WO2021001588A1 - Pedestrian protection device intended to be installed in an entrance of a pedestrian crossing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pedestrian protection device intended to be installed in an entrance of a pedestrian crossing, comprising a hermetic box (1) arranged along an access of the pedestrian crossing, comprising an underground hollow base (2) adapted to the shape of the entrance of the pedestrian crossing, a cover (3), firmly joined to the base (2) by joining elements (14) and adapted to the shape of said base (2), an elastic and watertight element arranged between the cover (3) and the base (2), at least one detector (4, 4') located inside the hermetic box (1) in order to measure the pressure exerted on the cover (3) when at least one pedestrian is standing on the cover (3) and a vibration motor (6) incorporated below the cover (3), such that the device pedestrians to be warned by vibration, sounds and/or lights.

Description

PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION DEVICE INTENDED TO BE INSTALLED

AT A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ENTRANCE

DESCRIPTION

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a pedestrian protection device intended to be installed in a pedestrian crossing entrance in vehicle crossing areas. More particularly, the device comprises a hermetic box adapted to the shape of the roadway at the entrance to the pedestrian crossing, which allows the pedestrian to be alarmed by vibration, sounds and light sources, in the event that said pedestrian is entering the crossing. pedestrians at the wrong time when a vehicle is approaching imminently. The implementation of the device is especially suitable for pedestrian crossings regulated by traffic lights, in urban areas, but also in crossings, interurban roads, subway and railway platforms. It is intended to be used in preferably pedestrian areas where bicycles and skates meet, also in its electric version, as well as in the passage of bid lanes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various studies warn that 20% of the accidents that occur in the city are due to reckless acts committed by pedestrians, largely related to distractions caused by the mobile phone. Additionally, pedestrians also lose information about their surroundings (signals, traffic lights, crosswalks) while having a telephone conversation or when, in general, interacting with their mobile communication devices.

The attempts so far to reduce road accidents have preferably been aimed at the vehicle manufacturers themselves who must incorporate the latest technological developments in road safety, also increasing the safety of pedestrians. Likewise, from the point of view of road infrastructure, the improvement of both horizontal and vertical signaling, also influencing the improvement of the visibility of pedestrian crossings. Thanks to new communication technologies, various mobile applications also work with the aim of reducing the accident rate of pedestrians, although the power to disconnect these applications makes them inefficient systems when it comes to warning the pedestrian and the driver of the risks.

Additionally, in relation to bike lanes, it continues to occur on numerous occasions that pedestrians invade the bid lane due to carelessness or lack of awareness, causing accidents, causing even deaths due to the running over of pedestrians by pedestrians due to misuse or carelessness by pedestrians.

New urban designs have created passage areas in which, despite the signage, it is difficult to distinguish between the pedestrian zone and the road, which represents a real risk for pedestrians

In the case of trams, the horn is currently used to alert in cases of imminent danger and there have been numerous catastrophic accidents. Therefore, the speed of these vehicles has been regulated and reduced in sensitive areas of the route with risk of accidents and pedestrian accidents.

In the case of new transport technologies, highlighting the application of the use of the electric motor, although they have represented a great advance, especially in the influence on the emission of harmful gases, the almost total elimination of sound emission has made these vehicles in devices with a higher level of risk in their interaction with pedestrians.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to solve some of the problems mentioned in the state of the art. More in particular, a device is described to reduce accidents by reducing carelessness due to inattention, distractions and / or various negligent uses by pedestrians.

More specifically, the present invention describes a pedestrian protection device intended to be installed at a pedestrian crossing entrance in vehicle crossing areas, comprising:

- a hermetic box arranged along a pedestrian crossing access, comprising: - a hollow base buried and adapted to the shape of the entrance to the pedestrian crossing,

- a cover, firmly attached to the base by joining elements adapted to the shape of said base, intended to support the passage of pedestrians on said cover,

- an elastic and watertight element arranged between the cover and the base,

- at least one detector located inside the hermetic drawer, to measure pressure exerted on the lid when at least one pedestrian rests on said lid,

- a vibration motor incorporated under the cover capable of vibrating the cover, communicated with an external element that alerts of the risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle and with the detector,

where said vibration motor is activated when the detector detects a pedestrian on the cover and the external element simultaneously alerts of the risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle.

