Embedded road stud having ultra-wide angle retroreflective performance

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an embedded road stud having an ultra-wide angle retroreflective performance, which comprises: a body unit provided to be inserted from the ground to a predetermined depth; a retroreflector unit attached to the upper surface of the body unit; and a protective cover unit coupled to the upper portion of the body unit to surround the retroreflector unit, wherein the protective cover unit does not protrude from the ground.

Description

Embedded road marker with ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance.

[0002] Generally, road signs serve as an important element for conveying information to drivers on the road and for safety and traffic guidance, using various shapes, sizes, colors, and symbols to convey various types of information.

[0003] In particular, road markers installed on the road surface refer to facilities installed on the road surface (road surface) to clearly guide the driver's gaze during nighttime and bad weather. For example, conventional road markers (1) are arranged at equal intervals along the lane on the road surface as shown in (a) of FIG. 1, so that drivers can easily identify the lane during nighttime and bad weather.

[0004] However, conventional general road markers (1) are composed of a marker body (2) installed on the ground and a reflector part (3) attached to one side of the marker body, as shown in (b) of FIG. 1. Since the reflector part (3) applied to these conventional road markers (1) has poor wide-angle retroreflectivity due to the structure of the microprism for retroreflection, it was necessary to expose it in the direction of the driver to see the retroreflective effect, so it was essential that the position of the reflector part (3) be physically protruded and exposed above the ground or road surface.

[0005] In other words, conventional road markers (1) are always constructed with a structure protruding from the road surface, so they sometimes detach from the road surface due to continuous impact while vehicles are passing, and there is a problem that the detached marker can cause safety accidents such as colliding with a subsequent vehicle.

[0006] In addition, in addition to the aforementioned safety issues, conventional road markers (1) exhibited actual retroreflective performance only when a vehicle reached a close distance of the road marker (1), so there was a problem in that it was difficult for the driver to identify the location of the road marker (1) at night and in bad weather.

[0007] Meanwhile, fully embedded road markers that do not protrude above the ground or road surface have also been developed, but these are all LED self-luminous markers, and it was essential to embed electronic components such as LED modules and solar power generation modules for LED light emission.

[0008] In the case of the self-luminous road markers mentioned above, although the problem of damage or detachment due to vehicle collisions was partially resolved by being completely buried, there were problems such as frequent breakdowns and difficulty in maintenance due to the need to embed a large number of electronic components inside.

[0009] (Patent Document 1) Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2508000 (March 6, 2023)

[0010] The embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide a road marker that improves upon the problems of the aforementioned conventional road markers, and to provide a buried road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance that allows a vehicle driver to easily identify the location of the marker while preventing it from being detached or damaged by a vehicle collision, etc. by being completely buried in the ground or road surface and not protruding.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems may be considered by those skilled in the art from the various embodiments described below.

[0012] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides the following means.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a buried road marker may be provided, comprising: a body portion arranged to be inserted to a predetermined depth from the ground; a retroreflective portion attached to the upper surface of the body portion; and a protective cover portion coupled to the upper part of the body portion to surround the retroreflective portion, wherein the retroreflective portion is configured to have a higher light reflectivity for obliquely incident light than for vertically incident light, and the protective cover portion does not protrude from the ground.

[0014] The protective cover portion includes an exposed portion that is provided parallel to the retroreflective portion and exposed to the ground, and the surface of the exposed portion may be installed at the same height as the ground or at a predetermined depth from the ground.

[0015] The above retroreflector part comprises a reflector base of a predetermined thickness; and a plurality of reflective structures protruding from one surface of the reflector base, and includes an ultra-wide angle pattern part structured to have a higher light reflectance for obliquely incident light than for vertically incident light, and each of the plurality of reflective structures may be formed in the shape of a triangular prism in which a corner portion parallel to one surface of the reflector base is formed at the furthest position from the reflector base.

