JP3137551B2 - Display device and display element unit - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device using LEDs (light emitting diodes), and more particularly to a display device in which a display element unit is constituted by LEDs and a required pattern is displayed by using a plurality of the display element units.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional display device, for example, a road sign,
In order to enhance the visibility at night, a light source using a light bulb as a light source has been proposed.A display pattern to be displayed is formed of a light-transmitting material, and a light bulb is arranged behind the light source, and the display pattern is displayed by the light from the light bulb. Is illuminated to display a display pattern. However, this display device requires a commercial power supply or a battery as a power supply because power consumption for lighting the light bulb is large, and there is a problem that power supply equipment is complicated and large. In addition, there is a problem that maintenance of bulb replacement becomes troublesome because the life of the bulb is short.

[0003] In recent years, a device using an LED as a light source has been proposed. In a display device using this LED, a large number of LEDs as a point light source are arranged in a plane along a display pattern, and then these LEDs are turned on to function as a surface light source in which the point light sources are assembled. Thus, a display pattern of a required area is displayed.
In this case, LEDs having a hybrid configuration in which LED element chips are arranged on a circuit board or a discrete configuration in which each LED element chip is individually sealed with resin are used. In the latter case, a unit in which a plurality of discrete LEDs are further united has been proposed. For example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 64-34682, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 2-29.
No. 081, JP-A-2-38700. As described above, the use of the LED as the light source has an advantage that power consumption is reduced, and the life is longer than that of the light bulb, so that maintenance is free.

[0004]

As described above, a display device having a configuration in which LEDs are arranged along a display pattern has advantages as compared with a light bulb, but has a small light emitting area when the LEDs are turned on. When the area of the display pattern is increased to constitute a large-sized display device, it is necessary to dispose the LEDs over the entire area of the display pattern, so that a large number of LEDs are required. As a result, a larger number of LEDs are required than a light bulb, which increases the cost of the display device as a whole, and the increase in the number of LEDs lowers the above-described effect of reducing power consumption, and limits the reduction in running cost. There is a problem that occurs. In this case, L
In an attempt to reduce the number of EDs, it is inevitable that adjacent LEs
Since the interval of D becomes large, the light amount is reduced in the middle part of the LDE, and the display becomes uneven in brightness, and the appearance of the display pattern is reduced.

In recent years, it has been required to change a display pattern as a display content.
In the sign for displaying the road construction, it is necessary to change the display pattern according to the change of the construction location. in this case,
Changing the entire display device is not economically effective because it requires preparing various types of display devices corresponding to various construction forms. Therefore, in the display device using the above-mentioned conventional LED, for example, the LEDs are arranged in a matrix or a pattern shape common to the display pattern of changing, and then the LEDs are selectively lit to emit an arbitrary display. Displaying patterns is done (for example,
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-71807). However, even in this case, since each LED functions as a point light source, when a display device is enlarged and a display pattern is made large, an extremely large number of LEDs are required. There is a problem that serious troubles will occur.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device capable of displaying a display pattern having a large display area by using as few LEDs as possible. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of changing a display pattern and preventing an increase in the number of LEDs required at that time. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a display element unit that can be used as a light source having a required area by using a small number of LEDs in a display device.

[0007]

According to the present invention, a display device includes an optical device.
Display pattern formed in a required planar shape with a member that reflects light
Has over emissions, the arranging a plurality of light sources I along <br/> the contour or the center line of the display pattern, a display device for performing display by light emission by turning these sources, the light source An LED is disposed in a unit case having an elongated opening shape, and is configured as a display element unit having a lens that diffuses light emitted from the LED at least in a length direction of the unit case .
Align the length direction with the line direction of the center line of the display pattern.
It is characterized by being arranged

For example , a linear display groove is formed along a display pattern, and a plurality of display element units are arranged along the display groove and attached to the display pattern .
Alternatively, a display pattern may be formed on an assembly panel provided separately from the display panel of the display device, and the assembly panel may be detachably provided on the display panel. Furthermore, to configure the display pattern in the retroreflective sheet, or
It is preferable that the surface color of the display element unit and the color of the display pattern are the same.

