KR20220057850A - Led signal light with double lens structure and control part used in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a controller for controlling the operation of a light-emitting diode (LED) traffic light, which comprises: an LED drive (700) capable of controlling LED channels including an LED main channel and an LED spare channel; and an error detection unit (800) capable of detecting an error of an LED channel among the LED channels, which currently is operating (hereinafter referred to as an operating LED channel) according to an operation signal received from a traffic signal controller (A). When the error detection unit (800) detects an error of the operating LED channel, the LED drive (700) shuts down the operation of the LED channel where an error is detected and starts operating the spare LED channel. Accordingly, the number of LEDs can be drastically reduced to save costs. In addition, even a small number of the LEDs can maximize visibility and the LED spare channel is arranged to substantially extend the lifespan twofold or more.

Description

LED signal with dual lens structure and control unit used for it

The present invention relates to an LED signal having a dual lens structure and a controller used therefor.

The LED traffic signal is a device for guiding the passage of vehicles or pedestrians using a plurality of LEDs. For example, Korean Patent No. 10-1527591 or 10-0929918 discloses a technology for an LED traffic light.

However, the conventionally known LED traffic signal has a structure in which a plurality of LED elements (for example, about 150) are disposed on a circular PCB for each traffic light to emit light. However, in this structure, individual LEDs look separated like pixels, and there is a problem in that the pixels of a traffic light often appear to be broken when some of the LED elements are defective. This causes problems such as reduced visibility and increased maintenance.

In addition, the conventionally known controller of the LED traffic signal automatically operates the LED traffic signal with a yellow flashing function when the red signal is disconnected to give attention to the driver to prevent accidents. There is a problem that the signal controller does not recognize it as an error.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided an LED signal device having a dual lens structure that allows the light source of a traffic light to be viewed as a single light source without being separated by a point light source.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an LED signal device having a dual lens structure that can innovatively reduce manufacturing costs by significantly reducing the number of LEDs can be provided.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an LED signal device having a dual lens structure capable of maximizing visibility even with a small number of LEDs may be provided.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the LED signal device having a dual lens structure that can actually extend the lifespan by more than twice by having an LED preliminary channel may be provided.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided an LED signal with a double lens structure capable of fast on (on) response and off (off) response of the LED.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when power is cut off or an error occurs, an LED signal having a dual lens structure that can save power by changing an input impedance may be provided.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a control unit for the above-described LED signal may be provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,

LED drive 700 capable of controlling the LED channels - including the main LED channel and the LED spare channel; and an error detection unit 800 capable of detecting an error of an LED channel currently operating - an LED channel in operation - according to an operation signal received from the traffic signal controller (A) among the LED channels;

When the error detection unit 800 detects an error in the LED channel during the operation, the LED drive 700 shuts down the operation of the LED channel in which the error is detected, and can operate the LED spare channel The control unit 1000 for controlling the operation of the in- and LED traffic lights is provided.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the light source of the traffic light is not seen as a separate point light source, but the light source is viewed as a single light source, and the cost can be reduced by remarkably reducing the number of LEDs. In addition, visibility can be maximized even with a small number of LEDs, and by providing an LED spare channel, it is possible to actually extend the lifespan more than twice. In addition, it is possible to improve an error due to a delay in turning on or off by making the turn-on (on) response and turn-off (off) response of the LED faster. In addition, when all LEDs are blocked or an error occurs, it can be detected and the error can be accurately notified and power can be saved.

1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining an LED signal and the controller 1000 used therein according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view for explaining the AC input unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram for explaining the phase detection unit 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram for explaining the error control unit 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram for explaining the SMPS 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view for explaining the up-down detection unit 350 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram for explaining the input impedance converter 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view for explaining the LED matrix 600 and the LED drive 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a diagram for explaining an error detection unit 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a view for explaining the microcomputer 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 to 22 are views for explaining an LED traffic light using a double diffusion lens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The above objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be easily understood through the following preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. The embodiments described below are exemplary embodiments provided to sufficiently convey the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

Terms

As used herein, the phrase ' electrical and/or electronic processing ' refers to passing a signal (including control signals and power) through one or more electrical and/or electronic components, for example, resistors, inductors, capacitors, Using devices such as relays, current sources, voltage sources, batteries, operational amplifiers, diodes, and/or transistors may mean operations such as changing voltage, current, and resistance, storing energy, consuming energy, and/or filtering .

As used herein, the term ' connection ' refers to an electrical and/or electronic connection. For example, it may be connected by a wire that allows electricity to flow, connected by a device capable of storing or releasing energy, or connected by a magnetic field or an electric field.

In the present specification, the phrase ' transition state ' is also used to mean either an up-transition state and a down-transition state, or both an up-transition state and a down-transition state.

In this specification, the phrase ' up-transition state ' means a state in which the LED constituting the LED channel is being switched from the OFF state to the ON state, and the phrase ' down-transition state' constitutes the LED channel means that the LED is being switched from the ON state to the OFF state.

