LED light output module for traffic signal generation

Abstract

The present invention relates to an LED light output module for generating traffic signals. It comprises: a housing that provides a receiving space and is open to the top; a circuit board housed within the housing and having a plurality of LED modules mounted thereon; an LED driving module connected to the circuit board and controlling the LED modules; a multi-array lens module installed on the top of the circuit board, having a lens portion corresponding one-to-one to each LED module and irradiating light emitted from the LED modules upward; and a light-transmitting cover that covers and seals the housing. The LED optical output module for traffic signal generation according to the present invention, constructed as described above, has significantly improved brightness and excellent visibility as a lens portion is combined one-to-one with the built-in LED module. Furthermore, by applying an aspherical lens or a multifocal lens to control the beam angle, glare is reduced and visibility is improved, and the structure that diffuses light suppresses the occurrence of localized hot spots.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an LED optical output module for generating traffic signals that has a simple structure and good visibility. Background Technology

[0002] Pedestrian ground traffic lights, primarily installed at crosswalks, are designed to have a light output structure with sufficient brightness and an appropriate beam angle to minimize glare and provide better visibility.

[0003] There are various types of these ground traffic lights, and primarily, methods using lamp-type LEDs with directional capabilities or methods combining LEDs with reflectors have been used.

[0004] However, while the aforementioned lamp-type LED method has the advantage of being able to form directional characteristics relatively easily, it has the problem of reduced reliability during prolonged use due to vulnerability to external impacts or moisture. In particular, since it is installed on the floor, it is subjected to repetitive loads and impacts by pedestrians or vehicles, making it highly likely that functional failure will occur due to continuous physical stress.

[0005] Furthermore, in the case of a method combining LEDs with reflectors, while a certain level of brightness and directional performance can be secured initially, discoloration or degradation of the plating layer on the reflector's surface frequently occurs depending on the usage environment. If the reflector's reflective performance deteriorates, light-gathering efficiency decreases, inevitably leading to a significant decline in overall light output and visibility.

[0006] Technology is required for optical output modules that can maintain stable brightness and optical performance without durability deteriorating due to the influence of the external environment, even after long-term use. The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention was created to resolve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an LED optical output module for generating traffic signals that has good brightness and visibility, maintains stable performance even during long-term use, and has a compact configuration. means of solving the problem

[0008] The LED light output module for generating traffic signals according to the present invention, as a means of solving the problem for achieving the above objective, comprises: a housing that provides a receiving space and is open to the top; a circuit board that is housed within the housing and has a plurality of LED modules mounted thereon; an LED driving module that is connected to the circuit board and controls the LED modules; a multi-array lens module that is installed on the top of the circuit board and has a lens portion corresponding one-to-one to each LED module and irradiates light emitted from the LED modules upward; and a light-transmitting cover that covers and seals the housing.

[0009] In addition, a support member for horizontally fixing and supporting a circuit board is further provided inside the above-mentioned enclosure.

[0010] In addition, the multi-array lens module has an integrated structure and has a side wall portion that surrounds the lens portion at the edge.

[0011] In addition, the lens portion has a refractive surface that refracts light irradiated from the LED module and a reflective surface that receives and reflects the refracted light.

[0012] In addition, a light-diffusing uneven surface is formed on the upper surface of the multi-array lens module to diffuse light passing through each lens part.

[0013] In addition, the upper part of the multi-array lens module is further provided with a light-guiding tilt body that deflects light passing through the multi-array lens module in a certain direction.

[0014] In addition, a light-diffusing protrusion is further formed on the upper surface of the light-transmitting cover to diffuse the light emitted through the light-transmitting cover.

[0015] In addition, the above LED module has various types of light-emitting chips that output mutually different colors arranged in parallel.

[0016] In addition, the light-emitting chip includes a red light-emitting chip and a green light-emitting chip.

