FR2488014A1 - LUMINOUS INDICATOR DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

THE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION IS THAT OF LIGHT INDICATOR DEVICES, OF THE TYPE INCLUDING AN INDICATOR SURFACE 3A CONSTITUTED OF A RETRO-REFLECTIVE MATERIAL. THE TECHNICAL PROBLEM POSED CONSISTS OF PROVIDING SUCH A DEVICE WHICH IS VISIBLE EVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF EXTERNAL LIGHTING. FOLLOWING THE INVENTION, IT INCLUDES A CASE 3 HAVING AN OPENING CLOSED BY A TRANSLUCENT OR TRANSPARENT INDICATOR PLATE 3A AND OF WHICH AT LEAST PART 3B-3C OF THE INTERIOR SURFACE FACES THIS PLATE AND IS COATED WITH THE SAID RETRO-REFLECTED MATERIAL, T-REFLECTED. THAT IT CONTAINS A LIGHT SOURCE 6 OF VERY LOW POWER ARRANGED IN FRONT OF THE SAID SURFACE WITH RETRO-REFLECTING COATING AND CONNECTED TO A SOURCE OF ELECTRIC ENERGY 5. THE INVENTION IS BASED ON ITS MAIN USE ON INDICATOR DEVICES OF THE PUBLIC ROADS OR ROADS. .

Description

2488 0 14

Luminous indicator device.

  The present invention relates to the

  Indicator lights, of the type comprising an indicator surface

  made of a retro-reflective material.

  Devices are already commonly known

  such as, for example, in the form of indi-

  traffic signs or information panels placed on the public road, or else indicator pads placed on a roadway for

to delimit the routes.

  However, these panels

  or studs consist of the only retro-reflective surface considered

  so that the information or the mere presence of these elements is not perceptible by an observer, for example a user of the

  public, that if a relatively strong beam of light falls directly

  on said surface. These devices are practically out

  service in the absence of outside lighting, or even if there is

  rage, but that it is too weak or oriented in a different direction, which may for example be the case of the lighting due to the headlights of a motor vehicle if they have remained switched in

  position of "crossing" or "code" .-

  This is why the present invention aims to provide a device of the type considered that is visible even in the absence of external lighting or in the presence of insufficient lighting, while consuming only a very clean energy.

low.

  To this end, the invention relates to a device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that it comprises a housing having an opening closed by a translucent or transparent indicator plate and at least a portion of the inner surface faces this plate and is coated with said retro-reflective material,

  while it contains a very low power light source dis-

  placed in front of said retro-reflective and connected surface

  to a source of electrical energy.

  Thanks to this arrangement, the retro-surface

  reflective which receives light from the light source of low power, illuminates from the inside, and with excellent performance, the

24 88 0 14

  - 2 - indicator plate, thus allowing proper observation of this

  last, and this with an extremely low power consumption.

  It is important to note that the use of an analogue light source

  logue with a retro-reflective single-surface panel or pad, generally flat, as hitherto achieved, would not give

  satisfactory result here, unless the use of extreme sources is

  (eg conventional 60 or wAatts lighting lamps, while the present device can operate with single bulbs of eg 3.5 V such as those used in

  lamps called "torches" electric).

  In a particularly advantageous manner, the source of electrical energy may comprise an accumulator of electrical energy such as one of those commonly known as "batteries", this arrangement making it possible to disregard any junction with any electrical network, which is particularly interesting when the indicator device must be installed in an environment that is difficult to access to such a network, any wire link being

thus deleted.

  In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical energy accumulator can be connected to

  a non-electrical energy converter-sensor integral with the device

  itself, which avoids the need for frequent maintenance

  the device by periodic recharging of the accumulator, 9u

  still allows the use of accumulators plius small footprint.

  The sensor-non-electrical energy converter can be a wind energy sensor, but much more advantageously a sensor

  solar which is extremely weak and easy to maintain.

  It can preferably be provided that is interposed between the source of electrical energy and the light source,

  a switch member connected to an external dimming sensor

  the light source is powered and therefore

  the device in service only when the external lighting

  pays a certain predetermined threshold. This threshold crossing can be done in one direction or the other, for example downward during the fall of daylight, which allows to put a device in service for the entire night, or upwards. when passing

24 88 0 14

  -3- of a vehicle, which limits the operation of the device to only

  when it should be observed by a driver, in which case the

  The switch in the sensor can be obtained in the presence of a simple beam crossing or "code", and even if it is not clearly oriented on the device. Of course,

  in this second case, the energy consumed is reduced to the strict minimum.

  It can also be envisaged that the switch member is actuated by a control unit covering a complete network of such devices,

  for example, located on a motorway or an urban district.

  In the case where an electric energy accumulator is used, the switch member may advantageously be constituted by a switch unit comprising, in addition to the connection line between the accumulator and the light source, a second line connecting the accumulator to a battery. independent source of electrical energy, the latter being able to be constituted by the normal electrical network, but much more advantageously by a sensor-converter of energy

  non-electric, for example solar.

