GB2585689A

GB2585689A - Reconfigurable moveable signalling systems

Info

Publication number: GB2585689A
Application number: GB1909980.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillippo Juilan
Original assignee: First Call Traffic Man Ltd
Current assignee: First Call Traffic Man Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-11
Filing date: 2019-07-11
Publication date: 2021-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-11
Also published as: GB201909980D0; GB2585689B

Abstract

A moveable base unit 1 for supporting a traffic signal apparatus 3, comprises a housing for housing both a removable ballast and a control unit with at least one input for receiving a telecom connection for traffic light signalling and at least one output for outputting traffic light signalling to said traffic signal apparatus. The base unit 1 may include lids 4 having a central aperture and a support pole 2 extending through the aperture. The base unit may have a handle to tilt the base unit. There may also be at least one wheel and adjustable supporting leg.

Description

Reconfigurable Moveable Signalling Systems

Technical Field

Aspects of the invention generally relate to moveable signalling systems. In particular, aspects of the invention relate to reconfigurable moveable traffic Light systems and improved controllers for moveable traffic lights systems.

Background

Permanent traffic signalling systems are known as signalling systems secured in place. Traffic signalling systems may also include pedestrian signalling systems. Such systems typically include a support pole or mast for the signalling head, the mast being permanently bolted into place or concreted into the ground.

Moveable traffic signalling systems are also known. Such systems are used as temporary systems to control traffic through roadworks and other temporary obstructions. Moveable signalling systems may have a heavy supporting base unit that can be Lifted and moved for example by a forklift truck. Other moveable signalling systems have wheels enabling them to be moved manually -such systems typically have the support mast positioned at one end of the base unit, distal to the end where the wheels are located, for balance in use.

Where two or more traffic signalling systems are provided, controllers are used to enable the systems communicate with each other. Controllers for moveable traffic lights systems must be compliant with standard legislation to regulate traffic flow and provide safety for road workers. The signal controllers are typically linked to the signal heads and detectors by either cables or radio control. Radio control requires that other sources of radio transmission and obstructions do not interfere with the radio link, and therefore is not always suitable nor desirable. Standard cables also present some disadvantages as they need protecting where they cross the carriageway, are bulky and they require hardwiring into the base unit.

Aspects according to the invention attempt to provide more flexible, reconfigurable, moveable traffic Eight systems and improved controllers for moveable traffic lights systems.

Summary

Aspects of the invention relate to moveable traffic signal apparatus for use in controlling the movements of traffic or people on a temporary basis.

According to a first independent aspect, the invention provides a moveable (or self-standing) base unit for supporting a traffic signal apparatus, the base unit further comprising a housing for housing both a removable ballast and a control or junction unit with at least one input for receiving at least one telecom connection for traffic light signalling and at least one output for outputting traffic light signalling to said traffic signal apparatus. This configuration is particularly beneficial as it allows much more compact connectivity to be achieved whilst provided a traffic signal apparatus which may in certain embodiments have all the characteristics of permanent traffic lights or other such similar traffic units. This solution allows for semi-permanent traffic lights to be located for example in complex traffic junctions, particularly when junction modernisations are being conducted where the existing traffic lights would need to be removed.

According to a further independent aspect, there is provided a moveable base unit for supporting a traffic signal apparatus, the base unit comprising at least one lid for covering the base unit, the at Least one lid having an aperture positioned for receiving, along an axis substantially central to the base unit, a support pole supporting a traffic light signal head.

In other words, the aperture is positioned substantially central to a horizontal cross section of the base unit Advantageously, the support pole is received, in use, along an axis substantially central to the base unit. This improves stability of the traffic Light signalling system in use.

Dependent, preferred aspects are set out in the dependent claims.

In preferred embodiments, the unit has two hinged lids with respective overlapping apertures aLlowing the support pole to be received, in use, along an axis substantiaLly central to the base unit. The two lids enable ease of opening and closing the unit whilst allowing for stable installation of the traffic light signal head. Preferably, the lids overlap one another and/or are lockable in place in order to only permit removal of the ballast once the Lid is opened.

Preferably, the base unit has a handle at one side of the base unit, for tilting the base unit to said side. This enables the base unit to be tilted to that side, e.g. when supported by the wheels to be moved more easily. The handle, particuLarly in combination with wheeLs enables is the base unit to be easily manoeuvred around site.

PreferabLy, the base unit comprises at least one supporting leg adjustable in length. This allows the base unit height to be adjusted when deployed on site, to improve stability.

Preferably, the support pole is receivable on a supporting shelf element provided inside the base unit. This enables adjustment and fixing of the support pole within the base unit. Additionally, the shelf space my be used to affix desirable components inside the unit, such as electronics for communication (controL boxes).

Preferably, the at Least one lid has a handle for user grip. This enables user grip when opening and dosing the lid.

