NO332444B1 - Reflector device and method for securing a road - Google Patents

Abstract

A traffic safety reflector (1) arranged to be positioned at a road (2) between a first portion (P1) of the road divided into two or more sections (A1, A2) and an opposite second portion (P2) of the road divided into two or more distances (B1, B2), where the distances between the reflector means (1) and the distances (A1) and (B1), respectively (A2) and (B2) are substantially similar to each other and are without mutual free vision, the reflector device (1) comprising the following features: - a first mirror (M1) arranged to reflect light from the first stretch (A1) along the first portion (P1) to the first stretch (B1) along the second portion (P2) and vice versa, - a second mirror (M2) arranged to reflect light from the second line (A2) along the first portion (P1) to the second line (B2) along the second portion (P2) and vice versa - wherein the mirrors (M1, M2) are substantially planar or is slightly convex, characterized by - an index reflector (R) arranged to reflect rear light from the first portion (P1) back to the same, first portion (P1), respectively light from the second portion (P2) back to the same, second portion (P2), and where the mirrors (M1, M2) are arranged at different distances from the index reflector (R).

Description

Reflector device and method for securing traffic on a road The present invention relates to a reflector device for warning of vehicles along a road, designed to warn road users of vehicles on winding roads or at road junctions or at hilltops, where there is limited visibility or no visibility due to obstacles along the roadway, especially topographical obstacles, or where vehicles can be expected to be encountered are outside the field of vision.

Problem statement

When traveling along a winding road or a road with hilltops, you will often have the terrain, forest or buildings as an obstacle to the direct view of vehicles. It is not a condition of the invention that both parties must have a vehicle, only that at least one party who is on a road must have an opportunity to observe indirect light from another party who is on the road, where the other party has a light. The second party moves towards or away from the first party, or stands relatively still in relation to the first party. However, the description below is based on two oncoming vehicles, both of which have their headlights on, and both of which can see ahead along a winding road. In countries where there is a requirement to use daytime running lights 24 hours a day, the invention is applicable almost 24 hours a day except in bright sunlight. In countries where there is no requirement to use running lights, the invention will not have any effect until at least one of the parties finds it advisable to use lights, i.e. at dusk and at night.

Known technique

It is known to arrange convex mirrors, so-called gossip mirrors, on posts at road junctions or sharp bends so that you can get a greatly reduced but clear reflection of oncoming or crossing traffic. Such mirrors have great practical advantages, but it is difficult to assess the distance to the other party without being quite familiar with the location. The purpose of such gossip mirrors is often to show a large part of a street scene and not necessarily just the lights of an oncoming vehicle.

European patent application EP1475767 describes a device with a mirror reflector LED panel arranged at a road where there is no clear line of sight between a first part and an opposite second part where the device is placed between these parts. The device can be used as a mirror during the day and a mirror and road sign at night. The mirror is connected to an electric motor and arranged to move in a desired direction. The mirror contributes to the fact that it can be mounted on tight bends so that drivers can check whether there is light in the mirror, but also to a certain extent to alert their own presence along the road. The LED panel is designed to be recharged by including solar cells and a rechargeable battery. However, the LED panel does not contribute to any further warning of oncoming traffic.

JP2007085150 describes an apparatus with a reflector device for traffic protection arranged at a road where there is no clear line of sight between a first part and an opposite second part. The device is equipped with at least two mirrors designed to reflect light between the parts.

US patent application US6558010 describes a self-cleaning front glass of a traffic mirror adapted to be mounted on a roadside fence. The US patent also covers solar cells and light-emitting diodes.

The above-mentioned traffic mirrors include batteries that require maintenance. Nor do they include more than the one mirror which does not give any definite indication of the distance to the vehicle encountered.