Preferably, the device comprises a plurality of springs between a lower face of the base and the lid to damp a relative movement between the lid and the base of the hermetic drawer when pressure is exerted on said lid. Likewise, the detector can be a switch located internally to each spring located near the lid or on the sides, so that the device comprises a plurality of switches that are actuated by the push as a consequence of the relative movement of the lid with respect to the base when a pedestrian leans on said cover. Consequently, the elastic element can yield significantly allowing movement of the spring-damped lid. Said elastic elements can be, for example, Teflon, or any similar watertight elastomer.

The device can also comprise, on the cover, a plurality of warning light sources communicated with the external element that alerts of the risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle and with the detector, to be switched on iteratively when a pedestrian stands and simultaneously exists a risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle. The external element that alerts about the risk of imminent passage of vehicles, can be a traffic light for pedestrians, vehicles, proximity sensors, railroad warning screens, or any similar element.

The pedestrian protection device can also have audible elements communicated with the external element that warns of the risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle and with the detector, to turn on interactively when a pedestrian is supported and simultaneously there is a risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle.

Additionally, it can also have sound elements communicated with the external element and with the detector, to be turned on interactively when a pedestrian is leaning on and simultaneously there is a risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle.

Preferably, the cover has on its upper face a non-slip platform to prevent possible falls of pedestrians.

The system can be analog so that the vibration, lighting and sound alert elements are powered exclusively when the external warning element, for example a traffic light, warns of the risk and is subsequently activated when, simultaneously, a detection switch pressure is actuated by the weight of a pedestrian leaning on the lid.

Alternatively, the pedestrian protection device can comprise a control module, located inside the drawer and communicated with the vibration motor, with the detector, and with the external element, making the lid vibrate when a pedestrian rests on said lid and simultaneously there is a risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle. Additionally, said control module can be in communication with the light bulbs and the sound elements, to activate all simultaneously together with the vibration motor.

Preferably, the springs are internally arranged inside tubes that partially cover them, which can be attached to the lid or the base to allow the springs to move exclusively in the vertical direction and to protect them from external agents. When the docks present variations in height due to the weight of at least one pedestrian placed completely or partially on the upper platform, they will actuate the pressure switches and activate the vibration motor and all additional alarm elements.

Consequently, when a pedestrian tries to cross improperly and steps on the platform, and the warning system indicated to the device - for example, a traffic light interconnected to the device - the device will begin to vibrate warning of Recklessness and the risk of the possible imminent approach of vehicles. In such a way that this vibration motor also alerts blind and deaf pedestrians, etc. who for any reason enter the crosswalk improperly.

The device is operatively communicated with the external element of warning about proximity or imminent passage of vehicles, so that it preferably has an alert mode and a rest mode, depending on the signal of the external element, for example, through the signal the traffic light of a crosswalk, if it is red, yellow or green. In such a way that the warning elements (vibratory, sound and light) are only powered when there is a risk of a vehicle passing, and simultaneously a pedestrian steps on the cover of the device.

Therefore, approximately simultaneously with the vibration motor, the light bulbs on the lid and the sound elements will be activated, alarming the recklessness and the risk for the pedestrian.

Through any of these alarm elements, not only the Reckless pedestrian will be alerted, but all pedestrians around them who may be distracted or willing to follow the Reckless, so that they will see the alarms and be duly notified of the Recklessness.

The sound elements can be incorporated inside the box or incorporated soon in the surroundings to avoid problems of rainwater entry and for greater loudness and perceptibility of the sound. Either way, they are operatively connected and / or communicated with the detector or Switches and with the external element of warning about the imminent risk of approaching vehicles.

Note that the device can be used externally for the protection of pedestrians in a car zone that is operatively connected and / or connected to a traffic light, and It can also be used on subway, rail, tram, bicycle lanes, etc.

Preferably, in the case of pedestrian protection in car traffic areas, the device will be placed in the entrance area on the pedestrian crossing road, carrying out a small civil work to carry out the necessary channeling to house the box and the current necessary to be able to activate the different alarm elements, said power can be provided, for example, from the same power that the network-connected traffic light operates. The device can have advertising on the upper non-slip platform, taking advantage of the space on the road.

The vibration motor is incorporated in a watertight box, to avoid entry of water and / or humidity, etc.