[0017] In addition, the light-emitting chip further includes a yellow light-emitting chip. Effects of the invention

[0018] The LED optical output module for traffic signal generation according to the present invention, as described above, has significantly improved brightness and excellent visibility as a lens part is combined one-to-one with the built-in LED module.

[0019] In addition, by applying aspherical or multifocal lenses, the beam angle can be controlled, reducing glare and ensuring good visibility, and the structure that diffuses light suppresses the occurrence of localized hot spots.

[0020] Furthermore, by configuring a single LED module to selectively output red, green, or even yellow light, there is no need to provide separate light-emitting modules for each color, allowing for a compact overall structure and enabling improved assembly and miniaturization due to the reduction in the number of parts.

[0021] Furthermore, since it exhibits minimal degradation in lifespan even after prolonged use and maintains stable light output, while continuously providing high brightness and excellent visibility, it is suitable for application as an auxiliary signal generator linked with standard traffic lights. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED optical output module for generating traffic signals according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the LED optical output module for generating traffic signals illustrated in FIG. 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement configuration of the circuit board of the optical output module and the multi-array lens module shown in FIG. 2. Figure 4 is a side view of the optical output module illustrated in Figure 1. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an extended view of a light output module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of Figure 3. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the multi-array lens module illustrated in Figure 3. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the light irradiation method of the lens part illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of an operation method of an optical output module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are drawings showing examples of implementation of an LED module applicable to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a multi-array lens module with a light-guiding inclined plate mounted thereon. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a light output module according to one embodiment of the present invention assisting a traffic signal. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, one embodiment according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED optical output module (10) for generating a traffic signal according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the LED optical output module for generating a traffic signal shown in FIG. 1 of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement configuration of the circuit board of the optical output module shown in FIG. 2 and the multi-array lens module. And FIG. 4 is a side view of the optical output module shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] As described above, the LED light output module (10) for generating a traffic signal according to the present embodiment may include a housing (11), a supporter (13), a circuit board (17), a plurality of LED modules (21), a multi-array lens module (30), and a light-transmitting cover (41).

[0026] In this embodiment, a plurality of light output modules (10) are installed in parallel and can be configured to operate all simultaneously or partially. Additionally, the light output modules (10) may be installed so as to be embedded in the ground, or installed adjacent to a traffic signal (75) installed above a road as shown in FIG. 13.

[0027] The housing (11) is a square case that provides a storage space and is open at the top. The housing (11) can be made of synthetic resin or metal. The size of the housing (11) can be manufactured in various ways.

[0028] Additionally, the support member (13) is a structure fixed inside the enclosure (11) and can horizontally fix and support the circuit board (17). The support member (13) can perform the role of supporting or fixing not only the circuit board (17) but also other components embedded in the enclosure (11), such as an LED driving module or wired power lines. As long as it can perform such a role, the structure of the support member (13) can be varied. For example, it may take the form of a frame or have the shape of a bracket.

[0029] The circuit board (17) is a component that is horizontally fixed to a supporter (13) within the housing. A plurality of LED modules (21) are mounted on the circuit board (17). The LED modules (21) are connected to a circuit formed on the circuit board (17) and emit light by means of a transmitted control signal.

[0030] Additionally, the LED modules (21) have a matrix structure spaced apart at regular intervals in the front-rear and left-right directions on the circuit board (17). Each LED module (21) can be controlled by an LED driving module (19 in FIG. 4).

[0031] The LED driving module (19) is connected to the circuit board (17) and can independently control each LED module (21). It can turn on or off multiple LED modules (21) simultaneously, or drive only some of the LED modules (21). For example, as shown in FIG. 9a, all LED modules included in the multi-array lens module (30) can be turned on or off simultaneously, or as shown in FIG. 9b, only some can be turned on or off. That is, the LED modules (21) can be driven alternately by dividing them into two groups of eight. Also, if eight of the 16 LED modules (21) are not operating, the remaining eight LED modules (21) can be operated. In FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b, the hatched part indicates the LED module that is turned on.

