JP2011059980A - Traffic signal, power supply method of the same, traffic signal system, and power supply method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traffic signal having an energy saving mode and a low power consumption, generating required power from residual emission, without being affected by a surrounding environment such as an installation place, a weather, or a time zone, and also to provide a power supply method of the traffic signal, a traffic signal system, and a power supply method of the traffic signal system. <P>SOLUTION: In this traffic signal, a flexible solar cell is provided integrally on the surface on the signal light source side of a shielding plate of the traffic signal so that light from the signal light source is received, and the power generated in the solar cell is utilized as a power source for the traffic signal. In the traffic signal, shielding plates are provided respectively on signal light sources emitting lights having different display colors. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal, a traffic signal power supply method, a traffic signal system, and a traffic signal system power supply method.

  Conventionally, traffic signals including various solar cell panels and solar cell modules have been proposed. In such a traffic signal device, a solar cell panel or the like is arranged at a position where it can sufficiently receive sunlight, and the arrangement angle is adjusted so that as much sunlight as possible can be received. For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a traffic light system 10 described below.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a conventional traffic light system. As shown in FIG. 10, the traffic light system 10 includes a traffic light controller 11, a pedestrian lamp 12, and a traffic signal controller 13 that controls lighting of the vehicle lamp 11 and the pedestrian lamp 12 at a predetermined timing. With.

  The traffic light system 10 includes a power source that supplies power to the vehicle lamp 11, the pedestrian lamp 12, and the traffic signal control device 13. The vehicle lamp 11, the pedestrian lamp 12, and the traffic signal control device 13 are attached to a traffic light column 19.

  The vehicle lamp 11 includes a main body 14, red, yellow, and blue LED modules housed in the main body 14, and a collar 15 (both a light-shielding plate and a collar) attached to the upper position of each color LED module of the main body 14. For example).

  The pedestrian lamp 12 is also similar to the vehicle lamp 11, the main body 16, red and blue LED modules housed in the main body 16, and a gutter 17 attached to the upper position of each LED module of the main body 16. It has.

  The body 14 and the cage 15 of the vehicle lamp 11 and the body 16 and the cage 17 of the pedestrian lamp 12 and the housing of the traffic signal control device 13 are all made of resin (polycarbonate, etc.), iron, aluminum or the like. . In particular, the lateral surface of the main body 14 of the vehicle lamp 11 and the outer surface of the eaves 15 are formed to be curved, and the outer surface of the eaves of the pedestrian lamp 12 is formed with corners. Yes.

  The power source includes a solar cell module 18 and a commercial power source (100V AC power source or the like), and the electric power generated by the solar cell module 18 is used as a main power source or an auxiliary power source.

  For example, when the commercial power source is used as the main power source and the solar cell module 18 is used as the auxiliary power source, the traffic signal control device 13 serves as the main power source for power supplied to the vehicle lamp 11 and the pedestrian lamp 12 at normal times. Can be commercial power.

  In addition, when the electric power necessary to turn on the vehicle lamp 11 and the pedestrian lamp 12 can be sufficiently supplied from the solar cell module 18, the traffic signal control device 13 is connected to the vehicle lamp 11 and the pedestrian. The power supplied to the lamp 12 is switched from the commercial power source to the solar cell module 18.

  The traffic signal control device 13 includes a built-in charge / discharge battery that stores electric power generated by the solar cell module 18, and each solar cell module 18 and the battery are electrically connected.

  The solar cell module 18 is formed in a flexible film shape, and includes an upper surface and a side surface of the main body 14 of the vehicular lamp 11, a top surface of the main body 16 of the pedestrian lamp 12, and a side surface thereof. And the bag 17 and the upper surface and the side surface of the housing of the traffic signal control device 13 are integrally attached with a double-sided tape or an adhesive.

  The film-like solar cell module 18 may be formed into a film sheet shape, such as a dye-sensitized solar cell, an organic thin-film solar cell (excluding the dye-sensitized solar cell), and an amorphous silicon solar cell. Possible solar cells can be used.

  Since the solar cell is formed using a polyimide film or the like as a substrate material, the solar cell has an advantage of being thin, light, bent, and not cracked. Moreover, it is the structure which covered the a-Si solar cell formed on the plastic film board | substrate with the protective film, and the thickness in this state is as thin as about 0.4 mm. In addition, a heat resistant plastic film is used as the film, and it is preferable to provide a waterproof treatment by covering the outer surface of the amorton film with a transparent sheet.

  By setting it as the above-mentioned structure, the installation space and components for mounting a solar cell module can be made unnecessary, and the installation work of a solar cell module can be facilitated. Moreover, the installation cost of a solar cell module can be reduced.

  Further, since the solar cell module 18 is formed in a film shape, the solar cell module 18 can walk with the vehicle lamp 11 without increasing the size of the vehicle lamp 11 or the pedestrian lamp 12 or changing the appearance. It can be attached to the person lamp 12.