[0016] Each of the above plurality of reflective structures includes: a first reflective surface arranged on the ground facing the direction in which a vehicle approaches and forming a first angle of inclination set with respect to one surface of the reflector base; and a second reflective surface provided on the opposite side of the first reflective surface and arranged at a second angle of inclination that is perpendicular or obtuse with respect to one surface of the reflector base, wherein each of the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface is formed as a triangle, and the corner portion can connect the end of the first reflective surface and the end of the second reflective surface.

[0017] Light incident on the surface of the protective cover portion at a first angle range of 10° or less can be reflected on the surface of the protective cover portion at a second angle range having a size 0.4° to 2.8° larger than the first angle size.

[0018] In addition, a buried road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance can be provided, comprising: a body portion arranged to be inserted to a predetermined depth from the ground; a retroreflective portion attached to the upper surface of the body portion; and a protective cover portion coupled to the upper part of the body portion to surround the retroreflective portion, wherein the retroreflective portion is configured to have a higher light reflectivity for obliquely incident light than for vertically incident light, and the protective cover portion is not protruding from the ground, and the retroreflective portion comprises a reflective base of a predetermined thickness and an ultra-wide-angle pattern portion composed of a plurality of reflective structures protruding from one surface of the reflective base, wherein each of the plurality of reflective structures comprises: a first reflective surface arranged on the ground facing the direction in which a vehicle approaches and forming a predetermined first angle of inclination with respect to one surface of the reflective base; and a second reflective surface arranged on the opposite side of the first reflective surface and arranged at a second angle of inclination that is perpendicular or obtuse with respect to one surface of the reflective base.

[0019] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by being embedded in the ground or road surface and substantially not protruding, the possibility of detachment or damage due to vehicle collision, etc. can be prevented.

[0020] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing an ultra-wide-angle retroreflector that forms a light reflectance for obliquely incident light rather than for vertically incident light, the driver can easily identify the location of the road marker even when the road marker is completely embedded in the road surface.

[0021] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing an ultra-wide-angle retroreflective part, the driver can easily identify the location and driving direction of the road marker even from a long distance compared to conventional road markers, thereby improving night driving safety.

[0022] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, damage to the components can be prevented even when a vehicle travels directly over a road marker.

[0023] The accompanying drawings, included as part of the detailed description to aid in understanding the embodiments, provide various embodiments and explain the technical features of the various embodiments together with the detailed description.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a conventional road marker with retroreflective performance.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of installation of an embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of section A of Fig. 3.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a retroreflective part included in an embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the reflective structure of the retroreflector part shown in FIG. 6.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a top view of the retroreflector part illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0032] FIG. 9 is cross-sectional view II of FIG. 8

[0033] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 8.

[0034] FIG. 11 is an image of a retroreflector part fabricated according to an embodiment of the present invention taken with an optical microscope.

[0035] Figure 12 is an image of a comparative example of a retroreflector part taken with an optical microscope.

[0036] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, this is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0037] In describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of prior art related to the present disclosure are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions within the present disclosure, and these definitions may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0038] The technical concept of the present disclosure is determined by the claims, and the following embodiments are merely a means to efficiently explain the technical concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0039]

[0040] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of installation of a buried road marker (10) having ultra-wide angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the buried road marker (10) having ultra-wide angle retroreflective performance shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the buried road marker (10) having ultra-wide angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, an embedded road marker (10) having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body part (100), a retroreflective part (200), and a protective cover part (300).

[0042] The body portion (100) may be provided to be installed by inserting it into the ground or road surface (G) at a predetermined depth. The retroreflector portion (200) may be attached to the upper surface of the body portion (100). The protective cover portion (300) may be attached to the upper part of the body portion (100) to surround the retroreflector portion (200). That is, the retroreflector portion (200) may be interposed between the upper surface of the body portion (100) and the protective cover portion (300).

