Road marker with improved waterproofing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a road marker with improved waterproofing capabilities, comprising: a case having a receiving portion formed with one side open inside; a body on which a printed circuit board with a plurality of light-emitting units is mounted; a cover that covers the printed circuit board and is coupled to the body; and a holder in which a portion of the coupled cover and the body is recessed and provided in the receiving portion, wherein the outer surface of the holder is in close contact with the inner surface of the case and the inner surface of the recessed body and the cover are in close contact. Through a multi-layer waterproofing structure, the possibility of moisture penetration due to various immersion conditions such as rainfall, road surface flooding, and high-pressure washing is reduced compared to conventional single or double sealing structures, thereby improving the stability of internal electronic components and enhancing durability. Furthermore, since the holder is composed of an elastic material such as urethane or rubber, it can adhere to the inner surface of the case and the outer surface of the body and cover through its own elasticity. This ensures that the adhesion is maintained even when components contract or expand due to repeated external impacts or temperature changes, thereby suppressing the degradation of waterproofing performance even in long-term usage environments, and preventing a small amount of moisture from the outside from seeping between the case and the cover. Even if moisture enters, it is induced into the case and allowed to evaporate, thereby minimizing contact between electronic components and moisture and improving the durability and reliability of the road marker. Additionally, as heat generated from the light-emitting part (LED) is conducted to the outside of the case through the heat transfer fins, heat exchange occurs between the heat transfer fins and the moisture within the moisture induction tube between the zigzag sections of the moisture induction tube. As the moisture evaporates, the interior of the road marker is additionally cooled, which lowers the operating temperature of internal electronic components, thereby preventing thermal degradation of components such as the printed circuit board (PCB) and battery, and extending the product lifespan.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to road markers with improved waterproofing capabilities. Background Technology

[0003] Road markers are devices embedded in the road surface to mark center lines, lane boundaries, or hazardous areas, and they serve the function of preventing traffic accidents by ensuring driver visibility at night or in rainy conditions. Recently, active road markers that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source and power the LEDs with electricity stored in batteries generated through self-generation via solar panels have become widely adopted.

[0004] These active road markers are constantly exposed to harsh external environments, such as repetitive vehicle loads, rainfall, and road surface washing water. In particular, since electronic components vulnerable to moisture, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), batteries, and LEDs, are embedded inside the road markers, waterproof reliability is a key factor determining the product's lifespan and performance.

[0005] Conventional road markers were waterproofed by applying a simple silicone seal or a single O-ring to the joint between the case and the cover. However, this single-structure waterproofing method is prone to seal deterioration or reduced adhesion due to repeated impacts and vibrations from passing vehicles, as well as shrinkage and expansion caused by temperature changes. Consequently, over long-term use, moisture penetrates the interior, causing corrosion, short circuits, and malfunctions in electronic components, and shortening the product's lifespan.

[0006] In addition, while heat generated during LED operation accumulates internally, accelerating the degradation of PCBs and surrounding components, conventional road markers have been criticized for reduced durability due to rising internal temperatures caused by insufficient heat dissipation paths resulting from their sealed structures. Prior art literature

[0008] 1. Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2022-0087039 (July 14, 2022) 2. Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2022-0109040 (August 30, 2022) The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention provides a road marker with improved waterproofing capabilities that can fundamentally block the inflow of external moisture through a multi-sealed structure. means of solving the problem

[0011] The present invention relates to a road marker with improved waterproofing function. The road marker with improved waterproofing function comprises: a case having a receiving portion formed with one side open inside; a body on which a printed circuit board having a plurality of light-emitting portions mounted thereon is seated; a cover that covers the printed circuit board and is coupled to the body; and a holder in which a part of the coupled cover and the body is inserted and provided in the receiving portion, wherein the outer surface is in close contact with the inner surface of the case and the inner surface is in close contact with the outer surface of the inserted body and the cover.