For easy understanding of the present invention, the 'transition state' will be described with a more specific example. It is assumed that the magnitude of the operation signal when the LED channel is on is 5 [V], and it is assumed that the magnitude of the operation signal when the LED channel is off is 0 [V]. That is, when the size of the operation signal reaches 5 [V], the light of the LED signal is turned on, and when the size of the operation signal reaches 0 [V], the light of the LED signal is turned off. In this example, the transition state means when the magnitude of the operation signal is between 5 [V] and 0 [V], and the state changing from 5 [V] to 0 [V] is a down-transition state, 0 A state changing from [V] to 5 [V] is an up-transition state. All of the numbers herein are exemplary and are merely numbers set for easy understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such numbers.

In the present specification, the phrase ' shut-down ' means permanently stopping the operation of a faulty LED channel.

In this specification, the phrase ' ON ' means a state in which the LED constituting the LED channel is turned on, and the phrase ' OFF ' means a state in which the LED constituting the LED channel is turned off, Both the on state and the off state are normal operating states.

In this specification, the phrase ' operation signal ' means a signal that the traffic signal controller A transmits to the control unit 1000 to control the signal (LED channel), and the phrase ' drive signal ' is included in the control unit 1000 means a signal transmitted by the microcomputer 900 to the LED drive 700 , and the phrase ' control signal ' is transmitted by the microcomputer 900 included in the control unit 1000 to other components included in the control unit 1000 . control signal to

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21 . The lines connecting the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 22 and the number of lines connecting the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 22 and the number of lines connecting the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 22 must match the wired or wireless connection when actually implemented. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that this is for ease of understanding of the description of the present invention. In addition, even if the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 22 are not described in the present specification, those skilled in the art will be able to easily understand the illustrated components and their connection relationships. On the other hand, even if there is no separate explanation for the connection relationship with the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 22, contents that can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art from the components and connection relationships shown in FIGS. 1 to 22 are provided herein. incorporated as part of the specification.

1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining an LED signal and the controller 1000 used therein according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the LED signal according to an embodiment of the present invention receives a signal - hereinafter, 'operation signal' - from the traffic signal controller A, and performs the operation of the LED traffic light based on the operation signal control The traffic signal controller (A) may transmit, for example, an operation signal in the form of alternating current (AC) to the LED signal unit (B). Here, the operation signal may be, for example, for turning off a traffic light, turning on a traffic light, flickering a traffic light, or adjusting illuminance.

The LED signal device B according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of traffic lights (eg, blue traffic lights, red (red) traffic lights, yellow (yellow) traffic lights) 600a, 600b, and 600c, and these LED traffic lights The control unit 1000 - hereinafter, 'control unit' - for controlling the operation of , may include. Here, the control units 1000: 1000a, 1000b, and 1000c each receive an operation signal from the traffic signal controller A, and control each traffic light based on the operation signal.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary configuration of the control unit 1000 of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the controller 1000 controls an LED matrix.

The control unit 1000 includes an AC input unit 200 , an error control unit 250 , an input impedance conversion unit 300 , an up-down detection unit 350 , and an SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) (hereinafter, 'SMPS'). ) 500 , an LED drive 700 , an error detection unit 800 , a microcomputer (hereinafter 'Micom' or 'Micom') 900 , and an illuminance detection unit 950 . .

An LED matrix is composed of a plurality of power LEDs, and according to an embodiment of the present invention, the LED matrix includes an LED bone channel (hereinafter, 'LED main channel') and an LED spare channel (hereinafter, 'LED reserve'). channel '), where the channel means a plurality of LEDs that are simultaneously ON (meaning the LED is turned on) and turned OFF (the LED is turned off) at the same time, and the operation is controlled for each channel do. For example, the main LED channel may be composed of two channels, the LED spare channel may also be composed of two channels, and each channel is composed of 4 LEDs. Here, the two channels included in the main LED channel and the two channels included in the LED preliminary channel may be separately controlled. For example, it may be controlled so that only two channels included in the main LED channel are operated and the two channels included in the LED preliminary channel are not operated. As will be described later, if any one of the two channels included in the main LED channel has an error, any one of the two channels included in the LED spare channel is operated. The number of channels or the number of LEDs referred to in the drawings or detailed description of the present invention is exemplary and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The LED channel is operated by the operation signal received from the traffic signal controller (A). That is, according to the operation signal received from the traffic signal controller (A), it may be in an on state or an off state.

The LED drive 700 may control the operation of the LED channel.

The LED drive 700 performs an operation such as ON, OFF, blinking, or diming of the LED channel under the control of the microcomputer 900, and the currently operating LED channel - 'in operation' If an error occurs in the '-LED channel', the LED channel in which the error occurred may be shut down (SHUT DOWN) and the LED spare channel may be operated.

The error detection unit 800 may detect an error of the LED channel during operation. The detection result is provided to the microcomputer 900 , and the microcomputer 900 may control the operation of the LED drive 700 and/or the error control unit 250 based on the error detection result.

The up-down detection unit 350 may detect a transition state of an LED channel (a transition state of an operation signal for operating the LED channel).

When the up-down detection unit 350 detects the down-transition state of the LED channel, the microcomputer 900 first detects the LED channel before the LED channel in which the down-transition state is detected is switched to the off state by the operation signal. The LED drive 700 is controlled to forcibly switch to the OFF state.

The input impedance converter 300 may convert the input impedance. Here, the input impedance is the input impedance when the traffic signal controller (A) looks at the controller (1000).

According to an embodiment, when the microcomputer 900 does not receive power or an error occurs in the LED channel and there is no more LED channel to use, the input impedance converter 300 converts the input impedance into the first impedance. . Here, if the input impedance when the LED channel operates normally is a second impedance, the first impedance is set to a value smaller than the second impedance.

