EP0481957A2 - Traffic light signalling device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a traffic light signalling device in which the traffic flow is regulated by different lamps, each of the lamps being formed by a multiplicity of individual lights, which are arranged in a matrix and together produce a prescribed geometrical shape, and it being possible for the individual lights 2, 3, 4, arranged in a matrix, of each lamp to have current applied to them in a system-specific fashion in the form of a light curtain. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a traffic light signal system in which the flow of traffic is regulated by different lights, each of the lights being formed by a plurality of individual lights arranged in a grid pattern, which together result in a predetermined geometric shape.

Such training is already in traffic signs, e.g. in the case of speed limits and the like, which can be changed depending on traffic requirements or which also flash to warn motorists.

Furthermore, traffic light signal systems are already known, in which the individual lights are each illuminated from the inside with a central light source, with corresponding colored disks on the visible side, which have geometric shapes that deviate from the circle for easier identification by color blind people. This traffic light signal system has the disadvantage that, in addition to the main system, special monitoring systems must be provided, with which it is monitored whether the correct lamps are actually switched on in the respective switching phases. Monitoring devices of this type are complex and moreover require precise additional maintenance.

These disadvantages are avoided by the traffic signs already described above, which are composed of individual lights arranged in a grid, insofar as the remaining area of the lamp remains visible and recognizable if one or the other individual light fails.

However, all the known designs have the disadvantage that an approaching motorist or other road user does not recognize from the lamp which phase will occur next in terms of time and sequence in the flow of traffic. It should be borne in mind that, due to the traffic movements that occur around them, drivers are often unable to extend the associated traffic lights for a longer period of time Observe the period of time closely, so that the current switching status of the traffic lights should be completely detectable within a very short period of observation.

According to the invention this is achieved in that the grid-arranged individual lights of each luminaire can be supplied with electricity in the form of a light curtain. It is thereby achieved that the approaching motorist can recognize from the type of the course of the light curtain which switching state of the traffic light signal system is given, so that this improvement provides additional information regarding the expected timing for the road user.

In order to be able to indicate to the road user whether a change is imminent or to show a time span for how long he can still enter the intersection with signaling security, the flow speed of the light curtain can be changeable in accordance with the elapsed time of switching on the associated lamp. The direction of flow of the light curtain can be adapted to the next switching phase of the traffic light. This is of particular interest for the yellow light phase, since it can be used to indicate whether the yellow light phase is next followed by a green phase or a red phase. The flow movement of the light curtain in the direction of the lamp switched on next will then be selected.

In a further embodiment variant, to achieve the light curtain effect, the lights or individual lights can be covered in a controlled manner by means of one or more screens. This eliminates the need for an electronically controlled light curtain and possibly a large number of individual lights, since by means of such a diaphragm uniform color disks illuminated by a plurality of individual lights can be applied in order to achieve a light curtain effect. The diaphragm can be designed as a lamella-like blind, the lamellae of which can be pivoted about their longitudinal axis and driven separately. Any type of drive is possible for actuating these slats, for example a magnetic drive with which the slats are pivoted depending on the excitation of the magnet or a motor drive which results in the respective pivoting of the slats. However, the aperture can also be a be rotating perforated diaphragm, the diaphragm being designed as a disk, cone jacket or cylinder jacket provided with openings, with which the light inputs of light guides forming the individual lights can be dimmed. This is a particularly simple design, since only a single drive must be present, which can give the optical appearance of the light curtain with respect to the direction of flow or flow rate by simply reversing the direction of rotation or accelerating or braking the rotating pinhole.

