Ground light signaling system

Abstract

The ground-level light signaling system (2) comprises a light-diffusing device (3) including a reflective layer (4) disposed on the ground, a flexible light-diffusing element (5) positioned on the reflective layer (4) so ​​as to at least partially cover the reflective layer (4), and a mechanical protection layer (7) covering the light-diffusing element (5) and configured to fix the light-diffusing element (5) to the ground, the mechanical protection layer (7) being at least partially transparent or translucent; and a light source (11) offset from the light-diffusing device (3), the light-diffusing device (3) being configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source (11). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Ground-level light signaling system technical field

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

[0002] In order to secure areas that are dangerous 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 ground-level light signaling devices.

[0003] Such ground-level light signaling devices improve the visibility of hazardous areas at night, particularly when no lighting installations are present near the hazardous areas. However, when visibility conditions are severely degraded during the day, particularly due to rain, fog, or snow, such ground-level light signaling devices may not be effective if they are not equipped with light sensors and control units capable of adjusting their operation according to the detected light level.

[0004] In order to mark the effect line of a pedestrian crossing or traffic light, it is known to integrate luminous panels into the roadway. These panels are connected to an electrical network and each comprises light-emitting diodes encapsulated in a multilayer substrate. The luminous panels are advantageously connected to control terminals to enable dynamic signaling; these control terminals can, for example, be connected to a traffic light management system.

[0005] Such a ground-level light signaling device greatly improves road user safety 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 light slabs is intrusive since it requires excavations in the roadway in order to integrate the light 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, the replacement of 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 of providing a ground-level light signaling system which is simple in structure, reliable and economical, while being able to be easily installed on the ground.

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

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

[0012] - a light source that is offset from the diffusion device light, the light diffusion device, and more specifically 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 ground that has cracks or is deformed and therefore not flat, and thus to follow the deformations of the ground.

[0014] In addition, the fact that the light source is offset from the light diffusion device makes it possible to place the light source outside the roadway (when the light diffusion device is placed on a roadway), and thus to avoid the light source being subjected to the movement of vehicles and to allow the light source and its electronics to be easily repaired and / or replaced 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 greatly simplifies the installation of the ground-based light signaling system according to the present invention, and also, if necessary, the 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 road light signaling system on the ground.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground-level lighting system is configured to form a horizontal sign element. The ground-level lighting system can, for example, be configured to represent the stop line of a traffic light, to represent the stop line of a pedestrian crossing, to frame a pedestrian crossing, to form at least part of a pedestrian crossing, to form a directional arrow or a lane-turn arrow, to form a STOP line, to represent a carriageway separation, to indicate a cycle path, or to delimit parking areas, or any other horizontal sign 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-diffusing element is passive. Such a configuration of the light-diffusing element makes it possible, when the light-diffusing device is placed on a roadway, to avoid exposing any electronic components to the movement of vehicles, and therefore to significantly reduce the risk of damage to the light-diffusing element.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light-diffusing element is porous. Such a configuration of the light-diffusing element makes it easier to fix the light-diffusing element to the ground, particularly 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 achieve a primary fixing of the light diffusion element on the ground, and for example to pre-glue 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 colored road marking coating, applied to the ground.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light-diffusing element is positioned on the reflective layer before the marking coating has dried. Such a configuration of the road marking system promotes the adhesion of the light-diffusing element to the ground, especially when the light-diffusing element is porous (due to penetration of the marking coating through pores in the light-diffusing element).

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground-level light signaling system comprises a mounting housing, for example metallic, in which the light source is housed. The presence of such a watertight housing protects the light source and its electronics.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light diffusion device includes at least one connecting member, such as a connecting 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 including at least one insertion opening leading into an internal volume of the protective housing, and at least one connecting member is configured to be inserted into at least one insertion opening and to cooperate mechanically with at least one insertion opening.