The AC input unit 200 receives an AC-type operation signal from the traffic signal controller A, performs predetermined electrical and/or electronic processing on the received operation signal, and outputs the received operation signal. Here, the predetermined electrical and/or electronic processing by the AC input unit 200 may include overvoltage protection, filtering, and/or AC-DC conversion operation.

The SMPS 500 may receive an operation signal output from the AC input unit 200 , control the operation of the LED matrix 600 according to the received operation signal, and provide power for driving the microcomputer 900 . . Here, the predetermined processing by the SMPS 500 may include PFC control (Power factor control), voltage conversion, and operations for rectification and voltage stabilization. The SMPS 500 used in this embodiment may be one of products sold commercially under the name of SMPS for the control of LED lighting. Please refer to FIG. 6 for an exemplary configuration for the SMPS 500 . Since the configuration of FIG. 6 is the same as or similar to that of a commercially sold product, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When an error is detected with respect to the LED channels during operation, the error control unit 250 electrically and/or electronically separates the AC input unit 200 and the SMPS 500 (sometimes referred to as 'circuit separation'). do. For example, if it is detected that an error has occurred in both the main LED channel and the LED spare channel, the error control unit 250 prevents the AC signal output from the AC input unit 200 from being transmitted to the SMPS 500, thereby preventing the AC input unit 200 from being transmitted. ) and the SMPS 500 are circuitly separated. If an error occurs in the LED channel during the current operation, the LED spare channel operates instead, but when there is no longer an LED spare channel to operate instead, the error control unit 250 transmits the AC signal output from the AC input unit 200 to the SMPS (500). ) to perform a circuit separation operation that prevents further transfer to As will be described later, when the error detection unit 800 detects an error in the LED channel during the current operation, the detection result is provided to the microcomputer 900 . The microcomputer 900 operates the LED spare channel if there is an LED spare channel to operate instead of the LED channel for which an error is detected, and sends an error signal to the error controller 250 when there is no longer an LED spare channel to operate instead. print out The error controller unit 250 circuitly separates the two so that the AC signal is not provided to the SMPS 500 according to the error signal.

The illuminance detector 950 may detect the illuminance of a place where the LED traffic light is installed. The illuminance may vary depending on the weather or season in the place where the LED traffic light is installed, and when the illuminance changes, it is necessary to adjust the brightness of the traffic light. According to the present embodiment, the microcomputer 900 may adjust the brightness of the LED traffic light by controlling the LED drive 700 based on the detection result of the illuminance detector 950 . For example, the microcomputer 900 generates a PWM (pulse width modulation) control signal - the first illuminance control signal - based on the detection result of the illuminance detection unit 950 and transmits it to the LED drive 700, and the LED drive ( 700) can adjust the illuminance by turning the LED channel on or off according to such a PWM control signal.

The phase detection unit 400 may detect the phase of the AC signal transmitted from the traffic signal controller (A). According to the present embodiment, the microcomputer 900 may adjust the brightness of the LED traffic light by controlling the LED drive 700 based on the detection result of the illuminance detector 950 . For example, the microcomputer 900 generates a PWM (pulse width modulation) control signal - the second illuminance control signal - based on the detection result of the phase detector 400 and transmits it to the LED drive 700, and the LED drive ( 700) can adjust the illuminance by turning the LED on or off according to such a PWM control signal.

According to the user's selection, the microcomputer 900 controls the operation of the LED drive 700 according to the detection result of the illuminance detection unit 950 or based on the phase detected by the phase detection unit 400 of the LED drive 700 . It is configured to be able to control the operation. Although not shown in the drawings, the microcomputer 900 may be provided with a button or switch (not shown) for selecting the illuminance detection unit 950 and the phase detection unit 400, and such a button or switch (not shown) Through , the user can select to use any one of the illuminance detector 950 and the phase detector 400 .

A microcomputer (hereinafter, 'microcomputer') 900 is a microprocessor comprising one or several large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs) in the computer's arithmetic processing unit, and is mounted on a board attached with a memory device and interface circuits with peripheral devices. A very small computer.

The microcomputer 900 includes a port capable of receiving or transmitting a signal from the outside, or receiving power. Through these ports, interaction with the above-described components is performed. Meanwhile, the microcomputer 900 may include a button or a switch (not shown) for selecting the illuminance detection unit 950 and the phase detection unit 400 . Alternatively, the microcomputer 900 may be configured to include only one of the illuminance detection unit 950 and the phase detection unit 400 .

The microcomputer 900 may drive the LED drive 700 .

The microcomputer 900 basically controls the LED drive 700 so that the LED channel operates by the operation signal output by the SMPS 500 through the AC input unit 200 . When the microcomputer 900 becomes a special situation (eg, an error occurrence, a down-transition state, an up-transition state, a change in illuminance), the LED drive ( 700) to control the LED channel.

When an error occurs

When it is detected by the error detection unit 800 that an error has occurred in the currently operating LED channel, the detection result is provided to the microcomputer 900, and the microcomputer 900 performs LED shutdown and operation of the LED spare channel. .

