Traffic light signaling for early warning of drivers of approach to a free and occupied railway crossing

Abstract

The subject invention relates to improving traffic safety at railway crossings by using traffic light signals to inform and warn road users of approaching a free and / or occupied railway crossing in advance. The new information method is based on increasing the information content for road vehicle drivers by providing and repeating light information earlier, which is achieved by introducing new traffic light signs in the railway crossing zone at standardized distances. The position of the signs represents the position of the standard vertical traffic signal used to secure the railway crossing. The production of traffic light signs is based on the use of standard materials, dimensions and other standard solutions.

Description

[0001] 1. Title of Invention

[0002] TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALING FOR EARLY WARNING OF DRIVERS OF APPROACH TO A FREE AND OCCUPIED RAILWAY CROSSING

[0003] 2. Tehnical Field

[0004] The subject of the invention belongs, generally speaking, to traffic safety, the field of road and railway technology, more precisely, to traffic signaling and equipment, and to traffic management methods for securing railway crossings.

[0005] 3. Technical problem

[0006] A large number of traffic accidents at railway crossings occur due to untimely and unclear information to road users about the occupancy of the railway crossings. The current method of technical regulation of road traffic at secured level crossings with bumpers / half-bumpers includes providing information to road vehicle drivers at distances of 240, 160 and 80 m with vertical traffic signs, while in the immediate vicinity of the railway crossings, in front of the bumpers / half-bumpers, there is traffic signaling with light signals. It should be noted that a certain number of secured railway crossings do not have light signals, while unsecured railway crossings are usually marked only with appropriate vertical traffic signaling (without the use of bumpers / half-bumpers and without light signals).

[0007] All of the above leads to problems due to which road vehicle drivers often ignore the meaning of standard traffic signals, and in addition, they often do not notice the operation of traffic lights, which is why they receive information about the occupancy of the railway crossings late or not at all. These problems lead to a large number of traffic accidents at railway crossings.

[0008] 4. Background Art a) Review and analysis of known solutions

[0009] The legally prescribed and standardized method of regulating road traffic in the railway crossing zone recognizes from the point of view of traffic safety: secured and unsecured railway crossings. Secured railway crossings are most often provided with vertical traffic signaling (traffic signs 1-35 - "approaching the intersection of a road and a railway"), which is placed at different distances from the railway crossing (80 m, 160 m, 240 m). In the immediate vicinity of the railway crossing, bumpers / half-bumpers and traffic lights for regulating road crossings over railway tracks are usually placed at the same level. Traffic lights have two round red light signals, which flash alternately, and may also have an audible device that informs road users that a traffic light signal has been given, announcing the approach of a train. The red lights that flash alternately are located next to each other on a horizontal axis, on a board that has the shape of an equilateral triangle with the apex facing upwards, the characteristics of which correspond to danger signs. A vertical traffic sign (single or double St. Andrew's cross) can also be placed above the traffic lights for regulating the crossing of the road over the railway line. Traffic lights are placed in the immediate vicinity of the railway crossings. The functioning of secured railway crossings consists of receiving a signal from a sensor connected to a signal control device that turns on the traffic light and lowers the bumpers / half- bumpers, as well as turning them off and returning them to their original position.

[0010] Unsecured railway crossings are not provided with bumpers / half-bumpers and do not have a signal control device, nor are they equipped with traffic lights. In terms of road traffic signaling, unsecured level crossings can be divided into railway crossings marked with traffic signals in a zone of 240 m on both sides of the railway crossings (vertical traffic signs 1-35 placed at: 80 m, 160 m, 240 m) and railway crossings marked only with St. Andrew's Cross.

[0011] Standard signs are placed on the standard 1-35 traffic sign, which is placed at a station ±240 m in accordance with the type of railway crossings (1-32 or 1-33 - "approach to a road crossing over a railway line with bumpers or half-bumpers").

