JPH07334100A - Display device and display element unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce a cost and electric power consumption by displaying display patterns of a large display area by using a least possible number of LEDs. CONSTITUTION:This display device is constituted by forming a display groove along display patterns installed a display panel and arranging display element unit as a light source along this display groove. This display element unit 2 is internally mounted with >=1 pieces of the LEDs 231 within a unit case 21 having a slender opening and is internally mounted with a lens 25 for diffusing the light emitted from the LEDs 231 in the longitudinal direction and transverse direction of the unit case 21. The light is emitted over the width and length regions of the lens 25, by which the broad display patterns along the display groove are made into a light emitting state with the smaller number of the LEDs 231.

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 plurality of the display element units are used to display a desired pattern.

[0002]

2. Description of the Prior Art In conventional display devices, such as road signs,
It has been proposed to use a light bulb as a light emitting light source in order to improve visibility at night.The display pattern to be displayed is formed of a light-transmissive material, and a light bulb is arranged behind it to display the pattern with the light from the light bulb. The display pattern is displayed by illuminating. However, this display device requires a commercial power source or a battery as a power source because it consumes a large amount of power to light a light bulb, and thus has a problem that the power source facility becomes complicated and large. Further, since the life of the light bulb is short, maintenance of replacing the light bulb becomes troublesome.

Therefore, 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 point light sources are planarly arranged along a display pattern and then these LEDs are turned on to function as a surface light source in which point light sources are collected. By doing so, the display pattern of the required area is displayed.
In this case, the LED has a hybrid structure in which LED element chips are arranged on a circuit board, or a discrete structure in which each LED element chip is individually resin-sealed. In the latter case, a unit in which a plurality of discrete LEDs are unitized is also proposed. For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 64-34682 and Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-29.
081, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-38700. As described above, by using the LED as the light source, there are advantages that the power consumption is reduced and the service life is longer than that of the light bulb, so that the maintenance is free.

[0004]

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

In recent years, it is sometimes required to change the display pattern as the display content.
It is necessary to change the display pattern of the sign for displaying road construction in accordance with the change of the construction site. in this case,
Changing the entire display device is not economically effective because it is necessary to prepare many types of display devices corresponding to various construction forms. Therefore, in the display device using the conventional LED described above, for example, the LEDs are arranged in a matrix or in a pattern shape common to the display patterns to be changed, and then the LEDs are selectively made to emit light to display an arbitrary display. Displaying patterns is done (eg,
(Kaikaihei 1-71807). However, even in this case, since each LED functions as a point light source, an extremely large number of LEDs are required when the display device is enlarged and the display pattern has a large area. There is a problem that such a trouble 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. Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a display element unit that can be used in a display device as a light source having a required area by using a small number of LEDs.

[0007]

A display device of the present invention is a display device in which a plurality of light sources are arranged along a display pattern provided on a display panel and these light sources are turned on to perform display by light emission. As a display element unit, each of the LEDs is arranged in a unit case having an elongated opening shape, and a lens that diffuses light emitted from the LED in at least the length direction of the case is configured.

For example, a linear display groove is formed along a display pattern provided on the display panel, and a plurality of display element units are arranged along the display groove and attached to the display panel. . It is also possible to form the display pattern on an assembly panel provided separately from the display pattern of the display device, and to attach the assembly panel to the display panel in a detachable manner. Further, it is preferable that the display pattern is composed of a retroreflective sheet, the display element units are arranged along the center line of the display pattern, and the surface color of the display element unit and the color of the display pattern are the same.

On the other hand, the display element unit of 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. One or more LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board that is internally supported in the other end of the unit case
L is internally supported in one end of this unit case.
And a lens for diffusing the light emitted from the ED in the length direction and the width direction of the unit case. For example, two LEDs are arranged in series along the length direction of the unit case, and the lens emits light from each LED in the length direction and a light spread portion. It is composed of a diffusion unit that diffuses light in the length direction and the width direction. In addition, it is preferable that one side portion of the support flange provided on the unit case has a narrow width and the other side portion has a wide tapered width.

