Ground signaling system

Abstract

The ground light signaling system (2) comprises a light diffusion device (3) comprising a reflective layer (4) arranged on the ground, a light diffusion element (5) which is flexible and which is positioned on the reflective layer (4) so as to at least partially cover the reflective layer (4), and a mechanical protection layer (7) which covers the light diffusion element (5) and which is configured to fix the light diffusion element (5) to the ground, the mechanical protection layer (7) being at least partially transparent or translucent; and a light source (11) which is offset relative to the light diffusion device (3), the light diffusion device (3) being configured to diffuse light radiation emitted by the light source (11). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Ground light signaling system Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ground light signaling, and relates more particularly to a ground light signaling system for taxiways. State of the art

[0002] In order to secure dangerous areas for pedestrians, motorists and other users of shared or non-shared traffic lanes, such as pedestrian crossings, intersections, dangerous bends, areas located near schools, etc., it is known to equip traffic lanes or their surroundings, located at the level of dangerous areas, with light signaling devices on the ground.

[0003] Such ground-mounted light signaling devices make it possible to improve the visibility of dangerous areas at night, in particular when no lighting installation is present near the dangerous areas. However, when visibility conditions are significantly degraded during the day due in particular to rain, fog, or snow, such ground-mounted light signaling devices may not be effective if they are not equipped with brightness sensors and control units capable of controlling their operation according to the detected brightness level.

[0004] In order to materialize the line of effect of a pedestrian crossing or a road traffic light, it is known in particular to integrate into the roadway luminous tiles connected to an electrical network and each comprising light-emitting diodes encapsulated in a multilayer substrate. The luminous tiles are advantageously connected to control terminals in order to allow dynamic signaling, said control terminals being able to be connected for example to a system for managing a road traffic light.

[0005] Such a ground-based light signaling device greatly improves the safety of road users by significantly increasing the visibility of dangerous areas, including at night and when visibility conditions are very poor.

[0006] However, the installation of the aforementioned luminous slabs is intrusive since it requires excavations to be made in the roadway in order to integrate the luminous slabs, which leads to a blockage of the roadway or at least of the traffic lane concerned for a relatively long period of time.

[0007] Furthermore, in the event of failure of an electronic component of a light panel, replacing the latter proves to be complex and tedious. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0009] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a ground-based light signaling system which is of simple, reliable and economical structure, while being able to be easily installed on the ground.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a ground-based light signaling system comprising:

[0011] - a light diffusion device configured to be fixed to the ground, and for example to a traffic lane, the light diffusion device comprising: • a reflective layer placed on the ground, • a light diffusion element which is flexible, the light diffusion element light being positioned on the reflective layer and at least partially covering the reflective layer, and • a mechanical protection layer that covers the light diffusion element and that is configured to fix the light diffusion element to the ground, the mechanical protection layer being at least partly transparent or translucent, and

[0012] - a light source which is offset relative to the diffusion device of light, the light diffusion device, and more particularly the light diffusion element, being configured to diffuse light radiation emitted by the light source.

[0013] The fact that the light diffusion element is flexible allows it to adapt to any ground, including a ground which is provided with cracks or which is deformed and therefore not flat, and thus to follow the deformations of the ground.

[0014] Furthermore, the fact that the light source is offset relative to the light diffusion device makes it possible to arrange the light source outside the roadway (when the light diffusion device is arranged on a roadway), and thus to prevent the light source from being subjected to the movement of vehicles and to make it possible to easily repair and / or replace the light source and its electronics without hindering the movement of vehicles on the roadway.

[0015] Furthermore, the fact that the light diffusion device is fixed to the ground in a non-intrusive manner makes it possible to greatly simplify the installation of the light signaling system on the ground according to the present invention, and also, if necessary, a replacement of the light diffusion device.