[0032] The LED driving module (19) can receive a control signal input from an external device, such as a traffic signal controller, and control the light emission timing, light emission state, and light emission color of the LED module (21). The LED driving module (19) may have a communication unit built in that can communicate with an external traffic signal controller or a manager's control terminal.

[0033] In addition, the LED module (21) used in the light output module (10) of the present embodiment is equipped with various types of light-emitting chips (23, 25, 27 of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) that output mutually different colors in parallel and can output two or more colors.

[0034] First, we will explain the LED module (21) through FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11.

[0035] The LED module (21) illustrated in FIG. 10 is equipped with two light-emitting chips. One light-emitting chip is a red light-emitting chip (23), and the other light-emitting chip is a green light-emitting chip (25). The red light-emitting chip (23) and the green light-emitting chip (25) are connected in parallel to the circuit board (17) and operate selectively. For example, when the red light-emitting chip (23) is lit, the green light-emitting chip (25) is turned off, and conversely, when the green light-emitting chip (25) is lit, the red light-emitting chip (23) is turned off.

[0036] In the LED module (21) illustrated in FIG. 11, a red light-emitting chip (23), a green light-emitting chip (25), and a yellow light-emitting chip (27) are applied. The yellow light-emitting chip (27) can output yellow light. When configured to enable the output of red, green, and yellow light, the light output module (10) can be effectively utilized as an auxiliary means for traffic signals. This is because, by illuminating the yellow light-emitting chip (27) at the time when the yellow signal is illuminated on the traffic signal, drivers or pedestrians can more easily recognize the change in the signal.

[0037] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, it can be seen that a plurality of multi-array lens modules (30) are installed on the upper part of the circuit board (17).

[0038] The multi-array lens module (30) has an integrated structure and can be made of transparent polycarbonate. The multi-array lens module (30) has an integrated structure and is placed on top of an LED module (21) mounted on a circuit board (17), and can pass light output from the LED module (21) through to illuminate upwards.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of FIG. 3, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the multi-array lens module illustrated in FIG. 3. In addition, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the light irradiation method of the lens part illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0040] As described above, the multi-array lens module (30) is provided with a plurality of lens portions (33) and side wall portions (32). The lens portions (33) correspond one-to-one with each LED module (21). Light output from each LED module (21) passes through the lens portions (33) and is irradiated onto the upper part of the multi-array lens module (30).

[0041] The lens portion (33) takes the shape of a roughly cone with a diameter that narrows toward the bottom and has a light receiving groove (33a), a refractive surface (33b), and a reflective surface (33c). The light receiving groove (33a) is a groove of a certain inner diameter formed in the center of the lower portion of the lens portion (33). Light irradiated from the LED module (21) can be irradiated into the light receiving groove (33a), pass through the refractive surface (33b), and then be reflected by the reflective surface (33c) to be irradiated upward. The refractive surface (33b) is the inner surface of the light receiving groove (33a).

[0042] Additionally, the reflective surface (33c) receives a portion of the light traveling through the refractive surface (33b) and converts its direction of travel upward (in the direction of arrow c in Fig. 8). A portion of the light emitted from the LED module (21) and incident into the interior of the light receiving groove (33a) is refracted as it passes through the refractive surface (33b), and then incident on the reflective surface (33c) and reflected, thereby being irradiated upward.

[0043] In this way, the reflective surface (33c) performs the function of controlling the direction of propagation of the refracted light and concentrating it in the direction of the upward light emission, thereby reducing light loss and improving the utilization efficiency of the light emitted through the lens part (33).