  Moreover, the film-like solar cell module 18 is a curved surface such as the lateral surface of the main body 14 of the vehicle lamp 11 or the outer surface of the ridge 15, or the outer surface of the ridge 17 of the pedestrian lamp 12. It is also mounted integrally on the surface having the corners. For this reason, the solar cell module 18 can be mounted in more positions where sunlight is easily collected regardless of the shape of the traffic signal device or the traffic signal control device.

JP 2006-338369 A

  Conventionally, a traffic light module has a solar cell module placed in a position where it can receive sunlight, and it cannot be expected to be exposed to sunlight, such as under an expressway in an urban area, or when it is snowy, rainy, or at night. It was not possible to generate electricity during the weather and time. On the other hand, since the power generation efficiency (photoelectric conversion efficiency) of solar cells is drastically improved year by year, it is expected that the surplus light is effectively used so that efficient power generation is possible even with a relatively small amount of light.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is energy-saving and low in that it can generate desired power from surplus light emission without being affected by the surrounding environment such as the installation location, weather, and time zone. It is an object of the present invention to provide a power consumption traffic signal device, a traffic signal power supply method, a traffic signal system, and a traffic signal system power supply method.

  The traffic signal device of the present invention is integrally provided with a flexible solar cell on the surface of the traffic signal light-shielding plate on the side of the signal light source so as to be able to receive the light of the signal light source, and the electric power generated by the solar cell is supplied to the traffic signal device. A traffic signal used as a power source.

  Moreover, the traffic signal apparatus of the present invention is preferably characterized in that a light shielding plate is provided for each signal light source that emits different display colors.

  The traffic signal of the present invention is more preferably characterized in that the signal light source of the traffic signal is a plurality of light emitting diodes.

  The traffic signal of the present invention preferably further includes a protective cover for protecting the signal light source for each of the signal light sources that emit different display colors, and the edge of the protective cover includes light from the signal light source to the solar cell. Compared with the central part of the protective cover, an irradiation angle widening part that refracts the light of the signal light source to the wide angle side is provided so as to increase the irradiation amount.

  The traffic signal power supply method of the present invention is a traffic signal power supply method in which a flexible solar battery is integrally provided on the surface of the light shielding plate on the signal light source side so as to be able to receive the light of the signal light source. The power generated by the battery is used as a power source for traffic signals.

  The traffic signal power supply method of the present invention is preferably characterized in that a light shielding plate is provided for each signal light source that emits different display colors.

  The traffic signal power supply method of the present invention is more preferably characterized in that the signal light source of the traffic signal is a plurality of light emitting diodes.

  Further, in the traffic signal power supply method of the present invention, it is more preferable that the traffic signal has a protective cover for protecting the signal light source for each signal light source that emits a different display color, Compared with the central portion of the protective cover, an irradiation angle widening portion that refracts the light of the signal light source toward the wide angle side is provided so that the amount of light irradiation from the signal light source to the solar cell is increased.

  Moreover, the traffic signal system of the present invention includes a charge / discharge battery that stores electric power generated by a solar battery in the traffic signal system including any of the traffic signals described above, and supplies power to the traffic signal from the charge / discharge battery. It is characterized by supplying.

  A traffic signal system power supply method according to the present invention includes a charge / discharge battery that stores electric power generated by a solar cell in the traffic signal system power supply method including any of the traffic signals described above. Electricity is supplied to the traffic signal from the discharge battery.

  In addition, the traffic signal device of the present invention is provided with a flexible solar battery integrally on the surface of the traffic signal light-shielding plate on the side of the signal light source so as to be able to receive the light of the signal light source. The light shielding plate is provided for each signal light source that emits a different display color, and includes a protective cover that protects the signal light source for each signal light source that emits a different display color. The protective cover has an irradiation angle expansion that refracts the light from the signal light source to the wide angle side compared to the central part of the protective cover so that the light irradiation amount from the signal light source to the solar cell is increased at the edge of the protective cover. The flexible solar cells provided for each of the signal light sources that emit the different display colors may be connected in parallel.

  The traffic signal power supply method of the present invention is a traffic signal power supply method in which a flexible solar battery is integrally provided on the surface of the light shielding plate on the signal light source side so as to be able to receive the light of the signal light source. A step of using the electric power generated by the battery as a power source of the traffic signal, the light shielding plate is provided for each signal light source that emits a different display color, and the traffic signal light source emits a different display color Each has a protective cover that protects the signal light source, and the protective cover has a margin at the edge thereof, so that the amount of light irradiation from the signal light source to the solar cell is increased, compared to the central part of the protective cover, Flexible solar cells that include an irradiation angle widening unit that refracts the light of the signal light source toward the wide angle side and that are provided for each of the signal light sources that emit different display colors may be connected in parallel.

