Road lighting device and road lighting system

Abstract

To provide a road lighting device which can sufficiently secure an irradiation range of irradiation light while reducing the number of road lightning devices to be installed, and a road lighting system.SOLUTION: A symmetrical light distribution unit 5 and a pro-beam light distribution unit 6 are accommodated in a device main body 2. The symmetrical light distribution unit 5 irradiates light emitted from an LED module to a road as irradiation light with a direction along a transverse direction of the road as a main irradiation direction. The pro-beam light distribution unit 6 irradiates the road with light emitted from the LED module as irradiation light with a direction orientated to a longitudinal direction of the road as the main irradiation direction. By this constitution, an irradiation range of the irradiation light can be expanded in the longitudinal direction of the road, can reduce the number of road lighting devices to be installed while sufficiently securing the irradiation range of the irradiation light, can reduce installation work man-hours of the road lighting device, can reduce the number of maintenance points, and also, can reduce power consumption.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to road lighting devices and road lighting systems. In particular, the present invention relates to road lighting devices installed on parapets on road shoulders or on stands installed on roadsides, and road lighting systems that control the road lighting devices. Note that the term "pro-beam" used in this specification refers to a light distribution that illuminates mainly the direction of vehicle travel in the longitudinal direction of the road. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, pole lighting systems such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 have been widely used as road lighting devices installed on expressways and the like. However, this type of road lighting device has various issues, such as the risk of collapse and the complicated maintenance and inspection work required at high altitudes, and therefore there is a growing need to install road lighting devices at lower positions.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a road lighting device (generally referred to as a low-position road lighting device) that is installed at a low position such as on a wall parapet at the shoulder of a road. The road lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a light-emitting unit and a reflector inside a housing, and is configured to emit light from the light-emitting unit toward the road by the reflector, and to emit the light along the width direction of the road (the cross direction of the road), thereby providing illumination with so-called symmetrical light distribution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-59365 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-51902 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional road lighting devices (symmetric light distribution type road lighting devices) have not been able to adequately illuminate substantially the entire area of ​​the road that requires illumination (for example, substantially the entire area where vehicles travel). FIG. 17 is a plan view of road b on which conventional symmetric light distribution type road lighting devices a, a, ... are installed, and the illumination range of the emitted light is indicated by a dashed dotted line. In this case, areas c, c, ... in the figure are outside the illumination range of the light and are not illuminated. One way to eliminate area c that is outside the illumination range of the light is to narrow the span of the road lighting devices (shorten the installation interval between each road lighting device in the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the road). In other words, by shortening the interval between adjacent road lighting devices, it becomes possible to illuminate substantially the entire required area.

[0006] However, in this case, it will lead to an increase in the number of road lighting devices to be installed, which will increase the number of steps required to install the road lighting devices and the number of points requiring maintenance and inspection, resulting in a rise in costs.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a road lighting device and a road lighting system that can reduce the number of road lighting devices installed while ensuring a sufficient illumination range of the light emitted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above object is based on a road lighting device that is installed on one or both sides of a road in a transverse direction, and includes a housing and a light source housed inside the housing, and irradiates light emitted from the light source toward the road. This road lighting device has as its light source both a first light source for emitting irradiation light whose main irradiation direction is along the transverse direction of the road, and a second light source for emitting irradiation light whose main irradiation direction is directed in the longitudinal direction of the road. The housing contains a first light source control device for causing the first light source to emit light and a second light source control device for causing the second light source to emit light, each of which is housed as an independent electric circuit. The housing has an opening that opens to face the road. The opening is covered with a first translucent cover that transmits light emitted from the first light source as irradiation light whose main irradiation direction is a direction along the transverse direction of the road, and a second translucent cover that transmits light emitted from the second light source as irradiation light whose main irradiation direction is a direction directed in the longitudinal direction of the road. The first translucent cover and the second translucent cover are spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction. The housing has a metal fitting disposed at a boundary between a space accommodating the first light source and a space accommodating the second light source, and boundary packings are attached to surfaces of boundary packing attachment portions provided in positions corresponding to the edge portion of the first light-transmitting cover on the second light-transmitting cover side and the edge portion of the second light-transmitting cover on the first light-transmitting cover side, respectively, so that when the opening of the housing is covered with the light-transmitting covers, the edge portion of the first light-transmitting cover on the second light-transmitting cover side and the edge portion of the second light-transmitting cover on the first light-transmitting cover side each abut against the boundary packing. It is characterized by:

[0009] The term "first light source for emitting irradiation light whose main irradiation direction is along the transverse direction of the road" refers to both a first light source whose main emission direction is along the transverse direction of the road and a first light source whose main emission direction is along the transverse direction of the road due to reflection of light from the first light source. Similarly, the term "second light source for emitting irradiation light whose main emission direction is directed along the longitudinal direction of the road" refers to both a second light source whose main emission direction is along the longitudinal direction of the road and a second light source whose main emission direction is along the longitudinal direction of the road due to reflection of light from the second light source. Furthermore, the term "irradiation light whose main emission direction is along the longitudinal direction of the road" refers to one or both of the light irradiated by so-called pro-beam lighting and the light irradiated by so-called counter-beam lighting.

[0010] According to this solution, when illuminating a road with light from a road lighting device, the light emitted from the first light source illuminates the road as light whose primary illumination direction is along the transverse direction of the road. Meanwhile, the light emitted from the second light source illuminates the road as light whose primary illumination direction is directed along the longitudinal direction of the road. This allows the illumination range of the light to be expanded in the longitudinal direction of the road compared to conventional road lighting devices using a symmetric light distribution system. In other words, areas that were outside the illumination range of light in conventional technology can be illuminated by the light emitted from the second light source. This allows the illumination range of the light to be sufficiently secured without requiring a narrower span of the road lighting device. As a result, by reducing the number of road lighting devices installed, the number of installation work hours, maintenance and inspection locations, power consumption, and associated costs can be reduced, and the risk of collapse can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, even if a disconnection or other problem occurs in one of the first and second light source control devices, causing the light source in that control device to be unable to emit light, the other light source can still emit light, thereby avoiding a total unilluminated state in which both light sources are unable to emit light. This allows road illumination to be maintained by ensuring that at least one of the light sources is emitting light, thereby contributing to continuous traffic safety. Furthermore, if the translucent cover corresponding to the first light source (first translucent cover) and the translucent cover corresponding to the second light source (second translucent cover) are separate, the first and second translucent covers can be made of different materials as needed. For example, if the first translucent cover is made of glass and the second translucent cover is made of resin, the shape of the second translucent cover can be made more complex than the shape of the first translucent cover, thereby improving design flexibility for the second translucent cover. Furthermore, the boundary between the first and second light-transmitting covers (the edge of the first light-transmitting cover facing the second light-transmitting cover and the edge of the second light-transmitting cover facing the first light-transmitting cover) is sealed with a boundary packing, which prevents rainwater, dust, etc. from entering the inside of the housing. 。

[0011] Furthermore, the main irradiation direction of the irradiation light emitted from the second light source is a direction directed in a direction along the traveling direction of vehicles traveling on the road, as opposed to a cross direction of the road.

[0012] According to this solution, a portion of the light emitted from the second light source is directed toward the back of a vehicle traveling on the road, improving the visibility of the preceding vehicle for the driver of the following vehicle. This makes it possible to provide a road lighting device that greatly contributes to traffic safety by expanding the illumination range of the light onto the road and improving the visibility of the preceding vehicle.

[0017] In this case, the housing is provided with a gasket that extends continuously from the outer edge of the first translucent cover to the outer edge of the second translucent cover, and when the opening of the housing is covered by each of the translucent covers, the gaskets prevent rainwater, dust, etc. from entering between the outer edge of the first translucent cover and the housing and between the outer edge of the second translucent cover and the housing.

[0018] This makes it possible to prevent rainwater, dust, and the like from entering the device through gaps between the outer edge of the first light-transmitting cover and the housing, and between the outer edge of the second light-transmitting cover and the housing.

