High-Durability Solar Road Stud with Extreme-Environment Adaptive Intelligent Power Control and a Self-Sealing Load Distribution Structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a highly durable solar road marker equipped with an intelligent power control function and a self-sealing load distribution structure that responds to extreme environments, which controls the charging and discharging of a rechargeable battery according to temperature changes and maintains a light-emitting function using an auxiliary battery even when the use of the rechargeable battery is restricted in a low-temperature environment, thereby ensuring stable operation under various environmental conditions, improves energy efficiency through a charging structure using solar energy and a dual power structure, prevents battery damage to extend the product's lifespan, applies a multi-layer laminated structure to the lens to improve durability against external impact, friction, and ultraviolet rays, and maintains a stable light transmittance even during long-term use, and a multi-layer hard-coated lens, a vertical-horizontal load-converting self-sealing structure, and a temperature-sensitive hybrid power system. The present invention for achieving the above objective comprises a road marker comprising: a housing having an open top and an internal space formed therein; a light-emitting body installed to be inserted into the space of the housing and emitting light; and a cover coupled to the housing and protecting the light-emitting body. The light-emitting body comprises: a case having an open top and an internal space formed therein and a screw portion formed along the inner diameter; a lens portion having an open bottom and an internal space formed therein, a screw portion formed on the outer diameter corresponding to the screw portion of the case and screw-coupled to the case, and having a lens on the top; a light source bracket installed to be inserted into the space of the lens portion and having a plurality of light sources; a solar cell installed on the upper surface of the light source bracket and converting incident solar energy transmitted through the lens portion into electrical energy; and a rechargeable battery located at the bottom of the light source bracket and charging or discharging power supplied by the solar cell and driving the light source. The technical gist of the invention is that it comprises: an auxiliary battery that drives a light source when the discharge of the above-mentioned rechargeable battery is cut off; and a control unit that stops the charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery according to a set temperature based on temperature information input from a temperature sensor provided inside the light-emitting body, and drives the light source through the auxiliary battery.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a highly durable solar road marker having an intelligent power control function and a self-sealing load distribution structure capable of responding to extreme environments. It enables efficient power distribution even in extreme environments of extreme cold or heat by monitoring the internal temperature in real time using a temperature sensor, and is equipped with a management system to prevent battery damage by controlling charging and discharging at extreme temperatures, thereby ensuring uninterrupted luminescence performance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It also applies an optical lens that increases the durability and improves charging efficiency of the marker by resolving internal airtightness reliability, chronic lens issues such as scratches, water resistance, anti-fouling, and chemical corrosion caused by UV rays and de-icing agents, even under repeated impact fatigue of vehicles and extreme external environments (low temperature, dust, de-icing agents). Based on the application of these technologies, the invention relates to a highly durable solar road marker having an intelligent power control function and a self-sealing load distribution structure capable of responding to extreme environments capable of maintaining luminescence continuity. Background Technology

[0002] Road markers are facilities installed on the road surface to visually guide drivers to road lanes or boundaries; they ensure visibility during the day by reflecting a light source or self-illuminating, and serve to guide drivers to safe driving at night through their luminescence function.

[0003] Recently, self-generating road markers that use solar power to generate electricity, store it in a battery, and drive a light source are being widely used to enable long-term operation without a separate external power supply.

[0004] However, conventional solar-powered road markers have a problem in that the charging and discharging of the battery are significantly affected by the ambient temperature, leading to a decrease in battery capacity and a degradation of battery performance due to the influence of the charging environment. In particular, in low-temperature environments, the internal chemical reaction of the battery deteriorates, which can cause a rapid decrease in discharge performance or limit discharge; in severe cases, this can result in permanent damage to the battery or a reduction in its lifespan. Furthermore, in high-temperature environments, the degradation of the battery is accelerated, raising concerns about stability issues in the charging and discharging functions due to overcharging or overheating.

[0005] Due to problems caused by such temperature changes, conventional road markers have had issues where their luminous function is not maintained normally in extreme environments such as extreme cold or heat, resulting in them turning off or their brightness decreasing. This reduces driver visibility during night driving, which is a factor that increases the risk of traffic accidents.

[0006] Furthermore, in conventional technology, a separate power supply means to replace the battery was not provided in the event of a problem, or the battery was merely supplemented with a simple auxiliary power source. Consequently, in extreme environments or environments with insufficient sunlight, there was a problem where the light-emitting function would completely stop if the battery's performance deteriorated or malfunctioned.

[0007] Furthermore, the waterproof structure, a chronic problem with conventional road markers, leads to damage to internal circuits and battery deterioration, resulting in road marker failures. This waterproofing issue stems from the existing lens assembly method; the bolt assembly system causes a pumping phenomenon in the space excluding the bolt assembly area due to load fluctuations, which leads to the penetration of moisture and de-icing fluid into the lens. Consequently, circuit corrosion occurs.

[0008] To improve this, a screw-tightening coupling method capable of distributing the load evenly between the upper and lower assembly parts was adopted by drastically changing the existing LED lens assembly method. Additionally, a self-sealing structure that is tightly sealed in a wedge shape by means of wedge-shaped protrusions and wedge-receiving grooves was applied, thereby dispersing the pressure caused by repeated impact fatigue of the vehicle and, in particular, converting the vertical coupling force into lateral sealing pressure to completely block the ingress of external high-pressure salt water and fine dust, thus applying a structure that self-seales the inside of the lens, thereby specializing in a waterproof structure.