The geometric shapes of all the lights can advantageously be different, the red light lamp preferably having the outline shape of a regular octagon and the yellow light lamp preferably having the shape of a triangle placed on the base. As a result, it is unmistakably easier for color-impaired road users to recognize the respective switching phase of the traffic light signal system from a distance, since the red light lamp is adapted to the shape of a stop board and the yellow light lamp is adapted to the shape of a warning board. which will ideally be assigned to each lane. In addition, such lights are favorable from a traffic psychological point of view, since the road user automatically associates the shape of the light that lights up with the respective mandatory sign from the road traffic regulations and thus provides greater traffic safety. For better visibility even for color-blind road users, the lights can be framed with white individual lights according to their geometric shape. It is also possible to insert the word "STOP" in white on the red background in the red light

For better visibility and meaningfulness of the green phase, the green light lamp can be designed as an arrow-like bar, the light curtain being visually movable in the direction of the tip or away from it. This is particularly advantageous if you want to indicate that the green phase is in its initial phase, then the light curtain will move towards the top or if the green phase is in its end phase, the light curtain will move towards the top be moved away. By selecting the appropriate speed can then also be shown whether the switching process is imminent or will take some time until then.

In order to indicate to the approaching motor vehicle driver from a distance which traffic light is decisive for the direction of travel chosen by him, the shape of the traffic light signal system and / or the green light lamp and / or a frame of the traffic light signal system can be adapted to the assigned driving regulations of the associated lane. The approaching road user is therefore already shown from a distance how he has to behave in relation to the intersection, based on the shape of the traffic light signal system or the green light or the border. For better recognition of the shape, even under poor visibility conditions, the frame can be provided with a reflective or fluorescent surface and / or can be illuminated with light sources that intermittently light up.

In another embodiment variant, the light sources of all the luminaires can be provided in a common field in an arrangement corresponding to the shape to be achieved, forming a superimposed luminaire. This enables larger individual characters than traffic light signal systems.

In order to make it easier to see from a distance, i.e. to be able to recognize easily from a distance whether the traffic light is intended for a straight exit lane or a turning lane, the green light lamp can be arranged next to the yellow light lamp on turning lanes, etc. on the side that shows the turning direction, the green light having the shape of an arrow pointing in the turning direction.

It is already known to arrange green arrows next to the traffic lights in conventional traffic lights, the green arrows for color-impaired people mostly being arranged next to the red light phase of one traffic light in a manner that is more likely to cause confusion.

In order to be able to recognize even better from afar which traffic lights are assigned to the corresponding turning lanes, even in bad weather or poor visibility conditions, all the lights can be arranged next to one another according to the different symbols, with the frame of the traffic light signal system has the shape of an arrow pointing in the same direction as the green light lamp. However, the red light lamp can also be arranged below the yellow light lamp, the frame being in the form of an angled arrow pointing in the direction of the turn.

Finally, it is also possible to provide separate, correspondingly configured individual luminaires, correspondingly connected to the corresponding phase luminaire, in particular for a green light phase, whereby additional luminaires of this type ensure that road users are safely guided through the course of the intersection in a logically logical manner even in the case of complicated intersections .

Exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are shown in the drawing.

Fig. 1 shows a variant in which three separate lights are arranged one above the other.

Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment in which the light sources of the individual lights are arranged superimposed on one another in a small field.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment in which three separate lights are provided, which are arranged side by side on a common carrier field.

Fig. 4 shows a modified embodiment, etc. in the form of an angled arrow.

5 shows a detailed representation of a green light lamp, in which the individual lights are formed by the outputs of light guides.

6 shows a radial section through the area of the light guide inputs, which can be temporarily shielded from the light sources by means of a rotating pinhole. In the lower area of FIG. 6, another embodiment variant of the pinhole design is shown in dashed lines.

Fig. 7 is a partial section of the rotating pinhole, and

Fig. 8 is the view of the sector-like arranged light-lighter arrangement.

9 shows a front view of the reflector with light sources arranged therein.

10a to 10d illustrate a coherent basic block diagram of a control of the time switching elements and the light curtain.

Fig. 11 shows the legend regarding the circuit symbols used.

12a and b illustrate the arrangement of the individual lights within the luminaires, the lines with respect to the individual luminaires being stretched in the longitudinal direction.