[0021] The housing contains a first light source unit including the first light source, and the first light source unit is provided with a shutter member that can be adjusted in the vertical direction to regulate the upper end position of the illumination range when the light emitted from the first light source is irradiated onto the road.

[0022] Since the light emitted from the first light source is irradiated primarily in the direction transverse to the road, if the irradiation range of this irradiated light includes the driver's line of sight, the driver may feel dazzled. In view of this, in this solution, the first light source unit may be provided with a shutter member whose position can be adjusted in the vertical direction, thereby restricting the upper end position of the irradiation range of the irradiated light. By adjusting this position, the irradiation range of the irradiated light may be set to a position lower than the driver's line of sight. This makes it possible to irradiate light that does not dazzle the driver.

[0023] Furthermore, a second light source unit including the second light source is housed inside the housing, and the mounting position of the second light source unit can be changed in at least three axial directions.

[0024] By changing the orientation of the second light source unit, for example, around a vertical axis, it is possible to adjust the angle of the illumination direction (direction toward the longitudinal direction of the road) of the light emitted from the second light source. This allows for optimizing the illumination range of the light irradiated in the direction toward the longitudinal direction of the road. For example, by aligning the outer edge of the illumination range with the outer line (white line) of the road shoulder, a large contrast can be achieved between the outer line and the road shoulder outside the outer line, emphasizing the outer line, improving the visibility of the outer line to vehicle drivers and improving traffic safety. It also reduces light pollution caused by light leaking outside the road. For example, when installing a road lighting device, first, settings are made to improve the illumination effect of the light emitted from the first light source unit in the direction across the road, and then the illumination range of the light emitted from the second light source unit is adjusted. In this case, by adjusting the orientation of the second light source unit, the illumination range of the light emitted from the second light source unit can be adjusted to an appropriate range in the longitudinal direction of the road without being restricted by the adjustment angle of the first light source unit. This makes it possible to satisfactorily illuminate areas outside the illumination range of the light emitted from the first light source unit with the light emitted from the second light source.

[0025] The housing contains a first light source unit including the first light source and a second light source unit including the second light source, and at least one of the first light source unit and the second light source unit is provided with an optical lens for expanding or limiting the light distribution range of the irradiated light.

[0026] When the light distribution range of the irradiated light is expanded by using an optical lens, the light distribution range can be expanded without increasing the size of the road lighting device. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient illumination range of the irradiated light while reducing the size of the road lighting device and increasing the installation interval between each road lighting device in the longitudinal direction of the road (widening the span of the road lighting device).

[0031] Additionally, an eave portion is provided around the outer periphery of the second light-transmitting cover, protruding outward beyond the end face of the second light-transmitting cover.

[0032] This allows the second light-transmitting cover to be configured so that it is not directly exposed to rain when it rains.

[0033] Furthermore, a road lighting system for controlling and monitoring a plurality of the above-mentioned road lighting devices also falls within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Specifically, a control monitoring device capable of mutual communication with each of the road lighting devices is provided with a signal transmitting unit that issues a monitoring information request signal to each of the road lighting devices, a signal receiving unit that receives a response signal from each of the road lighting devices, and a notification information generating unit that generates notification information in accordance with the response signal received by the signal receiving unit.

[0034] According to this road lighting system, notification information corresponding to a response signal from each road lighting device in response to a monitoring information request signal is provided to the administrator, so that the status of each of the multiple road lighting devices can be monitored (for example, monitoring for abnormalities such as non-illumination, or damage or failure due to a collision with a vehicle). In other words, the status of each road lighting device can be monitored without having to go to the installation site of each road lighting device. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of maintenance and inspection work.

[0035] The road lighting system also includes a light emission time accumulation unit that accumulates the light emission time of each of the light sources of the road lighting devices, and a life notification information generation unit that generates notification information that associates individual information of the road lighting device with life warning information when there is a road lighting device whose light emission time accumulated by the light emission time accumulation unit has reached a predetermined time.

[0036] In this case, the light emission time accumulator may be provided in each road lighting device, or in the control and monitoring device.

[0037] This solution makes it possible to automatically identify road lighting devices whose light source or other components are nearing the end of their lifespan when their light emission time has reached a predetermined time, and to provide this information to managers. This also makes it possible to recognize the need for road lighting device replacement work, thereby improving the efficiency of facility maintenance.

[0038] The road lighting system also comprises a light intensity command information generating unit which generates command information for increasing the light emission intensity of at least one of the first light source and the second light source in one road lighting device among a plurality of road lighting devices installed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the road, when the light emission of at least one of the first light source and the second light source in any one road lighting device becomes impossible.

[0039] This allows light from other adjacent road lighting devices to be irradiated onto a specific area of ​​the road that cannot be illuminated due to a light source being unable to emit light, thereby enabling the specific area to be well illuminated. In other words, even if a malfunction occurs in one road lighting device, the other road lighting devices can supplement the road lighting, contributing to traffic safety. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] In the present invention, a road lighting device housing contains a first light source for emitting light whose primary illumination direction is along the transverse direction of the road, and a second light source for emitting light whose primary illumination direction is directed along the longitudinal direction of the road. This allows the illumination range of the illumination light to be expanded in the longitudinal direction of the road, making it possible to illuminate areas that were out of the illumination range of light in conventional technology without requiring the road lighting device to have a narrower span. As a result, the number of road lighting devices installed can be reduced while still ensuring a sufficient illumination range of the illumination light, thereby reducing the installation work required for road lighting devices, the number of maintenance and inspection locations, power consumption, and the associated costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an installation state of a road lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a road lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view of a road lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the road lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a road lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the road lighting device with the translucent covers removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the inside of the road lighting device with the translucent covers removed. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the inside of the road lighting device with the translucent covers removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a connection portion between the main body case and the right side plate. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a connection portion between the main body case and the left side plate. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a pro-beam light distribution unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the light emitted from the road lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram of each light distribution unit. [Figure 15] 1 is a plan view of a road on which a road lighting device according to an embodiment is installed, in which the illumination range of illumination light is indicated by a dashed dotted line. [Figure 16] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a road lighting system configured by each road lighting device and a control monitoring device. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a road on which a conventional road lighting device using a symmetrical light distribution system is installed, and the illumination range of the illumination light is indicated by a dashed dotted line. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a road on which a conventional pole lighting type road lighting device is installed, in which the illumination range of the illumination light is indicated by a dashed line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a road lighting device using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light source will be described as an example. However, the light source is not limited to an LED.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an installation state of a road lighting device 1 according to this embodiment (electric wires and communication lines connected to the road lighting device 1 are omitted in FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of road lighting devices 1 according to this embodiment are installed at predetermined intervals in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the road R on the top of a parapet WR installed on the shoulder of a road (e.g., a highway) R or on the top of a mount installed on the roadside. The following will explain, as an example, a case where the road lighting devices 1 are installed on the top of a parapet WR. Each road lighting device 1, 1, ... irradiates light toward the road R to illuminate the road R, and is installed on one or both sides of the road R in the transverse direction. The irradiated light toward the road R will be described later. In addition, each road lighting device 1, 1, ... communicates with a control monitoring device 100 (see FIG. 16) described later. The form of communication between each road lighting device 1, 1, ... and the control monitoring device 100 will also be described later.

[0044] -Configuration of road lighting equipment- Figures 2 to 5 are views showing the road lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, with Figure 2 being a perspective view, Figure 3 being a front view, Figure 4 being a right side view, and Figure 5 being a left side view. Also, Figures 6 to 8 are views showing the inside of the road lighting device 1 with the translucent covers 3 and 4 removed, with Figure 6 being a perspective view, Figure 7 being a front view, and Figure 8 being a right side view.

