Embedded road marking device with super-wide angle retroreflective properties

Abstract

The present invention provides a recessed road marking device having super-wide angle retroreflective performance, comprising: a main body portion configured to be inserted into the ground to a predetermined depth; a reflective main body portion attached to an upper surface of the main body portion; and a protective cover portion engaged with an upper portion of the main body portion for wrapping the reflective main body portion, and the protective cover portion does not protrude above the ground.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure include an embedded road marking device with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective properties. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, road signs convey information to drivers on the road and are an important element of safety and traffic guidance. They use various shapes, sizes, colors, and symbols to convey different types of information.

[0003] Specifically, road markings are facilities installed on the road surface (road surface) to clearly guide drivers' vision at night and in inclement weather. For example, such as Figure 1 As shown in (a), conventional road markings 1 can be set at equal intervals along the lanes on the road surface so that drivers can easily identify the lanes at night and in bad weather.

[0004] like Figure 1 As shown in (b), a traditional road sign 1 consists of a sign body 2 installed on the ground and a reflector part 3 attached to one side of the sign body. The reflector part 3 used in the traditional road sign 1 has poor wide-angle retroreflectivity due to its microprism retroreflection structure. Since the retroreflective effect is only visible when exposed to the driver, the reflector 3 must protrude above the ground or road surface and be physically exposed.

[0005] In other words, traditional road markings are always constructed by protruding from the road surface. Therefore, there is a possibility that the markings may detach from the road surface due to continuous impacts during vehicle travel, which could lead to safety accidents, such as the detached markings colliding with subsequent vehicles.

[0006] In addition to the aforementioned safety issues, traditional road markings only exhibit retroreflective properties when vehicles approach them closely, making it difficult for drivers to identify their location at night and in inclement weather.

[0007] Fully embedded road markings that do not protrude from the ground or road surface, but since these markings are all self-illuminating LED markings, they require built-in electronic components such as LED modules and solar power generation modules for LED lighting.

[0008] The self-illuminating road markings, by being fully embedded, partially solve the problem of damage or detachment caused by collisions with vehicles. However, because a large number of electronic components must be built into them, they frequently malfunction and are difficult to maintain.

[0009] Existing technical documents

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2508000 (March 6, 2023) Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a road sign that improves upon the problems of traditional road signs by completely embedding it in the ground or road surface without protruding, thereby preventing the possibility of the sign falling off or being damaged due to vehicle collisions, while allowing drivers to easily identify the sign's location. The ultra-wide-angle design aims to provide a built-in road marking device with retroreflective properties.

[0014] The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems described herein. Those skilled in the art can conceive of other unmentioned technical problems from the various embodiments described below.

[0015] means for solving problems

[0016] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a main body portion is configured to be inserted at a predetermined depth from the ground; a reflective main body portion is attached to the upper surface of the main body portion; and a protective cover portion is connected to the upper part of the main body portion to surround the reflective main body portion, which can provide an embedded road sign, wherein the reflective member is configured to have a higher light reflectivity for oblique incident light than for perpendicular incident light, and the protective cover member does not protrude from the ground.

[0017] The protective cover includes an exposed portion that is parallel to the reflective portion and exposed to the ground, and the surface of the exposed portion can be installed at the same height as the ground or at a predetermined depth from the ground.

[0018] The reflective portion includes: a reflector substrate having a predetermined thickness; and includes an ultra-wide-angle pattern portion, the structure of which makes the reflectivity of obliquely incident light higher than that of perpendicularly incident light, and the ultra-wide-angle pattern portion consists of a plurality of reflective structures protruding from a surface of the reflector substrate, and each of the plurality of reflective structures can be formed in the shape of a triangular prism, wherein the corner portion parallel to a surface of the reflector substrate is formed at the position farthest from the reflector substrate.

