JP4743058B2 - Traffic signal controller - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal controller that controls lighting or extinguishing of a signal lamp, and more particularly to a traffic signal controller that can maintain the operation of a signal lamp for a long time when a commercial power supply is cut off due to a disaster.

  At intersections and pedestrian crossings, multiple signal lights (traffic signal lights) are installed at predetermined positions to ensure the safe passage of vehicles, pedestrians, etc., and the blue, yellow, red of each signal light In addition, a traffic signal controller is installed to control lighting or extinguishing of blue arrows or the like at predetermined time intervals.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional centralized traffic signal controller 200, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional spot type traffic signal controller 200. The centralized traffic signal controller 200 has a function of performing information communication such as a command plan for traffic signal control and a traffic signal control status with a traffic control device or a central device installed in a traffic control center or the like. The point-type traffic signal controller 200 controls the signal lamp alone without communicating with the traffic control device or the central device.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional centralized traffic signal controller 200 includes a communication unit 201, a control unit 202, a power supply unit 203, a lamp driving unit 204, an interface unit 205, a battery 206, and the like. The communication unit 201 has a function of performing communication with the central device 6. The control unit 202 controls the traffic signal controller 200 as a whole.

  The power supply unit 203 converts AC100V supplied from the commercial power supply 7 (alternating current power) into predetermined direct current and converts each unit (communication unit 201, control unit 202, lamp driving unit 204, interface unit) in the traffic signal controller 200. 205). Further, the power supply unit 203 converts AC100V supplied from the commercial power supply 7 into direct current and charges the battery 206. The power supply unit 203 switches the power supply from the commercial power supply 7 to the battery 206 when the commercial power supply 7 is shut off.

  The lamp driving unit 204 drives the signal lamp 51 with 100 V AC from the commercial power source 7. The interface unit 205 includes an ultrasonic vehicle sensor 52, an optical beacon 53, an image processing vehicle sensor 54 for capturing traffic conditions, a traffic information board 55 for displaying traffic information, a push button device 56 for pedestrians, Signals are transmitted / received to / from other traffic signal controllers 210 and the like.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the conventional point type traffic signal controller 200 is a centralized type traffic signal controller except that it does not have a communication unit 201 that performs communication with the central device 6. 200 has the same configuration.

  In the conventional traffic signal controller 200 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the commercial power source 7 is interrupted due to a disaster or the like, the power source unit 203 switches from the AC 100V of the commercial power source 7 to the direct current of the battery 206, The operation of the traffic signal controller 200 can be maintained, and the reliability of the traffic signal controller is enhanced.

In addition, when the traffic signal system must be installed in a mountainous area away from the commercial power supply area, it is equipped with a solar cell and a power storage unit. A highly reliable power supply independent traffic signal system that does not require external power supply by suppressing the luminance of the signal lamp according to the stored power of the battery and the generated power of the solar cell has also been proposed (Patent Literature) 1).
JP 2006-146295 A

  In the traffic signal system of Patent Document 1, a traffic signal system with high reliability can be provided in an area where commercial power is not supplied, but traffic is supplied to commercial power supply areas such as urban areas, urban areas, and suburbs. When installing a signal controller, power supply from a commercial power source is presupposed, and a conventional traffic signal controller is often used rather than a self-contained traffic signal system.

  However, in a conventional traffic signal controller, when commercial power (AC power) is interrupted due to a lightning strike, earthquake, storm or flood, etc., the operation of the traffic signal controller is not stopped by the power from the battery. However, if the remaining capacity of the battery decreases when the commercial power supply is shut off for a long time, sufficient power cannot be supplied, the traffic signal controller stops operating, and the signal light There was a risk that the vessel would be completely extinguished. On the other hand, in order to lengthen the operation time of the traffic signal controller when the commercial power supply is shut off, a large-capacity battery can be used. It was not right.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, exchanges if the power is cut off, without lit annihilate signal lamp device, can be operated longer than the conventional traffic signal controller The purpose is to provide.

