[0001] The present invention achieves a further important improvement in the field of the
continuous horizontal road-marking tape technology .
[0002] Applicant, starting almost twenty years ago, has developed layered road-marking tapes,
and later-on the use of electric energy and of electromagnetic energy in the technique
of the road-marking has been developed.
[0003] In this last-mentioned respect applicants' UK 2 050 769 patent and corresponding
patents in other countries should be mentioned.
[0004] As a matter of fact, the denomination 'Road marking tape' is today rather vague,
because the information supplied by the tape includes not only information by optical
radiation but also information communicated by electromagnetic radiation which has
to be suitably transformed.
[0005] Horizontal road signaletics in the form of prefabricated tapes to be laid on the
road surface to be marked, for the purpose of defining such markings as traffic lane
separating lines, direction indicators, and even alphanumerical information (letters,
numbers) all in the form of flat tape-like marking material horizontally laid on the
road surface are well-known in the art. The primary marking or signalling function
or effect is an opto-visual function, basically conveyed by the colour of the tape
surface (normally white or yellow) which sufficiently differs from the ambient colour
of the road surface (typically asphalt-grey); additionally to this base visual function
by colour and ambient stray-light impinging on the tape and partially scattered towards
the vehicle driver, this opto-visual effect may be enhanced by additional opto-visual
means such as reflective elements provided on the tape surface which may be in the
form of uniformally distributed irregular reflective substances or by individually
arranged compact means in the form of retroreflective elements; these particularly
provide for enhanced visibility of the road marking both under normal day-light, but
particularly under conditions of reduced visibility (such as under bad weather conditions)
and partticularly during night-time, the retroreflective elements directionally reflecting
part of the light from the vehicles own head-lights back to the vehicle and the driver.
[0006] From applicant's own forementioned UK 2 050 769 A1 publication it is already known
to utilize these opto-visual road marking tapes for providing additional information
to the car driver, by including electromagnetically acting components within the tape,
for cooperation with corresponding electronic components mounted on the cars which
in mutual cooperation with one another will develop additional information such as
to a specific condition of the road and convey such positive information to the vehicle
driver. More specifically, the reference discloses the provision, beneath the road-marking
tape or within a primer layer associated with the tape, of passive electromagnetic
components in the form of resonant closed dipole circuits for cooperation with active
electronic components in the form of secondary radars aboard the vehicles. While this
known system thus combines both opto-visual features and electromagnetic features,
the fact that the tape-associated components are purely passive electromagnetic components
involves rather narrow limitations on the type and scope of the additional information
which can be provided by the electromagnetic information channel; basically, this
known system as to the electromagnetically provided information will be limited to
information which can be coded geometrically by a respective geometrically coded installation
of the respective passive dipoles along the marking tape.
[0007] It is therefore a main objective of the present invention to substantially enlarge
the scope of the additional ancillary information that can be provided by this type
of tape-like horizontal road marking systems, combining both opto-visual features
and electromagnetic features, while at the same time retaining the tape as a substantially
self-sufficient structure independent from external feed of electrical energy via
the road surface.
[0008] To this purpose, in accordance with the present invention a continuous prefabricated
multi-layer road-marking tape for installation on the road surface comprises an upper
portion having protrusions including, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs),
the upper portion further comprising optically retroreflecting components, a lower
portion comprising at least one layer including electromagnetic radiation reflector
means, said lower portion further comprising electromagnetic interference shielding
means as a protection against electromagnetic perturbations from the road bottom,
said tape further comprising storage batteries, tape-based electromagnetic transmitter
and antenna means of low-energy consumption, exploiting only electrical energy provided
by said tape-based solar cells and storage batteries, and electrical circuitry operably
connecting said solar cells, storage batteries, light-emitting diodes and transmitter
and antenna means.