Japanese international patent application WO2004042151 describes a post with two mirrors which is essentially convex so that it is more convex in the vertical plane than in the horizontal plane, see its Fig. 11. In this way, a rather wide-angled mirror is obtained so that, from the perspective of oncoming vehicles position in the mirror image can estimate the oncoming vehicle's position in relation to the mirror, see its Fig. 8. When two such mirrors are arranged in a vertical stack as shown in its Fig. 4, one can get an impression of the oncoming vehicle's distance from the mirror. However, it is difficult to interpret the reflections in the dark. It is also difficult to interpret the reflections if the other party does not have their headlights on. A disadvantage of the Japanese international patent application is the strong curvature of the mirrors. This means that light far away is reflected very weakly, and becomes useless at long distances. Moreover, with the present invention, it is not relevant to see the reflection of the oncoming vehicle itself, it is only relevant to see the reflection of its headlights.

Brief summary of the invention

A solution to the above problems is a reflector device (1) for traffic protection designed to be placed at a road (2) between a first part (P1) of the road divided into two or more sections (A1, A2) and an opposite second part ( P2) of the road divided into two or more sections (B1, B2), where the distances between the reflector device (1) and sections (A1) and (B1), respectively (A2) and (B2) mainly correspond to each other and are without mutual clear line of sight ,

where the reflector device (1) includes the following features:

- a first mirror (M1) arranged to reflect light from the first section (A1) along the first section (P1) to the first section (B1) along the second section (P2) and vice versa, - a second mirror (M2) arranged to reflect light from the second section (A2) along the first part (P1) to the second section (B2) along the second part (P2) and vice versa, - where the mirrors (M1, M2) are mainly planar or are small convex, where the novelty of the invention is - an index reflector (R) arranged to reflect light from the first part (P1) back to the same, first part (P1), respectively light from the second part (P2) back to the same , the second part (P2), and - where the mirrors (M1, M2) are arranged at different distances from the index reflector (R).

An advantageous effect of the invention is that a first road user equipped with light and located along the first road section (P1) can estimate a distance to a second road user equipped with light and located along the second road section (P2) in relation to the reflector device (1), and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment, the reflector device (1) according to the invention is set and positioned so that the corresponding areas ((A1, B1), (A2, B2), ..) have substantially equal distances from the location of the reflector device (1) calculated in normally expected driving time . In this way, road users can expect to be hit by the reflector device.

According to another aspect of the invention, it is a method for securing a road (2) by placing a reflector device (1) at the road (2), where the road (2) comprises a first part (P1) divided into two or more sections (A1, A2) and an adjacent, opposite second part (P2) divided into two or more stretches (B1, B2) and where the distances between the reflector device (1) and the stretches (A1) and (B1), respectively (A2) and ( B2) mainly correspond to each other and are without mutual clear line of sight,

- alignment of a first mirror (M1) on the reflector (1) so that it reflects light from the first section (A1) along the first section (P1) to the first section (B1) along the second section (P2) and vice versa, - alignment of a second mirror (M2) on the reflector (1) arranged to reflect light from the second section (A2) along the first section (P1) to the second section (B2) along the second section (P2) and vice versa, - where the mirrors (M1, M2) are mainly flat or are slightly convex, where the novelty of the invention is - placement of an index reflector (R) which reflects light from the first part (P1) back to the same, first part (P1) , respectively light from the second part (P2) back to the same, second part (P2), and - placement of the mirrors (M1, M2) at different distances from the index reflector (R).

Advantages of the invention

A first advantage of the invention is that an oncoming vehicle will be perceived mainly in one of the mirrors (M) on the reflector device. In this way, you become aware that you have an oncoming vehicle at approximately the same distance from the reflector device, but around the bend or over the top of the hill.

A second advantage of the invention is that because one has a desired order between the index reflector (R) and the mirrors (M1, M2), for example with the index reflector (R) arranged on top of the post, close to the mirror which is arranged to reflect between the nearest parts of the road in relation to the reflector device. In this way, by looking at the distance between the index reflector and the mirror in which you observe the oncoming vehicle's light, you can assess the distance to the oncoming vehicle.

A third advantage of the invention is that it is purely passive and does not require energy or maintenance beyond repair in the event of vandalism or washing if necessary.

Short figure explanation

The invention is illustrated in the attached figure drawings where

Fig. 1 is a perspective sketch of a landscape with a winding road around a large knoll on a headland, with a first vehicle's headlights visible in the roadway, and a second vehicle dashed, with direct line of sight obstructed by the large knoll. A post with a reflector device according to the invention is shown at the extreme end of the bend on the headland. Fig. 2 is a map sketch of the same area that was shown in Fig. 1 above.