[0016] The ground light signaling system according to the present invention may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion device is configured to be fixed across a traffic lane.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system is a ground light signaling system for a traffic lane, and more particularly a ground light road signaling system.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system is configured to form a horizontal signaling element. The ground light signaling system may for example be configured to materialize a line of effect of a road traffic light, to materialize a line of effect of a pedestrian crossing, to frame a pedestrian crossing, to form at least in part a pedestrian crossing, to form a directional arrow or a merge arrow, to form a STOP strip, to materialize a road separation, to signal a cycle path, or to delimit parking areas, or any other horizontal signaling element.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system is a ground light road signaling system.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion element is passive. Such a configuration of the light diffusion element makes it possible, when the light diffusion device is arranged on a roadway, to not expose any electronic element to the rolling of vehicles, and therefore to significantly reduce the risks of damage to the light diffusion element.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion element is porous. Such a configuration of the light diffusion element makes it possible to promote the fixing of the light diffusion element on the ground, in particular when the reflective layer is made with a marking coating and / or when the mechanical protection layer is made with a protective resin.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical protection layer completely covers the light diffusion element.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical protection layer is obtained by hardening a protective resin, for example a transparent protective resin, applied to the light diffusion element.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective resin is applied cold to the light diffusion element.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective resin is applied to the light diffusion element so as to completely impregnate the light diffusion element.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective resin is applied uniformly to the light diffusion element.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective resin is a polyurethane type resin, and advantageously a two-component polyurethane or polyaspartic type resin.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflective layer is white in color.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflective layer is configured to provide primary fixing of the light diffusion element to the ground, and for example to pre-bond the light diffusion element to the ground.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflective layer is obtained by drying a marking coating, such as a road marking coating and advantageously a white road marking coating, applied to the ground.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion element is positioned on the reflective layer before the marking coating dries. Such a configuration of the ground light signaling system promotes the adhesion of the light diffusion element to the ground, and this is all the more so when the light diffusion element is porous (due to penetration of the marking coating through porosities of the light diffusion element).