The traffic signal controller according to the first invention is powered by an alternating current power supply, and when the alternating current power is cut off, the traffic signal controller is powered by a secondary battery, and controls the lighting or extinction of the signal lamp. and independently feedable plurality of functional portions of the electric power from the secondary battery, wherein a power from the secondary battery independently can be supplied, the lighting of a signal lamp apparatus, and a control unit for controlling the off or blinking , The power from the secondary battery can be independently fed, the safety operation unit for safely lighting the color of the signal lamp at a predetermined cycle, and the power from the secondary battery can be fed independently A flash operation unit for flashing the signal lamp, a detection unit for detecting the remaining capacity of the secondary battery, means for comparing the remaining capacity detected by the detection unit with a predetermined capacity threshold, and the detection Depending on the remaining capacity detected in the Serial control unit, and a determining means for determining whether to supply power to any security operation section and the flash operation unit, said determining means, the remaining capacity detected by the detection unit, the first smaller than the first capacity threshold When larger than the second capacity threshold smaller than the capacity threshold, the power supply to a part of the functional unit excluding the control unit, the security operation unit and the flash operation unit is stopped, the remaining capacity detected by the detection unit, When smaller than the second capacity threshold and greater than the third capacity threshold smaller than the second capacity threshold, power is supplied to the safety operation unit and power supply to the control unit and the flash operation unit is stopped and detected by the detection unit. remaining capacity that is less than the third capacitance threshold, and wherein the configuration tare Rukoto to stop power supply to the control unit and the security operation unit feeds power to the flash operation unit.

Traffic signal controller according to the second invention, Oite the first shot bright, the control unit, a storage unit for storing priority information indicating the power supply destination priority including the security operation unit and the flash operation portion The determining means is configured to determine a power supply destination of power from the secondary battery based on the stored priority order information.

Traffic signal controller according to the third invention, the first invention or the second shot Oite bright, the functional unit includes a communication unit for communicating signals to and from other traffic signal controller, from the push button device An acquisition unit for acquiring a signal, a reception unit for receiving a signal from a vehicle detector, a transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving traffic signal control information to / from a traffic control device, and a signal communication with an external traffic information terminal device It is at least one of the communication units.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic signal controller according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a charging unit that rectifies alternating current of an alternating current power source into direct current and charges the secondary battery. To do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic signal controller according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a charging unit that charges the secondary battery with electric power from a solar battery.

In the first invention, when the AC power supply (commercial power supply) is cut off, the power from the secondary battery (battery) is turned on, turned off, or flashed on a plurality of functional units and signal lamps that can be powered independently. A control unit for controlling the signal light, a safety operation unit for lighting the signal lamp in a predetermined cycle (for example, red, blue, and yellow are lit in a predetermined cycle), and a signal lamp for flashing (for example, red) (Flashing of the light or flashing of the yellow light) is supplied to the flashing operation unit . The detection unit detects the remaining capacity of the secondary battery based on the discharge current and discharge time of the secondary battery. Determining means determines in accordance with the remaining capacity detected by the detecting unit, a plurality of functional portions of the electric power from the secondary battery, the control unit, security operation unit, whether to supply to the Re Karaizu in the flash operation portion To do. For example, as the remaining capacity of the secondary battery decreases, power supply is stopped from a functional unit with a low priority (or importance). As a result, the power of the secondary battery has been consumed in all the function units in the past, but the power consumption in the function unit with a low priority can be reduced, the amount of discharge of the secondary battery is suppressed, and the secondary battery is reduced. The battery discharge operation time is lengthened to prevent the signal lamp from being extinguished.