Preferably, there is at least one cut out (opening) on an underside of the base unit, to allow wires to be connected to components housed inside the base unit PreferabLy, the base unit comprises a control unit for receiving at least one telecom connection for traffic Light signalling. This enables reconfiguration of the control unit using telecom cabling as opposed to using hardwired standard cables.

According to a further independent aspect, there is provided a telecom operated base unit for supporting a traffic signal apparatus. This enables easier and quicker reconfiguration of the base unit as opposed to using hardwired standard cables.

In a dependent aspect, there is provided a traffic signalling system comprising a base unit according to any one of the preceding claims and a controller for a traffic signalling system adapted to output signals through one or more telecom connections; and one or more telecom connections being provided between said controller and the control or junction unit in said base unit.

According to a further independent aspect, there is provided a controller for a traffic signalling system adapted to output one telecom connections for traffic light signalling. This represents an improved controller, allowing for quicker and easier reconfiguration of the control signals compared to controllers requiring hardwired standard cables. In a is preferred embodiment, the controller is a cabinet which comprises a series of mounts which are secured to a door of the cabinet; wherein the mounts provide a connection between telecom connections and control cabling which are connected to the processor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: Figure 1 includes a perspective view of a base unit supporting a traffic light system; Figure 2 shows views of exemplary traffic light system heads supported on a pole; Figure 3 shows an aerial view of the base unit in closed position; Figures 4A and 4B show aerial views of the inside of the base unit in open position; Figures 5A and 5B show views of the underside of the base unit; Figure 6 shows a base unit with a handle for transportation; Figure 7 shows the inside of a modified base unit door with connectors; Figure 8 shows a controller and its connections to the control or junction units in respective base units; Figure 9 shows an exemplary chart of controller signalling distribution; Figures WA and 10B show example connection boxes with plugs for connection to traffic signalling equipment; Figures 11A and 11B show example connector plugs; Figures 12A and 12B show exemplary traffic signalling wiring; Figures 13A and 13B show exemplary pedestrian signal and push button wiring; and Figure 14 shows exemplary box signals (regulatory signs and filter arrows).

Detailed Description

With reference to Figure 1, a moveable (i.e. temporary) traffic light system has a base unit 1 (or "pod base") for supporting a signal head 2 on a support pole 3. In this example, the signal head 2 is a pedestrian signalling head with push button used to control pedestrian traffic. Figure 2 shows other examples of possible standard signal heads, including sets of coloured lights (red, amber and green).

In this example the base unit 1 is shaped as a box made of metal. The base unit 1 has two hinged upper lids or doors 4 for opening and closing the unit 1 at the top. In closed position, as shown in Figure 1, the lids 4 meet in the middle of the upper part of the base unit 1 and are sized to fully cover the inside of the base unit 1. Each lid 4 has a cut out section 5 (aperture) centred relative to the base unit 1 shaped to receive the support pole 3 such that the support pole runs along a central axis of the base unit 1. In other words the cut out sections are central to a horizontal cross section of the base unit 1. This improves stability of the traffic light signalling system in use. The shapes of the cut out sections 5 respectively match the cross section of the support pole 3. In this example they are substantially rectangular or square although it will be appreciated that the pole cross section and cut out may have any shape, such as a circular cross section and cut out for a cylindrical pole.

With reference to Figure 3, one of the lids 4, which doses on top of the other Lid, is provided with a handle portion 6. This enables the lid 4 to be grasped by the user for ease of opening and dosing the lid. In this example the handle 6 is formed by folding a section of the lid 4 twice, at substantially right angles so that the handle has a substantially rectangular outline in cross section. Preferably, the lids 4 may be locked and unlocked in the closed position to secure the contents of the base unit 1. A Lock 8 in this example is provided on one of the lids 4.

Figures 4A and 4B show the inside of the base unit 1, from the top, when the lids 4 are open. When being installed, it can be seen from Figure 4A that the pole 2 in this example is received in a pole receiving section 20 formed on a shelf portion 22. The pole 2 is secured to the pole receiving section by bolts or any other suitable means. The shelf portion 22 is elevated from the bottom of the base unit 1, being supported across the base unit 1 at opposite sides. The shelf portion 22 has a substantially elongated rectangular shape in this example. On the shelf portion 22 there is positioned a control unit (control box or junction box) 30, which may be secured to the shelf portion 22. The cavity inside the base unit is shaped and configured to receive a ballast which may be in the form of one or more sand bags. These may be placed either side of shelf portion 22 which also assists in separating the electrical components from the ballasts in order to reduce any risk of these being damaged in use.

The control unit 30 has a plurality of Ethernet ports (*plug and play' ethernet connections) is for receiving a plurality of ethernet connections (i.e. telecommunications or telecoms cables). In this example, there is provided a 12 port switch. This enables reconfiguration of the traffic light control signals from a system traffic controller compared to standard hardwired connections.