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective cover portion (300) may be installed so as not to protrude from the ground (G) or to protrude only a very small portion at a height of 7 mm or less from the road surface. The above-mentioned non-protrusion may mean a state in which the surface of the protective cover portion (300) does not protrude at all from the ground (G) or the road surface.

[0044] The above-described protective cover portion (300) may include an exposed portion (310) that is provided parallel to the retroreflective portion (200) and exposed to the ground (G). The above-described exposure does not mean a physical protrusion on the road surface, but may mean that it can be visually identifiable on the road surface.

[0045] Additionally, the surface of the exposed portion (310) may be installed at the same height as the ground (G) or buried at a predetermined depth from the ground (G). Alternatively, the surface of the exposed portion (310) may be positioned at a height of 7 mm or less from the ground (G) so as not to interfere with vehicle traffic and may be substantially non-protruding. That is, the surface of the protective cover portion (300) may be positioned to be substantially flush with the ground (G) or the road surface, or the surface of the protective cover portion (300) may be installed deeper from the ground (G) or the road surface.

[0046] Through this, the problem of road markers (10) embedded in the road being dislodged or damaged due to collision or interference with the vehicle during the vehicle's driving process can be completely prevented.

[0047] The above-described body part (100) may be composed of a buried body (110) having a predetermined height in the vertical direction. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the buried body (110) is illustrated as a cylindrical shape with a hemispherical lower portion as an example, but this is exemplary and is not limited thereto. The buried body (110) may be formed in various shapes, such as a cuboid or other polygons, and it is sufficient if it has an upper surface parallel to the ground (G) so that a retroreflective part (200) can be attached thereto.

[0048] The upper edge surface or outer surface of the buried body (110) may be recessed to a predetermined thickness toward the vertical center axis of the buried body (110), and thereby a stepped seating portion (120) may be formed on the width-direction edge or outer periphery of the buried body (110).

[0049] The protective cover portion (300) may include a flat exposed portion (310) and a cover connecting portion (320) formed extending perpendicularly from the edge or outer periphery of the exposed portion (310). In one example of the protective cover portion (300) shown in FIG. 4, the exposed portion (310) may be formed as an elliptical flat plate, and the cover connecting portion (320) may be extended downward at a right angle from the outer periphery of the exposed portion (310).

[0050] When the upper part of the body part (100) is joined to the protective cover part (300), the cover joining part (320) can be joined by being seated on the seating part (120).

[0051] The protective cover portion (300) can be formed as a single structure, and the protective cover portion (300) can be formed of a transparent material or a transparent material.

[0052]

[0053] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of section A of Figure 3.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, the retroreflector part (200) may be interposed between the exposed part (310) and the upper surface of the body part (100). Headlight light emitted from a vehicle traveling on the ground (G) may pass through the exposed part (310) and be irradiated onto the retroreflector part (200), and may be reflected by the retroreflector part (200) at a preset angle range and reflected to the driver's field of vision height of the vehicle.

[0055] Specifically, a buried road marker (10) having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reflect light incident on the surface of the protective cover portion (300) at a first angle (θ1) of 10° or less to a second angle (θ2) having a size 0.4° to 2.8° larger than the first angle (θ1) size. Here, the first angle (θ1) may mean '90° - incident angle size', and the second angle (θ2) may mean 'first angle (θ1) + observation angle size'.

[0056] Preferably, a road marker (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reflect light to form an angle of observation of 0.4° to 2.8° for the driver of the vehicle when the light irradiated from the headlight of the vehicle forms an angle of incidence of 80° or more with respect to the surface plane of the exposed portion (310) of the protective cover portion (300). In the present disclosure, the angle of incidence refers to the angle between the line through which the light from the headlight illuminates the surface of the road marker (10) and the normal line perpendicular to the surface of the road marker (10), and the angle of observation refers to the angle between the line through which the light from the headlight illuminates the surface of the road marker (10) and the line through which the light reflected to the driver's eye is formed.

[0057] This allows the driver to easily identify the location of the road marker (10) even when a vehicle approaches from a distance.