[0009] Meanwhile, since the lenses of road markers are directly exposed to various external environments, such as repetitive vehicle loads, tire friction, scratches caused by sand and foreign matter, and UV exposure, there is a problem of surface damage and reduced light transmittance during long-term use. In particular, if micro-cracks or contamination occur on the lens surface, luminous efficiency decreases, resulting in reduced visibility of the road markers.

[0010] Furthermore, conventional lens structures often consist of a single material or a simple coating structure, which has limitations such as insufficient durability against external impact and wear, and inadequate water-repellent, anti-fouling, and UV blocking functions, leading to performance degradation during long-term use. Prior art literature

[0011] Patent Registration No. 10-1009918 The problem to be solved

[0012] The objective of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems is to provide a road marker that operates stably under various environmental conditions by maintaining a 24-hour 365-day light-emitting function through an intelligent power control system that actively controls the charging and discharging of a rechargeable battery according to a temperature threshold and efficiently distributes power across the rechargeable battery's usage in various temperature environments to continuously maintain the rechargeable battery's performance.

[0013] In addition, it provides a road marker that improves energy efficiency through a solar energy-based charging structure and a multi-auxiliary power structure, and extends the product's lifespan by preventing damage to the rechargeable battery.

[0014] In addition, by horizontally dispersing the vertical impact load resulting from the repetitive impact fatigue of the vehicle and applying a waterproof structure that is self-sealing through a wedge-shaped joint structure, the waterproof structure is specialized to fundamentally solve the waterproofing problem caused by heavy rain and snow removal, thereby providing a road marker that can prevent the cause of failure due to PCB circuit corrosion and internal moisture generation.

[0015] In addition, a road marker is provided that improves durability against external impact, friction, and ultraviolet rays by applying a multi-layer laminated structure to the lens, and can stably maintain light transmittance even during long-term use. means of solving the problem

[0016] The present invention, which performs the task of achieving the above-mentioned purpose and eliminating conventional defects, comprises a road marker comprising: a housing having an open top and an internal space formed therein; a light-emitting body installed to be inserted into the space of the housing and emitting light; and a cover coupled to the housing and protecting the light-emitting body. The light-emitting body comprises: a case having an open top and an internal space formed therein and a screw portion formed along the inner diameter; a lens portion having an open bottom and an internal space formed therein, a screw portion formed on the outer diameter corresponding to the screw portion of the case and screw-coupled to the case, and having a lens on the top; a light source bracket installed to be inserted into the space of the lens portion and having a plurality of light sources; a solar cell installed on the upper surface of the light source bracket and converting incident solar energy transmitted through the lens portion into electrical energy; and a rechargeable battery located at the bottom of the light source bracket and charging or discharging power supplied by the solar cell and driving the light source. The present invention is characterized by comprising: an auxiliary battery that drives a light source when the discharge of the above-mentioned rechargeable battery is cut off; and a control unit that stops the charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery according to a set temperature based on temperature information input from a temperature sensor provided inside the light-emitting body, and drives the light source through the auxiliary battery.

[0017] In addition, the control unit is characterized by comprising: a battery control unit that cuts off the charging of the battery when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is less than -15℃ or greater than 55℃, and stops the discharging of the battery when the temperature is less than -15℃; and an auxiliary battery control unit that operates the auxiliary battery to drive a light source when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is less than -15℃.

[0018] In addition, the control unit further includes a voltage detection unit that detects the voltage of each of the rechargeable battery and the auxiliary battery to prevent overcharging and over-discharging, and the control unit controls the power supply based on the voltage detection result.

[0019] The above auxiliary battery is characterized by being independently provided with a first auxiliary battery and a second auxiliary battery, and the control unit is configured to compare the voltage detected through the voltage detection unit and selectively set the auxiliary battery with the superior voltage state as the power supply.

[0020] In addition, the lens is characterized by comprising: a substrate layer made of highly transparent polycarbonate (PC); a primer layer formed on top of the substrate layer to improve interlayer adhesion; an elastic buffer layer formed on top of the primer layer to absorb external shocks and prevent cracking of the upper coating layer; a hard coating layer formed on top of the elastic buffer layer to improve surface hardness; and a functional surface layer formed on top of the hard coating layer to provide water repellency, anti-fouling, and UV blocking functions.

[0021] In addition, the hard coating layer is characterized by having a pencil hardness of 5H to 8H.

[0022] In addition, the above auxiliary battery is characterized by being configured such that two or more are connected in parallel.

[0023] In addition, the control unit further includes a temperature monitoring unit that monitors temperature information input from the temperature sensor.

[0024] In addition, it is configured to include a sealing material installed to be interposed between the lower surface of the lens portion and the upper surface of the case to ensure waterproofing, and is characterized by having a wedge-shaped projection formed protruding from the upper surface of the case to press the sealing material by an external load.

[0025] In addition, the sealing material is characterized by having a concave wedge receiving groove further formed in the lower part so that the wedge-shaped projection can be inserted therein. Effects of the invention

[0026] As explained above, according to the present invention, by detecting the temperature inside a road marker in real time through a temperature sensor provided inside a light source and selectively controlling the charging and discharging of a rechargeable battery according to the temperature, it is possible to prevent performance degradation, deterioration, and damage to the rechargeable battery that may occur in low and high temperature environments.