[0045] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the road lighting device 1 is referred to as the X direction, the direction along the direction of vehicle travel when the device is installed on top of the parapet WR is referred to as the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of vehicle travel is referred to as the X2 direction. Furthermore, the transverse direction of the road R (the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the road R) when the device is installed on top of the parapet WR is referred to as the Y direction, the direction toward the road R when the device is installed on top of the parapet WR is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the direction toward the road R is referred to as the Y2 direction. Furthermore, the vertical direction when the device is installed on top of the parapet WR is referred to as the Z direction, the upward direction is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the downward direction is referred to as the Z2 direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 to 8, the road lighting device 1 includes a device main body (housing) 2, a front translucent cover (first translucent cover) 3, a side translucent cover (second translucent cover) 4, a symmetrical light distribution unit (first light source unit) 5, a pro-beam light distribution unit (second light source unit) 6, and a mounting leg unit 7.

[0047] (Device body) The device main body 2 includes a main body case 21, a right side plate 22 attached to the right side (X1 direction side) of the main body case 21, and a left side plate 23 attached to the left side (X2 direction side) of the main body case 21.

[0048] The main body case 21 has an upper plate portion 21a, a lower plate portion 21b, a back plate portion 21c, an opening upper edge portion 21d, and an opening lower edge portion 21e. The upper plate portion 21a forms the upper part of the main body case 21 and extends in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the Z direction. The lower plate portion 21b forms the bottom of the main body case 21 and extends in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the Z direction. The back plate portion 21c forms the back part of the main body case 21 and is disposed between the rear end (the end portion on the Y2 direction side) of the upper plate portion 21a and the rear end of the lower plate portion 21b and extends in a vertical direction perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0049] The opening upper edge 21d extends downward a predetermined distance from the front end (the end on the Y1 direction side) of the upper plate portion 21a. The opening lower edge 21e extends upward a predetermined distance from the front end of the lower plate portion 21b. This leaves an opening between the opening upper edge 21d and the opening lower edge 21e. This opening is covered by the front light-transmitting cover 3 and the side light-transmitting cover 4, which will be described later, and the light emitted from the symmetrical light distribution unit 5 and the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 passes through the opening, the front light-transmitting cover 3, and the side light-transmitting cover 4, and is emitted to the outside (towards the road R).

[0050] Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the connection portion between main body case 21 and right side plate 22. As shown in Figure 9, a packing mounting groove 21f having a generally U-shaped cross section and recessed in the Y2 direction is formed over the entire X direction at the lower end of opening upper edge 21d. Similarly, a packing mounting groove 21g having a generally U-shaped cross section and recessed in the Y2 direction is formed over the entire X direction at the upper end of opening lower edge 21e. A packing 11, which will be described later, is mounted in these packing mounting grooves 21f, 21g (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, a partition fitting 24 is attached to the rear plate 21c at the boundary between the accommodation space for the symmetrical light distribution unit 5 and the accommodation space for the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 in the internal space of the main body case 21. The partition fitting 24 has a center packing attachment portion 24a and attachment legs 24b, 24b. The center packing attachment portion 24a is located near the opening in the boundary portion and has a center packing attachment surface 24c (see FIG. 9) extending perpendicular to the Y direction. The attachment legs 24b, 24b extend from the upper and lower portions of the center packing attachment portion 24a toward the rear plate 21c and are screwed to the rear plate 21c. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the state in which the center packing (boundary packing) 12 is attached to the center packing attachment surface 24c of the center packing attachment portion 24a. When this center packing 12 is attached to the center packing attachment surface 24c, its upper end abuts against the lower end of the packing 11 attached to the packing attachment groove 21f, and its lower end abuts against the upper end of the packing 11 attached to the packing attachment groove 21g. Furthermore, when this center packing 12 is attached to the center packing attachment surface 24c, its front surface (the surface located on the Y1 direction side) is approximately flush with the front surfaces of the packings 11 (packings 11 attached to the packing attachment grooves 21f, 21g).

[0052] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 9, the right side plate 22 is attached to the right end of the main body case 21 with a packing (not shown) interposed between the right side plate 22 and the main body case 21. The right side plate 22 has an upper portion 22a that fits along the upper plate portion 21a of the main body case 21, a rear portion 22b that fits along the rear plate portion 21c of the main body case 21, and a lower portion 22c that fits along the lower plate portion 21b of the main body case 21. The front end (end on the Y1 side) of the upper portion 22a, the upper end (end on the Z1 side) and lower end (end on the Z2 side) of the rear portion 22b, and the front end (end on the Y1 side) of the lower portion 22c are fastened to the right end of the main body case 21 with screws (tapping screws) (not shown). Rubber stoppers RS are fitted into these fastening portions to provide waterproofing (to prevent water from entering the interior of the main body case 21).

[0053] As described above, the right side panel 22 has an open central portion. That is, openings are formed on the lower side (Z2 direction side) of the upper portion 22a, the front side (Y1 direction side) of the back portion 22b, and the upper side (Z1 direction side) of the lower portion 22c. These openings are covered by side translucent covers 4, which will be described later, and the light emitted from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 passes through the side translucent covers 4 from the openings and is emitted to the outside (towards the road R).

[0054] As shown in Figure 9, the right side plate 22 has a bulge portion 22A that bulges in the X1 direction from the upper portion 22a, rear portion 22b, and lower portion 22c inside the upper portion 22a, rear portion 22b, and lower portion 22c (below the upper portion 22a, in front of the rear portion 22b, and above the lower portion 22c).

[0055] Grooves 22d, 22e, and 22f for attaching packings are provided in bulging portion 22A. These grooves 22d, 22e, and 22f are recesses for attaching packing 11, and are configured by forming a cross section of a portion of bulging portion 22A into a generally U-shape. Specifically, continuous grooves 22d, 22e, and 22f are configured, including upper groove 22d extending along the extension direction of upper portion 22a, back groove 22e extending along the extension direction of back portion 22b, and lower groove 22f extending along the extension direction of lower portion 22c. Upper groove 22d is formed from the side surface (facing the X1 direction) to the front surface (facing the Y1 direction) of bulging portion 22A, and the end of upper groove 22d on the X2 side is continuous with packing mounting groove 21f formed in opening upper edge 21d of main body case 21. Similarly, lower groove 22f is formed from the side surface (facing the X1 direction) to the front surface (facing the Y1 direction) of bulging portion 22A, and the end of lower groove 22f on the X2 side is continuous with packing mounting groove 21g formed in opening lower edge 21e of main body case 21. Figures 6 and 8 show a state in which packing 11 is mounted across these packing mounting grooves 21f, 21g and grooves 22d, 22e, and 22f.

[0056] The bulging portion 22A is also provided with overhanging portions 22g, 22h, and 22i. These overhanging portions 22g, 22h, and 22i are intended to protect the side translucent cover 4 from direct exposure to rain and are plate-shaped and protrude outward (toward the X1 direction) from the outer surface (the outer surface located on the X1 direction side) of the bulging portion 22A along the outer edge of the bulging portion 22A. Specifically, the overhanging portions 22g, 22h, and 22i are formed by an upper overhanging portion 22g extending along the upper edge of the bulging portion 22A, a rear overhanging portion 22h extending along the edge of the rear side of the bulging portion 22A, and a lower overhanging portion 22i extending along the lower edge of the bulging portion 22A.

[0057] 3 and 5, left side plate 23 is attached to the left end of main body casing 21 with a packing (not shown) interposed between it and the left end of main body casing 21. Left side plate 23 is made of a flat plate that matches the shape of the left end of main body casing 21, and each corner is fastened to the left end of main body casing 21 with a screw (not shown). A rubber stopper RS ​​is fitted into this fastening portion to provide waterproofing.

[0058] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection portion between the casing body 21 and the left side plate 23. As shown in FIG. 10, the left side plate 23 is provided with packing mounting grooves 23a (23f, 23g). The packing mounting grooves 23a are recesses for mounting the packing 11, and the front portion (the portion located on the Y1 direction side) of the left side plate 23 has a generally U-shaped cross section. The upper portion of the packing mounting groove 23a is continuous with the packing mounting groove 21f formed in the upper edge 21d of the opening of the casing body 21. Similarly, the lower portion of the packing mounting groove 23a is continuous with the packing mounting groove 21g formed in the lower edge 21e of the opening of the casing body 21. FIGS. 6 and 7 show a state in which the packing 11 is mounted across the packing mounting grooves 23a, 21f, and 21g.

