Method for applying photoluminescent markings

Description

area of ​​technology

[0001] The technical solution concerns a method for applying photoluminescent markings to traffic routes to ensure safe driving in the lanes. State of the art

[0002] Processes and the production of photoluminescent materials based on the incorporation of photoluminescent powder into a base material are known from the prior art. The disadvantage of this process is that the crystals of the photoluminescent powder are damaged and dispersed in the base material. This reduces the final luminosity of the resulting material; more specifically, the luminosity of the dispersed crystals is lower than that of the homogeneous layer.

[0003] One solution is known from US20060162620A1, which essentially relies on the formation of encapsulated photoluminescent particles. These particles are embedded in a base material, particularly for use in aquatic environments such as swimming pools, spas, etc.

[0004] Furthermore, a solution is known according to US20070022911A1. This solution is essentially based on a method for producing a luminescent tile for use in an aqueous environment, which in turn is based on mixing a luminescent pigment that can be illuminated by an external light source with a molding material and a catalyst to form a luminescent mixture. The tile is formed by pouring the mixture into a mold.

[0005] There are also known methods for applying the individual layers, for example, according to PL173588B1, a method for producing photoluminescent signs and pictograms. The core of this process involves applying a colored layer to a frosted glass plate. On top of this, a layer of a resin mixture containing photoluminescent powder is applied.

[0006] These methods rely on incorporating photoluminescent powder into a base material, such as resin or concrete. As already mentioned, mechanical mixing damages the crystals of the photoluminescent powder, thus reducing their luminosity.

[0007] Furthermore, a solution according to PL 402969 is known, a method for applying a photoluminescent coating and a photoluminescent material formed in this way. The method essentially consists in applying a resin layer to a base plate, onto which a powder is applied and deposited onto the base layer under a pressure of 3 to 8 bar.

[0008] The above-described process of applying the resin base layer together with the powder under pressure is repeated. The resulting layers are then applied repeatedly, and the photoluminescent powder is injected into the base layer under pressure. A thin layer of binder adhesive is applied to the final layer of photoluminescent powder before the top protective layer is applied.

[0009] The disadvantage of the above solution is that it requires the application of pressure. Furthermore, the plate formed in this way, like the plates formed using the above methods, must be cut or otherwise machined to achieve the final shape of the finished product. The crystals are then damaged at the cut edge, but they also become eroded over time and exposed to moisture. This significantly reduces the luminosity of the crystals. As a result, the luminosity of the product decreases at the edges, and over time, the edges of the product cease to glow altogether.

[0010] Furthermore, a solution according to PL 41737 is known, a process for producing photoluminescent plates for cutting. The process consists in pouring a layer of transparent, low-viscosity resins covered with a layer of synthetic release wax onto a flat plate. Then, using a stencil whose surface area is smaller than the finished product, a layer of concentrated photoluminescent powders is formed. A glass mat is applied to the thus formed layer, permeating the entire surface of the plate with a transparent, low-viscosity resin. The resulting product is further deaerated and coated with a final layer of white resin.

[0011] These methods are based on various processes for producing photoluminescent elements that use a carrier plate or film. The result of the manufacturing processes is a finished product that must be cut when a plate is manufactured, or the element is used when it is removed from the mold. All of the aforementioned elements must be glued or otherwise firmly attached to the surface so that they can be fixed in the desired location where they are to perform their function. In most cases, they are glued to the surface and thus protrude above the surface. If they are to be attached so that they are flush with the surface, a groove or other hole must be milled. The photoluminescent element is then placed into this groove. Here, too, it must be attached in some way, preferably by glue.However, the hole will never exactly match the shape of the photoluminescent element, and if it is subjected to repeated stress, e.g., by moving cars, it will soon come loose.

[0012] From KR101485488B1 a method for applying a reflective marking to a road surface is known, wherein a recess is formed on the surface of the road surface and this recess is coated with white paint and sprinkled with reflective material.

[0013] From US2012 / 301657A1 a photoluminescent decal device for forming a marking for a roadway is known.

[0014] A self-luminous paint composition for a road surface is known from KR102205286B1. Essence of the invention

[0015] The aforementioned disadvantages are eliminated by a method according to the invention for applying photoluminescent markings. The method essentially consists in drilling a hole in the surface of the roadway at an ambient temperature of 1–80°C. The hole is then coated with white paint. This white layer of paint is then sprinkled with a photoluminescent powder, which adheres to it due to the adhesive nature of the white paint. The layers must be allowed to dry together for at least 2 minutes. After drying, the hole is filled with the transparent layer, which must cure for 10–150 minutes.

[0016] To ensure better adhesion, it is preferable that the floor is free of dust and / or moisture before applying the white coating. Furthermore, it is recommended that the hole be 1 to 100 mm deep.

