a single reflection the part of the light energy which illuminates it, substantially horizontally towards the rear of the vehicles, for example by means of a reflector of parabolic cylindrical shape whose axial plane which passes through the line of the focal point is horizontal, the light source being placed substantially at the focal point of the parabola, and on the other hand thanks to absorbers (or mirrors) placed at the ends of this cylindro-parabolic reflector to absorb (or return) the part of the light rays which move towards the front of vehicles or towards vehicles traveling in the opposite direction; absorbent planes can also be used to limit certain parts of the undesirable flux, in particular direct radiation which can dazzle the conductors, for example by mirrors.

Le réflecteur peut également être à surface polyellipsoïdale (appelé également à surface complexe) : sa forme est définie par ordinateur, point par point (50 000 environ), afin que chaque partie du faisceau émis soit dirigée vers une zone précisément fixée (ce type de réflecteur est utilisé dans les phares de voiture).The reflector can also have a polyellipsoidal surface (also called a complex surface): its shape is defined by computer, point by point (around 50,000), so that each part of the emitted beam is directed towards a precisely fixed area (this type of reflector is used in car headlights).

Selon un mode de réalisation, le flux lumineux sensiblement horizontal et dirigé vers l'arrière des véhicules est très concentré en flux étroits qui peuvent alors être guidés vers des points précis de l'arrière des véhicules (qui peuvent être avantageusement munis de catadioptres), ou vers des panneaux de signalisation ou des dispositifs rétroréfléchissants sensiblement verticaux qui permettent alors un très bon guidage des automobilistes, ou bien dans les tunnels unidirectionnels.According to one embodiment, the substantially horizontal luminous flux directed towards the rear of the vehicles is highly concentrated in narrow fluxes which can then be guided to specific points at the rear of the vehicles (which can advantageously be provided with retro-reflectors), or towards signposts or substantially vertical retro-reflective devices which then allow very good guidance for motorists, or else in unidirectional tunnels.

Un mode particulier de réalisation consiste en l'utilisation de sources lumineuses à flux se développant essentiellement dans l'ultraviolet, c'est-à-dire dont la longueur d'onde du rayonnement est inférieure à 0,40 micron, dans un objectif de non-éblouissement des automobilistes venant en direction opposée et/ou dans les régions où le brouillard et la neige règnent fréquemment.A particular embodiment consists in the use of light sources with flux developing essentially in the ultraviolet, that is to say of which the wavelength of the radiation is less than 0.40 micron, with an objective of no glare from motorists coming in the opposite direction and / or in regions where fog and snow prevail frequently.

Le procédé selon l'invention a pour résultat de nouveaux dispositifs d'éclairage public routier. Les dispositifs selon l'invention présentent les avantages suivants : ils offrent des contrastes élevés et des luminances fortes avec une consommation d'énergie plus faible : il est plus efficace d'éclairer un véhicule qui se détachera sur une chaussée sombre que le contraire, et il est ainsi possible d'éclairer des panneaux de signalisation ou des surfaces rétroréfléchissantes, qui sont dans un plan vertical pour être vus des conducteurs.The method according to the invention results in new road public lighting devices. The devices according to the invention have the following advantages: they offer high contrasts and strong luminances with lower energy consumption: it is more efficient to light a vehicle which will come off on a dark road than the opposite, and it is thus possible to illuminate traffic signs or retroreflective surfaces, which are in a vertical plane to be seen from the conductors.

Grâce à l'invention, la réalisation du système d'éclairage public et son entretien seront très économiques, vu la très faible hauteur des supports ; un bon "guidage" des véhicules est obtenu à l'aide de dispositifs rétroréfléchissants prévus sur les côtés de la chaussée.Thanks to the invention, the production of the public lighting system and its maintenance will be very economical, given the very low height of the supports; good "guidance" of the vehicles is obtained using retro-reflective devices provided on the sides of the road.