  The traffic signal power supply method of the present invention preferably includes a step of supplying power by a flexible solar cell corresponding to a red signal light source, and a step of supplying power by a flexible solar cell corresponding to a blue signal light source. The flexible solar cell corresponding to the yellow signal light source may have a process of supplying electric power in order.

  An energy-saving and low-power consumption traffic signal device that can generate desired power from surplus light emission without being affected by the surrounding environment such as installation location, weather, and time zone, a traffic signal power supply method, and a traffic signal system It is an object to provide a power supply method for a traffic signal system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an outline of an appearance of a vehicle traffic signal according to a first embodiment. It is a bottom view which illustrates typically the traffic signal for vehicles concerning a first embodiment from the undersurface side. It is sectional drawing which illustrates typically the AA cross section of the vehicle signal apparatus concerning 1st embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the use condition of the traffic signal for vehicles. It is a bottom view which explains typically the traffic signal for vehicles concerning a second embodiment from the undersurface side. It is sectional drawing which illustrates typically the BB cross section of the signal apparatus for vehicles concerning 2nd embodiment. It is a block conceptual diagram explaining the outline | summary of a traffic signal system provided with the traffic signal for vehicles. It is a block diagram explaining the structural concept of an electric power supply adjustment apparatus. It is a flowchart which explains sequentially the outline | summary of operation | movement and a process of a traffic signal system. It is a figure explaining the conventional signal system.

  The vehicle traffic signal described in the present embodiment includes a light shielding plate that protects the light emitting portion from wind, rain, snow, and dirt and blocks light such as backlight, in order to ensure the visibility of the light emitting portion. The light shielding plate is also called a hood or a bag or a bag. Further, the vehicle traffic signal includes a solar cell on the inner surface side of the light shielding plate, that is, on the surface irradiated with light by lighting.

  A solar cell of a vehicle traffic signal photoelectrically converts light energy resulting from light emission of signals composed of LEDs and various light bulbs. The vehicle traffic signal described in the embodiment circulates and reduces light energy photoelectrically converted by a solar cell as a signal light-emitting power source.

  For this reason, the vehicle traffic signal can be given a constant electromotive force from the solar cell due to the lighting of its own signal regardless of the installation location, the weather, or day and night, and this can be used as a part of the power source. Therefore, it can be set as the energy-saving and highly efficient vehicle signal apparatus.

  In addition, the vehicle traffic signal includes an irradiation angle widening unit that refracts light to the outside at the protective cover edge of the light emitting part in order to increase the amount of lighting of the signal irradiated to the solar cell. In general, a signal lamp has an irradiation angle of about 30 ° in order to ensure a certain visibility. However, the lighting light incident on the irradiation angle widening portion of the vehicle traffic signal exemplified in the embodiment is largely refracted upward toward the solar cell provided inside the light shielding plate.

  Since the irradiation angle expansion part is provided at the edge of the protective cover, it has no effect on the viewer such as the driver of the vehicle located in front of the vehicle traffic light, and unnecessary light energy that has not been used in the past is applied to the solar cell. Condensed to

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an outline of the appearance of the vehicular traffic light 1011 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular traffic light 1011 includes a vehicular signal light source 1011a that lights red, a vehicular signal light source 1011b that lights yellow, and a vehicular signal light source 1011c that lights blue.

  The vehicle traffic light 1011 includes a light shielding plate 130 for each color light source. That is, the vehicle traffic light 1011 includes a light shielding plate 130a substantially in the upper semicircular shape of the vehicle signal light source 1011a, and includes a light shielding plate 130b substantially in the upper semicircular shape of the vehicle signal light source 1011b. The light shielding plate 130c is provided in a substantially upper semicircular shape of 1011c. The light shielding plates 130a, 130b, and 130c are hereinafter collectively referred to as the light shielding plate 130 as appropriate.

  The vehicle traffic signal 1011 includes a solar cell 1021 on the lower surface of the light shielding plate 130. That is, the vehicle traffic signal 1011 includes a solar cell 1021a on the lower surface of the light shielding plate 130a, a solar cell 1021b on the lower surface of the light shielding plate 130b, and a solar cell 1021b on the lower surface of the light shielding plate 130c. The solar cell 1021 is formed flexibly and can be bent freely, and is attached to the lower surface of the light shielding plate 130 with an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like. Note that the solar cells 1021a, 1021b, and 1021c are hereinafter collectively referred to as the solar cell 1021 as appropriate.

  In addition, the vehicular traffic light 1011 includes a protective cover 140 that protects the lighting portion. That is, the vehicle traffic light 1011 includes a protective cover 140a that protects the light emitting portion of the vehicle signal light source 1011a, and includes a protective cover 140b that protects the light emitting portion of the vehicle signal light source 1011b, and the light emitting portion of the vehicle signal light source 1011c. Protective cover 140c is provided. Hereinafter, the protective covers 140a, 140b, and 140c are collectively referred to as a protective cover 140 as appropriate.