On the other hand, a display element unit according to the present invention includes a unit case including a rectangular tubular portion formed in a rectangular tubular shape having an elongated opening, and a support flange provided at one end of the rectangular tubular portion. Two LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board internally supported in the other end of the unit case, and the LE internally mounted in one end of the unit case;
A lens for diffusing light emitted in D in the length direction and width direction of the unit case, and
The LEDs are arranged in series along the length direction,
The lens has an optical axis aligned with each LED.
And the cross section formed on the surface of the kamaboko
The light of each LED is formed by a tooth-shaped diffusion groove.
Light-expanding part that spreads light in the direction, and light emitted from this light-expanding part
And a diffusion unit that diffuses the length and width directions.
It is characterized by that . Further, it is preferable that one side of the support flange provided on the unit case is formed to have a narrow width and the other side is formed to have a wide width tapered.

[0010]

By arranging a plurality of display element units capable of emitting light in a relatively large area with a small number of LEDs,
It is possible to display a display pattern having a larger area than the number of LEDs, and it is possible to reduce the cost and power consumption of the display device. Further, by providing the display pattern on an assembly panel separate from the display device, the display pattern can be exchanged for the display device, and various display patterns can be changed. Furthermore, the display element unit is an LED
Is diffused in the length direction and the width direction, so that a large area can be illuminated by one LED, and a small number of LEs
In D, it is possible to realize a display device capable of performing display using a display pattern having a relatively large area.

[0011]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment in which a display element unit according to the present invention is applied to a road construction sign, and shows a sign device for guiding a traveling vehicle to a right lane or a left lane according to the construction state of a road. Is shown. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an exploded main part of the marker device. In these figures, the marking device 1 has a vertically long rectangular frame 1.
The display panel 1 is provided on the front side of the frame 11.
2 is bolted, and the back cover 13 is bolted to the back to form a thin box. The frame 11 is
For example, a metal member such as aluminum whose cross section is formed in a U-shape and whose strength has been increased is joined by bolts to form an “eye”
The display panel 12 is formed of a rectangular metal plate such as aluminum corresponding to the frame. The back cover 13 is composed of three metal plates 13 a to 13 c, each of which is fixed to the frame 11. The sign device is erected on one side of the road by a support post 14.

The display panel 12 has a display groove 12a formed through the display panel in the thickness direction. The display groove 12a allows the upper half of the display panel to have a "right" character and a "left" character. And a "heavy" pattern. In the lower half, a pattern of an upper right arrow and an upper left arrow is formed. 3, a plurality of display element units 2 are arranged on the back surface of the display panel 12 along each of the display grooves 12a, as shown in FIG. Is attached to the display panel 12. This display element unit 2
Uses an LED as a light source, as will be described in detail later, and displays a code 2 drawn from each unit 2 on a display panel 2
Are extended along the back surface of the frame 11 and are appropriately connected at the terminal 4 and electrically connected to the circuit section 5 attached to the lower portion of the frame 11.

The circuit section 5 has a thin box-shaped circuit box 51, which is fixed to the lower portion of the frame 11 with bolts 52 and the like. A control circuit for selectively lighting or blinking 2 is configured. Note that the circuit configuration of this control circuit is composed of various commonly used switching circuits, and thus detailed description is omitted. A cord 53 having a connector is drawn out of the circuit portion 5 and is electrically connected to a battery box 6 supported at a lower portion of the support 14. A dry battery is housed in the battery box 6 as a power source.

FIG. 4 is an external view of an example of the display element unit, FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view thereof, and FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are enlarged sectional views taken along lines AA and BB in FIG. It is. The display element unit 2 is assembled in a resin-molded unit case 21, and the unit case 21 is formed as an elongated bottomed rectangular tube having a required length and a width substantially equal to the groove of the display panel. An upper end of the unit case 21 is integrally formed with a support flange 211 having a wing-like planar shape with one side portion having a narrow width and a width dimension increasing in a tapered shape toward the other side portion. I have.
A boss 212 is integrally formed at a position near the other side of the back surface of the support flange 211.
Screw holes 2 of blind structure from the front side of the support flange 211
13 are formed.

A groove 214 is formed at one end of the unit case 21 along the outside of the rectangular opening edge, and an adhesive is injected into the groove 214 at a plurality of positions of the groove 214 as described later. Is formed. The inner step 216 is formed by cutting the inner wall along the longitudinal direction of the opening edge of the unit case 21. Further, the outer side surface and the inner side surface of the rectangular opening edge are cut at the other end portion on the lower side of the unit case 21 in the drawing, thereby forming the outer step portion 217 and the inner step portion 218 along the opening edge. are doing. Further, a cord insertion notch 219 for pulling out the cord 2 is formed in a part of the other end. Also, two LED insertion holes 221 are inserted through the inner bottom portion 22 of the unit case 21 to insert LEDs, and a boss 222 is integrally formed at the center of the back surface of the inner bottom portion. Hole 2
23 have been established.