[0012] By reviewing the available data from the database, the following were found:

[0013] - Patent: SK, Application No.: 148-2020, Document No.: 9214 from the database, the invention entitled "Advanced light signaling provided by two traffic lights on the road before a railway crossing with light signaling without barriers" is described and shown. The technical problem that was solved consisted of a technical solution aimed at road and rail traffic and primarily at increasing safety in this area. The solution includes advanced light signaling on the road before a railway crossing with lighting equipment without barriers. The operation of the advanced light signaling is provided by two identical two-chamber traffic lights that are placed at a distance of 30 meters from the railway crossing and are connected and synchronized with the operation of the warning signaling at the railway crossing. The novelty of this patent is the installation of a two-chamber traffic light at a distance of 30 meters from the railway crossing. This contributes to increasing traffic safety at the railway crossing.

[0014] - Patent No.: AU 2013101243A4 describes and shows an invention entitled "Improvement of the warning system at railway crossings". The technical problem that was solved consisted of a technical solution aimed at a warning system that has multiple warning lights that extend along the road on both sides of the railway crossing and means for activating or activating the warning lights to indicate the approach of a train to the railway crossing. The solution includes the installation of multiple warning lights that extend along the road on both sides of the railway crossing, which are installed in the middle of the roadway or on both sides of the roadway. The novelty of this patent is the installation of lights in the middle or on both sides of the roadway along the approach. Installing lights in the roadway provides to a certain extent an increase in traffic safety and the visibility of the proximity of the railway crossing. The disadvantage of this solution is the possibility of easy creation of mechanical impurities on the roadway that can easily obscure the possibility of easy creation of mechanical impurities on the roadway that can easily obscure the installed light signaling, as well as not defining the length of the installation of lights.

[0015] - Patent No. CA 3036666 Al 2019 / 09 / 16 describes and shows an invention entitled "Railway crossing and signaling system and method". The technical problem that was solved consists of a technical solution that is directed to a system and method of notifying road vehicles of the approach to a railway crossing. The system uses modules and / or light strips built into or on the surface of the roadway that are turned on by a processor that is configured to send a signal to the road module(s) and / or light strips in response to a signal received from a transmitter and / or sensor that a railway vehicle is approaching the intersection. The invention generally relates to traffic signaling. More specifically, the idea relates to a method of providing a module on the road and / or multiple light strips that illuminate, change color and / or flash to warn a traveling vehicle that a railway vehicle is approaching an intersection. b) Disadvantages of existing solutions and advantages of the invention

[0016] The biggest disadvantages of the standardized method of securing railway crossings are: insufficient visibility of the traffic lights, especially during daylight hours, and placing the traffic lights very close to the railway crossing. This method of securing railway crossings is not favorable from the aspect of traffic safety because it does not allow drivers of road vehicles to receive important information in a timely manner. Untimely information can create a false picture of the situation in which they are and create a false sense of the possibility of safely crossing the railway crossing. Such situations often lead to taking unnecessary risks that often have tragic consequences.

[0017] The disadvantage of the patent that provides for the installation of a two-chamber traffic light at a distance of 30 meters from the railway crossing is the light signaling that is also located close to the railway crossing and there is a possibility of not getting information.

[0018] The disadvantages of patents that provide for the installation of warning lights in the roadway are the position of the warning lights themselves. Namely, the installation of warning lights in the roadway and their interconnection involves more demanding construction work when building new railway crossings and new roadways, but also when reconstructing existing ones. On the other hand, there is a great possibility of mechanical contamination of the roadway and therefore of covering the warning lights, which leads to their not being noticed.

[0019] All of the above-mentioned solutions have a basic disadvantage in the positioning of light and / or sound signals as well as in the selection of the type of signal. In addition, the question of their cost-effectiveness and maintenance can also be raised.

[0020] The above-mentioned disadvantages have been eliminated according to this invention. The advantages of the present invention are reflected in the increased provision of information to road vehicle drivers, but also in the ease of reconstruction of existing railway crossings and the absence of special requirements for the construction of new railway crossings.

[0021] 5. Disclosure of the Invention

[0022] The subject invention relates to improving traffic safety at railway crossings by informing road users about the occupancy of the railway crossings earlier by using traffic light signals that are placed at multiple locations along the approach to the railway crossings and that as such offer more and clearer information needed by road vehicle drivers in the railway crossings zones.

[0023] The novelty is based on providing road vehicle drivers with traffic light information earlier, which is achieved by introducing new traffic light signs instead of and in place of standard traffic signs. This method of information, as well as the first aspect of the subject invention, describes increasing traffic safety at railway crossings by increasing the information content for road vehicle drivers by changing the information method and introducing new traffic light signs in the railway crossings zone. The position of the new traffic light signs is at the position of the standard vertical traffic signal, which is otherwise used to secure railway crossings.