[0012] Additionally, the device may include a solar panel provided between the printed circuit board and the cover, and an O-ring provided between the body and the cover. The body may include a battery mounting hole on one side facing the cover in which a battery is accommodated, a battery fixing pin for fixing the battery in the battery mounting hole, a printed circuit board mounting hole that is bent from the outer periphery of the battery mounting hole in the direction in which the battery is mounted and extends parallel to the battery fixing pin to mount the printed circuit board, and a coupling hole that extends from the printed circuit board mounting hole in the opposite direction to where the cover is coupled and is bent multiple times to mount a part of the cover.

[0013] Additionally, the holder may include a holder body that is in close contact with the battery mounting hole, a support part extending from the holder body to support the printed circuit board mounting hole, an insertion part extending from the support part to form an insertion groove into which a tip protruding in a direction covering the printed circuit board from the periphery of the coupling hole and the cover is inserted, a plurality of watertight grooves arranged spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval along the inner circumference of one side of the insertion part facing the cover, and a projection protruding from the end side of the insertion part facing the cover, and the cover may include a cover receiving part made of a transparent material into which the solar panel is partially inserted, a cover body extending protruding along the circumference of the cover receiving part to form the tip, a projection groove into which the tip is inserted formed in multiple stages, and a watertight projection protruding from the outer circumference of the tip in correspondence with the watertight groove and inserted by a press fit.

[0014] Additionally, the case may include a moisture guide channel embedded in the inner circumference of the case to guide moisture flowing in between the cover and the protrusion to the outside of the lower side opposite the opening of the case, and a moisture guide tube that is bent and extended in a zigzag manner from the moisture guide channel (51) on the outside of the lower side of the case.

[0015] Additionally, one side is close to the light-emitting part, and the other side passes through the printed circuit board mounting hole and the insertion part and extends between the zigzag of the moisture induction tube to transfer heat generated from the light-emitting part to the outside of the case, and the body may include a reflector that reflects a portion of the light irradiated from the light-emitting part to the heat-transfer pin. Effects of the invention

[0017] According to the road marker with improved waterproofing function of the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

[0018] First, according to the road marker with improved waterproofing function of the present invention, the possibility of water penetration due to various immersion conditions such as rainfall, road surface flooding, and high-pressure washing is reduced through a multi-layer waterproofing structure compared to conventional single or double sealing structures, thereby improving the stability of internal electronic components and resulting in an effect of improved durability.

[0019] Secondly, according to the road marker with improved waterproofing function of the present invention, the holder is composed of an elastic material such as urethane or rubber, and can adhere to the inner surface of the case and the outer surface of the body and cover through its own elasticity. This ensures that the adhesion is maintained even when repeated external impacts or shrinkage and expansion of parts due to temperature changes occur, thereby suppressing the deterioration of waterproofing performance even in long-term usage environments.

[0020] Thirdly, according to the road marker with improved waterproofing function of the present invention, even if a small amount of moisture enters between the case and the cover from the outside, moisture is induced into the case and the induced moisture is evaporated, thereby minimizing contact between electronic components and moisture and improving the durability and reliability of the road marker.

[0021] Fourth, according to the road marker with improved waterproofing function of the present invention, as heat generated from the light-emitting part (LED) is conducted to the outside of the case through the heat transfer pin, the heat transfer pin exchanges heat with the moisture inside the moisture induction tube between the zigzag of the moisture induction tube, and as the moisture evaporates, the inside of the road marker is additionally cooled, and accordingly, the operating temperature of the internal electronic components is lowered, thereby preventing thermal degradation of the printed circuit board (PCB) and battery, and extending the product life. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a road marker with improved waterproofing function according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a disassembled view of the road marker of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a drawing showing a vertical cross-section of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a diagram showing Figure 3 separated. FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining another embodiment of FIG. 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and thus the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the embodiments are included within the scope of the rights.

[0025] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the technical concept.

[0026] Terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, but these terms should be interpreted solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0027] When it is stated that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or coupled with that other component, or that there may be other components in between.

[0028] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as intended to be limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0030] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the embodiments, such detailed description is omitted.

