In-ground pedestrian traffic signal module

Abstract

Disclosed is an in-ground pedestrian traffic signal module. The in-ground pedestrian traffic signal module comprises: an upper housing through which light passes; a light source accommodated in the upper housing; a heat dissipation structure in which the light source is disposed and which dissipates heat generated by the light source; a lower housing which accommodates the lower part of the heat dissipation structure and is coupled to the upper housing; and a filler material which fills the inner space of the upper housing and through which light passes, wherein the heat dissipation structure has an inclined surface on which the light source is disposed, and includes a cutoff part that extends from one side of the upper part of the inclined surface and is bent at least once so as to cover a portion of the upper part of the inclined surface. The in-ground pedestrian traffic signal is reliable, waterproof, and highly durable, and can reliably direct a signal light toward one side and block light from leaking to the opposite side.

Description

Floor-type pedestrian signal module

[0001] The present invention relates to a floor-type pedestrian traffic light module, and more specifically, to a floor-type pedestrian traffic light module having a simple structure that allows pedestrians to easily recognize the signal of the traffic light and possesses robust durability.

[0002] Traffic lights are installed at crosswalks for pedestrians to cross the roadway, providing a signal for pedestrians to cross in accordance with vehicle traffic signals.

[0003] Conventional traffic lights are installed at a certain height above the ground via poles so that most pedestrians can clearly recognize the signal. However, especially with the widespread adoption of smartphones and their use by the majority of the population, accidents sometimes occur when pedestrians look down at their phones and belatedly notice the pedestrian signal, causing them to rush across the road.

[0004] To reduce these risks, floor-type pedestrian traffic lights that display signals compatible with traffic signal controllers are installed on the crosswalk surface.

[0005] On the other hand, since ground-mounted pedestrian traffic lights are buried below the surface, the light they emit spreads primarily upward. This spread light can enter the driver's field of vision and interfere with driving, and there is a problem in that pedestrians may not easily perceive the light unless they are close to it.

[0006] Published Patent 10-2023-0021280 discloses a lens portion covering an LED module. The lens portion has an asymmetric parabolic shape and is composed of a first lens portion facing the roadway and a second lens portion facing the sidewalk. The first lens portion is formed with a relatively larger curvature of the parabola than the second lens portion, so that refraction occurs differently and a larger amount of light is transmitted to pedestrians to signal the crosswalk.

[0007] Registered Patent 10-2576398 describes a dome portion of an inner lens portion placed on an LED of a circuit board, wherein the dome portion has a constant angle of inclination with respect to the vertical line of the LED, so that light emitted from the LED passes through the dome portion and is refracted into a ray parallel to the vertical line of the LED and the inclined direction, and passes through the outer lens portion to be irradiated outward at an angle of about 10 degrees.

[0008] The second embodiment of the registered patent 10-2576398 is such that the dome portion faces in a direction parallel to the vertical line of the LED, but a plurality of inclined protrusions are formed protruding from the lower surface of the outer lens portion, and light emitted from the LED passes through the dome portion and is refracted into parallel rays, then passes through the inclined protrusions formed on the lower surface of the outer lens portion and is refracted in an inclined direction, then passes through the outer lens portion and is irradiated outward at an angle of about 10 degrees.

[0009] The first prior art, published patent 10-2023-0021280, requires a difficult and expensive component that requires grinding an asymmetric lens for an LED.

[0010] The second prior art, registered patent 10-2576398, likewise requires the manufacturing of a difficult, complex, and expensive inner lens part, which involves designing a dome-shaped lens and multiple disc-shaped grooves in the upper dome portion to fit each LED position.

[0011] The present invention was conceived based on the above understanding, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a floor-type pedestrian traffic light module that has robust durability and allows pedestrians to easily recognize the traffic light signal with a simple structure.

[0012] A floor-type pedestrian signal light according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objectives comprises an upper housing capable of passing light, a light source housed within the upper housing, a heat dissipation structure in which the light source is placed and which dissipates heat generated from the light source, a lower housing that houses the lower part of the heat dissipation structure and is coupled with the upper housing, and a filling material that fills the internal space of the upper housing and through which light passes. The heat dissipation structure has an inclined surface in which the light source is placed, and includes a cut-off portion that is bent and extended at least once to cover a portion of the upper part of the inclined surface from one side of the upper part of the inclined surface.

[0013] Here, the heat dissipation structure may include a heat dissipation fin extending vertically downward from the inclined surface.