Dans tous les cas de flux lumineux visible, l'économie d'énergie peut atteindre 50 % à efficacité comparable d'éclairage.In all cases of visible luminous flux, the energy saving can reach 50% with comparable lighting efficiency.

Un coefficient d'uniformité supérieur à 0,3 relatif à l'éclairement de l'arrière des véhicules peut être obtenu sans difficulté, c'est-à-dire que le rapport de la luminance reçue minimum à la luminance reçue maximum sur une plaque verticale se déplaçant, à 0,50 m de hauteur, parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal de l'autoroute, par exemple sur la voie de circulation la plus à droite, en restant sensiblement perpendiculaire à cet axe, est supérieur à 0,3.A coefficient of uniformity greater than 0.3 relating to the illumination of the rear of vehicles can be obtained without difficulty, that is to say that the ratio of the minimum received luminance to the maximum received luminance on a plate vertical moving, 0.50 m high, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the highway, for example on the rightmost traffic lane, remaining substantially perpendicular to this axis, is greater than 0.3.

Parmi les nombreux avantages, on peut également citer : une meilleure visibilité des objets tombés sur la chaussée, grâce au flux lumineux rasant le sol ;

  • un moindre danger pour la circulation, grâce aux supports de projecteurs de faibles dimensions ;
  • une bonne efficacité de l'éclairage ultra violet, qui met en valeur les surfaces claires ou luminescentes sensiblement verticales, comme les dispositifs ou panneaux de signalisation cités au-dessus à condition qu'ils soient revêtus d'un produit luminescent sous la lumière ultra violette, même avec de mauvaises conditions météorologiques ; de plus, l'effet de "mur" lumineux n'existe pas.
Among the many advantages, we can also cite: better visibility of objects fallen on the road, thanks to the luminous flux grazing the ground;
  • less danger to traffic, thanks to the small projector supports;
  • good efficacy of ultraviolet lighting, which highlights light or substantially vertical luminescent surfaces, such as the devices or signs mentioned above, provided that they are coated with a luminescent product under ultraviolet light , even with bad weather conditions; moreover, the effect of a luminous "wall" does not exist.

La description suivante se réfère aux dessins annexés qui représentent sans aucun caractère limitatif, des exemples de réalisation de dispositifs selon l'invention.The following description refers to the appended drawings which represent without any limiting nature, exemplary embodiments of devices according to the invention.

La figure 1 représente une portion d'autoroute vue de dessus, les dispositifs lumineux étant implantés sur le terre-plein central.Figure 1 shows a portion of highway seen from above, the light devices being located on the central reservation.

La figure 2 représente un exemple de dispositif comprenant deux projecteurs, vu en perspective.FIG. 2 represents an example of a device comprising two projectors, seen in perspective.

La figure 1 représente une portion d'une cinquantaine de mètres d'autoroute ou de route comportant deux chaussées séparées comportant chacune deux voies qui sont repérées 4, 5, 6, 7, vue de dessus.FIG. 1 represents a portion of about fifty meters of motorway or road comprising two separate carriageways each comprising two lanes which are marked 4, 5, 6, 7, seen from above.

On reconnaît les deux chaussées, séparées dans cet exemple par deux glissières de sécurité 9 implantés sur le terre-plein central (10).We recognize the two roadways, separated in this example by two safety barriers 9 located on the central reservation (10).

Des exemples de dispositif d'éclairage sont figurés implantés dans l'axe (XX1) du terre-plein central tous les 30 m environ dans cette figure ; chaque ensemble comporte un mat ou support 130 sur lequel sont fixés deux projecteurs 11, 13, respectivement 12 et 14 ; un des projecteurs (13 respectivement 14) éclaire vers une des chaussées, l'autre (11 respectivement 12), qui tourne le dos au premier, éclaire vers l'autre chaussée. On remarque que le flux lumineux est légèrement décalé par rapport à l'axe longitudinal XX1 de l'autoroute, puisque l'axe de la chaussée est décalé lui-même de 1 à 10 mètres environ de ce dernier. Ceci présente d'ailleurs l'avantage de diminuer l'éblouissement éventuel du conducteur par les rétroviseurs.Examples of lighting device are shown located in the axis (XX 1 ) of the central reservation approximately every 30 m in this figure; each assembly comprises a mat or support 130 on which are fixed two projectors 1 1 , 1 3 , respectively 1 2 and 1 4 ; one of the searchlights (1 3 respectively 1 4 ) illuminates towards one of the carriageways, the other (1 1 respectively 1 2 ), which turns its back on the first, illuminates towards the other carriageway. Note that the light flux is slightly offset from the longitudinal axis XX 1 of the highway, since the axis of the road is itself offset from 1 to 10 meters from the latter. This also has the advantage of reducing the possible glare of the driver by the mirrors.

