JP4366622B2 - Signal indicator - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a signal indicator lamp that is installed in an automatic machine, a production line, a parking lot, a dangerous place, and the like and notifies a signal of various states such as material shortage, work clogging, fullness, and danger.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, the above-mentioned signal indicator lamp has a cylindrical shape. In the signal indicator lamp 90 shown in the sectional view of FIG. 8, a substantially cylindrical globe 91 capable of emitting light from the entire circumferential surface thereof, a light source 92 such as an LED disposed in the globe 91, and the light source 92 There are provided a plurality of total reflection surfaces 93 and 94 that totally reflect light from the light toward the globe 91.
[0003]
In the signal indicator 90, light is dispersed and reflected and emitted at a plurality of positions corresponding to the total reflection surfaces 93 and 94 (the ranges 95 and 96 of the globe 91 corresponding to the positions are illustrated). Thus, the visibility can be improved as compared with the case having a single total reflection surface. For this purpose, the plurality of total reflection surfaces 93 and 94 are arranged stepwise apart from each other in the cylindrical axial direction of the globe 91. Further, in response to the light from the light source 92 being irradiated in the axial direction, the plurality of total reflection surfaces 93 and 94 are arranged so as to be shifted in the radial direction so as not to overlap each other.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the plurality of total reflection surfaces 93 and 94 are shifted from each other in the radial direction, if the size of each total reflection surface 93 and 94 is widened, the signal indicator lamp tends to increase in size.
On the other hand, when the total reflection surfaces 93 and 94 are made small in order to prevent an increase in size, the range in which the reflected light from the total reflection surfaces 93 and 94 reaches is reduced accordingly. The so-called viewing angle, which is a range in which light having a high intensity can be visually recognized and is a range around the signal indicator lamp, is narrowed.
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above technical problem and provide a signal indicator lamp that can be miniaturized while ensuring high visibility with a wide viewing angle.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the signal indicator lamp (1) in which the light irradiated from the light source (11) to the translucent member (12 ) is transmitted through the globe (15) and emitted, the light transmissible member is provided. A first reflecting surface (16) for branching light from the light source into transmitted light and reflected light toward the globe, and a second that totally reflects the transmitted light from the first reflecting surface toward the globe a reflecting surface (17), said the strut the translucent member for supporting (14), comprising a, a Rukoto the second reflecting surface are provided in a tapered inclined surface which extends to the pillar (45) A characteristic signal lamp is provided.
[0007]
According to this invention, it is possible to scatter and emit light from a plurality of positions corresponding to each reflecting surface using a plurality of reflecting surfaces, and to ensure high visibility of the signal indicator lamp.
In addition, since light can be transmitted through the first reflecting surface, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can be arranged so as to overlap each other as viewed from the light source while ensuring the size of each reflecting surface. Compared to the conventional configuration in which the total reflection surface is arranged, the signal display lamp can be reduced in size while ensuring a wide viewing angle corresponding to the size of each reflection surface.
[0010]
Moreover , it can assemble easily and simply in the state which aligned both reflective surfaces only by attaching a translucent member to a support | pillar.
The invention according to claim 2 is the signal indicator lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the fitting portions (44, 48) of the support column (14) and the translucent member (12) are fitted to each other. Provided is a signal indicator lamp in which a translucent member is attached to a support column.
[0011]
According to this invention, a translucent member can be easily attached to a support | pillar by fitting fitting parts. Since the fitting portions can be directly engaged with each other, both the reflecting surfaces can be accurately aligned. In addition, since each fitting portion can be formed integrally with the corresponding column and the translucent member, the structure can be simplified.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the signal indicator lamp of one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated in detail.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a signal indicator lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in each figure, the arrow X which shows the up-down direction is shown as needed.
The signal indicator lamp 1 includes a plurality of display units 2 stacked on the top and bottom to emit light to display signals, a cover 3 placed on the top of the display unit 2, a display unit 2 provided continuously below the display unit 2, and the like. A case 4 that accommodates a circuit board or the like, a pole 5 that extends downward from the lower surface of the case 4, and an attachment member 6 that attaches the lower end of the pole 5 to a device or the like. The cover 3 and the display unit 2 are fixed to the case 4 by, for example, long screws (not shown) penetrating them.
[0013]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display unit 2 shown in FIG.