[0019] Each of the plurality of reflective structures includes a first reflective surface disposed on the ground facing the direction of vehicle approach and forming a predetermined first tilt angle relative to a surface of the reflector base; and a second reflective surface disposed on the opposite side of the first reflective surface and disposed at a second tilt angle of right or obtuse relative to a surface of the reflector base, wherein both the first and second reflective surfaces are formed in a triangular shape and the corners are connectable to one end of the first reflective surface and one end of the second reflective surface.

[0020] Light incident on the surface of the protective cover portion at a first angle range of 10° or less can be reflected at a second angle range of 0.4° to 2.8° larger than the first angle size relative to the surface of the protective cover portion.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by burying it in the ground or road surface, it is substantially non-protruding, which can prevent the possibility of it falling off or being damaged due to vehicle collisions, etc.

[0023] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, light reflection is formed for oblique incident light rather than perpendicular incident light. The ultra-wide-angle lens, by incorporating retroreflective components, allows drivers to easily identify the location of road signs even when they are completely embedded in the road surface.

[0024] In addition, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the ultra-wide-angle lens, by installing retroreflective elements on the vehicle, allows the driver to easily identify the location and direction of travel of road signs from a distance, compared to traditional road signs, thereby improving the safety of nighttime driving.

[0025] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, damage to components can be prevented even if the vehicle drives directly over road markings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are part of the detailed description, are used to help understand the embodiments. The drawings provide various embodiments and, together with the detailed description, describe the technical features of the various embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a road map showing the typical retroreflective properties.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an example installation diagram of an embedded road marking with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective properties according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of a bottle with built-in road marking capabilities and ultra-wide-angle image retroreflective properties.

[0030] Figure 4This is an exploded perspective view of a built-in road marking with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective properties according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of section A.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a retroreflective element in a road marking bottle with built-in ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of the reflection structure of the regressor.

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The diagram shown is a plan view of the retroreflective section from above.

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Section II.

[0036] Figure 10 for Figure 8 Section II-II.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 10: Road signs;

[0039] 100: Body;

[0040] 110: Landfill;

[0041] 120: Settlement;

[0042] 200: Reflector;

[0043] 210: Reflector base;

[0044] 220: Extra-wide pattern section;

[0045] 2200: Reflective structure;

[0046] 2210: The first reflector;

[0047] 2220: The second reflector;

[0048] 2230: Corner;

[0049] 2240: First page;

[0050] 2250: Second page;

[0051] 300: Protective shield section;

[0052] 310: Exposure;

[0053] 320: Cover connector. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely examples and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0055] In describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known techniques related to this disclosure will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the main points of this disclosure. Furthermore, the terminology described below is defined with reference to the functionality of this disclosure and may vary depending on the intent or habit of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be based on the entire contents of this specification.

[0056] The technical concept of this disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims, and the following embodiments are merely a means to effectively explain the technical concept of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0057] An ultra-wide-angle view according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure is an example of the installation of a built-in road sign 10 with retroreflective properties. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The ultra-wide-angle image shown. Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the built-in road sign 10 with retroreflective properties. Figure 4 This is an ultra-wide-angle view according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an exploded perspective view of the built-in road marking bottle 10 with retroreflective properties.

[0058] refer to Figures 2 to 4 An ultra-wide-angle embedded road sign 10 with retroreflective properties according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body portion 100, a retroreflective body portion 200, and a protective cover portion 300.

[0059] The main body 100 can be installed to a predetermined depth into the ground or road surface G. The retroreflective main body component 200 can be attached to the upper surface of the main body component 100. The protective cover portion 300 can be joined to the upper part of the main body component 100 to surround the reflective portion 200. That is, the retroreflective body component 200 can be located between the upper surface of the main body component 100 and the protective cover portion 300.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 300 can be installed such that it does not protrude from the ground G or only protrudes slightly from the road surface by 7 mm or less. "Not protruding" can mean that the surface of the protective cover 300 does not protrude from the ground G or the road surface at all.

[0061] The protective cover 300 may include an exposed portion 310 disposed parallel to the reflective portion 200 and exposed to the ground surface G. This exposure may not mean physical protrusion from the road surface, but may mean visual recognition from the road surface.