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system comprises a fixing housing, for example metallic, in which the light source is arranged. The presence of such a waterproof housing makes it possible to protect the light source and its electronics.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion device comprises at least one connection member, such as a connection sleeve, which is configured to mechanically connect the light diffusion element to the light source.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light source comprises a protective housing comprising at least one insertion opening opening into an internal volume of the protective housing, and the at least one connection member is configured to be inserted into the at least one insertion opening and to cooperate mechanically with the at least one insertion opening.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective housing is waterproof.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing housing is configured to be fixed to the ground, and for example to be embedded in the ground. The fixing box can for example be configured to be fixed to a sidewalk or curb, and can for example be embedded in the roadside.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion element comprises at least one light guide which is elongated and which comprises at least one end configured to be illuminated by the light source, the at least one guide light being configured to diffuse light, and more particularly the light radiation emitted by the light source, transversely to its length. Such a configuration of the light diffusion element ensures high visibility of the light diffusion device by users, without having to equip the light diffusion device with “active” light elements and electronic components.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one light guide has, in the vicinity of the light source, a longitudinal axis which is arranged substantially parallel to the main emission direction of the light source.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion element is a light diffusion fabric, also called luminous fabric, comprising at least one light guide.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one light guide is a diffusing optical fiber, also called a transverse diffusion optical fiber.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one end of the at least one light guide, which is configured to be illuminated by the light source, is fixed to the at least one connecting member.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one diffusing optical fiber is flexible.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion fabric comprises several diffusing optical fibers.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the diffusing optical fibers integrally form the light diffusion fabric, and are therefore braided together.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion fabric comprises a textile fabric, and the diffusing optical fibers are fixed to the textile fabric, for example by gluing or braiding.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light source is a light generator.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light generator comprises at least one light-emitting diode, such as a monochrome light-emitting diode, for example configured to emit white light, or a polychrome light-emitting diode, for example an RGB light-emitting diode.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one end of the at least one light guide, which is configured to be illuminated by the light source, is located substantially opposite the at least one light-emitting diode.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system comprises an adjustment device configured to adjust the brightness, namely the light intensity, of the light diffusion device.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion device comprises glass grains, also called glass granules or glass microbeads, fixed to the mechanical protection layer and projecting from an upper face of the mechanical protection layer. The glass grains are more particularly configured to increase the surface roughness, i.e. the anti-slip, of the upper face of the light diffusion device, and also to promote the diffusion of light radiation coming from the light diffusion element. The glass grains also make it possible to reflect light radiation coming for example from a vehicle approaching the ground light signaling system, and therefore to further increase the visibility of the ground light signaling system for the driver of the vehicle.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the glass grains are at least partly integrated into the mechanical protection layer.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the glass grains are deposited on the protective resin before it hardens.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion device comprises at least one masking element partially covering the light diffusion element, and therefore configured to partially opacify the light diffusion element.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one masking element is formed by hardening a masking resin, for example black in color, applied to a predetermined area of the mechanical protection layer.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one masking element is formed by applying a concealing paint, for example black in color, to a predetermined area of the mechanical protection layer.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one masking element is formed by applying flocking, for example black in color, to a predetermined area of the mechanical protection layer.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one masking element is a masking fabric or a masking cloth.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one masking element is integrated, and for example embedded, in the mechanical protection layer.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground-based light signaling system comprises an electricity generator, such as a current generator, configured to electrically power the light generator.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground-based light signaling system comprises at least one photovoltaic panel or at least one wind turbine. Advantageously, the light generator is configured to be electrically powered at least in part with electrical energy produced by at least one photovoltaic panel or at least one wind turbine.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system is dynamic, and is therefore configured to allow dynamic light signaling.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system comprises a control unit configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground-based light signaling system is configured to be connected to a system for managing a road traffic light, also called a traffic light, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the ground-based light signaling system at least as a function of the state occupied by the road traffic light. Thus, the light diffusion element can, for example, “turn on” automatically as soon as the road traffic light turns green.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system comprises at least one presence sensor configured to detect the presence of a user, such as a pedestrian or a motorist, near the light diffusion device, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system at least as a function of the detection of a user by the at least one presence sensor. Thus, the illumination of the light diffusion device can be controlled by the detection of a pedestrian near the latter. The at least one presence sensor can for example be a thermal camera, a smart camera configured to analyze the movements of pedestrians near the light diffusion device or even a motion detector.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system comprises an actuating member, such as an actuating button, configured to be actuated, for example manually, by a user, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system at least as a function of the detection of an actuation of the actuating member by a user.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system comprises a brightness sensor, also called a brightness reduction sensor, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system at least as a function of the brightness level detected by the brightness sensor. Such a configuration of the ground light signaling system makes it possible to automatically trigger the switching on or turning off the light source.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion device is configured to be illuminated by the light source.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system is configured such that the light diffusion device diffuses a fixed or flashing light.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflective layer has a thickness of less than 3 mm.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion device has a thickness of less than 1 cm, and for example less than 5 mm.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion element has a width of between 5 and 60 cm, and for example approximately 30 cm.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion element has a length of between 20 cm and 4 m, and for example approximately 3 m.

[0074] The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a ground signaling system according to the present invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0075] - arrangement of a reflective layer on the ground,

[0076] - positioning of a light diffusion element on the reflective layer of such that the light diffusing element at least partially covers the reflective layer, the light diffusing element being flexible,

[0077] - covering the light diffusion element with a protective layer mechanical, the mechanical protection layer being at least partly transparent or translucent,

[0078] - fixing the light diffusion element to the ground via the layer mechanical protection, and

[0079] - provide a light source which is offset relative to the diffusion element of light and which is arranged such that the light diffusing element is configured to diffuse light radiation emitted by the light source.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manufacturing method further comprises a step of covering at least a portion of the light diffusion element with at least one masking element, so as to partially opacify the light diffusion element. Brief description of the figures

[0081] The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of two embodiments of the invention presented as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0082] [Fig.l] is an exploded perspective view of a ground signaling system according to the present invention.

[0083] [Fig.2] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the signaling system light on the ground of [Fig.l].

[0084] [Fig. 3] is a partial perspective view of the light signaling system on the ground of [Fig.l].

[0085] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view of the light signaling system on the ground of [Fig.l].

[0086] [Fig.5] is a front view of a light source belonging to the system of si ground light signaling of [Fig.l].

[0087] [Fig.6] is a partial perspective view of four signaling systems luminous ground according to the present invention arranged so as to frame a pedestrian crossing. Detailed description

[0088] In this document, the term "roadway" encompasses any type of traffic lane including vehicle traffic lanes, pedestrian traffic lanes, as well as runways or aircraft runways, cycle paths or helipads.