13 illustrates a possible program sequence for running through traffic light phases. The traffic light connections appearing at the head of the diagram are shown in FIGS. 10a and b with regard to the traffic light program cycle transmitter.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the three traffic symbol lights are arranged separately from one another, in the present case the green light at the top, the yellow light in the middle and the red light at the bottom. This is because the psychological sequence of the circuit better indicates the actions to be taken by the driver ("free travel" is always displayed in the upward direction). With 1 the traffic light is generally designated, with 2 the green light, with 3 the yellow light and with 4 the red light. The traffic light is provided with a border 5, which is provided with a reflective surface. In the same way, of course, fluorescent color or an optionally intermittent light band could also be provided. In the red light lamp the "STOP" lettering is preferably inserted in white letters.

In the lights 2, 3, 4 in Fig. 1 with 6, 7, 8 an additional light source is indicated, which can either be permanently added to the respective phase switching with the light curtain or which is only applied when the electronics from any Reasons fails.

The yellow lamp 3 can be provided in a manner not shown with a border which rotates in the form of a light strip when the traffic light flashes yellow in order to signal to the driver that he must pay attention to cross traffic.

The lights 2, 3, 4 consist of a plurality of light sources, which, as indicated in the drawing, are arranged in a line. The individual light sources are controlled via an electronic circuit, etc. such that the succession of lighting of the light sources takes place in the form of a so-called light curtain. In the case of a light curtain, an optical direction of light travel is imparted so that the light moves either upwards, sideways or downwards. With the green light 2, the light curtain will run from bottom to top to indicate to the driver that he should make a forward movement. The light curtain can be controlled at different speeds, i.e. that the light curtain runs relatively quickly within a certain time period, is slow in a second time period, and at the end of the green phase, the entire light curtain comes to a standstill, i.e. the entire luminaire is briefly uniform is illuminated. After a predetermined time, the green light goes out and the yellow light, that is the light 3, may be activated in an overlapping manner. The shape of the green light 2 indicates which direction of travel is to be taken on the strip, on which the vehicle is located or over which the traffic light is arranged. In the example shown in Fig. 1, it is a lane in which you have to drive straight ahead or turn left. In the same way, of course, only a straight-ahead arrow or only a left-hand turn arrow or just a right-hand turn arrow or a combination of straight-ahead and right-turn arrow could be provided. The shape of the border 5 or the entire traffic light is adapted to the shape of the green arrow, so that even from the shape of the border 5 it can already be seen from a distance that the lane above which the one shown in FIG. 1 is located The traffic light is about such a lane, in which you have to drive straight ahead or turn left. This is important because the majority of motorized and in particular unfamiliar road users, especially in city traffic, approach traffic light-controlled intersections from mostly confusing situations, whereby the total traffic reduces the driver's concentration on the traffic lights. Therefore, the driver must be timely and easily recognizable and also be displayed psychologically correct and therefore easy to grasp, in which lane it has to be classified, so as not to hinder further flow traffic.

With the yellow lamp, the curtain is lowered when the switch from green to yellow and the next switching phase is expected to be red, i.e. that the driver, who looks up at the traffic light only briefly, is immediately aware that the yellow phase leads to a red phase. After a certain yellow phase, the lamp 4, ie the red phase, is then switched over. The yellow lamp has the shape of a warning triangle, so that even color-blind people can immediately see from the shape of the lamp which phase of the amphel is currently in use.