Each display unit 2 includes a plurality of light sources 11 that emit light, a translucent member 12 that guides the light from the light source 11, a reflective member 13 that reflects the light from the translucent member 12, and the reflective member 13 and the translucent member. It has the support | pillar 14 for connecting the member 12 and the light source 11 mutually, and the globe 15 which permeate | transmits light, covering these each part. The display unit 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape, the outer peripheral surface thereof is formed by the globe 15, and has a signal display surface on substantially the entire outer peripheral surface. In each display unit 2, the light emitted from the light source 11 to the translucent member 12 is transmitted through the globe 15 and emitted through the translucent member 12 and the reflective member 13.
[0014]
Each display unit 2 includes a first reflecting surface 16 provided on the translucent member 12 and a second reflecting surface 17 provided on the reflecting member 13. The first reflecting surface 16 branches light from the light source 11 into transmitted light that travels substantially straight as it is and reflected light that travels toward the globe 15. The second reflecting surface 17 totally reflects the transmitted light from the first reflecting surface 16 toward the globe 15.
The globe 15 is made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin such as methacrylic resin. The globe 15 may be colored in red, blue, yellow, or the like, or may be colorless and transparent. The globe 15 is formed in a thin cylindrical shape.
[0015]
The inner peripheral surface 31 of the globe 15 has a large number of longitudinal rib-shaped diffusion lenses over the entire circumference. That is, the inner peripheral surface 31 is formed by arranging concave concave portions extending in the axial direction in the circumferential direction, and the region of the globe 15 corresponding to each concave portion constitutes a diffusing lens. Each diffusion lens diffuses and projects light traveling in the radial direction from the inside of the globe 15 in the circumferential direction.
Further, the outer peripheral surface 32 of the globe 15 has a large number of lateral rib-shaped diffusion lenses extending in the circumferential direction over the entire peripheral surface. That is, the outer peripheral surface 32 is formed by arranging the concave surface portions extending in the circumferential direction in the axial direction, and the region of the globe 15 corresponding to each concave surface portion constitutes a diffusing lens. The diffusion lens diffuses and projects light that has passed through the globe 15 in the axial direction. As the shapes of the diffusion lenses on the inner peripheral surface 31 and the outer peripheral surface 32, known shapes for diffusing light can be used.
[0016]
The light source 11 is fixed to the upper end of the display unit 2 in the axial direction (see arrow X). The light source 11 is made up of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and arranged in a circle concentric with the display unit 2. The light from the LED may be red or green or white. Each LED is mounted downward on the substrate 18 such that the LED projection axis is along the axial direction of the display unit 2.
Connection terminals 35 and 36 are erected on the substrate 18. These terminals 35 and 36 are for connecting the substrates of the adjacent display units 2 in a state where the display units 2 are connected to each other. Through these terminals 35 and 36, the circuit boards in the case 4 are connected. The display 18 is electrically connected to the substrate 18 to form a circuit. The configuration including the connection terminal described above is the same as the configuration described in JP-A-7-282605. Further, instead of this configuration, lead wires or the like may be used for power feeding and signal transmission to each substrate 18.
[0017]
The translucent member 12 is an annular member, and has a fitting hole 40 (see FIG. 3) extending in the axial direction at the center. The translucent member 12 has a cross-sectional shape that cuts in the circumferential direction formed in a substantially right triangle shape.
The translucent member 12 is made of translucent synthetic resin such as methacrylic resin, and is colorless and transparent.
The translucent member 12 includes an incident surface 41 through which light from the light source 11 is incident, the above-described first reflecting surface 16 that internally reflects a part of the light that has entered from the incident surface 41, and a first And an emission surface 42 for emitting the light reflected by the reflection surface 16. An optical path for guiding light is formed inside the translucent member 12.
[0018]
The incident surface 41 is on the upper end surface in the axial direction, and is formed by a flat surface facing the light source 11. The emission surface 42 is disposed to face the inner circumferential surface 31 of the globe 15 and is formed of a circumferential surface. The first reflecting surface 16 is formed on a tapered inclined surface 43 formed of a conical surface.
In the translucent member 12, the light from the light source 11 (see L <b> 1 in FIG. 2) passes through the incident surface 41, travels inside, and reaches the first reflecting surface 16. A part of the light from the light source 11 is bent at a substantially right angle by the first reflecting surface 16 and internally reflected toward the globe 15 to become reflected light (see L2 in FIG. 2). Further, the remaining light travels substantially straight through the first reflecting surface 16 and becomes transmitted light (see L3 in FIG. 2).
[0019]
Here, the ratio between the light transmitted through the first reflecting surface 16 and the reflected light is appropriately determined depending on the material of the translucent member 12, the angle between the first reflecting surface 16 and the light beam entering the first reflecting surface 16, and the like. .