[0027] In particular, by using stepwise control to cut off charging of the battery when the internal temperature is at a set first threshold (less than -15℃ or greater than 55℃) and stop discharging the battery when the internal temperature is at a second threshold (less than -15℃), it is possible to effectively protect the battery against temperature changes.

[0028] In addition, in low-temperature environments where the discharge of the rechargeable battery is interrupted, the auxiliary battery is operated to drive the light source, thereby allowing the light-emitting function of the road marker to be continuously maintained even in extreme environments such as severe cold, and thus ensuring stable visibility for the driver during night driving.

[0029] In addition, by monitoring the voltage status of the battery in real time through a voltage detection unit that measures the voltage of the rechargeable battery and the auxiliary battery, and automatically switching the power to the auxiliary battery when the voltage of the rechargeable battery drops below a set threshold, it is possible to prevent over-discharge of the rechargeable battery and maintain a stable lighting state without a decrease in luminous brightness.

[0030] In addition, through a dual power structure that uses both a rechargeable battery and an auxiliary battery, the light source can be driven by the auxiliary battery even if the main rechargeable battery malfunctions or its performance deteriorates, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the entire system.

[0031] In particular, by configuring multiple auxiliary batteries in parallel, current supply capability is improved and internal resistance is reduced, enabling stable current supply even in low-temperature environments and ensuring continuous illumination of the light source over a long period of time.

[0032] In addition, by configuring the system to compare the voltages of the first auxiliary battery and the second auxiliary battery and selectively use the battery with the superior voltage state as a cross-power supply, it is possible to provide stable power supply even in environments where the use of rechargeable batteries is restricted, and the load between batteries is evenly distributed to extend the overall battery life. Furthermore, even if a single battery malfunctions, the remaining batteries can maintain the lighting state of the light source, thereby improving the reliability of the system.

[0033] Meanwhile, by forming the lens into a multilayer laminated structure consisting of a substrate layer, a primer layer, an elastic buffer layer, a hard coating layer, and a functional surface layer, damage caused by external impacts and vehicle loads can be mitigated, scratches caused by tire friction and sand can be suppressed, and the light transmittance of the lens can be stably maintained even during long-term use through water-repellent, anti-fouling, and UV-blocking functions.

[0034] Therefore, the road marker according to the present invention is a very useful invention that improves road safety by actively responding to temperature range control and battery status to protect the battery while continuously maintaining a light-emitting function, and by ensuring stable visibility even under various external environmental conditions. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a road marker according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a road marker according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a road marker according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a road marker according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing a stacked structure of a lens according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a battery selection control flow for selectively charging or discharging a rechargeable battery and an auxiliary battery according to temperature conditions and battery voltage conditions in a road marker according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0036] The configuration and operation of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the attached drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a road marker according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a road marker according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a road marker according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a road marker according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing a stacked structure of a lens according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a battery selection control flow for selectively charging or discharging a rechargeable battery and an auxiliary battery according to temperature conditions and battery voltage conditions in a road marker according to the present invention,

[0038] As shown in the drawing, the present invention comprises a housing (20) having an open top and an internal space formed therein, a light-emitting body (10) installed to be inserted into the space of the housing (20) and emitting light, and a cover (30) coupled to the housing (20) to protect the light-emitting body (10).

[0039] The above cover (30) is formed in a ring shape and covers the edge of the light source (10) and is coupled to the housing (20) via a bolt, thereby fixing and protecting the light source (10) inside the housing (20).

[0040] The light source (10) comprises: a case (100) having an open top to form an internal space and a screw portion (110) formed along the inner diameter; a lens portion (200) having an open bottom to form an internal space and a screw portion (210) formed on the outer diameter corresponding to the screw portion (110) of the case (100) to be screw-coupled to the case (100), and having a lens (220) provided on the top; a light source bracket (300) installed to be inserted into the space of the lens portion (200) and having a plurality of light sources (310); a solar cell (400) installed on the upper surface of the light source bracket (300) to convert incident solar energy passing through the lens portion (200) into electrical energy; and a component located at the bottom of the light source bracket (300) to charge or discharge power supplied by the solar cell (400) and drive the light source (310). The device comprises a rechargeable battery (500), an auxiliary battery (600) that drives a light source (310) when the discharge of the rechargeable battery (500) is cut off, and a control unit (700) that stops the charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery (500) according to a set temperature based on temperature information input from a temperature sensor (730) provided inside the light source (10) and drives the light source (310) through the auxiliary battery (600).

[0041] The lens portion (200) is formed with a structure having an open bottom, and a screw portion (210) corresponding to the screw portion (110) of the case (100) is formed on the outer diameter, so that it is fastened to the case (100) through screw coupling.

[0042] By having a structure in which the lens part (200) of the light source (10) and the case (100) are screw-coupled, the coupling area is increased compared to the conventional bolt coupling method, and the pressure received per unit area is drastically reduced.

[0043] In addition, the vertical load is distributed as a horizontal component along the inclined surface of the screw part (110) (210), which acts as a force that more strongly presses the lens part (200) and the case (100) together, and the structural stability due to load distribution is improved, thereby protecting the light source bracket (300), solar cell (400), rechargeable battery (500), auxiliary battery (600), and control part (700) installed inside.