When the microcomputer 900 receives a detection result indicating that an error has occurred, the LED channel in which the error has occurred is shut down, and any one of the spare LED channels is operated instead. The microcomputer 900 does not drive the shut-down LED channel, and transmits a driving signal to a spare LED channel (a channel selected to operate instead of the faulty LED channel). On the other hand, when all of the spare LED channels are used, the microcomputer 900 shuts down the LED channel in which an error occurs, and transmits an error signal to the error control unit 250 . The error control unit 250 receiving the error signal circuitly separates the AC signal output from the AC input unit 200 from being transmitted to the SMPS 500 . When the circuit is disconnected, the microcomputer 900 is no longer supplied with power, and the error control unit 250 lowers the input impedance (ie, converts it to the first input impedance).

When a down-transition condition is detected

When the transition state of the LED channel during the current operation is detected by the up-down detection unit 350 , the detection result is provided to the microcomputer 900 . When the detection result indicates a down-transition state, the microcomputer 900 may forcibly switch the LED channel to the off state during the current operation.

The microcomputer 900, when the detection result by the up-down detection unit 350 indicates a down-transition state, precedes the currently operating LED channel being switched to the off state by the operation signal, and the currently operating LED channel Controls the LED drive 700 to forcibly switch to the off state.

When an up-transition state is detected

When the transition state of the LED channel during the current operation is detected by the up-down detection unit 350 , the detection result is provided to the microcomputer 900 . When the detection result indicates an up-transition state, an operation for forcibly switching the LED channel to an on state may be performed during the current operation.

The microcomputer 900, when the detection result by the up-down detection unit 350 indicates the down-transition state, precedes the current operation LED channel being switched to the on state by the operation signal, and the currently operating LED channel Controls the LED drive 700 to forcibly switch to the on state.

When the illuminance changes

The detection result of the illuminance detector 950 is provided to the microcomputer 900 . The microcomputer 900 generates a first illuminance control signal according to the detection result of the illuminance detector 950 and controls the LED drive 700 using the first illuminance control signal.

The detection result of the phase detector 400 is provided to the microcomputer 900 . The microcomputer 900 generates a second illuminance control signal according to the detection result of the phase detector 400 , and controls the LED drive 700 using the second illuminance control signal.

Whether the microcomputer 900 uses the detection result of the illuminance detection unit 950 or the detection result of the phase detection unit 400 may be determined by the user's selection. Since this has been described above, it will be omitted here.

3 is a view for explaining the AC input unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the AC input unit 200 has an overcurrent blocking function that can prevent ignition due to overcurrent, a noise suppression function that suppresses noise generated inside a traffic light, and a surge noise generated from the outside. It has surge noise suppression function.

The AC input unit 200 includes a fuse F1 and a varistor for blocking overcurrent, and when an overvoltage is applied, the resistance value of the varistor (voltage variable resistor) is lowered, and the fuse F1 is melted to protect the circuit. do. Although the fuse F1 is used in this embodiment, other electrical elements having the same or similar function may be used.

The AC input unit 200 further includes a capacitor C1 and an inductor L1, whereby noise generated inside the traffic light can be suppressed.

The AC input unit 200 further includes a capacitor C3, and surge noise generated outside the traffic light may be suppressed by the capacitor C3 and the inductor L1.

Meanwhile, the AC input unit 200 may further include a bridge BD1 in which a plurality of Zener diodes are connected to each other, and an operation signal may be converted into a pulsating flow by the bridge BD1 .

Elements not described in FIG. 3 and the connection of these elements will be omitted because those skilled in the art will be able to know the operation and operation very easily with reference to FIG. 3 . Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 3 , operations and actions that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art are combined as a part of the present specification.

4 is a diagram for explaining the phase detection unit 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the phase detector 400 includes a pair of photo couplers PC2 and PC3 and a pair of resistors R49 and R50. The photo couplers (PC2, PC3) and the resistors (R49, R50) are configured to detect a dimming (dimming) signal included in the operation signal transmitted from the traffic signal controller (A). In this embodiment, the AC input consists of an upper signal and a lower signal based on a predetermined value (for example, 0 [V]), and two photo couplers PC2 and PC3 are used to detect these signals. It is configured to detect both the phases of the upper and lower signals by connecting them crosswise.

Elements not described in FIG. 4 and the connection of these elements will be omitted because those skilled in the art will be able to know the operation and operation very easily with reference to FIG. 4 . Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 4 , operations and operations that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art are combined as a part of the present specification.

5 is a diagram for explaining the error control unit 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the error control unit 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a fuse F2, a capacitor C2, resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, and a switch Q1 (eg, For example, a transistor such as Mosfet may be used as a switch, but this is exemplary). Although the fuse F2 is used in this embodiment, other electrical elements having the same or similar function may be used. Their connection is as shown in FIG. 5 .

When the switch Q1 receives an error signal from the microcomputer 900, the switch Q1 conducts, and accordingly, a current flows through the resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4, and the fuse F2 is caused by overcurrent. It is made to melt. As such, when the fuse F2 is melted, the AC input unit 200 and the SMPS 500 are electrically and/or electronically completely separated (circuit separated).

Elements not described in FIG. 5 and the connection of these elements will be omitted because those skilled in the art will be able to know the operation and operation very easily with reference to FIG. 5 . Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 5 , operations and actions that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art are combined as a part of the present specification.