Corresponding opposite sections along the road are shown on both sides of the post with a reflector device so that this is arranged to reflect light from the respective corresponding sections of the road. Fig. 3 is a profile of a hilly area with a relatively straight stretch of road with a reflector device according to the invention. Corresponding opposite sections along the road are shown on both sides of the post with a reflector device so that this is arranged to reflect light from the respective corresponding sections of the road. Fig. 4a - 4c are sketches of an embodiment of a reflector device according to

the invention, whereby

Fig. 4a is a perspective view of a post with the entire reflector device.

Fig. 4b is a partial section, partial view of one mirror on the same

the reflector device.

Fig. 4c is a side view of one mirror on the same reflector device.

Description of embodiments of the invention

In a simplest embodiment of the invention, a reflector post (1) is set up along the road. Such a post is outlined in Fig. 4a - Fig. 4c. A typical overall situation is outlined in the perspective drawing in Fig. 1: A first car (b1), which we can imagine ourselves in, drives along a winding road towards a headland where a reflector device (1) is placed according to the invention. At the headland, the road turns sharply and it is dotted that there is an oncoming vehicle on the opposite road section around the headland. We refer to Fig. 2 and 4 for the following. The reflector post (1) comprises at least two mirrors (M1, M2) arranged to reflect light from a lamp on the first vehicle (a) in the direction of the second vehicle (b), so that an observer in the second vehicle (b ) have the opportunity to see the reflected light from (a) via the reflector post (1). The mirrors (M1, M2, ..) are mainly planar or slightly convex so that their reflected light is not spread over an unnecessarily large area, but delimited from one point on one part of the road to a fairly limited area on the corresponding part of the road . Conversely, of course, the same mirrors (M1, M2) of the reflector post (1) will function so that they can reflect light from a lamp on the second vehicle (b) in the direction of the first vehicle (a), so that an observer in the first vehicle ( a) has the opportunity to see the reflected light from (b) via the reflector post (1). The special feature of the present invention is that the first mirror (M1) is arranged to direct light from a first specific part (A1) of a first part of the road via the first mirror (M1) to a first specific opposite part (B1) of the road, and the second mirror (M2) is arranged to direct light from a second determined part (A1) of the first part of the road via the second mirror (M2) to a second determined opposite part (B2) of the road. In this way, both parties can see each other's lights reflected and know that there is an oncoming party on the road, without observing anything other than the lights of oncoming vehicles. It can also be assumed that you can then hit the other party at the reflector device, which is assumed to be placed where the road has the smallest radius of curvature, i.e. the sharpest bends, and where the danger of unprepared passing is greatest. This warning can operate at a very long distance from the common reflector device. Furthermore, the special feature of the invention is that at a desired end, preferably on top of the reflector device (1), there is an index reflector (R) designed to reflect essentially all light from the first part (P1) back to the first part (P1) , or all light from the other party (P2) back to the other party (P2), or both. This way each party can see their own light reflected.

The row of mirrors (M1, M2,...) is arranged together with the index reflector (R) so that each road user can see a mirror in (M1, M2,...) and reflection in the index reflector (R) at a systematically varying distance depending on the road users' distance from the reflector device (1). In this way, one can see that the counterpart's reflex in the mirrors (M) moves closer to the index reflector (R) as both approach the reflector device. If this is not observed in this way, there is a possibility that the other party has stopped.

The reflector device itself can be designed so that each mirror (M1, M2,...) is equipped with a set screw device (S1, S2,...) so that the reflector device (1) with the mirror (M1, M2,...) reaches it is placed in the terrain, can be set individually to align reflectively between the paired areas ((A1, B1), (A2, B2), ...). This can be done with a laser sight or ordinary lights placed along the road.

Each adjusting screw device (S1, S2,...) may comprise two substantially orthogonally acting adjusting screws ((S1h, S1v), (S2h, S2v),...) arranged to adjust the mirror both in relation to horizontal and vertical angles for to be arranged to reflect between the areas ((A1, B1), (A2, B2)), each with its own paired horizontal placements and height differences.