[0044] The lens (220) of the lens portion (200) is configured to include a base layer (221) made of highly transparent polycarbonate (PC) as shown in FIG. 5, a primer layer (222) formed on the upper part of the base layer (221) to improve interlayer adhesion, an elastic buffer layer (223) formed on the upper part of the primer layer (222) to absorb external shocks and prevent cracking of the upper coating layer, a hard coating layer (224) formed on the upper part of the elastic buffer layer (223) to improve surface hardness, and a functional surface layer (225) formed on the upper part of the hard coating layer (224) to provide water-repellent, anti-fouling, and UV-blocking functions.

[0045] The above substrate layer (221) is made of highly transparent polycarbonate to secure basic structural strength and at the same time provide excellent light transmission characteristics, so that light from the light source (310) can be effectively emitted to the outside.

[0046] The primer layer (222) formed on the upper surface of the above substrate layer (221) improves the adhesion between adjacent layers, thereby ensuring that each layer remains stable without peeling off even under external environmental changes or repeated loads, and thus has the effect of improving the durability of the lens (220).

[0047] In addition, the elastic buffer layer (223) absorbs vehicle loads, shocks, and vibrations applied from the outside to relieve stress transmitted to the hard hard coating layer (224) formed on the upper side, thereby preventing the occurrence of micro-cracks in the hard hard coating layer (224).

[0048] The hard coating layer (224) has a high surface hardness of 5H to 8H pencil hardness, thereby effectively suppressing scratches and wear caused by tire friction, sand, and foreign substances, and preventing damage to the surface of the lens (220).

[0049] In addition, the above functional surface layer (225) has the effect of stably maintaining the light transmittance of the lens (220) even during long-term use by suppressing the attachment of moisture and contaminants through water-repellent and anti-fouling functions and preventing discoloration and deterioration of the lens (220) through ultraviolet blocking functions.

[0050] Accordingly, the lens (220) with the multilayer stacked structure as described above not only improves durability against external impact, friction, ultraviolet rays, and contaminated environments, but also maintains stable optical performance over a long period of time, thereby having the effect of continuously ensuring the visibility of road markers.

[0051] The light source (310) installed in the light source bracket (300) can be composed of an LED lamp and is turned on and off by an electrical signal from the control unit (700).

[0052] The solar cell (400) is installed to be inserted into a concave groove (320) formed on the upper part of the light source bracket (300) and converts solar energy into electrical energy.

[0053] A rechargeable battery (500) is provided at the bottom of the light source bracket (300), and the rechargeable battery (500) charges power supplied from the solar cell (400) and discharges it when necessary to be used as the main power source for driving the light source (310).

[0054] In addition, an auxiliary battery (600) is provided in case the discharge of the above-mentioned rechargeable battery (500) is cut off or its use is restricted.

[0055] The above auxiliary battery (600) may be composed of a first auxiliary battery (610) and a second auxiliary battery (620), and the first auxiliary battery (610) and the second auxiliary battery (620) are configured to be connected in parallel and are used as an auxiliary power source to drive the light source (310) when the discharge of the rechargeable battery (500) is stopped.

[0056] A temperature sensor (730) is provided inside the light source (10), and the temperature sensor (730) detects the temperature inside the road marker in real time.

[0057] The above control unit (700) controls the operation of the rechargeable battery (500) and auxiliary battery (600) based on temperature information input from the temperature sensor (730).

[0058] The control unit (700) comprises a battery control unit (710) that cuts off the charging of the battery (500) when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (730) is less than -15℃ or greater than 55℃, and stops the discharge of the battery (500) when the temperature is less than -15℃, and an auxiliary battery control unit (720) that operates the auxiliary battery (600) to drive the light source (310) when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (730) is less than -15℃.

[0059] When charging the battery (500) at a low temperature such as -15℃ or lower, lithium ions cannot be inserted into the anode and are instead precipitated on the surface in a metallic form. This causes not only a reduction in battery capacity but also an internal short circuit and fire, so charging is cut off when the temperature of the light-emitting body (10) is below -15℃.

[0060] In addition, the internal resistance of the battery increases when charging at temperatures below -15℃. This is because as the temperature decreases, ion mobility declines and the charge transfer reaction slows down, causing the internal resistance to rise. Since this increase in resistance leads to increased energy loss during both charging and discharging cycles, charging is cut off when the temperature is below -15℃.

[0061] In addition, when the internal temperature of the light source (10) exceeds 55°C, the protective film (SEI layer) on the surface of the negative electrode is exposed to high temperatures and undergoes repeated minor breakdown and regeneration, consuming the electrolyte, which increases the internal pressure of the battery and causes swelling. According to the Arrhenius Equation, as the temperature increases, the chemical reaction inside the battery becomes more active, and the self-discharge rate, which reduces the amount of charge even when left alone, increases, thereby cutting off the charging of the battery (500).

[0062] Through such a rechargeable battery control unit (710) and an auxiliary battery control unit (720), the rechargeable battery (500) can be prevented from being damaged while maintaining the light-emitting function in a low-temperature environment.