[0062] Furthermore, the surface of the exposed portion 310 can be installed at the same height as the ground G, or at a predetermined depth from the ground G. Alternatively, the surface of the exposed portion 310 can be located at a height of 7 mm or less from the ground G, and can be substantially non-protruding within a range that does not interfere with vehicle traffic. That is to say, the surface of the protective cover 300 can be arranged to be substantially flush with the ground G or the road surface, or the surface of the protective cover 300 can be installed at a greater depth from the ground G or the road surface.

[0063] The problem of road markings 10 installed on the road falling off or being damaged due to collisions or interference with vehicles during vehicle travel.

[0064] The main body 100 may be composed of a built-in main body 110 having a preset height in the vertical direction. (See figure.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The example given is a cylindrical landfill body 110 with a hemispherical lower part, but this is just an example and is not a limitation. The landfill body 110 can be formed into various shapes such as a hexahedron or other polygons, as long as its upper surface is parallel to the ground surface G and can accommodate the reflective component 200.

[0065] The upper edge surface or outer periphery of the landfill 110 may be recessed by a predetermined thickness toward the upper and lower central axes of the landfill 110, thereby forming a step on the edge or outer periphery of the landfill 110 in the width direction. A settlement portion 120 may be formed.

[0066] The protective cover portion 300 may include a flat exposed portion 310 and a cover joint portion 320 formed to extend vertically from the edge or outer periphery of the exposed portion 310. In one example of the protective cover portion 300 shown in the figure, the exposed portion 310 may be formed as an elliptical plate, and the cover joint portion 320 may extend downward at a right angle from the outer periphery of the exposed portion 310.

[0067] When the protective cover 300 is attached to the upper part of the body 100, the cover joint 320 can be attached by sitting on the mounting part 120.

[0068] It can be formed into a single structure, and the protective cover 300 can be formed of a transparent material or a material with transparency.

[0069] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of section A.

[0070] refer to Figure 5 A reflective member 200 can be inserted between the exposed member 310 and the upper surface of the main member 100. The headlight beam emitted by the vehicle G traveling on the ground can pass through the exposed part 310 and shine onto the reflective part 200, and can be reflected by the reflective part 200 within a preset angle range, reflected to the driver's field of vision height.

[0071] Specifically, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, an embedded road marking 10 with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective properties is capable of reflecting light incident on the surface of a protective cover 300 within a first angle (θ1) range of 10° or less to a second angle (θ2) range that is 0.4° to 2.8° larger than the size of the first angle (θ1) relative to the surface of the protective cover 300. Here, the first angle (θ1) can represent '90° - incident angle size', and the second angle (θ2) can represent 'first angle (θ1) + observation angle size'.

[0072] Preferably, when the light emanating from the vehicle headlights forms an angle of incidence of 80° or greater relative to the surface plane of the exposed portion 310 of the protective cover portion 300, the road sign 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can reflect the light, thereby creating an observation angle of 0.4° to 2.8° for the vehicle driver. In this disclosure, the angle of incidence is the angle between the line from the headlights illuminating the surface of the road sign 10 and the normal forming a perpendicular line from the surface of the road sign 10, and the observation angle is the angle between the line from the headlights illuminating the surface of the road sign 10 and the line formed by the light reflected to the driver's eyes.

[0073] This makes it easy for drivers to identify the location of road sign 10, even when vehicles are approaching from a distance.

[0074] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a built-in road marking device 10 with ultra-wide-angle reflectivity reflects light incident at a first angle (θ1) of 10° or less to a range of 0.4° to 2°. By reflecting at an observation angle of 8°, the headlights of an approaching vehicle can be reflected into the driver's field of vision at a distance sufficient to enable the driver to identify the location of the road marking 10 and turn the steering wheel.