[0024] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the appearance and manufacture of the new traffic light signs is based on the use of standard materials, dimensions and other standard solutions that are used for the manufacture of vertical traffic signs and traffic light signals. Based on this, the installation of traffic light signals on standard vertical traffic signs is envisaged, i.e. traffic light signals are of the same dimensions, appearance and materials as standard vertical traffic signs, with the light signals being installed on the sign.

[0025] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the power supply and connection of traffic light signs is based on the connection via a power control cable to the existing power infrastructure, if any. In places where there is no existing electrical infrastructure, according to the invention, in order to ensure the operation of new traffic light signs, it provides for the use of batteries (accumulators), solar panels, etc. for power supply, and for management purposes, it provides for the use of various forms of secure communication (radio signals, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0026] 6. Brief Description of Drawings

[0027] Figure 1. is a schematic representation of the new method of regulating road traffic at secured railway crossings, the position of the traffic light signs and the method of connecting the traffic light signs to the power supply and control unit;

[0028] Figure 2. is a schematic representation of the new method of regulating road traffic at unsecured railway crossings, the position of the traffic light signs and the various options for connecting the traffic light signs to the control units;

[0029] Figure 3. is a view of the traffic light signs that are placed at different distances. Under position (8) the details are also shown: A represents the front view, B cross section „B1-B1", C represents the rear view.

[0030] 7. Best Modes for Carrying Out of the Invention

[0031] The technical result is achieved by the fact that the provided railway crossings (Figure 1) are provided with new traffic light signs (6, 7, 8) which are connected by a power-control cable (9) to the signaling-control device of the railway crossings (2).

[0032] According to the invention, the existing vertical traffic signs (1-35 Traffic sign designations are given in accordance with the Regulation on Traffic Signaling "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, No. 85 / 17, 14 / 21 and 21 / 24") are replaced with new traffic light signs (6, 7, 8). The new traffic light signs have the same appearance as the standard vertical traffic signs 1-35, but with which red light signals are installed in the red lines on the traffic sign (Figure 3). Each new traffic light sign (Figure 3, 8) consists of: a standard 1-35 traffic sign (10) on which a light signaling housing is mounted and, if necessary, a bell (11), red light signals (12), a latch (13), a power and control cable (9), a traffic sign support (15) and a foundation (16). The number of light signals on the sign depends on the location of the traffic light sign, so that a new traffic light sign (6) installed 80 m from the railway crossings has two light signals, a sign (7) installed 160 m from the railway crossings has 4, and a sign (8) installed 240 m from the railway crossings has 6 light signals. Each new traffic light sign (6, 7, 8) consists of light signals (12) that make up two subgroups of light signals (16, 17). Subgroup 1 (16) consists of light signals located on the left sides of the traffic signs, and Subgroup 2 (17) consists of light signals located on the right sides of the traffic signs. Subgroups 1 and 2 (16, 17) monitor the operation of the main traffic light (4, or 4 and 5) so that when the left red light on the traffic light (4, or 4 and 5) is turned on / off, subgroup 1 (16) is turned on / off, and when the right red light on the traffic light (4, or 4 and 5) is turned on / off, subgroup 2 (17) is turned on / off on the traffic light (6, 7, 8). In this way, the synchronized operation of the main traffic light (4, or 4 and 5) and the new traffic light signs (6, 7, 8) is achieved.

[0033] The light signals (12) and the latch (13) located on the traffic light signs are of such dimensions that their size must not exceed the dimensions of the slanting red lines of the standard traffic sign.

[0034] According to the invention, the power supply and control of the light signals (6, 7, 8) at the secured level crossings is provided directly, by connecting them to the signaling and control device of the railway crossing (2) via a power supply and control cable (9).

