JP4446548B2 - Electronic candle - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic candle (candle), and more particularly, a translucent pseudo flame body having an outer shape resembling a candle flame at the upper end of a pseudo candle body having an outer shape resembling a candle shape. The present invention relates to an electronic candle that is lit by light emitted from an electroluminescent body from the inside.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a prior art of such an electronic candle, as shown in FIG. 7, a translucent material is arranged having an outer shape resembling a candle flame at the upper end of a pseudo candle body 51 having a columnar outer shape resembling the shape of a candle. There is an electronic candle 50 that turns on the pseudo-flame 52 from the inside with light of an electric light emitter (not shown) (see Utility Model Registration Publication No. 3031170). In the case of the electronic candle 50, a pseudo flame 52 that is brightly lit by light emitted from an electric light emitter (for example, an LED) appears as a candle flame to the human eye.
[0003]
In the electronic candle 50, the light emission intensity of the electric light emitter is periodically changed while being switched between two levels of intensity during one period. That is, as shown in the electric circuit diagram of FIG. 8, the period during which the electronic switch 54 that repeatedly opens and closes (ON / OFF) at the emission intensity switching period by the control circuit (not shown) is OFF is the resistance value of the resistance element 55. An LED (electric light emitter) 53 emits light using the battery E as a lighting power source with a weak light emission intensity Ia corresponding to a specified current. On the contrary, during the period when the electronic switch 54 is on, the LED 53 has a strong emission intensity Ib corresponding to the total current of the current defined by the resistance value of the resistance element 55 and the current defined by the resistance value of the resistance element 56. Emits light. The switch 57 is a switch for turning on / off.
[0004]
Therefore, during lighting, the LED 53 alternately changes in intensity between the two intensity levels Ia and Ib in synchronization with the ON / OFF switching cycle of the electronic switch 54 as shown in the graph of FIG. Will emit light. As a result, the pseudo-flame 52 that is lit by the light of the LED 53 appears to fluctuate and feels somewhat of a flame.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is difficult to say that the lighting state of the conventional electronic candle 50 is rich in natural feeling, and the pseudo flame body 52 lit by the light of the LED 53 is far from a real candle flame. Since the electronic candle 50 is often placed in a solemn place such as a Buddhist altar in a temple or an altar of a funeral, it is desirable that the lit pseudo-flame 52 is as close to a real candle flame as possible and feels natural. .
[0006]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic candle that can realize a lighting state rich in natural feeling.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object can be achieved by the invention described in the claims. That is, the characteristic configuration of the electronic candle according to the present invention includes a pseudo candle body having an outer shape resembling the shape of a candle, and a translucent light having an outer shape resembling a candle flame and disposed at the upper end of the pseudo candle body. A sexual pseudo-flame and an electroluminescent body that shines the pseudo-flame from the inside,
It is provided with a light emitter lighting circuit that periodically changes the light emission intensity of the electroluminescent body so that the electroluminescent body emits light at a different intensity from the others at least three times during one period.
[0008]
If comprised in this way, while the pseudo-flame will be lighted by the light of the electroluminescent body which is made to emit light with an intensity different from the others at least three times during one cycle by the action of the light-emitting body lighting circuit, The brightness of the flame body changes between strong and weak during one cycle, and it also becomes an intermediate brightness. Compared to the conventional brightness change only, the fluctuation feeling is very close to that of a real candle flame. Occurs in the pseudo flame. In this case, if the number of times that the electroluminescent body emits light with different intensities is increased during one period, the light emission state becomes irregular, and light can be emitted with a substantially irregular period.
[0009]
As a result, it has been possible to provide an electronic candle capable of realizing a lighting state rich in natural feeling that cannot be obtained by the prior art.
[0010]
Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of the electronic candle according to the present invention includes a pseudo candle body having an outer shape resembling the shape of a candle, and a translucent light having an outer shape resembling a candle flame and disposed at the upper end of the pseudo candle body. The pseudo-flame is made of a solid light-transmitting material, and the emission intensity of the electro-luminescent body is provided. A light-emitting element lighting circuit that changes the light intensity.