On remarque également que les flux lumineux F1 et F2 (partiellement hachurés) entre projecteurs successifs se recouvrent dans une zone 8, de manière à assurer une bonne uniformité de l'éclairement du tableau arrière des véhicules en circulation.It is also noted that the light fluxes F 1 and F 2 (partially hatched) between successive headlights overlap in an area 8, so as to ensure good uniformity of illumination of the rear panel of vehicles in circulation.

En effet, le maximum du flux lumineux étant sensiblement dans l'axe YY1 du projecteur, ce flux est plus faible sur les bords ; on voit donc que l'arrière de l'automobile 3 entrant dans le champ lumineux du projecteur 13 sera renforcé par une partie du flux lumineux du projecteur précédent, ce qui permet d'assurer une uniformité supérieure à 0,3 pour ce tableau arrière pour les véhicules circulant le plus à droite. Le dessin présente sensiblement une intersection du flux lumineux avec le sol, pour montrer la direction des flux : cependant, le rayonnement étant quasi horizontal, seule une très faible partie du flux, (de l'ordre de 1 % environ) atteint les voies de circulation.Indeed, the maximum of the luminous flux being substantially in the axis YY 1 of the projector, this flux is weaker at the edges; it can therefore be seen that the rear of the automobile 3 entering the light field of the headlamp 1 3 will be reinforced by part of the light flux from the previous headlamp, which ensures uniformity greater than 0.3 for this rear panel for vehicles traveling to the right. The drawing shows substantially an intersection of the luminous flux with the ground, to show the direction of the fluxes: however, the radiation being almost horizontal, only a very small part of the flux, (around 1% approximately) reaches the pathways. circulation.

Par référence à la figure 2 le flux lumineux F1 issu du projecteur pourra avoir un axe ZZ sensiblement horizontal à cinq degrés près, de préférence à trois degrés près, plus particulièrement à deux degrés près, et une ouverture A totale de faisceaux dans un plan vertical passant par cet axe d'un maximum de 10 degrés, de préférence de six degrés au plus, plus particulièrement de quatre degrés, de manière à assurer une bonne concentration d'au moins 95 % du flux ( mesuré en lux) sur le tableau arrière des véhicules.With reference to FIG. 2, the luminous flux F 1 coming from the spotlight may have a substantially horizontal axis ZZ to the nearest five degrees, preferably to three degrees, more particularly to two degrees, and a total opening A of beams in a plane vertical passing through this axis a maximum of 10 degrees, preferably no more than six degrees, more particularly four degrees, so as to ensure a good concentration of at least 95% of the flux (measured in lux) on the board rear of vehicles.

Avantageusement, par référence à la figure 1, l'ouverture B dans un plan horizontal peut être de l'ordre de 30 degrés.Advantageously, with reference to FIG. 1, the opening B in a horizontal plane can be of the order of 30 degrees.