[0031] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0032] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the depicted details. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Where terms such as "includes," "has," or "is made up" are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. Where a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0034] In interpreting the components, they are interpreted to include a margin of error even in the absence of a separate explicit statement.

[0035] In the case of describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described using expressions such as 'on,' 'upper,' 'lower,' or 'next to,' one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless 'immediately' or 'directly' is used.

[0036] When elements or layers are referred to as "on" another element or layer, this includes cases where another layer or element is placed directly on top of or in between. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0037] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the illustrated components.

[0038] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly, and as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art, various technical interlocking and operation are possible, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or together in an interlocking relationship.

[0039] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a road marker with improved waterproofing function according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a road marker with improved waterproofing function according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a disassembled drawing of the road marker of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a vertical cross-section of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a disassembled drawing of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining another embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an embodiment of the road marker with improved waterproofing function according to the present invention is described. The road marker (1) with improved waterproofing function includes a case (10), a body (20), a cover (30), and a holder (40).

[0042] A case (10) has a receiving portion (101) formed inside a side wall (12) that extends to wrap around both sides from a bottom surface (11) on the opposite side that is open on one side. The receiving portion (101) has one side open so that a cover of the body (20) can be attached and seated inside. The side wall (12) may include a plurality of pressure surfaces (121) that protrude from the inner surface and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The side wall (12) may include guide projections (102) that are arranged and protrude in an uneven shape toward the inner surface, i.e., the receiving portion (101).

[0043] The body (20) is combined with the holder (40) and provided in the receiving portion (101), and a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of light-emitting portions (LEDs) mounted thereon can be mounted thereon. The body (20) includes a battery mounting portion (21), a battery fixing pin (22), a printed circuit board mounting portion (23), and a coupling portion (24).

[0044] A battery mounting hole (21) can accommodate a battery (B) inside one side facing the cover (30). For example, the battery mounting hole (21) is provided to accommodate a plurality of batteries (B) respectively, and a battery fixing pin (22) is secured by a bolt (not shown) protruding between the batteries to fix the batteries (B). A printed circuit board mounting hole (23) is bent from the outer periphery of the battery mounting hole (21) in the direction in which the battery (B) is mounted, and extends parallel to the battery fixing pin (22) so that a printed circuit board (PCB) is mounted.

[0045] The printed circuit board mounting hole (23) may be extended in a 'U' shape from the periphery end of the battery mounting hole (21), with one side shielded in the direction where the cover (30) is coupled, and the mounting hole receiving hole (231) on the other side in the open direction may be positioned to face the bottom surface (11) of the case (10). Additionally, the printed circuit board mounting hole (23) may have a coupling hole (24) formed that extends radially from the central axis of the battery mounting hole (21).

[0046] The coupling member (24) extends from the printed circuit board mounting member (23) in the opposite direction to where the cover (30) is coupled, and is bent multiple times so that a part of the cover (30) is coupled.

[0047] For example, the coupling member (24) extends in the opposite direction to where the cover (30) is coupled from the printed circuit board mounting member (23), and at the extended end, a fastening hole (241) is formed so that a fastening bolt (Bt) can pass through it and can come into contact with the front end (32) of the cover (30) described later.

[0048] The cover (30) covers the printed circuit board (PCB) and is coupled to the body (20). The cover (30) includes a cover body (31), a protruding groove (33), and a watertight protrusion (34).

[0049] The cover body (31) may include a front end (32) that is made of a transparent material and extends outward along the perimeter of the cover receiving portion (311) into which a solar panel (S) is partially inserted.

[0050] The projection groove (33) is formed in the direction of insertion on the outer surface of the tip (32) and can be formed in a groove shape so that the projection (45) described later can be inserted.

[0051] The watertight protrusion (34) can be formed to protrude from the outer surface (321) of the tip (32) in correspondence with the watertight groove (44) described later. This watertight protrusion (34) can be inserted into the watertight groove (44) by a press fit to firmly connect the cover (30) and the holder (40).