Further, the remaining capacity detected by the detection unit is compared with a first capacity threshold (for example, 50% of the rated capacity) and a second capacity threshold (for example, 25% of the rated capacity), and the remaining capacity is greater than the first capacity threshold. If not greater than smaller rather second capacitance threshold, determining means stops power supply to a part of the functional unit. That is, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery is larger than the first capacity threshold, all the function units , the control unit, the security operation unit, and the flash operation unit are operated assuming that the remaining capacity of the secondary battery is sufficient. When the remaining capacity is smaller than the first capacity threshold and larger than the second capacity threshold , a function unit with a low priority (for example, an optical beacon, an image processing type vehicle sensor that captures an image) is used to suppress the discharge amount of the secondary battery. , Power supply to an external traffic information terminal device such as a push button device and a traffic information board is stopped, and power consumption of the entire traffic signal controller is suppressed. Thereby, the remaining capacity reduction degree of the secondary battery is reduced.

Further, the remaining capacity detected by the detecting unit second capacitance threshold and the third capacitor a threshold (e.g., 12.5% of the rated capacity) compared to the remaining capacity than the third capacitive threshold rather smaller than the second capacitance threshold If not the magnitude, determining means stops power supply to the control unit except for the security operation unit. As a result, the power consumed by the control unit is limited to the safety operation unit, and the signal lamp is turned on in safety (security operation mode) to prevent the signal lamp from being completely extinguished while ensuring the safety of traffic for vehicles or pedestrians. To do.

Further, the remaining capacity detected by the detecting unit and compared with the third capacitance threshold value, if the remaining capacity is less than the third capacitance threshold, determining means stops power supply to the control unit except for the flash operation unit. As a result, the power consumed by the control unit is limited to the flash operation unit, and the signal lamp is flashed (flash operation mode), preventing the signal lamp from being completely extinguished while ensuring the safety of traffic for vehicles or pedestrians. To do.

In the second invention, the priority information indicating the priority of the power supply destination including the control unit, the security operation unit and the flash operation unit is stored, and the determining means is based on the stored priority information, The power supply destination of the secondary battery is determined. The priority order can be set in advance for each of the functional unit , the control unit, the security operation unit, and the flash operation unit . For example, the power supply is maintained according to the remaining capacity of the secondary battery (the priority is (High) function part etc. are set. Alternatively, it is possible to set a specific priority (importance level) of the functional unit or the like according to the traffic situation where the traffic signal controller is installed.

In the third invention, the function unit receives a signal from a communication unit that communicates signals with other traffic signal controllers, an acquisition unit that acquires a signal from a push button device, and a signal from a vehicle detector. It is at least one of a receiving unit, a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives traffic signal control information to / from a traffic control device (central device), and a communication unit that communicates signals to / from an external traffic information terminal device. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the entire traffic signal controller in correspondence with an external device that communicates with the traffic signal controller.

In the fourth invention, the charging unit charges the secondary battery by rectifying the alternating current of the alternating current power source into a direct current.

In the fifth invention, the charging unit charges the secondary battery with electric power from the solar battery.

In the present invention, when ac power is interrupted, without lit annihilate signal lamp device can be operated longer than the conventional. In addition, safe traffic for vehicles or pedestrians can be ensured.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a traffic signal controller 100 according to the present invention. The traffic signal controller 100 of the present invention is a centralized traffic signal controller, and includes a communication unit 1, a battery 2, a control unit 3, a power supply unit 4, a lamp drive unit 11, an ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12, an optical unit. A sensor interface unit 13, an image sensor interface unit 14, a traffic information board interface unit 15, a push button device interface unit 16, a traffic signal controller interface unit 17 and the like are provided. In addition, the lamp drive part 11 is provided with the number according to the number of the signal lamps 51 mentioned later.

  The control unit 3 includes a CPU 31, a safety operation circuit 32, a flash operation circuit 33, and the like, and the power supply unit 4 includes a power supply control unit 41, a battery monitoring unit 42, a switching unit 43, and the like.

  A central device 6 (or a traffic control device) installed in a traffic control center or the like is connected to the traffic signal controller 100 through a predetermined communication line. The traffic signal controller 100 is connected to a commercial power source 7 (AC 100V AC power source) and a solar cell 8. The traffic signal controller 100 includes a signal lamp 51, an ultrasonic vehicle sensor 52, an optical beacon 53, an image processing vehicle sensor 54, a traffic information board 55, a push button device 56, and other traffic signal controllers 101. Etc. are connected.

