JPH1159424A - Lighting device for railroad crossing gate - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily confirm the position of a crossing gate, and to significantly enhance the safety of a vehicle crossing the crossing gate, even in the case of bad weather conditions such as rain and mist or at night. SOLUTION: A lighting device for a railroad crossing gate is provided with a light source 2 that emits or flickers the light of a wavelength striking to the driver of an automobile or the like, a driving part 3 that has both a solar cell 32 and a battery 31 for storing the electromotive force generated by this solar cell 32 for supplying the electric power to the light source 2, and a line light emitting means 1 that has arranged to the crossing bar from which the light rays emitted from the light source 2 are radiated or flickered in a line shape. Thereby, different from an alarm device or a traffic-control sign, especially even in the case of dark circumferential conditions due to bad weather such as the rain and mist or at night, the position of a crossing gate or the position of a span line can be securely perceived by the light from a brilliant line light emitting means, and the visibility can be significantly enhanced, so that the safety of vehicles such as an automobile, a motorcycle, and a cart crossing over a railroad crossing can be significantly enhanced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lighting system for a railroad crossing gate for strongly recognizing and displaying the existence of a railroad crossing, and more particularly to a railroad crossing gate lighting system effective for preventing a railroad crossing accident. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When crossing a railroad crossing, it is required to stop once and check for the passage of a train or the like. For this reason, at the railroad crossing that crosses the road, a driver such as a car passing the railroad crossing confirms the existence of this railroad crossing.
To facilitate recognition, a warning device is provided, or a display board or the like indicating the presence of a railroad crossing is raised immediately before the railroad crossing.

[0003]

By the way, in such a level crossing, the existence can be easily confirmed in the daytime when it is bright, but it is difficult to confirm in the situation such as nighttime, rainy weather or fog. However, there is a case where the driver crosses the vehicle without noticing the existence of the railroad crossing, or suddenly stops just before he / she notices it, which may cause a dangerous accident, which is a serious problem.

Therefore, the present invention can improve the visibility of a railroad crossing even in bad weather conditions such as rainy weather or fog or at night, and as a result, the safety of vehicles crossing the railroad crossing can be improved. An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device for a railway interrupter that can be significantly improved.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 enables a driver of a vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorcycle, a car, or the like to display and recognize the presence of a railroad crossing so that the vehicle can be safely protected. A lighting device for a railway circuit breaker that crosses and passes, a light source that emits or flashes light, a driving unit that has a solar cell and a battery that stores an electromotive force generated by the solar cell, and supplies power to the light source. A line light emitting means attached to a crossing bar of a railroad crossing that emits or flashes light emitted from the light source in a line shape.

[0006]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a lighting device for a railway circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This lighting device for a railway circuit breaker is a line-shaped light emitting means (light reflecting layer formed) light transmission. Tube 1
And a plurality of housings 4 (see FIG. 2) each containing a light source 2 and a driving unit 3 (see FIG. 2) are attached in the length direction of the blocking bar 5 shown in FIG.

[0007] As shown in FIG.
It comprises a transparent tubular clad 11, a transparent core 12 having a higher refractive index than the clad 11, and a light reflecting layer 13 provided between the core 12 and the inner surface on the other side of the clad 11. Further, a reflective protective layer 14 is formed on the outer surface of the other side of the clad 11 so as to cover the light reflective layer 13 to further enhance the reflection efficiency. Although the core diameter of the light transmission tube 1 is not particularly limited, for example, when one LED is used as the light source 2, 2 to 30
mm, but especially 4 to 15 mm, and the length is 0.1
About 5 to about 5 m, particularly preferably 0.2 to 2 m. In addition, as the light reflecting layer, the light reflecting layer may be formed in a strip shape in the length direction of the clad in a state where the light reflecting layer slightly enters the inside from the core surface.

Here, as a material (cladding material) for forming the tubular cladding 11, a material having flexibility, such as plastic or elastomer, which can be formed into a tube shape and has a low refractive index is used. Is preferred. Specific examples thereof include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polystyrene, ABS resin, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene-polyvinyl alcohol. Polymer, fluororesin, silicone resin, natural rubber, polyisoprene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylic rubber,
EPDM, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, fluororubber, silicone rubber and the like can be mentioned.