The red light connected downstream of the yellow light 3 has the shape of a regular octagon in the present case, that is to say it is adapted to the shape of the conventional stop sign, which means that the driver can already use the shape of the traffic light to determine which traffic situation will follow next. In the case of the red light, the light sources arranged in lines are controlled in such a way that the curtain moves from top to bottom, which indicates to the driver that he is "being held back". The speed of the passage of the light curtain can also be changeable in the red phase, with a slower running of the curtain also indicating the end of the red phase soon. The actual end of the red phase will be indicated by the short standstill of the light curtain and uniform lighting of the lamp 4. After the end of the red phase, the yellow phase is then initiated again, in which case the light 3 is acted on in such a way that the light strip runs in the form of a raising of the curtain, whereby the driver sees that the green phase will follow next, that is to say the Stopping phase has ended.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, such a traffic light is shown in which all three lights are superimposed on one another. The individual light sources belonging to each luminaire are identified by different symbols, etc. the green lights by small rings, the yellow lights by small squares, the red lights by small crosses. Because of the grid is recognizable that an arrow is achieved with illuminated green lights, which allows straight ahead and turning left. The yellow lamps are again arranged in the form of a triangle, and the red lamps analogous to FIG. 1 in the form of a regular octagon. In this embodiment as well, of course, a row-like arrangement of the lamps can be provided, in which case the corresponding rows would have to run next to one another. But this is a mere question of arrangement and the like with the help of small point light sources. easily achievable. 2, the traffic light is indicated by 10, the green lights for achieving the arrow with 11, the yellow lights for achieving the yellow lamp with 12 and the red lights for the red phase with 13. A frame 14 is also in this embodiment provided, which can also be provided with a reflective surface. In the present case, white lamps 15 are also used, which are indicated by small dots. These white lamps 15 can light up continuously or light up intermittently with the aid of a corresponding circuit. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is also designed in such a way that the shape of the frame 14 and the arrangement of the white lights 15 provided therein indicates from a distance which directions of travel are regulated with the aid of the reproduced traffic light. These traffic lights are also assigned directly to the respective lane, so that the motor vehicle driver can easily see from a distance which lane he has to be classified in.

3 and 4, the same parts have been provided with the same reference numerals, etc. the traffic light is generally designated 1. 2 shows the green light lamp in the form of a lying arrow, which in the present case is intended for the right-turn lane. In the case of left-hand lanes, the corresponding figures are reversed. At 3, the yellow light is indicated, which has the outline shape of a warning triangle. The red light lamp is designated 4 and has the shape of a regular octagon, ie the shape of the so-called "stop board". The entire system is provided with a frame 5, in which white lights 15 can also be arranged, which makes the shape of the traffic light recognizable even in poor visibility significantly increased. In most cases, however, it will be sufficient to provide the frame with a fluorescent or reflective coating.

In the embodiment variant according to FIGS. 5 to 9, 20 is basically the traffic light, in which 21 light guide outlets 22 open out on a base plate. The base plate 21 is provided with a frame 23 which also has light guide outlets 24. The light guide outlets 22 are arranged in rows, the individual rows being designated Z1, Z2, Z3, which recur periodically. These light guide outlets arranged in lines are marked in accordance with the associated surface in the rotating pinhole as shown in FIG. 7, etc. the light guide outlets designated Z1 analogous to the area designated Z1 on FIG. 7 with horizontal lines, the light guide outlets Z2 analogous to the area Z2 in FIG. 7 with vertical lines and the light guide outlets Z3 dotted. Z4 denotes the control surface for the light guide outlets 24, which likewise results in an intermittent lighting up of the light guide outlets provided in the border 23.

The pinhole, which is provided with the openings Z1 - Z4, is designated by 25 in FIGS. 6 and 7. The pinhole 25 is rotatably arranged on a shaft 26, which shaft can be driven by an electric motor 27. The rotating pinhole 25 covers a reflector 28 in which light sources 29 are distributed. This plurality of light sources ensures that even if one of the light sources fails, there are still some light sources that allow sufficient lighting and thus a corresponding amount of light at the entrance of the light guide. The light guides are arranged on the side of the rotating diaphragm 25 opposite the reflector and are designated 30-33 in FIG. 6. It follows from Fig. 6 that the light conductors designated 30 act on the lines 1, the light conductors designated 31 on lines 2, the light conductors designated 32 on line 3 and the light guides designated 34 apply the white border 24. The light guide inputs are also shown in a top view in FIG. 8, wherein they are provided on a support plate 34 which lies on the side of the rotating diaphragm 25 opposite the reflector 28 is coming. Such a control system achieves a light curtain effect which is similar to that of an electronic control system, the ascent or descent of the light curtain or the speed of the light curtain being controllable by the choice of the direction of rotation of the rotating diaphragm 25 or by changing the speed.

In a manner not shown, a blind could of course also be provided instead of the rotating diaphragm, in which individual slats then periodically cover the light guide inputs in accordance with the light exposure required in each case. Such a lamella-like blind can of course also be attached to the visible side of a lamp, it being sufficient if this lamp is permanently supplied with current and it depends on the position of the slats whether the light of the lamp is visible to the approaching road user or not.