[0010]

By arranging a plurality of display element units capable of emitting light in a relatively large area with a small number of LEDs,
The display pattern having a larger area than the number of LEDs can be displayed, and the cost and power consumption of the display device can be reduced. Further, by providing the display pattern on an assembly panel separate from the display device, the display pattern can be exchanged with respect to the display device, and various display patterns can be changed. Furthermore, the display element unit is an LED
By diffusing the light in the length direction and the width direction, it is possible to illuminate a large area with one LED, and to reduce the number of LEs.
With D, it is possible to realize a display device capable of displaying with a display pattern having a relatively large area.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a road construction sign, and shows a sign device for guiding a traveling vehicle to the right lane or the left lane according to the road construction situation. Further, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the main parts of the marker device in a disassembled state. In these drawings, the marker device 1 has a vertically long rectangular frame body 11, a display panel 12 is bolted to the front side of the frame body 11, and a back cover 13 is bolted to the back side. It is formed in a thin box shape. The frame 11 is formed as a "eye" -shaped frame by connecting a metal material such as aluminum whose cross-section is formed in a U-shape and whose strength is increased with a bolt, to form a "eye" -shaped frame. 12 is formed of a metal plate such as aluminum having a rectangular shape corresponding to the frame body. Also, the back cover 1
Here, 3 is composed of three metal plates 13 a to 13 c, and each is fixed to the frame body 11. Then, the sign device is erected on one side of the road by the pillar 14.

The display panel 12 is formed with a display groove 12a penetrating the display panel in the plate thickness direction, and the display groove 12a overlaps "right" and "left" characters on the upper half thereof. Pattern and a "heavy" pattern are formed. In addition, a pattern of an arrow pointing to the upper right and an arrow pointing to the upper left is formed in the lower half. Then, as shown in FIG. 3 which shows a rear structure in which a part of the rear cover 13 is removed, a plurality of display element units 2 are arranged along the display grooves 12a on the rear surface of the display panel 12, and the screws 3 Is attached to the display panel 12. This display element unit 2
As will be described later in detail, the LED is used as a light source, and the code 2 pulled out from each unit 2 is displayed on the display panel 2
Is extended along the rear surface of the frame, is appropriately connected to the terminal 4, and is electrically connected to the circuit section 5 attached to the lower portion of the frame 11.

The circuit portion 5 has a thin box-shaped circuit box 51, which is fixed to the lower portion of the frame body 11 by bolts 52 and the like, and the display element unit is not shown in the inside. A control circuit for selectively lighting or blinking 2 is configured. The circuit configuration of this control circuit is composed of various commonly used switching circuits, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. A cord 53 having a connector is drawn out from the circuit portion 5 and is electrically connected to the battery box 6 supported on the lower portion of the column 14. A dry battery is stored 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. 6A and 6B are enlarged sectional views taken along lines AA and BB of FIG. 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 cylinder having a width substantially equal to the groove of the display panel and having a required length. A support flange 211 is integrally formed at one end on the upper side in the figure of the unit case 21. One side is narrow and the width is tapered toward the other side. There is.
A boss 212 is integrally formed at a position near the other side of the back surface of the support flange 211.
From the surface side of the support flange 211 to the blind hole 2
13 is formed.

A concave 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 concave groove 214 at a plurality of places of the concave groove 214 as described later. An injection recess 215 for forming is formed. Further, the inner step portion 216 is formed by cutting the inner wall portion along the longitudinal direction of the opening edge of the unit case 21. Further, at the other end of the unit case 21 on the lower side in the drawing, the outer side surface and the inner side surface of the rectangular opening edge are machined, and an outer step portion 217 and an inner step portion 218 are formed along the opening edge. is doing. A cord insertion notch 219 for pulling out the cord 2 is formed in a part of the other end. Further, two LED insertion holes 221 for inserting LEDs are penetrated through the inner bottom portion 22 of the unit case 21, and a boss 222 is integrally formed at the center of the back surface of the inner bottom portion. Hole 2
23 has been opened.