Of these, silicone polymers and fluorine polymers having a low refractive index are particularly preferred. Specifically, silicone polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane polymer, polymethylphenylsiloxane polymer, fluorosilicone polymer, and polytetrafluoroethylene (P
TFE), ethylene tetrafluoride-propylene hexafluoride copolymer (FEP), ethylene tetrafluoride-perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer (PFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene tetrafluoride-ethylene Copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, vinylidene fluoride-ethylene trifluorochloride copolymer, vinylidene fluoride-propylene hexafluoride copolymer, vinylidene fluoride-propylene hexafluoride- Examples thereof include a tetrafluoroethylene terpolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene propylene rubber, and a fluorine-based thermoplastic elastomer, and a fluorine-based polymer is particularly preferable. These materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

On the other hand, as a material (core material) for forming the transparent core 12, a solid material is preferable, and a (meth) acrylic polymer, polycarbonate, polystyrene, silicone rubber, ethylidene norbornene polymer, SB
Examples thereof include S, SIS, and SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene block polymer). Among them, (meth) acrylic polymers are preferable.

As the (meth) acrylic polymer, a homopolymer obtained by polymerizing one kind of monomer selected from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid and an ester thereof with a monohydric alcohol, or a copolymer of two or more kinds of monomers is used. And a copolymer made of In this case, examples of the monohydric alcohol include those having 1 to 22 carbon atoms. Among them, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and these and lower alcohols (1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms)
3, and most preferably, a copolymer of a monomer selected from an ester with 1) and a monomer represented by the following general formula (1) is used. Is also preferable because it is excellent.

[0012]

Embedded image

Wherein R ¹ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R ²
Is an alkyl group having 8 to 20, preferably 10 to 16 and more preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms, and these higher alkyl groups may be a single alkyl group or a mixed alkyl group, but are most preferably Is a mixed alkyl group having 12 and 13 carbon atoms. In this case, the ratio of the C12 alkyl group to the C13 alkyl group is
The weight ratio is usually 20:80 to 80:20, especially 40:80.
The ratio is preferably from 60 to 60:40. The copolymerization ratio of the monomer selected from the above-mentioned acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and lower alcohol esters thereof with the monomer of the above formula (1) is appropriately selected, and the weight ratio is 5:95.
~ 79: 21, especially 30: 70 ~ 65: 35.

The diameter of the core 12 is not particularly limited, but is usually 2 to 30 mm, particularly 5 to 15 mm.

The light reflecting layer 13 is preferably formed of scattering particles that scatter light. In this case, as the scattering particles, for example, organic polymer particles such as silicone resin particles and polystyrene resin particles, Al ₂ O ₃ , Ti
O _2, SiO ₂ or the like of the metal oxide particles, sulfates particles such as BaSO _4, and carbonates particles such as CaCO ₃ and the like,
One of these can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The average particle diameter of the particles is 0.1 to 30 μm.
m, particularly preferably 1 to 15 μm, and when it is larger than 30 μm, according to the method for manufacturing an optical transmission tube described below, the core liquid is likely to precipitate during injection into the cladding tube,
There may be disadvantages.

The thickness of the light reflecting layer 13 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 to 200 μm, particularly preferably 50 to 100 μm. If it is too thin, less light will be reflected, resulting in lower brightness.If it is too thick, more light will be reflected, resulting in higher brightness. May have a disadvantage of lowering the brightness.

The reflective protective layer 14 may be any material that does not transmit the light to the outside when the light leaks from the light reflecting layer 13. In this case, the light does not absorb the leaked light but reflects the light. Is preferable, specifically, silver,
A metal foil such as aluminum, a metal sheet, a reflective tape, a vapor deposition tape, or a coating film in which the above-described scattering particles that scatter light are dispersed can be used.

In this case, the reflective protective layer 14 is formed as shown in FIG.
6, the outer surface of the clad 11 may be larger than the light reflecting layer 13 and may be extended to one side to leave the light emitting portion 15 as shown in FIG. May be formed.

The light-transmitting tube 1 is prepared by dispersing the scattering particles in a core-forming solution containing the monomer, placing the dispersed particles in a cladding tube on which a cladding 11 is to be formed, and closing the cladding tube with both ends sealed. Almost 30
The particles dispersed in the above-mentioned solution for forming the core 12 are settled by being horizontally placed for minutes to 48 hours. In some cases, centrifugation or the like may be performed. Thereafter, the above monomer is polymerized and cured while the particles are settled, so that the light reflecting layer 13 composed of the particles is located between the clad 11 and the core 12.
In some cases, an optical transmission tube 1 formed to be slightly penetrated from the core surface into the core can be obtained.