The underside of the base unit 1 has two apertures 11, 12 for allowing cables to pass through in and out of the box unit 1. The apertures 11,12 are circular in this example but it will be appreciated that they may be any suitable shape and size.

With reference to Figures 5A and 5B, the base unit 1 is provided with two wheels 40 on one side, substantially at two corners of the underside of the base unit 1, for wheeling the base unit 1 to move it to the desired locations. At the remaining corners of the underside of the base unit 1 there are provided adjustable supporting elements (Legs) 45 with Lengths that may be adjusted to stabilise the base unit 1. In this example the supporting Legs 45 have an adjustable screw supporting section and a substantially square base. The adjustable supporting legs 45 allow the base unit to be Levelled when installed in the intended locations.

Once in position the interior of the base unit 1 may be filled with ballast (e.g. sand bags) to add rigidity, and Locked with Lock 8 to secure its contents.

Going back to Figure 1, a side of the base unit 1 has an aperture 7 for receiving a removable handle 70. The handle 70 is shown in Figure 6 and is positioned to the same side of the unit underneath which the wheels 40 are located. This enables the base unit 1 to be tilted to that side and supported by the wheels 40 to be moved (wheeled) more easily. The removeable handle 70 may be stored inside the base unit, as shown in Figure 4B.

Figure 7 shows a modified base unit door with four connecting elements 80. It will be appreciated that any number of connecting elements may be arranged. The connecting elements each have telecoms connections for receiving a plurality of telecoms cables.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, a controller 100 may be pre wired using telecoms cables with a 0.65 mm2 conductor supplying an interface board, connecting the external cables to the controller 100. The connections on the interface board connections may be be IDC (Insulation Displacement Connection) for example, based for all power and signalling connections. The controller 100 in this example distributes four phases to each cable terminated on the interface board. These occupy the first 12 pairs of the cable as shown in Figure 9. Box signs occupy the East 2 wires on every cable (position 10).

Figures 10A and 10B show examples of connection or junction boxes 110 (open and closed, respectively). The connection boxes 110 have pre-wired tails (based on design requirements) that may be connected to connectors such as 12_145 plugs (shown in Figures 11A and 11B) connected to the traffic signal equipment. The boxes have two entry ports (e.g. 32mm glands) for the feed cable and exit cable.

With reference to Figures 12A and 12B, exemplary traffic signals may be connected by a Red CAT6 cable (only 3 pairs required in this example). Figure 12B is a table showing traffic signal and box feed cabling examples.

With reference to Figures 13A and 13B, exemplary pedestrian signals may be connected by a Green CAT6 cable (only 3 pairs required in this example). Figure 13B is a table showing pedestrian signal and push button cabling examples. A Push Button Unit may have an individual feed cable (Yellow) which connects the button to the controller 100 to detect pedestrian demand. The tactile is operated from the Green Man feed in the Pedestrian signal and the Wait signal is operated from the Amber feed in the Pedestrian Signal.

B

With reference to Figure 14, box signals (regulatory signs) may be connected by a Blue CAT6 cable (only 2 pairs required in this example).

The invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that these are only examples which are used to illustrate the invention without limitation to those specific embodiments. Consequently, modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A moveable base unit for supporting a traffic signal apparatus, the base unit further comprising a housing for housing both a removable ballast and a control unit with at Least one input for receiving at Least one telecom connection for traffic light signalling and at Least one output for outputting traffic Light signalling to said traffic signal apparatus.
2. A moveable base unit according to claim 1, wherein said base unit comprises at least one lid having an aperture positioned for receiving, along an axis substantially central to the base unit, a support pole supporting a traffic Light signal head.
3. A moveable base unit for supporting a traffic signal apparatus, the base unit comprising at least one lid for covering the base unit, the at least one lid having an aperture positioned for receiving, along an axis substantially central to the base unit, a support pole supporting a traffic Light signal head.
4. A base unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit comprises two hinged Lids.
5. A base unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit has a handle at one side of the base unit, for tilting the base unit to said side.
6. A base unit according to claim 5, wherein the base unit has at least one wheel provided at said side.
7. A base unit according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one supporting Leg adjustable in length.
8. A base unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the support pole is receivable on a supporting shelf element provided inside the base unit
9. A base unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the at Least one Lid has a handle for user grip.
10. A base unit according to any preceding daim, with at least one cut out on an underside of the base unit.
11. A base unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a control unit for receiving at least one telecom connection for traffic light signalling.
12. A telecom operated base unit for supporting a traffic signal apparatus.
13. A traffic signalling system comprising a base unit according to any one of the preceding claims and a controller for a traffic signalling system adapted to output signals through one or more telecom connections; and one or more telecom connections being provided between said controller and the control or junction unit in said base unit.
14. A controller for a traffic signalling system adapted to output at least one telecom connection for traffic light signalling.