[0075] Preferably, when a vehicle approaches a road sign 10 at a distance of 5 to 40 meters (most preferably about 30 meters) and emits light at a height of 65 to 86 centimeters (which is a typical headlight height (see Table 1 below)), the vehicle's light can be reflected by the road sign 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention and illuminate the driver's field of vision.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077]

[0078] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the ultra-wide-angle embedded road sign 10 with retroreflective properties can make the driver easily identify the position of the road sign 10 even when it is fully embedded and does not protrude substantially from the ground G, and can easily guide the driver's vehicle direction in environments where the road is difficult to identify.

[0079] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A, Figure 6 This is an ultra-wide-angle view according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the retroreflective member 200 included in a built-in road marking device 10 with retroreflective properties. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the reflective structure 2200 of the reflective member 200. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The plan view of the reflective component 200 shown. Figure 9 for Figure 8 Sectional view in direction II. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Sectional view II-II.

[0080] exist Figures 5 to 10 In the diagram, the Z-axis represents the vertical direction, the X-axis represents the first direction in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground G, and the Y-axis represents the second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground G.

[0081] See the reference image. Figures 5 to 10 The reflective portion 200 may include a reflector base with a predetermined thickness and an ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 configured such that the reflectivity of light incident on the ground G for oblique incident light is higher than that for perpendicular incident light. The ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 may consist of a plurality of reflective structures 2200 protruding from one surface of the reflector base. Preferably, the ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 may be disposed on one of the upper and lower surfaces of the reflector base facing the main body portion 100. The ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 may be formed to protrude from one surface of the reflector base along the vertical height direction (Z-axis) to a predetermined height (PH1).

[0082] Each of the plurality of reflective structures 2200 can be formed in the shape of a triangular prism, with its corner 2230 being formed parallel to one side of the reflector base at the position furthest from the reflector base. In addition, the triangular prism-shaped reflective structure 2200 can be formed such that its width in the second direction (Y-axis) gradually narrows from the reflector base toward the main body portion 100.

[0083] Each reflective structure 2200 may include: a first reflective surface 2210, which forms a predetermined first tilt angle (θ4) relative to one side of the reflector base 210; and a second reflective surface 2220, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first reflective surface 2210 and is disposed at a second tilt angle (θ5) perpendicular to or obtuse to one side of the reflector base 210. A cross angle (θ3) may be formed between the first reflective surface 2210 and the second reflective surface 2220.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second reflective surface 2220 forms an angle of approximately 90° with one side of the reflector base 210. It can be configured to form a second tilt angle (θ5) of 100°. More preferably, the second tilt angle (θ5) can be in the range of approximately 0.1° to 95°.

[0085] If the second tilt angle (θ5) is less than 90.1°, the light emitted by the vehicle's headlights may be reflected high enough to exceed the driver's field of vision. If the second tilt angle (θ5) is greater than 95°, the light may be reflected at too low a height and may not reach the driver's field of vision.

[0086] In each reflective structure 2200, a first reflective surface 2210 may be positioned toward a vehicle approaching the road mark 10, and a second reflective surface 2220 may be positioned on the opposite side of the first reflective surface 2210. Preferably, the first reflective surface 2210 and the second reflective surface 2220 may be spaced apart from each other along a first direction (X-axis) on one side of the reflector base 210.

[0087] Both the first reflecting surface 2210 and the second reflecting surface 2220 can be formed as triangles. Preferably, both the first reflecting surface 2210 and the second reflecting surface 2220 can be formed as isosceles triangles. In addition, the area of ​​the first reflecting surface 2210 can be larger than the area of ​​the second reflecting surface 2220.

[0088] The ends of the first reflective surface 2210 and the second reflective surface 2220 can be connected. The ends of the first reflective surface 2210 and the second reflective surface 2220 can refer to the opposite vertices of the base located on one side of the reflector base 210.

[0089] In other words, Figure 6 and 7 In the process, the triangular prism-shaped reflective structure 2200 may have a square bottom on one side of the sheet-like or film-like reflective base 210, but may have a structure in which the horizontal width gradually narrows towards the main body portion 100, such as... Figure 10 As shown. Thus, a straight edge 2230, which connects the first reflecting surface 2210 and the second reflecting surface 2220 and is parallel to the reflecting base 210, can be provided at the position furthest from the reflector base 210 in the reflecting structure 2200.