  The communication unit 1 receives a command plan related to traffic signal control from the central device 6, and transmits signal control execution information including information related to the time when the signal lamp 51 obtained by the traffic signal controller 100 is controlled to be turned on / off. 6 is provided with a communication function for transmission to the network.

  The CPU 31 operates based on a clock signal generated by a clock circuit (not shown), and controls to control lighting, extinction, blinking, etc. of the signal lamp 51 based on a command plan received by the communication unit 1. A signal is output to the lamp drive unit 11. In addition, the CPU 31 includes an ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12, an optical sensor interface unit 13, an image sensor interface unit 14, a traffic information board interface unit 15, a pushbutton device interface unit 16, a traffic connected to the internal bus 5. Data is exchanged with the signal controller interface unit 17. Further, the CPU 31 is configured to output a CPU stop signal to the security operation circuit 32 and the flash operation circuit 33 when the power supply of the independently supplied power is stopped and the operation is stopped.

  For example, when the operation of the CPU 31 is stopped, the security operation circuit 32 outputs a control signal for controlling the signal lamp 51 to the lamp drive unit 11 instead of the CPU 31. More specifically, the safety operation circuit 32 is configured in hardware so that a control signal is generated so that the red lamp, the blue lamp, and the yellow lamp of the signal lamp 51 are lit at a predetermined cycle. The security operation circuit 32 does not output a control signal when the CPU 31 operates.

  The flash operation circuit 33 has a smaller circuit configuration than the security operation circuit 32, and when the power supply of independently supplied power is stopped and the operation of the CPU 31 and the security operation circuit 32 is stopped, the CPU 31 and the security operation circuit 32 are stopped. Instead of the operation circuit 32, a control signal for controlling the signal lamp 51 is output to the lamp driving unit 11. More specifically, the flash operation circuit 33 is configured in hardware so that a control signal is generated so that the red lamp of the signal lamp 51 flashes or the yellow lamp flashes. For example, a signal light device on the main line side blinks a yellow light, and a signal light device on the non-main line side blinks a red light. The flash operation circuit 33 does not output a control signal when the CPU 31 or the security operation circuit 32 operates.

  The lamp drive unit 11 includes a semiconductor relay (not shown), and supplies the AC 100V supplied from the commercial power supply 7 or the AC 100V supplied from the power supply unit 4 to the signal lamp 51 when the commercial power supply 7 is cut off. At the same time, the AC 100 V supplied to the signal lights of the respective colors corresponding to the red light, blue light, and yellow light of the signal lamp 51 is turned on / off. The semiconductor relay is turned on / off by a control signal output from the CPU 31, the security operation circuit 32, or the flash operation circuit 33 in accordance with the stopping state of the power supply of the independently supplied power.

  The ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12 acquires a detection signal (for example, an on signal when a vehicle is detected and an off signal when a vehicle is not detected) from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 52.

  The optical sensor interface unit 13 transmits and receives data to and from the optical beacon 53.

  The image sensor interface unit 14 transmits / receives data to / from the image processing vehicle sensor 54. For example, the image picked up by the image processing type vehicle sensor 54 is processed to receive processed data, and a command signal to the image processing type vehicle sensor 54 is transmitted.

  The traffic information board interface unit 15 transmits data for displaying various traffic information on the traffic information board 55.

  The push button device interface unit 16 receives an operation signal from the push button device 56 operated by the pedestrian to turn on the blue light of the pedestrian signal lamp.

  The traffic signal controller interface unit 17 transmits / receives data to / from other traffic signal controllers 101. For example, when the traffic signal controller 100 controls the lighting, extinguishing, and blinking of the signal lamp 51 as the master unit, it matches the signal control such as the lighting time and lighting cycle of the red lamp, blue lamp, and yellow lamp of the signal lamp 51. Thus, by transmitting required data to other traffic signal controllers (slave devices) that control signal lamps at other points separated from each other, a smooth traffic flow between other points can be realized.

