Automatic power switching type traffic signal controller

Abstract

To provide a power source automatic switching type traffic signal controller for switching a commercial power source and an external power source by a simple structure.SOLUTION: A traffic signal controller 1 includes: a control unit 2; a communication unit 3 connected to the control unit 2 to transmit / receive various data; a converter unit 4 for supplying DC power to the control unit 2 and the communication unit 3; and a power source switching unit 7 connected to the converter unit 4 and a plurality of power sources E. The power source switching unit 7 is composed of a switch unit 7b having a movable contact point 7a that can be switched to either a first connection state between the converter unit 4 and a commercial power source E1 or a second connection state between the converter unit 4 and an external power source E2, and a movable contact point control unit 7c connected to the commercial power source E1. The first and second connection states are switched according to energization / non-energization of the movable contact point control unit 7c, and only one of the commercial power source E1 and the external power source E2 supplies power to an internal apparatus of the traffic signal controller 1 via the power source switching unit 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a traffic signal controller that is connected to traffic signal lights and vehicle detectors installed at, for example, an intersection and performs various controls on the traffic signal lights and vehicle detectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an outdoor traffic control terminal device that is powered by a commercial power source and an auxiliary power source such as a battery, detects an interruption in the commercial power source, and switches to operation using the auxiliary power source.

[0003] This outdoor traffic control terminal device is powered by an auxiliary power source and includes a comparison section made up of a comparator, and a switching section that switches between commercial power and the auxiliary power source in response to a signal input from the comparison section.

[0004] When the comparison unit determines that the input voltage from the commercial power supply drops and that the input voltage from the auxiliary power supply is clearly higher, it outputs a signal to the switching unit, which switches from the commercial power supply to the auxiliary power supply.

[0005] In addition, when the comparison unit determines that the input voltages from the commercial power supply and the auxiliary power supply are equal, it turns off the signal output to the switching unit, causing the switching unit to switch from the auxiliary power supply to the commercial power supply, thereby returning to the original connection state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-22474 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the outdoor traffic control terminal device of Patent Document 1, in order to switch between the commercial power supply and the auxiliary power supply, it is necessary to measure the input voltage from each of the commercial power supply and the auxiliary power supply. Therefore, wiring is required for voltage measurement from the commercial power supply and the external power supply, which is troublesome.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide an automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller that switches between a commercial power supply and an external power supply with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller according to the present invention is an automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller comprising: a control section connected to a signal lamp and performing lighting control for the signal lamp; a converter section for supplying power to the control section; and a power supply switching section connected to the converter section and to first and second AC power sources via power lines, wherein the power supply switching section comprises: a switch section having a movable contact for switching between a first connection state in which the converter section and the first AC power source are connected, and a second connection state in which the converter section and the second AC power source are connected; and a movable contact control section arranged above the movable contact made of iron material and made of an electromagnet, wherein when the movable contact control section is energized, the magnetic force of the electromagnet attracts the movable contact to the movable contact control section against gravity to set the first connection state, and when the movable contact control section is not energized, the magnetic force disappears and the movable contact falls by gravity, thereby releasing the attraction of the movable contact to the movable contact control section and setting the movable contact to the second connection state. The first AC power source is a generator that generates power by utilizing sunlight, and the second AC power source is a commercial power source, and in the morning when the power generation starts, the second connection state is automatically switched to the first connection state as a result of the generation of magnetic force by the electromagnet, and in the evening when the power generation ends, the first connection state is automatically switched to the second connection state as a result of the disappearance of the magnetic force by the electromagnet. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller of the present invention, automatic switching between the commercial power supply and the external power supply can be performed with a simple configuration without using a complex circuit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of an automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of an automatic power switching type traffic signal controller when the power supply is switched. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a conventional traffic signal controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of an automatic power switching type traffic signal controller 1 installed near an intersection. The housing of the traffic signal controller 1 is provided with an airtight door for maintenance purposes.

[0013] The traffic signal controller 1 is composed of a control unit 2 that controls the lighting of the traffic signal lights L via a light output unit and inputs vehicle detection signals from the vehicle detector D, a communication unit 3 that is connected to the control unit 2 and transmits and receives various data with the center device C via a wired or wireless network N, a converter unit 4 that is connected to the control unit 2 and the communication unit 3 and supplies DC power to the control unit 2 and the communication unit 3, a light output unit 5 that turns on the traffic signal lights L based on an output command from the control unit 2, a power source switching unit 7 that is connected to the converter unit 4 and multiple power sources E, such as a commercial power source via a generator and a breaker 6, via a power line, and first and second light emitting units 8 and 9 that are connected to the power source switching unit 7 and consist of light emitting members such as LEDs.