  Further, the protective covers 140 included in the vehicular traffic light 1011 are each circular, and an irradiation angle expansion unit 140 a 1 that changes the path of the lighting light in the direction of the solar cell 1021 at the edge of the protective cover 140. 140b1 and 140c1 are provided. Typically, the irradiation angle widening portions 140a1, 140b1, and 140c1 are configured by members having different refractive indexes as compared to the central portions 140a2, 140b2, and 140c2 of the protective cover 140.

  The irradiation angle expanding portions 140a1, 140b1, and 140c1 may be lenses formed of glass, plastic, or the like, or may be configured by prisms or half mirrors.

  FIG. 2 is a bottom view schematically illustrating the vehicle traffic signal 1011 from the lower surface side. In FIG. 2, a solar cell 1021 a is disposed on the lower surface side of the light shielding plate 130. Further, in FIG. 2, the same reference numerals are assigned to the portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted here in order to avoid duplication of explanation.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an AA cross section of the vehicle traffic signal 1011 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the lighting light that has reached the irradiation angle widening portion 140b1 is bent in the traveling direction from the center of the circular protective cover 140b2 toward the outside. As a result, the amount of light received by the solar cell 1021b increases.

  On the other hand, the lighting light that has reached the central portion 140b2 travels in the forward direction of the vehicle traffic light 1011 (left direction in FIG. 3) as it is. For this reason, the traffic light 1011 for vehicles can photoelectrically convert the light of the edge part which does not affect visibility with the solar cell 1021, and can reuse this as a power supply, without reducing the visibility as a signal sign. .

  In addition, the solar battery 1021 is always constant when the vehicle traffic light 1011 is placed in a place with poor sunlight or in a dark place, or when the signal lights up in red, blue, or yellow regardless of environmental conditions such as nighttime or snowfall. Since the above received light amount can be secured, it is possible to continue power generation above a certain level. For this reason, the vehicular traffic light 1011 can realize stable and highly efficient and power-saving power utilization.

(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a vehicle traffic light 1011 (2) using an LED as a light source will be described. In the second embodiment, parts corresponding to those of the vehicular traffic signal 1011 described in the first embodiment will be hidden.

  FIG. 5 is a bottom view schematically illustrating the vehicular traffic light 1011 (2) according to the second embodiment from the lower surface side. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicular traffic light 1011 (2) includes a vehicular signal light source 1011a (2) that lights red, a vehicular signal light source 1011b (2) that lights yellow, and a vehicular signal light source 1011c that lights blue. (2)

  The vehicle traffic light 1011 (2) includes a light shielding plate 130 (2) for each color light source. That is, the vehicular traffic light 1011 (2) includes the light shielding plate 130a (2) in a substantially upper semicircular shape of the vehicular signal light source 1011a (2), and the vehicular signal light source 1011b (2) has a substantially upper half circumference. A light shielding plate 130b (2) is provided, and a light shielding plate 130c (2) is provided in a substantially upper semicircular shape of the vehicle signal light source 1011c (2).

  The vehicle traffic light 1011 (2) includes a solar cell 1021 (2) on the lower surface of the light shielding plate 130 (2). That is, the vehicle traffic signal 1011 (2) includes the solar cell 1021a (2) on the lower surface of the light shielding plate 130a (2), the solar cell 1021b (2) on the lower surface of the light shielding plate 130b (2), and the light shielding plate 130c. A solar cell 1021b (2) is provided on the lower surface of (2). The solar cell 1021 (2) is formed so as to be freely bent and is attached to the lower surface of the light shielding plate 130 (2) with an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like.

  The vehicle traffic light 1011 (2) includes a protective cover 140 (2) that protects the lighting portion. That is, the vehicle traffic light 1011 (2) includes a protective cover 140a (2) that protects the light emitting portion of the vehicle signal light source 1011a (2), and protects the light emitting portion of the vehicle signal light source 1011b (2). 140b (2), and a protective cover 140c (2) for protecting the light emitting part of the vehicle signal light source 1011c (2).

  In addition, the protective covers 140 (2) included in the vehicle traffic light 1011 are each circular, and the path of the lighting light is directed toward the solar cell 1021 (2) at the edge of the protective cover 140 (2). The irradiation angle widening portions 140a1 (2), 140b1 (2), and 140c1 (2) to be changed are provided. Typically, the irradiation angle expansion portions 140a1 (2), 140b1 (2), and 140c1 (2) are compared with the central portions 140a2 (2), 140b2 (2), and 140c2 (2) of the protective cover 140 (2). Thus, it is composed of members having different refractive indexes.