  When the commercial power supply 7 is interrupted, the switching unit 43 switches the DC power of the battery 2 to be supplied to the power supply control unit 41 instead of AC 100V. In addition, the switching unit 43 includes a charging circuit, and charges the battery 2 by rectifying AC 100V AC supplied from the commercial power supply 7 into DC. The switching unit 43 charges the battery 2 with the power generated by the solar cell 8.

  The switching unit 43 includes a DC / AC conversion circuit. When the commercial power supply 7 is interrupted, the switching unit 43 converts the direct current supplied from the battery 2 into AC 100 V, and supplies the converted AC 100 V to the lamp drive unit 11.

  The battery monitoring unit 42 detects the remaining capacity Cb of the battery 2 based on the discharge current and the discharge time of the battery 2 when the commercial power supply 7 is shut off and power supply from the battery 2 is started instead of AC 100V. . The remaining capacity Cb of the battery 2 can be obtained by the ratio of the discharge amount to the rated capacity.

  The battery monitoring unit 42 detects the remaining capacity Cb and the first capacity threshold Th1 (for example, 50%), the second capacity threshold Th2 (for example, 25%), or the third capacity threshold Th3 (for example, 12.5%). And the monitoring result is output to the power supply control unit 41.

  The power supply control unit 41 includes an AC / DC power supply unit (not shown) that rectifies AC 100V AC supplied from the commercial power supply 7 into DC and generates a predetermined DC voltage. Unit 1, CPU 31, security operation circuit 32, flash operation circuit 33, lamp drive unit 11, ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12, optical sensor interface unit 13, image sensor interface unit 14, traffic information board interface unit 15 The push button device interface unit 16 and the traffic signal controller interface unit 17 are configured to supply a DC voltage.

  In addition, the power supply control unit 41 includes a plurality of DC / DC power supply units (not shown) that generate a predetermined DC voltage from the DC supplied from the battery 2, and each of the plurality of DC / DC power supply units is a communication unit. 1, CPU 31, security operation circuit 32, flash operation circuit 33, lamp drive unit 11, ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12, optical sensor interface unit 13, image sensor interface unit 14, traffic information board interface unit 15, The push button device interface unit 16 and the traffic signal controller interface unit 17 are individually configured to supply DC voltage. That is, the power supply control unit 41 includes the communication unit 1, the CPU 31, the security operation circuit 32, the flash operation circuit 33, the lamp drive unit 11, the ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12, the photodetector interface unit 13, and the image sensor interface. The DC voltage from the battery 2 supplied to the unit 14, the traffic information board interface unit 15, the push button device interface unit 16, and the traffic signal controller interface unit 17 can be individually turned on / off.

  Further, the power control unit 41 includes a storage unit (not shown) that stores a priority table described later, and the communication unit 1, the CPU 31, and the security operation circuit 32 according to the monitoring result of the battery monitoring unit 42 and the priority table. , Flash operation circuit 33, lamp drive unit 11, ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12, photo sensor interface unit 13, image sensor interface unit 14, traffic information board interface unit 15, push button device interface unit 16, traffic The DC voltage from the battery 2 supplied to the signal controller interface unit 17 is individually turned on / off.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the priority order table. The priority table shows the relationship between the remaining capacity Cb of the battery and the power supply location by the battery. For example, when the remaining capacity Cb of the battery 2 is larger than the first capacity threshold Th1, it is determined that there is sufficient livestock power in the battery 2, and power is supplied to all locations.

  When the remaining capacity Cb decreases to be smaller than the first capacity threshold Th1 and larger than the second capacity threshold Th2, the control unit 3 (CPU 31, security operation circuit 32, flash operation circuit 33), lamp drive unit 11, Power is supplied only to the communication unit 1 and the ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12, and the power supply to other parts is stopped (power limit mode). Thereby, only the location required to control the signal lamp 51 based on the original command plan is operated, and the power consumption at the location not required to control the signal lamp 51 can be reduced.