The printed circuit board 23 has a rectangular printed circuit board 23 which can be inserted into the unit case 21. The printed circuit board 23 is mounted with two LEDs 231 to perform required electric connection. The power supply cord 232 is drawn out. The printed circuit board 23 is disposed on the back side of the inner bottom portion 22 of the unit case 21,
The peripheral edge thereof is positioned in contact with the inner step portion 218, and the mounted LED 231 is mounted on the LE of the inner bottom portion 22.
While being inserted through the D insertion hole 221, it is fixed to the unit case 21 by screws 233 screwed into the screw holes 223. Further, the cord 232 is pulled out of the case through the cord insertion notch 219 of the unit case 21.
Then, a resin-made back cap 24 in the shape of a rectangular shallow dish is covered from the back side, and is engaged with the outer step 217 of the unit case 21 with the adhesive to the other end of the unit case 21. It is attached and the other end is sealed.

A lens 25 is provided at one end of the unit case 21. The lens 25 includes two light-broadening portions 251 having a shape of a cone and a plate-like diffusing portion 252.
Are formed integrally with a transparent resin, and by projecting both side portions of the diffusion portion 252 to both sides from the light expanding portion 251, this projection portion is locked to the inner step portion 216 of the unit case 21. Then, it can be held in the unit case 21. The light expanding portion 251 has a configuration in which two kamaboko-shaped portions whose optical axes coincide with the two LEDs 231 face downward, and are integrated in parallel with each other. A plurality of light-spreading grooves 253 having a sawtooth cross section and extending in the width direction are formed side by side in the length direction of the lens. The light-spreading groove 253 promotes the light-spreading function. By providing the light-spreading groove 253 on the surface of the light-spreading part 251, the thickness of the light-spreading part 251 toward the lower side, that is, the lower part, The substantial light diffusion angle is increased without increasing the protruding length toward.
Therefore, the distance between the LED 231 and the light-expanding portion 251 can be reduced by the amount that the thickness of the light-expanding portion 251 can be reduced, and the size of the unit 2 can be reduced. On the other hand, the diffusion portion 252 has a structure in which a diffusion groove 254 having a V-shaped cross section is formed in a vertical and horizontal grid shape on the surface thereof, and the diffusion portion 252 is transmitted through the V-shaped surface of the diffusion groove 254. The light is diffused in the length direction and the width direction of the lens 25.

Further, a rectangular shallow dish-shaped surface cap 26 is placed over one end of the unit case 21 from above the lens 25, and the peripheral edge thereof is inserted into the concave groove 214 of the unit case 21. It is fixed to one end of the unit case 21 by an adhesive filled in the concave groove 214. The front cap 26 is formed by molding a transparent resin, and is formed in the same standard as the back cap 24. Therefore, when actually configuring the display element unit 2, common components can be used for the caps 24 and 26 on the front and back surfaces, thereby reducing the number of components constituting the display element unit 2. . Also, the adhesive is filled into the concave groove 214 from the injection concave part 215,
Then, the peripheral edge of the surface cap 26 is inserted into the concave groove 214 to perform the bonding. However, since the excess adhesive at that time is accumulated in the injection concave portion 215, it does not overflow to the surface of the surface cap 26. Absent. With the front cap 26, the front side of the unit case 21 is sealed, and the waterproof is achieved. The surface height of the surface cap 26 protrudes from the support flange 211.

Therefore, when power is supplied to the display element unit 2 through the cord 232, the two LEDs 231 are simultaneously turned on or blinked, and emit red or amber light. The emitted light reaches the lens 25 at a required emission angle along the optical axis of the LED 231 as shown in FIG. 6, and the light-expanding portion 251 of the lens 25 has a semi-cylindrical shape and spreads on its surface. Due to the formation of the groove 253, the light is spread to a substantially half area in the length direction of the lens 25. In addition, since the width direction of the lens 25 is small in size, the front width of the lens 25 is included in the light emission angle of the LED 231, and it is not necessary to configure the light expanding section 251 to spread light in this direction. Absent. Therefore, each light from the two LEDs 231 is expanded by the light spreader 251 so that the luminous flux is approximately half in the longitudinal direction of the lens 25. Then, the enlarged light is diffused in the length direction and the width direction by the diffusion groove 254 of the diffusion portion 252, so that substantially uniform light is irradiated from the entire surface of the lens 25.