[0014] Here, the heat dissipation structure includes a reflective surface opposite to the inclined surface where the light source is placed, and the reflective surface may be inclined to reflect light emitted from the light source toward the upper housing.

[0015] Here, the heat dissipation structure may be formed by connecting a plurality of integrated metal plates having a 'Y' shape, including the cut-off portion, inclined surface, reflective surface, and heat dissipation fin.

[0016] Here, the upper housing may have an inner surface with a sawtooth pattern.

[0017] Here, the inner surface of the sawtooth pattern includes a sawtooth bevel inclined at a predetermined angle, and light emitted from the light source undergoes primary refraction through the reflective surface and is directed toward the upper housing, and the light undergoing primary refraction may undergo secondary refraction on the inner surface of the sawtooth pattern.

[0018] Meanwhile, the ground pedestrian signal light can be positioned so that the aforementioned slope faces the sidewalk.

[0019] In addition, the upper housing may have a non-slip pattern on its upper surface to prevent slipping.

[0020] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned heat dissipation structure can change the angle at which it is positioned within the upper housing.

[0021] Meanwhile, the heat dissipation structure may include a heat dissipation fin extending vertically downward from an inclined surface and a heat dissipation hole penetrating the heat dissipation fin.

[0022] The floor-type pedestrian signal light of the present invention can project directional light with only a simple structure and a few components, and can be manufactured very robustly and reliably, especially for floor-type pedestrian signal lights that are embedded in outdoor floors where high durability is required (durability).

[0023] In addition, the heat dissipation structure made of sheet metal has a large contact area with air and low resistance to airflow, resulting in excellent heat dissipation. Consequently, the risk of degradation caused by overheating of the LEDs placed in the heat dissipation structure is reduced, allowing the luminous quality of the traffic light to be maintained for a long time (reliability).

[0024] In addition, the filler material filled inside the housing of the floor-type pedestrian signal light of the present invention prevents the occurrence of condensation caused by the temperature difference between the relatively high internal housing temperature and the relatively cold external temperature due to the heat generated by the LED in the past, and protects the internal electrical / electronic components by preventing damage to the housing due to external impact or infiltration and penetration caused by rainwater seeping through the gaps between surrounding blocks (waterproof).

[0025] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a floor-type pedestrian traffic light;

[0026] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIGS. 3a and 3b are drawings illustrating the upper housing of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a heat dissipation structure of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the function of the heat dissipation structure of FIG. 4;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a heat dissipation structure of a modified embodiment;

[0031] FIGS. 7a to 7c are drawings for explaining the refraction of the direction of light irradiation by the structure of the heat dissipation structure and the upper housing of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a filler material of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to an embodiment of the present invention; and,

[0033] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, specific descriptions of related known functions or configurations are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Additionally, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or relationships of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0035]

[0036] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a floor-type pedestrian traffic light.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the floor-type pedestrian signal light may be composed of a plurality of floor-type pedestrian signal lights (100-1, 100-2, 100-3). A series of interconnected floor-type pedestrian signal lights (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) are connected to the signal line and power line of a traffic signal controller to display the pedestrian signal status as green, flashing green, or red.

[0038]

[0039] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100) includes an upper housing (110), a light source (120), a heat dissipation structure (130), a gasket (140), a lower housing (150), and a cable (170).

[0041] The upper housing (110) covers the upper part of the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100). The upper housing (110) is made of a light-transmitting material through which light generated from a light source (120) housed inside can exit to the outside. The upper housing (110) is exposed to the ground surface when the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100) is installed embedded in the ground.

[0042] The light source (120) is housed inside the upper housing (110). The light source (120) may include green and red LEDs capable of displaying pedestrian signal colors.

[0043] The heat dissipation structure (130) provides a place where the light source (120) is placed. The heat dissipation structure (130) dissipates heat generated from the light source (120). The heat dissipation structure (130) may be formed from a metal with excellent thermal conductivity, particularly aluminum, for heat dissipation. The detailed configuration of the heat dissipation structure (130) will be described later.

[0044] A gasket (140) is interposed between the rim portions where the upper housing (110) and the heat dissipation structure (130) meet, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the rim of the heat dissipation structure (130), which is made of a hard metal plate, coming into contact with the upper housing (110) when force is directly applied during sealing and assembly connection by screws, etc. Additionally, the gasket (140) is interposed between the two side rims where the upper housing (110) and the lower housing (150) meet.

[0045] The lower housing (150) encloses the lower part of the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100). The lower housing (150) accommodates the lower part of the heat dissipation structure (130), specifically the heat dissipation fins of the heat dissipation structure (130), and a cable (170) for connecting to an adjacent floor-type pedestrian signal light (100) or power source.