[0009] In accordance with the basic concept of the present invention the tape substantially
is a two-part structure, with an upper portion comprising optically operative (passive
and active) elements, such as retroreflective units and LEDs, and a lower portion
housing (passive) electromagnetic reflector and antenna means; additionally solar
cells are provided in the upper portion of the tape structure, for collecting light
energy impinging on the tape and converting it to electrical energy, storage batteries
are provided in the tape for storing such electrical energy and active electromagnetic
transmitter means and associated antenna means are provided in the tape, together
with electrical circuitry interconnecting the LEDs, solar cells, storage batteries,
transmitter units and antenna means.
[0010] By the present invention, the combined information capabilities of the horizontal
road-marking tape structures are greatly enhanced while at the same time retaining
the entirely self-sufficient nature of the road marking tape. As to the opto-visual
information capability of the marking tape, the inclusion of active optical units
such as LEDs (which can be energized from the storage batteries accumulating the electrical
energy generated by the solar cells provided in the tape) potently adds to the visual
information that can be provided by the tape. And the inclusion, within the tape,
of active electromagnetic transmitters (and associated antenna) remarkably adds to
the overall information capability of this road marking tape system, in cooperation
with receiving and decoding electromagnetic apparatus aboard the vehicles, additionally
to the information capability as known from the above mentioned UK 2 050 769 publication.
[0011] DE 3 509 965 A1 is concerned not with the field of road-marking but with a system
of automatically switching the normal radio-receivers aboard car vehicles to the operating
frequency of the respective area radio stations, as the vehicle passes from the operative
area of one station to the operative area of the adjacent next station. For this purpose,
the reference discloses the provision on the road of passive means such as bar codes
extending across the entire road width, to be scanned by respective active sensors
installed aboard the vehicles and operative to effect the required switching function
(change of frequency of the radio receiver in the vehicle). As an alternative active
signal emitting means may be installed along the road which when passed by by the
vehicles will effect the desired switching functions via respective receiving apparatus
aboard the vehicles.
[0012] Those active means would be applied at respective traffic signs on the road side,
i.e. associated with vertical traffic signs alongside the road.
[0013] DE 3 307 123 A1 is concerned not with road marking but with a system for providing
information to the vehicle driver as to the geographic position, by means of passive
components such as bar codes, on the road surface which are being scanned by detecting
devices aboard the vehicles. The bar code (translated into respective electrical signals
aboard the vehicle) will translate into the respective north/south and east/west coordinates
of the vehicle.
[0014] For the purposes of the description herein, when referring to horizontal road marking
tapes, of course the optical road marking effect is an important function and, consequently,
the tape in accordance with the present invention includes retroreflective elements,
light-emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells, storage batteries, and the tape is supposed
to be in a position where it will exploit only that solar energy which is incident
on the tape. On the other hand, with a view to achieve a hitherto unattainable high
level of safety the tape of the present invention will be provided with the means
for fully exploiting the potential contribution by the use of electromagnetic energy,
as transmitted by the respective means in the lower layers of the tape.
[0015] Following are specific examples where the contribution of the electromagnetic energy
is nearly vital:
1. Dangerous locations: One cannot always be aware of a dangerous location in the
road which requires a reduction in vehicle speed. In such case, the warning impulse
must originate from the tape, e.g. from a gigahertz reflector dipped in a layer of
adhesive and positioned upon the low layers of the tape. Said warning impulse reflects
the activation of a comparator placed on the vehicle and, consequently, the activation
of an optical or an acoustical indicator within the vehicle.
2. Presence of ice: This hazard is very important, since the presence of ice cannot
be seen. A negative temperature control (NTC) unit or device activates an EPROM (erasable
program read only memory) chip and a megahertz transmitter is positioned together
with its antenna upon the lower layers of the tape. A message for reduction of speed
is then emitted.
3. Traffic jam: This hazard is becoming more and more frequent today, with drivers
sometimes loosing their tempers. In this case, as will be explained in detail later-on,
the drivers intervene as the vehicle presses an emergency micro-switch placed under
the tape. As a consequence the EPROM, the megahertz transmitter and its antenna are
activated, but at the same time a one-directional light emitting tape may be activated
for discharging the jam.
[0016] From the above examples it would appear that both types of radiation are useful and
necessary , i.e. optical and electromagnetic radiation, for communication of information.