[0058] A buried road marker (10) having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure reflects light incident at a first angle (θ1) of 10° or less as described above at an observation angle of 0.4° to 2.8°, so that the light of a vehicle approaching from a distance sufficient to allow the driver to recognize the location of the road marker (10) and steer the steering wheel can be reflected into the driver's field of vision.

[0059] Preferably, when a vehicle approaches a road marker (10) at a distance of 5 to 40 m, most preferably about 30 m, and emits light at a height of 65 cm to 86 cm, which is the height of a typical headlight (see Table 1 below), the light from the vehicle may be reflected by the road marker (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and illuminated into the driver's field of vision.

[0060] Vehicle Type Driver's Eye Level (m) Headlight Height (m) Horizontal Distance Between Headlight and Driver (m) Passenger Car 1.2 0.6 5 2 Small Truck, Bus 1.6 8 0.8 6 1.2 Heavy Truck 2.2 9 0.8 10.9 7 Bus 2.1 7 0.8 5 0.9 2 Motorcycle 10.8 0.5

[0061] Through this, the embedded road marker (10) having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be made to easily identify the location of the road marker (10) even when it is completely embedded and substantially not protruding from the ground (G), and can easily guide the driver in the direction of vehicle travel in environments where road identification is difficult.

[0062] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a retroreflective body part (200) included in an embedded road marker (10) having ultra-wide angle retroreflective performance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is an enlarged drawing showing a reflective structure (2200) of the retroreflective body part (200) shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the retroreflective body part (200) shown in FIG. 6 viewed from the top, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view II of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view II-II of FIG. 8.

[0063] In FIGS. 5 to 10, the Z-axis may represent the vertical height direction, the X-axis may represent the first direction in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground (G), and the Y-axis may represent the second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground (G).

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, the retroreflector part (200) may include a reflector base of a preset thickness and an ultra-wide angle pattern part (220) structured such that the light reflectance for obliquely incident light is higher than that for vertically incident light irradiated on the ground (G). The ultra-wide angle pattern part (220) may be composed of a plurality of reflective structures (2200) protruding from one surface of the reflector base. Preferably, the ultra-wide angle pattern part (220) may be provided on one surface of the reflector base that faces the upper surface of the body part (100) among the upper and lower surfaces of the reflector base. The ultra-wide angle pattern part (220) may be formed to protrude from one surface of the reflector base at a preset height (PH1) along the vertical height direction (Z-axis).

[0065] Each of the plurality of reflective structures (2200) may be formed in the shape of a triangular prism, having a corner portion (2230) parallel to one surface of the reflective base formed at the furthest position from the reflective base. Additionally, the reflective structures (2200) in the shape of a triangular prism may be formed such that the width in the second direction (Y-axis) gradually narrows as they move from the reflective base toward the body portion (100).

[0066] Each reflective structure (2200) may include a first reflective surface (2210) that forms a first angle of inclination (θ4) that is pre-set with respect to one side of the reflector base (210), and a second reflective surface (2220) that is provided on the opposite side of the first reflective surface (2210) and arranged at a second angle of inclination (θ5) that is perpendicular or obtuse with respect to one side of the reflector base (210). An intersection angle (θ3) may be formed between the first reflective surface (2210) and the second reflective surface (2220).

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second reflective surface (2220) may be configured to form a second inclination angle (θ5) of about 90° to 100° with respect to one surface of the reflector base (210). More preferably, the second inclination angle (θ5) may be in the range of about 90.1° to 95°.

[0068] If the second angle of inclination (θ5) is formed to be smaller than 90.1°, the light emitted from the vehicle's headlights may be reflected high enough to be out of the driver's field of vision, and if the second angle of inclination (θ5) is formed to be larger than 95°, the light may be reflected at an excessively low height and may not reach the driver's field of vision.