6, it differs from the above-described embodiment only in that, according to the fully drawn representation, the rotating pinhole is the jacket of a truncated cone, whereas, according to the dashed version, the pinhole is the jacket of a cylinder, which is connected to the axis 26 via a radial connecting surface. The light guide inputs (denoted by LLE in FIG. 6) then proceed from the cylinder jacket surface surrounding the rotating cylindrical diaphragm. The mode of operation is identical to that of the fully drawn representation.

With all manifestations of the traffic light signal systems, the areas between the individual lights or between the entire lights can be black and set back in relation to the housing in order to enable the individual switching phases to be correctly recognized even in the event of unfavorable light incidence. The frame 5; 14; 23 can be illuminated indirectly by means of individual lighting sources, which are arranged centrally behind the individual lights and whose light is guided to the frames via reflectors.

As far as the electronic control of the light curtain is concerned, this can be clearly seen from FIGS. 10-13, the control circuit according to FIGS. 10A and 10B being self-explanatory due to the legend of FIG. 11. The same also applies to the lamp arrangement according to FIG. 12 and the phase sequence according to FIG. 13. Variations and adaptations, not shown, for the respective switching phases and processes are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

Traffic light signal system, in which the flow of traffic is regulated by different lights, each of the lights being formed by a multiplicity of individual lights arranged in a grid, which together result in a predetermined geometric shape, characterized in that the individual lights (2, 3, 4) arranged in a grid each Luminaire system-related in the form of a light curtain can be supplied with electricity. Traffic light signal system according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow speed of the light curtain can be changed in accordance with the elapsed time of switching on the associated light (2, 3 or 4). Traffic light signal system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow direction of the light curtain can be adapted to the next switching phase of the system (1; 10). Traffic light signal system according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in order to achieve the light curtain effect, the lights or individual lights can be covered in a controlled manner by means of one or more shutters (). Traffic light signal system according to claim 4, characterized in that the diaphragm is designed as a lamella-like blind, the lamellae of which can be pivoted and driven separately about their longitudinal axis. Traffic light signal system according to Claim 4, characterized in that the diaphragm is a rotating pinhole, the diaphragm being designed as a disc, cone jacket or cylinder jacket provided with openings, by means of which the light inputs can be dimmed from light guides which form the individual lights. Traffic light signal system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the geometric shapes of all the lights (2, 3, 4) are different, the red light lamp (4) preferably the outline shape of a regular octagon and the yellow light lamp (3) preferably the shape of a based triangle. Traffic light signal system according to claim 7, characterized in that the lights are framed with white geometric lights according to their geometric shape. Traffic light signal system according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the green light lamp is designed as an arrow-like bar, the light curtain being visually movable in the direction of the tip or away from it. Traffic light signal system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the shape of the traffic light signal system (1; 10) and / or the green light lamp (2) and / or a frame (5; 14) of the traffic light signal system (1; 10) of the assigned traffic regulations of the associated lane is adapted. Traffic light signal system according to Claim 10, characterized in that the frame (5; 14) is provided with a reflecting or fluorescent surface and / or can be illuminated with light sources (15) which intermittently light up. Traffic light signal system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the light sources (11, 12, 13) of all the lights on a common field are provided, forming lights superimposed on one another in an arrangement corresponding to the shape to be achieved. Traffic light signaling system according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the green light lamp (2) is arranged next to the yellow light lamp (3) on the turning tracks, on the side which shows the direction of the turn, the green light lamp (2) having the shape of an in has the arrow pointing in the direction of turn. Traffic light signal system according to Claim 13, characterized in that all the lights (2, 3, 4) are arranged next to one another, the frame (5) of the traffic light signal system (1) having the shape of an arrow pointing in the same direction as the green light people (2). Traffic light signal system according to claim 13, characterized in that the red light lamp (4) is arranged below the yellow light lamp (3), the The frame (5) has the shape of an angled arrow pointing in the direction of the turn. Traffic light signaling system according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that separate, individually configured, corresponding to the corresponding phase light, switched with this correspondingly switched individual lights, in particular for a green light phase, are provided.

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