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

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mounting housing is configured to The mounting box can be fixed to the ground, for example, to be embedded in the ground. It can be configured, for example, to be fixed to a sidewalk or curb, and can also 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 The end is configured to be illuminated by the light source, with at least one light guide configured to diffuse light, and more specifically the light radiation emitted by the light source, transversely along its length. Such a configuration of the light-diffusing element ensures high visibility of the light-diffusing device for users, without having to equip the light-diffusing device with "active" light elements and electronic components.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light-diffusing fabric comprises a textile fabric, and the diffusing optical fibers are attached 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, at least one end of at least one light guide, which is configured to be illuminated by the light source, is located substantially opposite at least one light-emitting diode.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground-level light signaling system includes 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-diffusing device comprises glass grains, also called glass granules or glass microbeads, attached to the mechanical protection layer and protruding from an upper face of the mechanical protection layer. The glass grains are specifically configured to increase the surface roughness, i.e., the anti-slip properties, of the upper face of the light-diffusing device, and also to promote the diffusion of light radiation from the light-diffusing element. The glass grains also make it possible to reflect light radiation from, for example, a vehicle approaching the road-level traffic signal system, and thus to further increase the visibility of the road-level traffic signal system for the vehicle driver.

[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 thus configured to partially opacify the light diffusion element.

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

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

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

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

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, 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-level light signaling system includes 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-level traffic light 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 by 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-level 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 includes a control unit configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground-level traffic light system is configured to be connected to a traffic light control system, also known as a three-color traffic light, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the ground-level traffic light system at least according to the state of the traffic light. Thus, the light-diffusing element can, for example, automatically "turn on" as soon as the traffic light turns green.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground-level lighting 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-diffusing device, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the ground-level lighting system based on the detection of a user by at least one presence sensor. Thus, the illumination of the light-diffusing device can be controlled by the detection of a pedestrian near it. The at least one presence sensor could, for example, be a thermal camera, a smart camera configured to analyze pedestrian movements near the light-diffusing device, or a motion detector.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system includes an actuation element, such as an actuation button, configured to be operated, 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 actuation element by a user.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ground-level light signaling system includes a light sensor, also called a low-light sensor, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the road lighting system, at least according to the light level detected by the light sensor. Such a configuration of the road lighting system allows the light source to be automatically switched on or off.

[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-level 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 between 5 and 60 cm, and for example about 30 cm.

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

[0074] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a ground-level light 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-diffusing 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] - coating the light-diffusing element with a protective layer mechanical, the mechanical protective layer being at least partially transparent or translucent,

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

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

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manufacturing process further comprises a step of covering at least a part 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 objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of two embodiments of the invention presented by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0082] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a ground-level light signaling system according to the present invention.

[0083] Fig. 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ground-level light signaling system of Fig. 1.

[0084] [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view of the ground-level light signaling system of [Fig.1].

[0085] Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of the ground-level light signaling system of Fig. 1.

[0086] Fig. 5 is a front view of a light source belonging to the ground-level light signaling system of Fig. 1.

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

[0088] In this document, the term "roadway" encompasses all types of traffic lanes including vehicle traffic lanes, pedestrian traffic lanes, as well as aircraft landing strips or runways, cycle paths or helipads.

[0089] In this document, the term "translucent" means "that which allows light to pass through, but does not allow objects behind or below to be clearly distinguished", and the term "transparent" means "that which allows light to pass through and allows what is behind or below to be clearly seen".

[0090] Figures 1 to 6 represent a ground-level light signaling system 2, and more particularly a ground-level light road sign system, configured to form a horizontal sign element. The ground-level light signaling system 2 can, for example, be configured to represent a stop line for a traffic light, to represent a stop line for a pedestrian crossing, to frame a pedestrian crossing, to form at least part of a pedestrian crossing, to form a directional arrow or a lane-reducing arrow, or to form a STOP line, to represent a carriageway divider, to indicate a cycle path, or to delimit parking areas, or any other horizontal sign element.

[0091] The ground-level light signaling system 2 includes a light-diffusing device 3 configured to be fixed non-intrusively to the ground, and for example to a traffic lane. Advantageously, the light-diffusing device 3 has a thickness of less than 1 cm, and for example less than 5 mm. The light-diffusing device 3 can have a width 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-diffusing device 3 comprises a reflective layer 4 disposed 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 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 covering at least part of the reflective layer 4. Advantageously, the reflective layer 4 has larger dimensions, and for example slightly larger, than those of the light diffusion element 5 such that the lower face of the light diffusion element 5 is situated entirely opposite and in contact with the reflective layer 4.