6 is a diagram for explaining the SMPS 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the SMPS 500 may receive an operation signal output from the AC input unit 200 , and control the operation of the LED matrix 600 according to the received operation signal, and drive the microcomputer 900 . It functions to provide power for

The SMPS 500 is configured by connecting a plurality of electrical and/or electronic devices to each other as shown in FIG. 6 .

Components that have not been described in FIG. 6 and the connection of these components will be very easily understood by those skilled in the art with reference to FIG. 6 , so additional description will be omitted. Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 6 , operations and operations that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art are combined as a part of the present specification.

7 is a view for explaining the up-down detection unit 350 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the up-down detection unit 350 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a detection unit 320 for detecting a transition state and a switch Q7. As the switch Q7, a transistor such as Mosfet may be used as a switch, but this is exemplary and other electrical and/or electronic devices may be used as the switch.

The detection unit 320 may detect a change state of the operation signal - the signal provided by the traffic signal controller (A). To this end, the detection unit 320 may be configured to include a plurality of Zener diodes ZD1, ZD4, and ZD6 connected in series. In a Zener diode, reverse current flows only when a reverse voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is applied. The detection unit 320 uses the characteristics of the Zener diode. For example, when a reverse voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined value is applied to the detection unit 320 , the switch Q7 is turned on, and the reverse voltage less than the predetermined value is applied to the detection unit. When applied to 320, the switch Q7 is turned off. Here, the predetermined value is a value determined according to the operation signal. For example, if it is assumed that the LED channel is turned on when the operation signal is 5 [V] and the LED channel is turned off when the operation signal is 0 [V], the predetermined value is the value of the operation signal that the LED channel turns on, It can be set to any value between the values of the operation signal that the LED channel turns off. Preferably, an intermediate value between the value of the operation signal for turning on the LED channel and the value of the operation signal for turning the LED channel off is the predetermined value. For example, it may be set as 5/2 = 2.5 [V].

The microcomputer 900 is connected to the switch Q7 to determine whether the switch Q7 is in an on state or an off state. When the switch Q7 is switched from the on state to the off state, the microcomputer 900 determines the down-transition state and performs an operation according to the down-transition state. Here, the operation according to the down-transition state includes an operation of forcibly turning off the currently operating LED channel. Since these operations have been described with reference to FIG. 2 , they will be omitted here.

Meanwhile, when the switch Q7 is switched from the off state to the on state, the microcomputer 900 determines the up-transition state and performs an operation according to the up-transition state. Here, the operation according to the up-transition state may include an operation of forcibly turning on the currently operating LED channel. Since these operations have been described with reference to FIG. 2 , they will be omitted here.

Elements not described in FIG. 7 and the connection of these elements will be omitted because those skilled in the art will be able to know the operation and operation very easily with reference to FIG. 7 . Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 7 , operations and operations that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art are combined as a part of the present specification.

8 is a diagram for explaining the input impedance converter 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the input impedance converter 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes resistors R34, R31, R22, R20, R35, switches Q8 and Q9, a capacitor C16, and A Zener diode ZD8 is included, and these components are connected as shown in FIG. 8 .

The impedance conversion signal LIC_SIG is input to the switch Q9, and the switch Q9 conducts or turns off by the impedance conversion signal LIC_SIG. The output of the switch Q9 becomes the input of the switch Q8, and the switch Q8 is turned on or off by the output of the switch Q9. In this embodiment, the impedance conversion signal LIC_SIG may be of two types, such as a first input impedance conversion signal for converting an input impedance into a first input impedance, and a second input impedance conversion signal for converting an input impedance into a second input impedance. can

When the switch Q9 receives the first input impedance conversion signal from the microcomputer 900 , the switch Q9 is turned on and the switch Q8 is turned off. In this way, the resistors R34, R31, R22 are reflected in the input impedance. As the resistors R34, R32, R22 are reflected to the input impedance as parallel, the input impedance is lowered.

When the switch Q9 receives the second input impedance conversion signal from the microcomputer 900 , the switch Q9 is opened and the switch Q8 is turned on. By doing so, the resistor R35 is reflected in the input impedance.

According to an embodiment, the microcomputer 900 receives power from the VDD port, and if power is not supplied to the VDD port, outputs the first input impedance conversion signal to the switch Q9, and when power is supplied to the VDD port The second input impedance conversion signal is output to the switch Q9.

According to another embodiment, when the operation of the LED channel currently being operated is stopped by the error detection unit 800 and there is no LDE spare channel to be used instead, the microcomputer 900 converts the first input impedance conversion signal to the switch Q9. print out

Components not described in FIG. 8 and the connection of these components will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8 , since those skilled in the art will be able to understand the operation and operation very easily. Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 8 , operations and operations that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art are combined as a part of the present specification.

9 is a view for explaining the LED matrix 600 and the LED drive 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the LED matrix 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an LED main channel and an LED spare channel. For illustrative purposes, LED1, LED5, LED9, and LED13 are referred to as a first LED seen channel; , LED4, LED8, LED12, and LED16 will be referred to as a second LED spare channel. Among these LED channels, the first LED main channel and the second LED main channel are operated first, and if any one of them has an error, the first LED spare channel is operated. Thereafter, when any one of the second LED main channel and the first LED spare channel has an error, the second LED spare channel is operated. Thereafter, when an additional error occurs in the LED channel, the AC input unit 200 and the SMPS 500 are completely circuitly separated from each other by the error control unit 250 as described above, and the microcomputer 900 and the up-down detection unit 350 , the input impedance converter 300 , the LED drive 700 , the phase detector 400 , and the error detector 800 are completely separated from the components in a circuit.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 9 , the LED drive 700 includes switches Q3 , Q4 , Q5 , and Q6 , and these switches may respectively drive LED channels under the control of the microcomputer 900 .