  The irradiation angle enlargement portions 140a1 (2), 140b1 (2), and 140c1 (2) may be lenses formed of glass, plastic, or the like, or may be configured by prisms or half mirrors.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a BB cross section of the vehicle traffic signal 1011 (2) shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the lighting light that has reached the irradiation angle widening portion 140b1 (2) is bent in the traveling direction from the center of the circular protective cover 140b2 (2) toward the outside. As a result, the amount of light received by the solar cell 1021b (2) increases.

  On the other hand, the lighting light that has reached the central portion 140b2 (2) travels in the forward direction (left direction in FIG. 6) of the vehicle traffic light 1011 (2). For this reason, the traffic light 1011 (2) for the vehicle photoelectrically converts the light at the edge that does not affect the visibility with the solar battery 1021 (2) without reducing the visibility as a signal sign, and uses this as a power source. Can be reused.

  In addition, the solar battery 1021 (2) is either red, blue, yellow, regardless of environmental conditions such as when the vehicle traffic light 1011 (2) is placed in a place with poor sunlight or in a dark place, or at night or when there is snow. By turning on the signal, it is possible to always secure a certain amount of received light, so it is possible to continue power generation above a certain level. For this reason, the vehicular traffic light 1011 (2) can stably and efficiently use power with high efficiency and power saving. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 610 denotes an LED.

(Traffic signal system)
FIG. 7 is a block conceptual diagram for explaining an outline of a traffic signal system 1000 including the vehicle traffic signal 1011 described above. As shown in FIG. 7, the traffic signal system 1000 includes a traffic light 1010, a power source 1020, a power supply adjustment device 1030, and a lighting control device 1060.

  The traffic light 1010 includes a vehicle traffic light 1011 and a pedestrian traffic light 1012. The vehicular traffic light 1011 includes a vehicular signal light source 1011a that lights in red, a vehicular signal light source 1011b that lights in yellow, and a vehicular signal light source 1011c that lights in blue (hereinafter collectively referred to as a vehicular traffic light 1011).

  The pedestrian traffic light 1012 includes a signal light source 1012a that is lit in red and a signal light source 1012b that is lit in blue (hereinafter collectively referred to as a pedestrian traffic light 1012).

  In the present embodiment, the vehicle traffic light 1011 and the pedestrian traffic light 1012 can each be configured using a light emitting diode (LED).

  For example, in the vehicle signal light source 1011a, a large number of LEDs that emit red light are arranged in a circle. As described above, the vehicular traffic light 1011 and the pedestrian traffic light 1012 both have a large number of LEDs arranged to form a lighting region that should emit light. The number of LEDs included in each color light source is arbitrary, but the vehicle traffic light 1011 and the pedestrian traffic light 1012 may include, for example, about 190 LEDs so that each has a luminous intensity of about 300 candela.

  When the vehicle traffic light 1011 and the pedestrian traffic light 1012 are each configured using LEDs, the lighting control device 1060 controls the lighting of the traffic light 1010 by pulse driving. The lighting control device 1060 can adjust the light amount of the traffic light 1010 by appropriately controlling the duty ratio of the pulse drive.

  The power source 1020 includes a solar cell (auxiliary power source) 1021 and a commercial power source (main power source) 1022. The solar cell 1021 is configured by laying and arranging a large number of solar cells (also referred to as modules) that collect a part of a signal light source (typically LED light) and convert it into electric power.

  The solar cell 1021 is preferably positioned so as to receive a signal light source and is in close contact with the inner surface side of the light shielding plate of the traffic light 1010, that is, the signal light source side. The commercial power supply 1022 stably outputs AC 100V.

  The shading plate of the vehicular traffic light 1011 may be provided as a bag or ridge of the entire vehicular traffic light 1011 so that the vehicular traffic light 1011 can be easily seen by a driver of the vehicle even in rainy weather or snow. The light shielding plate of the vehicle traffic light 1011 is individually provided for each of the vehicle signal light source 1011a that is lit red, the vehicle signal light source 1011b that is lit yellow, and the vehicle signal light source 1011c that is lit blue. It may be provided as a bag or bag.

  Similarly, the light shielding plate of the pedestrian traffic light 1012 may be provided as a ridge or ridge of the pedestrian traffic light 1012 as a whole so that the pedestrian traffic light 1012 can be easily seen by pedestrians even when it is raining or snowing. In addition, the light shielding plate of the pedestrian traffic light 1012 may be individually provided as a ridge or a bag for each of the signal light source 1012a that is lit in red and the signal light source 1012b that is lit in blue.

  Further, as described above, the vehicle traffic light 1011 includes a transparent protective cover for protecting the vehicle signal light source 1011a, the vehicle signal light source 1011b, and the vehicle signal light source 1011c from wind and rain. In addition, each protective cover has an irradiation angle of each of the vehicle signal light source 1011a, the vehicle signal light source 1011b, and the vehicle signal light source 1011c at the edge of the protective cover so that the amount of light received by the solar battery 1021 increases. An irradiation angle enlarging part having a lens function for enlarging the lens to the outside is provided.