[0017] Before specifically describing the electromagnetic radiation means, the general structure
of the tape which has assured the best results will be detailed with reference to
the accompanying drawing.
Description of the Drawings
[0018]
- Fig. 1
- is an exploded fragmentary schematic view showing, in side elevation and in top plan,
the several layers of a tape structure according to the present invention,
- Fig. 2
- is a fragmentary top plan view of a third tape layer 6 which includes various groups
of equidistant metallic stripes 26 adhering to the tape, and forming a reflector aggregate
18,
- Fig. 3
- is a fragmentary top plan view of a tape shielding layer 10,
- Fig. 4
- is a schematic, showing a suggested gigahertz transmitter and receiver installed on
the vehicle,
- Fig. 5
- is a schematic diagram of an embodiment utilizing a negative temperature control (NTC)
device 46 for warning the vehicle driver as to the presence of ice on the roadway.
- Fig. 6
- is a fragmentary top plan view showing the employment of parallel signalling tapes
56,62 for signalling a traffic jam and activating directional signals so as to direct
vehicles away from the traffic jam.
[0019] Reference is now made to fig. 1, with the understanding that not all the layers shown
must necessarily be present in the tape; each layer is shown in cross-section and
in corresponding plan view.
[0020] The upper layer 2 is a wear resistant film made of polyurethane resin, which has
since many years achieved the best results. Upper layer 2 is pigmented in order to
ensure the best visibility by day; retroreflecting components 14 are applied upon
it, and at 16 there is represented one of a plurality of transparent protrusions in
which there may be placed light emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells, storage batteries
and the like.
[0021] The following intermediate layer 4 consists of a non-woven fabric, strongly impregnated
with a polyurethane prepolymer which provides the mechanical properties of the tape.
[0022] The third layer 6 includes antennae and reflectors 18 which are dipped in adhesive,
schematically shown in fig. 1, and which will be described in detail later-on (fig.
2).
[0023] The fourth layer 8 comprises the circuits connecting the electric and the electromagnetic
components, said circuits are embodied by conductive stripes (20) dipped in adhesive.
[0024] The fifth layer 10 is the EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding layer which
has the function of protecting the electromagnetic elements from disturbing interferences
which might originate from the ground beneath. Layer 10 may consist of a dispersion
of conductive particles, or of a metallization, schematically shown at 22 in a suitable
carrier medium. Good results have been obtained by using high percentage nickel dispersions
in an acrilic prepolymer, such as the nickel dispersions manufactured by the firm
Metalgalvano Sozzi of Rovello Porro (Italy) or the acrilic coating 3M110 manufactured
by Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.
[0025] Since the manufacture and installation of the forementioned tape involves a certain
cost, even if not a very high one, the possibility of recovering the tape and removing
it to another locality is desirable. To this purpose, the sixth layer 12 consists
of a strong extensible web, strongly impregnated by an adhesive which has a good adhesion
to the road surface, but at the same time allows removal of the tape without damaging
it, said layer being illustrated in plan view at 24.
[0026] Returning to the functions of the tape, gigahertz reflector 18 in layer 6, shown
in Figs. 1 and 2, which reflects electromagnetic energy emitted by the vehicle, is
located on the lower layers of the tape and is fundamental for monitoring and controlling
the speed of the vehicle. Gigahertz reflector in layer 6 is embodied by a multiplicity
of conductive stripes 26 dipped in adhesive, illustrated in Fig. 2; those stripes
26 are positioned at an angular direction - usually 15° - relative to the direction
of vehicle traffic. This angular feature assures good reception of the reflected waves
at the side of the tape, within a sufficiently wide lateral lane.
[0027] As shown in fig. 2, reflector 18 consists of several groups 30,28 of equidistant
metallic stripes 26, adhering to the tape, for example metal foils of 1 mm width,
each group being marked by a different distance between the stripes: e.g., in fig.
2 there are shown two groups, 28 and 30, wherein the metal foils or stripes are spaced
apart by different distances.