[0052] The holder (40) may be provided with either urethane or rubber material having elasticity, and this is an example, and it is obvious that it may be provided with other materials having elasticity. The holder (40) is provided in the receiving portion (101) by having a part of the combined cover (30) and body (20) inserted therein, and its outer surface is in close contact with the inner surface of the case (10), and its inner surface is in close contact with the outer surface of the inserted body (20) and cover (30). The holder (40) includes a holder body (41), a support portion (42), an insertion portion (43), a watertight groove (44), and a projection (45).

[0053] The holder body (41) is in close contact with the battery mounting portion (21). For example, the holder body (41) supports the battery mounting portion (21) between the bottom surface (11) of the case (10) and the battery mounting portion (21). A support portion (42) may be bent and extended from the outer circumference of the holder body (41) to correspond to the printed circuit board mounting portion (23).

[0054] The support member (42) extends from the outer circumference, i.e., the outer edge, of the holder body (41) and supports the printed circuit board mounting hole (23) from the bottom surface (11). For example, the support member (42) can be inserted into the mounting hole receiving hole (231) to support the printed circuit board mounting hole (23). In addition, the support member (42) is formed in the same shape as the 'C'-shaped printed circuit board mounting hole (23), so that the insertion part (43) adheres to the inner circumference of the side wall (12) by means of resistance, thereby improving watertightness.

[0055] The insertion part (43) extends from the support part (42) and is extended to form an insertion groove (431) into which a tip (32) protruding in a direction covering the printed circuit board (PCB) is inserted from the periphery of the coupling part (24) and the cover (30). The outer periphery of the insertion part (43) includes a second guide part (432) formed in an uneven shape corresponding to the first guide part (102), so that they slide into each other with the first guide part (102) to firmly fix the holder (40) and the case (10) together.

[0056] The watertight grooves (44) are provided in multiple numbers and are arranged spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval along the circumference of the inner surface (432) of one side facing the cover (30) of the insertion part (43).

[0057] The projection (45) protrudes around the end side of the insertion part (43) facing the cover (30).

[0058] When the cover (30) holder (40) is combined, moisture entering from the outside can be prevented through the double waterproofing treatment of the protrusion (45) and the watertight protrusion (34).

[0059] A solar panel (S) is provided between a printed circuit board (PCB) and a cover (30). The solar panel (S) is capable of receiving solar energy from outside the cover (30), converting it into electrical energy, and supplying it to a connected battery (B). Since the operation of such a solar panel (S) is a known technology, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0060] Additionally, an O-ring (O) is provided between the body (20) and the cover (30). For example, the O-ring (O) is provided between the printed circuit board mounting portion (23) and the coupling portion (24) which are bent, so that when the cover (30) is coupled to the body (20), the O-ring (O) is compressed to create a triple seal, thereby providing waterproofing.

[0061] In addition, according to another embodiment, the road marker with improved waterproofing function includes a case (10) that includes a moisture induction section (50) including a moisture induction channel (51) and a moisture induction tube (52).

[0062] A moisture guide (51) is incorporated to guide moisture flowing in between the cover (30) and the protrusion (45) on the inner circumference of the case (10) to the outside of the lower side opposite the opening of the case (10).

[0063] The moisture-inducing tube (52) is bent and extended in a zigzag pattern from the moisture-inducing path (51) on the lower side outside of the case (10).

[0064] One side of the heat transfer pin (60) is close to the light-emitting part (LED), and the other side passes through the printed circuit board mounting part (23) and the insertion part (43) and extends through the zigzag of the moisture induction tube (52) to transfer heat generated from the light-emitting part (LED) to the outside of the case (10).

[0065] For example, the heat transfer pin (60) may have a pin body (61) passing through a printed circuit board mounting portion (23) and an insertion portion (43), and one side (62) of the pin body (61) may be positioned in a cover receiving portion (311) and the other side (63) may be exposed toward a moisture induction tube (52) positioned on a bottom surface (11). At this time, heat transfer may occur through the other side (63) of the heat transfer pin (60) contacting the moisture induction tube (52) or through the atmosphere.

[0066] Additionally, the body (20) includes a reflector (70) that reflects a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting part (LED) to the heat transfer pin (60).