The switch Q3 drives the first LED main channel, and when the switch Q3 is turned on, the first LED main channel may be operated. When the switch Q3 is turned on, the first LED main channel is turned on or off according to the operation signal received from the traffic signal controller A. When the switch (Q3) is turned off, the first LED channel is always in an off state regardless of the operation signal received from the traffic signal controller (A).

The switch Q4 drives the second LED main channel, and when the switch Q4 is turned on, the second LED main channel may be operated. When the switch Q4 is turned on, the second LED channel is turned on or off according to the operation signal received from the traffic signal controller A. When the switch (Q4) is turned off, the second LED channel is always turned off regardless of the operation signal received from the traffic signal controller (A).

2nd LED A case in which an error occurs in this channel will be described. In this case, the switch Q4 is always in the off state, and the first LED spare channel is driven by the switch Q5. That is, in the state in which the switch Q5 is turned on, the first LED preliminary channel is turned on or off according to the operation signal received from the traffic signal controller A. When the switch (Q5) is turned off, the first LED preliminary channel is always in the off state regardless of the operation signal received from the traffic signal controller (A).

The other channels are operated in the same manner, and descriptions thereof are redundant, and thus will be omitted.

Elements not described in FIG. 9 and the connection of these elements will be omitted because those skilled in the art will be able to know the operation and operation very easily with reference to FIG. 9 . Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 9 , operations and operations that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art are combined as a part of the present specification.

10 is a diagram for explaining an error detection unit 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the error detection unit 800 includes a plurality of resistors connected to each LED channel. For example, the error detection unit 800 for detecting an error of the first LED main channel may include a plurality of resistors R39, R40, and R57. The resistors R39, R40, and R57 are connected to the first LED channel, and thus, when an error occurs in the first LED channel (eg, an error of the LED), the resistance applied to the resistors R39, R40, R57 The voltage or current flowing through the resistors R39, R40, and R57 is changed, and this change is transmitted to the microcomputer 900 .

When the voltage applied to the resistors R39, R40, and R57 or the current flowing through the resistors R39, R40, R57 is changed, the microcomputer 900 determines that an error has occurred, and connects the first LED channel in which the error occurs. Shuts down and activates any one of the LED standby channels.

The microcomputer 900 outputs an error signal to the error control unit 250 when there is no longer an LED spare channel to replace the first LED channel in which an error has occurred. When the error control unit 250 receives the error signal, the SMPS 500 and the AC input unit 200 are electrically and/or electrically separated from each other. Since the separation operation has been previously described, it will be omitted here.

On the other hand, when the SMPS 500 and the AC input unit 200 are separated by the error control unit 250, the microcomputer 900 is no longer supplied with power from the SMPS 500. In this case, the microcomputer 900 is A first input impedance conversion signal (eg, 0 [V]) for converting the input impedance into the first input impedance is output to the input impedance conversion unit 300 . Since the operation when the input impedance conversion unit 300 receives the first input impedance conversion signal has been described above, a detailed description of the input impedance conversion unit 300 will be omitted.

The remaining second LED main channel, the first LED preliminary channels, and the second LED preliminary channel also detect an error in the same manner as the above-described first LED channel, and the subsequent operation when an error is detected is also the same, so these A detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Elements not described in FIG. 10 and the connection of these elements will be omitted because those skilled in the art will be able to very easily understand the operation and operation of the elements with reference to FIG. 10 . Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 10 , operations and actions that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art are combined as a part of the present specification.

11 is a view for explaining the microcomputer 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the microcomputer 900 may receive or transmit a signal from the outside, or receive power or the ports for grounding (RC7, RB7/TX1, RA3/MCLR, RC6, RB6, RA4, RA5). , RC3, VDD, VSS, RA0/DAT, RA1/CLK, RC4, RC5, RB4, RB5/RX1, RCO/TX2, RC1/RX2, RC2, RA2). Through these ports, it performs interaction with other components. Meanwhile, the microcomputer 900 may be provided with a button or switch (not shown) for selecting the illuminance detection unit 950 and the phase detection unit 400 . Alternatively, the microcomputer 900 may be configured to include only one of the illuminance detection unit 950 and the phase detection unit 400 .

For the purpose of description herein, ports RA0 / DAT, RA1/CLK, RC4, RC5 are 'LED drive driving ports', ports RB5 / RX1, RCO / TX2, RC1/RX2, RC2 are 'error detection ports', Port VDD is 'power port', port RC7 is 'error signal output port', port RB7/TX1 is 'transition state input port', port RC6 is 'impedance conversion signal output port', port RB6 is 'illuminance signal input port' , ports RA4 and RA5 will be referred to as 'phase signal input ports'.

