WO2003031727A1 - Systeme d'eclairage - Google Patents

Systeme d'eclairage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003031727A1
WO2003031727A1 PCT/NL2001/000652 NL0100652W WO03031727A1 WO 2003031727 A1 WO2003031727 A1 WO 2003031727A1 NL 0100652 W NL0100652 W NL 0100652W WO 03031727 A1 WO03031727 A1 WO 03031727A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
illumination system
light emitting
plastic body
light
generating part
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2001/000652
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ireneus Johannes Theodorus Maria Pas
Original Assignee
Pas Ireneus Johannes Theodorus
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pas Ireneus Johannes Theodorus filed Critical Pas Ireneus Johannes Theodorus
Priority to PCT/NL2001/000652 priority Critical patent/WO2003031727A1/fr
Priority to TW090126572A priority patent/TW538180B/zh
Publication of WO2003031727A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003031727A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/50—Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
    • E01F9/576—Traffic lines
    • E01F9/582—Traffic lines illuminated
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/20—Use of light guides, e.g. fibre-optic devices
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/50—Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
    • E01F9/553—Low discrete bodies, e.g. marking blocks, studs or flexible vehicle-striking members
    • E01F9/559—Low discrete bodies, e.g. marking blocks, studs or flexible vehicle-striking members illuminated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/02—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters
    • F21S8/022—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters intended to be recessed in a floor or like ground surface, e.g. pavement or false floor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2111/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
    • F21W2111/02—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 for roads, paths or the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2131/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems not provided for in codes F21W2102/00-F21W2121/00
    • F21W2131/10—Outdoor lighting
    • F21W2131/101—Outdoor lighting of tunnels or the like, e.g. under bridges
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an illumination system for insertion into a recess in a surface, wherein said system comprises a light emitting part having a light emitting side, and a light generating part, said light emitting part comprising a plastic body encapsulating one or more optical fibres, said light generating part comprising a housing including at least one light source, wherein said light emitting part is coupled to said light generating part.
  • the road- marking complex comprises a box-like base module in which end portions of optical fibers end. These fibers may be illuminated by a distant light source, or by a LED-module with a completely closed housing, forming part of the base module.
  • the base module may be provided with screw openings for fastening it into the recess.
  • a drawback of this road-marking complex is that it is difficult and time-consuming to remove said complex from said recess. However, it is desirable that this can be carried out quickly, because the traffic should be hindered as little as possible, and for as short a time as possible.
  • the box-like shape of the complex has the disadvantage that it is to be placed into a relatively deep recess with vertical walls .
  • the housing for the light generator has a height of 8 cm. This adds up to the thickness of the base module.
  • the total height of the complex is more than the thickness of e.g.
  • the illumination system according to the invention is characterized in that the light emitting part and the light generating part are fixedly coupled into an integrated body, and that the system comprises at the light emitting side an arm which extends parallel with the light emitting side.
  • an illumination system according to the invention has been accommodated in a recess in a surface. It can be quickly and easily removed therefrom.
  • the integrated body may be taken out of the recess and separated into a light generating part and light emitting part. Alternatively only the light emitting part may be removed. All this will be described later on.
  • a recess is to be understood as a space that has been left out in a body, which space communicates with the environment.
  • This left out space may be for example a groove, a slot or a hole.
  • the body in which said space has been left out may be anything with an at least locally flat or smoothly curved surface, from a wall, the ground, a road, a roof, et cetera.
  • the recess may be pressed, milled, drilled, cut and so on.
  • the recess need not have a uniform depth.
  • the recess may have a central area with a depth which is greater than that of bordering areas.
  • the light generating part may be fitted into a small but deeper hole, whereas the part of the recess for the light emitting part may be relatively flat. It is even contemplated that only the light generating part is accomodated into the recess, whereas the light emitting part is spread out over the surrounding surface.
  • the length of the system is its largest dimension as measured in a tangent plane to its light emitting side. Preferably, it has a length which is substantially greater than the width thereof.
  • This embodiment is very suitable for long stretches of lighting. Furthermore, it will be easily and effectively fastened to the surface into which it is fitted.
  • the arm which extends from the integrated body covers part of the surface into which a recess has been provided for accommodating the system. This means that any step in height between both sides of the illumination system is smoothly bridged by the arm. Furthermore, the use of such an arm makes it possible to provide a very shallow illumination system, which leaves at least part of the upper surface layer, e.g. of the ZOAB, intact. This means that problems like a severed fluid communication between both sides of the surface layer or a step-like height difference therebetween are much less likely to occur.
  • the words "fixedly coupled into an integrated body” are intended to mean that the light emitting part and the light generating part are coupled such that they are substantially immovable with respect to each other. This ensures that the light emitting part and the light generating part may be removed from the recess, and handled in general both at the same time. If the light generating part and the light emitting part were to be coupled e.g. by means of a long and flexible light guide, this would not be possible.
  • the coupling is meant to be separable.
  • the integrated body comprises a light emitting part and a light generating part which may be separated if desired. E.g. these parts are not enclosed by a common encapsulation, neither do they form one inseparable unit.
  • Arm is intended to be a narrower portion projecting from the main body.