The support column 14 is a cylindrical columnar member that passes through the fitting hole 40 of the translucent member 12 and extends in the axial direction. A second reflecting surface 17 is provided on a tapered inclined surface 45 such as a conical surface of the reflecting member 13 extending to the lower end of the support column 14. The support column 14 and the reflecting member 13 are integrally formed, and constitute a connecting member 19 for connecting to the display unit 2, the cover 3, and the case 4 that are adjacent to each other above and below. The upper end of the support column 14 of the connecting member 19 is connected to the substrate 18 to which the light source 11 is attached. The connecting member 19 of the upper display unit 2 is connected via the substrate 18. Further, a fitting recess 46 into which the outer peripheral edge 37 of the substrate 18 of the display unit 2 adjacent below is fitted is formed at the lower end of the reflection member 13 of the connecting member 19. In this way, the light source 11, the first reflecting surface 16, and the second reflecting surface 17 are aligned with each other via the support column 14 and the like.
[0020]
The reflecting member 13 is formed in a truncated cone shape, and the tapered inclined surface 45 on the outer peripheral surface thereof is formed so as to face the tapered inclined surface 43 of the translucent member 12. The tapered inclined surface 45 and the outer peripheral surface 47 of the support column 14 are, for example, aluminum-deposited so as to be a total reflection surface that totally reflects light, and the second reflection surface 17 is provided at a part thereof. .
The second reflecting surface 17 is disposed so as to overlap the first reflecting surface 16 when viewed from the light source 11, and is approximately the same as the first reflecting surface 16, more specifically, the first reflecting surface. It is formed slightly larger than the surface 16. Further, the tapered inclined surface 45 forms a predetermined angle with the axial direction so that the second reflecting surface 17 totally reflects the light traveling in the axial direction by bending the path at a substantially right angle outwardly in the radial direction. Is formed.
[0021]
The first and second reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 are arranged such that most of the first and second reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 do not overlap each other when viewed from the radial direction. Thereby, the reflected light from the second reflecting surface 17 can be directly incident on the globe 15 without being substantially blocked by the first reflecting surface 16.
Further, the first and second reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 overlap most of the vertical direction of the globe 15 when viewed from the radial direction which is the side. Thereby, both the reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 cooperate with each other so that light can be reflected toward almost the entire globe 15.
[0022]
The support 14 and the translucent member 12 are provided with a connection structure 20 for connecting to each other. Please refer to FIG. 2 and FIG.
The connection structure 20 includes fitting portions 48 and 44 that are formed on the support column 14 and the translucent member 12 and are fitted to each other. The translucent member 12 is attached to the column 14 by fitting these fitting portions 44 and 48 to each other.
The fitting portion 48 of the column 14 is formed by a fitting circumferential surface formed on the outer circumferential surface near the upper end of the column 14. An engaging claw 49 is formed in the vicinity of the upper end of the column 14. 2 is a cross section in which both the fitting portion 48 and the engaging claw 49 are illustrated. The fitting circumferential surface and the engaging claw 49 are formed side by side in the circumferential direction. A groove extending in the vertical direction at a predetermined depth from the upper end portion of the support column 14 is formed, and this groove separates the fitting circumferential surface and the engagement claw 49. Thereby, the engaging claw 49 has flexibility due to its elasticity. The engaging claw 49 is formed in a hook shape protruding outward in the radial direction. In addition, an annular seat portion 50 that receives and supports the translucent member 12 is formed on the support column 14.
[0023]
The fitting part 44 of the translucent member 12 is a peripheral part of the fitting hole 40 formed at the center thereof.
In the connection structure 20, when the upper portion of the support column 14 is fitted into the fitting hole 40 of the translucent member 12 and the lower surface of the peripheral edge portion of the fitting hole 40 is brought into contact with the seat portion 50 of the support column 14, The part and the fitting circumferential surface of the column 14 are directly fitted. Thereby, the translucent member 12 is positioned without rattling in the radial direction. At the same time, the peripheral edge portion of the fitting hole 40 is sandwiched and engaged between the seat portion 50 and the engaging claw 49, whereby the translucent member 12 is positioned without rattling in the axial direction.
[0024]
Note that the connection structure 20 is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 4, the translucent member 12 has an annular shape through which the column 14 is inserted, and a plurality of divided bodies 21 and 22 divided along the radial direction are fitted to each other. You may make it do. The fitting between the divided bodies 21 and 22 may be provided with a pin 23 and a hole 24 that are fitted to each other. In addition, the connection structure 20 can use a known structure.