The microcomputer 900 may drive the LED drive 700 . The microcomputer 900 may drive the LED drive 700 through the LED drive driving ports RA0/DAT, RA1/CLK, RC4, and RC5. The LED drive driving ports RA0/DAT, RA1/CLK, RC4, and RC5 are connected to the LED drives Q3, Q4, Q5, and Q6. For example, when the microcomputer 900 intends to operate the first LED main channel connected to the LED drive Q3, a signal (eg, a high signal) for allowing the LED drive Q3 to conduct is transmitted to the drive driving port. It can be output through (RA0/DAT). Conversely, when the microcomputer 900 turns off or shuts-out the channel of the first LED connected to the LED drive Q3, a signal (eg, a low signal) that causes the LED drive Q3 to be disabled It can be output through the drive drive port (RA0/DAT port). Since the driving operations of the remaining LED drives Q4, Q5, and Q6 are the same as those of the LED drive Q3, a detailed description of the LED drives Q4, Q5, and Q6 will be omitted.

The microcomputer 900 basically controls the LED drive 700 so that the LED channels operate by the operation signal output by the SMPS 500 through the AC input unit 200 . Unless a special situation (eg, error occurrence, down-transition state, up-transition state, change of illumination) occurs, the microcomputer 900 always operates the LED drives 700 connected to the currently operating LED channels. The conduction state (on state) is maintained, and the LED drives 700 connected to the LED spare channels are always maintained in the off state (off state).

When an error occurs

It is assumed that the first LED main channel and the second LED main channel are currently operating, and it is assumed that an error has occurred in the first LED main channel. In this case, the value of the voltage or current input to the error detection port RB5/RX1 for detecting the error of the first LED main channel is changed. When the value of the voltage or current input to the error detection ports RB5/RX1 is different from the normal case, the microcomputer 900 determines that an error has occurred in the first LED main channel, and drives the first LED main channel A signal to turn off the LED drive (Q3) is output through the driving port (RA0/DAT). When the LED drive Q3 is turned off, since the output terminal of the first LED main channel is in an open state, it is in a state in which no current flows.

In addition, the microcomputer 900 operates any one of the LED preliminary channels instead of the first LED main channel. For example, the microcomputer 900 maintains the LED drive Q3 operatively connected to the first LED spare channel in a conductive state. That is, the microcomputer 900 outputs a signal for turning on the LED drive Q3 through the drive driving port RC4.

Meanwhile, when there is no spare channel to be used instead of the first LED main channel, the microcomputer 900 outputs an error signal ERR_SIG to the port RC7. The error control unit 250 performs an operation (circuit separation operation) corresponding to the error signal output from the port RC7 . When the circuit is disconnected by the error control unit 250 , the power supplied to the microcomputer 900 through the port VDD is stopped. When the microcomputer 900 does not receive power, it outputs the impedance conversion signal LIC_SIG to the port RC6. The impedance conversion unit converts the input impedance into the first impedance in response to the impedance conversion signal LIC_SIG output from the port RC6. Since the circuit separation operation and the input impedance conversion operation have been described above, they will be omitted here.

When a down-transition or up-transition condition occurs

The microcomputer 900 receives the signal PDD_SIG for the transition state through the port RB7/TX1.

When the signal (PDD_SIG) received through the port (RB7/TX1) indicates the down-transition state, the microcomputer 900, the LED channel during current operation is switched to the off state by the operation signal. , controls the LED drive 700 to forcibly switch the LED channel to the off state during the current operation.

When the signal PDD_SIG received through the port RB7/TX1 indicates an up-transition state, the microcomputer 900 performs the current operation prior to the LED channel being switched to the on state by the operation signal. , controls the LED drive 700 to forcibly switch the LED channel to the on state during the current operation.

When the illuminance changes

The detection result of the illuminance detection unit 950 is input through the port RB6 , and the phase detection result of the phase detection unit 400 is input through the ports RA4 and RA5 . The microcomputer 900 outputs a signal for controlling the illuminance of the currently operating LED channel using any one of the signal received through the port RB6 and the signal received through the ports RA4 and RA5. If the currently operating LED channel is the first LED main channel and the second LED main channel, the microcomputer 900 outputs a signal for controlling the illuminance to the ports RA0/PAT and RA1/CLK.

Components not described in FIG. 11 and the connection of these components will be described in detail because those skilled in the art will be able to understand the operation and operation very easily with reference to FIG. 11 . Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 11 , operations and actions that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art are combined as a part of the present specification.

12 to 22 are views for explaining an LED traffic light using a double diffusion lens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to these drawings at the same time, the LED traffic light using a double diffusion lens according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an LED matrix 2600 and a control unit 2000 . Here, the LED matrix 2600 and the control unit 2000 are electrically and/or electronically connected, and the control unit 2000 receives an operation signal from the traffic signal controller (A).

The LED matrix 2600 and the control unit 2000 shown in FIGS. 12 to 16 and 18 are the same as those of the LED matrix 600 and the control unit 1000 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 , respectively. Therefore, a detailed description of the LED matrix 2600 and the controller 2000 will be omitted, and the double diffusion lens structure will be mainly described below.

The LED traffic light using a double diffusion lens according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper body (UB), a lower body (DB), and a first diffusion lens (L1), and an upper body (UB) and a lower body ( DB) is fastened to be detachable. With particular reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 , the upper body UB, the lower body DB, and the first diffusion lens L1 are detachably fastened by the fastening means CP1 and CP2.

The first diffusion lens L1 is positioned between the upper body UB and the lower body DB, and primarily diffuses the LED light emitted from the LED matrix 2600 .