[0089] As used herein, the term "translucent" means "allowing light to pass through, but not allowing objects behind or below to be clearly distinguished", and the term "transparent" means "allowing light to pass through and allowing what is behind or below to be clearly seen".

[0090] Figures 1 to 6 represent a ground-based light signaling system 2, and more particularly a ground-based light road signaling system, configured to form a horizontal signaling element. The ground-based light signaling system 2 may for example be configured to materialize a line of effect of a road traffic light, to materialize a line of effect of a pedestrian crossing, to frame a pedestrian crossing, to form at least in part a pedestrian crossing, to form a directional arrow or a merge arrow, or even to form a STOP strip, to materialize a road separation, to signal a cycle path, or even to delimit parking areas, or any other horizontal signaling element.

[0091] The ground-based light signaling system 2 comprises a light diffusion device 3 configured to be fixed in a non-intrusive manner to the ground, and for example to a traffic lane. Advantageously, the light diffusion device 3 has a thickness of less than 1 cm, and for example less than 5 mm. The light diffusion device 3 may have a width of between 5 and 60 cm, and for example about 30 cm, and can have a length between 20 cm and 4 m, and for example about 3 m.

[0092] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the light diffusion device 3 comprises a reflective layer 4 arranged on the ground. According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflective layer 4 is obtained by drying a marking coating, such as a road marking coating, applied to the ground. The reflective layer 4 may for example have a thickness of less than 3 mm. Advantageously, the reflective layer 4 is white in color, and may for example have a generally rectangular shape.

[0093] The light diffusion device 3 further comprises a light diffusion element 5 positioned on the reflective layer 4 and at least partially covering the reflective layer 4. Advantageously, the reflective layer 4 has dimensions that are larger, and for example slightly larger, than those of the light diffusion element 5 so that the lower face of the light diffusion element 5 is located entirely opposite and in contact with the reflective layer 4.

[0094] Advantageously, the light diffusion element 5 is porous and is positioned on the reflective layer 4 before the marking coating dries. Thus, the reflective layer 4 is configured to perform a primary fixing of the light diffusion element 5 on the ground, and more particularly to pre-bond the light diffusion element 5 on the ground.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion element 5 is flexible, and comprises light guides 6 which are elongated. Advantageously, the light diffusion element 5 is a light diffusion fabric comprising a textile fabric and light guides 6 fixed to the textile fabric, for example by gluing or braiding.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each light guide 6 is formed by a diffusing optical fiber, such as a PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) optical fiber, which is flexible and cylindrical and which has a circular cross-section. Each diffusing optical fiber is more particularly configured to diffuse light transversely to its length. Thus, the light diffusion element 5 is passive, and is therefore devoid of electronic components.

[0097] The light diffusion device 3 further comprises a mechanical protection layer 7 which completely covers the light diffusion element 5 and which is configured to fix the light diffusion element 5 to the ground. The mechanical protection layer 7 is advantageously transparent or translucent so as to allow the diffusion of the light radiation emitted by the light diffusion element 5.

[0098] The mechanical protection layer 7 can be obtained by hardening a protective resin, and for example a transparent protective resin, applied, for example cold, to the light diffusion element 5. Advantageously, the protective resin is applied to the light diffusion element 5 uniformly and so as to completely impregnate the light diffusion element 5. The protective resin can be a polyurethane type resin, and advantageously a two-component polyurethane or polyaspartic type resin.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the light diffusion device 3 further comprises glass grains 8, also called glass granules or glass microbeads, fixed to the mechanical protection layer 7 and projecting from an upper face of the mechanical protection layer 7. The glass grains 8 are more particularly configured to increase the surface roughness, i.e. the anti-slip, of the upper face of the light diffusion device 3, and also to promote the diffusion of light radiation coming from the light diffusion element 5. The glass grains 8 also make it possible to reflect light radiation coming for example from a vehicle approaching the ground light signaling system 2, and therefore to further increase the visibility of the ground light signaling system 2 for the driver of the vehicle.Advantageously, the glass grains 8 are partly integrated into the mechanical protection layer 7, and are deposited on the protective resin before it hardens.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the light diffusion device 3 may comprise one or more masking elements 9 each partially covering the light diffusion element 5. Each masking element 9 is configured to partially opacify the light diffusion element 5, and therefore to block a portion of the light radiation diffused by the light diffusion element 5.