  • the width of the illumination system including the arm is greater than the width of the illumination system less said arm, wherein the width is measured in a cross- section through said system through said arm and parallel to the light emitting side of the illumination system.
  • light emitting side refers to that side of the illumination system from which, when in use, light is emitted.
  • the light emitting side may be equalled to a tangent plane to the illumination system which plane is substantially parallel to the surface into which it is inserted.
  • the arm extends over substantially the complete length of the system.
  • the system comprises at least one arm on either side of a longitudinal axis thereof.
  • an even smoother transition between both sides of the illumination system is possible.
  • a more reliable fixation to the surface is ensured.
  • only one arm is sufficient.
  • at least one arm comprises, opposite the light emitting side, a corrugated surface.
  • At least one arm forms a unit with the plastic body.
  • the plastic body which encapsulates the one or more optical fibers, is much more expensive or e.g. slippery than is desirable. In that case a different material may be used for the arm(s). Even then, however, the plastic body and the arm(s) may be fastened to each other to form a unit for ease of handling.
  • the plastic body is substantially made of a plastic material chosen from polyurethane or bioresin systems .
  • These materials are very durable and tough. Especially in outdoor uses, notably road surfaces, they are very resistant to solar radiation and to the repeated impact by traffic.
  • the light emitted by the optical fiber(s) travels partly through the material of the plastic body, e.g. when the end portion of the optical fiber is covered by the plastic material of the plastic body, it is important that said plastic material does not opacify.
  • Said polyurethane and bioresin systems ensure this permanent transparency.
  • Said polyurethane systems may for example be Megidur as produced by Bayer AG.
  • Bioresin systems are meant to comprise non-biodegradable polymers based on biological raw materials, i.e. rape seed, and so on, specifically excluding petrochemical products.
  • the plastic body it is however not strictly necessary to use these materials for the plastic body.
  • less tough materials may be used.
  • the end portion of the optical fiber is not encapsulated by the plastic material of the plastic body, the material need not be transparent.
  • the plastic material is expediently filled with substances that increase the durability and radiation resistance of plastic material, e.g. carbon black, titanium dioxide, etc.
  • other filling materials may be used to improve other properties of the plastic material. This will be elucidated further on. If the illumination system is to be used in e.g. a tunnel or other "indoor" environment, radiation resistance is not important, and any, preferably cheap, plastic material may be used.
  • the one or more optical fibers comprise plastic optical fibers.
  • Plastic optical fibers for example made of PMMA or polyamide, combine a low price with good optical properties, viz. low absorption and a high numerical aperture. This means they may carry a high optical power density. Nevertheless, if desired other materials may be used for the optical fiber.
  • glass fibers may be used in a particularly hostile environment, which glass fibers have been enclosed in a high-temperature plastic, for use with temperatures above 100°C or even higher. Otherwise, for the lowest light absorption or for transport of ultraviolet radiation, quartz glass fibers may be used.
  • the optical fibers may be mounted in the plastic body in very many ways. For example all fibers may emit light in mutually parallel bundles.
  • part of the fibers may emit light in one direction, whereas another part of the fibers emit light in another direction. Expediently, these directions may be substantially opposed.
  • the illumination system is used as a traffic marker, for example a lane marker.
  • traffic coming from both ways may observe the light emitted by the illumination system.
  • light rays leaving the one or more optical fibers form an angle of between 0.5° and 12° with the light emitting side.
  • the illumination system when used as a traffic lane marker, the light will be visible from about 115 meters down to about 5 meters, when the eye of the observer is at a height of 1 meter, which is roughly the height of the eye when driving a car.
  • Different emission angles are however not excluded. Different angles up to 90° may be advantageous when the illumination system is e.g. to indicate a sharp turn, or the end of a road.
  • the end portions of the optical fibers may slightly protrude from the plastic body.
  • the emission faces of the end portions of the optical fibers may lie flush with a surface of the plastic body. This way they are better protected against external influences, notably dust, or mechanical influences.
  • the end portions of the optical fibers are completely surrounded by the plastic material of the plastic body. This way the end portions are even better protected.
  • one or more optical elements are present near an exit end of the one or more optical fibers.
  • Such optical element may for example be a lens, or a prism.
  • the optical axis of the lens is parallel with the optical axis of the corresponding end portion of the optical fiber.
  • the optical axis of the lens and the optical axis of the end portion of the optical fiber coincide.
  • said optical axes it is possible for said optical axes to not coincide, thereby being able to direct the beam emitting from the end portion of the optical fiber away from the optical axis thereof.
  • the optical element may be made substantially the same material as the plastic material of the plastic body.
  • such an optical element may be made beforehand, after which it is encapsulated by the plastic material of the plastic body. This may be advantageous because most properties of the material of the optical element and the material of the plastic body will be equal, e.g. expansion properties. Use of such substantially compatible materials may still be effective when the plastic material of the plastic body is e.g. filled with a filler material and hence opaque, whereas the material for the optical element is transparent.
  • the optical element may be made from a material different from the plastic material of the plastic body. The material for the optical element may be chosen because of its reflection properties, its absorption property etc.
  • the end portion of the optical fiber is first encapsulated by transparent material for the optical element, in such a way that a face of the optical element which ultimately emits the light functions as the optical element.