  When the remaining capacity Cb is further reduced to be smaller than the second capacity threshold Th2 and larger than the third capacity threshold Th3, power is supplied only to the safety operation circuit 32 and the lamp driving unit 11, and to other places. Stop power supply. As a result, the power consumption is further reduced and the signal lamp 51 is operated in a predetermined security operation mode. In the security operation mode, the lamp color of the signal lamp 51 is turned on in a predetermined cycle (for example, three red, blue, and yellow lamps are turned on in a predetermined cycle).

  When the remaining capacity Cb further decreases and becomes smaller than the third capacity threshold value Th3, power is supplied only to the flash operation circuit 32 and the lamp drive unit 11, and power supply to other parts is stopped. As a result, the flash operation circuit 33, which consumes less power than the safety operation circuit 32, is operated to further reduce power consumption, and the signal lamp 51 is operated in a predetermined flash operation mode. The flashing operation mode is to flash the red lamp of the signal lamp 51 or the yellow lamp. For example, the signal lamp 51 on the main road side flashes the yellow lamp, and the signal lamp on the non-main road side is flashed. The device 51 blinks a red light.

  By individually determining the power supply destination from the battery 2 based on the above priority table, the operation time of the battery 2 can be maintained longer than before, and the lighting control of the signal lamp 51 can be controlled. By changing according to the remaining capacity, it is possible to lengthen the time until the signal lamp 51 is completely extinguished while minimizing adverse effects on safe passage of a vehicle or a pedestrian. Note that the above-described priority order table is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The power supply location is also appropriately set according to an external device connected to each traffic signal controller. be able to.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the priority order table. In this case, the priority order table shows the relationship between the power supply location by the battery and the priority order. For example, the flash operation circuit 33 and the lamp drive unit 11 have the highest priority, the priority is “1”, and power is supplied as long as the remaining capacity Cb of the battery 2 remains. The security operation circuit 32 has a priority “2”, and the CPU 31, the communication unit 1, and the ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12 have a priority “3”. In addition, the priority order of places other than the above is the lowest, and the priority order is “4”. According to this priority order, the power supply to the power supply location can be turned off.

  In addition, the above-mentioned priority order table can set suitably the conditions peculiar to each traffic signal controller according to the place where each traffic signal controller is installed, and the traffic situation. For example, when a traffic signal controller is installed on a main road or the like and it is necessary to control the signal lamp systematically with other traffic signal controllers, communication is performed to ensure communication with the central device 6. The priority of the unit 1 can be increased, and the priority of the traffic signal controller interface unit 17 can be increased. Further, when the traffic signal controller is installed near the pedestrian crossing and the pedestrian traffic is large and the push button device is frequently used, the priority order of the push button device interface unit 16 is set. Can be high.

  In addition, as described above, the traffic signal controller 100 includes the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 52, the optical beacon 53, the image processing vehicle sensor 54, the traffic information board 55, the push button device 56, and the other traffic signal controller 101. Therefore, when the commercial power supply 7 is shut down and each external device is disabled, the power supply to the corresponding interface unit is stopped and becomes usable. It is also possible to supply power only to the interface unit corresponding to the external device.

  Next, the operation of the traffic signal controller 100 will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the traffic signal controller 100. FIG. The power supply unit 4 determines whether or not the commercial power source 7 is shut off (S11), and when the commercial power source 7 is shut off (YES in S11), the elapsed time after the shutoff is counted (S12).

  The power supply unit 4 acquires the remaining capacity Cb of the battery 2 (S13), and determines whether or not the acquired remaining capacity Cb is greater than the first capacity threshold Th1 (S14). When the remaining capacity Cb is not larger than the first capacity threshold Th1 (NO in S14), the power supply unit 4 determines whether the remaining capacity Cb is smaller than the first capacity threshold Th1 and larger than the second capacity threshold Th2. (S15).