[0094] Advantageously, the light-diffusing element 5 is porous and is positioned on the reflective layer 4 before the marking coating has dried. Thus, the reflective layer 4 is configured to provide primary fixation of the light-diffusing element 5 to the ground, and more specifically to pre-bond the light-diffusing element 5 to the ground.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light-diffusing element 5 is flexible and comprises elongated light guides 6. Advantageously, the light-diffusing element 5 is a light-diffusing fabric comprising a textile fabric and light guides 6 attached 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 has a circular cross-section. Each diffusing optical fiber is specifically configured to diffuse light transversely to its length. Thus, the light-diffusing element 5 is passive and therefore has no electronic components.

[0097] The light-diffusing device 3 further comprises a mechanical protection layer 7 which completely covers the light-diffusing element 5 and which is configured to fix the light-diffusing element 5 to the ground. The layer of mechanical protection 7 is advantageously transparent or translucent so as to allow 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 diffusing element 5. Advantageously, the protective resin is applied to the light diffusing element 5 uniformly and so as to completely impregnate the light diffusing 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 protruding 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 properties, of the upper face of the light diffusion device 3, and also to promote the diffusion of light radiation 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 road signaling system 2, and thus to further increase the visibility of the road signaling system 2 for the driver of the vehicle.Advantageously, the glass grains 8 are partially 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 include 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 thus to block part of the light radiation diffused by the light diffusion element 5.

[0101] Each masking element 9 can, for example, be formed by applying an opacity paint, such as black opacity paint, to a predetermined area of ​​the mechanical protection layer 7. Each masking element 9 could also be formed by hardening an opacity resin, for example black, applied to a predetermined area of ​​the mechanical protection layer 7, or by applying flocking, for example black, 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 masking cloth deposited on the mechanical protection layer 7.

[0102] However, advantageously, each masking element 9 can be integrated, and 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 on the light diffusion element 5, and by hardening a second protective layer 7.2 applied partly on the first layer of protective resin 7.1 and partly on the masking element(s) 9 arranged on the first layer of protective resin 7.1.

[0103] The ground-level light signaling system 2 further comprises a light source 11 which is offset from 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 can for example be configured so that the light source 11 emits a fixed or flashing light radiation, and therefore so that the light diffusion element 5 diffuses a 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 LED configured to emit white light, or a polychrome LED, for example an RGB LED, which is arranged in the internal volume. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the light source 11 comprises two LEDs arranged in the internal volume delimited by the protective housing 12. However, the light source 11 could comprise a single LED or more than two LEDs, and for example, four LEDs.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light generator is configured to be electrically powered by the electrical grid. However, according to another embodiment of the invention, the ground-level traffic signal system 2 could include a power generator, such as a current generator, configured to electrically power the light generator. The ground-level traffic signal system 2 could also include 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 by energy electrical energy produced by at least one photovoltaic panel or at least one wind turbine. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the ground-level signaling system 2 could, for example, further comprise a rechargeable battery configured to store the electrical energy produced by at least one photovoltaic panel or at least one wind turbine.

[0107] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the light-diffusing device 3 comprises two connecting members 14, such as connecting sleeves, which are tubular and configured to mechanically connect the light-diffusing element 5 to the light source 11, and more particularly to the protective housing 12. Advantageously, the light-diffusing 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-diffusing 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 opposite 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 gaskets configured to cooperate hermetically 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 has one end fixed to one of the two connecting members 14, and each diffusing optical fiber belonging to the second series has one end fixed to the other of the two connecting members 14 (in the figures, only one 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 connecting member 14, are configured to be located opposite one of the two light-emitting diodes 13 and thus to be illuminated by the latter, while the ends of the optical fibers diffusing elements belonging to the second series, which are fixed to the same connecting element 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 ground-level signaling system 2 comprises a mounting housing 16, for example metallic, in which the light source 11 is disposed. The mounting 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 mounting housing 16 can, for example, be configured to be fixed to a sidewalk or a curb, or even to form a curb. Advantageously, the mounting housing 16 comprises a cover 17 which is removable and which is configured to allow the insertion of the light source 11 into the mounting housing 16.