In the display unit 2, light from the light source 11 is irradiated downward in the axial direction. The light from the light source 11 is irradiated in a wide angle range with sufficient intensity to obtain visibility from the surroundings. The entire range of the first reflecting surface 16 in the radial direction is included in the irradiation range of the light having the above-described intensity. The light is branched into transmitted light and reflected light at the first reflecting surface 16.
[0025]
The transmitted light after branching of the first reflecting surface 16 (see L3 in FIG. 2) is totally reflected by the second reflecting surface 17 (see L4 in FIG. 2) and is mainly emitted from the lower part of the globe 15. . In addition, the reflected light after branching on the first reflecting surface 16 (see L2 in FIG. 2) travels through the translucent member 12, passes through the exit surface 42, and is mainly emitted from the top of the globe 15. Is done. In this way, the light from the light source 11 is uniformly emitted from almost the entire globe 15, and the light from the light source 11 is reliably emitted to the outside.
[0026]
Further, since the first and second reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, the light reflected by the reflecting surfaces 16 and 17, particularly the strong light among the light from the light source 11, is not generated. The light passes through the globe 15 at a plurality of positions separated from each other in the axial direction, and is dispersed and emitted. Therefore, the visibility of the signal indicator lamp 1 can be enhanced by a plurality of strong lights.
In the display unit 2, since the plurality of light sources 11 are arranged in the circumferential direction, the globe 15 emits strip-shaped light extending in the circumferential direction.
[0027]
Further, the light from the light source 11 that is not directed to the reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 is directly transmitted through the globe 15 or reflected by the reflecting surface of the support column 14 and emitted from the globe 15.
Further, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5A and the conventional configuration provided with a plurality of total reflection surfaces 93 and 94 shifted in the axial direction shown in FIG. Compare as the same. In the present invention, the light from the single light source 11 in the range of the spread angle D1 is reflected or transmitted by the first reflecting surface 16 while maintaining the light spread angle (spread light spread angle range D2). = Expansion angle range of transmitted light D3 = D1), the transmitted light is reflected by the second reflecting surface 17 as it is. As a result, the above-described light from the light source 11 becomes two large spots on the outer peripheral surface 32 of the globe 15 as hatched in FIG. On the other hand, in the conventional configuration, part of the light from the single light source 11 in the range of the spread angle D1 is reflected by the total reflection surface 93 (angle range D5), and the remaining light. Is reflected by the total reflection surface 94 (angle range D6). As a result, the light from the light source forms two spots on the outer peripheral surface 32 of the globe 15 that are smaller than in the case of the present invention.
[0028]
The signal indicator lamp of 2nd Embodiment forms the convex lens 25 in the incident surface 41 of the translucent member 12 of 1st Embodiment, as shown in sectional drawing of FIG.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, and other points are configured in the same manner, and the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted. The same applies to other embodiments described below.
The translucent member 12 has a convex curved surface 51 formed on the incident surface 41. The convex curved surface 51 is disposed at a position facing the light source 11, and a plurality of convex curved surfaces 51 are provided corresponding to the plurality of light sources 11. The region of the translucent member 12 corresponding to each convex curved surface 51 constitutes the convex lens 25 described above. The light from the light source 11 is refracted by the convex curved surface 51 so as to converge inside the translucent member 12 and is incident on the inside. A part of the light converged by the convex lens 25 when passing through the incident surface 41 is internally reflected toward the globe 15 by the first reflecting surface 16, and the remaining light is transmitted through the first reflecting surface 16. It goes to the second reflecting surface 17.
[0029]
As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 7, the signal indicator lamp of the third embodiment forms a concave lens 26 on the incident surface 41 of the light transmissive member 12 of the first embodiment.
The translucent member 12 has a concave curved surface 52 formed on the incident surface 41. The concave curved surface 52 is disposed at a position facing the light source 11, and a plurality of concave curved surfaces 52 are provided corresponding to the plurality of light sources 11. The region of the translucent member 12 corresponding to each concave curved surface 52 constitutes the concave lens 26 described above. The light from the light source 11 is refracted by the concave curved surface 52 so as to be diffused inside the translucent member 12 and is incident on the inside. A part of the light diffused by the concave lens 26 when passing through the incident surface 41 is internally reflected toward the globe 15 by the first reflecting surface 16, and the remaining light is transmitted through the first reflecting surface 16. It goes to the second reflecting surface 17.
[0030]
As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 that are spaced apart from each other can be used to disperse and emit light from a plurality of positions of the globe 15 corresponding to the reflecting surfaces 16 and 17, thereby displaying signals. High visibility of the lamp 1 can be ensured.