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

A lens 25 is installed at one end of the unit case 21. This lens 25 includes two light-spreading parts 251 in the shape of a kamaboko and a plate-shaped diffusing part 252.
Are integrally molded with a transparent resin. By projecting both side portions of the diffusion portion 252 to both sides of the light spreading portion 251, this protruding portion is locked to the inner step portion 216 of the unit case 21. It can be held by the unit case 21. The diffusing section 251 has a structure in which two kamaboko-shaped parts whose optical axes are aligned with the two LEDs 231 are directed downward and are integrated in parallel with each other. A plurality of light-spreading grooves 253 each having a saw-tooth cross section and extending in the width direction are formed side by side in the lens length direction. The light spreading groove 253 promotes the light spreading function. By providing the light spreading groove 253 on the surface of the light spreading portion 251, the thickness of the light spreading portion 251 toward the lower side, that is, the lower side. The substantial diffusion angle of light is increased without increasing the protrusion length toward.
Therefore, the size of the space between the LED 231 and the light expanding portion 251 can be reduced as much as the thickness of the light expanding portion 251 can be reduced, and thus the unit 2 can be downsized. On the other hand, the diffusion portion 252 has a configuration in which diffusion grooves 254 having a V-shaped cross section are formed in a vertical and horizontal grid pattern 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, from the upper side of the lens 25, one end of the unit case 21 is covered with a rectangular shallow dish-shaped surface cap 26, the peripheral edge of which is inserted into the concave groove 214 of the unit case 21, The adhesive filled in the groove 214 is fixed to one end of the unit case 21. The front surface cap 26 is formed by molding a transparent resin and is formed to the same standard as the back surface cap 24. Therefore, when the display element unit 2 is actually formed, common parts can be used for the respective caps 24 and 26 on the front and back surfaces, and thus the number of parts forming the display element unit 2 can be reduced. . Further, the adhesive is filled from the injection concave portion 215 into the concave groove 214,
Then, the peripheral edge portion of the surface cap 26 is inserted into the concave groove 214 for adhesion, but the surplus adhesive at that time is stored in the injection concave portion 215, so that it does not overflow to the surface of the surface cap 26. Absent. The front surface side of the unit case 21 is sealed by the front surface cap 26 so that the unit case 21 is waterproof. Further, the surface height of the surface cap 26 is projected more than 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. As shown in FIG. 6, the emitted light reaches the lens 25 at a required light emission angle along the optical axis of the LED 231, and the light spreading portion 251 of the lens 25 spreads on the surface thereof in a kamaboko shape. By forming the groove 253, the light is spread to a substantially half region of the lens 25 in the length direction. Since the lens 25 has a small size in the width direction, 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 spreading section 251 to spread the light in this direction. Absent. Therefore, the light from each of the two LEDs 231 is expanded by the light expansion section 251 into a substantially half region in the longitudinal direction of the lens 25. Then, this expanded 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 emitted from the entire surface of the lens 25.

Therefore, in this display element unit 2,
Only by using the two LEDs 231 as light sources, uniform light emission is performed from the entire surface of the lens 25, that is, the surface of the surface cap 26. For example, if the surface cap 26 has a length of 6 cm and a width of 1 cm, it is configured as an element unit that uniformly illuminates this rectangular region. Therefore, by using two LEDs having a diameter of about 5 mm, it is possible to uniformly illuminate an area of 6 square cm, and it is possible to illuminate an area of about 30 times. From a different point of view, it can be configured as a linear 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), which are enlarged sectional views taken along the lines CC and DD in FIG. 3, a support flange 211 integrally provided on the unit case 21 is provided. With the back surface of the display panel 12 abutting, the front surface cap 26 is inserted into the display groove 12a provided in the display panel 12, and then the through hole 12b provided in the corresponding portion of the display panel 12 is used. Display panel 12
The display panel 12 is attached by screwing the screw 3 inserted from the front side of the into the screw hole 213. 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 other side has a wide tapered shape, the support flange 211 and the front panel 1 are not formed.
The contact area with 2 can be increased to secure a stable attachment state.