[0011]
Even if configured in this way, the light emitted from the electroluminescent body becomes soft light while passing through the simulated flame, and the bright part of the light gathers at the top end of the simulated flame, The pseudo-flame emits light as if it were a candle flame, and along with the change in light emission intensity by the light emitter lighting circuit, an electron that can realize a lighting state rich in natural feeling close to a real candle flame Can provide candles.
[0012]
It is preferable that the light-emitting body lighting circuit is configured to change the light emission intensity of the electroluminescent body in a substantially triangular wave shape or a substantially saw-tooth shape in one cycle.
[0013]
When configured in this way, the brightness change of the pseudo-flame that is lit by the light of the electroluminescent body becomes smooth with a substantially triangular wave shape or a substantially saw-tooth shape, and there is a feeling of fluctuation very close to that of a real candle flame. Since it appears in the simulated flame, the lighting state is extremely natural.
[0014]
The luminous body lighting circuit has at least three output channels, and each output channel is sequentially switched in response to a temporal change in light emission intensity during one period. Circuit) and a resistance value corresponding to each emission intensity that changes with time during one period, one end of which is connected to the corresponding output channel, and the other end is an electroluminescent body. The number of resistance elements for defining the lighting current is the same as the number of output channels connected to each other, and at least three resistance elements have resistance values selected so as to have different emission intensity. Preferably it is.
[0015]
With such a configuration, one IC having an output channel that sequentially switches in response to a temporal change in the light emission intensity during one cycle, and each light emission intensity that changes over time during one cycle. With the same number of resistor elements for defining the lighting current as the number of output channels having resistance values corresponding to each of the above, it is possible to easily realize the main part configuration of the light emitter lighting circuit.
[0016]
The number of output channels of the IC is preferably in the range of 5-7.
[0017]
With this configuration, the number of output channels of the IC is sufficient, and the number of changes in the light emission intensity of the electroluminescent body during one cycle can be increased. Therefore, the electroluminescent body during one cycle. The light emission intensity can be easily changed to a preferable shape such as a substantially triangular wave shape or a substantially sawtooth shape.
[0018]
It is preferable that the light-emitting body lighting circuit is provided with a touch switch for alternately switching on and off each time the pseudo flame body or pseudo candle body is touched.
[0019]
Such a configuration is easy to use and convenient because it can be easily turned on / off simply by touching the pseudo flame or pseudo candle with a human hand.
[0020]
The pseudo flame body is preferably made of a light transmissive material in which a light diffusing material is dispersed and mixed.
[0021]
With this configuration, the light emitted from the electroluminescent body is reflected and diffused while passing through the pseudo-flame and becomes soft light. Therefore, the lit pseudo-flame becomes closer to the candle flame. Is good. As the light diffusing material, ceramic fine particles such as calcium carbonate, glass fine particles, or various fine pigment particles can be used. The content is conveniently about 0.01% to 5% dispersed by weight, and if less than 0.01%, the light diffusion effect is poor, and if it exceeds 5%, the irradiation light becomes weak. It is not preferable.
[0022]
The electroluminescent body is a white light emitting type light emitting body, and the white light emitting type light emitting body is covered with an optical filter colored in a red to orange color on the upper side and colored in a blue color on the lower side. It is preferable.
[0023]
With this configuration, red to orange light is selectively transmitted among the white light emitted from the light emitter on the upper side of the optical filter, and the white light emitted from the light emitter is transmitted on the lower side of the optical filter. Among them, blue light is selectively transmitted, so the lighted pseudo flame body is reddish on the tip side and bluish on the lower half side, and the pseudo flame is close to a real candle flame Convenient in shades. In particular, it is preferable that the electroluminescent material is a white light emitting type luminescent material because a high-quality atmosphere can be created.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view (vertical sectional view) showing the overall configuration of the electronic candle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state when the electronic candle is used, and FIG. 3 is an electric circuit diagram of the electronic candle. .