[0069] In each reflective structure (2200), the first reflective surface (2210) may be positioned toward a vehicle approaching the road marker (10), and the second reflective surface (2220) may be positioned on the opposite side of the first reflective surface (2210). Preferably, the first reflective surface (2210) and the second reflective surface (2220) may be spaced apart along the first direction (X-axis) on one side of the reflector base (210).

[0070] Each of the first reflective surface (2210) and the second reflective surface (2220) may be formed as a triangle, and preferably, each of the first reflective surface (2210) and the second reflective surface (2220) may be formed as an isosceles triangle. Additionally, the area of ​​the first reflective surface (2210) may be formed to be larger than the area of ​​the second reflective surface (2220).

[0071] The above-described corner portion (2230) can connect the end of the first reflective surface (2210) and the end of the second reflective surface (2220). The end of the first reflective surface (2210) and the end of the second reflective surface (2220) may refer to the opposite vertex of the base provided on one side of the reflector base (210).

[0072] That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the reflective structure (2200) in the form of a triangular prism has a rectangular base on one side of a reflector base (210) in the form of a sheet or film, and as illustrated in FIG. 10, it may have a structure in which the horizontal width gradually narrows toward the body part (100). Through this, a straight edge part (2230) formed parallel to the reflector base (210) and connecting the first reflective surface (2210) and the second reflective surface (2220) may be provided at the position furthest apart from the reflector base (210) in the reflective structure (2200).

[0073] Between the first reflective surface (2210) and the second reflective surface (2220), a first side (2240) and a second side (2250) sharing a corner portion (2230) may be provided. The first side (2240) and the second side (2250) may be arranged to face each other in each reflective structure (2200), and each of the first side (2240) and the second side (2250) may be formed to extend from one side of the reflector base (210) to the corner portion (2230). The areas of the first side (2240) and the second side (2250) may be the same or substantially the same.

[0074] The first side (2240) and the second side (2250) can gradually narrow in the second direction (Y-axis) as they move from the reflector base (210) to the corner (2230) and converge at the corner (2230). Additionally, the first side (2240) and the second side (2250) can connect the first reflective surface (2210) and the second reflective surface (2220).

[0075] A triangular prism-shaped reflective structure (2200) can be formed by the first reflective surface (2210), the second reflective surface (2220), the first side (2240) and the second side (2250), and the bottom surface on the reflector base (210).

[0076] When the headlights of a vehicle are incident on a road marker (10) at a first angle (θ1) that is inclined (obliquely incident light), the incident light can be refracted at the reflector base (210) and reflected at the ultra-wide angle pattern section (220). Specifically, the light incident on the ultra-wide angle pattern section (220) is reflected on at least some of the first side (2240), the second side (2250), and the corner section (2230), and then reflected on the second reflective surface (2220), and subsequently can be reflected at a second angle (θ2) with respect to the ground.

[0077] Through this, when light emitted from the headlights of a vehicle forms an angle of incidence of 80° or more with respect to the ground (G) plane, the light can be reflected to form an angle of observation of 0.4° to 2.8° for the driver of the vehicle.

[0078] The ultra-wide angle pattern portion (220) can be formed by repeatedly arranging a plurality of reflective structures (2200) in succession on one surface of the reflector base (210). Adjacent reflective structures (2200) can be formed to be in contact with each other, for example, two adjacent reflective structures (2200) can be formed so that their boundaries are in contact with each other.

[0079] Additionally, each of the plurality of reflective structures (2200) may be provided with the same arrangement structure and orientation. For example, the first reflective surface (2210) of each of the plurality of reflective structures (2200) may all be arranged facing one direction, and preferably may be arranged facing the direction of approach of a vehicle traveling on the road surface.

[0080] Additionally, among the plurality of reflective structures (2200), the first reflective surface (2210) of one of the two reflective structures (2200) arranged adjacently along the first direction (X-axis) may overlap with the other second reflective surface (2220) on one side of the reflector base (210) and share a base. As described above, the first reflective surface (2210) of one of the two reflective structures (2200) arranged adjacently along the first direction (X-axis) and the other second reflective surface (2220) may be arranged to form a mutual intersection angle (θ3). Preferably, the intersection angle (θ3) may be formed within an angle range of 30° to 90°.