[0035] This patent also provides for the marking, i.e. equipping of unsecured level crossings (Figure 2) with traffic light signs (6, 7, 8). Equipping these level crossings with traffic light signals (6, 7, 8) requires the provision of sensors (1) that will activate / deactivate the traffic light signals (6, 7, 8). In this case, the sensors (1) can be video detectors - cameras, pedestrian sensors, radar, etc., or the activation can be performed from the train or from the railway station. Connecting the sensors (1) to activate the traffic light signals (6, 7, 8) can be performed using a power control cable (9), radio signals, Wi-Fi or some other secure connection. Power supply to the sensors (1) and traffic light signals (6, 7, 8) can be provided via a signal-control device (2), if there is a possibility for its installation, or by using certain batteries that can be changed and / or recharged (e.g. via solar panels).

[0036] The traffic light sign (8) is subject to the obligation to install the standard traffic sign 1-32 or 1-33 ("approaching a railway crossing with bumpers or half-bumpers").

[0037] Traffic light signs (6, 7, 8) must meet all the requirements of the standard for road traffic light signals, with the possibility of equipping these traffic light signs with additional equipment. In addition to traffic lights, new traffic light signs (6, 7, 8) can also be equipped with acoustic warning devices (bells) if necessary. Depending on the need, in accordance with the law, new traffic light signs can be installed, as well as standard traffic signs, on the right and, if necessary, on the left side of the road in the direction of travel. This arrangement also depends on the side on which road vehicles are traveling.

[0038] The advantages of this patent are reflected in the improvement of standard vertical traffic signals, so that the application of this patent does not require any special driver education or excessive legal changes and deficiencies in the field of traffic. The advantage of the patent is also reflected in the fact that by installing light signals on standard vertical traffic signs, the standard function, shape, dimensions and appearance of the standard sign are retained. This is achieved by the dimensions of the light signals that remain within the red lines of the sign and slightly reduce the reflective surfaces of the signs. In addition, the light signals are red, so that the appearance, which is identical to the standard vertical traffic sign, is not disturbed. This is important because even in the event of a malfunction in the system, the new light traffic signs certainly perform the function of standard vertical traffic signaling and warn drivers of danger.

[0039] The advantage of the patent is reflected in the fact that the production of new light traffic signs can be based on the use of standard materials for the production of traffic signs, light signals and means of power supply and communication.

[0040] The advantage of the patent is reflected primarily in the increase in traffic safety at railway crossings. Traffic safety is improved by using traffic light signals (6, 7, 8) which are placed at standard distances of 80 m, 160 m and 240 m, thus providing earlier notification to road vehicle drivers that the level crossing is busy. In addition, the advantage is that the light information about the railway crossings is repeated at distances of 80 m, 160 m and 240 m, unlike the previous method of regulation where the information provided by traffic lights (4, or 4 and 5) and bumpers / half-bumpers (3) is obtained in the immediate vicinity of the railway crossings.

[0041] The advantage of the patent is that the new light signs are placed in places where drivers are already accustomed to being, and in addition, they are away from the roadway and the ground, which allows for greater visibility and reduces the possibility of light signals becoming dirty with mechanical and other impurities.

[0042] 8. Industrial Applicability

[0043] As described according to the invention, the new method of early notification of road traffic drivers as well as the new light signs can be applied in the construction and reconstruction of new and existing railway crossings, but also in the independent equipment of existing railway crossings in order to increase traffic safety.

Claims

Claims1. Road traffic light signaling for warning drivers of approaching a railway crossing and the occupancy of the railway crossings (6,7,8) characterized in that the standard vertical road traffic signaling for warning drivers of approaching a railway crossing is equipped with light signals (12).

2. Road traffic light signaling for warning drivers of approaching a railway crossing and the occupancy of the railway crossings (6,7,8) characterized in that the standard vertical road traffic signaling for warning drivers of approaching a railway crossing equipped with light signals (6,7,8) is used to inform road traffic drivers of the occupancy of the railway crossings.

3. Road traffic light signaling for warning drivers of approaching a road crossing over a railway line and the occupancy of the level crossing (6,7,8), characterized in that a control cable (9) is used for operation (power supply and control) and is connected to the signal control device of the railway crossings (2).

4. Road traffic light signaling for warning drivers of approaching a road crossing over a railway line and the occupancy of the railway crossings (6,7,8), characterized in that an independent source of electrical energy (battery, solar panel, etc.) is used to power the light signals, and that control is provided by establishing secure wireless connections (radio signals, Wi-Fi, etc.) between the vertical light signaling (6,7,8) and the sensor (1), the signal control device (2), the railway vehicle or the railway station.

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