[0028] Gigahertz reflector 18,26 displays a diffuse reflection behaviour in elevation, and
since the position of the vehicle on the road may vary within a certain range of several
meters at right angles to the direction of the traffic, the reflection maxima should
be as close as possible within the reflection diagram.
[0029] Good results have been obtained by choosing, for a space of 0 to 4 meters, four groups
of stripes, with a first group having an interstitial distance of 2 cm between the
individual stripes, of 1,8 cm in a second group, of 1,6 cm in a third group, and of
1,4 cm in a fourth group. More than five stripes 26 have been used in every group,
with the length of each stripe 26 being at least 50 cm, but usually much more.
[0030] In fig. 3 there is shown the shielding layer 10, embodied as described; the shielding
area is somewhat wider than the group of the reflectors, in order to obtain the best
possible shielding effect.
[0031] Fig. 4 schematically and diagrammatically shows the arrangement of the means for
transmission and reception provided on the car. These operate advantageously at a
frequency in the Gigahertz field, e.g. at 24 GHz.
[0032] Transmitter 32 on the vehicle comprises a frequency stable oscillator which is connected
via a coupling device 34 to a horn antenna 33 which is arranged at an angle of 45°
with respect to the road surface; the antenna 33 emits radiation towards a road-side
reflector 18 which is only schematically shown; reflector 18 may be embodied by the
metallic stripes 26 of reflector layer 6 shown in fig. 2.
[0033] Energy returning from reflector 18,26 is received by another horn antenna 35, also
placed on the vehicle and is fed to a mixer 38 from which a frequency f
D exits at the output which is the difference between the frequency emitted by antenna
33 and the one received by antenna 35. In fact, as the reflector 18,26 is swept at
a certain speed, the transmission and reception frequencies will not be the same because
of the Doppler effect.
[0034] The signal from mixer 38 is fed to a high-pass filter and 80 dB amplifier 40, hence
to low-pass filter 42, and finally to a comparator and pulse former 44.
[0035] Two methods for activating the indicator on the vehicle could be contemplated.
[0036] The first method is based on the pulses originating from the metal stripes 26, upon
sweeping of the transmitted high-frequency waves across the tape, i.e. the waves frequency,
and only is related to vehicle speed. The pulses form a pulse train such that the
threshold of the comparator 44 is exceeded and an indicator is activated. The second
method is a safer one. Comparator 44 of fig. 4 includes a generator of a tuning note
adapted to a selected speed; said generator provides pulses of a certain form and
frequency. When the reflected waves and the pulses provided for a selected speed are
overlapping, an indicator on the vehicle is activated. This described technology is
very well known.
[0037] The control of vehicle speed in dangerous locations is very important, and one can
provide a kind of a 'black box' for these dangerous locations in order to compel the
vehicle drivers to reduce speed.
[0038] As mentioned, the composite road marking tape which is the object of the present
invention also includes a small radio-transmitter 52 (fig. 5) which transmits messages
recorded in EPROM. Said transmitter 52 which has a very low consumption of energy,
for example 8 mW, is fed by small storage batteries which in turn are fed by solar
cells placed on the tape, as it was specified in connection with the transparent protrusions
16 of fig. 1.
[0039] The messages recorded in EPROM and transmitted under the action of suitable controls
may be of different kinds, and two of them, of particular importance, are hereinafter
described as examples.
[0040] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of warning the vehicle driver as to the presence of ice.
In this embodiment a Negative Temperature Control - NTC device 46 is used consisting
of a sensor 48 and of a calibration device 50; the EPROM 51 comprises an integrator
47, a memory 49, and an amplifier 53; the transmitter 52 has a dipole-antenna 54.
[0041] When the temperature falls below a pre-set limit, these devices transmit a recorded
message.
[0042] Another very important hazard is traffic jam. In fig. 6 there is shown how a traffic
jam may be signaled, utilizing the capabilities of road marking tapes of the present
invention, and how indicators may be activated in order to discharge the traffic jam.
[0043] There are illustrated two signaling tapes 56,62, placed in parallel, and connected
by means of an electric cable (not illustrated).