[0081] If the intersection angle (θ3) exceeds 90°, the structure becomes such that the reflective structure (2200) penetrates into the interior of the reflective base (210) by extending beyond one surface of the reflective base (210), which is impossible in terms of design; therefore, the intersection angle (θ3) is limited so as not to exceed 90°. Additionally, if the intersection angle (θ3) is formed to be smaller than 30°, for example, as it approaches 0°, the first reflective surface (2210) acts as a barrier to the incident light entering the interior of the reflective structure (2200), and a light blocking effect (Barrier Effect) may occur when some of the light incident from the vehicle headlights enters the interior of the reflective structure. As a result, efficient reflection of light is hindered, and consequently, a problem may arise where appropriate reflected light does not reach the driver's field of vision. Therefore, to ensure reflection performance, it is desirable to maintain the intersection angle (θ3) at least at 30°.

[0082] Meanwhile, in each reflective structure (2200), the first side (2240) and the second side (2250) may be arranged to form a fourth angle (θ6) at the corner portion (2230). Preferably, the fourth angle (θ6) may be formed within an angle range of 45° to 90°.

[0083] If the fourth angle (θ6) between the first side (2240) and the second side (2250) in each reflective structure (2200) is formed to be smaller than 45°, the area of ​​the second reflective surface (2220) in the shape of a triangular prism formed by the first side (2240) and the second side (2250) becomes narrow, and as a result, the area of ​​light that can be incident and reflected through the surface is reduced, which may cause a problem of reduced ultra-wide angle retroreflection performance. Conversely, if the fourth angle (θ6) is formed to be greater than 90°, the overall height (PH1) of the reflective structure (2200) is lowered, and as a result, the area of ​​the second reflective surface (2220) is reduced. This again leads to a decrease in reflection efficiency through the entire reflective surface, which may result in a decrease in ultra-wide angle retroreflection performance.

[0084] In each reflective structure (2200), the vertex on the edge portion (2230) of the first reflective surface (2210) and the vertex on the edge portion (2230) of the second reflective surface (2220) may be spaced apart from each other by a first pattern distance (PS1) along the edge portion (2230). That is, the length of the edge portion (2230) may be formed as the first pattern distance (PS1).

[0085] Additionally, the vertices of the first reflective surface (2210) and the second reflective surface (2220) that are in contact with each other at each of the two adjacent reflective structures (2200) along the first direction (X-axis) may be separated by a second pattern distance (PS2). The second pattern distance (PS2) may represent the maximum separation distance between the two adjacent reflective structures (2200) along the first direction (X-axis).

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first pattern distance (PS1) may be formed to be larger than the second pattern distance (PS2). Through this, the reflection area of ​​light incident on the retroreflector part (200) may be formed to be larger, and a sufficient amount of light reflection may be provided to the vehicle driver for location identification. Preferably, the first pattern distance (PS1) may be formed to be 1.0 to 2.5 times larger than the second pattern distance (PS2).

[0087] If the first pattern distance (PS1) is formed to be smaller than the second pattern distance (PS2) and the magnification becomes less than 1.0, the effective reflection area that each reflective structure (2200) can provide is reduced, and the overall light-gathering effect of retroreflected light may be reduced. This may cause the reflection efficiency to not be sufficiently secured for light incident from the headlights of a vehicle, and in particular, a problem may occur in which visibility is reduced at a long distance.

[0088] On the other hand, if the first pattern distance (PS1) exceeds 2.5 times the second pattern distance (PS2), each reflective structure (2200) becomes excessively large, and the moldability of the ultra-wide angle pattern portion (220) decreases. In particular, as the width or length of the reflective structure (2200) increases, the corresponding height (PH1) must also increase, so the peelability during demolding within the mold is reduced, and a problem may arise in which it becomes difficult to completely demold the product during the molding process.