Preferably, the device further comprises a drainage installation comprising openings in the lower face of the base, where said openings are connected to pipes anchored to the ground to drain in the event of an unwanted flooding of said base. Consequently, the airtight drawer will have different drain outlets with grounded pipes to drain in the event of an unwanted flooding of the same.

The upper platform of the lid, preferably, has the same color as the road, or a regulatory color depending on its application and is non-slip rubber to prevent accidental slipping or falls.

Preferably, the joining elements of the cover and the base have an anti-theft mechanism that includes screws and nuts that will only be removable with keys specifically designed for this particular device. In addition, the anti-theft mechanism can also have an internal chain that links the external cover to the ground, in such a way as to prevent theft in case the outer cover is removed.

Although the opening system is anti-theft, it also allows maintenance or quick opening by authorized persons, as they have the appropriate keys. Preferably, the base comprises a power outlet intended to power the device

through an interconnection by a nearby element, and a ground connection to avoid problems in electrical derivations.

The box can be of a prismatic configuration, but it can be designed exactly to the particular configuration of the road at the pedestrian entrance, be it curved, prismatic, square, etc. The width of the watertight box can be designed to be greater than the stride length of the pedestrian with the longest estimated possible stride / jump. The length can be variable depending on the length of the entrance or access to the road from the pedestrian crossing in each different case. Preferably, the base is made of fiberglass to support the passage of heavy vehicles that pass through the vehicle passage area.

The structure must have sufficient rigidity to be able to resist the passage of trucks, buses and heavy vehicles that at times may pass over it.

Consequently, the base can also have internal partitions configured to support the weight of heavy vehicles. The objective and purpose of this device is to reduce the accident rate that occurs in pedestrian crossings due to lack of attention, distractions, voluntariness, etc. Both in automobile applications, such as bicycle lanes, railways, metro, tram, etc.

Due to factors such as the weather, continuous use and various external agents, the device is designed to be able to withstand all these external elements, seeking above all its versatility and durability.

Note that, in the event of no power supply, for any unexpected reason, the device will not pose any risk to road users. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of a practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view according to a preferred embodiment of the pedestrian protection device in application in a car crossing area, where the box buried inside the road at the access of the pedestrian crossing is shown, and a pedestrian supported about the device.

Figure 2.- Shows a top perspective view according to the embodiment of figure 1, where the hermetic drawer, the lid, the base, the non-slip platform, and the drain pipes are shown.

Figure 3.- Shows an exploded perspective view of the device in a preferred embodiment, where the vibration motor, the springs and the light bulbs are shown.

Figure 4.- Shows a detailed view of the preferred embodiment of figure 3, where the pressure switches are clearly shown.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the pedestrian protection device, where said device is shown buried in the road at the entrance that gives access to the pedestrian crossing. More in particular, being applied specifically in car passage areas for the control of pedestrians by means of a traffic light (S).

Figure 2 shows a top perspective view where it is shown that the device comprises a hermetic drawer (1) comprising a hollow prismatic base (2), adapted to the shape of the road at the entrance of a pedestrian crossing, and coupled to a cover (3). Said cover (3) on the upper face comprises a non-slip rubber platform (5) to prevent pedestrian falls. Likewise, figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the device in the described preferred embodiment, in which a plurality of springs (8) are shown between a lower face (9) of the base (2) and the cover ( 3) to damp a relative movement between the lid (3) and the base (2) of the hermetic drawer (1) when a pedestrian is resting and consequently pressure is exerted on said lid (3).

Furthermore, it also shows a plurality of pressure detectors (4) to measure a pressure exerted on the cover (3) when at least one pedestrian rests on the cover (3),

Figure 3 also shows that the device comprises a vibration motor (6) incorporated under the cover (3) in a watertight box. Said vibration motor (6) is communicated with the traffic light (S) that warns of the risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle and with the detector (4, 4 ^' ), so that it is activated when the detector (4, 4 ^' ) detects a pedestrian on the cover (3) and the external element (S) simultaneously alerts the risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of figure 3, where it is clearly shown that in a preferred embodiment the detectors (4) are a plurality of switches (4 ') arranged inside the drawer (1) near the lid (3) , so at least one switch (4 ^' ) is actuated by a push as a consequence of the relative movement of said cover (3) when a pedestrian rests on said cover (3).