[0044] Tape 56 is a conventional marking tape, and tape 62 is an emergency tape. On tape
56 there are shown transparent protrusions 60, in which LEDs, solar cells, storage
batteries are housed similarly as within those transparent protrusions 16 of fig.
1. There are also provided, at predetermined locations, compressible portions 61 in
which a microswitch is placed. As regards such compressible tape see applicant's European
Patent No. 0 100 524 and US Patent No. 4 685 824.
[0045] In case of a traffic jam, a vehicle driver who takes the initiative, or a traffic
policeman, activates the micro-switch by placing his car on the compressible portion
61. This activates an alarm system like the one which has been aforedescribed for
signalling the presence of ice. On the one hand, a message 'traffic jam' is transmitted,
on the other hand the emergency tape 62 is activated; on said emergency tape 62 there
are provided transversal pulsing lights 66 of red colour, and longitudinally aligned
pulsing lights 64 of green colour. Lights 64 guide the traffic towards a direction
which may be opposite to the normal direction, e.g. towards an exit. The pulsing of
the lights 64 may be very rapid.
[0046] The traffic in the opposite direction may take place on an overtaking lane or on
an emergency lane, as possible in the particular situation.
[0047] At the same time, a further entry of vehicles in the respective jam portion of the
highway must be prevented, and to this purpose at the beginning of said traffic jam
portion a red light (not illustrated) will be lighted. Furthermore, a couple or plurality
of couples of sensors are placed at the beginning of the respective traffic jam portion,
so that if a car enters in the forbidden direction, notwithstanding the red traffic
light, its plate will be identified by a camera.
[0048] The circuits which are required in order to realize the functions described above
pertain to a known technique.
[0049] Many other hazards may be taken into consideration, for which analogous information
systems may be employed, for example, the hazard of fog.
[0050] The traffic jam road-marking tape can also be useful for guiding traffic in the direction
of the city center, or in other directions.
1. A continuous prefabricated multi-layer road-marking tape for installation on the road
surface, comprising
- an upper portion (2,4, fig. 1) having protrusions (16) including solar cells, and
light-emitting diodes (LEDs), the upper portion further comprising optically retroreflecting
components (14),
- a lower portion (6,8,10,12) comprising at least one layer (6) including electromagnetic
radiation reflector means (18, figg. 1 and 4, 26, fig. 2), said lower portion further
comprising electromagnetic interference shielding means (10,22) as a protection against
electromagnetic perturbations from the road bottom,
- said tape further comprising
-- storage batteries
-- tape-based electromagnetic transmitter and antenna means (52,54, fig. 5-) of low-energy
consumption, exploiting only electrical energy provided by said tape-based solar cells
and storage batteries,
-- electrical circuitry (8,20) operably connecting said solar cells, storage batteries,
light-emitting diodes and transmitter and antenna means.
2. The continuous prefabricated multi-layer road-marking tape of claim 1, wherein said
reflector means (18) comprise conductive stripes (26, fig. 2) adhered to a lower layer
(6) of the tape, said stripes (26) forming a gigahertz reflector and acting as a secondary
source of electromagnetic waves.
3. The continuous prefabricated multi-layer road-marking tape of claim 2, wherein said
gigahertz reflector (18) comprises a plurality of conductive stripes (26, fig. 2)
dipped within an adhesive adhering to said lower layer (6), said stripes (26) being
positioned at an angular direction (α, fig. 2) with respect to the traffic direction,
thereby enabling effective reception of electromagnetic reflective waves from broadside
of the tape.
4. The continuous prefabricated multi-layer road-marking tape as claimed in any of the
preceding claims, wherein said antenna means comprise conductive stripes adhered to
a lower layer of the tape said stripes together with said transmitter means (52) acting
as a primary source of electromagnetic waves, and forming a megahertz antenna (54,
fig. 5) for transmitting information from said tape to vehicles passing by.