The surface cap 2 of the display element unit 2 is provided in the display groove 12a formed in the display panel 12.
By mounting with 6 inserted, the display element unit 2 can be positioned in the width direction with respect to the display groove 12a. Further, since each of the display grooves 12a is formed to have 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 attached to each display groove 12a in series. For example, in this embodiment, the pattern for displaying the "F" character is composed of the display groove in which two display element units 2 are arranged in series and the display groove 12a in which four display element units 2 are arranged in series. Therefore, the side faces of the unit case 21 of each display element unit 2 are brought into contact with each other, whereby the positioning in the length direction is performed.

Further, at this time, the plurality of display element units 2 are arranged on the back surface of the display panel 12 so as to be closely packed along the cover groove 12a.
1 has a width that is as small as possible on one side and a wide portion is tapered on the other side to increase the supporting strength.
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 at the portion where the display grooves 12a intersect obliquely.

In this embodiment, a red LED light source unit is used as a display element unit having a display pattern showing "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. In addition, after attaching the plurality of display element units 2 to the display panel 12, respectively, the cord 232 pulled out from each unit is laid on the back surface of the display panel 12, connected at the terminal 4, and then a connector or the like is used. The electrical connection to the circuit section 5 is as described above.

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

In this display, although each display element unit 2 uses only two LEDs 231 as light sources, the light from each LED 231 is spread in the lengthwise direction by the action of the lens 25, In addition, the light can be diffused in the length direction and the width direction, illuminated substantially uniformly over the entire surface of the lens 25, and can function as a light source that emits light in an elongated rectangular shape or a thick linear shape. Therefore, when viewed from the front side of the display panel 12, light is emitted linearly along the display groove 12a, and linear display can be performed along the display pattern formed by the display groove 12a. It will be possible. This allows the LED to be used in comparison with the length dimension of the display pattern for displaying.
It is possible to remarkably reduce the number of components, reduce costs, and reduce power consumption. Therefore, even if a dry battery is used as the power source, display can be performed for a long time, which is also effective in simplifying the power source equipment.

The above-described first embodiment is an example in which the display for changing the lane to the right or left is performed, but the same can be applied to the case where another display is performed. Further, it goes without saying that it can be configured as a display device that performs fixed display.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is also an example in which the present invention is applied to a road sign, and is an example configured as a sign for displaying a lane change.
As shown in the partially exploded perspective view of the schematic configuration in FIG.
The labeling device 1A includes a frame body 71 in which a metal material such as aluminum having a U-shaped cross section is formed into a frame shape with bolts and the like, and aluminum fixed to the surface side of the frame body 71 with bolts and the like. And a front panel 72 made of a plate material. A plurality of windows 72a are opened in the front panel 72, and the display assembly 8 is detachably attached to each of the windows 72a. In addition, a display sheet 73 in which, for example, a fluorescent paint or a fluorescent tape is designed is formed in a necessary portion of the surface panel 72 facing the window 72a. In this example, the display sheet 7 is used to display the traveling lane markings on the road using white fluorescent tape.
Make up three.

In a state where the display assembly 8 is 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 connector 87 connected to the cord 86 is attached. It is electrically connected to the circuit section 9 having the same configuration as that of the above-mentioned embodiment by fitting. The circuit unit 9 is incorporated in the circuit box 91 and electrically connected to a battery box (not shown) via a cord 92 or the like, which is the same as the above embodiment. Also, the labeling device 1A
Are erected on the side of the road by columns 10.