[0044] A light-diffusing uneven surface (35) is formed on the upper surface of the multi-array lens module (30). As light irradiated through each lens unit (33) passes through the light-diffusing uneven surface (35), the emission angle widens and the light distribution becomes more uniform, thereby suppressing localized brightness concentration, i.e., the occurrence of hot spots. In addition, visibility is improved by the light-diffusing uneven surface (35), and the total light output emitted through the multi-array lens module (30) can be maintained more stably. The light-diffusing uneven surface (35) is an embossing portion formed in a pattern of various shapes.

[0045] In particular, the directional angle of light emitted by each lens unit (33) may be 10 degrees or more. For example, it may be 10 to 50 degrees. In addition, the directional angles of all lens units (33) may be the same or may be combined differently. For example, each lens unit (33) may have a different directional angle, or each group may have a different directional angle. Furthermore, the directional angles of multiple multi-array lens modules (30) included in the light output module (10) can also be implemented in various ways.

[0046] The above side wall portion (32) is formed at the edge of the multi-array lens module (30) and is a portion that surrounds the lens portion (33). The lower portion of the side wall portion (32) can be fixed to the circuit board (17).

[0047] Reference numeral 31 in FIG. 6 is a bolt hole. As shown, by inserting a bolt (37) into the bolt hole (31) and fastening it to the circuit board (17), the multi-array lens module (30) can be maintained in a stable state coupled to the circuit board (17).

[0048] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a light-guiding inclined body (63) mounted on a multi-array lens module (30).

[0049] As described above, an inclined plate holder (61) is mounted on the upper part of the multi-array lens module (30), and a light-guiding inclined body (63) is installed on the inclined plate holder (61).

[0050] The above-mentioned inclined plate holder (61) is a mounting bracket that is detachably mounted to the multi-array lens module (30) and supports the light-guiding inclined body (63). A locking groove (32a) is formed on the side of the multi-array lens module (30) so that the inclined plate holder (61) can be installed. The lower part of the inclined plate holder (61) is detachably fitted into the locking groove (32a).

[0051] The light-guiding inclined body (63) is formed of a light-transmitting material and is a light-guiding member having a lateral cross-section that is approximately triangular in shape, and can deflect the direction of light propagation by refracting it through an optical action similar to that of a prism. The bottom surface of the light-guiding inclined body (63) is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the top surface is inclined downward to one side.

[0052] Light that passes through the multi-array lens module (30) and is irradiated upward in a vertical direction is incident on the light-guiding inclined body (63), then refracted on the inclined surface and deflected to the left in the drawing. By deflecting the output light in this way, the light reaches the pedestrian's field of vision more effectively, thereby improving visibility and providing the effect of further enhancing the recognizability of traffic signals.

[0053] Meanwhile, the light-transmitting cover (41) is a component that covers and seals the housing (11). By positioning the light-transmitting cover (41) on the upper part of the housing (11), the space between the housing (11) and the light-transmitting cover (41) is sealed to prevent moisture or dust from entering the interior. The light-transmitting cover (41) can be made of transparent polycarbonate.

[0054] Additionally, a plurality of light-diffusing protrusions (41a) are formed on the upper surface of the light-transmitting cover (41). The light-diffusing protrusions (41a) are geometric protrusions formed at regular intervals on the upper surface of the light-transmitting cover (41), which diffuse the light emitted through the light-transmitting cover (41) to make the light distribution more uniform. The size and spacing of the light-diffusing protrusions (41a) can be varied.

[0055] In FIGS. 2 and 3, four multi-array lens modules (30) are applied in a row, but the number of multi-array lens modules (30) applied varies depending on the size of the light output module (10). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, they can be extended long.

[0056] FIG. 5a is a drawing illustrating another modified example of an optical output module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5b is a modified example of FIG. 5a.

[0057] As described above, the light output module (10) is extended horizontally. The illustrated light output module (10) is equipped with 14 multi-array lens modules (30). The length of the light output module (12) can be adjusted by varying the number of multi-array lens modules (30) applied. As described above, when the length of the light output module (10) is extended, the light output module (10) can be used as an auxiliary means for a traffic signal light, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0058] In FIG. 5b, seven multi-array lens modules (30) are applied. As mentioned above, the number of multi-array lens modules (30) applied may vary depending on the required length of the optical output module (10).