[0089] Therefore, it may be desirable for the first pattern distance (PS1) to be formed in a range of 1.0 times or more and 2.5 times or less compared to the second pattern distance (PS2), considering all aspects of securing retroreflective performance and achieving moldability, peelability, and efficient performance in the mass production process.

[0090] The ultra-wide angle pattern portion (220) can be formed to protrude along the vertical height direction (Z-axis) from one side of the reflector base at a preset height (PH1). Preferably, the height (PH1) of the ultra-wide angle pattern portion (220) can be provided with a size of 0.3 to 0.5 times the first pattern distance (PS1).

[0091] If the height (PH1) of the ultra-wide angle pattern section (220) is formed to be less than 0.3 times the first pattern distance (PS1), the effective area within the reflective structure (2200) where incident light can be reflected is limited, and the overall reflection efficiency may be reduced. In particular, it may be difficult to secure a reflection path for obliquely incident light, which may result in a problem where the reflection performance under ultra-wide angle conditions is reduced.

[0092] Conversely, if the height (PH1) of the ultra-wide angle pattern portion (220) is formed to exceed 0.5 times the first pattern distance (PS1), the total height of the reflective structure (2200) increases excessively, which may cause problems in terms of moldability. That is, when the reflective structure (2200) is released from the mold, the peeling force increases, making demolding difficult and leading to problems in the production process such as a higher molding defect rate.

[0093] Therefore, it may be desirable to set the height (PH1) of the ultra-wide angle pattern section (220) to a range of 0.3 times or more and 0.5 times or less compared to the first pattern distance (PS1) when considering both retroreflective performance and molding stability of the product.

[0094] Meanwhile, a durability-enhancing composition to prevent damage to the protective cover portion (300) may be coated on the surface of the protective cover portion (300).

[0095] Through this, rigidity, transparency, wear resistance, and scratch resistance can be provided to the protective cover portion (300).

[0096]

[0097] In the following, shape and performance evaluations were performed on a comparative example (first product sample) and an embodiment of the present invention (second improved product sample) to verify the retroreflective performance of the ultra-wide angle pattern part (220) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] FIG. 11 (a) is an image of a cross-section of a retroreflector part (200) of a second improved product sample produced according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken with an optical microscope, and FIG. 11 (b) is a planar image of an ultra-wide angle pattern part (220) of the product. FIG. 12 (a), which is compared with the above, is a cross-section of a retroreflector part of a first product sample that is a comparative example, and FIG. 12 (b) is a planar image of an ultra-wide angle pattern part of a comparative example sample taken with an optical microscope.

[0099] As can be seen through FIGS. 11 and 12, in the case of the comparative example (first product), the height (PH1) of the reflective structure within the retroreflector part is formed to be approximately 1.2 times the size of the first pattern distance (PS1), and the arrangement density of the pattern is also configured to be low. On the other hand, in the case of the embodiment of the present invention (second improved product), the height (PH1) of the reflective structure (2200) is formed to be approximately 0.45 times the size of the first pattern distance (PS1), and structurally, low-height patterns are densely arranged. Such structural differences have a significant impact on retroreflective performance as well as the stability of the molding process.

[0100] To quantitatively verify this, the retroreflective performance (mcd / (lx·m²)) of the comparative example and the embodiment was measured at observation angles of 1.05°, 1.5°, and 2.0°, and incident angles of 88.76° and 50° to 70°. The results are as shown in [Table 2] below, and it was confirmed that the retroreflective part (200) according to the embodiment of the present invention showed an average performance improvement of about 485.9% compared to the comparative example.