  When the remaining capacity Cb is smaller than the second capacity threshold Th2 (NO in S15), the power supply unit 4 determines whether the remaining capacity Cb is smaller than the second capacity threshold Th2 and larger than the third capacity threshold Th3 ( S16). When the remaining capacity Cb is smaller than the second capacity threshold Th2 and larger than the third capacity threshold Th3 (YES in S16), the power supply unit 4 operates in the security operation mode (S17). When the remaining capacity Cb is smaller than the third capacity threshold Th3 (NO in S16), the power supply unit 4 operates in the flash operation mode (S18).

  The power supply unit 4 determines whether or not the commercial power supply 7 has been restored (S19). If the commercial power supply 7 has not been restored (NO in S19), the processing after step S13 is continued. When the commercial power supply 7 is restored (YES in S19), the power supply unit 4 ends the process.

  When the commercial power source 7 is not shut off (NO in S11), the power supply unit 4 supplies AC 100V from the commercial power source 7 (S20), and performs the processing after step S19. When the remaining capacity Cb is larger than the first capacity threshold Th1 (YES in S14), the power supply unit 4 supplies the power of the battery 2 to all locations (S21), and performs the processes after step S19.

  When the remaining capacity Cb is smaller than the first capacity threshold Th1 and larger than the second capacity threshold Th2 (YES in S15), the power supply unit 4 determines whether or not the elapsed time is larger than a predetermined time threshold (S22). If the elapsed time is smaller than the time threshold (NO in S22), it is determined that no disaster has occurred, and the process of step S21 is performed. When the elapsed time is larger than the time threshold (YES in S22), it is determined that a disaster has occurred, and the operation is performed in the power limit mode in which a part of the traffic signal controller 100 is stopped from power supply (S23). Perform the process.

Embodiment 2
The above-described invention can be applied not only to the centralized traffic signal controller 100 but also to the point type traffic signal controller. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the traffic signal controller 110 according to the second embodiment. The traffic signal controller 110 of the present invention is a point-type traffic signal controller, and is different from the first embodiment in that the communication unit 1, the optical sensor interface unit 13, the image sensor interface unit 14, the traffic The information board interface unit 15 is not provided. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the location similar to Embodiment 1, and since the operation | movement of the traffic signal controller 110 is the same as that of the traffic signal controller 100, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the remaining capacity Cb of the battery 2 is greater than the first capacity threshold Th1, it is determined that there is enough livestock power in the battery 2, and power is supplied to all locations.

  When the remaining capacity Cb decreases to be smaller than the first capacity threshold Th1 and larger than the second capacity threshold Th2, the control unit 3 (CPU 31, security operation circuit 32, flash operation circuit 33), lamp drive unit 11, Power is supplied only to the ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12 and power supply to other locations is stopped (power limit mode).

  When the remaining capacity Cb is further reduced to be smaller than the second capacity threshold Th2 and larger than the third capacity threshold Th3, power is supplied only to the safety operation circuit 32 and the lamp driving unit 11, and to other places. Stop power supply.

  When the remaining capacity Cb further decreases and becomes smaller than the third capacity threshold value Th3, power is supplied only to the flash operation circuit 32 and the lamp drive unit 11, and power supply to other parts is stopped.

  Also in the second embodiment, which power supply to each functional unit (especially the interface unit) is to be stopped in accordance with the decrease in the remaining capacity Cb depends on the place where the traffic signal controller is installed and the traffic situation. The conditions specific to the traffic signal controller can be set as appropriate.

  As described above, in the present invention, when the commercial power supply is interrupted due to a disaster or the like, the power consumption of the battery can be suppressed and the operation can be performed for a long time compared with the conventional case, and the signal lamp is extinguished. It can be operated for a long time without any problems. Also, adverse effects on safe traffic such as vehicles or pedestrians can be minimized.