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic candle 1 has a columnar outer shape resembling the shape of a candle and a pseudo candle body 2 in which the battery E can be housed (built in), and an outer shape resembling a candle flame. A light-transmitting pseudo flame body 3 disposed at the upper end of the pseudo candle body 2 and an LED (light emitting diode) 4 that emits light for lighting, and using the battery E as a power source for lighting. According to the control of the lighting circuit board 5, the light of the LED 4 is lit by causing the pseudo flame 3 to shine from the inside. The configuration of each part of the electronic candle 1 will be specifically described below.
[0026]
The pseudo candle body 2 has a pipe-type case 6 having a space enough to store two AA batteries E, a light-emitting body lighting circuit substrate 5 and an LED 4 in order from the lower side. The pipe-type case 6 includes a long main piece 6a and a short sub-piece 6b screwed to the upper end of the main piece 6a. The pipe-type case 6 has a narrow hole 7a penetrating in the vertical direction on the lower end side. The plug body 7 is detachably screwed, and is attached to the upper end side of the pipe-type case 6 so that the lower end portion of the pseudo flame body 3 does not come off. Further, in the pipe-type case 6, as shown in FIG. 1, the light-emitting body lighting circuit substrate 5 is arranged so that the upper ends of the stoppers 5a fixed to both side edges are in contact with the inner step of the subpiece 6b. In addition, a spring 8 and a metal lid 9 are disposed between the battery E and the plug 7.
[0027]
When storing the battery E, the plug body 7 is removed, then two batteries E are stored inside the pipe-type case 6, and then the spring 8 and the metal lid 9 are stored, and then the plug body 7 is screwed again. Only. After the battery is stored, the spring force of the spring 8 strongly presses the tip of the upper battery E against the power supply terminal 5b provided on the lower end side of the light emitting element lighting circuit substrate 5, while the spring 8 itself is lowered. The battery E and the light-emitting body lighting circuit substrate 5 are electrically connected by strongly pressing against the rear end of the battery E on the side and the metal lid 9. Of course, a conductor (not shown) for electrically connecting the metallic lid-like body 9 and the light-emitting body lighting circuit board 5 is also necessary. Specifically, the necessary wiring is applied to the main piece 6a, or the main piece 6a made of a conductive material is used to electrically connect the metal lid 9 and the light emitting lighting circuit board 5 to each other. is doing.
[0028]
On the other hand, the LED 4 is accommodated in the vicinity of the tip of the pipe-type case 6 with the spring 10 arranged around it, and the lead terminal of the LED 4 is directly attached to the light-emitting body lighting circuit substrate 5 and is used for the light-emitting body lighting circuit. Electrical and mechanical connection with the substrate 5 is achieved. Since the spring 10 is disposed in a gap of about 0.1 mm and is movable with a small pressing force, the pressing force can be applied to the light emitting element lighting circuit board 5 by slightly touching the pseudo flame 3. It comes to be transmitted.
[0029]
On the other hand, the inside of the pseudo-flame 3 is solid and is not hollow, and a hole into which the light emitting portion at the tip of the LED 4 can be inserted is formed at the bottom thereof, and the LED 4 is inserted into the hole. In this positional relationship, the light emitted from the LED 4 is emitted toward the pseudo flame 3.
[0030]
The pseudo flame body 3 is a light-transmitting material in which a light diffusing material is dispersed and mixed in advance by about 0.01% to 5% by weight (specifically, plastic such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, glass, etc.) ) To form a candle flame, and the LED 4 (and the LED 4 covered with the light filter described below) is inserted into the insertion hole at the bottom, so that the light emitted from the LED 4 is simulated flame 3 The light is reflected and diffused by the light diffusing material while passing through and becomes soft light, and the bright part of the light gathers at the tip of the top of the pseudo flame 3 so that the pseudo flame 3 that is lit is as if it is a candle flame. Will emit light like this. If the inside of the pseudo flame body is hollow as in the prior art, the tip part is generally thicker than the side part, so light does not collect at the tip part and it is dark, which is different from a real candle It tends to be a thing.