[0101] Each masking element 9 may for example be formed by applying a concealing paint, such as a black-colored concealing paint, to a predetermined area of the mechanical protection layer 7. Each masking element 9 could also be formed by curing a concealing resin, for example black-colored, applied to a predetermined area of the mechanical protection layer 7, or by applying flocking, for example black-colored, to a predetermined area of the mechanical protection layer 7. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, each masking element 9 could be formed by a masking fabric or a masking cloth deposited on the mechanical protection layer 7.

[0102] However, advantageously, each masking element 9 can be integrated, and be for example embedded in the mechanical protection layer 7. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the mechanical protection layer 7 can for example be obtained by hardening a first layer of protective resin 7.1 applied to the light diffusion element 5, and by hardening a second protective layer 7.2 applied partly to the first layer of protective resin 7.1 and partly to the masking element(s) 9 arranged on the first layer of protective resin 7.1.

[0103] The ground-based light signaling system 2 further comprises a light source 11 which is offset relative to the light diffusion device 3, and which is configured to illuminate the light diffusion element 5. The light diffusion element 5 is more particularly configured to diffuse the light radiation emitted by the light source 11.

[0104] The ground light signaling system 2 may for example be configured such that the light source 11 emits fixed or flashing light radiation, and therefore such that the light diffusion element 5 diffuses fixed or flashing light.

[0105] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the light source 11 is a light generator, and comprises a protective housing 12 delimiting an internal volume, and at least one light-emitting diode 13, such as a monochrome light-emitting diode configured to emit white light, or a polychrome light-emitting diode, for example an RGB light-emitting diode, which is arranged in the internal volume. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the light source 11 comprises two light-emitting diodes arranged in the internal volume delimited by the protective housing 12. However, the light source 11 could comprise a single light-emitting diode or more than two light-emitting diodes, and for example four light-emitting diodes.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light generator is configured to be electrically powered by the electrical network. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the ground-based light signaling system 2 could comprise an electricity generator, such as a current generator, configured to electrically power the light generator. The ground-based light signaling system 2 could also comprise at least one photovoltaic panel or at least one wind turbine, and the light generator could be configured to be electrically powered at least in part with electrical energy produced by the at least one photovoltaic panel or the at least one wind turbine.According to such an embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system 2 could for example further comprise a rechargeable battery configured to store the electrical energy produced by the at least one photovoltaic panel or the at least one solar panel. minus one wind turbine.

[0107] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the light diffusion device 3 comprises two connecting members 14, such as connecting sleeves, which are tubular and which are configured to mechanically connect the light diffusion element 5 to the light source 11, and more particularly to the protective housing 12. Advantageously, the light diffusion device 3 comprises as many connecting members 14 as the light source 11 comprises light-emitting diodes. For example, if the light source 11 comprised four light-emitting diodes, the light diffusion device 3 would comprise four connecting members 14.

[0108] As shown in [Fig.4], the protective housing 12 comprises two insertion openings 15 each opening into the internal volume of the protective housing 12 and facing a respective light-emitting diode 13, and each connecting member 14 is configured to be inserted into a respective insertion opening 15 and to cooperate mechanically with said respective insertion opening 15. Of course, if the light source 11 comprised a single light-emitting diode or more than two light-emitting diodes, the protective housing 12 would comprise a single insertion opening 15 or more than two insertion openings 15.

[0109] Advantageously, each connecting member 14 is equipped with one or more sealing joints configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the respective insertion opening 15.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the light diffusion element 5 comprises a first series of diffusing optical fibers and a second series of diffusing optical fibers, and each diffusing optical fiber belonging to the first series comprises one end fixed to one of the two connection members 14, and each diffusing optical fiber belonging to the second series comprises one end fixed to the other of the two connection members 14 (in the figures, a single diffusing optical fiber is shown for each of the first and second series).

[0111] Advantageously, the ends of the diffusing optical fibers belonging to the first series, which are fixed to the same connection member 14, are configured to be located opposite one of the two light-emitting diodes 13 and therefore to be illuminated by the latter, while the ends of the diffusing optical fibers belonging to the second series, which are fixed to the same connection member 14, are configured to be located opposite the other of the two light-emitting diodes 13 and therefore to be illuminated by the latter.