[0046] The cable (170) is connected to the cable of another adjacent floor-type pedestrian signal light (100) to enable the transmission of power supplied from the signal and power of the traffic signal controller. The cable (170) is connected to a light source (120) to transmit signals for light emission and color. The cable (170) may include a female plug on one side and a male plug on the other side to connect to another adjacent cable. The cable (170) may include one or more wires and may include an insulating sheath, outer sheath, sealing, etc. to prevent leakage and short circuits.

[0047] The floor-type pedestrian signal light (100), in which all the components of the illustration are assembled, is a box-shaped structure with an open bottom. Above, an upper housing (110) is positioned to accommodate a light source (120) inside and through which light emitted from the light source (120) passes, and below, a lower housing (150) is positioned to accommodate a heat dissipation fin of a heat dissipation assembly (130) for discharging heat generated from the light source (120) and a cable (170) for transmitting a signal.

[0048] In addition, a ground base (not shown) may be included to protect and hold in place the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100) located on a bare dirt floor or other rough landfill.

[0049]

[0050] FIGS. 3a and 3b are drawings illustrating the upper housing of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3a, the upper housing (110) has a roughly rectangular shape. As described above, the upper housing (110) is made of a light-transmitting material, and thus the green and red light of the light source contained within the upper housing (110) can be emitted outward.

[0052] Referring to the cross-section of the upper housing (110) cut along the line AA in FIG. 3a and the enlarged cross-section in FIG. 3b, the upper housing (110) has a non-slip pattern for preventing slipping on the upper surface (exposed part) exposed to the ground. The upper surface having the non-slip pattern may have slip resistance capable of ensuring the safety of pedestrians, etc. For example, the slip resistance of the upper surface may be 40 BPN or higher when measured by a slip resistance tester according to test standard KS F 2375. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-slip pattern is designed so that the protrusions (112) between adjacent rows in the transverse or longitudinal direction are arranged in an offset manner. Here, the protrusions (112) are in the shape of a square pyramid or a pyramid, but are not limited thereto. As a modified embodiment, the non-slip pattern may be a pattern in which protrusions (112) such as hemispherical, truncated, cylindrical, or prismatic shapes are regularly arranged. As another example, the non-slip pattern may be a wave pattern with irregular irregularities, a pattern with evenly spaced grooves, or a pattern in which multiple blocks are arranged.

[0053] Additionally, the upper housing (110) has a sawtooth pattern on its inner surface (114). The sawtooth pattern will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 7a to 7c.

[0054] Additionally, the upper housing (110) includes walls (310) surrounding it on all sides. The walls (310) have a step (311) on the inner side where the thickness of the walls (310) is reduced. The step (311) forms a space within the upper housing (110) to accommodate the lower housing (150).

[0055]

[0056] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a heat dissipation structure of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, the heat dissipation structure (130) includes an inclined surface (132), a cut-off portion (134), a heat dissipation fin (136), an edge portion (138), and a through hole (139).

[0058] The slope (132) provides a place where the light source (120) is placed. The slope (132) is an obliquely inclined slope or mountain slope.

[0059] The cutoff portion (134) is a part that extends by bending from one side of the upper portion of the inclined surface (132) toward the upper portion of the inclined surface. The cutoff portion (134) extends by bending one or more times from the inclined surface (132) to cover a portion of the upper portion of the inclined surface (132) or the light source (120). A more detailed structure of the cutoff portion (134) is described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0060] The heat dissipation fin (136) is a portion that extends vertically downward from the inclined surface (132). The heat dissipation fin (136) is a thin plate-shaped structure in which both sides are exposed to contact with air, and is structured to facilitate the release of heat from the light source (120) outward due to the conductivity of the material.

[0061] The edge portion (138) is located at both edges of the heat dissipation structure (130) and is configured to be interposed and fixed between the upper housing (110) and the lower housing (150). A through hole (139) for a fastening member, such as a screw, is formed in the edge portion (138).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the light source (120) may be an LED strip in which a plurality of LED elements (122) are arranged in a row, or an LED array substrate (PCB or FPCB). The LED elements (122) may be SMD type color LEDs rather than DIP type LEDs.

[0063]

[0064] Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the function of the heat dissipation structure of Figure 4.

[0065] As previously described, the heat dissipation structure (130) includes an inclined surface (132), a cut-off portion (134) located on one side of the upper portion of the inclined surface (132), and a heat dissipation fin (136) extending vertically downward from the inclined surface (132).