De même, le flux lumineux devra être tourné vers l'arrière des véhicules, ce qui implique que tous les rayons lumineux issus du projecteur 13 devront se diriger dans le sens F de la circulation vers le demi-espace limité par un plan vertical passant par le foyer lumineux et perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal de l'autoroute ; de préférence, l'axe du flux fera un angle C de moins de quarante cinq degrés avec un axe parallèle à l'axe longitudinal XX1, plus particulièrement un angle C compris entre 0 et 20°. Le procédé, objet de l'invention assure donc un flux lumineux relativement uniforme vers le tableau arrière des véhicules en circulation, la chaussée étant très faiblement éclairée puisque le flux lumineux quasi horizontal s'étend en outre sur une très grande superficie de terrain : ce flux est suffisant cependant pour mettre en valeur un objet au sol, bien plus efficacement qu'au moyen d'un éclairage vertical traditionnel, car la lumière rasante conduit à des ombres portées considérables. Ce flux lumineux sensiblement horizontal, passant au-dessus ou au-dessous des glissières de sécurité représentées sur le dessin de part et d'autre des projecteurs, met également en valeur des dispositifs rétroréfléchissants ou luminescents (2) car ceux-ci sont verticaux de façon à être éclairés par les phares des automobiles : si ces dispositifs sont orientés avec un angle adéquat, tel que le flux du dispositif objet de l'invention est renvoyé sensiblement vers l'axe de la chaussée, (vers un point distant de 50 m minimum du dispositif réfléchissant) le balisage ainsi obtenu par ces moyens réfléchissants sera remarquable et pourra être vu au-delà d'un kilomètre, ce qui guidera parfaitement l'automobiliste qui conduit à grande vitesse sur l'autoroute, et qui avance de près de 400 mètres en dix secondes.Likewise, the luminous flux will have to be turned towards the rear of the vehicles, which implies that all the light rays coming from the headlamp 1 3 will have to be directed in the direction F of circulation towards the half-space limited by a passing vertical plane by the luminous focus and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the highway; preferably, the axis of the flux will make an angle C of less than forty five degrees with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis XX 1 , more particularly an angle C of between 0 and 20 °. The process which is the subject of the invention therefore ensures a relatively uniform light flux towards the rear panel of vehicles in circulation, the roadway being very dimly lit since the almost horizontal light flux also extends over a very large area of land: this flux is sufficient, however, to enhance an object on the ground, much more effectively than with traditional vertical lighting, since the grazing light leads to considerable drop shadows. This substantially horizontal luminous flux, passing above or below the safety barriers shown in the drawing on either side of the projectors, also highlights retroreflective or luminescent devices (2) because these are vertical so as to be illuminated by the headlights of automobiles: if these devices are oriented at an adequate angle, such that the flow of the device object of the invention is returned substantially towards the axis of the roadway, (to a point distant from 50 m minimum of the reflecting device) the markup thus obtained by these reflecting means will be remarkable and can be seen beyond a kilometer, which will perfectly guide the motorist who drives at high speed on the highway, and who advances close to 400 meters in ten seconds.

De même, les panneaux de signalisation rétroréfléchissants pourront être remarqués à une grande distance par le conducteur, en particulier pour les portiques, hors de portée des codes des automobilistes, qui pourront être éclairés par un projecteur spécifique.Likewise, retroreflective road signs can be noticed at a great distance by the driver, in particular for gantries, out of the range of motorists' codes, which can be lit by a specific projector.

Ce balisage et cette mise en valeur de la signalisation permis par l'invention sont un élément au moins aussi important que l'éclairage du tableau arrière des véhicules, dans l'appréciation de son efficacité. On peut noter aussi que l'éclairage public traditionnel est conçu sans pouvoir empêcher qu'une partie du flux lumineux soit vue par le conducteur et illumine le pare-brise, ce qui est de nature à lui procurer une gêne visuelle. Un éclairage public par l'arrière élimine cet inconvénient, sous réserve de prendre en compte dans l'implantation les rétroviseurs quine devront renvoyer qu'un minimum de flux vers le conducteur.This marking and enhancement of the signaling enabled by the invention is an element at least as important as lighting the rear panel of vehicles, in assessing its effectiveness. It can also be noted that traditional public lighting is designed without being able to prevent part of the light flux from being seen by the driver and illuminating the windshield, which is likely to cause visual disturbance. Public lighting from the rear eliminates this drawback, subject to taking into account in the installation of the rear view mirrors which must return a minimum of flux to the driver.