[0063] As described above, when the internal temperature of the light source (10) falls outside the range of a first threshold (less than -15℃ or greater than 55℃), the charging of the battery (500) is blocked through the battery control unit (710), thereby preventing performance degradation, deterioration, and damage to the battery (500) that may occur in a low temperature or high temperature environment.

[0064] In addition, when the internal temperature of the light source (10) reaches a second threshold (-15℃ or less), the discharge of the battery (500) is stopped through the battery control unit (710), and at the same time, the auxiliary battery (600) is operated through the auxiliary battery control unit (720) to drive the light source (310), thereby allowing the light-emitting function to be continuously maintained even in a low-temperature environment where the discharge performance of the battery (500) is degraded.

[0065] As described above, when the internal temperature of the light source (10) is below -15℃, the discharge of the rechargeable battery (500) is stopped, and the auxiliary battery (600) is operated to drive the light source (310), thereby preventing a rapid decrease in the discharge performance and permanent damage of the rechargeable battery (500) at extremely low temperatures, and enabling the light source to be driven by the auxiliary battery (600) as a power source to continuously maintain illumination.

[0066] In addition, through a control structure that switches the use of the rechargeable battery (500) and the auxiliary battery (600) in stages according to temperature conditions, the rechargeable battery (500) can be protected while maintaining the light-emitting function, thereby simultaneously extending the battery life and improving the reliability of the system.

[0067] In particular, since it can actively respond to environmental changes without separate external intervention through automatic control using a temperature sensor (730), stable operation is possible even under various climate conditions and the convenience of maintenance is improved.

[0068] The above control unit (700) may include a voltage detection unit (740) that detects the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) and the auxiliary battery (600), thereby preventing overcharging and over-discharging of the battery and maintaining a stable power supply state.

[0069] The above control unit (700) further includes a day / night detection unit (750) for determining day and night, and the day / night detection unit (750) is electrically connected to the solar cell (400) and configured to detect the output voltage or current of the solar cell (400), and controls the light-emitting unit (310) to operate only when it is determined to be night.

[0070] The above voltage detection unit (740) is configured to include a battery voltage detection unit (741) for detecting the voltage of a battery (500) and an auxiliary battery voltage detection unit (742) for detecting the voltage of an auxiliary battery (600).

[0071] As described above, when the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) drops below a reference value through the voltage detection unit (740), it is switched to an auxiliary battery (600) to ensure continuous lighting.

[0072] Specifically, the voltage detection unit (740) continuously monitors the terminal voltage of the battery (500) and detects when the voltage of the battery (500) drops below a set reference value and transmits this to the control unit (700).

[0073] If the control unit (700) determines, based on the signal input from the voltage detection unit (740), that the output of the rechargeable battery (500) is not suitable for driving the normal light source (310), it limits or blocks the power supply through the rechargeable battery (500) and controls the auxiliary battery (600) to operate through the auxiliary battery control unit (720) to supply power to the light source (310).

[0074] In this way, by automatically switching the power to the auxiliary battery (600) according to the voltage state of the rechargeable battery (500), a decrease in luminous brightness or a failure to light up that may occur due to a drop in the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) can be prevented, and a stable lighting state of the light source (310) can be maintained.

[0075] In addition, by preventing continuous discharge when the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) drops below a reference value, over-discharge of the rechargeable battery (500) can be suppressed and the deterioration and shortening of the battery's lifespan can be prevented.

[0076] The voltage-based power switching structure described above is combined with temperature-based control, enabling precise power management based on temperature changes as well as the state of the rechargeable battery (500) and auxiliary battery (600), and can more stably ensure the continuity of the light-emitting function even under various environmental conditions.

[0077] The above auxiliary battery (600) is configured such that two or more are connected in parallel, thereby increasing the total capacity and enabling the light source (310) to be driven stably for a longer period of time even when the discharge of the rechargeable battery (500) is interrupted.

[0078] In this way, by configuring two or more auxiliary batteries (600) in a parallel connection structure, the amount of current that can be supplied is increased while maintaining the same voltage, so the current required when driving the light source (310) can be supplied stably, and accordingly, the effect of preventing a decrease in luminous brightness can be achieved.

[0079] In addition, as the load is distributed to each auxiliary battery (600), the current burden applied to each individual auxiliary battery (600) is reduced, and accordingly, the heat generation of the auxiliary battery (600) is suppressed and the lifespan is extended.

[0080] In particular, in a low-temperature environment, the internal resistance of the battery increases and the output characteristics deteriorate. However, by configuring multiple auxiliary batteries (600) in parallel, the internal resistance is substantially reduced, thereby enabling a more stable current supply even under low-temperature conditions.

[0081] In addition, a structure using multiple auxiliary batteries (600) allows for minimum power supply through the remaining auxiliary batteries (600) even if some auxiliary batteries (600) malfunction, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the entire system.

[0082] Accordingly, the parallel connection structure of the auxiliary battery (600) as described above improves the performance of maintaining light emission in a low-temperature environment and enables long-term operation and stable power supply, thereby improving the visibility and safety of the road marker.

[0083] Meanwhile, the control unit (700) may further include a temperature monitoring unit (731) for monitoring temperature information input from the temperature sensor (730) in real time.

[0084] The temperature monitoring unit (731) continuously analyzes temperature data collected from the temperature sensor (730) and compares it with a set threshold, thereby enabling more precise control of the operation of the rechargeable battery control unit (710) and the auxiliary battery control unit (720).