[0059] In addition, the left side plate 23 is fitted with electrical conduits (plica tubes) 23b, 23b through which electrical wires for supplying power to the road lighting device 1 and communication wires for communicating with the control and monitoring device 100 described later are inserted.

[0060] (Front translucent cover) The front light-transmitting cover 3 is a glass plate that transmits light emitted from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 so that the light can be irradiated toward the road R. Note that the front light-transmitting cover 3 may be made of a light-transmitting resin.

[0061] The vertical dimension (Z direction) of the front light-transmitting cover 3 is set slightly larger than the vertical dimension of the opening (the dimension between the lower end of the opening upper edge 21d and the upper end of the opening lower edge 21e). As a result, when the front light-transmitting cover 3 is attached to the device body 2 (the opening is covered by the front light-transmitting cover 3) as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper edge of the front light-transmitting cover 3 abuts against the packing 11 attached to the packing attachment groove 21f of the opening upper edge 21d, and the lower edge of the front light-transmitting cover 3 abuts against the packing 11 attached to the packing attachment groove 21g of the opening lower edge 21e. In addition, the horizontal dimension (X direction) of the front light-transmitting cover 3 is set shorter by a predetermined dimension than the horizontal dimension of the opening (the dimension between the right side plate 22 and the left side plate 23). Specifically, this distance is set slightly larger than the distance between the X2-direction edge of the partition fitting 24 and the X1-direction edge of the left-side plate 23. As a result, when the front light-transmitting cover 3 is attached to the device body 2 (the opening is covered by the front light-transmitting cover 3) as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the left edge of the front light-transmitting cover 3 abuts against the packing 11 attached to the packing attachment groove 23a of the left-side plate 23, and the right edge of the front light-transmitting cover 3 (the edge of the first light-transmitting cover facing the second light-transmitting cover in this invention) abuts against the center packing 12 attached to the center packing attachment surface 24c. As a result, the packing 11 and the center packing 12 are interposed between the entire periphery of the outer edge of the front light-transmitting cover 3 and the device body 2, sealing the gap between the front light-transmitting cover 3 and the device body 2 and preventing rainwater from entering the device body 2 through this gap.

[0062] The front light-transmitting cover 3 has an upper end portion attached to the main body case 21 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis (axis in the X direction). Specifically, three points on the upper edge of the front light-transmitting cover 3 are supported by the opening upper edge 21d via hinges 31, 31, 31 with the X direction as the rotation axis. Three points on the lower edge of the front light-transmitting cover 3 are engaged with the opening lower edge 21e by latches 32, 32, 32. Therefore, by releasing the engagement state of the latches 32, 32, 32, the front light-transmitting cover 3 can be rotated by the hinges 31, 31, 31 (rotation of the front light-transmitting cover 3 from the state shown in FIG. 3 toward the viewer). This rotation allows the front light-transmitting cover 3 to be in an open state (a state in which the opening is not covered), thereby enabling adjustment and maintenance of the devices housed inside the road lighting device 1. Furthermore, this front translucent cover 3 does not necessarily have to be entirely translucent, but may be translucent only in the central portion so that light is directed toward a specific irradiation range, with the remaining areas being treated with a black light-blocking coating.

[0063] (Side translucent cover) The side light-transmitting covers 4 are resin members that transmit light emitted from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 so that the light can be irradiated onto the road R. The side light-transmitting covers 4 may also be made of glass.

[0064] The side light-transmitting cover 4 includes a front light-emitting portion 41 and a side light-emitting portion 42 .

[0065] 2 and 4, the front light-projecting unit 41 has a shape that slightly protrudes toward the front side (Y1 direction side). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front light-projecting unit 41 has a front surface portion 41a extending in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction, an inclined portion 41b that inclines from an edge of the front surface portion 41a on the X2 direction side toward the main body case 21, and an extending portion 41c that extends from an edge of the inclined portion 41b on the X2 direction side toward the main body case 21. The front light-projecting unit 41 also has an upper horizontal portion 41d that is continuous with the upper edges of the front surface portion 41a, the inclined portion 41b, and the extending portion 41c and extends horizontally toward the main body case 21. The front light-projecting unit 41 also has a lower horizontal portion 41e that is continuous with the lower edges of the front surface portion 41a, the inclined portion 41b, and the extending portion 41c and extends horizontally toward the main body case 21. Furthermore, the front light projecting portion 41 has flange portions 41f, 41g, and 41h that are continuous with the extending portion 41c, the upper horizontal portion 41d, and the lower horizontal portion 41e, respectively, and extend in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0066] The front light projecting unit 41 is attached to the main body case 21 by a pair of upper and lower front light projecting unit mounting brackets 43a, 43b. Specifically, when the side light-transmitting cover 4 is attached to the device main body 2, a flange portion 41f continuous with the extending portion 41c (the edge portion of the second light-transmitting cover on the first light-transmitting cover side in this invention) abuts against the center packing 12 attached to the center packing mounting surface 24c. Furthermore, an upper flange portion 41g continuous with the upper horizontal portion 41d is overlapped with the packing 11 attached to the packing mounting groove 21f of the main body case 21, and with its front side pressed down by the front light projecting unit mounting bracket 43a, the front light projecting unit mounting bracket 43a is screwed to the upper edge portion 21d of the opening of the main body case 21. Similarly, a lower flange portion 41h continuous with the lower horizontal portion 41e is overlapped on the packing 11 attached to the packing attachment groove portion 21g of the main body case 21, and with its front side held down by the front light projector mounting bracket 43b, the front light projector mounting bracket 43b is screwed to the opening lower edge portion 21e of the main body case 21. As a result, the packing 11 and the center packing 12 are interposed between the flange portions 41f, 41g, 41h of the front light projector 41 and the device main body 2, sealing the gap between the front light projector 41 and the device main body 2 and preventing rainwater from entering the inside of the device main body 2 through the gap between them.

[0067] The side light-projecting portion 42 is continuous with the front surface portion 41a, the upper horizontal portion 41d, and the lower horizontal portion 41e of the front light-projecting portion 41, and has a flat plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the X direction.

[0068] 2 and 4, the side light-projecting unit 42 is attached to the right side plate 22 by a pair of upper and lower side light-projecting unit mounting brackets 44a, 44b. Specifically, when the side light-transmitting cover 4 is attached to the device body 2, the outer edge of the side light-projecting unit 42 is overlapped with packing 11 attached across the grooves 22d, 22e, and 22f of the right side plate 22, and the corners located on the Y2 direction side are held down by the side light-projecting unit mounting brackets 44a, 44b, and the side light-projecting unit mounting brackets 44a, 44b are screwed to the right side plate 22. This intervenes between the side light-projecting unit 42 and the right side plate 22, sealing the gap between the side light-projecting unit 42 and the right side plate 22 and preventing rainwater from entering the device body 2 through the gap between them.

[0069] (Symmetrical light distribution unit) The symmetric light distribution unit 5 is a unit for irradiating light toward the road R, with the main irradiation direction being along the transverse direction of the road R. The symmetric light distribution unit 5 has a predetermined length along the X direction. For example, the length of the symmetric light distribution unit 5 is slightly shorter than the length of the front light-transmitting cover 3 in the X direction.

[0070] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 6, Fig. 7, and Fig. 11, the symmetrical light distribution unit 5 includes an LED mounting bracket 51, an LED mounting plate 52, an LED module 53, and a reflector 54.

[0071] The LED mounting bracket 51 is a member fixed to, for example, the back panel portion 21c. As shown in Fig. 11, various devices (devices for controlling the light distribution units 5, 6) are arranged on the back side of this LED mounting bracket 51. As shown in Figs. 7 and 10, a monitor lamp (abnormality diagnosis display unit) 51a is arranged near the end of the LED mounting bracket 51 on the X2 direction side. This monitor lamp 51a is made up of multiple lamps that light up or blink depending on the type of abnormality when some abnormality is detected by self-diagnosis of the road lighting device 1 (self-diagnosis by the self-diagnosis unit 202, which will be described later).