Therefore, in this display element unit 2,
Even if only two LEDs 231 are used as light sources, uniform light emission is performed from the entire surface of the lens 25, that is, the entire surface of the surface cap 26. For example, if the length of the surface cap 26 is 6 cm and the width is 1 cm, it is configured as an element unit that uniformly illuminates this rectangular area. Therefore, by using two LEDs having a diameter of about 5 mm, it is possible to uniformly illuminate an area of 6 cm 2, and to illuminate an area of about 30 times. From another point of view, it is possible to configure a line light source having a thickness of 1 cm and a length of 6 cm.

In this display element unit, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), enlarged sectional views taken along lines CC and DD of FIG. 3, a support flange 211 provided integrally with the unit case 21 is provided. The surface cap 26 is inserted into the display groove 12a provided in the display panel 12 in a state where the front cap 26 is in contact with the back surface of the display panel 12, and then the insertion hole 12b provided in a corresponding portion of the display panel 12 is used. Display panel 12
The screw 3 inserted from the front surface side of the is screwed into the screw hole 213 to be attached to the display panel 12. At this time, the attachment may be performed using a double-sided tape. In this case, since the support flange 211 is formed such that the shape of the other side is tapered and wide, the support flange 211 and the surface panel 1
2, and a stable attachment state can be ensured by increasing the contact area with the second member.

The display cap 12 of the display element unit 2 is provided in the display groove 12 a formed in the display panel 12.
The display element unit 2 can be positioned in the width direction with respect to the display groove 12a by attaching the display element 6 in a state where it is inserted. Further, since each of the display grooves 12a is formed to have a length that is an integral multiple of the length of the display element unit 2,
As shown in FIG. 1, a number of display element units 2 corresponding to an integral multiple thereof are mounted in series in each display groove 12a. For example, in this embodiment, the pattern for displaying the letter "H" is composed of a display groove in which two display element units 2 are arranged in series and a display groove 12a in which four display element units 2 are arranged in series. Accordingly, the side surfaces of the unit case 21 of each display element unit 2 are brought into contact with each other, whereby positioning in the length direction is performed.

Further, at this time, a plurality of display element units 2 are densely arranged on the back surface of the display panel 12 along the cover groove 12a.
1 is such that the width thereof is made as small as possible on one side and the wide part for increasing the supporting strength is tapered on the other side.
11 are less likely to interfere with each other. For this reason,
The design of the display groove of the display pattern can be facilitated. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the effect of avoiding mutual interference due to the shape of the support flange 211 is high in the portion where the display grooves 12a obliquely intersect.

In this embodiment, a unit using a red LED as a light source is used as a display element unit having a display pattern indicating "right, left" and "he", and a display element unit having an arrow display pattern is used. Has an amber LED
Is used as a light source. After attaching the plurality of display element units 2 to the display panel 12, the cords 232 pulled out from the respective units are laid on the back surface of the display panel 12, connected to the terminals 4, and then connected using the connector or the like. The electrical connection to the circuit unit 5 is as described above.

Therefore, in the marking device 1, by selecting a display element unit for supplying battery power in the circuit section 5 and lighting or blinking the selected display element unit, as shown in FIG. The display pattern of “to the right” and the display pattern of the rightward arrow can be turned on or off, and the traveling vehicle can be displayed so as to change the lane to the right. Further, by changing the selection of the display element unit, it is also possible to perform a display in which the display pattern of “leftward” and the leftward arrow is turned on or blinked as shown in FIG. 8B.

At the time of this display, the light from each LED 231 is spread in the length direction by the action of the lens 25 even though each display element unit 2 uses only two LEDs 231 as a light source. In addition, the light is diffused in the length direction and the width direction, and is illuminated substantially uniformly over the entire surface of the lens 25, so that the light source can function as a light source that emits light in a thin rectangular or thick line. Therefore, when viewed from the front side of the display panel 12, light is emitted linearly along the display groove 12a, and a linear display can be performed along the display pattern formed by the display groove 12a. It becomes possible. As a result, the LED used for comparison with the length dimension of the display pattern for performing display
Can be significantly reduced, cost can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced. For this reason, even if a dry battery is used as the power supply, a long-time display can be performed, which is effective in simplifying the power supply equipment.