[0085] Accordingly, the control responsiveness to temperature changes is improved, and the protection function of the battery (500) can be performed more stably.

[0086] Additionally, the light source (10) may be configured to further include a driving unit (311) for driving a light source (310).

[0087] The above driving unit (311) performs the turning on and off of the light source (310) according to a control signal transmitted from the control unit (700), and performs the role of supplying stable power to the light source (310).

[0088] The above driving unit (311) may be configured to include an LED boost circuit for boosting the voltage applied to the light source (310).

[0089] The above LED boost circuit (312) converts the voltage supplied from the rechargeable battery (500) or auxiliary battery (600) into a voltage suitable for driving the light source (310), so that the light source (310) can be driven stably despite fluctuations in the input voltage.

[0090] Additionally, the driving unit (311) may further include an LED PWM control unit (313) for controlling the brightness of the light source (310).

[0091] The LED PWM control unit (313) controls the power applied to the light source (310) using pulse width modulation (PWM), thereby allowing the brightness of the light source to be adjusted and unnecessary power consumption to be reduced.

[0092] Accordingly, energy efficiency is improved, and optimal visibility can be ensured depending on the nighttime environment.

[0093] Meanwhile, the control unit (700) may further include a detection unit monitoring unit (760) for integrally monitoring signals input from a voltage detection unit (740) and a day / night detection unit (750).

[0094] The above detection unit monitoring unit (760) comprehensively analyzes data collected from each detection unit and performs integrated control that simultaneously considers temperature, voltage, and illuminance conditions.

[0095] Accordingly, precise power control based on complex conditions rather than a single condition becomes possible, and the stability of the light-emitting function can be further enhanced even in various external environments.

[0096] The light-emitting body (10) is configured to include a sealing material (120) that is installed to be interposed between the lower surface of the lens part (200) and the upper surface of the case (100) to ensure waterproofing.

[0097] The sealing material (120) can be composed of an O-ring, and by installing such a sealing material (120), water is prevented from entering the lens part (200) and the inside of the case (100), thereby preventing water from entering the control part (700), the overcharger (500), and the auxiliary battery (600) installed inside.

[0098] In addition, a wedge-shaped projection (130) is formed protruding from the upper surface of the case (100) on which the sealing material (120) is placed.

[0099] By forming the wedge-shaped protrusion (130) as described above, when a vehicle load is applied to the lens portion (200), the sealing material (120) spreads out to the left and right by the wedge-shaped protrusion (130) and fills the internal space. As a result, the contact area between the lens portion (200) and the case (100) increases, thereby greatly improving the sealing force. Since the sealing material (120) fills the space and minimizes the gap, the ingress of water and dust from the outside is suppressed, thereby improving waterproof and dustproof performance.

[0100] In addition, since the vertical load is distributed laterally by the wedge shape of the wedge-shaped projection (130), the stress concentrated in a specific area is reduced and the load is evenly distributed throughout the structure, thereby improving durability.

[0101] A wedge receiving groove (121) corresponding to the shape of the wedge-shaped projection (130) may be formed in the lower part of the sealing material (120) so that the wedge-shaped projection (130) can be inserted or pressed.

[0102] Accordingly, when the lens portion (200) is pressed by the vehicle load, the wedge-shaped projection (130) presses the wedge receiving groove (121) and expands the sealing material (120) in the left and right directions, thereby improving the sealing force between the upper lens portion (200) and the case (100).

[0103] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a battery selection control flow for selectively charging or discharging a rechargeable battery and an auxiliary battery according to temperature conditions and battery voltage conditions in a road marker according to the present invention. The present invention is configured such that a control unit (700) detects the internal temperature of a light source (10) through a temperature sensor (730), detects the voltage of a rechargeable battery (500), a first auxiliary battery (610), and a second auxiliary battery (620) through a voltage detection unit (740), and then selects a target for charging and discharging by considering both the temperature conditions and the voltage conditions.

[0104] First, the control unit (700) performs a battery selection check. In the battery selection check step, it determines whether the internal temperature of the light source (10), measured by the temperature sensor (730), is less than -15℃.

[0105] When the internal temperature is below -15℃, the control unit (700) determines that the ultra-low temperature state is present. In this case, since the charging and discharging performance of the rechargeable battery (500) may rapidly deteriorate, the use of the rechargeable battery (500) is restricted and power supply is provided using the auxiliary battery (600).

[0106] Conversely, if the internal temperature of the light source (10) exceeds -15℃, the control unit (700) determines whether the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) is 3.0V or higher. If the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) is 3.0V or higher, it determines that the rechargeable battery (500) is in a state where it can drive the light source (310), and then checks the temperature conditions again.

[0107] At this time, if the internal temperature of the light source (10) is in the range of -15℃ or higher and 55℃ or lower, the control unit (700) determines that the rechargeable battery (500) is in a state where it can be charged and controls the rechargeable battery charging ON state. On the other hand, if the internal temperature of the light source (10) exceeds 55℃, it determines that the state is in a high temperature state and controls the rechargeable battery charging OFF state to prevent deterioration or damage to the rechargeable battery (500).

[0108] In addition, even if the internal temperature of the light source (10) is -15℃ or higher, if the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) is less than 3.0V, the control unit (700) determines that the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) is insufficient to stably drive the light source (310). In this case, the control unit (700) determines again whether the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) is less than 2.7V.