Further, since light can be transmitted through the first reflecting surface 16, the first reflecting surface 16 and the second reflecting surface 17 are overlapped with each other when viewed from the light source 11 while ensuring a large size of each reflecting surface 16, 17. it can. As a result, the signal indicator lamp 1 can be downsized while ensuring a wide viewing angle determined according to the size of each of the reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 as compared with the conventional configuration in which a plurality of total reflecting surfaces are shifted in the radial direction. be able to.
[0031]
In other words, when the size of the signal indicator lamp 1 is made substantially the same, the reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 can be made larger, so that the so-called viewing angle can be widened accordingly, so that the visibility can be improved. .
In general, the size of the reflecting surface and the viewing angle are in a substantially proportional relationship. This is because the light from the light source 11 is irradiated toward an angle range that is sufficiently strong to obtain visibility and sufficiently wider than the angle range corresponding to the reflecting surface.
[0032]
The second reflection surface 17 is a total reflection surface, and in particular, the transmitted light from the first reflection surface 16 can be totally reflected, so that it is possible to prevent light from being transmitted unnecessarily. Therefore, the light can be reliably and effectively used with the maximum efficiency as compared with the case where a reflection surface that transmits and reflects the same light as the first reflection surface 16 is provided instead of the second reflection surface 17.
Moreover, since the 2nd reflective surface 17 totally reflects light toward the globe 15, it is preferable for effective use of light.
[0033]
In the second embodiment, the light can be strengthened by the convex lens 25 that converges the light, so that the visibility can be further enhanced.
In the third embodiment, the light spreading angle range can be widened by the concave lens 26 that diffuses light, so that the light can be emitted more evenly.
In addition, in the second and third embodiments, since the translucent member 12 can be used as a support member for the lenses 25 and 26, it is not necessary to provide a lens support member separately from the translucent member 12. As a result, the signal indicator lamp The structure of 1 can be simplified.
[0034]
Moreover, in each embodiment, it can assemble easily and simply in the state which aligned both reflective surfaces 16 and 17 only by assembling the translucent member 12 to the support | pillar 14. FIG.
Moreover, the connection structure 20 can attach the translucent member 12 to the support | pillar 14 easily by fitting the fitting parts 48 and 44 of the support | pillar 14 and the translucent member 12 with each other.
[0035]
Moreover, since the fitting parts 48 and 44 can engage directly, both the reflective surfaces 16 and 17 can be aligned accurately. Furthermore, since the fitting parts 48 and 44 can be fitted without rattling, it can be reliably aligned with high accuracy.
In addition, since the fitting portions 48 and 44 can be formed integrally with the corresponding support column 14 and the translucent member 12, the structure can be simplified.
One light source 11 may be arranged on the axis, or may be arranged on a plurality of concentric circles.
[0036]
A plurality of at least one of the first reflecting surface 16 and the second reflecting surface 17 may be provided. Moreover, the space | interval of the 1st reflective surface 16 and the 2nd reflective surface 17 is not specifically limited. For example, most of the reflecting surfaces 16 and 17 may be arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from the radial direction. Moreover, when both reflective surfaces 16 and 17 are seen from radial direction, you may arrange | position so that it may not mutually overlap.
In addition, various design changes can be made without changing the gist of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a signal indicator lamp showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connection structure.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modification of the connection structure.
5A and 5B are schematic views showing a light emission state of the display unit shown in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 5A shows a state in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B shows a light emission in a conventional structure. The state is illustrated.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a signal indicator lamp showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a signal indicator lamp showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional signal indicator lamp.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Signal indicator 11 Light source 12 Translucent member 14 Support | pillar 15 Globe 16 1st reflective surface 17 2nd reflective surface 25 Convex lens 26 Concave lens 41 Incident surface 44 The fitting part 45 of a translucent member Tapered inclined surface 48 Fit of a support | pillar Joint part L1 Light L2 from light source Reflected light L3 on first reflecting surface Transmitted light L4 Reflected light on second reflecting surface

Claims (2)

In the signal indicator lamp in which the light irradiated from the light source to the translucent member is transmitted through the globe and emitted,
A first reflecting surface provided on the light transmissive member, for branching light from the light source into transmitted light and reflected light toward the globe;
A second reflecting surface that totally reflects the transmitted light from the first reflecting surface toward the globe ;
A support column that supports the translucent member ;
Signaling indicator, wherein Rukoto the second reflecting surface are provided in a tapered inclined surface which extends into the strut. In the signal indicator lamp of Claim 1 ,
The signal indicator lamp, wherein the translucent member is attached to the support column by fitting the fitting portions of the support column and the translucent member to each other.

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