The first embodiment is an example in which the display for changing the lane to the right or left is performed. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to other displays. Needless to say, the display device can be configured as a display device that performs fixed display.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention, which is a display element unit according to the first embodiment.
This is an example in which the present invention is applied to a road sign by using an example, and is an example in which the present invention is configured as a sign indicating a lane change. As shown in a partially exploded perspective view of the schematic configuration in FIG. 10, the sign device 1A includes a frame 71 formed by forming a metal material such as aluminum having a U-shaped cross section in a frame shape with bolts or the like. ,
A surface panel 72 made of a plate material such as aluminum fixed by bolts or the like is provided on the front side of the frame 71. A plurality of windows 72a are opened in the front panel 72, and the display assemblies 8 are configured to be detachable from the windows 72a, respectively. In addition, the window 7 of the front panel 72
A display sheet 73 in which, for example, a fluorescent paint, a fluorescent tape, or the like is designed is formed at a necessary portion of the area facing 2a. In this example, the display sheet 73 is configured to display road lane markings using white fluorescent tape.

When the display assemblies 8 are attached to the front panel 72, the cords 86 connected to the respective display assemblies 8 are laid on the back surface of the front panel 72, and the connectors 87 connected to the cords 86 are connected. By fitting, it is electrically connected to the circuit section 9 having the same configuration as in the above embodiment. This circuit section 9 is incorporated in a circuit box 91, and is electrically connected to a battery box (not shown) via a cord 92 or the like as in the above-described embodiment. Also, the marking device 1A
Is erected on the side of the road by a support post 10.

Here, the display assembly 8 is composed of a pattern of lines and arrows indicating the traveling direction of the automobile and an "X" pattern indicating a lane in which the vehicle cannot travel, and each pattern is configured as an independent display assembly. Have been. These display assemblies 8 include two display assemblies 8a and 8b arranged on the left and right on the upper side of the front panel 72,
It comprises one display assembly 8c arranged in the center and two display assemblies 8d and 8e arranged on the lower left and right. The basic configuration of all of these display assemblies 8 is the same, and here, a display assembly 8b displaying an arrow is used.
Will be described as a representative. As shown in the front and rear views of FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), the display assembly 8b has an assembly panel 81 made of a metal plate such as aluminum having a slightly larger vertical and horizontal dimension than the window 72a of the front panel 72. The surface of the assembly panel 81 is coated with an amber-colored fluorescent paint to form an arrow-shaped display pattern 82.
Is drawing. A display groove 81a is formed in the display pattern 82 so as to penetrate the assembly panel 81 in the thickness direction, and the display groove 81a is formed by the display groove 81a.
Is configured as an arrow shape as the center line.

The display groove 81a has the same configuration as the display groove 12a opened in the display panel 12 in the first embodiment, and the display groove 81a has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. A plurality of display element units 2 are provided, and are fixed to the back side of the assembly panel 81 with screws 3. Since the display element unit 2 has been described in detail in the first embodiment, the description is omitted here.

In order to attach the assembly panel 81 to the front panel 72, the upper and lower edges of each window 72a of the front panel 72 are bent and raised in an L shape or an inverted L shape toward the front surface. The upper and lower locking pieces 74 are provided integrally, and the assembly panel 81 is mounted on the upper and lower locking pieces 74 such that the upper and lower edges of the assembly panel 81 are locked. Rotation plugs 83 are provided at two positions on the left and right of the upper edge of the assembly panel 81.
The assembly panel 81 is fixed to the front panel 72 by engaging with plug holes 72b provided on the left and right of the upper part of FIG. This rotary plug 83 is already widely known, and the knob protruding from the surface of the assembly panel 81 is grasped and rotated to rotate the assembly panel 81.
Engaging portion 83a provided at the tip end protruding from the back side
Is inserted through the plug hole 72b of the front panel 72, and engages with the peripheral portion of the plug hole 72b on the rear surface side of the front panel 72.
Can be closely attached to or detached from the front panel 72.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the center display assembly 8c of the display assembly 8, the traveling division line 84 connected to the traveling division line 73 formed on the front panel 72 is made of white paint. It is painted. The arrow patterns displayed by the display assemblies 8b and 8e are attached to a display element unit using an amber LED, and the "X" pattern displayed by the display assembly 8a is a red LED.
Is mounted on the display element unit. Also, on the back surface of the assembly panel 81 of the display assembly 8, FIG.
As shown by a broken line in (b), the back cover 85 is attached with rivets or screws, and the display element unit 2 is sealed. Also, a code 86 is formed from a part of the back cover 85.
And the connector 8 is attached to the end of the cord 86.
7 is connected. Reference numeral 88 denotes a terminal for connecting a cord 232 drawn from each surface element unit 2.