[0090] Between the first reflective surface 2210 and the second reflective surface 2220, a first side surface 2240 and a second side surface 2250 sharing a corner 2230 can be provided. The first side surface 2240 and the second side surface 2250 can be arranged facing each other in each reflective structure 2200, and each of the first side surface 2240 and the second side surface 2250 can be formed to extend from one side of the reflector base 210 to the corner 2230. The areas of the first side surface 2240 and the second side surface 2250 can be equal or substantially equal to each other.

[0091] The distance between the first side 2240 and the second side 2250 in the second direction (Y-axis) gradually narrows from the reflector base 210 toward the corner 2230, and they can converge at the corner 2230. In addition, the first side 2240 and the second side 2250 can be connected to the first reflective surface 2210 and the second reflective surface 2220.

[0092] The first reflective surface 2210, the second reflective surface 2220, the first side surface 2240, the second side surface 2250 and the bottom surface on the reflector base 210 can form a triangular prism-shaped reflective structure 2200.

[0093] When the vehicle headlights are incident on the road sign 10 at an angle (θ1), the incident light can be refracted at the reflector base 210 and reflected at the ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220. Specifically, the light incident on the ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 is reflected at at least a portion of the first side 2240, the second side 2250, and the corner portion 2230, then reflected on the second reflective surface 2220, and subsequently reflected at a second angle (θ2) relative to the ground.

[0094] Therefore, when the light emitted from the vehicle's headlights forms an angle of incidence of 80° or greater relative to the ground plane G, the light can be reflected to form an observation angle of 0.4° to 2.8° relative to the vehicle driver.

[0095] The ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 can be formed by continuously repeating a plurality of reflective structures 2200 on one side of the reflector base 210. Adjacent reflective structures 2200 can be formed to contact each other; for example, two adjacent reflective structures 2200 can be formed such that their boundaries are in contact with each other.

[0096] Furthermore, each of the plurality of reflective structures 2200 may have the same arrangement and orientation. For example, the first reflective surface 2210 of each of the plurality of reflective structures 2200 may be arranged to face all in one direction, preferably towards the approach direction of a vehicle traveling on the road.

[0097] Furthermore, in the plurality of reflective structures 2200, the first reflective surface 2210 of one of two reflective structures 2200 arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction (X-axis) can overlap with the second reflective surface 2220 of another reflective structure on one side of the reflector base 210, and share the base. As described above, in two reflective structures 2200 arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction (X-axis), the first reflective surface 2210 of one reflective structure and the second reflective surface 2220 of the other reflective structure can be arranged to form an intersecting angle (θ3). Preferably, the intersecting angle (θ3) can be formed in the range of 30° to 90°.

[0098] If the cross angle (θ3) exceeds 90°, the reflective structure 2200 would have to be designed to extend beyond one side of the reflector base 210 and penetrate into its interior, which is impractical. Therefore, the cross angle (θ3) is limited to no more than 90°. Additionally, when the cross angle (θ3) is less than 30°, for example, close to 0°, the first reflective surface 2210 reflects incident light into the reflective structure 2200. Since it acts as a barrier, when some light from the vehicle headlights enters the interior of the reflective structure, a shading effect (barrier effect) may occur. This interferes with effective light reflection, resulting in insufficient reflected light reaching the driver's field of vision. Therefore, to ensure reflective performance, it is desirable that the cross angle (θ3) be at least 30°.

[0099] Meanwhile, in each reflective structure 2200, the first side 2240 and the second side 2250 can be arranged to form a fourth angle (θ6) at the corner 2230. Preferably, the fourth angle (θ6) can be formed in the angle range of 45° to 90°.