In this case, the polymerization method of the monomer is not particularly limited, but generally, t-butyl hydroperoxide, di-t-butyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, dimyristyl peroxydicarbonate, Organic peroxides such as t-butylperoxyacetate, t-butylperoxy (2-ethylhexanoate) and cumylperoxyoctoate; azo compounds such as azobisisobutyronitrile and azobiscyclohexanenitrile; A method in which a polymerization initiator is added and polymerization is performed at 50 to 120 ° C. for 1 to 20 hours can be employed. At this time, it is recommended to polymerize the core-forming solution from one end or both ends of the clad tube while pressurizing the core-forming solution because bubbles and the like are not generated in the core.

The light source 2 emits light of an optimal wavelength that enables a driver of an automobile or the like to quickly and surely recognize the existence of a railroad crossing in rainy weather or at night. It is configured to emit light.
That is, the light source 2 has a configuration in which the light supplied to the core is transmitted through the clad as it is without efficiently causing a partial total reflection phenomenon at the boundary with the inner peripheral surface of the clad, and is efficiently emitted from the outer peripheral surface to the outside. Has become.

The light source 2 is disposed at least at one end in the length direction of the light transmission tube 1 (both ends in this embodiment), and uses an LED (light emitting diode). The light emitting color of this light emitting diode is red, blue,
Green, yellow, orange, white and the like can be appropriately selected and used according to the purpose. The number of LEDs to be installed is 1
The light quantity may be increased, or the light quantity may be increased by installing plural pieces. In this case, the light may be incident from one end or from both ends. If you enter from both ends,
Light can be emitted more uniformly and with high luminance. The same applies to the emission color of this LED, and it may be a single color or a plurality of colors. For example, the light emission color may be changed so that it emits yellow light normally and emits red light immediately before and during the passage of the train to alert the passerby. The light emitting method of the LED may be always on or blinking.

The light source 2 using LEDs is fixed integrally with the light transmission tube 1 via a joint member. Further, the wiring between the light source 2 side and the driving section 3 is wired by a wiring cord covered with rubber, vinyl, polyethylene or the like. The joint member is made of a potting material, for example, an epoxy resin, a silicone rubber, or the like, in order to achieve insulation at a connection point between the wiring cord and the light source 2 and to prevent intrusion of water, water vapor, or a flammable gas or liquid. Filled with material. The wiring cord may be passed through a flexible pipe made of metal or resin, or a rubber or plastic pipe for protection and waterproofing.

The structure of such an optical transmission tube may be, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, inserted into a transparent resin pipe 10A or the like to protect the tube.
As shown in FIG. 8, a transparent heat-shrinkable tube 10B can be put on for protection of the light transmission tube and sealing of the entire linear illuminant. Further, as shown in FIG.
For example, a metal material such as stainless steel, gold, or silver is vapor-deposited on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the light transmission tube 1, a reflective tape is attached by sputtering or plating, a reflective paint is applied, a metal foil is provided, The light reflecting layer 16 may be provided by coating reflective particles such as titanium oxide or using a vinyl tape containing a pigment. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0 or FIG. 11, the fixing channel 17 or 18 may be attached to the optical transmission tube, and the channel 17 or 18 may be provided with a reflection function (functioning as a reflective protective layer). The channel may be formed of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel, or may be a plastic or elastomer filled and kneaded with highly reflective fine particles (powder).

The drive section 3 is for supplying power to the light source, and is provided with a battery 31, a solar cell 32, an inverter / converter 33, and a backflow prevention / overcharge prevention circuit 34 as shown in FIG. An LED drive circuit 35 is provided. The drive unit itself may be provided with a solar cell or a secondary power supply (battery), or may be separately provided. Further, a suitable sealing material is provided on a portion where the wiring cord is drawn out of the driving section 3 so that the driving section 3 is sufficiently waterproof. Reference numeral 36 denotes an illuminance sensor circuit (lights up when the surroundings become dark), 37 denotes an over-discharge / blinking oscillation circuit, and 38 denotes an inclination sensor circuit (the light source is activated when the shut-off bar 5 is lowered horizontally and closed). Things.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 4 is formed in a substantially box shape, and a transparent acrylic cover 42 is attached to a window 41 opened on the side surface. While two transmission tubes 1 are arranged side by side,
A reflection plate 40 is provided directly below the light transmission tube 1. In addition, a transparent acrylic cover 44 is attached to the opened window 43 also on the slope of the housing 4, and the solar cell 32 is attached directly below the window 43. The slope on which the solar cell 32 is installed is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the cut-off bar 5 is disposed so as to be closer to the tip (upper end) of the cut-off bar 5, so that when the cut-off device is normally opened, the cut-off bar 5 is attached so as to face obliquely upward toward the sun.