  More preferably, the irradiation angle expanding portion of each protective cover that protects the vehicle signal light source 1011a, the vehicle signal light source 1011b, and the vehicle signal light source 1011c emits light from the vehicle signal light 1011 to the sun provided on the light shielding plate. It has a function of being refracted so as to be guided toward the battery 1021.

  Similarly, the pedestrian traffic light 1012 includes a transparent protective cover for protecting the signal light sources 1012a and 1012b from wind and rain as described above. In addition, each protective cover has an irradiation angle enlargement portion having a lens function that enlarges the irradiation angles of the signal light sources 1012a and 1012b to the outer sides at the edge so that the amount of light received by the solar cell 1021 increases. Shall be provided.

  More preferably, the irradiation angle widening portion of each protective cover that protects the signal light sources 1012a and 1012b refracts the light emitted from the signal light sources 1012a and 1012b toward the solar cells 1021 provided on the light shielding plates.

  The protective cover described above can be made of various resins such as plastic, glass, etc., but is made of any other material that has good translucency for the light source color and has weather resistance and durability. May be. The irradiation angle enlargement unit can typically be a so-called lens, but various known elements such as a prism and a half mirror that change the traveling direction of light to a desired direction may be used.

  Next, the power supply adjusting device 1030 will be described in detail below. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration concept of the power supply adjustment device 1030.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply adjustment device 1030 includes a control unit (CPU) 1031, a DC / DC converter 1032, an addition adjustment unit 1033, a DC / AC converter 1034, an AC / DC converter 1035, and a monitoring memory. Unit 1040 and charge / discharge battery 1050.

  The electric power generated in the solar cell 1021 is input to the DC / DC converter 1032. The output of the DC / DC converter 1032 is connected to the monitoring storage unit 1040. The monitoring storage unit 1040 is connected to the DC / AC converter 1034 via the addition adjustment unit 1033.

  Further, the commercial power source 1022 is connected to the AC / DC converter 1035, and the output of the AC / DC converter 1035 is connected to the DC / AC converter 1034 via the addition adjustment unit 1033.

  In addition, the control unit 1031 is connected to the DC / DC converter 1032, the addition adjustment unit 1033, the DC / AC converter 1034, the AC / DC converter 1035, and the monitoring storage unit 1040, and the power supply adjustment device 1030 as a whole. Each is adjusted and controlled so that a desired operation process is executed.

  That is, the control unit 1031 acquires the power monitoring information of the solar battery 1021 obtained from the monitoring storage unit 1040, and instructs the addition adjustment unit 1033 to make the power output to the traffic light 1010 have a predetermined value. Let them adjust. The addition adjustment unit 1033 can add the power of the commercial power 1022 to the power of the solar battery 1021 and adjust it to a desired value in a DC current voltage.

  The charge / discharge battery 1050 is connected between the addition adjustment unit 1033 and the DC / AC converter 1034. The charge / discharge battery 1050 is normally charged with power from the power source 1020 and stabilizes the power supplied to the lighting control device 1060 when a failure such as a power failure occurs. That is, the charge / discharge battery 1050 stabilizes the power supplied to the traffic light 1010.

  The charge / discharge battery 1050 may be, for example, a lead storage battery, an alkaline storage battery such as a nickel / cadmium storage battery or a nickel / hydrogen storage battery, or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). It is preferable that the charge / discharge battery 1050 has a storage capacity enough to enable lighting compensation for about several hours to several tens of hours even during a power failure. The traffic light 1010 is not limited to the one having both the vehicle traffic light 1011 and the pedestrian traffic light 1012, and may include only any one of them. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a usage state of the vehicular traffic light 1011.

  Next, operation | movement and a process of the traffic signal system 1000 are demonstrated for every step using FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for sequentially explaining the outline of the operation and processing of the traffic signal system 1000.

(Step S1100)
The control unit 1031 starts power supply from the commercial power source 1022 so that power necessary for lighting the traffic light 1010 is supplied. In addition, the control unit 1031 controls the addition adjustment unit 1033 so that the power from the solar battery 1021 is always supplied to the traffic light 1010.

(Step S1101)
The monitoring storage unit 1040 monitors the power from the solar battery 1021. Control unit 1031 determines whether or not the power from solar cell 1021 is equal to or less than a specified value indicating the power corresponding to the normal lighting operation of traffic light 1010.

  If the power from the solar battery 1021 is equal to or less than a specified value indicating the power corresponding to the normal lighting operation of the traffic light 1010, the process proceeds to step S1105. If the power from the solar battery 1021 is not equal to or less than the specified value indicating the power corresponding to the normal lighting operation of the traffic light 1010, the process proceeds to step S1102.