[0100] When the fourth angle (θ6) between the first side 2240 and the second side 2250 of each reflective structure 2200 is less than 45°, the triangular prism shape formed by the first side 2240 and the second side 2250 results in a narrower area of ​​the second reflective surface 2220, reducing the area through which light can be incident and reflected, thus leading to an ultra-wide-angle reflection. This may cause a deterioration in recursive performance. Conversely, when the fourth angle (θ6) exceeds 90°, the overall height (PH1) of the reflective structure 2200 decreases, thereby reducing the area of ​​the second reflective surface 2220. This, in turn, reduces the overall reflectivity of the reflective surface, resulting in an ultra-wide-angle reflection. This may also lead to a deterioration in reflective performance.

[0101] In each reflective structure 2200, the vertex of the corner 2230 of the first reflective surface 2210 and the vertex of the corner 2230 of the second reflective surface 2220 can be spaced apart from each other by a first pattern distance (PS1) along the corner 2230. That is, the length of the corner 2230 can be formed as the first pattern distance (PS1).

[0102] Furthermore, in two adjacent reflective structures 2200 along the first direction (X-axis), the vertices of the first reflective surface 2210 and the second reflective surface 2220 that come into contact with each other can be spaced apart by a second pattern distance (PS2). The second pattern distance (PS2) can represent the maximum separation distance between two adjacent reflective structures 2200 along the first direction (X-axis).

[0103] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first pattern distance (PS1) can be formed to have a larger size than the second pattern distance (PS2). This allows for a larger reflective area of ​​light incident on the reflective member 200, providing sufficient light reflection for the vehicle driver to identify the location. Preferably, the first pattern distance (PS1) can be formed to be 1.0 to 2.5 times the size of the second pattern distance (PS2).

[0104] If the distance between the first pattern (PS1) and the distance between the second pattern (PS2) is less than 1.0x, the effective reflective area provided by each reflective structure 2200 will decrease, thereby reducing the overall focusing effect of the reflected light. This may result in insufficient reflection efficiency of the incident light from the vehicle headlights and may lead to reduced visibility, especially at a distance.

[0105] On the other hand, when the first pattern distance (PS1) exceeds 2.5 times the second pattern distance (PS2), each reflective structure 2200 becomes too large, thereby reducing the formability of the ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220. Specifically, as the width or length of the reflective structure 2200 increases, the corresponding height (PH1) must also increase, which may cause problems such as reduced peelability during demolding and difficulty in completely demolding the product during the molding process.

[0106] Therefore, considering factors such as ensuring retroreflective performance, formability, peelability, and efficient performance during mass production, the first pattern distance (PS1) is preferably formed to be in the range of 1.0 to 2.5 times the second pattern distance (PS2).

[0107] The ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 can be formed to protrude from one surface of the reflector base along the vertical height direction (Z-axis) to a predetermined height (PH1). Preferably, the height (PH1) of the ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 can be set to 0.3 to 0.5 times the size of the first pattern distance (PS1).

[0108] If the height (PH1) of the ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 is less than 0.3 times the distance of the first pattern (PS1), the effective area that the incident light can be reflected within the reflective structure 2200 is limited, which may reduce the overall reflection efficiency. In particular, it may be difficult to ensure the reflection path of the incident light, which may lead to a decrease in reflection performance under ultra-wide-angle conditions.

[0109] Conversely, when the height (PH1) of the ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 is formed to be more than 0.5 times the first pattern distance (PS1), the overall height of the reflective structure 2200 may increase excessively, which could cause problems in terms of formability. That is, when the reflective structure 2200 is removed from the mold, the peeling force will increase, making it difficult to remove from the mold and potentially causing problems in the production process, such as an increased molding defect rate.

[0110] Therefore, when considering both ensuring reflective performance and product molding stability, it is best to set the height (PH1) of the ultra-wide-angle pattern portion 220 to a range of 0.3 to 0.5 times the first pattern distance (PS1).

[0111] Meanwhile, the surface of the protective cover portion 300 can be coated with a composition to enhance durability and prevent damage to the protective cover portion 300.

[0112] This provides the protective cover 300 with rigidity, transparency, abrasion resistance, and scratch resistance.