  • this face may be curved so as to form a lens.
  • the plastic body comprises skid resistance increasing means on at least part of the light emitting side.
  • the illumination system is used as e.g. a traffic marker, because then vehicles may drive across it without a risk of skidding because of decreased resistance between tire and illumination system. Vehicles should then not experience a skid resistance which is different from the skid resistance of the surrounding surface. This is especially true if the skid resistance of part of the illumination system with which the traffic comes into contact has a very low skid resistance. In most cases, traffic will come into contact with a face of the plastic body of the illumination system. When no special measures are taken, in most cases the plastic material of said plastic body will, especially when wet, have relatively low skid resistance. This is especially dangerous for cyclists or motorcyclists .
  • the skid resistance increasing means comprise mineral grains having a hardness of more than 7 on Mohs' scale, and being at least partly enclosed by the plastic material of the plastic body.
  • the skid resistance increasing means is reliable and durable.
  • the limit of 7 units of Mohs'- scale is not very strict, it should not be much lower than this, because then frictional forces of traffic driving across the illumination system, or even grains of sand being blown across it, will polish the mineral grains. This would cause the skid resistance of the illumination system to decrease unfavourably.
  • the hardness of the mineral grains is more than 7 on Mohs" scale, the danger of the skid resistance decreasing by the above mentioned mechanisms is much lower, a higher number of units corresponding with a higher abrasion resistance.
  • Preferred materials for the mineral grain are ceramic materials, e.g. SiC, Al 2 0 3 etc., which may have a hardness of up to 9.5 on Mohs 1 scale.
  • connection may refer to mechanical connection and/or optical connection between one or more light generating parts and light emitting parts.
  • Snap connection means are very favourable for easy connection of light generating parts and light emitting parts.
  • said snap connection means may be in the form of a plug on one of two parts to be connected, and an insertion hole on the other part.
  • Said plug may be formed by end portions of the optical fibers, opposite the light emitting ends, while said insertion hole may be formed in the light generating part, and may be opposite a source of light, e.g. one or more LED's etc.
  • a source of light e.g. one or more LED's etc.
  • said plug may be formed in the light generating part, while said insertion opening may be formed in said light emitting part.
  • Other connection means are not excluded, however. E.g.
  • the snap connection means comprise a guiding surface.
  • a guiding surface is meant to be a surface in the center of which one of the connection means, i.e. a plug, an insertion opening or any other connecting means known in the state of the art, is present.
  • the guiding surface will ensure that both parts will become aligned during the connecting action. This greatly increases the speed with which said connecting action may be carried out, which is very important in for example road maintenance. In cases where a light generating part is already present in the surface, a light emitting part may thus be very easily and very quickly applied and connected therewith by simply bringing the two together and pushing. The correct connection will be established automatically.
  • the light generating part comprises one or more sources of light.
  • a broad range of light sources may be used, each with specific advantages.
  • the light sources used in the illumination system according to the invention have small dimensions but still a relatively high light intensity, since the light should be carried by optical fibers.
  • LED's Light Emitting Diodes
  • other light sources such as small halogen lamps or solid-state lasers.
  • LED's have many advantages, among others they are very small and have an extremely long useful life. This life may be many thousands of hours, during which time the light emission hardly changes. Furthermore they come in various colours, such as red, yellow, green and blue. By combining colours, every possible colour may be produced.
  • the long life of e.g. LED's is a reason for the illumination system according to the invention to be reusable. It is very likely that the illumination system is still functioning well when the surface (e.g. a road surface) needs to renewed, the illumination system needs to be removed, relocated or otherwise. As has been mentioned before, it is preferred to then first remove the illumination system from the recess as quickly as possible, thereby giving up part of the system, instead of laboriously and slowly removing the system as a whole.
  • the illumination system may comprise control means for controlling the one or more light sources.
  • control means are comprised in the light generating part, but it is possible to control said light sources via external means, e.g. a power line. This, and effects that can be achieved with suitable control means will be elucidated in the description of the figures .
  • the light generating part may comprise a source of energy for the light source.
  • a source of energy for the light source For example, a electrical power line may be present in the light generating part, and may be connected to the mains.
  • a seperate source may be present, for example one or more solar cells and/or batteries, which may be rechargeable. Otherwise, the energy source may be outside the light generating part, there being only electrical connection means present in the light generating part.
  • the light generating part comprises an electrical supply cable having an insulating coat, the housing comprising sharp connection means that establish electrical contact by piercing through said insulating coat.
  • the electrical supply cable and the light generating part are two separable parts which in use are electrically connected. This is however not strictly necessary, as the electrical supply cable may be comprised in the light generating part.
  • the supply cable forming a separable part of the illumination system offers certain advantages. Since it is very easy to produce very long electrical supply cables, e.g. many kilometres long, it is possible to use only one cable for a long stretch of road surface, crash barrier, etc. This long electrical supply cable may be laid in a recess in said surface. It is only then that one or more light generating parts are pressed onto the electrical supply cable. Thereby the sharp connection means of the light generating part pierce through the insulation of the supply cable and establish electrical contact. Of course it is possible that beforehand the light emitting part(s) and the light generating parts have been coupled.