  That is, the solar battery 1021 not only serves as a power source for the traffic light 1010 but also has a function as a sensor for determining whether the traffic light 1010 is normally emitting light. If the power from the solar battery 1021 is less than or equal to the specified value, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the lighting operation of the traffic light 1010. If the power from the solar battery 1021 is not less than the specified value, it is determined that there is no abnormality in the lighting operation of the traffic light 1010.

(Step S1102)
Based on the power monitoring information from the monitoring storage unit 1040, the control unit 1031 divides the power by the solar battery 1021 from the power necessary to turn on the signal light sources 1011a, 1011b, 1011c, 1012a, and 1012b of the traffic light 1010. Subtract and process the power shortage.

(Step S1103)
The control unit 1031 controls or instructs the AC / DC converter 1035 and the addition adjustment unit 1033 so that the shortage of power calculated in step S1102 is supplemented by the commercial power source 1022, and the normal lighting operation of the traffic light 1010 is performed. Is output to the lighting control device 1060.

(Step S1104)
Predetermined power is supplied to any one of the vehicle signal light sources 1011a, 1011b, and 1011c of the traffic light 1010 that receives power supply from the lighting control device 1060, and one of the corresponding red, blue, and yellow lights. To do. In addition, predetermined power is supplied to one of the LEDs of the pedestrian signal light sources 1012a and 1012b of the traffic light 1010 that receives power supply from the lighting control device 1060, and the corresponding red or blue light.

(Step S1105)
The monitoring storage unit 1040 stores state information of the traffic signal system 1000. For this reason, the monitoring storage unit 1040 includes a storage unit such as a rewritable flash memory, and stores state information such as the date, time, and output value when the output from the solar cell 1021 becomes a specified value or less. Good. If the monitoring storage unit 1040 stores the state information of the traffic signal system 1000, the process proceeds to step S1102.

  The state information stored in the storage unit may be taken out from the outside during maintenance such as maintenance / inspection of the traffic signal system 1000. As a result, the traffic signal system 1000 can recover the unutilized light energy irradiated on the inner side of the light shielding plate by the solar cell 1021 and effectively use the energy. Further, the traffic signal system 1000 can monitor whether or not the lighting of the traffic light 1010 is normal, and can record a history when it is abnormal.

(Step S1106)
The control unit 1031 determines whether or not to end the lighting operation of the traffic light 1010. Except during maintenance, the traffic light 1010 is normally kept on. At the time of maintenance or the like, an instruction to end lighting is input to the control unit 1031 from a maintenance inspector or the like.

  When the lighting operation of the traffic light 1010 is ended, the control unit 1031 ends this flow. In addition, when the lighting operation of the traffic light 1010 is not terminated, the control unit 1031 returns to step S1101.

  In the traffic signal system 1000, the monitoring storage unit 1040 always monitors the power from the solar battery 1021 while supplying power from the commercial power supply 1022. Further, the control unit 1031 adds and controls the power from the commercial power source 1022 in addition to the power from the solar battery 1021, and always supplies the power necessary for lighting the traffic light 1010 to the traffic light 1010.

  Note that the monitoring storage unit 1040 may directly monitor the power of the solar battery 1021 without using the DC / DC converter 1032. This is preferable because the output power of the solar cell 1021 can be monitored more directly, accurately and quickly.

  In the present embodiment, the lighting control device 1060 lights the signal light sources 1011a, 1011b, 1011c, 1012a, and 1012b for several hours or more with the power of the charge / discharge battery 1050 when there is an unexpected power shortage such as a power failure. It is possible to control lighting.

  As a result, the signal light sources 1011a, 1011b, 1011c, 1012a, and 1012b are not unexpectedly turned off even when an unexpected power shortage such as a power failure occurs. In addition, it is confirmed that there is a failure in the power supply while the signal light sources 1011a, 1011b, 1011c, 1012a, and 1012b are continuously turned on for vehicle drivers and pedestrians. It is also possible to warn and report to

  In addition, the traffic signal system 1000 does not need to significantly change the system configuration of the existing intersection, and the surplus light energy is actively collected and reused only by installing the solar cell 1021 and the power supply adjustment device 1030. Energy saving. For this reason, the traffic signal system 1000 has both low installation costs and running costs, and is extremely versatile.

  The traffic signal 1010 and the traffic signal system 1000 are not limited to the contents described in the embodiment, and the configuration may be appropriately changed within a self-evident range, and the operation and processing may be appropriately changed within the obvious range. Also good.

  For example, the solar cell 1021 is not limited to the arrangement provided on the light source side surface of the light shielding plate of the traffic light 1010 as described in the embodiment. For example, in addition to the light source side surface of the light shielding plate, for example, the light shielding plate It may be arranged on the outer side of the light source, the side surface of the traffic light 1010, or the like so that sunlight can be directly received.

  As long as the traffic light 1010 operates normally, at least one of the solar cells 1021a, 1021b, and 1021c always receives at least a predetermined light amount resulting from the lighting operation and generates electric power.