[0072] The LED mounting plate 52 is a member for supporting the LED module 53, and is attached to the front surface (the surface on the Y1 direction side) of the LED mounting bracket 51. The LED mounting plate 52 is configured by integrally assembling a mounting plate main body 52a and a shutter member 52b.

[0073] As shown in Figure 11, the mounting plate main body 52a has a mounting portion 52c that extends vertically and is attached to the LED mounting bracket 51, an inclined portion 52d that slopes diagonally downward from the lower end of the mounting portion 52c toward the front, and a vertical portion 52e that extends downward a predetermined distance from the front end of the inclined portion 52d.

[0074] The LED module 53 is disposed on the underside of the inclined portion 52d of the LED mounting plate 52, extending over substantially the entirety of the inclined portion 52d in the X direction. The LED module 53 includes an LED substrate 53a, LED elements (not shown) serving as a plurality of light sources (first light sources in the present invention) disposed on the LED substrate 53a, and an optical lens 53b (for example, a resin optical lens for expanding or limiting the light distribution range of the emitted light) for adjusting the light emitted from each LED element to a predetermined light distribution angle and direction. The optical lens 53b determines the light distribution angle and light distribution direction of the light emitted from each LED element, and is designed according to the width dimension of the road R on which the road lighting device 1 is installed and the distance between adjacent road lighting devices 1 along the longitudinal direction of the road R.

[0075] The shutter member 52b is a member for restricting the upper end position of the light emitted from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 and is configured to be vertically positionable relative to the vertical portion 52e. Specifically, screw holes (circular screw holes) are formed in multiple locations on the vertical portion 52e, and elongated holes 52f, with their longitudinal direction extending in the vertical direction, are formed in the shutter member 52b at positions corresponding to these screw holes. This allows the position of the shutter member 52b to be vertically positionable relative to the vertical portion 52e. In other words, this position change allows the lower end position of the shutter member 52b to be variable, thereby restricting the upper end position of the emitted light. By adjusting the lower end position of the shutter member 52b, the illumination range of the light emitted from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 can be set to a position lower than the eye level of the vehicle driver. This makes it possible to emit light that does not dazzle the driver.

[0076] The reflector 54 reflects the light emitted from each LED element of the LED module 53 toward the road R, and has a reflecting surface 54a formed of a curved surface with a predetermined curvature. The shape of this reflecting surface 54a is designed in advance through experiments and simulations.

[0077] As described above, in the symmetrical light distribution unit 5, the light emitted from each LED element has its light distribution angle and direction adjusted by the optical lens 53b, and is then reflected toward the road R by the reflector 54. A portion of this reflected light is then blocked by the shutter member 52b (after the upper end position of the irradiation range is regulated), and then passes through the opening and the front translucent cover 3 to be irradiated toward the road R.

[0078] (Probeam light distribution unit) The pro-beam light distribution unit 6 is a unit for irradiating light toward the road R, with the main irradiation direction being directed in the longitudinal direction of the road R (more specifically, the direction directed along the direction of travel of the vehicle traveling on the road R).

[0079] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the pro beam light distribution unit 6 (an LED module 67, which will be described later, is omitted from Fig. 12). As shown in Fig. 12, the pro beam light distribution unit 6 includes a mounting base 61, an adjustment fitting 62, an intermediate fitting 63, a lens unit mounting fitting 64, a lens unit 65, and an LED module 67 (see Figs. 6 and 7).

[0080] The mounting base 61 is a member screwed to the rear plate portion 21c and has a mounting plate portion 61a extending in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. Although not shown, a long hole is formed in the mounting base 61 with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction, thereby making it possible to change the position of the mounting base 61 in the vertical direction relative to the rear plate portion 21c. This makes it possible to change the position of the entire pro beam distribution unit 6 in the vertical direction. Note that the configuration that makes it possible to change the position of the entire pro beam distribution unit 6 in the vertical direction is not limited to a configuration in which a long hole is formed in the mounting base 61, and may be applied to other members (adjustment fitting 62, intermediate fitting 63, lens unit mounting fitting 64).

[0081] The adjustment fitting 62 is attached to the mounting plate portion 61a of the mounting base 61, and has a mounting plate portion 62a that extends in a direction perpendicular to the X direction.

[0082] The intermediate metal fitting 63 is attached to the mounting plate portion 62a of the adjustment metal fitting 62, and has a lens unit mounting plate portion 63a extending in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. This lens unit mounting plate portion 63a has two screw holes (not shown in the figure) formed therein for screwing in the lens unit mounting metal fitting 64.

[0083] The lens unit mounting bracket 64 is a member that supports the lens unit 65 and has a rotating plate portion 64a that extends in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. This rotating plate portion 64a has screw holes formed therein that correspond to the screw holes formed in the intermediate bracket 63. One of these screw holes (a screw hole formed closer to X2 in FIG. 12) 64b has an arc shape with its center at the other screw hole (a screw hole formed closer to X1 in FIG. 12; not shown in FIG. 12). Therefore, the lens unit mounting bracket 64 is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the intermediate bracket 63 (see the arrow in FIG. 12), thereby making it possible to change the orientation of the lens unit 65 about the vertical axis. In other words, the angle of the irradiation direction of the light emitted from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 (direction directed in the longitudinal direction of the road R) can be adjusted.

[0084] The lens unit 65 includes an optical lens 65a disposed in front (in the X1 direction) of an LED module 67 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ) equipped with an LED element (referred to as a second light source in the present invention), not shown, and a base member 65c supporting the LED module 67 and the optical lens 65a. Light from the LED module 67 passes through the optical lens 65a and the side translucent cover 4 and is directed toward the direction of travel of a vehicle traveling on road R. As described above, the angle of the direction of light emitted from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 can be adjusted, so the illumination range of the light directed toward the longitudinal direction of road R can be optimized. For example, by aligning the outer edge of the illumination range with the outer line (white line) of the shoulder of road R, a greater contrast can be achieved between the outer line and the shoulder outside the outer line, emphasizing the outer line. This improves the visibility of the outer line to the vehicle driver and improves traffic safety.

[0085] As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 8 , a light-blocking member 65b is provided inside the optical lens 65a to limit the upper end position and the shoulder side of the road R of the irradiation range of the light emitted from the LED module 67. A plurality of light-blocking members 65b are prepared in advance, and a light-blocking member 65b selected according to the limiting range of the irradiation of the light (the range between the upper end position and the shoulder side of the road R) is attached to the inside of the optical lens 65a. For example, the light-blocking member 65b is fastened to and supported by the base member 65c of the lens unit 65 or the optical lens 65a. The attachment of the light-blocking member 65b may be performed during the manufacturing process of the road lighting device 1 or during the installation of the road lighting device 1. Because the light emitted from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 is primarily directed in the longitudinal direction of the road R, if the irradiation range is wider than necessary, the driver may feel dazzled or light pollution may occur due to light leaking outside the road R. In consideration of this point, in this embodiment, a light blocking member 65b is attached inside the optical lens 65a, and this light blocking member 65b regulates the upper end position of the irradiation range of the irradiated light and the position on the shoulder side of the road R, thereby optimizing the irradiation range of the irradiated light. This makes it possible to prevent the driver of the vehicle from feeling dazzled and to prevent light pollution caused by light leaking outside the road R.

[0086] (Mounting leg unit) The mounting leg units 7 are units for mounting the road lighting device 1 to the upper part of the wall parapet WR. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mounting leg units 7 are mounted respectively at positions closer to the left and right on the underside of the lower plate portion 21b of the device main body 2. The configurations of the mounting leg units 7 are substantially identical (symmetrical).

[0087] The mounting leg unit 7 comprises a first member 71 and a second member 72 .

[0088] The first member 71 is a substantially L-shaped member having a horizontal portion 71a and a vertical portion 71b. The horizontal portion 71a is fastened with a bolt to the underside of the lower plate portion 21b of the device body 2. The vertical portion 71b extends downward a predetermined distance from the outer end of the horizontal portion 71a in the X direction.