[0014] Each of these devices is housed within the housing of the traffic signal controller 1, and a center device C connected to the traffic signal controller 1 via a network N performs centralized control and monitoring of multiple traffic signal controllers 1 and vehicle detectors D under its management.

[0015] The control unit 2 outputs an output command to the light output unit 5, which turns on the red, yellow, and blue lights of the vehicle traffic signal lights and the red and blue lights of the pedestrian lights installed at the intersection, according to the stored traffic signal light aspect table of the traffic signal lights L.

[0016] The control unit 2 is also connected to the vehicle detector D and the communication unit 3 via signal lines SG, and transmits and receives various data via these signal lines SG. The vehicle detector D is connected to an AC 100V power line from the power supply switching unit 7.

[0017] It is not necessary to install the vehicle detector D at the intersection, and if the traffic signal controller 1 is operated independently at the intersection, there is no need to provide the communication unit 3 for communicating with the center device C.

[0018] The converter unit 4 is an AC / DC converter that outputs, for example, DC 5 V in response to an input of, for example, AC 100 V. These DC 5 V power lines are connected to the control unit 2 and the communication unit 3.

[0019] A power supply switching unit 7 is disposed between the converter unit 4 and the commercial power supply E1, which is a first AC power supply, and the external power supply E2, which is a second AC power supply. This power supply switching unit 7 is composed of a switch unit 7b having a movable contact 7a that can be switched between a first connection state of the converter unit 4 and the commercial power supply E1 and a second connection state of the converter unit 4 and the external power supply E2, and a movable contact control unit 7c that is disposed near the switch unit 7b and is connected to the commercial power supply E1.

[0020] A commercial power source E1 of a predetermined voltage, for example, AC 100V, is connected to the switch unit 7b and the movable contact control unit 7c of the power source switching unit 7 via a breaker 6.

[0021] The breaker 6 automatically cuts off the power supply from the commercial power source E1 when a short circuit occurs in the circuit of the traffic signal controller 1 causing an overcurrent or a power leak.

[0022] The external power source E2 is a power source that is equipped with an inverter and outputs 100V AC like the commercial power source E1, and can use a diesel generator that generates electricity by burning fuel such as diesel, a generator that generates electricity using natural energy such as solar or wind power, or a storage battery that has stored electricity in advance.

[0023] An electromagnet such as a coil magnet is used in the movable contact control unit 7c, and when power is supplied from the commercial power source E1, that is, when the movable contact control unit 7c is energized, the movable contact 7a, which is made of iron or the like, is attracted by magnetic force to establish a first connection state in which the converter unit 4 and the commercial power source E1 are connected.

[0024] Conversely, when the power supply from the commercial power source E1 is cut off, that is, when the movable contact control unit 7c is not energized, the movable contact control unit 7c releases the magnetic attraction of the movable contact 7a by gravity and spring action, and switches to a second connection state in which the converter unit 4 is connected to the external power source E2, as shown in Figure 2.

[0025] In other words, the first and second connection states are switched depending on whether the movable contact control unit 7c is energized or de-energized. Therefore, only one of the commercial power source E1 and the external power source E2 can supply power to the internal devices of the traffic signal controller 1 via the power source switching unit 7.

[0026] In addition, a first light-emitting unit 8 and a second light-emitting unit 9 that emit light when power is being supplied are connected to the commercial power source E1 and the external power source E2, respectively, and these first and second light-emitting units 8, 9 use, for example, LED elements.

[0027] The first light-emitting unit 8 and the movable contact control unit 7c are connected in parallel to the commercial power source E1, and emit light in the first connection state. The second light-emitting unit 9 branches off from the power line between the switch unit 7b and the external power source E2, and emits light in the second connection state. The first light-emitting unit 8 may be provided by branching off from the power line between the switch unit 7b and the external power source E2.

[0028] The first and second light emitting units 8 and 9 may be light emitting bodies that emit light of different colors, and are visible when the sealed door on the front side of the housing of the traffic signal controller 1 is open. Alternatively, a glass window or the like may be provided in the housing, and the light emitting units may be visible when the sealed door is closed.

[0029] The lamp output unit 5 receives an AC 100V power line from the power supply switching unit 7, and based on an output command according to the indication table from the control unit 2, a process is performed to connect the input power line to output lines that turn on the red, yellow, and blue lights of the traffic signal lamp L.

[0030] Under normal circumstances, the traffic signal controller 1 is operated in the state shown in Fig. 1, and power is constantly supplied from the commercial power source E1 to the traffic signal controller 1. However, in the event of a power outage in which the power supply from the commercial power source E1 is interrupted due to a disaster or the like, the switch unit 7b automatically switches from the connection state shown in Fig. 1 to the connection state shown in Fig. 2.