The second diffusion lens L2 is formed on the inner surface of the upper body UB - a surface opposite to the upper surface of the first diffusion lens L1 - and emits the LED light diffused by the first diffusion lens L1. It diffuses secondarily and radiates to the outside.

15, 16, and 18 to 20 , the first diffusion lens L1 has a substantially circular convex image surface, and a sawtooth structure is formed on both surfaces of the first diffusion lens L1. A sawtooth structure and a stepped structure are formed on the image surface of the first diffusion lens L1 - the surface opposite to the second diffusion lens L2 - and, for example, a sawtooth structure in the center of the image surface of the first diffusion lens L1. is formed, and a step structure surrounding such a sawtooth structure is formed.

On the other hand, on the lower surface of the first diffusion lens L1 - the surface facing the LED matrix 2600 - a concave portion OP is formed in the center, and a sawtooth structure surrounding the concave portion OP is formed.

15, 16, 21, and 22 , a structure in which the concave-convex structure is repeatedly repeated is formed on the lower surface of the second diffusion lens L2.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 22, the LED traffic light using a double diffusion lens according to an embodiment of the present invention uses a double diffusion lens, so that desired brightness can be achieved using only a small number of power LEDs. do. On the other hand, as the number of LDE power LEDs decreases, a spare channel may be provided, and by operating the spare channel when an error occurs, the lifespan is more than doubled and maintenance is reduced.

As such, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations from the description of the above-described specification. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the following claims as well as the claims and equivalents.

A: Traffic signal controller
B: LED controller
UB: upper body
DB: lower body
L1: first diffusion lens
L2: second diffusion lens
C1, C2: fastening means
100, 2000: control unit
200: AC input
250: error control unit
300: input impedance conversion unit
350: up-down detection unit
500: SMPS
700: led drive
800: error detection unit
900: microcomputer
950: illuminance detection unit
2600: LED matrix

Claims (10)

LED drive 700 capable of controlling the LED channels - including the main LED channel and the LED spare channel; and
Among the LED channels, according to an operation signal received from the traffic signal controller (A), an error detection unit 800 capable of detecting an error of a currently operating LED channel - an operating LED channel - includes;
When the error detection unit 800 detects an error in the LED channel during the operation, the LED drive 700 shuts down the operation of the LED channel in which the error is detected, and is capable of operating the LED spare channel , a control unit that controls the operation of the LED traffic light. According to claim 1,
an up-down detection unit 350 capable of detecting a transition state of the LED channel during the operation; and
When the down-transition state of the LED channel during operation is detected, first, before the LED channel during operation is switched to the off state by the operation signal, the LED drive to forcibly switch the LED channel during operation to the off state (700) a microcomputer (900) for controlling the; control unit for controlling the operation of the LED traffic light will further include. 3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit for controlling the operation of the LED traffic light further comprising; an input impedance converting unit 300 capable of lowering the input impedance viewed from the traffic signal controller (A) to the control unit 1000. 4. The method of claim 3,
When the up-down detection unit 350 detects the up-transition state of the operation signal, the microcomputer 900 first performs the operation before the LED channel is switched to the on state by the operation signal during the operation. A control unit for controlling the operation of the LED traffic light, which controls the LED drive 700 to forcibly switch the LED channel to the on state. According to claim 1,
AC input unit 200 for receiving the operation signal from the traffic signal controller (A);
SMPS (500) for providing power to the LED channel by adjusting a power factor and stabilizing rectification and voltage; and
When the error detection unit 800 detects an error of the LED channel during the operation, the error control unit 250 electrically isolates the AC input unit 200 and the SMPS 500 from; , a control unit that controls the operation of the LED traffic light. According to claim 1,
an illuminance detection unit 950 capable of detecting illuminance at a place where the LED traffic light is installed; and
According to the illuminance detected by the illuminance detector 950, a signal for controlling the dimming of the LED channel during the operation - referred to as a first illuminance control signal - is generated, and the LED drive ( 700); a microcomputer 900 capable of controlling the operation; the control unit for controlling the operation of the LED traffic light to further include. 7. The method of claim 6,
It further includes; a phase detection unit 400 capable of detecting the phase of the AC signal transmitted from the traffic signal controller (A);
The microcomputer 900 generates a signal for controlling the dimming of the LED main channel - referred to as a second illuminance control signal - based on the phase detected by the phase detector 400 , and a second illuminance control signal A control unit for controlling the operation of the LED traffic light, which can control the operation of the LED drive 700 using 8. The method of claim 7,
The microcomputer 900 controls the operation of the LED drive 700 according to the illuminance detected by the illuminance detector 950 or the phase detected by the phase detector 400 according to a user's selection. A control unit for controlling the operation of the LED traffic light, which is capable of controlling the operation of the LED drive 700 . In the LED signal,
LED channel consisting of LED main channel and LED spare channel; and
a control unit capable of detecting an error of a currently operating LED channel among the LED channels - an operating LED channel - and operating the LED spare channel when an error occurs in the LED channel during operation; LED beacon comprising a. 10. The method of claim 9,
When a down-transition state of the LED channel is detected during the operation,
the control unit
Traffic signal controller ( In A), the input impedance as viewed from the control unit is converted into a first impedance, where the input impedance when the LED channel is in a normal state during the operation is referred to as the second impedance, so that the first impedance is smaller than the second impedance. What is set, the LED signal.

Images