In the second embodiment, the power is supplied to the display element unit 2 of each display assembly 8 from a power source (not shown), so that each of the two built-in LEDs in each display element unit 2 is turned on. . As described above, when the two LEDs are turned on, in each display element unit, uniform illumination is performed over substantially the entire surface cap by the action of the lens. Thereby, in each display assembly 8, linear light emission is performed along the display groove 81a, and the display of the display pattern formed by the display groove 81a is performed. Therefore, in the entire marking device 1A, a display indicating that the vehicle is to be changed to the right lane is displayed by turning on all the five display assemblies 8.

On the other hand, when it is desired to change the display, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, to display the change to the left lane, the display assembly 8c is changed to the display assembly 8f shown in FIG.
And the positions of the display assemblies 8a and 8b and 8d and 8e are exchanged. The display assembly 8f has the same configuration as the display assembly 8c except that the display pattern is formed symmetrically. In this case, the code 8 of each display assembly 8
After releasing the fitting of the connector 87 connected to 6,
By operating the rotary plug 83 and further removing the assembly panel 81 from between the upper and lower locking pieces 74, each display assembly 8
Can be detached from the front panel 72. And
The correct display assembly 8 is inserted into the predetermined window 72 of the front panel 72.
a, and then display the display assemblies 8 in reverse order.
Is attached to the front panel 72, and the connectors 87 connected to the respective cords 86 are fitted to complete the replacement. As a result, this time, it functions as a display device for changing the lane to the left as shown in FIG.

Also in the display device of the second embodiment, the plurality of display element units 2 used for displaying by displaying the display pattern 82 of each display assembly 8 in a linear manner are different from those of the first embodiment. As explained, each 2
Although each LED is used as a light source, each L
The light from the ED is diffused in the width direction and the length direction by the function of the lens, illuminates substantially uniformly over the entire surface of the lens, and can function as an elongated rectangular or linear light source. Thereby, the number of LEDs to be used can be remarkably reduced as compared with the length of the display pattern, and the cost can be reduced, and the power consumption can be reduced. Can display for a long time.

In the second embodiment, a display pattern 82 is formed by using a fluorescent paint or a fluorescent tape, and a display groove 81a is formed substantially at the center of the display pattern 82 to illuminate the display element unit 2. The entire area of the display pattern 82 can be used for display by utilizing the reflection of the illumination light on the surface of the display pattern 82. For this reason, it is possible to perform display in a state where not only the lens surface of the display element unit 2 but also the entire surface including the surface of the display pattern 82 emits light, and the effect of enlarging the display area by a small number of LEDs is further enhanced. It becomes possible.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, by replacing the display assembly 8, a required display pattern can be formed and displayed as a whole of the marker device 1 A, and therefore, the display element unit wasted in displaying. , That is, L
There is no ED, and the number of LEDs can be reduced from that of the first embodiment. Further, when replacing the display assembly, since each display assembly 8 can be attached to and detached from the front panel 72 in an independent state, the replacement operation can be performed extremely easily.

In the second embodiment, an example in which a display for changing the lane to the right or left is shown.
The same applies to other displays.
In particular, in the second embodiment, if various display assemblies are prepared, it is possible to perform an extremely large number of types of display by changing the combination of these display assemblies.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modification of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a retroreflective sheet that positively reflects light is used as the display pattern 82A, and this retroreflective sheet is integrally provided on the surface of the assembly panel 81. Note that, in this example, a display panel indicating the lane division of the road is not provided. In this case, the four corners of the assembly panel 81 are detachably provided on the front panel 72 by rotating plugs 83.