  • the invention further relates to the use of an illumination system according to the invention by accomodating the system in a recess in a road surface, a tunnel wall or a crash barrier.
  • the illumination system according to the invention is particularly advantageous, since they almost always require very long illumination lengths, low maintenance, and, whenever an illumination system needs to be replaced or needs maintenance, said work needs to be carried out as quickly as possible.
  • the illumination system can be used in other applications, especially where long illumination systems are useful. A possibility might be guiding lighting or emergency lighting in buildings, where one or more colours show the applicable routes. Another possible use may be in large spaces such as exhibition centres.
  • the invention further relates to a method of fabricating a plastic body for use in an illumination system with skid resistance increasing means according to the present invention, comprising the steps of: - providing a mould for the plastic body having an internal shape substantially corresponding with the desired shape of the plastic body, the mould comprising projections at those locations where the skid resistance increasing means are to be present in the plastic body; - providing one or more optical fibers in the mould;
  • the words "dimensionally stable” have their usual meaning of the material not changing shape (e.g. bending) under the influence of its own weight.
  • This method offers an elegant and efficient method of enclosing mineral grains in the plastic in a very controllable fashion.
  • the continued hardening e.g. polymerization, ensures an optimum bond between plastic body and grains.
  • the grains are only present where they are needed, i.e. between the locations of light emission. Furthermore, the at least partially enrobeing of the mineral grains offers very good fixation of the grains, while still allowing an efficient increase of the skid resistance of the plastic body. Even if a mineral grain is completely surrounded by the plastic material, this will be a very thin layer, which will sooner or later be worn off by traffic driving or riding across it, or other mechanical forces. After the top layer being worn off, the mineral grain with its very much higher resistance against wear, and of course the higher skid resistance, is exposed. To prevent every risk it is possible to pre-wear the surface, whereby any possible toplayer surrounding mineral grains is removed.
  • the illumination system when in use, is attached to the recess and/or the surrounding surface.
  • the arm can then be fixed substantially flush in said recess. This may be carried out in many different ways, for example by clamping, with bolts etc.
  • bonding may be carried out by applying a bonding agent, advantageously a "super glue" type, which has a very high tensile strength but a relatively low peel strength. Any other suitable bonding agent may be used as well. With a peelable bonding agent the illumination system may be removed with ease and without damage. Still in normal use, the system is well bonded to the recess and/or surface.
  • the bonding agent may be applied on all of the surface area of the arms. However, whenever there are notches or recesses in the plastic body, e.g. where light is emitted, there is the risk of water being prevented to drain from recesses, because it is blocked by water impervious bonding agent. Hence, at these locations preferably no bonding agent is applied.
  • the bonding agent may be applied at the time and place of the introduction of the illumination system into the recess. However, it is preferred that it is applied beforehand, and preferably covered with a protection film.
  • the illumination system is attached to the surrounding surface with at least one arm, the light generating part being free. This offers the possibility of more or less suspending the light generating part, ensuring very good shock and vibration resistance. Furthermore, it allows the illumination system to be removed even more easily.
  • arms and light generating part may be bonded by different bonding agents.
  • the arms may be bonded with a stronger glue than the light generating part, because the arms are subjected to much higher mechanical forces.
  • the invention also relates to a method of recovering an illumination system according to the invention, and having been accomodated in a recess in a surface, wherein at least one of the arms of the plastic body has been bonded to the surface, comprising the steps of
  • the means for severing the arms are preferably a grinding wheel or a rotating saw. With these means it is very easy to make a cut through any length of material, which is expedient when removing a long length of the illumination system, e.g. a road marker. It can be done on a continuous basis.
  • the rest of the illumination system viz. the light generating part and the central part of the light emitting part, may be taken out of the recess.
  • the latter part may be separated from the light generating part on the spot or on a distant location, e.g. a factory, where it may be reused.
  • the remains of the light emitting part may be disposed of, since this is a relatively cheap part.
  • the arms of the light emitting part which are still attached to the surface, may be removed by any means available, e.g. milling, scraping, slicing, burning and so on.
  • the arms may be disposed of as well.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an illumination system according to the invention
  • - Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of an illumination system according to the invention
  • - Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of the second embodiment according to Fig. 2;
  • FIG. 3b shows a top view of a third embodiment of an illumination system according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows various uses of an illumination system according to the invention
  • FIG. 5a-d show various designs for end portions of optical fibers in a light emitting part of an illumination system according to the invention
  • - Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of an illuminations system according to the invention, with electrical and mechanical connection means
  • - Fig. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of an illumination system according to the invention, with different mechanical and electrical connection means
  • Fig. 8a, b show two designs for skid resistance means for an illumination system according to the invention
  • Fig. 9 shows a detail of the skid resistance means of Fig. 8a,b;
  • - Fig. 10a,b show two steps in a method of fabricating a plastic body for an illumination system according to the invention
  • - Fig. 11 a,b show two steps in a method of recovering an illumination system according to the invention
  • a, b show two cross-sectional views through another preferred embodiment of the illumination system.
  • Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an illumination system according to the invention, generally denoted with reference numeral 1.