[0112] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the signaling system The ground light 2 comprises a fixing housing 16, for example metallic, in which the light source 11 is arranged. The fixing housing 16 is configured to be fixed to the ground, and for example to be embedded in the ground, and for example to be embedded in the roadside. The fixing housing 16 may for example be configured to be fixed to a sidewalk or a curb, or even be configured to form a curb. Advantageously, the fixing housing 16 comprises a cover 17 which is removable and which is configured to allow the insertion of the light source 11 into the fixing housing 16.

[0113] The ground light signaling system 2 also comprises a control unit 18 configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system 2. The control unit 18 may for example be arranged in the fixing housing 16 or in the protective housing 12, or even be located outside the fixing housing 16 and the protective housing 12.

[0114] Advantageously, the ground light signaling system 2 is dynamic, and is therefore configured to allow dynamic light signaling.

[0115] For this purpose, the ground-based light signaling system 2 can be configured to be connected to a system for managing a road traffic light, also called a traffic light, and the control unit 18 can be configured to control the operation of the ground-based light signaling system 2 at least as a function of the state occupied by the road traffic light. Thus, the light diffusion element 5 can, for example, automatically illuminate as soon as the road traffic light turns green.

[0116] According to another embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system 2 may comprise at least one presence sensor (not shown in the figures) configured to detect the presence of a user, such as a pedestrian or a motorist, in the vicinity of the light diffusion device 3, and the control unit 18 may be configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system 2 at least as a function of the detection of a user by the at least one presence sensor. Thus, the illumination of the light diffusion device 3 may be controlled by the detection of a pedestrian, a motorist or other user of the traffic lane (shared or not) located in the vicinity of the light diffusion device 3.The at least one presence sensor may for example be a thermal camera, a smart camera configured to analyze the movements of pedestrians or motorists near the light diffusion device 3 or even a motion detector.

[0117] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system 2 could comprise an actuating member (not shown in the figures), such as an actuating button, configured to be actuated, by example manually, by a user, and the control unit 18 could be configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system 2 at least as a function of the detection of an actuation of the actuation member by a user.

[0118] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system 2 could comprise a brightness sensor (not shown in the figures), also called a brightness reduction sensor, and the control unit 18 could be configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system 2 at least as a function of the brightness level detected by the brightness sensor. Such a configuration of the ground light signaling system 2 makes it possible to automatically trigger the switching on or off of the light source 11 as a function of the ambient brightness.

[0119] An example of a method for manufacturing a ground-based light signaling system 2 according to the present invention is described below.

[0120] Such a manufacturing method comprises the following steps:

[0121] a) application of a marking coating on the ground, and for example on a traffic lane, so as to form the reflective layer 4,

[0122] b) positioning the light diffusion element 5 on the reflective layer 4 such that the light diffusion element 5 at least partially covers the reflective layer 4,

[0123] c) applying a layer of protective resin to the light diffusion element 5, for example at a rate of 1 to 1.5 kg / m2, such that the protective resin uniformly covers the light diffusion element 5 and such that the light diffusion element 5 is completely impregnated with the protective resin,

[0124] d) curing the protective resin layer applied in step c) for a predetermined curing time, for example for approximately 30 minutes,

[0125] e) demarcating areas to be covered with adhesive tape attached to the cured protective resin,

[0126] f) application of a concealing resin to the areas to be concealed delimited by the adhesive tape, for example at a rate of 1 kg / m2, so that the concealing resin uniformly covers the areas to be concealed,

[0127] g) curing the occulting resin for a predetermined curing time, for example for about 30 minutes,

[0128] h) applying, in a uniform manner, a layer of protective resin on the layer of protective resin applied in step c) and on the occulting resin, for example at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg / m2,

[0129] i) sprinkle glass grains 8 on the protective resin layer applied to step h), for example at a rate of 200 g / m2,

[0130] j) curing the protective resin layer applied in step h) for a predetermined curing time, for example for approximately 30 minutes, so as to form the mechanical protective layer 7,

[0131] k) fixing the fixing box 16 in the ground, and for example in a sidewalk or a curb or at the edge of a road, in a manner offset from the light diffusion element 5,

[0132] 1) positioning the light source 11 in the fixing housing 16, and

[0133] m) insertion of the connecting members 14 into the insertion openings 15.