The retroreflective sheet 82A has a light-transmitting base film 101 as shown in FIG.
A large number of minute glass beads 102 are arranged and fixed on the surface of the base film 101, and a partition wall 101a is provided integrally with the base film 101 so that the planar shape becomes, for example, a honeycomb shape. Is attached. An aluminum film 104 is formed on the back surface of the base film 101 by vapor deposition or the like. After the retroreflective sheet is formed in a required pattern such as an arrow or X, the back surface of the aluminum film 104 is attached to the surface of the assembly panel 81 with an adhesive 105.

In this retroreflective sheet, as shown in FIG.
The light applied to the over film 103 on the front side passes through the over film 104,
And transmitted through the over film 103 in the opposite direction and reflected. At this time, part of the light is also reflected by the aluminum film 104. As a result, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, when configured as a display device,
Light can be reflected from the display pattern 82A at a high reflectance in the light irradiation direction. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the attention to the driver of the vehicle as compared with the display pattern in which the fluorescent paint of the second embodiment is applied.

By using a retroreflective sheet as the display pattern 82A as in this embodiment, the surface of the display element unit 2 can be formed as shown in FIG.
By providing the display element 82 in a slightly protruding state, the light emitted from the display element unit 2 and emitted from the side surface of the lens can be reflected by the display pattern 82A, and the emission width of the display element unit 2 can be substantially reduced. It is also possible to enhance the display function by increasing the display function. In particular, by disposing the display element unit 2 along the center line of the display pattern 82A, it is possible to increase the light emission width in the width direction of the display element unit 2 and illuminate and display substantially the entire display pattern 82A. Becomes

If the base film 101 and the over film 103 are colored in a common color such as red or amber, the appearance color of the display pattern 82A can be set to that color. Also, although not shown, if the lens or surface cap of the display element unit is configured to have the same color as the retroreflective sheet constituting the display pattern, the display element unit and the display pattern are not seen when the display device is viewed away. As a result, it becomes possible to enhance the display effect especially in the daytime.

In this embodiment, the support flange 211 provided on the unit case 21 of the display element unit 2 is bonded to the back surface of the assembly panel 81 with an adhesive. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large number of screw holes in the assembly panel 81, and the mounting screws are not exposed on the surface of the assembly panel, thereby improving the appearance. In addition, there is no need to use relatively expensive flathead screws, which is advantageous in terms of cost reduction.

If the technique of the modified embodiment is applied to the first embodiment, a display device as shown in FIG. 16 can be constructed. In this case, if the left and right assembly panels can be exchanged, the display of "right" can be displayed. In the figure, parts that are equivalent to the parts of the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

Here, in each of the above embodiments, the sign device is constituted by the frame and the sign panel. However, the aluminum plate is bent into a thin shallow dish shape, and another aluminum plate is formed on the opening side. The board may be formed in a similar thin box shape by fixing the board by bonding or screwing. With this configuration, the weight of the marker device can be reduced.

Although both the first and second embodiments are examples in which the present invention is applied to a road sign, they can be widely used as an advertisement display device or a display device for other uses. .

[0049]

As described above, the display device of the present invention has a surface formed in a required plane shape by a member reflecting light.
It has shown pattern, of the display pattern edge or center
As a plurality of light sources arranged along a line , an LED is disposed in a unit case having an elongated opening shape, and a display element having a lens for diffusing light emitted from the LED at least in a longitudinal direction of the case. Unit is used, and the display element unit is further extended in the longitudinal direction.
Since the display pattern is arranged along the line direction of the center line , the display element unit can emit light in a relatively large area with a small number of LEDs, thereby reducing the number of LEDs. Thus, it is possible to display a display pattern having a larger area than that of the above, and it is possible to reduce the cost of the display device and to reduce the power consumption.

Further, even when a light source is arranged along a common display pattern to change the display pattern and these are selectively turned on, the overall LED is utilized by using the display element pattern. , The cost and power consumption can be reduced.

Further, a display pattern is formed on an assembly panel provided separately from the display panel of the display device, and the assembly pattern is detachably provided on the display panel, whereby the display pattern can be exchanged. Can be changed, and at this time, a small number of LEs
D can realize a display device whose display can be changed.

Further, by using a retroreflective sheet for the display pattern, it is possible to increase the amount of reflected light in the display pattern and enhance the display effect. In particular, by disposing the display element unit along the center line of the display pattern, light from the display element unit can be effectively reflected by the display pattern, and display can be performed by effectively using the entire display pattern. Become.