[0101] Angle of Observation Angle of Incident Sample Number 1st Product Reflection Performance mcd / (lx·m²) 2nd Improved Product Reflection Performance mcd / (lx·m²) Improvement Rate 1.05° 8 8.76° 20 5 2.63 11.18 3.4% 1.5° 50° 8.94 33 8.000 32 4.9% 60° 6.22 9 28.800 36 2.4% 70° 2.32 11 3.86 49 7.2% 2.0° 50° 5.14 11 7.24 23 5.3% 60° 3.59 51 4.85 31 3.1% 70° 1.49 8.72 48 5.2% Average 48 5.9%

[0102] The above results empirically support the fact that a structural design that secures a height (PH1) with an appropriate ratio (0.3 to 0.5 times) to the first pattern distance (PS1) and an appropriate intersection angle (30° to 90°), as proposed in the present invention, is effective in maximizing retroreflective performance under ultra-wide angle conditions. Furthermore, the structure of the second improved product is formed such that the first pattern distance (PS1) is approximately 2.5 times the second pattern distance (PS2), thereby securing the effective area of ​​each reflective surface while simultaneously securing the path of reflected light and enhancing the light-gathering effect. This design ensures that sufficient reflected light reaches the driver's field of vision even under oblique incidence conditions, thereby maximizing visibility during nighttime and adverse weather conditions.

[0103] Accordingly, the retroreflective structure (200) according to the embodiment of the present invention can provide not only improved ultra-wide angle retroreflective performance compared to conventional products, but also advantageous effects in terms of molding stability, durability, and ease of identification by the driver.

[0104]

[0105] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail through representative embodiments above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

[0106] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0107] 10: Road markers

[0108] 100: Body part

[0109] 110: Embedded main body

[0110] 120: Seating part

[0111] 200: Retroreflector part

[0112] 210: Reflector base

[0113] 220: Ultra-wide pattern section

[0114] 2200: Reflective structure

[0115] 2210: First reflective surface

[0116] 2220: Second reflective surface

[0117] 2230: Corner

[0118] 2240: 1st Aspect

[0119] 2250: Second Side

[0120] 300: Protective cover part

[0121] 310: Exposed part

[0122] 320: Cover connection part

Claims

1. A body portion arranged to be inserted into the ground at a predetermined depth; A retroreflective part attached to the upper surface of the body part; and A protective cover portion coupled to the upper part of the body portion to surround the retroreflective portion. Includes, The above retroreflector is configured to have a higher light reflectance for obliquely incident light than for vertically incident light, and The above protective cover portion is non-protruding from the ground and is an embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance.

2. In Claim 1, The above protective cover part is, It includes an exposed portion provided parallel to the above-mentioned retroreflective portion and exposed to the ground, and An embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance, wherein the surface of the exposed portion is installed at the same height as the ground or at a predetermined depth from the ground.

3. In Claim 1, The above retroreflective part is, A reflector base of a preset thickness; and An ultra-wide angle pattern part composed of a plurality of reflective structures protruding from one surface of the above-mentioned reflector base, structured to exhibit a higher light reflectance for obliquely incident light than for vertically incident light. Includes, An embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance, wherein each of the plurality of reflective structures is formed in a triangular prism shape with a corner portion formed parallel to one surface of the reflective base at the furthest position from the reflective base.

4. In Claim 3, Each of the above plurality of reflective structures is, A first reflective surface positioned on the ground facing the direction in which a vehicle approaches and forming a first inclination angle preset with respect to one surface of the reflector base; and A second reflective surface provided on the opposite side of the first reflective surface and positioned at a second angle of inclination that is perpendicular or obtuse with respect to one surface of the reflector base. Includes, An embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance, wherein each of the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface is formed as a triangle, and the corner portion connects the end of the first reflective surface and the end of the second reflective surface.

5. In Claim 1, An embedded road marker having ultra-wide-angle retroreflective performance, which reflects light incident on the surface of the protective cover portion at a first angle range of 10° or less to the surface of the protective cover portion at a second angle range having a size 0.4° to 2.8° larger than the first angle size.

Images