Reference numeral 36 denotes an illuminance sensor circuit (lights up when the surroundings become dark), 37 denotes an overdischarge / blinking oscillation circuit,
Numeral 38 indicates an inclination sensor circuit (the light source is activated when the blocking bar 5 is lowered horizontally and closed).

Next, another embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The lighting device for a railway circuit breaker according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 is composed of a plurality of light emitting devices including a light transmitting tube 6 (having a light reflecting layer) and a light source 7 as linear light emitting means. A first housing 9A (see FIG. 17),
One housing 9B (see FIG. 18) in which the driving unit 8 is built;
And a cable 10 for electrically connecting them, all of which are attached to the blocking bar 5 (see FIG. 19).

The light transmission tube 6 and the light source 7 are the same as those in the previous embodiment. The optical transmission tube 6 is connected to the first tube as shown in FIGS.
The light transmission tube 6 is disposed immediately below a transparent acrylic cover 92 provided in a window 91 opened in the housing 9A.
Is provided with a reflection plate 93 on the back surface thereof.

The configuration of the drive section 8 is also different in the portion electrically connected to the light source 7 by the cable 10, but the other electrical configuration may be exactly the same as that shown in FIG. In addition,
The second housing 9B incorporating the driving unit 8 is installed at the base end of the blocking bar 5 as shown in FIG. The solar cell 32 provided in the drive unit 8 is installed directly below the transparent acrylic cover 92 attached to the window 94 opened on the upper surface of the second housing 9B. When 5 is standing, it is preferable to install it in a direction in which sunlight can enter as easily as possible. Note that, in these embodiments, the blocking rod is applied to the type in which the blocking rod rotates around the base end side, but in addition to this, for example, the blocking rod can be applied to the type in which the blocking rod moves up and down. Things.

[0032]

As described above, according to the present invention, a light source that emits or blinks light having a wavelength that is easily noticeable by a vehicle operator, a solar cell, and an electromotive force generated by the solar cell are stored. A power supply unit that is composed of a battery and supplies power to the light source, and a line light emitting unit that is disposed above the railroad crossing and emits or flashes light emitted from the light source in a line shape is provided on the crossing bar of the railroad crossing. Unlike airplanes and traffic signs, the position of railroad crossings and the position of the spur line, especially when the weather is poor and the surroundings are dark such as rainy or fog, or at night, etc. Can be confirmed reliably and visibility can be greatly improved, so that the safety of vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, cars, etc. crossing the railroad crossing is greatly improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a lighting device for a railway circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a blocking bar to which the device is applied.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing an optical transmission tube.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modified example of the light transmission tube.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing another modified example of the light transmission tube.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing still another modified example of the optical transmission tube.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of an optical transmission tube provided with a reflective protective layer.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of an optical transmission tube attached to a channel.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of an optical transmission tube attached to another channel.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing an electrical connection of the illumination device for a railway circuit breaker according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a reflection plate provided in the apparatus.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a light transmission tube and the like of the illumination device for a railway circuit breaker according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing a driving unit of the device.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a first housing.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a second housing.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a blocking bar provided with the device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 6 line light emitting means 11 clad 12 core 2, 7 light source 3, 8 drive unit 31 battery 32 solar cell

Claims (1)

[Claims] An illumination device for a railway circuit breaker that allows a driver of a vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorcycle, a car, or the like to display and recognize the presence of a level crossing and to safely cross and pass the vehicle, and emits or flashes light. A light source, a driving unit that has a solar cell and a battery that stores an electromotive force generated by the solar cell and supplies power to the light source, and a railroad crossing cutoff rod that emits or flashes light emitted from the light source in a line shape. And a line light emitting means attached to the railway.