Further, by matching the color of the surface of the display element unit with the color of the display pattern, the two have an integrated appearance, and the appearance of the display device in the daytime can be improved.

Further, the display element unit of the present invention comprises a unit case comprising a rectangular tubular portion formed in a rectangular tubular shape with an elongated opening and a support flange provided at one end of the rectangular tubular portion. A lens that mounts two LEDs on a printed circuit board that is internally supported in the other end of the unit case, and that diffuses light emitted by the LEDs in one end of the unit case in the length direction and the width direction of the unit case. The LE is installed along the length of the unit case.
D are arranged in series, and the lens is connected to each of the LEDs.
The kamaboko part whose optical axis coincides with the kamaboko part
The cross section formed on the surface is composed of sawtooth-shaped diffusion grooves
A light spreading section for spreading the light of each of the LEDs in the longitudinal direction.
Diffuses the light emitted from the light spreading part in the length and width directions
Since it is composed of a diffusing unit that makes
D light is diffused in the length and width directions, and two LEDs
Thus, it is possible to realize a display device capable of performing display using a relatively large area display pattern with a small number of LEDs.

Further, the support flange provided on the unit case has one side formed to have a narrow width and the other side formed to have a wide width in a tapered shape. A plurality of display element units can be arranged on the display panel without causing interference.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a road sign.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a rear view in which a part of FIG. 1 is cut away.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a display element unit.

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the display element unit.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines AA and BB in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines CC and DD of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a state where a display pattern is changed.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front view and a rear view of a part of the display assembly.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a state where a display pattern of the second embodiment is changed.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a retroreflective sheet used as a display panel.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light reflection state of a retroreflective sheet.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing an example in which the technique of FIG. 13 is applied to the first embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A Marking apparatus 2 Display element unit 3 Screw 5 Circuit part 6 Battery box 8 (8a-8f) Display assembly 12 Display panel 12a Display groove 21 Unit case 23 Printed circuit board 25 Lens 81 Assy panel 82, 82A Display panel 211 Support flange 251 Light spread part 252 Diffusion part

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A 60-144616 (JP, U) JP-A 63-114398 (JP, U) JP-A 6-21083 (JP, U) JP-A 61-114 190586 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Showa 58-28885 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G09F 13/04, 13/16, 13/20

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A member which reflects light and has a required planar shape.
Having a formed display pattern , the contour of the display pattern
Alternatively, a display device in which a plurality of light sources are arranged along a center line, and these light sources are turned on to perform display by light emission.
In each of the light sources, an LED (light emitting diode) is disposed in a unit case having an elongated opening shape, and
The light emitted from the D is configured as a display element unit having a lens for diffusing in the length direction of at least the unit case, the length direction of the display element unit
A display device arranged along a line direction of the center line of a display pattern . Wherein along said display pattern established linear display grooves, formed by attaching to the display panel and arranged along the plurality of the display element unit on the display groove claim 1 Symbol
Mounting of the display device. Wherein the display panel of the display device to form the display pattern assembly panel provided separately, the detachably provided comprising claim 1 or 2, wherein the assembly panel to the display panel Display device. 4. A display device according to any one of 3 claims 1 becomes constituted by the retroreflective sheet said display pattern. 5. claims 1 becomes the color of the surface color and the table <br/> Display pattern of the display element unit as the same color 4
The display device according to any one of the above . 6. A unit case including a rectangular tube portion formed in a rectangular tube shape with an elongated opening, a support flange provided at one end of the rectangular tube portion, and an interior inside the other end of the unit case. Mounted on a supported printed circuit board
A lens provided with two LEDs and a lens internally supported within one end of the unit case to diffuse light emitted by the LEDs in a length direction and a width direction of the unit case ;
The LEDs are connected in series along the length of the unit case.
And the lens is attached to each of the LEDs
The kamaboko part whose optical axis coincides with the kamaboko part
The cross section formed on the surface is composed of sawtooth-shaped diffusion grooves
A light spreading section for spreading the light of each of the LEDs in the longitudinal direction.
Diffuses the light emitted from the light spreading part in the length and width directions
A display element unit comprising: 7. The method of claim wherein the unit and the supporting <br/> lifting flange provided on the case to form a one side thereof to a narrow width, by forming a other side a wide width and a tapered 6 The display element unit described in the above .