[0031]
Further, in the case of this embodiment, the LED 4 is a white light emitting type, and as shown in FIG. 4, the upper side 11a is colored red to orange, and the lower side 11b is colored blue. A filter 11 is placed on the LED 4. As a result, red to orange light of the white light emitted from the LED 4 is selectively transmitted through the upper side 11a of the optical filter 11, and the blue color of the white light emitted from the LED 4 is selectively transmitted through the lower side 11b of the optical filter 11. Since the pseudo flame body 3 that is lit is reddish and the lower half side is bluish, the pseudo flame body 3 has a hue close to that of a real candle flame. However, since the light emitted from the LED 4 is relatively straight, the upper side 11a colored in red to orange in the optical filter 11 may be disposed only in a portion near the tip.
[0032]
Next, the area around the light emitter lighting circuit of the electronic candle 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitter lighting circuit of the electronic candle 1 has six output channels CH1 to CH6, and each output channel CH1 to CH6 corresponds to a temporal change in light emission intensity during one cycle. Therefore, each IC has an IC (integrated circuit) 12 that is sequentially switched in the order of channels CH1 to CH6, and has a resistance value corresponding to each emission intensity that changes with time during one period. One end of each of the resistors is connected to the corresponding output channel, and the other end is provided with six lighting current regulating resistance elements R1 to R6 connected to the LED 4.
[0033]
In the case of the IC 12, the output channel being selected (on-operation) is electrically connected to the cathode side of the battery E, so the anode of the battery E → the LED 4 → the resistance elements R1 to R6 → each Output channel CH1 to CH6 → The lighting current loop of the cathode of the battery E is generated, and the non-selection (during off operation) is electrically insulated from the cathode side of the battery E, so the lighting current loop is cut off. It is. An example of such an IC 12 is an M16003 type IC manufactured by Waka Corporation in Taiwan (Taiwan). In addition, the IC 12 and the resistance elements R1 to R6 are all mounted on the light emitter lighting circuit substrate 5.
[0034]
In the case of this light-emitting body lighting circuit, as a structural feature, the LED 4 emits light at an intensity different from the others at least three times during one period, and the light emission intensity of the LED 4 is periodically changed. For this reason, the resistance values of at least three of the resistance elements R1 to R6 are selected so that the LED 4 has a light emission intensity different from the others. That is, the lighting current of the LED 4 is determined by the ratio (e / r) of the voltage e of the battery E and the resistance value r of the resistance elements R1 to R6, and the light emission intensity of the LED 4 is proportional to the lighting current. For the elements R1 to R6, resistance values corresponding to the respective emission intensities are calculated and selected in advance. Specifically, for example, the resistance value r of the resistance elements R1 to R6 is selected so that the emission intensity of the LED 4 changes as shown in FIG.
[0035]
In the case of FIG. 5, the resistance elements R1 and R6 corresponding to the emission intensity IA have a resistance value ra, the resistance elements R2 and R5 corresponding to the emission intensity IB are resistance values rb, and the resistance elements R3 and R4 corresponding to the emission intensity IC are resistances. The value rc is in a relationship of ra>rb> rc, and as a result, the LED 4 emits light with a different intensity three times during one period, and the light emission intensity of the LED 4 is substantially triangular during one period. It changes in a wave shape.