[0067] The reflector (70) may be provided inside the cover (30) so as to be inserted into the cover receiving portion (311). The reflector (70) can reflect the light source emitted from the light-emitting portion (LED) to the heat transfer pin (60) and concentrate the reflected light source on the heat transfer pin (60).

[0068] Additionally, the heat transfer pin (60) may have a transmission-preventing material (621) applied to the opposite side of the direction of reflection from the reflector (70) to prevent the transmission of a light source that is reflected and concentrated from the reflector (70).

[0069] Therefore, the heat concentrated in the printed circuit board mounting area (23) due to the light source reflected by the reflector (70) can be reduced, thereby improving durability.

[0070] According to the road marker with improved waterproofing function of the present invention, the road marker with improved waterproofing function can improve the stability of internal electronic components and enhance durability by reducing the possibility of moisture penetration due to various immersion conditions such as rainfall, road surface flooding, and high-pressure washing through a multi-layer waterproofing structure compared to conventional single or double sealing structures. Furthermore, since the holder is composed of an elastic material such as urethane or rubber, it can adhere to the inner surface of the case and the outer surface of the body and cover through its own elasticity, so the adhesion is maintained even if the component shrinks or expands due to repeated external impacts or temperature changes, thereby suppressing the degradation of waterproofing performance even in long-term usage environments. Even if a small amount of moisture enters between the case and the cover from the outside, it can induce moisture into the case and evaporate the induced moisture, thereby minimizing contact between electronic components and moisture and improving the durability and reliability of the road marker. In the process where heat generated from the light-emitting part (LED) is conducted to the outside of the case through the heat transfer pin, the heat transfer pin exchanges heat with the moisture inside the moisture induction tube between the zigzag of the moisture induction tube. This process is carried out, and as moisture evaporates, the interior of the road marker is further cooled. Consequently, the operating temperature of internal electronic components is lowered, which prevents thermal degradation of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and batteries, thereby extending the product lifespan.

[0071] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical spirits within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

[0072] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0074] 1: Road marker 10: Case 20: Body 30: Cover 40: Holder

Claims

Claim 1 A case having a receiving portion formed with one side open inside; a body on which a printed circuit board having a plurality of light-emitting portions mounted thereon is seated; a cover that covers the printed circuit board and is coupled to the body; and a holder in which a part of the coupled cover and the body is inserted and provided in the receiving portion, wherein the outer surface is in close contact with the inner surface of the case and the inner surface is in close contact with the outer surface of the inserted body and the cover; and a solar panel provided between the printed circuit board and the cover. and includes an O-ring provided between the body and the cover, wherein the body comprises a battery mounting hole in which a battery is accommodated on the interior of one side facing the cover, a battery fixing pin for fixing the battery in the battery mounting hole, a printed circuit board mounting hole that is bent from the outer periphery of the battery mounting hole in the direction in which the battery is mounted and extends parallel to the battery fixing pin to mount the printed circuit board, and a coupling hole that extends from the printed circuit board mounting hole in the opposite direction to which the cover is coupled and is bent multiple times to mount a part of the cover, and the holder comprises a holder body that is in close contact with the battery mounting hole, a support part that extends from the holder body and supports the printed circuit board mounting hole, an insertion part that extends from the support part and extends to form an insertion groove into which a tip protruding in the direction of covering the printed circuit board on the periphery side of the coupling hole and the cover is inserted, and a predetermined spacing between the insertion part along the inner circumference of one side facing the cover. A road marker with improved waterproofing function, characterized by comprising a plurality of spaced-apart watertight grooves and a projection protruding from the end side of the insertion part facing the cover, wherein the cover comprises a cover receiving part made of a transparent material into which the solar panel is partially inserted, a cover body extending outward along the periphery of the cover receiving part to form the tip, a projection groove into which the projection is inserted formed in multiple stages at the tip, and a watertight projection protruding outwardly from the outer surface of the tip in correspondence with the watertight groove and inserted by a press fit. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete

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