  • the illumination system 1 comprises a light emitting part 2 and a light generating part 3.
  • the light emitting part 2 has a light emitting side 4, roughly parallel to a surface 101.
  • the light emitting part comprises a plastic body 5 which encapsulates optical fibers 6. Extending from the plastic body 5 is an arm 9.
  • the light generating part 3 comprises a housing 7 in which a light source 8 is contained.
  • the housing 8 and part of the plastic body 2 are accomodated in a recess 100 in the surface 101.
  • the optical fibers 6 are e.g. PMMA-fibers ending near or flush with the light emitting side 4.
  • the plastic body 5 surrounding the optical fibers 6 may be made from polyurethane, such as Megidur from Bayer. Otherwise, it may be e.g. a bioresin system. Both types show excellent weathering and ageing resistance. They may be reinforced with various means, such as non-woven polyester mats.
  • the material for the plastic body 5 need not be transparent or even translucent, when the light emitted by the optical fibers leaves them at the light emitting side. Be it because only part of the plastic body, viz.
  • the illumination system according to the invention is used in an asphalt road surface or other dark coloured surface, it is desirable if the plastic material of the plastic body 5 has a black or at least dark appearance, e.g. because the plastic material is coloured with carbon black or some other dark colourant.
  • the illumination system is turned off, the plastic body can not or hardly be discerned from the surrounding surface, which prevents road users from being distracted.
  • the arm 9 extends from the plastic body 5, and at least partially across the surface 101. Thus any step in the surface 101 because of height differences between both sides of the illumination system is smoothened. Although the edge of the arm and the opposite edge of the plastic body in the figure are sharp, they may be rounded, e.g. when traffic must drive across it.
  • the light generating part 3 comprises a housing 7, which conveniently is made of plastic, but may in principle be made of any desired material.
  • the housing 7 contains a source of light 8.
  • a wide range of possible light sources may be used, e.g. halogen incandescence lamps, gas discharge lamps, especially short arc discharge lamps.
  • one or more LEDs are used. This will be further elucidated later on.
  • Fig. 1 may be used e.g. as a marginal line or a stop line in a road surface.
  • Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the illumination system. It is now symmetrical around a longitudinal axis 10. Two arms 9 extend from the plastic body 5. Furthermore, the recess into the surface 101 now comprises a shallow part 102 into which the arms are let, and a deep part 103, in which the light generating part 3 and the plastic body 5 are accomodated. This way, it is possible to make the illumination system flush with the surface 101. Since no obstruction of e.g. traffic takes place, many advantages are obtained, such as less or no noise or mechanical stresses when traffic drives across the system. Since the arms 9 need only contain a part of the optical fibers 6, they may be made very thin, e.g. 5 to 10 mm. This indicates that it is not necessary to accomodate them in a recess in the surface 101.
  • the second embodiment of Fig. 2 may e.g. be used as a lane marker, a tunnel wall light, a guiding light in the floor of large halls etc.
  • Fig. 3a shows a diagrammatic perspective view of the second embodiment of Fig. 2. Here there are shown eight locations where an end portion 11 of an optical fiber emerges at the light emitting side. Each optical fiber also ends at a light source 8. This may be a single light source for all optical fibers . Alternatively, each fiber or group of fibers may have its own light source, which may then be distributed more or less regularly along the length of the illumination system.
  • both arms 9 have a constant width.
  • Recesses for such embodiments may very easily be made in a surface, e.g. by milling two coaxial grooves with a different depth.
  • a recess is milled in the ZOAB.
  • a receiving body which is to receive the illumination system, is formed in the recess.
  • a liquid mass of curable mass such as a bioresin system
  • a moulding tool e.g. a wheel pressed into the mass.
  • the illumination system is fitted into this narrower recess.
  • a preformed body may be used, however.
  • This may be a kind of trough, putter and so on, coiled up in great lengths.
  • This trough, etc. may be fastened to the recess in the ZOAB by means of a bonding agent.
  • An important advantage of this moulded mass or trough is that it is waterimpervious .
  • the illumination system is better protected.
  • the remaining space may be filled with water repellent means, e.g. a gel. This further protects the system against water.
  • the curable mass or trough does not form a part of the illumination system proper. It will not interfere with the removing thereof from the recess into which it is fitted. It is noted that the above-mentioned problems are much less likely to occur with other materials such as asphalt. Furthermore, it is possible to treat ZOAB to prevent crumbling. E.g. it may be sprayed with a liquid curable plastic, e.g. specific bioresins. This effectively prevents the crumbling problems .
  • a third embodiment in which there are many arms 9, or alternatively two arms with varying width.
  • opposite parts of the arms form more or less circles.
  • four end portions 11 of optical fibers emerge and emit light, although some other number is also possible.
  • the round shape of the arms 9 has an advantage that, by having them protrude from the surrounding surface, they form so-called cat's-eyes. Cat's-eyes cause a signal to be heard by cars driving over them.
  • This embodiment combines optical and acoustical warning, which makes it a very safe means for guiding traffic.
  • the shape of the parts of the arms need not be circular, but may also be square, triangular and so on.
  • Fig. 4 shows a number of applications of the illumination system according to the invention.