[0113] Next, in order to confirm the reflective performance of the ultra-wide-angle patterned portion 220 of the present invention, shape and performance evaluations were performed on the comparative example (first product sample) and the present invention embodiment (second improved product sample).

[0114] In the comparative example (first product), the height (PH1) of the reflective structure within the reflector portion is formed to be approximately 1.2 times larger than the first pattern distance (PS1), and the pattern arrangement density is also configured to be lower. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention (second improved product), the height (PH1) of the reflective structure 2200 is formed to be approximately 0.45 times larger than the first pattern distance (PS1), and the structure employs a densely arranged low-height pattern. This structural difference has a significant impact on the stability of the molding process and the retroreflective performance.

[0115] To quantitatively verify this, the reflections of comparative and exemplary cases were performed under observation angles of 1.05°, 1.5°, and 2.0°, and incident angles of 88.76° and 50°–70°. The performance (mcd / (lx·m)) was compared and measured. 2The results are shown in Table 2 below. Compared with the comparative example, the average value of the reflector component 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is approximately 485. We can confirm that the performance is improved by 9%.

[0116] [Table 2]

[0117]

[0118] The results can be empirically supported by the fact that the structural design proposed in this invention, which ensures an appropriate height (PH1) ratio (0.3 to 0.5 times) and an appropriate cross angle (30° to 90°) relative to the first pattern distance (PS1), is effective in maximizing reflectivity under ultra-wide-angle conditions.

[0119] Furthermore, the structure of the second improved product features a first pattern distance (PS1) that is greater than the second pattern distance (PS2). By forming the pattern at approximately 2.5 times the horizontal distance, the effective area of ​​each reflective surface is ensured, while also guaranteeing the path of reflected light and enhancing the light-gathering effect. This design ensures that sufficient reflected light reaches the driver's field of vision even under high incident angle conditions, maximizing visibility at night and in inclement weather.

[0120] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the reflector 200 has an ultra-wide structure compared to conventional products. Besides improving retroreflective performance, it also offers advantages in molding stability, durability, and driver visibility.

[0121] The foregoing representative examples have described this disclosure in detail. However, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains should understand that various modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the following claims, but also by the equivalents of the claims.

Claims

1. An embedded road marking device with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance, wherein, The embedded road marking device with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance includes: The main body is designed to be inserted at a predetermined depth from the ground; The reflective main body is attached to the upper surface of the main body; and The protective cover is attached to the upper part of the main body to cover the reflective main body. The structure of the reflective body makes the reflectivity of obliquely incident light higher than that of perpendicularly incident light. The protective cover does not protrude from the bottom surface.

2. The embedded road marking device with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to claim 1, wherein, The protective cover includes an exposed portion that is parallel to the reflective portion and exposed to the ground. The surface of the exposed portion is installed at the same height as the ground or at a predetermined depth from the ground.

3. The embedded road marking device with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to claim 1, wherein, The reflective main body includes: The reflector base has a preset thickness; and The reflective structure protrudes from one side of the reflector base, and its structure results in a higher reflectivity for obliquely incident light than for perpendicularly incident light. The multiple reflective structures are all formed in the shape of triangular prisms, with their corners, which are parallel to one side of the reflector base, located at the position furthest from the reflector base.

4. The embedded road marking device with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of reflective structures includes: A first reflective surface, disposed on the ground facing the direction in which the vehicle approaches, and having a first preset tilt angle relative to a surface of the reflector base; and The second reflective surface is positioned on the opposite side of the first reflective surface and is set at a second tilt angle perpendicular or obtuse to one surface of the reflector base. The first and second reflecting surfaces are each triangular in shape, with their corners connecting the ends of the first and second reflecting surfaces.

5. The embedded road marking device with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to claim 1, wherein, Light incident on the surface of the protective cover at an angle less than or equal to the first angle is reflected to a second angle range that is 0.4° to 2.8° larger than the first angle range of the protective cover surface.

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