[0089] The second member 72 is configured to have a vertical portion 72a and a pair of upper and lower horizontal portions 72b, 72c integrated together. The vertical portion 72a is placed on the vertical portion 71b of the first member 71 and fastened to the vertical portion 71b with bolts. Each of the horizontal portions 72b, 72c extends horizontally outward by a predetermined distance from the vertical middle position and the bottom end position of the vertical portion 72a, respectively.

[0090] The bolt insertion holes 72d, 72d formed in the vertical portion 72a of the second member 72 are elongated holes with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 5), which allows the first member 71 and the second member 72 to be fastened together while changing the relative position or inclination of the first member 71 with respect to the second member 72 in the vertical direction.

[0091] For example, when the first member 71 is fastened to the second member 72 in a forward tilted position, the entire road lighting device 1 also assumes a forward tilted position, and the direction of light emitted from each of the light distribution units 5, 6 toward the road R can be directed downward according to the angle of this forward tilt. In other words, the main direction of light emitted from each of the light distribution units 5, 6 toward the road R can be adjusted around the X axis.

[0092] Furthermore, when the fastening height position of the first member 71 relative to the second member 72 in the left mounting leg unit 7 is made different from the fastening height position of the first member 71 relative to the second member 72 in the right mounting leg unit 7, the irradiation direction of light irradiated from the pro beam distribution unit 6 toward the road R can be changed in the vertical direction according to the difference between these fastening height positions. In other words, it is possible to adjust the main irradiation direction of light irradiated from the pro beam distribution unit 6 toward the road R around the Y axis.

[0093] In this way, adjustments can be made around the X-axis and Y-axis using the mounting leg unit 7, and around the vertical axis (Z-axis) of the lens unit 65 mentioned above, and the mounting position of the pro beam distribution unit 6 can be changed in three axis directions.

[0094] (Irradiation range of irradiation light) Fig. 13 is a plan view illustrating the light emitted from the road lighting device 1 configured as described above. In Fig. 13, the range of the light emitted from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 is shown by a dashed line, and the range of the light emitted from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 is shown by a dashed line.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 13, the main irradiation direction of the light emitted from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 is the direction along the transverse direction of the road R (the Y1 direction in FIG. 13), and the light distribution angle is set to a predetermined angle by the optical lens 65a provided in the LED module 53. On the other hand, the main irradiation direction of the light emitted from the pro beam light distribution unit 6 is the direction directed toward the longitudinal direction of the road R (the X1 direction in FIG. 13), and the light distribution angle is set to a predetermined angle by the optical lens 65a provided in the lens unit 65. The irradiation ranges of the light emitted from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 and the pro beam light distribution unit 6 are set to be adjacent to each other, and cover wide ranges in the transverse direction of the road R and the direction directed toward the longitudinal direction of the road R. Note that the irradiation ranges of the light emitted from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 and the pro beam light distribution unit 6 may be set so that they partially overlap each other.

[0096] -Electrical and control systems- Next, the electrical system and control system of each light distribution unit 5, 6 will be briefly described. Fig. 14 is a wiring diagram of each light distribution unit 5, 6. As shown in Fig. 14, in the road lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, the symmetrical light distribution unit 5 and the pro beam light distribution unit 6 are each independent electrical circuits. The area surrounded by dashed line 5A in Fig. 14 is the symmetrical light distribution circuit (first light source control device) in the symmetrical light distribution unit 5, and the area surrounded by dashed line 6A in Fig. 14 is the pro beam light distribution circuit (second light source control device) in the pro beam light distribution unit 6. Specifically, the symmetrical light distribution circuit 5A includes an LED module control device 55 for symmetrical light distribution and the LED module 53. On the other hand, the pro beam light distribution circuit 6A includes an LED module control device 66 for pro beam light distribution and an LED module 67.

[0097] Specifically, power supply lines are connected from a power supply terminal block 80 via a power switch 81 to an LED module control device 66 and a control board 82. In the pro beam light distribution circuit 6A, an LED module 67 is connected to the LED module control device 66 by an electric wire. The LED module control device 66 is also connected to a control board 82 that is connected to a control terminal block 83, and is configured to control the LED module 67 in response to a control signal. With the above configuration, it is possible to supply power to the LED module 67 for pro beam light distribution, and to control the on / off switching and dimming of the LED module 67 for pro beam light distribution.

[0098] On the other hand, in the symmetrical light distribution circuit 5A, electric wires for power supply and control that pass through the control board 82 are connected in this order to the LED module control device 55 and the LED module 53. With the above configuration, power supply to the LED module 53 for symmetrical light distribution and on / off switching control and dimming control of the LED module 53 for symmetrical light distribution can be performed independently from power supply to the LED module 67 for pro beam light distribution described above and on / off switching control of the LED module 67 for pro beam light distribution.

[0099] In this way, the symmetric light distribution unit 5 (symmetric light distribution circuit 5A) and the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 (pro-beam light distribution circuit 6A) are configured as independent electric circuits, so that even if one unit fails to light due to a wire break or the like in the circuit, the other unit can still light up, and total failure to light can be avoided. This makes it possible to maintain illumination of road R (maintaining the emitting state of at least one light distribution unit), thereby continuously contributing to traffic safety.

[0100] -Installation of road lighting equipment- When installing the road lighting device 1 configured as described above on the top of the wall parapet WR, first, settings are made to improve the illumination effect in the cross-road direction by the light emitted from the symmetric light distribution unit 5. That is, each mounting leg unit 7, 7 is attached to the top of the wall parapet WR. Then, the illumination range of the light emitted from the pro beam light distribution unit 6 is adjusted. In this case, since the pro beam light distribution unit 6 is configured to be attitude adjustable as described above, this attitude adjustment makes it possible to adjust the illumination range of the light emitted from the pro beam light distribution unit 6 to an appropriate range in the longitudinal direction of the road without being restricted by the adjustment angle of the symmetric light distribution unit 5. In this way, the road lighting device 1 is installed so that areas outside the illumination range of the light emitted from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 can be well illuminated by the light emitted from the pro beam light distribution unit 6.

[0101] -Road lighting conditions- FIG. 15 is a plan view of a road R showing a state in which a plurality of road lighting devices 1 configured as described above are installed at predetermined intervals in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the road R. In FIG. 15, the range of the light irradiated from each light distribution unit 5, 6 is indicated by a dashed dotted line. The range of the light irradiated from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 is indicated by symbol S in the figure, and the range of the light irradiated from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 is indicated by symbol P in the figure. As is clear from FIG. 15, according to the road lighting device 1 of this embodiment, the irradiation range of the light is greatly expanded in the longitudinal direction of the road R. In other words, it is possible to illuminate an area that was outside the irradiation range of light in the prior art (see area c in FIG. 17 described above) with the light irradiated from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6.

[0102] 18 is a plan view of road b on which conventional pole lighting type road lighting devices d, d, ... are installed, and the illumination range of the emitted light is indicated by a dashed line. In this case as well, areas c, c, ... in the figure are outside the illumination range of the light and are not illuminated, but with the road lighting devices 1, 1, ... of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the illumination range of the emitted light is greatly expanded in the longitudinal direction of the road R, and therefore the entire road R can be illuminated well.

[0103] -Road lighting system- As described above, each of the road lighting devices 1, 1, ... according to this embodiment is capable of mutual communication with the control monitoring device 100 (see Fig. 16), and is capable of being controlled by a control signal from the control monitoring device 100, and of transmitting a response signal in response to a monitoring information request signal from the control monitoring device 100. Below, we will explain the road lighting system made up of these road lighting devices 1, 1, ... and the control monitoring device 100.

[0104] Fig. 16 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a road lighting system. Fig. 16 shows a control device 200 for only one road lighting device 1 out of the road lighting devices 1,1, .... As shown in Fig. 16, the road lighting system comprises a control device 200 provided in each road lighting device 1,1, ..., and a control monitoring device 100 installed in an electrical room or the like. The form of communication between the control device 200 of each road lighting device 1,1, ... and the control monitoring device 100 is not limited to communication via a wired connection, but may also be wireless connection via a network.