5. The continuous prefabricated multi-layer road-marking tape of claim 4, wherein said
megahertz antenna (54, fig. 5) is adhered by adhesive to said lower layer of the tape,
said tape further including an emitting transmitter (52, fig. 5) positioned on the
tape for transmitting messages registered in EPROM (51) via said antenna (54).
6. The continuous prefabricated multi-layer road-marking tape of claim 5, wherein the
message registered in EPROM is related to the presence of ice on the road and is transmitted
on the basis of signals generated by negative temperature control (NTC) means (46,
fig. 5).
7. The continuous prefabricated multi-layer road-marking tape as claimed in any of the
preceding claims, said tape further including:
- a microswitch placed within a compressible portion (61, fig. 6) of said tape (56),
said microswitch being activated upon compression by a vehicle positioned on said
compressible portion;
- an EPROM connected to said microswitch so as to transmit a message concerning a
traffic jam; and
- a series of directional lights (64,66, fig. 6) activated by said microswitch, so
as to divert vehicular traffic during a traffic jam.
8. The continuous prefabricated multi-layer road-marking tape as claimed in any of the
preceding claims, wherein said upper portion includes:
- a wear resistant upper face layer (2) comprising said protrusions (16) and
- an impregnated non-woven intermediate layer (4),
and said lower portion includes
- a gigahertz reflector (18) supported at a distance from a megahertz antenna (54)
activated by a megahertz transmitter (52) positioned on the tape;
- a circuit layer (8) with conductive net stripes (20) dipped in adhesive;
- an EMI shielding layer (10) and an extensible textile web layer (12,24), so as to
allow removal of said tape from the road surface.
1. Kontinuierliches vorgefertigtes Mehrschichten-Straßenmarkierungsband zur Anbringung
auf der Straßenoberfläche, umfassend
- einen Vorsprünge (16) aufweisenden oberen Teil (2,4, Fig. 1) mit Solarzellen und
licht-emittierenden Dioden (LEDs), wobei der obere Teil des weiteren optische Rückstrahlkomponenten
(14) umfaßt,
- einen wenigstens eine Schicht (6) umfassenden unteren Teil (6,8,10,12) mit elektromagnetischen
Strahlungsreflektormitteln (18, Fig. 1 und 4, 26, Fig. 2), wobei der genannte untere
Teil des weiteren elektromagnetische Störungs-Abschirmmittel (10,22) als Schutz gegen
elektromagnetische Störungen aus der Straßensohle umfaßt,
- wobei das genannte Band des weiteren umfaßt
-- Akkumulatoren
-- bandseitige elektromagnetische Sender- und Antennenmittel (52,54, Fig. 5) mit niedrigem
Energieverbrauch, die nur von den genannten bandseitigen Solarzellen und Akkumulatoren
gelieferte elektrische Energie verbrauchen,
-- elektrische Schaltungen (8,20) zur funktionellen Verbindung der genannten Solarzellen,
Akkumulatoren, licht-emittierenden Dioden und Sender- und Antennenmitteln.
2. Kontinuierliches vorgefertigtes Mehrschichten-Straßenmarkierungsband nach Anspruch
1, bei welchem die genannten Reflektormittel (18) an einer unteren Schicht (6) des
Bandes angebrachte Leiterstreifen (26, Fig. 2) umfassen, wobei die genannten Streifen
(26) einen Gigahertz-Reflektor bilden und als eine sekundäre Quelle elektromagnetischer
Wellen wirken.
3. Kontinuierliches vorgefertigtes Mehrschichten-Straßenmarkierungsband nach Anspruch
2, bei welchem der genannte Gigahertz-Reflektor (18) eine Mehrzahl von in einen an
der genannten unteren Schicht (6) haftenden Kleber eingebetteten Leiterstreifen (26,
Fig. 2) aufweist, wobei die genannten Streifen (26) unter einer Winkelrichtung (α
, Fig. 2) bezüglich der Verkehrsrichtung angeordnet sind, derart daß ein wirksamer
Empfang von elektromagnetischen Reflektionswellen in Querrichtung des Bandes ermöglicht
wird.