  Preferably, that part of the inner surface of the housing which is coated with the retro-reflective material

  has two surface sections which are symmetrical and also

  in relation to the opening carrying the indicator plate, in order to

  to provide maximum illumination efficiency with a minimum of

  summons. Other features and benefits of

  the invention will become apparent from the following description, as a

  non-limiting examples and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

  FIG. 1 represents a view in elevation

  schematic of a light box indicator equipped with a device according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one of the boxes of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 schematically shows the electrical supply circuit of such a device; - the Fia. 4 represents a post-station for public transport network, equipped with a device according to the invention;

2488 0 14

  FIG. 5 represents a public shelter also equipped with a device according to the invention; - Figs. 6 and 7 show front views, in section, and from the side, of a traffic lane indicator pad equipped with a device according to the invention; FIG. 8 illustrates such a way of

  circulation equipped with a set of pads according to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  The signpost represented by the

  Fig. 1 comprises a mast 1 having at its upper end several

  2 sections each of which has a light box 3, these two

  boxes with orientations that may be different

  rents, while the end section of the mast carries, articulated to its

  end a steerable solar collector 4.

  Each of the boxes 3 has an elongated shape in the horizontal direction and possibly ending in the shape of an arrow, this box having an apparent vertical face 3a

  which consists of a plate of translucent or transparent material

  parent, such as Plexiglas for example, and on which are carried information in engraved or printed form. The box itself is in the form of a stamped aluminum box, having in cross-section a coated V, having an angle at the center, for example of the order of 90 as shown in FIG. 2, but could also adopt other values, for example 1200 or more. The

  two tracks of this box are perfectly symmetrical and identi-

  inclined relative to the indicator plate 3a. The part

  back of the box is received, and fixed, in a housing shaped cor-

  corresponding 2a of the mast section 2.

  In the interior cavity of the box 3 is placed a storage battery 5 which is preferably housed and fixed in the rear corner of this box and it is also intended to fix on one of the two faces 3b of the box, a electric bulb

  low power 6 which is connected to the battery 5 as well as to a circuit

  baked switching that is not shown for reasons of

  clarity, but will be described later.

  The inner surfaces of the two faces 3b of the box are coated with a retro-reflective material 3c such as that consisting of a layer of coated microbeads and known under the

trade name of "Scotch-Light".

24880 14

-

  In FIG. 3, the luminous assembly constitutes

  killed by the cooperation of the bulb 6 with retro-reflective surfaces

  3c and the indicator plate 3a, is shown schematically by a block 7.

  This, and more precisely its input formed by the supply conductors 6a of the bulb 6, is connected to the solar collector 4 and

  to the storage battery 5, via a block of

  8. In this same switch unit 8 is further connected a lighting variation sensor 9, which is for example a threshold sensor emitting a pulse when the daylight to which this sensor is normally exposed, its intensity decreases. below the

predetermined threshold value.

  The switch unit 8 comprises a switch member 8a which is interposed between the output conductor 5a of

  the battery and the power supply conductor 6a of the bulb. This

  8a is more particularly constituted by the movable element

  a relay whose coil 8b is fed from an amplifier

  8c fulfilling an AND function and whose two inputs are

  linked respectively to the battery 5 and to the illumination sensor 9.

  Finally, between the conductor 4a coming from the solar collector 4 and the input terminal of the switch 8a, a Zener diode 8d is provided. The operation of this circuit is as follows:

  During the day and during the daylight

  solar energy, the variatior sensor. 9 does not emit any impulse

  sion, so that the AND gate 8c does not send any command on the relay 8b which remains open, thus isolating the use circuit 7 comprising the bulb 6. During this same period, the solar collector 4 loads normally and progressively the storage battery 5 through

the diode 8d.

  However, as soon as daylight drops

  and as soon as the brightness has fallen below the predetermined threshold

  sensor 9, it goes into action and sends a pulse on

  the AND gate 8c which, simultaneously receiving the power of the bat-

  5, operates the relay 8b whose contact 8a is closed, permitting

  putting a direct supply of the use circuit 7 from the battery 5, and this of course for as long as

  Daylight does not reverse the operation of the sensor 9.

24880 1 4

  Conversely, as soon as the intensity of the daylight increases again, the relay 8d falls back under control.

  sensor 9, which causes the power link to be removed.

  between the battery 5 and the use circuit 7, while authorizing

  furthermore the continuation of charging the battery 5 from

of the solar collector 4.

  This solar collector 4 is advantageously constituted by one or more solar panels, each of which may consist of a large number of photovoltaic silicon cells, such a panel operating for example from a ground illumination of 1 kW / m2. at 251C. The electric power supplied by such a panel can be of the order of about thirty watts, this power being supplied at a voltage of about 15 V with an intensity of about 2 A.