[0109] If the voltage of the above-mentioned rechargeable battery (500) is less than 2.7V, the rechargeable battery (500) is not used as a discharge power source to prevent over-discharge, and the process proceeds to the auxiliary battery selection step. Conversely, if the voltage of the rechargeable battery (500) is 2.7V or higher, the possibility of using the rechargeable battery (500) is determined in a limited manner, and then the optimal power source is selected by comparing it with the auxiliary battery voltage.

[0110] Subsequently, the control unit (700) determines whether the voltage of the first auxiliary battery (610) is 3.5V or higher. If the voltage of the first auxiliary battery (610) is 3.5V or higher, the first auxiliary battery (610) is determined to be in a state where it can be used as a driving power source for the light source (310).

[0111] Even if the voltage of the first auxiliary battery (610) is above a reference value, the control unit (700) checks the internal temperature again through the temperature sensor (730). If the internal temperature is below -15℃, it is determined to be in an ultra-low temperature state, the use of the rechargeable battery (500) is restricted, and the first auxiliary battery (610) is used as a priority power source. If the internal temperature is between -15℃ and 55℃, it is determined to be in a normal temperature range, and charging of the rechargeable battery (500) is allowed, and if the internal temperature exceeds 55℃, it is determined to be in a high temperature state, and charging of the rechargeable battery (500) is blocked.

[0112] Afterward, an LED_ON? determination is performed to check if the light source (310) is in a lit state. If the LED is in a lit state, a VBAT_SOURCE? determination is performed to check what power source is currently being supplied to the light source (310).

[0113] Here, VBAT_SOURCE refers to a battery power source currently supplying power to the light source (310), and is a status value indicating which power source the current power is being supplied by among the rechargeable battery (500), the first auxiliary battery (610), or the second auxiliary battery (620).

[0114] First, when the rechargeable battery (500) is in a state where it can be used normally, the control unit (700) determines whether the current power source is the first auxiliary battery (610). If the current power source is the first auxiliary battery (610), the control unit (700) turns the first auxiliary battery (610) OFF, switches the rechargeable battery (500) to the ON state, and keeps the second auxiliary battery (620) in the OFF state. Afterwards, the control unit (700) updates the current power source by setting VBAT_SOURCE = rechargeable battery.

[0115] On the other hand, if the current power source is already a rechargeable battery (500), the usage state of the rechargeable battery (500) is maintained without a separate switch.

[0116] Meanwhile, if the use of the rechargeable battery (500) is restricted or the first auxiliary battery (610) must be used, the control unit (700) determines whether the current power source is the rechargeable battery (500). If the current power source is the rechargeable battery (500), the rechargeable battery (500) is turned OFF, the first auxiliary battery (610) is switched to the ON state, and the second auxiliary battery (620) is kept in the OFF state. Afterward, the control unit (700) updates the current power source by setting VBAT_SOURCE = the first auxiliary battery.

[0117] On the other hand, if the current power source is already the first auxiliary battery (610), the usage state of the first auxiliary battery (610) is maintained without separate switching.

[0118] Additionally, when the condition is that the second auxiliary battery (620) must be used, the control unit (700) determines whether the current power source is the rechargeable battery (500) or the first auxiliary battery (610). If the current power source is the rechargeable battery (500) or the first auxiliary battery (610), the rechargeable battery (500) and the first auxiliary battery (610) are switched to the OFF state, and the second auxiliary battery (620) is switched to the ON state. Afterward, the control unit (700) updates the current power source by setting VBAT_SOURCE = the second auxiliary battery.

[0119] On the other hand, if the current power source is already the second auxiliary battery (620), the usage state of the second auxiliary battery (620) is maintained without separate switching.

[0120] In this way, the control unit (700) is configured to check the power source currently in use and switch to another power source only when necessary, thereby preventing unnecessary power switching and improving the stability of power switching.

[0121] Accordingly, according to the battery selection check flow of FIG. 6, the present invention does not simply select a power source based only on the battery voltage, but rather determines whether the rechargeable battery (500) can be charged and discharged by first considering the internal temperature measured by the temperature sensor (730), and then selects a battery to supply power to the light source (310) by comparing the voltage status of the rechargeable battery (500), the first auxiliary battery (610), and the second auxiliary battery (620).

[0122] Accordingly, in a low-temperature environment, the charging or discharging of the battery (500) can be restricted to prevent damage to the battery (500), and in a high-temperature environment, the charging of the battery (500) can be blocked to prevent deterioration and overheating. In the event that the voltage of the battery (500) is insufficient or its use is restricted, a power source with a superior voltage state among the first auxiliary battery (610) or the second auxiliary battery (620) can be selected to maintain the lighting state of the light source (310).

[0123] The above control unit (700) is configured to compare the voltages of the first auxiliary battery (610) and the second auxiliary battery (620) and selectively use the battery with the superior voltage condition as a power source, thereby enabling stable power supply even in environments where the use of rechargeable batteries is restricted, and the load between batteries is evenly distributed to extend the overall battery life, and even if a single battery malfunctions, the remaining batteries can maintain the lighting state of the light source, thereby improving the reliability of the system.