[0031] As described above, under normal circumstances, when power is supplied from the commercial power source E1 to the movable contact control unit 7c, the movable contact 7a is attracted by a magnetic force, resulting in the first connection state.

[0032] In the event of a power outage, the power supply to the movable contact control unit 7c is cut off, and the movable contact control unit 7c is released from the magnetic attraction of the movable contact 7a and enters the second connection state. By switching to this second connection state, power can be continuously supplied to the internal devices of the traffic signal control device 1 even during a power outage.

[0033] In the block circuit configuration diagram shown in FIG. 1, the external power source E2 is connected in advance, but after a power outage occurs in the commercial power source E1, the external power source E2 such as a diesel generator or a storage battery prepared by an operator or the like may be connected to start supplying power to the traffic signal controller 1.

[0034] In this way, while power is being supplied to the traffic signal controller 1 from the external power source E2 that was connected after the power outage occurred, if the power outage at the commercial power source E1 is resolved and the power supply is restored, the automatically energized movable contact control unit 7c will attract the movable contact 7a, thereby switching from the second connection state to the first connection state.

[0035] Then, by checking the light emitted by the first and second light-emitting units 8, 9, workers can determine whether the commercial power source E1 has been restored, and when the first light-emitting unit 8 is emitting light, they can remove the external power source E2 that is no longer needed.

[0036] In another embodiment, an external power source E2 such as a solar power generator can be used as the first AC power source on the side having the movable contact control unit 7c, and a commercial power source E1 can be used as the second AC power source on the side not having the movable contact control unit 7c.

[0037] 1, for example, a first connection state is set in which power is supplied from the external power source E2, which is a solar power generator that generates power from sunlight, a natural energy source, during the day, and at night, since no power is generated, the connection state is automatically switched to a second connection state in which power is supplied from the commercial power source E1. In other words, the connection state is automatically switched from the second connection state to the first connection state in the morning, and from the first connection state to the second connection state in the evening.

[0038] 3 is a block circuit diagram of a conventional traffic signal controller 1' installed near an intersection, in which power is supplied only from a commercial power source E1 and components from the control unit 2 to the breaker 6 are stored in a housing. Each of these devices is the same as each of the devices stored in the housing of the automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0039] Then, by modifying this traffic signal controller 1' by adding a power supply switching unit 7 and first and second light emitting units 8 and 9 that enable connection of an external power supply E2, and by arranging the external power supply E2, it becomes possible to switch the connection state between the commercial power supply E1 and the external power supply E2 as described above. Note that when this modification is made, there is no need to change the software of the control unit 2, etc.

[0040] In this way, according to the automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller of the present invention, automatic switching between the commercial power supply E1 and the external power supply E2 can be performed with a simple structure without using complex circuits as in the conventional switching structure, and only one of the commercial power supply E1 and the external power supply E2 can supply power to various devices via the power supply switching unit 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1. Automatic power switching type traffic signal controller 2. Control section 4 Converter section 7 Power supply switching section 7a Movable contact 7b Switch section 7c Movable contact control section 8 First light emitting part 9 Second light emitting part E1 Commercial power supply E2 External power supply

Claims

1. An automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller including a control unit that is connected to a signal lamp and controls the lighting of the signal lamp, a converter unit that supplies power to the control unit, and a power supply switching unit that is connected to the converter unit and first and second AC power supplies via power lines, the power supply switching unit includes a switch unit having a movable contact configured to switch between a first connection state in which the converter unit and the first AC power supply are connected and a second connection state in which the converter unit and the second AC power supply are connected; a movable contact control unit arranged above the movable contact made of iron material and made of an electromagnet; When the movable contact control unit is energized, the magnetic force of the electromagnet attracts the movable contact to the movable contact control unit against gravity, thereby establishing the first connected state, and when the movable contact control unit is not energized, the magnetic force disappears and the movable contact falls due to gravity, thereby releasing the attraction of the movable contact to the movable contact control unit and establishing the second connected state. The first AC power source is a generator that generates power by utilizing solar light, and the second AC power source is a commercial power source, An automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller characterized in that in the morning when the power generation starts, the second connection state is automatically switched to the first connection state as a result of the generation of magnetic force in the electromagnet due to the power generation, and in the evening when the power generation ends, the first connection state is automatically switched to the second connection state as a result of the disappearance of the magnetic force in the electromagnet.

2. 2. The automatic power supply switching type traffic signal controller according to claim 1, further comprising: a first light-emitting unit that is disposed between the power supply switching unit and the first AC power supply and emits light in a first connection state; and a second light-emitting unit that is disposed between the power supply switching unit and the second AC power supply and emits light in a second connection state.

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