[0059] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a light output module according to one embodiment of the present invention assisting a traffic signal.

[0060] As described above, a plurality of light output modules (10) are applied to the post (71) and horizontal arm (73) supporting the traffic signal light (75). The light output modules (10) can output signals that assist the traffic signal light (75).

[0061] As described above, the LED light output module (10) for generating traffic signals of the present embodiment has a configuration that improves light output efficiency and visibility by matching a plurality of LED modules (21) mounted on a circuit board with a lens part (33) in a one-to-one manner. In addition, the irradiated light is diffused by repeatedly passing through the light-diffusing uneven surface and the light-diffusing protrusions of the light-transmitting cover, thereby preventing the occurrence of hot spots and further improving visibility and signal recognition.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0063] 10: Optical output module 11: Enclosure 13: Supporter 17: Circuit board 19: LED driving module 21: LED module 23: Red light-emitting chip 25: Green light-emitting chip 27: Yellow light-emitting chip 30: Multi-array lens module 31: Bolt hole 32: Side wall 32a: Locking groove 33: Lens part 33a: Light-receiving groove 33b: Refractive surface 33c: Reflective surface 35: Light-diffusing uneven surface 37: Bolt 41: Light-transmitting cover 41a: Light-diffusing projection 61: Inclined plate holder 63: Light-guiding inclined body 71: Post 73: Horizontal arm 75: Traffic signal

Claims

Claim 1 A housing that provides a receiving space and is open to the top; a circuit board housed within the housing and having a plurality of LED modules mounted thereon; an LED driving module connected to the circuit board and controlling the plurality of LED modules; a multi-array lens module installed on the top of the circuit board, having a lens portion corresponding one-to-one to each LED module, and irradiating light emitted from the plurality of LED modules upward; and a light-transmitting cover that covers and seals the housing, and on the top of the multi-array lens module, a light-inducing inclined body formed of a light-transmitting material, having a triangular lateral cross-section, a bottom surface parallel to the horizontal plane, and a top surface inclined downward to one side in the form of a prism; An LED light output module for generating traffic signals, comprising: a mounting bracket that is detachably mounted to the multi-array lens module and supports the light-guiding inclined body; wherein the light-guiding inclined body is characterized in that, when light passing through the multi-array lens module is incident on the light-guiding inclined body, the light is refracted and deflected on the upper surface and reaches within a specified range. Claim 2 An LED optical output module for generating traffic signals, wherein, in the first paragraph, a support supporter for horizontally fixing and supporting a circuit board is further provided inside the housing. Claim 3 In claim 1, the multi-array lens module has an integrated structure and has a side wall portion that surrounds the lens portion at the edge, an LED light output module for generating traffic signals. Claim 4 In paragraph 2, the LED light output module for generating traffic signals, wherein the lens portion has a refractive surface that refracts light irradiated from the plurality of LED modules and a reflective surface that receives and reflects the refracted light. Claim 5 In claim 4, an LED light output module for generating traffic signals, wherein a light-diffusing uneven surface is formed on the upper surface of the multi-array lens module to diffuse light passing through each lens part. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 An LED light output module for generating traffic signals, wherein, in claim 1, a light-diffusing protrusion is further formed on the upper surface of the light-transmitting cover to diffuse light emitted through the light-transmitting cover. Claim 8 In claim 1, an LED light output module for generating traffic signals, wherein each of the above LED modules has a variety of light-emitting chips that output mutually different colors arranged in parallel. Claim 9 In claim 8, the LED light output module for generating traffic signals includes a red light-emitting chip and a green light-emitting chip in the light-emitting chip. Claim 10 In claim 9, the LED light output module for generating traffic signals further includes a yellow light-emitting chip in the light-emitting chip.

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