  In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 52, the optical beacon 53, the image processing type vehicle sensor 54, the traffic information board 55, the push button device 56, the other traffic signal controller 101, and the like are connected. Although it was a structure, an external apparatus is not limited to these structures. The configuration can be appropriately changed according to the point where the traffic signal controller 100 is installed.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the remaining power Cb of the battery 2 is changed according to the three thresholds of the first capacity threshold, the second capacity threshold, and the third capacity threshold. However, the number of threshold values is not limited to three, and a configuration using two or four or more threshold values may be used. The values of the first capacity threshold, the second capacity threshold, and the third capacity threshold are examples, and are not limited to these.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the priority table is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detected remaining capacity Cb of the battery 2 is subjected to analog / digital conversion, and after conversion. The DC voltage to the power supply destination can be turned on / off according to the digital value.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, the battery 2 may be a secondary battery such as a lead storage battery, a lithium ion battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a nickel metal hydride battery. In addition, the battery 2 is not limited to the structure built in a traffic signal controller, The structure provided separately outside a traffic signal controller may be sufficient. Further, the solar cell may be provided outside the traffic signal controller or may be configured to be built in. The present invention is not limited to the examples.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the traffic signal controller which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of a priority table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a structure of a priority table. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a traffic signal controller. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a traffic signal controller. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the traffic signal controller of Embodiment 2. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the conventional centralized traffic signal controller. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the conventional point type traffic signal controller.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication part 2 Battery 3 Control part 4 Power supply part 6 Central apparatus 7 Commercial power supply 8 Solar cell 11 Lamp drive part 12 Ultrasonic sensor interface part 13 Photosensor interface part 14 Image sensor interface part 15 Traffic information board interface Section 16 Pushbutton device interface section 17 Traffic signal controller interface section 51 Signal lamp

Claims (5)

In the traffic signal controller that is powered by the AC power source and is powered by the secondary battery when the AC power source is interrupted, and controls the lighting or extinguishing of the signal lamp,
A plurality of functional units capable of independently feeding power from the secondary battery;
A controller that can independently supply power from the secondary battery and controls lighting, extinguishing or blinking of the signal lamp; and
A safety operation unit that can independently supply power from the secondary battery and that lights the lamp color of the signal lamp in a predetermined cycle; and
A flashing operation unit capable of independently feeding power from the secondary battery and flashing a signal lamp device ;
A detection unit for detecting a remaining capacity of the secondary battery;
Means for comparing the remaining capacity detected by the detector with a predetermined capacity threshold ;
Determining means for deciding whether to supply power to the control unit, the security operation unit, or the flash operation unit according to the remaining capacity detected by the detection unit ;
The determining means includes
When the remaining capacity detected by the detection unit is smaller than the first capacity threshold and greater than the second capacity threshold, the function unit excluding the control unit, the security operation unit, and the flash operation unit. Stop power supply to some parts,
When the remaining capacity detected by the detection unit is smaller than the second capacity threshold value and larger than the third capacity threshold value, the power supply to the security operation unit and to the control unit and the flash operation unit are performed. Stop power supply,
Remaining capacity detected by the detecting unit is smaller than the third volume threshold, the structure and tare Rukoto to stop power supply to the control unit and the security operation unit feeds power to the flash operation portion Feature traffic signal controller. A storage unit for storing priority information indicating priority of power supply destinations including the control unit, the security operation unit, and the flash operation unit ;
The determining means includes
The traffic signal controller according to claim 1, wherein the traffic signal controller is configured to determine a power supply destination of power from the secondary battery based on the stored priority order information. The functional unit is
Communication signals for communication with other traffic signal controllers, acquisition units for acquiring signals from push button devices, receivers for receiving signals from vehicle detectors, traffic signals with traffic control devices transceiver for transmitting and receiving control information, traffic signal control apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one communication unit for communicating signals with an external traffic information terminal device. Traffic signal controller as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising a charging unit for charging the secondary battery rectification to the AC of the AC power source into DC. Traffic signal controller as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a charging unit for charging the rechargeable battery with power from the solar cell.

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