[0105] The control device 200 of each road lighting device 1, 1, ... is equipped with, as functional units realized by a computer program, a signal receiving unit 201, a self-diagnosis unit 202, a light emitting time accumulating unit 203, a memory unit 204, a life notification information generating unit 205, and a signal transmitting unit 206. On the other hand, the control monitoring device 100 is equipped with, as functional units realized by a computer program, a signal transmitting unit 101, a control signal generating unit 102, a signal receiving unit 103, a response signal analyzing unit 104, a notification information generating unit 105, a light intensity command information generating unit 106, a display unit 107, and a memory unit 108. The functions of each unit in the control device 200 and the control monitoring device 100 will be described below.

[0106] (Control device) The signal receiving unit 201 in the control device 200 is capable of receiving a monitoring information request signal from the control and monitoring device 100. That is, the control and monitoring device 100 transmits a monitoring information request signal (transmitted from the signal transmitting unit 101) at predetermined time intervals or when a predetermined time is reached, and the signal receiving unit 201 receives this monitoring information request signal. The signal receiving unit 201 is also capable of receiving a control signal from the control and monitoring device 100. This control signal is a signal for switching on / off or adjusting the light intensity of the LED elements that are the light sources of each of the light distribution units 5 and 6, and each of the light distribution units 5 and 6 is controlled in accordance with this control signal.

[0107] The self-diagnosis unit 202 performs self-diagnosis when the signal receiving unit 201 receives a monitoring information request signal. That is, it performs self-diagnosis to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred, such as whether or not the lighting state of each of the light distribution units 5 and 6 is normal. If the lighting state of each of the light distribution units 5 and 6 is normal, the self-diagnosis unit 202 outputs a normal signal to the signal transmitting unit 206. On the other hand, if an abnormality (such as non-lighting) has occurred in the lighting state of at least one of the light distribution units 5 and 6, the self-diagnosis unit 202 outputs an abnormality signal (for example, a signal indicating non-lighting) to the signal transmitting unit 206. This abnormality signal includes information such as the type of abnormality and the time when the abnormality occurred. Upon receiving these signals, the signal transmitting unit 206 transmits a response signal corresponding to the signals to the control and monitoring device 100.

[0108] The light emission time accumulation unit 203 accumulates the light emission time (lighting time) of each of the light distribution units 5, 6. That is, if the light distribution units 5, 6 have not been replaced since the road lighting device 1 was installed, the light emission time of each of the light distribution units 5, 6 since the installation is accumulated. On the other hand, if the light distribution units 5, 6 have been replaced, the accumulated value of the light emission time of the replaced light distribution unit is reset, and the accumulation of the light emission time is restarted. The accumulated value of the light emission time of the light distribution units 5, 6 is stored in the storage unit 204. That is, when the light emission of the light distribution units 5, 6 is resumed (for example, when the light emission of the light distribution units 5, 6 is resumed in the evening), the accumulated value of the light emission time stored in the storage unit 204 is read out, and the light emission time is added to the accumulated value.

[0109] When the light emission time accumulated by the light emission time accumulation unit 203 approaches the lifespan (the time at which replacement is required) predetermined for each of the light distribution units 5, 6 (for example, when it reaches 90% of the lifespan), the lifespan notification information generation unit 205 generates notification information that associates the individual information (ID information) of the road lighting device 1 with lifespan warning information. This generated notification information is output to the signal transmission unit 206, and is transmitted from the signal transmission unit 206 to the control and monitoring device 100.

[0110] (control and monitoring device) The signal transmitting unit 101 in the control and monitoring device 100 transmits a monitoring information request signal to the control device 200 of each road lighting device 1, 1, ... at predetermined time intervals or when a predetermined time is reached. The signal receiving unit 103 receives signals from the control device 200 of each road lighting device 1, 1, .... The received signals are normal signals and abnormal signals (response signals) that are the diagnosis results of the self-diagnosis unit 202. The signal receiving unit 103 is also capable of receiving the notification information related to the lifespan mentioned above (notification information that associates individual information of a road lighting device 1 that is approaching the end of its lifespan with lifespan warning information).

[0111] The control signal generation unit 102 generates a control signal for switching on / off and dimming for each of the symmetrical light distribution units 5 and the pro-beam light distribution units 6 of each road lighting device 1. This control signal is transmitted to the control device 200 by the signal transmission unit 101.

[0112] The response signal analysis unit 104 receives the normal signal or abnormal signal, which is the diagnosis result of the self-diagnosis unit 202, to identify the road lighting device 1 in which an abnormality has occurred and the type of abnormality, and outputs this information to the notification information generation unit 105. Furthermore, if there is a road lighting device 1 that does not return a response signal to the monitoring information request signal, the response signal analysis unit 104 also outputs information associating the individual information of that road lighting device 1 with no response signal information to the notification information generation unit 105. The notification information generation unit 105 generates image information for identifying the road lighting device 1 in which an abnormality has occurred and the type of abnormality based on the received information, and transmits it to the display unit 107. As a result, the display unit 107 displays the road lighting device 1 in which an abnormality has occurred and the type of abnormality, and the information is provided to the administrator. For example, the information is provided to the administrator within a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) after the abnormality has occurred in the road lighting device 1. The analysis result by the response signal analysis unit 104 is stored in the memory unit 108.

[0113] When the light source of at least one of the LED modules 53, 67 of the symmetric light distribution unit 5 and the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 in any one of the multiple road lighting devices 1, 1, ... is disabled to emit light, the light intensity command information generation unit 106 outputs a command signal to increase the light emission intensity of the light source of at least one of the LED modules 53, 67 of the symmetric light distribution unit 5 and the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 in another road lighting device 1 adjacent to that road lighting device 1 in the longitudinal direction of the road R, based on the response signal received by the signal receiving unit 103. This command signal is transmitted by the signal transmitting unit 101 to the other adjacent road lighting device 1 (the other road lighting device 1 adjacent to the road lighting device 1 in which the light source of the LED module 53, 67 has been disabled to emit light). For example, if the light source of the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 of one road lighting device 1 becomes unable to emit light, a command signal is output to this road lighting device 1 to increase the light emission intensity of the light source of the symmetrical light distribution unit 5 of the road lighting device 1 located on the side in the traveling direction of the vehicle (for example, a command signal to increase the light intensity by 1.5 times is output). This makes it possible to irradiate the specified area of ​​the road R that cannot be illuminated due to the light source becoming unable to emit light from other adjacent road lighting devices 1, and to illuminate the specified area well. In other words, even if a malfunction occurs in one road lighting device 1, the other road lighting devices 1 can supplement the illumination of the road R, contributing to traffic safety.

[0114] -Effects of the embodiment- As described above, in this embodiment, when the road R is illuminated with light from the road lighting device 1, the light from the symmetric light distribution unit 5 illuminates the road R as light whose main illumination direction is along the transverse direction of the road R. Furthermore, the light from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 illuminates the road R as light whose main illumination direction is directed along the longitudinal direction of the road R. This allows the illumination range of the illumination light to be expanded in the longitudinal direction of the road R compared to conventional road lighting devices using a symmetric light distribution method. In other words, it is possible to illuminate areas that were outside the illumination range of light in conventional technology with the illumination light from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6. This makes it possible to ensure a sufficient illumination range of the illumination light without requiring a narrower span between the road lighting devices 1, 1, .... For example, the span (the distance along the longitudinal direction of the road) of a conventional road lighting device was, for example, about 10 m, but according to this embodiment, it can be reduced to, for example, about 20 m. As a result, along with the reduction in the number of road lighting devices 1, 1, . . . installed, it is possible to reduce the number of installation steps for the road lighting devices 1, the number of maintenance and inspection points, power consumption, and the associated costs.

