ES1301917U - DOUBLE LED TRAFFIC LIGHT OPTICAL UNIT (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Traffic light double led traffic light optical unit device (1) using a circular led matrix (4) formed by two groups of leds (4a, 4b), where the groups (4a, 4b) can light up depending on the control of environmental light conditions, using total illumination during the day (4a and 4b), and during the night only the illumination of the outer ring (4a), maintaining the required characteristics. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

DOUBLE LED TRAFFIC LIGHT OPTICAL UNIT

TECHNIQUE SECTOR

The described invention corresponds to the technical field of light signaling devices for traffic control, specifically optical traffic light devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traffic lights are light signaling devices used to regulate traffic and generally consist of three lights: red, yellow and green.

A few years ago, some municipalities considered the measure of turning off traffic lights at night as an energy saving option. Said initiative intended that in hours of less traffic density, traffic regulation would be carried out by means of vertical signs, without the use of light signals. The curious idea generated controversy and the popular response caused the proposal to be annulled.

The optical units of today's traffic lights have the same performance during the day and at night, regardless of the ambient light conditions. It is evident that, at the same intensity, its visibility will be greater the lower the ambient light intensity. From this it follows that its energy consumption is always the same.

The energy waste described could be corrected by adapting the performance of the optical unit to the conditions of sunlight and thus reduce its consumption.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed invention intends to solve the aforementioned problem, using an optical unit for traffic lights that allows, depending on the sunlight conditions, to modify the light performance.

The presented optical unit consists of a circular led matrix, divided into two groups. Both groups form the entire circular surface of the led matrix.

A cluster corresponds to the outer part of the matrix, forming a ring. The second grouping corresponds to the inner part of the matrix, forming a central circle.

In sunlight conditions considered as day, the optical unit will have full operation, illuminating both the exterior grouping and the interior of the LED matrix. When the solar lighting conditions decrease, considering it as night, the optical unit will only leave the outdoor group in operation and turn off the indoor group.

The energy consumption of the optical unit is reduced in night mode by not having the interior part of the matrix illuminated. Maintaining the correct proportions of the groupings, consumption drops by approximately 40%.

The operation of the optical drive in daylight conditions does not differ from the operation of a conventional optical drive.

The operation of the optical unit in night conditions continues to respect the luminous intensity required for its visibility. Also the distribution of said intensity and the uniformity of the luminance are preserved, because the ring shape of the grouping continues to generate the necessary effect. Ghosting requirements are met in this mode of use. The diameter of the optical unit is not changed, as it is generated by the outer ring.

The optical drive assembly is made up of the casing, the led lights and electronics, and the transparent front panel. The set has the electrical connection terminals. The type of exposed led matrix is adaptable to different types of casings and it is not necessary to change the traffic light head.

The ignition control of each one of the groups can be executed by means of a mode change recognition driver, or by wiring to a traffic light control unit.

Ambient light conditions can be assessed by twilight detector or time programming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures show the characteristics of the invention through figures in which we appreciate,

Figure 1 - Shows a front perspective view of the optical drive.

Figure 2 - Shows a front elevation view of the optical drive with all the leds illuminated.

Figure 3 - Shows a front elevational view of the optical drive with the outer ring illuminated.

The figures are composed of the elements with the following indication:

1 - LED optical unit.

2 - Back casing of the unit.

3 - Front cover of the unit.

4 - LED matrix surface.

4a - External grouping of the led matrix.

4b - Internal grouping of the led matrix.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen in figure 1, the circular matrix of leds -4- covers the front surface of the optical unit -1-, being adaptable to the required diameter. The construction and control of the led matrix is the same for the different colors of optical units (red, green, orange).

Figures 2 and 3 show the electronic board where the LEDs -4- are inserted, which is made up of two circuits that differentiate the two groups of existing LEDs, allowing the external group -4a- to be powered in night use mode. , or both -4a- and -4b- in day use mode.

The control of the groups to be illuminated -4a- and -4b- can be carried out by means of the direct supply of each group, or with a digital driver that allows the recognition of the mode change signal, which signal may be caused by a time schedule or twilight.

The arrangement of the leds in a radial way -4- facilitates the creation of groups in a circular way. The outer ring -4a- and the inner circle -4b- are more defined, and the light characteristics of the optical unit are propitious.

For the construction of the proposed optical drive, it is not necessary to modify the casing of the current drives.

Claims (5)

1. Traffic light double led traffic light optical unit device (1) using a circular led matrix (4) formed by two groups of leds (4a, 4b), where the groups (4a, 4b) can light up depending on the control of environmental light conditions, using total illumination during the day (4a and 4b), and during the night only the illumination of the outer ring (4a), maintaining the required characteristics. 2. Optical unit device (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the matrix (4) can be built with green, red or yellow LEDs. 3. Optical unit device (1), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the led matrix (4) has the leds in a radial arrangement. 4. Optical unit device (1), according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the diameter of the inner grouping (4b) and the width of the ring of the outer grouping (4a) can be variable depending on the dimensions of the the optical unit, maintaining proportionality and light characteristics. 5. Optical unit device (1), according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rear casing (2) houses the wiring and electronics of the unit, and the front cover (3) is made of transparent material.