  • a tunnel 12 is shown in which la-d represent four different uses of the illumination system, la is a ceiling light, to indicate the center of the tunnel and to be seen from afar by traffic in a crowded tunnel, lb indicates a guiding light for e.g. cyclists. Alternatively, it may be an emergency illumination, only to be turned on when there is a power failure. For this reason, it may be connected with batteries, instead of mains power.
  • lc is a system indicating a kerbstone or gutter, to be avoided by traffic. Note that here one arm extends perpendicularly to the other. Of course, each of the two arms now has its own light emitting side, also perpendicularly to the other.
  • Id is the lane marker as shown before, and will not be discussed further here.
  • Fig. 5 there are shown six different ways to embody the end portions 11 of the optical fibers.
  • Fig. 5a shows a flat light emitting side of the plastic body 5, near which side two end portions 11 are shown.
  • the end portion on the left ends slightly below the surface of the plastic body, whereby the end portion is protected against mechanical stresses, dirt etc.
  • the end portion on the right however is flush with the surface of the plastic body 5.
  • Both end portions may emit a bundle 13 of light, of which only the right bundle is shown. In principle it is symmetric around an axis which is equal to the longitudinal axis of the end portion 11 of the optical fiber, as indicated by the dashed line. However, by specially designing the end face of the optical fiber, other shapes of the bundle 13 are possible. Such design may suitably be chosen by the person skilled in the art.
  • Fig. 5b shows an embodiment in which end portions 11 end in a protrusion above the light emitting side of the plastic body 5. By suitably directing the end faces of the end portions 11, it is possible to obtain bundles 13 of light, that shine in opposite directions. This way it is possible that every protrusion, and hence the illumination system, is visible from two sides, e.g. both directions of the traffic in a road.
  • Fig. 5c shows a plastic body 5 of which the light emitting side has a more or less zig-zag shape.
  • the end portions 11 emit their bundle 13 of light from a recessed groove, thus somewhat better protected. Again it is possible to have the end portions 11 end flush with (left) or somewhat below (right) of the surface of the plastic body 5.
  • Fig. 5d shows an embodiment in which not only the end portions 11 end somewhat below the surface of the plastic body 5, but they are also provided with an optical element 14, 15 respectively.
  • Optical element 14 is a positive lens in which the left end portion 11 ends.
  • the positive lens may be designed and positioned such that the (left) bundle 13 emitted by the fiber is a substantially parallel bundle.
  • a material for the lens 14 which is different from the material of the plastic body 5, e.g. because it has a higher index of refraction, or is dimensionally more stable.
  • the optical element 15 is a negative lens. This may be useful when a wider bundle of light is to be obtained with a single optical fiber.
  • optical elements which are possible are for example prisms, or beam splitters, for emission of light in two directions at the same time.
  • Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the illumination system according to the invention.
  • the light emitting part 2 comprises two insertion holes 16.
  • the light generating part 3 comprises snap means 17 with a guiding surface 18, which snap means snap into the insertion holes 16.
  • Optical fibers 6 in the light emitting part 2 end opposite light sources 8 in a housing 7 in the light generating part 3.
  • Light sources 8 are provided with optical elements 19, and are electrically connected to some power source by means of (diagrammatically shown) electrical connection means 20 that end in a plug 21.
  • the insertion holes 16 may form a single groove around the plastic body of the light emitting part, or may be one or more separate incisions into said plastic body.
  • the insertion holes correspond with snap means 17, which are somewhat resilient to give way for the plastic body to be partly pushed therebetween and “clicked” in a reliable and controllable position.
  • snap means 17 are provided with a guiding surface 18.
  • the guiding surface 18 will guide the plastic body 5 to a correct position between snap means 17, thereby simplifying and quickening the alignment procedure.
  • Light sources 8 may be, and preferably are, one or more LEDs. LEDs have an extremely long life, a constant light output, high efficiency etc. Moreover they are a very compact light source and may be distributed along the length of the light generating part. This way the shortest possible length of the optical fibers 6 may be ensured. The light emitted by the light sources 8 may be bundled with the help of optical elements 19.
  • optical elements 19 may be positive lenses, or any other desired shape.
  • a main purpose of the optical elements 19 is to improve the coupling of the light emitted by the light sources 8 into the fibers 6.
  • Fig. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the illumination system according to the invention. Snap connection means 16', 17' and 18' are present, as well as different electrical connection means 22 to 26. Furthermore, the light source 8 comprises control means 27.
  • the snap means 17' and the guiding surface 18' are present on the light emitting part 2, whereas the insertion holes 16' are present in the light generating part 3. It is also possible to have cooperating guiding surfaces on both the light emitting part 2 and the light generating part 3.
  • the use of some transparent mass between the light generating part and the light emitting part is advantageous in that it may decrease reflection losses, and prevent dirt and dust from interfering with the connection, and diminishing the optical quality thereof.
  • the refrective index n of the transparent mass should be selected carefully. It should differ from that of the material surrounding the LED, because otherwise the lens function is lost. In the case that a separate lens or other optical instrument is interposed between the LED and the light emitting part, a similar constraint is to be observed.
  • the electrical connection means comprise sharp connection means 22 that pierce through the insulating coating 26 of a supply cable 23.