In the preferred embodiment described above, the device is connected to the traffic light (1), so that it has an alert mode and a sleep mode, depending on the signal from the traffic light (S), in such a way that it is only powered the device with the different alert elements, when there is a risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle, and they will only be activated and alerted when the pressure switches (4 ^' ) detect the passage of a pedestrian simultaneously. In said preferred embodiment, the connections will be analog and you do not need a control module.

Figure 4 also shows that, in the preferred embodiment described, the cover (3) comprises a plurality of warning lights (7) communicated with a traffic light (S) that warns of the risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle and with the pressure switch (4 '), to be switched on iteratively when a pedestrian is supported and simultaneously there is a risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle. In the same way, the device comprises sound elements (not shown) communicated with the traffic light (S) and with the pressure switch (4 '), to be switched on interactively when a pedestrian is supported and simultaneously there is an imminent risk of passage of at least A vehicle. Said audible alarm elements (not shown) that would be arranged at the nearby traffic light, on a nearby pole, or on any external element close to the device.

Figure 3 also shows the drainage installation comprising openings (13) in the lower face (9) of the base (2) and said openings (13) are connected to pipes (10) that are anchored to the ground to drain in case of an unwanted flood inside the device.

Likewise, it is shown that the device has, in a preferred embodiment, a power outlet (11) destined to power the device through an interconnection with the traffic light, and a ground connection (12) to avoid problems in electrical derivations.

It is important to emphasize that the device must support the weight of large tonnage vehicles that circulate on the road, so in the preferred embodiment the box (1) is made of fiberglass.

Additionally, the width of the hermetic box should be such that it is greater than the average stride length of a pedestrian of considerable height, for greater safety.

Claims

1.- Pedestrian protection device intended to be installed in a pedestrian crossing entrance in vehicle crossing areas, characterized in that it comprises: - a hermetic box (1) arranged along a pedestrian crossing access, comprising: - a hollow base (2) buried and adapted to the shape of the entrance to the pedestrian crossing, - a cover (3), firmly attached to the base (2) by joining elements (14) and adapted to the shape of said base (2), - an elastic and watertight element arranged between the cover (3) and the base (2), - at least one detector (4, 4 ') located inside the hermetic drawer (1), to measure pressure exerted on the cover (3) when at least one pedestrian rests on the cover (3), - a vibration motor (6) incorporated under the cover (3) capable of vibrating the cover (3), communicated with an external element (S) that alerts of the risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle and communicated with the detector (4, 4 '), where said vibration motor (6) is activated when the detector (4, 4') detects a pedestrian on the cover (3) and simultaneously, the external element (S) alerts of the risk of passage imminent of at least one vehicle. 2. The pedestrian protection device of claim 1, wherein the cover (3) comprises a plurality of light sources (7) of alarm communicated with the external element (S) that warns of the imminent risk of passage of al minus one vehicle and communicated with the detector (4, 4 '), to iteratively turn on when a pedestrian is supported and simultaneously there is a risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle. 3.- The pedestrian protection device of claim 1, comprising sound elements communicated with the external element (S) that warns of the risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle and with the detector (4, 4 ^' ), to turn on interactively when a pedestrian is leaning on and simultaneously there is a risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle. 4. The pedestrian protection device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of springs (8) between a lower face (9) of the base (2) and the cover (3) to damp a relative movement between the lid (3) and the base (2) of the hermetic drawer (1) when pressure is exerted by a pedestrian leaning on said lid (3). 5. The pedestrian protection device of claim 4, wherein the detector (4, 4 ') is a switch (4') connected to the motor (6) and which is actuated by a thrust as a consequence of the relative movement of said cover (3) when a pedestrian leans on said cover (3), activating said vibration motor (6) that makes the cover vibrate. 6. The pedestrian protection device of claim 1, further comprising a control module, communicated with the vibration motor (6), with the detector (4, 4 ^' ), and with the external element ( S), sending a signal to said vibration motor (6) that makes the cover (3) vibrate when a pedestrian rests on said cover (3) and simultaneously there is a risk of imminent passage of at least one vehicle by means of the control module control. 7. The pedestrian protection device of claim 1, comprising a drainage installation comprising openings (13) in the lower face (9) of the base (2) and tubes (10). 8. The pedestrian protection device of claim 1, wherein the box (1) is made of fiberglass to support the passage of heavy vehicles. 9. The pedestrian protection device of claim 1, wherein the base (2) has internal partitions to support the weight of heavy vehicles.