[0036]
In the case of FIG. 6, the resistance element R1 corresponding to the emission intensity I1 is the resistance value r1, the resistance element R2 corresponding to the emission intensity I2 is the resistance value r2, the resistance element R3 corresponding to the emission intensity I4 is the resistance value r3, and the emission intensity I5. Is a resistance value r4, a resistance element R5 corresponding to the emission intensity I6 is a resistance value r5, a resistance element R6 corresponding to the emission intensity I3 is a resistance value r6, and r1>r2>r6>r3> The relationship r4> r5 holds, and as a result, the LED 4 emits light with a different intensity six times during one period, and the light emission intensity of the LED 4 changes in a substantially sawtooth shape during one period.
[0037]
As described above, in the electronic candle 1, the pseudo flame 3 is lit by the light of the LED 4 that emits light at a different intensity from that of the other at least three times during one cycle by the action of the illuminator lighting circuit. The brightness of the simulated flame 3 is not only the intensity change during one period but also the brightness in the middle. Compared to the case of the brightness change only with the intensity as in the conventional case, the brightness of the pseudo flame body 3 Since a feeling of fluctuation close to that appears in the pseudo-flame 3, a lighting state rich in naturalness can be realized. In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, even if there is a change in intensity, the intensity does not become zero (extinguish), so that a flickering feeling very close to that of a real candle flame is formed and a lighting state rich in naturalness can be realized. It is.
[0038]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, when the emission intensity of the LED 4 changes in a substantially triangular wave shape or a substantially sawtooth shape during one period, the brightness change of the pseudo flame body 3 also changes in a substantially triangular wave shape or a substantially sawtooth shape. A smooth feeling that is very close to that of a real candle flame.
[0039]
Further, the number of output channels of the IC 12 is six, which is sufficient, and the number of changes in the emission intensity of the LED 4 during one period can be increased. Thus, it is possible to easily obtain a preferable shape such as a substantially triangular wave shape or a substantially sawtooth shape.
[0040]
In addition, in the case of this luminous body lighting circuit, a touch switch SW is arranged so that lighting and extinction are alternately switched every time a human hand touches the pseudo flame body 3 or the pseudo candle body 2. When the hand touches the pseudo flame body 3 or the pseudo candle body 2, a signal is input to the on / off terminal of the IC 12 through the touch switch SW, and when the IC 12 is on, it is off, and when it is off, it is on. As a result, the electronic candle 1 is easy to use and convenient because it can be turned on and off simply by touching the pseudo flame body 3 or the pseudo candle body 2. As the touch switch SW, an electrostatic switch that uses capacitance change, a mechanical switch that uses a contact switching mechanism combined with a spring, or the like can be used.
[0041]
The electronic candle 1 is suitable as a lamp for temples and altars for funerals, and as a light source for forming a soft atmosphere such as a restaurant or party venue. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 can be easily installed by inserting the narrow hole 7a of the plug 7 into the needle T of the candlestick BS.
[0042]
[Another embodiment]
(1) In the electronic candle 1 of the said embodiment, although LED4 was employ | adopted as an electroluminescent body, an electroluminescent body is not restricted to LED4, For example, a bean lamp etc. may be sufficient.
[0043]
(2) In the case of the electronic candle 1 of the above embodiment, the light emission intensity of the LED 4 is configured to change stepwise in a substantially triangular wave shape or a substantially sawtooth shape during one period, but the light emission intensity of the LED 4 is one period. Another configuration of the present invention is a configuration in which the shape smoothly changes to a substantially triangular wave shape or a substantially saw-tooth shape in between. In this case, the light emission intensity of the LED 4 changes infinitely during one cycle. However, the change in emission intensity is not limited to the substantially triangular wave shape or the substantially sawtooth shape shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and various changes such as a more complicated change can be adopted.
[0044]
(3) In the electronic candle 1 of the above embodiment, the example in which the plug body 7 with the narrow hole 7a penetrating in the vertical direction is detachably screwed into the lower end side of the pipe type case 6 is shown. The stopper 7 may be fixed and a contact portion having sufficient strength may be formed on the back side of the narrow hole 7a even when the stopper 7 is strongly pressed against the needle T of the candlestick BS. This is preferable because the durability of the electronic candle according to the present invention is improved. In that case, the battery E can be replaced from the upper subpiece 6 b side of the pipe-type case 6.