  • the supply cable comprises two cores 24 and an date wire 25.
  • the date wire serves control purposes. It may however also be an earth wire, e.g. in cases where higher voltages are used.
  • the sharp connection means 22 protrude from the light generating part 3. Said part 3 may be pushed onto and partly into the cable 23 in order to establish an electrical connection between the part 3 and the cable 23. The pushing continues until the sharp connection means touch the cores 24.
  • the earth wire 25 may also be a control wire for transmission of control signals.
  • Control means 28 may serve the purpose of controlling and operating the light source 8, and may, if desired, in turn be controlled via the earth wire 25 of the supply cable.
  • the control means may turn various light sources on and off, when desired. This may be done to bring about a change in the lane marking, by the steady burning of a selected group of light sources. Also, by turning light sources on and off in a particular regular fashion, a moving signal may be simulated, e.g. to indicate a certain advised or maximum speed.
  • control means it is possible for the control means to change the colour of the emitted light, by either changing the active light source, or adjusting the light source. This may be used to give extra information through the illumination system. It may be contemplated to indicate icy roads, or danger ahead etc. With suitably designed control means very many different ways of operating the illumination system according to the invention are possible. It should be stressed here that it is the end portions of the optical fibers that actually emit the light as seen by a person. Hence it is these end portions which are indirectly to be controlled, but this is done through controlling of the light sources.
  • Fig. 8a en b show two designs for skid resistance increasing means.
  • Fig. 8a a diamond shaped pattern is shown of patches
  • the patches constitute parts of the surface where mineral grains are embedded into the surface layer of material of the plastic body 5.
  • the mineral grains are very hard and through their irregular shape or at least non-rounded shape cause an increase in the skid resistance between a tire of a motor vehicle and the surface of the illumination system.
  • the skid resistance can be made substantially equal to the skid resistance of the surrounding surface of e.g. the road surface. This may be done by varying the material of the grains, e.g. taking carborundum (Mohs' hardness ⁇ 9.5) instead of quartz (Mohs' hardness 7) to increase the resistance. It is also possible to change the relative surface area that is occupied by the resistive patches 28, or even by changes in the shape of the pattern. Fig.
  • Fig. 9 shows a detail of the patches 28 in a surface of the plastic body 5. Mineral grains 29 and 29' are embedded in the material of the plastic body 5. Of these mineral grains, grains
  • Fig. 10a and b show two steps in a possible production process for a plastic body with skid resistance increasing means for an illumination system according to the invention.
  • 30 and 31 refer to an upper, lower mould halve, respectively.
  • the upper mould halve 30 comprises projections 32 that correspond to recesses 33 to be present in the plastic body 5.
  • the plastic material of the filled recesses has become one with the plastic material of the plastic body 5, thus ensuring the best possible embedding of the mineral grains. It is advisable to use substantially the same material for both the to be filled recesses and the plastic body. This will allow a perfect hardened network and no mechanical stresses because of differences in coefficient of expansion etc. It is however possible to use components that react with eachother, and have many mechanical properties in common. Alternatively, part of the liquid plastic material, e.g. the part that is to fill the recesses, may comprise other filler materials.
  • Fig 11a and b show two steps of recovering an illumination system according to the invention. In Fig.
  • an illumination system according to the invention is accomodated in a recess in a surface 101.
  • Light generating part 3 is accomodated in a deep recess 103, as is part of the light emitting part 2.
  • the arms 9 of the light emitting part 2 are accomodated in a shallow recess 102.
  • Strong bonding agent 34 may be a "Superglue” type of bonding agent, whereas the weak bonding agent may be any ordinary all-purpose glue or kit.
  • the cutting lines 36 may be made by any convenient means, e.g. a rotating saw, a milling cutter etc.
  • Fig. lib shows another stage in the recovering process.
  • the light emitting part 2 (the remains thereof) and the light generating part 3 are separated, by disengaging the snap means 17 from the insertion hole 16 in a direction indicated by arrow A. This may be done either by a special tool or by using inherent resilience of the material.
  • the remains of the light emitting means thus removed are disposed as well.
  • the light generating part 3, with its light source 8 may be recycled or simply reused. Since often this is the most expensive part, which also has the least wear, this will be very cost effective to do.
  • FIG. 12a shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the illumination system with an extra trough 40.
  • This trough 40 here consists of a tube of bioresins.
  • the space between trough 40 and recess 100, if any, may be filled with water repellents, e.g. gel.
  • a supply cable 23 is shown at the bottom of the recess.
  • Fig. 12b shows a cross-sectional view along an illumination system.
  • Plastic body 5 is connected to three light generating parts 3a, 3b and 3c, although any number is possible.
  • Each light generating part is connected through a connector 41a, 41b, 41c, respectively to the supply cable 23.