[0066] Additionally, the heat dissipation structure (130) includes a reflective surface (133) opposite the inclined surface (132). The reflective surface (133) is inclined so that the light source (122) reflects the light (L) emitted from the light source toward the upper housing (110). The inclination of the inclined surface (132) on which the light source (122) is positioned and the reflective surface (133) that reflects the light directs the light toward the sidewalk (P). Thus, the inclined surface (132) is positioned to face the sidewalk (P), and the reflective surface (133) is positioned to face the roadway (T).

[0067] The cutoff portion (134) extends by bending from the upper side (137) so as to cover at least part of the top of the inclined surface, or toward where the light source (122) is positioned. The cutoff portion (134) may be bent once from the upper side (137) or extended laterally by bending two or more times in different directions. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the cutoff portion (134) is bent twice and includes a first portion (134-1) extending laterally upward parallel to the reflective surface (133) from the peak (137) where the inclined surface (132) and the reflective surface (133) meet, and a second portion (134-2) extending horizontally.

[0068] The cutoff section (134) blocks light emitted from the light source (122) toward the roadway (T).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5, the cut-off portion (134), the inclined surface (132), the reflective surface (133), and the heat dissipation fin (136) are a single metal plate with a 'Y' shape. That is, the heat dissipation fin (136) extends vertically downward from the valley where the inclined surface (132) and the reflective surface (133) meet.

[0070] Since this integrated structure extends from the portion having an inclined surface (132) where the light source (122) is positioned to the heat dissipation fin (136), the heat conduction of heat (H) generated from the light source (122) is superior compared to a structure in which a separate heat sink is assembled to a conventional light source module.

[0071] This integrated Y-shaped metal plate can be formed by bending a single sheet metal cut to a suitable size, by welding or bonding two or more metal plates with an adhesive, or by axially extruding a cross-section having a constant shape as shown in FIG. 6.

[0072] The heat dissipation structure (130) can be formed by connecting a plurality of integrated metal plates having a 'Y' shape, including the cutoff, inclined surface, reflective surface, and heat dissipation fin. The connection can be made by welding or bonding. The heat dissipation structure (130) can be formed by a single extrusion molding rather than by connecting a plurality of parts.

[0073] The heat dissipation structure (130), formed from a single thin sheet metal without occupying a large portion of the material, forms a large space on both sides of the heat dissipation fins (136), so that there is a large amount of contact with air, resulting in excellent heat dissipation effect.

[0074]

[0075] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a heat dissipation structure of a modified embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6, the heat dissipation structure (130) includes a heat dissipation hole (610) in the heat dissipation fin (136). The heat dissipation hole (610) may be a hole that penetrates the heat dissipation fin (136).

[0077] As another modified embodiment, the heat dissipation structure (130) may include a groove cut in the depth direction across a plurality of heat dissipation fins (136).

[0078] The heat dissipation holes (610) or grooves formed in the heat dissipation structure (130) provide heat dissipation fins (136) capable of effectively dissipating heat generated from the light source (122) and conducted to the heat dissipation structure (130), and air flow channels (W) in a vertical direction or various directions. Additionally, the air flow velocity through the narrow heat dissipation holes (610) in a wide space is further increased, and from this, heat exchange between the air and the heat dissipation fins (136) can occur more effectively.

[0079]

[0080] FIGS. 7a to 7c are drawings for explaining the refraction of the direction of light irradiation by the structure of the heat dissipation structure and the upper housing of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 7a, the upper housing (110) has an inner surface (114) of a sawtooth pattern. Referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 7c, the inner surface (114) of the sawtooth pattern includes a sawtooth bevel (115) inclined at a predetermined angle (α). Referring to FIG. 7b, at least some of the light emitted from a light source (122) placed on an inclined surface (132) of a heat dissipation structure (130) is directed toward a reflective surface (133), the light is refracted first at the reflective surface (133) toward the upper housing (110), and the light is refracted second by the sawtooth pattern formed on the inner surface (114) of the upper housing (110). For reference, in FIG. 7a, a screw (190), which is a fastening member connecting the upper housing (110), gasket (140), and lower housing (150), can be seen passing through the through hole (139) of the edge portion (138) of the heat dissipation structure (130).

[0082] The first refraction of light is achieved by the reflection of light from the reflective surface (133). The second refraction of light is achieved by the first refraction of light being incident obliquely on the saw blade surface (115) inclined at a predetermined angle (α) of the saw pattern formed on the inner surface (114), and by the difference in the medium through which the light passes, specifically the difference in the refractive index of the material through which the light passes between the inner space of the housing (110) and the upper housing (110).