4. Kontinuierliches vorgefertigtes Mehrschichten-Straßenmarkierungsband nach einem der
vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei welchem die genannten Antennenmittel an einer unteren
Schicht des Bandes angeordnete Leiterstreifen umfassen, wobei diese Streifen zusammen
mit den genannten Sendermitteln (52) als eine primäre Quelle elektromagnetischer Wellen
wirken und eine Megahertz-Antenne (54, Fig. 5) zur Informationsübertragung von dem
genannten Band zu vorüberfahrenden Fahrzeugen bilden.
5. Kontinuierliches vorgefertigtes Mehrschichten-Straßenmarkierungsband nach Anspruch
4, bei welchem die genannte Megahertz-Antenne (54, Fig. 5) mittels Kleber an der genannten
unteren Schicht des Bandes haftet, wobei das Band des weiteren einen auf dem Band
angeordneten Senderübertrager (52, Fig. 5) zur Übertragung von in EPROM (51) gespeicherten
Mitteilungen über die genannte Antenne (54) aufweist.
6. Kontinuierliches vorgefertigtes Mehrschichten-Straßenmarkierungsband nach Anspruch
5, bei welchem die in EPROM gespeicherte Mitteilung in Bezug zur Gegenwart von Eis
auf der Straße steht und auf der Grundlage von durch Negativ-Temperatur-Steuermitteln
(NTC) (46, Fig. 5) erzeugten Signalen übertragen wird.
7. Kontinuierliches vorgefertigtes Mehrschichten-Straßenmarkierungsband nach einem der
vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das genannte Band des weiteren umfaßt:
- einen in einem zusammendrückbaren Teil (61, Fig. 6) des genannten Bandes (56) angeordneten
Mikroschalter, wobei der genannte Mikroschalter beim Zusammendrücken durch ein auf
dem genannten zusammendrückbaren Teil befindliches Fahrzeug betätigt wird;
- ein mit dem genannten Mikroschalter verbundenes EPROM zur Übertragung einer einen
Verkehrsstau betreffenden Mitteilung; und
- eine Reihe von durch den genannten Mikroschalter betätigten Richtungsleuchten (64,66,
Fig. 6) zur Umlenkung des Fahrzeugverkehrs während eines Verkehrsstaus.
8. Kontinuierliches vorgefertigtes Mehrschichten-Straßenmarkierungsband nach einem der
vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei welchem der genannte obere Teil umfaßt:
- eine verschleißbeständige obere Oberflächenschicht (2), welche die genannten Vorsprünge
(16) aufweist, und
- eine imprägnierte Nicht-Gewebe-Zwischenschicht (4),
und wobei der genannte untere Teil umfaßt
- einen Gigahertz-Reflektor (18), der in einem Abstand von einer durch einen auf dem
Band angeordneten Megahertz-Sender (52) betätigten Megahertz-Antenne (54) angeordnet
ist;
- eine Schaltungs-Schicht (8) mit in einen Kleber eingetauchten bzw. eingebetteten
leitenden Netzstreifen (20);
- eine EMI-Abschirmschicht (10) und eine dehnbare Textilgewebeschicht (12,24), um
die Entfernung des genannten Bandes von der Straßenoberfläche zu ermöglichen.
1. Bande de marquage de route multicouche préfabriquée continue pour installation sur
une surface de route, comprenant :
- une partie supérieure (2, 4, figure 1) comportant des saillies (16) dans laquelle
sont incluses des cellules solaires et des diodes électroluminescentes (LED), la partie
supérieure comprenant en outre des composants optiquement rétro-réfléchissants (14),
- une partie inférieure (6, 8, 10, 12) comprenant une couche (6) au moins comprenant
des moyens de réflecteur de rayonnement électromagnétique (18, figures 1 et 4, 26,
figure 2), ladite partie inférieure comprenant en outre des moyens de blindage contre
les interférences électromagnétiques (10, 22) sous la forme d'une protection contre
les perturbations électromagnétiques provenant de la couche de fond de la route,
- ladite bande comprenant en outre :
-- des accumulateurs,
-- des moyens d'émetteur et d'antenne électromagnétiques situés dans la bande (52,
54, figure 5) de faible consommation d'énergie, exploitant seulement l'énergie électrique
délivrée par lesdites cellules solaires et accumulateurs situés dans la bande,
-- un ensemble de circuits électriques (8, 20) reliant lesdites cellules solaires,
accumulateurs, diodes électroluminescentes et moyens d'émetteur et d'antenne d'une
manière fonctionnelle.