Claims (11)

1. A reflector device (1) for traffic protection arranged to be placed at a road (2) between a first part (P1) of the road divided into two or more sections (A1, A2) and an opposite second part (P2) of the road divided in two or more stretches (B1, B2), where the distances between the reflector device (1) and the stretches (A1) and (B1), respectively (A2) and (B2) mainly correspond to each other and are without mutual clear sight, where the reflector device (1 ) comprises the following features: - a first mirror (M1) arranged to reflect light from the first section (A1) along the first section (P1) to the first section (B1) along the second section (P2) and vice versa, - a second mirror (M2) arranged to reflect light from the second section (A2) along the first section (P1) to the second section (B2) along the second section (P2) and vice versa, - where the mirrors (M1, M2) are mainly flat or slightly convex, characterized by - an index reflector (R) arranged to reflect light from the first part (P1) back to the same, first part (P1), respectively light from the second part (P2) back to the same, second part (P2), and - where the mirrors (M1, M2) are arranged in different distances from the index reflector (R). 2. The reflector device (1) according to claim 1, where the corresponding areas ((A1, B1), (A2, B2), ..) have mainly equal distances from the location of the reflector device (1) calculated in normally expected driving time. 3. The reflector device (1) according to claim 1, where the corresponding areas (A1, B1),, (A2, B2),...) have substantially equal distances from the reflector device (1) calculated along the road. 4. The reflector arrangement (1) according to claim 1, where the mirrors (M1, M2) are directed so that the areas (A1, A2, ...) are completely separated. 5. The reflector arrangement (1) according to claim 1, where the mirrors (M1, M2) are set so that the areas (A1, A2, ...) partially overlap. 6. The reflector device (1) according to claim 1, where the reflector device (1) is designed to be placed at the smallest curve radius of the road between the first part (P1) and the second part (P2) along the road, i.e. where the road bends most sharply. 7. The reflector device (1) according to claim 1, where the mirrors (M1, M2,..) are arranged in a sequence on the reflector device (1), so that two road users can mutually see a reflection from an opposing party that moves successively from the mirror to mirror. 8. The reflector arrangement (1) according to claim 7, where the row of mirrors (M1, M2, ...) is arranged together with the index reflector (R) so that every road user can see a reflection in (M1, M2, ...) and reflection in the index reflector (R) with a systematically varying distance depending on the road users' distance from the reflector device (1). 9. The reflector device (1) according to claim 1, where each mirror (M1, M2,...) is equipped with a set screw device (S1, S2, ...) so that the reflector device's (1) mirror (M1, M2, .. .) when deployed in the terrain, can be set individually to align reflectively between the areas ((A1, B1), (A2, B2),...). 10. The reflector arrangement (1) according to claim 9, where each adjusting screw device (S1, S2,...) comprises two mainly orthogonally acting adjusting screws ((S1h, S1v), (S2h, S2v), ...) arranged to adjust the mirror both in relation to the horizontal and vertical angle to be aligned to reflect between the areas ((A1, B1), (A2, B2)), each with its own pairwise horizontal placements and height differences. 11. A method for securing traffic on a road (2) by placing a reflector device (1) at the road (2), where the road (2) comprises a first part (P1) divided into two or more sections (A1, A2) and an adjacent, opposite second part (P2) divided into two or more stretches (B1, B2) and where the distances between the reflector device (1) and the stretches (A1) and (B1), respectively (A2) and (B2) essentially correspond to each other and is without mutual free sight, - alignment of a first mirror (M1) on the reflector (1) so that it reflects light from the first section (A1) along the first section (P1) to the first section (B1) along the second section (P2) and vice versa, - alignment of a second mirror (M2) on the reflector (1) arranged to reflect light from the second section (A2) along the first section (P1) to the second section (B2) along the second section (P2) and vice versa, - where the mirrors (M1, M2) are mainly planar or are slightly convex, characterized by- placement look at the reflector device (1) of an index reflector (R) which reflects light from the first part (P1) back to the same, first part (P1), respectively light from the second part (P2) back to the same, second part ( P2), and - placement of the mirrors (M1, M2) at different distances from the index reflector (R).