[0017] According to the invention, the transparent layer is treated as fast-curing. Embodiments of the invention Example 1

[0018] A method for applying a photoluminescent marking to a roadway according to the present invention comprises forming a hole in the surface of the roadway at an ambient temperature of 1-80°C, preferably at an ambient temperature of 15-25°C. The temperature of the roadway is up to 80°C, depending on its heat absorption capacity. The hole is preferably drilled or milled into the conveyor path. This hole preferably has a diameter of 100-150 mm, but its dimensions are not limited. The shape of the hole is preferably circular, square, or rectangular. However, it is also possible to create a hole of any desired shape, for example, a linear shape.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment, the resulting hole is free of dust or other residues from the destructive process. If cooling is used in the hole-making technology, it is necessary to dry the hole; in this example, burners are used. The prepared hole is painted white, preferably with white road marking paint, which dries quickly and is light-reflecting. The white paint is immediately covered with photoluminescent powder that appears as a light.

[0020] Due to the stickiness of the white paint, the layers must dry together for at least 2 minutes. The hole is then filled with the transparent layer. The transparent layer is then allowed to cure for 10-150 minutes. The transparent layer is preferably a binder resin or a mixture thereof, or a polyurethane mixture that is transparent and UV-stable.

[0021] The photoluminescent powder consists of a metal oxide, in a preferred embodiment of Al 2 O 3 (corundum) oxide + strontium + europium + dysprosium + cobalt. The individual elements are sintered together at temperatures above 1000° C. The resulting block is then crushed and ground into a powder with different grain sizes in order to achieve the maximum luminosity of the photoluminescent powder. In the preferred embodiment, the photoluminescent powder with the largest possible grain size is used, since the degree of luminosity is directly proportional to the grain crystal size. The grain crystal size is between 50 µm and 650 µm. When using blue-luminous crystals, the grain size is preferably 50 µm. For yellow-green crystals, the grain size is preferably between 150 - 200 µm.

[0022] The depth of the hole is preferably 1 to 100 mm, preferably 5 mm. This ensures maximum luminosity of the photoluminescent powder from the hole.

[0023] The process of applying photoluminescent markings to the road is carried out by a worker. They cut a hole using a milling machine, for example, and then vacuum or blow away the dust. They coat the bottom of the hole with white paint sprinkled with photoluminescent powder. They then pour a transparent layer over the holes, followed by the necessary curing of the transparent layer. This process is repeated 10 to 1,000 times in succession, depending on the need, to create a series of the desired road markings.

[0024] Another method for applying photoluminescent markings to a roadway involves a worker preparing a series of several holes, such as 100. They then coat the surface in sequence with white paint sprinkled with photoluminescent powder. Finally, the holes are coated with a transparent layer, followed by the necessary curing of the transparent layer.

[0025] Another possible method for applying photoluminescent markings to a roadway involves several workers drilling several holes, for example, 100 holes in a row, one after the other in a suitable time sequence. The next worker in the row vacuums the row of holes. The next worker in the row then coats the bottom of the hole with white paint sprinkled with photoluminescent powder. The next worker then coats the hole with a transparent layer, followed by the necessary curing of the transparent layer.

[0026] This allows the application to be handled in sequences. In the first sequence, for example, 100 holes are drilled and vacuumed in a row. Then, in the next sequence, a worker comes and pours white paint and powder into the holes and continues. The final sequence involves the necessary curing of the transparent layer.

[0027] This is to make the process more efficient when, for example, safety markings are to be applied over a longer distance, or to carry out the application during busy traffic with the provision of traffic signs and restrictions (restrictive traffic signs, flashing lights, constrictions in the form of traffic cones, speed limits, etc.).

[0028] Another option is an automated system that replaces the worker(s). Automation involves using a special vehicle, such as a standard van with a modified floor, to drive along the marked roadway and automatically measure the required locations for applying the markings.

[0029] The advantage of using a van is the ability to perform the method in almost any weather. Commercial applicability

[0030] A method for applying photoluminescent markings according to the present invention enables efficient and economical implementation of markings on traffic routes to ensure safe driving in the lanes and at the same time ensure long-lasting luminosity and thus safe traffic flow on the roads.

Claims

1. Method for applying a photoluminescent marking on a roadway, wherein at an ambient temperature of 1 - 80° C, a recess (hole) is formed in the surface of the roadway, after which the bottom is coated with white paint, characterized in that the white paint is then coated with photoluminescent powder, which adheres to it due to the adhesive property of the white paint, wherein the layers interact and dry for at least 2 minutes, and that the recess is then filled with a transparent fast-curing layer, which is subsequently cured for 10 - 150 minutes.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom is freed from dust and / or moisture before applying the white layer for better adhesion.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the depth of the hole is 1 to 100 mm.