2. Bande de marquage de route multicouche préfabriquée continue selon la revendication
1, dans laquelle lesdits moyens de réflecteur (18) comprennent des rubans conducteurs
(26, figure 2) appliqués par adhérence sur une couche inférieure (6) de la bande,
lesdits rubans (26) formant un réflecteur dans la bande des gigahertz et agissant
comme source secondaire d'ondes électromagnétiques.
3. Bande de marquage de route multicouche préfabriquée continue selon la revendication
2, dans laquelle ledit réflecteur dans la bande des gigahertz (18) comprend une pluralité
de rubans conducteurs (26, figure 2) immergés dans un adhésif adhérant à ladite couche
inférieure (6), lesdits rubans (26) étant positionnés suivant une direction angulaire
(α, figure 2) rapportée à la direction de la circulation, d'où il résulte qu'est permise
une réception efficace d'ondes électromagnétiques réfléchies en provenance du côté
large de la bande.
4. Bande de marquage de route multicouche préfabriquée continue selon l'une quelconque
des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit moyen d'antenne comprend des rubans
conducteurs appliqués par adhérence sur une couche inférieure de la bande, lesdits
rubans agissant, d'une manière concourante avec ledit moyen d'émetteur (52), comme
source primaire d'ondes électromagnétiques et formant une antenne dans la bande des
mégahertz (54, figure 5) pour transmettre des informations provenant de ladite bande
aux véhicules qui les dépassent.
5. Bande de marquage de route multicouche préfabriquée continue selon la revendication
4, dans laquelle ladite antenne dans la bande des mégahertz (54, figure 5) est appliquée
par adhérence au moyen d'un adhésif sur ladite couche inférieure de la bande, ladite
bande comprenant en outre un émetteur actif (52, figure 5) positionné sur la bande
pour transmettre des messages enregistrés dans l'EPROM (51) à travers ladite antenne
(54).
6. Bande de marquage de route multicouche préfabriquée continue selon la revendication
5, dans laquelle le message enregistré dans l'EPROM se rapporte à la présence de glace
sur la route et est transmis sur la base de signaux générés par un moyen de contrôle
de température négative (NTC) (46, figure 5).
7. Bande de marquage de route multicouche préfabriquée continue selon l'une quelconque
des revendications précédentes, ladite bande comprenant en outre :
- un microrupteur placé à l'intérieur d'une partie compressible (61, figure 6) de
ladite bande (56), ledit microrupteur étant activé par la compression qu'opère un
véhicule positionné sur ladite partie compressible,
- une EPROM reliée audit microrupteur de manière à transmettre un message concernant
un embouteillage, et
- une suite de lumières directionnelles (64, 66, figure 6) activées par ledit microrupteur
de manière à dévier la circulation automobile pendant un embouteillage.
8. Bande de marquage de route multicouche préfabriquée continue selon l'une quelconque
des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ladite partie supérieure comprend :
- une couche de surface supérieure anti-usure (2) comprenant lesdites saillies (16),
et
- une couche intermédiaire non tissée imprégnée (4), ladite partie inférieure comprenant
:
- un réflecteur dans la bande des gigahertz (18) supporté à une distance définie d'une
antenne dans la bande des mégahertz (54) activée par un émetteur dans la bande des
mégahertz (52) positionné sur la bande,
- une couche de circuit (8) comportant des rubans conducteurs d'un tissu en filet
(20) immergés dans un adhésif,
- une couche de blindage EMI (10) et une couche en matière textile extensible (12,
24) destinée à permettre l'enlèvement de ladite bande de la surface de la route.