[0115] In particular, in this embodiment, the main irradiation direction of the light emitted from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 is directed in a direction that is parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle traveling on the road R, relative to the transverse direction of the road R. Therefore, part of the light emitted from the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 is irradiated toward the back of the vehicle traveling on the road R, thereby improving the visibility of the preceding vehicle for the driver of the following vehicle. In other words, by expanding the irradiation range of the light onto the road R and improving the visibility of the preceding vehicle, it is possible to provide a road lighting device 1 that greatly contributes to traffic safety.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a front light-transmitting cover 3 and a side light-transmitting cover 4 are provided as light-transmitting covers that transmit irradiated light. By providing the separate light-transmitting covers 3, 4, the front light-transmitting cover 3 and the side light-transmitting cover 4 can be made of different materials as needed. In this embodiment, by making the front light-transmitting cover 3 out of glass and the side light-transmitting covers 4 out of resin, the shape of the side light-transmitting cover 4 can be made more complex than the shape of the front light-transmitting cover 3, thereby improving the degree of freedom in designing the side light-transmitting covers 4.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the road lighting system of this embodiment, notification information corresponding to a response signal from each road lighting device 1, 1, ... in response to a monitoring information request signal is provided to an administrator, making it possible to monitor the status of each of the multiple road lighting devices 1, 1, .... In other words, it is possible to monitor the status of each of the road lighting devices 1, 1, ... without having to go to the installation location of each road lighting device 1, 1, .... This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of maintenance and inspection work.

[0118] -Other embodiments- The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and all modifications and applications within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereto are possible.

[0119] For example, in the above embodiment, the main irradiation direction of the pro-beam light distribution unit 6 is directed in the traveling direction of the vehicle traveling on the road R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main irradiation direction of the irradiated light may be directed in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle traveling on the road R (so-called counter beam light distribution). Also, both pro-beam light distribution and counter beam light distribution may be performed.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the device body 2 is a metal housing. This is to facilitate the heat generated by the LED modules 53, 67 being dissipated to the outside by thermal conduction, but when using LED modules that generate little heat, the device body 2 does not need to be made of metal and can be made of resin. In this case, the device body 2 itself can be made transparent, making each translucent cover unnecessary.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the symmetric light distribution unit 5, the light from the LED modules 53 is reflected by the reflector 54 so that the main irradiation direction is along the transverse direction of the road R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the LED modules 53 of the symmetric light distribution unit 5 may emit light in the transverse direction of the road R (emit light in the transverse direction of the road R without using a reflector).

[0122] In the above embodiment, the LED module 67 of the pro beam light distribution unit 6 emits light whose main irradiation direction is directed in the longitudinal direction of the road R. The present invention is not limited to this, and the pro beam light distribution unit 6 may emit light whose main irradiation direction is directed in the longitudinal direction of the road R by reflecting light from the LED module 67 with a reflector.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the front light-transmitting cover 3 and the side light-transmitting cover 4 are separate, but these light-transmitting covers 3, 4 may also be integrated. [Industrial Applicability]

[0124] The present invention is applicable to road lighting devices installed on wall parapets or the like on road shoulders, and to road lighting systems that control the road lighting devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1. Road lighting equipment 11 Packing 12 Center packing (boundary packing) 2. Device body (casing) 22g,22h,22i Eaves 3 Front translucent cover (first translucent cover) 4 Side translucent cover (second translucent cover) 5 Symmetrical light distribution unit (first light source unit) 51a Monitor lamp (abnormality diagnosis display) 52b shutter member 53b Optical Lens 5A symmetrical light distribution circuit (first light source control device) 6 Pro-beam light distribution unit (second light source unit) 65a Optical Lens 65b Light blocking member 6A Pro-beam light distribution circuit (second light source control device) 100 Control and monitoring device 101 Signal transmitter 103 Signal receiving unit 105 Notification information generation unit 106 Light amount command information generation section 202 Self-diagnosis section 203 Light emission time accumulation section 205 Life notification information generation unit

Claims

1. A road lighting device is installed in plurality on one or both sides of a road in a crossing direction, and comprises a housing and a light source housed inside the housing, and irradiates light emitted from the light source toward the road, the light source includes both a first light source for emitting irradiation light whose main irradiation direction is a direction along the transverse direction of the road, and a second light source for emitting irradiation light whose main irradiation direction is a direction directed in the longitudinal direction of the road, a first light source control device for causing the first light source to emit light and a second light source control device for causing the second light source to emit light are housed inside the housing as independent electric circuits, The housing is provided with an opening that opens to the road, The opening is covered by a first light-transmitting cover that transmits light emitted from the first light source as irradiation light whose main irradiation direction is a direction along the transverse direction of the road, and a second light-transmitting cover that transmits light emitted from the second light source as irradiation light whose main irradiation direction is a direction directed in the longitudinal direction of the road, the first light-transmitting cover and the second light-transmitting cover are disposed adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction, a metal fitting is disposed in the housing at a boundary between a space accommodating the first light source and a space accommodating the second light source; In the metal fitting, boundary packings are attached to surfaces of boundary packing attachment portions provided at positions corresponding to an edge portion of the first light-transmitting cover facing the second light-transmitting cover and an edge portion of the second light-transmitting cover facing the first light-transmitting cover, A road lighting device characterized in that, when the opening of the housing is covered by each of the light-transmitting covers, the edge portion of the first light-transmitting cover facing the second light-transmitting cover and the edge portion of the second light-transmitting cover facing the first light-transmitting cover are each abutted against the boundary gasket.

2. In the road lighting device according to claim 1, A road lighting device characterized in that the main irradiation direction of the light emitted from the second light source is directed in a direction along the direction of travel of vehicles traveling on the road, relative to the cross direction of the road.

3. In the road lighting device according to claim 1, a packing is provided in the housing and is continuous across an outer edge of the first light-transmitting cover and an outer edge of the second light-transmitting cover; A road lighting device characterized in that, when the opening of the housing is covered by each of the light-transmitting covers, the gap between the outer edge of the first light-transmitting cover and the housing and the gap between the outer edge of the second light-transmitting cover and the housing are each sealed by the gasket.

4. In the road lighting device according to claim 1, a first light source unit including the first light source is accommodated inside the housing; A road lighting device characterized in that the first light source unit is provided with a shutter member that can be adjusted in position in the vertical direction, and that regulates the upper end position of the illumination range when light emitted from the first light source is irradiated onto the road.

5. In the road lighting device according to claim 1, a second light source unit including the second light source is accommodated inside the housing; The road lighting device is characterized in that the second light source unit has an attachment posture that is variable in at least three axial directions.

6. In the road lighting device according to claim 1, The housing contains a first light source unit including the first light source and a second light source unit including the second light source, and at least one of the first light source unit and the second light source unit is provided with an optical lens for expanding or limiting the light distribution range of the irradiated light.

7. In the road lighting device according to claim 1, A road lighting device characterized in that an eave portion is provided around the outer periphery of the second light-transmitting cover, protruding outward beyond an end face of the second light-transmitting cover.

8. A road lighting system for controlling a plurality of road lighting devices according to claim 1, The control and monitoring device capable of communicating with each of the road lighting devices includes: a signal transmitting unit that issues a monitoring information request signal to each of the road lighting devices; a signal receiving unit that receives a response signal from each of the road lighting devices; a notification information generating unit that generates notification information in accordance with the response signal received by the signal receiving unit.

9. In the road lighting system according to claim 8, a light emission time accumulation unit that accumulates light emission times of the light sources of the road lighting device; a life notification information generation unit that generates notification information that associates individual information of the road lighting device with life warning information when there is a road lighting device whose light emission time accumulated by the light emission time accumulation unit has reached a predetermined time.

10. A road lighting system according to claim 8 or 9, the plurality of road lighting devices are installed at predetermined intervals in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the road, a light intensity command information generating unit that generates, when at least one of the first light source and the second light source in any one of the plurality of road lighting devices becomes unable to emit light, command information for increasing the light emission intensity of at least one of the first light source and the second light source in another road lighting device adjacent to that road lighting device in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the road.

Images