  Therefore, by connecting the solar cells 1021a, 1021b, and 1021c in parallel, at least one of the electromotive forces of the solar cells 1021a, 1021b, and 1021c can always be used as the power source of the traffic light 1010. The traffic light 1010 is preferable because it is highly efficient because it can always use a certain amount or more of regenerative power by its own light without being affected by the environment or installation location of the outside world.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be widely used for a traffic signal, a traffic signal power supply method, a traffic signal system, a traffic signal system power supply method, a driving school signal, a parking lot arrangement guidance signal, and the like.

  130 ···, 140 ·· Protective cover, 1000 · · Traffic signal system 1010 · · Traffic signal 1011 · · Traffic signal for vehicles, 1012 · · Traffic signal for pedestrians, 1020 · · Power supply, 1021 · · Solar cell, 1022 ..Commercial power supply, 1030 ..Power supply adjustment device, 1033 ..Addition adjustment unit, 1060 ..Lighting control device.

Claims (13)

A flexible solar cell is integrally provided on the surface of the traffic signal light-shielding plate on the signal light source side so that the light from the signal light source can be received, and the electric power generated by the solar cell is used as a power source for the traffic signal device. A traffic signal characterized by that. The traffic signal according to claim 1,
The traffic light device, wherein the light shielding plate is provided for each of the signal light sources that emit different display colors. In the traffic signal according to claim 1 or 2,
The traffic light is characterized in that the signal light source of the traffic signal is a plurality of light emitting diodes. In the traffic signal according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
For each of the signal light sources that emit different display colors, a protective cover that protects the signal light source is provided.
The protective cover refracts the light of the signal light source toward the wide angle side compared to the central part of the protective cover so that the light irradiation amount from the signal light source to the solar cell is increased at the edge of the protective cover. A traffic signal device comprising an irradiation angle enlargement unit. In a traffic signal power supply method that is integrally provided with a flexible solar cell so that light from the signal light source can be received on the surface of the light shielding plate on the signal light source side,
A method for supplying power to a traffic signal, comprising the step of using the power generated by the solar cell as a power source for the traffic signal. In the traffic signal power supply method according to claim 5,
The light-shielding plate is provided for each of the signal light sources that emit different display colors. In the traffic signal power supply method according to claim 5 or 6,
The signal light source of the traffic signal device is a plurality of light emitting diodes. In the traffic signal power supply method according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The traffic signal device includes a protective cover for protecting the signal light source for each of the signal light sources emitting different display colors.
The protective cover refracts the light of the signal light source toward the wide angle side compared to the central part of the protective cover so that the light irradiation amount from the signal light source to the solar cell is increased at the edge of the protective cover. A traffic signal power supply method comprising: an irradiation angle enlargement unit that causes a traffic signal. In a traffic signal system comprising the traffic signal according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A traffic signal system comprising: a charge / discharge battery that stores electric power generated by the solar battery; and supplying power from the charge / discharge battery to the traffic signal. In the power supply method of a traffic signal system provided with the traffic signal according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A power supply method for a traffic signal system, comprising: a charge / discharge battery that stores electric power generated by the solar battery; and supplying power from the charge / discharge battery to the traffic signal. A flexible solar cell is integrally provided on the surface of the light source side of the light shielding plate of the traffic signal device so as to be able to receive the light of the signal light source, and the electric power generated by the solar cell is used as a power source of the traffic signal device. ,
The light shielding plate is provided for each of the signal light sources that emit different display colors,
For each signal light source that emits different display colors, a protective cover that protects the signal light source is provided,
The protective cover refracts the light of the signal light source toward the wide angle side compared to the central part of the protective cover so that the light irradiation amount from the signal light source to the solar cell is increased at the edge of the protective cover. With an irradiation angle expansion part
The traffic light device, wherein the flexible solar cells provided for the signal light sources that emit different display colors are connected in parallel. In a traffic signal power supply method that is integrally provided with a flexible solar cell so that light from the signal light source can be received on the surface of the light shielding plate on the signal light source side,
Including the step of using the power generated by the solar cell as a power source for the traffic signal,
The light shielding plate is provided for each of the signal light sources that emit different display colors,
The traffic signal device includes a protective cover for protecting the signal light source for each of the signal light sources that emit different display colors.
The protective cover refracts the light of the signal light source toward the wide angle side compared to the central part of the protective cover so that the light irradiation amount from the signal light source to the solar cell is increased at the edge of the protective cover. With an irradiation angle expansion part
The method of supplying power to a traffic signal device, wherein the flexible solar cells provided for each of the signal light sources emitting different display colors are connected in parallel. In the traffic signal power supply method of Claim 12,
The flexible solar cell corresponding to the red signal light source supplies power;
The flexible solar cell corresponding to the blue signal light source supplies power;
The flexible solar cell corresponding to the yellow signal light source has a step of supplying electric power in order.

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