La figure 2 représente en perspective un support 130 de projecteurs, qui est avantageusement d'une hauteur inférieure à 1,50 m ; ce support est surmonté d'une platine 14 portant deux projecteurs : ceux-ci sont placés dos à dos pour éclairer chacun une chaussée différente. La hauteur totale H (par rapport au sol) du dispositif peut être de 1,00 à 1,40 m environ, si l'on veut que le flux lumineux passe au-dessus des glissières éventuelles, dont le sommet est à 80 cm du sol environ. Ces projecteurs sont munis par exemple d'un réflecteur 15 cylindro-parabolique, la source lumineuse 16 étant horizontale et placée sensiblement au foyer de la parabole.Figure 2 shows in perspective a support 130 of projectors, which is advantageously of a height less than 1.50 m; this support is surmounted by a plate 14 carrying two projectors: these are placed back to back to illuminate each a different road. The total height H (from the ground) of the device can be from 1.00 to 1.40 m approximately, if we want the luminous flux to pass over the possible slides, the top of which is 80 cm from the ground about. These projectors are provided for example with a cylindro-parabolic reflector 15, the light source 16 being horizontal and placed substantially at the focal point of the parabola.

Une grille de défilement munie de lames 17 verticales peut être placée à l'avant du projecteur, pour éviter des rayons non souhaités, en particulier vers la seconde chaussée, et/ou éventuellement munie de lames horizontales, pour limiter très précisément la hauteur et l'épaisseur du flux réfléchi et/ou direct.A scrolling grid provided with vertical blades 17 can be placed at the front of the projector, to avoid unwanted rays, in particular towards the second carriageway, and / or possibly equipped with horizontal blades, to very precisely limit the height and the thickness of the reflected and / or direct flux.

Il est à noter que le projecteur peut être également à axe parabolique vertical, la grille de défilement pouvant être alors à lames horizontales. Les projecteurs, les lampes, les supports et le mode d'alimentation sont issus des modèles que l'on trouve couramment dans le commerce, seulement modifiés pour obtenir un flux correspondant parfaitement à l'objectif recherché d'éclairement.It should be noted that the projector can also have a vertical parabolic axis, the scrolling grid then being able to have horizontal blades. The projectors, the lamps, the supports and the mode of supply come from the models which are commonly found in the trade, only modified to obtain a flux corresponding perfectly to the desired objective of illumination.

Le réflecteur peut également être à surface complexe.The reflector can also have a complex surface.

Dans le cas de l'éclairage d'un tunnel unidirectionnel, il pourra être intéressant de placer les projecteurs au point le plus haut du tunnel, et tournés vers l'arrière des véhicules, ou sur le côté droit de la chaussée, ce qui peut diminuer la gêne par les rétroviseurs.In the case of lighting in a unidirectional tunnel, it may be advantageous to place the spotlights at the highest point of the tunnel, and facing the rear of the vehicles, or on the right side of the roadway, which can reduce discomfort from the mirrors.

L'éclairage des tunnels nécessite la mise en oeuvre de projecteurs ayant un flux très concentré, afin d'éviter d'éclairer au maximum la chaussée et les piédroits du tunnel.Lighting tunnels requires the use of projectors with a very concentrated flow, in order to avoid illuminating the roadway and the pedestals of the tunnel as much as possible.

Les modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus ne sont que des exemples d'utilisation du procédé d'éclairement à contraste positif : différentes applications de ce procédé peuvent naturellement être envisagées sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l'invention défini dans les revendications.The embodiments described above are only examples of use of the positive contrast lighting method: different applications of this method can naturally be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the claims.