[0083]

[0084] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a filler material of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 8, the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100) includes a filler material (180) that fills the internal space of the upper housing (110) or at least a portion of the internal space of the upper housing (110). The filler material (180) is a light-transmitting material and may be, for example, a transparent epoxy resin that hardens in a liquid state. In addition, various well-known polymers such as transparent silicone resin and transparent urethane may be used as the filler material (180). The filler material (180) fills the internal space of the upper housing (110) to prevent rainwater or foreign matter from entering when condensation forms inside the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100), or when the floor-type pedestrian signal light breaks due to impact or the joints separate over time during operation. Additionally, the filler material (180) reinforces the strength of the upper housing (110).

[0086] Meanwhile, when filling the heat dissipation structure (130) with a filler (180) after assembling the heat dissipation structure (130) to the upper housing (110), the heat dissipation structure (130) may include a perforated section (810) so that the filler (180) can flow in well. The perforated section (810) may be formed on the outermost wall, inclined surface (132), reflective surface (133), etc. of the heat dissipation structure (130).

[0087]

[0088] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a floor-type pedestrian signal light according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 9, a floor-type pedestrian signal light (100') is installed embedded in a sloped sidewalk (20). The upper surface of the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100') is positioned parallel to the ground surface of the sidewalk.

[0090] Generally, the edge of the sidewalk (20) facing the crosswalk is formed to slope downward toward the roadway so that wheelchairs and the like can move easily. If a floor-type pedestrian signal light (100') is installed parallel to the downward slope, light coming through a transparent window on the upper surface of the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100') is directed toward the roadway.

[0091] To solve this problem, a floor-type pedestrian signal light (100') of another embodiment includes a configuration for changing the position of a heat dissipation structure (130). Specifically, the floor-type pedestrian signal light (100') includes a switching means (190') capable of changing the angle of the heat dissipation structure (130) within an upper housing (110). By means of the switching means (190'), the heat dissipation structure (130) can maintain a horizontal position within the housing. The switching means (190') may be, for example, a retractable bellows-type member connected to the edge portion (138) of the heat dissipation structure (130). Alternatively, the switching means (190') may be a round disc-type member that contacts the edge portion (138) of the heat dissipation structure (130) and can change its angle by the rolling motion of the heat dissipation structure. Other switching means (190') may be a shaft having a rotating axis connected in a direction parallel to the axis of the heat dissipation structure (130), one or more articulated levers connected to the heat dissipation structure (130), pneumatic or hydraulic pistons, etc.

[0092]

[0093] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

Claims

1. Regarding ground-type pedestrian traffic lights, Upper housing capable of passing light; A light source housed within the upper housing above; A heat dissipation structure for discharging heat generated from the light source, wherein the light source is positioned thereon; A lower housing that accommodates the lower part of the heat dissipation structure and is coupled with the upper housing; and It includes a filling material that fills the internal space of the upper housing and allows light to pass through; The above-described heat dissipation structure has an inclined surface on which the light source is disposed, and includes a cut-off portion that is bent and extended at least once to cover a portion of the upper part of the inclined surface from one side of the upper part of the inclined surface, a floor-type pedestrian signal light.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-described heat dissipation structure comprises a heat dissipation fin extending vertically downward from the inclined surface, forming a floor-type pedestrian signal.

3. In Paragraph 2, A floor-type pedestrian signal light, wherein the heat dissipation structure includes a reflective surface opposite to the inclined surface where the light source is placed, and the reflective surface is inclined to reflect light emitted from the light source toward the upper housing.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above heat dissipation structure is, A floor-type pedestrian signal light formed by connecting multiple integrated metal plates having a 'Y' shape, including the above-mentioned cutoff portion, inclined surface, reflective surface, and heat dissipation fin.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above upper housing is a floor-type pedestrian signal light having an inner surface with a sawtooth pattern.

6. In Paragraph 5, The inner surface of the above saw pattern includes a saw blade surface inclined at a predetermined angle, and A floor-type pedestrian signal light in which light emitted from the light source undergoes primary refraction through the reflective surface and is directed toward the upper housing, and the light undergoes secondary refraction on the inner surface of the sawtooth pattern.

7. In Paragraph 1, A floor pedestrian signal light positioned so that the above-mentioned slope faces the sidewalk.

8. In Paragraph 1, A floor-type pedestrian signal light in which the upper housing has a non-slip pattern on the upper surface to prevent slipping.

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