[0113] The ground light signaling system 2 also includes a control unit 18 configured to control the operation of the ground light signaling system 2. The control unit 18 can, for example, be disposed in the mounting box 16 or in the protective box 12, or be located outside the mounting box 16 and the protective box 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-level traffic light system 2 can be configured to be connected to a traffic light management system, also known as a three-color traffic light, and the control unit 18 can be configured to control the operation of the ground-level traffic light system 2 at least according to the state of the traffic light. Thus, the light diffusion element 5 can, for example, illuminate automatically as soon as the traffic light turns green.

[0116] According to another embodiment of the invention, the ground-level traffic light system 2 may include 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, near the light-diffusing device 3, and the control unit 18 may be configured to control the operation of the ground-level traffic light system 2 based on the detection of a user by at least one presence sensor. Thus, the illumination of the light-diffusing device 3 can be controlled by the detection of a pedestrian, a motorist, or other user of the traffic lane (shared or not) located near the light-diffusing device 3. The at least one presence sensor may, for example, be a thermal imaging camera or a smart camera configured to analyze the movements of pedestrians or motorists near the light diffusion device 3 or a motion detector.

[0117] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the ground light signaling system 2 could include an actuation element (not shown in the figures), such as an actuation button, configured to be operated, for 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 according to the detection of an actuation of the actuation element by a user.

[0118] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the ground-level traffic light system 2 could include a light sensor (not shown in the figures), also called a low-light sensor, and the control unit 18 could be configured to control the operation of the ground-level traffic light system 2 at least according to the light level detected by the light sensor. Such a configuration of the ground-level traffic light system 2 makes it possible to automatically switch on or off the light source 11 depending on the ambient light level.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0125] e) delimitation of areas to be covered with adhesive tape fixed to the hardened protective resin,

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0132] 1) positioning of the light source 11 in the mounting 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 mounting housing 16 can be carried out between steps b) and c), and the fixing of the mounting housing 16 in the ground can be carried out with step a).

[0135] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing process, 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 process, 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 about 2 mm.

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

[0138] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing process, steps f) and g) could be replaced by the application of any other type of masking element 9 to the areas to be concealed, and for example by the application of a masking paint, flocking or masking fabric, for example black in color, to the areas to be concealed.

[0139] If the ground-level traffic signal system 2 is devoid of a masking element 9, then the manufacturing process 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 onto the protective resin layer 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 entirely formed 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 include a halogen lamp or a sodium lamp.

[0142] Of course, the invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A ground-mounted light signaling system (2) comprising: - a light-diffusing device (3) configured to be fixed to the ground, the light-diffusing device (3) comprising: • a reflective layer (4) disposed on the ground, • a light-diffusing element (5) which is flexible and porous, the light-diffusing 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-diffusing element (5) and which is configured to fix the light-diffusing 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 from the light-diffusing device (3), the light-diffusing device (3) being configured to diffuse light radiation emitted by the light source (11).

2. Ground light signaling system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the light diffusion element (5) is passive.

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

4. Ground light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflective layer (4) is obtained by drying a marking coating applied to the ground.

5. Ground light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which includes a mounting housing (16) in which the light source (11) is disposed.

6. A ground-level light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light-diffusing element (5) comprises at least one light guide (6) which is elongated and which has 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.

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

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

9. Ground light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light source (11) is a light generator.

10. Ground light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light diffusion device (3) comprises glass grains (8) fixed to the mechanical protection layer (7) and protruding from an upper face of the mechanical protection layer (7).

11. Ground light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light diffusion device (3) comprises at least one masking element (9) partially covering the light diffusion element (5).

12. A method for manufacturing a ground-level light signaling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising the following steps: - arranging a reflective layer (4) on the ground, - positioning a light-diffusing element (5) on the reflective layer (4) such that the light-diffusing element (5) at least partially covers the reflective layer (4), the light-diffusing element (5) being flexible and porous, - covering the light-diffusing element (5) with a mechanical protective layer (7), the mechanical protective layer (7) being at least partially transparent or translucent, - fixing the light-diffusing element (5) to the ground by means of the mechanical protective layer (7),and - provide a light source (11) which is offset from the light diffusion element (5) and which is arranged in such a way that the light diffusion element (5) is configured to diffuse light radiation emitted by the light source (11).

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