[0134] It should be noted that the aforementioned steps a) to m) are not necessarily carried out successively. For example, the positioning of the light source 11 in the fixing housing 16 can be carried out between steps b) and c), and the fixing of the fixing housing 16 in the ground can be carried out with step a).

[0135] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing method, the step of positioning the light diffusion element 5 on the reflective layer 4 consists of positioning the light diffusion element 5 on the marking coating before it dries.

[0136] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing method, step c) and / or step f) is carried out using a notched spatula held substantially vertically and provided with pointed teeth having, for example, a height of approximately 2 mm.

[0137] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing method, step h) is carried out using a notched spatula held substantially vertically and provided with pointed teeth having, for example, a height of approximately 1 mm.

[0138] According to an alternative implementation of the manufacturing method, steps f) and g) could be replaced by the application of any other type of masking element 9 on the areas to be hidden, and for example by the application of a masking paint, flocking or a masking fabric, for example black in color, on the areas to be hidden.

[0139] If the ground light signaling system 2 is devoid of a masking element 9, then the manufacturing method is devoid of steps e) to j), and comprises an intermediate step carried out between steps c) and d) which consists of sprinkling glass grains 8 on the layer of protective resin applied in step c).

[0140] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the light diffusion element 5 could be a light diffusion fabric formed entirely by diffusing optical fibers braided together.

[0141] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the light generator could be a laser or could comprise a halogen lamp or a sodium lamp.

[0142] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only as examples. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A ground-based light signaling system (2) comprising: - a light diffusion device (3) configured to be fixed to the ground, the light diffusion device (3) comprising: • a reflective layer (4) arranged on the ground, • a light diffusion element (5) which is flexible, the light diffusion element (5) being positioned on the reflective layer (4) and at least partially covering the reflective layer (4), and • a mechanical protection layer (7) which covers the light diffusion element (5) and which is configured to fix the light diffusion element (5) to the ground, the mechanical protection layer (7) being at least partially transparent or translucent, and - a light source (11) which is offset relative to the light diffusion device (3), the light diffusion device (3) being configured to diffuse light radiation emitted by the light source (11).

2. A ground signaling system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the light diffusing element (5) is passive.

3. A ground signaling system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light diffusing element (5) is porous.

4. Ground light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mechanical protection layer (7) is obtained by hardening a protective resin applied to the light diffusion element (5).

5. Ground light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reflective layer (4) is obtained by drying a marking coating applied to the ground.

6. Ground light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises a fixing housing (16) in which the light source (11) is arranged.

7. A ground-based light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light diffusing element (5) comprises at least one light guide (6) which is elongated and which comprises at least one end configured to be illuminated by the light source (11), the at least one light guide (6) being configured to diffuse light transversely to its length.

8. A ground signaling system (2) according to claim 7, wherein the light diffusion element (5) is a light diffusion fabric comprising the at least one light guide (6).

9. Ground light signaling system (2) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one light guide (6) is a diffusing optical fiber.

10. A ground-based light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light source (11) is a light generator.

11. A ground-based light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light diffusion device (3) comprises glass grains (8) fixed to the mechanical protection layer (7) and projecting from an upper face of the mechanical protection layer (7).

12. Ground light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light diffusion device (3) comprises at least one masking element (9) partially covering the light diffusion element (5).

13. A method of manufacturing a ground-based light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps: - arranging a reflective layer (4) on the ground, - positioning a light diffusion element (5) on the reflective layer (4) such that the light diffusion element (5) at least partly covers the reflective layer (4), the light diffusion element (5) being flexible, - covering the light diffusion element (5) with a mechanical protection layer (7), the mechanical protection layer (7) being at least partly transparent or translucent, - fixing the light diffusion element (5) to the ground via the mechanical protection layer (7),and - providing a light source (11) which is offset relative to the light diffusion element (5) and which is arranged such that the light diffusion element (5) is configured to diffuse light radiation emitted by the light source (11).,

Images