Claims (10)

  1. Method for the public lighting of roads with a substantially horizontal light flux at an angle of plus or minus 5°, in which the said light flux (F1, F2) is directed towards the rear of the vehicles (3), characterized in that the total aperture (A) of this flux in a vertical plane is at most 10° for more than 95% of the flux, which makes it possible to obtain a positive contrast by illuminating the moving vehicles with the said light flux and by substantially avoiding illumination of the roadway.
  2. Public lighting method according to Claim 1, in which the angle (C) between the axis (yy1) of the light flux maximum and the longitudinal axis (xx) of the road is less than 45°.
  3. Public lighting method according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the illumination of the vehicles originates from a light source placed at a height of less than 1.50 metres.
  4. Public lighting method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that absorbent masks and/or refractors and/or reflectors (15) make it possible to avoid illumination of the roadway.
  5. Public lighting method according to any one of the first four claims, characterized in that vertical back-reflecting devices (2) are placed on either side of the roadway and are oriented so as to reflect the light rays originating from the public lighting towards the axis of the roadway.
  6. Public lighting method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the light flux is emitted mainly in the ultraviolet range.
  7. Device for the public lighting of roads using a plurality of regularly spaced projectors (11, 12, 13, 14), in which the part of the light flux (F1, F2), emitted by the source (16) of the projector and reflected by the reflector in a single reflection, is directed substantially horizontally at an angle of plus or minus 5°, characterized in that the said light flux is directed towards the rear of the moving vehicles (3), and in that the total aperture (A) of this flux in a vertical plane is at most 10° for more than 95% of the flux.
  8. Device according to Claim 7, in which the angle (C) between the axis (yy1) of the light flux maximum and the longitudinal axis (xx) of the road is less than 45°.
  9. Device according to one of Claims 7 or 8, in which the projectors are placed either at the top or on the side of single-direction tunnels.
  10. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, in which the reflector (15) has a polyellipsoidal surface, also called a complex surface.
EP91430024A 1990-10-01 1991-09-30 Road lighting process and device using horizontal luminous flux directed toward rear of vehicles Expired - Lifetime EP0479693B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9012155A FR2667383B1 (en) 1990-10-01 1990-10-01 METHOD AND DEVICES FOR ROAD LIGHTING WITH HORIZONTAL LIGHT FLOW DIRECTED TO THE REAR OF VEHICLES.
FR9012155 1990-10-01

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EP0479693A1 EP0479693A1 (en) 1992-04-08
EP0479693B1 true EP0479693B1 (en) 1996-06-26

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EP (1) EP0479693B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69120492T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0479693T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2090282T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2667383B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7264370B2 (en) 2004-07-30 2007-09-04 Clanton Engineering, Inc. Light emitting diode roadway lighting system

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2882807B1 (en) 2005-03-04 2007-11-02 Thorn Europhane Sa METHOD AND DEVICE FOR LIGHTING CIRCULATION PATHWAYS
DE102008019944A1 (en) * 2008-04-21 2009-10-29 Christian Bartenbach Tunnelleuchte and tunnel lighting system with a variety of such tunnel lights
CN101956944A (en) * 2010-10-18 2011-01-26 上海宏源照明电器有限公司 Street lamp and roadway illumination system using same
CN112211129B (en) * 2020-10-12 2021-10-15 毕克刚 Automobile warning system based on unmanned aerial vehicle, Internet of things and photoelectric technology

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1212461B (en) * 1964-03-26 1966-03-17 Siemens Ag Highway post light
US3363092A (en) * 1965-10-19 1968-01-09 Mc Graw Edison Co Luminaire assembly for a divided highway
DE2627005A1 (en) * 1976-06-16 1977-12-29 Wilhelm Buchholz Roadside guiding and warning system - has reflectors in elevated line hung on rigid cables between posts

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7264370B2 (en) 2004-07-30 2007-09-04 Clanton Engineering, Inc. Light emitting diode roadway lighting system

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FR2667383A1 (en) 1992-04-03
DK0479693T3 (en) 1996-10-14
ES2090282T3 (en) 1996-10-16
DE69120492T2 (en) 1997-02-06
FR2667383B1 (en) 1995-07-21
EP0479693A1 (en) 1992-04-08
DE69120492D1 (en) 1996-08-01

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