[0124] Consequently, the present invention selectively controls the charging and discharging of a battery by comprehensively determining temperature conditions, rechargeable battery voltage conditions, auxiliary battery voltage conditions, and the current power source status, thereby enabling simultaneous battery protection and continuous light emission even in extreme environments.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and anyone with ordinary knowledge in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications will be within the scope of the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0126] (10) : Light emitter (20) : Housing (30) : Cover (100) : Case (110) : Screw part (120) : Sealing material (121) : Wedge receiving groove (130) : Wedge-shaped projection (200) : Lens part (210) : Screw part (220) : Lens (221) : Substrate layer (222) : Primer layer (223) : Elastic buffer layer (224) : Hard coating layer (225) : Surface layer (300) : Light source bracket (310) : Light source (311) : Driving unit (312) : LED boost circuit (313) : LED PWM control unit (320) : Home unit (400) : Solar cell (500) : Rechargeable battery (600) : Auxiliary battery (610) : First auxiliary battery (620) : Second auxiliary battery (700) : Control unit (710) : Rechargeable battery control unit (720) : Auxiliary battery control unit (730) : Temperature sensor (731) : Temperature monitoring unit (740) : Voltage detection unit (741) : Battery voltage detection unit (742) : Auxiliary battery voltage detection unit (750) : Day / night detection unit (760) : Detection unit Monitoring unit

Claims

Claim 1 A road marker comprising a housing having an open top and an internal space formed therein, a light-emitting body installed to be inserted into the space of the housing and emitting light, and a cover coupled to the housing and protecting the light-emitting body, wherein the light-emitting body comprises: a case having an open top and an internal space formed therein and a screw portion formed along the inner diameter; a lens portion having an open bottom and an internal space formed therein, a screw portion formed on the outer diameter corresponding to the screw portion of the case and screw-coupled to the case, and having a lens provided on the top; a light source bracket installed to be inserted into the space of the lens portion and having a plurality of light sources; a solar cell installed on the upper surface of the light source bracket and converting solar energy incident through the lens portion into electrical energy; a rechargeable battery located at the bottom of the light source bracket and charging or discharging power supplied by the solar cell and driving the light source; an auxiliary battery that drives the light source when the discharge of the rechargeable battery is cut off; and, based on temperature information input from a temperature sensor provided inside the light-emitting body, stopping the charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery when the measured temperature is below a set low-temperature threshold, and simultaneously A control unit that operates the auxiliary battery to drive the light source; and the lens comprises a substrate layer made of highly transparent polycarbonate (PC), a primer layer formed on top of the substrate layer to improve interlayer adhesion, an elastic buffer layer formed on top of the primer layer to absorb external shocks and prevent cracking of the upper coating layer, a hard coating layer formed on top of the elastic buffer layer to improve surface hardness, and a functional surface layer formed on top of the hard coating layer to provide water-repellent, anti-fouling, and UV-blocking functions.A highly durable solar road marker having an intelligent power control function for extreme environments and a self-sealing load distribution structure, characterized by comprising: a sealing material installed to be interposed between the lower surface of the lens portion and the upper surface of the case to ensure waterproofing; a wedge-shaped projection protruding from the upper surface of the case to press the sealing material by an external load so that the sealing material expands and deforms; a concave wedge receiving groove corresponding to the shape of the wedge-shaped projection formed on the lower surface of the sealing material so that the wedge-shaped projection can be inserted or pressed; and when the lens portion is pressed by a vehicle load, the wedge-shaped projection presses the wedge receiving groove while expanding the sealing material in the left and right directions to fill the space between the lens portion and the case and increase the sealing force. Claim 2 A highly durable solar road marker having an intelligent power control function for extreme environments and a self-sealing load distribution structure, characterized in that, in claim 1, the control unit comprises: a battery control unit that cuts off the charging of the battery when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is less than -15℃ or greater than 55℃, and stops the discharging of the battery when the temperature is less than -15℃; and an auxiliary battery control unit that drives the light source by operating the auxiliary battery simultaneously with the cessation of the discharge of the battery by the battery control unit when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is less than -15℃. Claim 3 A highly durable solar road marker having an intelligent power control function for extreme environments and a self-sealing load distribution structure, wherein, in claim 1, the control unit further includes a voltage detection unit that detects the voltage of each of the rechargeable battery and the auxiliary battery to prevent overcharging and over-discharging, and the control unit controls the power supply based on the voltage detection result. Claim 4 A highly durable solar road marker having an intelligent power control function for extreme environments and a self-sealing load distribution structure, characterized in that, in claim 3, the auxiliary batteries include a first auxiliary battery and a second auxiliary battery, which are provided independently of each other, and the control unit is configured to compare the voltage detected through the voltage detection unit and selectively set the auxiliary battery with the superior voltage state as the power source. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A highly durable solar road marker having an intelligent power control function for extreme environments and a self-sealing load distribution structure, characterized in that the hard coating layer in claim 1 has a pencil hardness of 5H to 8H. Claim 7 A highly durable solar road marker having an intelligent power control function for extreme environments and a self-sealing load distribution structure, characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6, two or more auxiliary batteries are configured to be connected in parallel. Claim 8 A highly durable solar road marker having an intelligent power control function for extreme environments and a self-sealing load distribution structure, wherein, in claim 1, the control unit further includes a temperature monitoring unit that monitors temperature information input from the temperature sensor. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete

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