  • the remaining space may be filled with a water repellent mass, e.g. a gel. It is noted that, even when the light generating parts and/or connectors are not (very) flexible, the intermediate parts 43 of the plastic body will provide flexibility to the system as a whole.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système d'éclairage (1) conçu pour être introduit dans un évidement (102, 103) situé dans une surface (101), lequel système comprend un élément électroluminescent (2) comportant une face (4) électroluminescente, ainsi qu'un élément générateur (3) de lumière, lequel élément électroluminescent comprend un corps (5) en plastique renfermant une ou plusieurs fibres optiques (6). L'élément générateur (3) de lumière comprend un boîtier renfermant au moins une source (8) de lumière. L'élément électroluminescent (2) et l'élément générateur (3) de lumière sont fermement couplés dans un corps intégré allongé. Le système (1) de la présente invention comprend, au niveau de la face (4) électroluminescente, un bras (9) qui s'étend parallèlement à ladite face (4) électroluminescente.
PCT/NL2001/000652 2001-10-08 2001-10-08 Systeme d'eclairage WO2003031727A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/NL2001/000652 WO2003031727A1 (fr) 2001-10-08 2001-10-08 Systeme d'eclairage
TW090126572A TW538180B (en) 2001-10-08 2001-10-26 Illumination system, use thereof, method of recovering thereof, and method of fabricating a plastic body thereof

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/NL2001/000652 WO2003031727A1 (fr) 2001-10-08 2001-10-08 Systeme d'eclairage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003031727A1 true WO2003031727A1 (fr) 2003-04-17

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1647633A1 (fr) * 2004-10-14 2006-04-19 D. Swarovski & Co. Elément de marquage, en particulier plot de marquage des routes
WO2008093265A1 (fr) * 2007-01-30 2008-08-07 Philips Intellectual Property & Standards Gmbh Appareil
WO2012015361A1 (fr) * 2010-07-27 2012-02-02 Trika (S) Pte Ltd Appareil à élément de guidage de lumière incorporé et ses procédés de fabrication
WO2012074681A1 (fr) * 2010-11-16 2012-06-07 3M Innovative Properties Company Repère de chaussée éclairé de l'intérieur
RU205052U1 (ru) * 2021-03-15 2021-06-24 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью «Компания «Инвентрейд» Светящийся строительный элемент

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI384179B (zh) * 2009-06-26 2013-02-01 Foxsemicon Integrated Tech Inc 路面照明裝置

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LU49011A1 (fr) * 1965-07-07 1965-09-07
US3958891A (en) * 1973-03-12 1976-05-25 Ludwig Eigenmann Aggregate elements for improving anti-skid and visibility properties of traffic regulating markings on roadway pavements
NL1006641C2 (nl) * 1997-07-21 1999-01-25 Heijmans Wegen En Verkeerstech Markeringssysteem voor flexibele rijbaanindicatie.
JPH11293635A (ja) * 1998-04-14 1999-10-26 Kenji Kajiwara 道路標識用光反射器
EP0965687A1 (fr) * 1998-06-17 1999-12-22 Alain Couvidou Elément de mobilier urbain et procédé de fabrication de cet élément
WO2000020691A1 (fr) 1999-05-20 2000-04-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Systeme et complexe utilises pour la signalisation routiere
WO2000028146A1 (fr) * 1998-11-05 2000-05-18 Pas Ireneus Johannes Theodorus Element de signalisation a eclairage et composant en plastique transparent prevu a cet effet, dote d'un moyen d'eclairage

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
LU49011A1 (fr) * 1965-07-07 1965-09-07
US3958891A (en) * 1973-03-12 1976-05-25 Ludwig Eigenmann Aggregate elements for improving anti-skid and visibility properties of traffic regulating markings on roadway pavements
NL1006641C2 (nl) * 1997-07-21 1999-01-25 Heijmans Wegen En Verkeerstech Markeringssysteem voor flexibele rijbaanindicatie.
JPH11293635A (ja) * 1998-04-14 1999-10-26 Kenji Kajiwara 道路標識用光反射器
EP0965687A1 (fr) * 1998-06-17 1999-12-22 Alain Couvidou Elément de mobilier urbain et procédé de fabrication de cet élément
WO2000028146A1 (fr) * 1998-11-05 2000-05-18 Pas Ireneus Johannes Theodorus Element de signalisation a eclairage et composant en plastique transparent prevu a cet effet, dote d'un moyen d'eclairage
WO2000020691A1 (fr) 1999-05-20 2000-04-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Systeme et complexe utilises pour la signalisation routiere

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1647633A1 (fr) * 2004-10-14 2006-04-19 D. Swarovski & Co. Elément de marquage, en particulier plot de marquage des routes
WO2008093265A1 (fr) * 2007-01-30 2008-08-07 Philips Intellectual Property & Standards Gmbh Appareil
WO2012015361A1 (fr) * 2010-07-27 2012-02-02 Trika (S) Pte Ltd Appareil à élément de guidage de lumière incorporé et ses procédés de fabrication
WO2012074681A1 (fr) * 2010-11-16 2012-06-07 3M Innovative Properties Company Repère de chaussée éclairé de l'intérieur
CN103210149A (zh) * 2010-11-16 2013-07-17 3M创新有限公司 内部照明式路面标志器
CN103210149B (zh) * 2010-11-16 2016-10-26 3M创新有限公司 内部照明式路面标志器
RU205052U1 (ru) * 2021-03-15 2021-06-24 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью «Компания «Инвентрейд» Светящийся строительный элемент

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