[0045]
(4) In the electronic candle 1 of the above embodiment, an example in which the touch switch SW is arranged so that the lighting and the lighting are alternately switched every time a human hand touches the pseudo flame body 3 or the pseudo candle body 2 is arranged. As shown, it may be activated by touching only one of them. Further, instead of the touch switch SW via a spring movable with a small pressing force, a normal pressing switch may be provided in the pseudo candle body.
[0046]
(5) Although the example which mixed the light-diffusion material in the light transmissive material was shown as a structure of the pseudo flame body 3 of the said embodiment, it was replaced with this, or a fine unevenness | corrugation on the surface like ground glass instead of this And diffused light may be emitted from the pseudo flame body.
[0047]
(6) In the electronic candle of the present invention, the size and shape of the pseudo candle body and the pseudo flame body, the mode of change in the light emission intensity during one cycle of the LED, the type of IC, etc. are those shown in the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can take another appropriate form as necessary.
[0048]
(7) In the above-described embodiment, an example of using an elegant and high-quality white light emitting type LED as an LED has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an LED that emits various colors can be used. In short, it may be appropriately selected in consideration of the place of use, intended use, and the like.
[0049]
(8) In the electronic candle 1 of the above-described embodiment, an example in which a battery is used as the power source of the LED 4 has been shown, but the power source may be obtained from an AC line instead.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an overall configuration of an electronic candle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of use of the electronic candle in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an electric circuit of the electronic candle in FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an optical filter placed on the LED of the electronic candle of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of a change in light emission intensity of the LED in the electronic candle of FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional electronic candle. FIG. 8 is a graph showing a change in light emission intensity of the LED in a conventional electronic candle. Electrical circuit diagram of electronic candles [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic candle 2 Pseudo candle body 3 Pseudo flame body 4 Electroluminescent body 5 Emitter lighting circuit board 11 Optical filter 11a Upper side 11b Lower side 12 IC
CH1 to CH6 Output channels IA to IC Light emission intensity I1 to I6 Light emission intensity R1 to R6 Resistive element SW Touch switch

Claims (6)

A pseudo candle body having an external shape resembling the shape of a candle, a translucent pseudo flame body having an external shape resembling a candle flame and disposed at the upper end of the pseudo candle body, and the pseudo flame body inside In an electronic candle equipped with an electroluminescent body that emits light from
Said electroluminescent material is at least 3 times during one cycle so as to emit light at different intensities of the others, Bei give a light emitter lighting circuit for changing the luminous intensity of the electric light emitters periodically,
The light emitter lighting circuit has at least three output channels, and each output channel is configured to sequentially switch in response to a temporal change in light emission intensity during one cycle; It has a resistance value corresponding to each emission intensity that changes with time during one period, one end of which is connected to the corresponding output channel, and the other end is connected to the electroluminescent body. The number of output current defining resistance elements is the same as the number of output channels, and at least three resistance elements have resistance values selected so as to have different emission intensity. An electronic candle. The electronic candle according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting body lighting circuit is configured to change the light emission intensity of the electroluminescent body in a substantially triangular wave shape or a substantially saw-tooth shape in one cycle. The electronic candle according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the number of output channels of the IC is in the range of 5-7. Wherein the light emitter lighting circuit, any one of the electronic candle according to claim 1-3 where the touch switch for switching alternately turning on and off each time touching the pseudo flame body or pseudo candle body is provided . The pseudo flame body is any one of an electronic candle according to claim 1-4 in which the light diffusing member is made of a light transmitting material that is dispersed and mixed. The electroluminescent body is a white light emitting type light emitting body, and the white light emitting type light emitting body is covered with an optical filter colored in a red to orange color on the upper side and colored in a blue color on the lower side. The electronic candle according to any one of claims 1 to 5 .

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