  Such a panel, whose dimensions can be of the order of half

  meter is designed to have adequate weather resistance (frost, high temperatures, sandstorms, fog

  saline). As for battery 5, it may be of a capacity

  so for example to provide 1 A-hour, which ensures, in some cases, an autonomy of a few days. Finally, the sensor 9 is preferably a sensor of the optoelectronic type, providing or not

  an electrical command pulse from a detection of inten-

light.

  Figs. 4 to 8 describe certain

  application of a device of the type described above.

  Thus the post-station for public transport network, as shown in FIG. 4, includes,

  mounted on a mat 11, a parallelepipedal box 13, which is

  poured by the end of the mat 11, which has no upper face and whose two lower longitudinal edges are truncated following

  inclined surfaces 13c, which have a retro-reflective coating,

  health. The other faces 13a of the box carry information, while are disposed inside the box itself, a battery 15 and at least one bulb 16. The assembly is finally completed. by a solar panel 14 mounted swiveling at the end of the mat 11, and of course by

  a switch and light variation sensor assembly, not shown

sented.

2 4 88 0 1 4

  The public shelter shown in FIG. 5 comprises, mounted on poles 21 and surrounded by walls 22, a box-shaped roof 23, of relatively small thickness, and along the longitudinal central axis of which are arranged one or more lighting tubes 26. The walls longitudinal end of the box are shaped with a recessed V-shaped cross section, and comprise

  on their inner surfaces 23c a retro-reflective coating.

  It is finally provided on the upper part of this roof 23 one or more solar collectors 24 orientable, all being well

  understood complemented by the other elements of the circuit described in FIG. 3.

  The signaling set of a lane

  circulation constituted by a road shown in FIGS. 6 to 8,

  carries an alignment, on each side of the road, of

  spaced apart from the ground only the curved elements or cabochons 33a which correspond to the indicator elements of the luminous device, these elements being advantageously

  striated to increase the desired effect. Each of these elements constitutes

  kills the lid of a housing or box 33, which is buried in the ground and which has a cup-shaped bottom 33c, having two symmetrical portions coated with a retro-reflective material. Inside the space delimited by this box is disposed a bulb 36 similar to the bulb 6 of FIG. 2, this bulb being connected to a cable 36a which passes below the housing 33 and which connects

  the set of display elements along the roadside.

  As more specifically shown in FIG. 8, the various cables 36a along the two sides of the road are connected in parallel to a common assembly located on a location

  cleared and o is disposed a mast 31 which carries solar collectors 34.

  The battery and the other elements of the circuit are buried

mast foot 31.

  The embodiments thus described of FIGS. 4 to 8 are very advantageous examples of use of the light devices according to the invention, and it is clear that these

  The latter may know many other applications. This

  should be the case of all the elements usually installed on

  public roads, and more commonly known as "street furniture".

24 88 c1 4 -8-

  These devices are also particularly suitable for

  in the open countryside, thanks to their autonomy. Public transport organizations can advantageously use them to

  facilities freed from many technical servitudes,

  administrative and financial Finally, building and public works companies can use them with the greatest interest, and particularly in the start-up phases of construction sites, the furniture of these sites (caravans, shelters, housing, building sites) can also easily benefit. installation of devices

according to the invention.

- 9 -

Claims (4)

  1) - luminous indicator device, of the type comprising an indicator surface (3a, 13a, 33a) consisting of a   retro-reflective material, characterized in that it comprises a bowl   tier (3, 13, 23; 33) having an opening closed by a translucent or transparent indicator plate (3a, 13a, 33a) and at least a portion (3b-3c, 13c, 23c, 33c) of the inner surface face   to this plate and is coated with said retro-reflective material, tan-   say that it contains a light source (6, 16, 26, 36) of very low   power disposed in front of said retro-reflective coating surface   and connected to a source of electrical energy (5, 15).   ) - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the source of electrical energy comprises a   electric energy accumulator (5, 15).   Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the electric energy accumulator (5, 15) is connected to a non-electric energy converter (4, 14, 24,   34) secured to the indicator device itself.   4) - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor-non-electrical energy converter   (4, 14, 24, 34) is a solar energy sensor.   ) - Device according to any one of   Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is provided, interposed   between the electric power source (5 ,, 15) and the light source (6, 16, 26, 36), a switch member (8a) connected to a sensor   external lighting variation (9).   ) - Device according to claim 5 when   that it depends on any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized   in that the switch member (8a) is constituted by a switching block   carrier (8) comprising, in addition to the connecting line between the accumulator (5) and the light source (6), a second line connecting the accumulator (5)   to an independent source of electrical energy (4). 24880 1 4 - 10 -   7) - Device according to any one of   Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the part of the surface   interior of the housing which is coated with the retroreflective material has two surface sections (3b-3c, 13c, 23c, 33c) which are symmetrical and also inclined with respect to the bearing opening   the indicator plate (3a, 13a, 33a).   ) - Device according to any one of   Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device is worn   by a pole (1, 11, 21, 31) and its housing (3, 13, 23, 33) has two retro-reflective surfaces in V.) - Device according to any one of   Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device (33) is   buried in the ground and the indicator plate (33a) has the shape of a bulging pad.