The display assembly 8 is composed of a line and arrow pattern 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. Has been done. These display assemblies 8 include two display assemblies 8a and 8b arranged on the left and right above the front panel 72,
It is composed of one display assembly 8c arranged at the center and two display assemblies 8d and 8e arranged on the left and right sides. These display assemblies 8 have the same basic configuration, and here, the display assembly 8b displaying an arrow is shown.
Will be described as a representative. As shown in the front view and the rear view in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), the display assembly 8b is an assembly panel 81 made of a metal plate such as aluminum which is slightly larger in vertical and horizontal dimensions than the window 72a of the front panel 72. The amber-colored fluorescent paint is applied to the surface of the assembly panel 81 to display an arrow-shaped display pattern 82.
Is drawn. A display groove 81a penetrating the assembly panel 81 in the plate thickness direction is provided in the display pattern 82, and the display pattern 82a is formed by these display grooves 81a.
It is designed to form an arrow shape as the center line of.

The display groove 81a has the same structure as the display groove 12a formed in the display panel 12 in the first embodiment, and the display groove 81a has the same structure as that in the first embodiment. A plurality of display element units 2 are arranged and fixed to the back surface side of the assembly panel 81 with screws 3. Since this display element unit 2 has been described in detail in the first embodiment, its 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 bent up toward the front side in an L-shape or an inverted L-shape. The upper and lower locking pieces 74 are integrally provided, and the upper and lower locking pieces 74 are engaged with the upper and lower edges of the assembly panel 81, respectively. Rotation plugs 83 are provided at two positions on the left and right of the upper edge of the assembly panel 81, and each window 72 of the front panel 72 is provided.
The assembly panel 81 is fixed to the front panel 72 by engaging with the plug holes 72b provided on the left and right of the upper part of a. This rotary plug 83 is already widely known, and by grasping a knob projecting on the surface side of the assembly panel 81 and rotating it, the assembly panel 81 can be rotated.
Engaging portion 83a provided at the tip portion protruding to the back surface side of the
Is inserted through the plug hole 72b of the front panel 72, and engages with the peripheral edge of the plug hole 72b on the back surface side of the front panel 72, whereby the assembly panel 81 can be operated by one-touch operation.
Can be closely attached to or detached from the surface panel 72.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the central display assembly 8c of the display assembly 8, the running partition line 84 continuous with the running partition line 73 formed on the front panel 72 is made of white paint. It is drawn. The arrow patterns displayed on the display assemblies 8b and 8e are display element units using amber LEDs, and the "X" pattern displayed on the display assembly 8a is red LEDs.
The display element unit using is attached. In addition, on the back surface of the assembly panel 81 of the display assembly 8, FIG.
As shown by the broken line in (b), the back cover 85 is attached with rivets, screws, etc. to seal the display element unit 2. Also, from a part of the back cover 85, the cord 86
The connector 8 at the end of this cord 86.
7 is connected. Reference numeral 88 is a terminal for connecting the cord 232 pulled out from each surface element unit 2.

In the second embodiment, 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 display element units 2 lights the two LEDs incorporated therein. . As described above, the lighting of these two LEDs causes uniform illumination over substantially the entire surface cap of each display element unit by the action of the lens. As a result, in each display assembly 8, linear light emission is performed along the display groove 81a, and the display pattern formed by the display groove 81a is displayed. Therefore, in the entire marking device 1A, a display indicating that the right lane is to be changed 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, when the change to the left lane is displayed as shown in FIG. 12, the display assembly 8c is replaced with the display assembly 8f shown in FIG.
Then, 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 removing 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 removed from the front panel 72. And
The correct display assembly 8 is attached to the predetermined window 72 of the front panel 72.
After being positioned at a, each display assembly 8 in reverse order.
Are attached to the front panel 72, and the connectors 87 connected to the respective cords 86 are fitted to complete the exchange. 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 the display pattern 82 of each display assembly 8 in a linear light emission are the same as those in the first embodiment. As explained, 2 each
Although each LED has a light source configuration, each L
It is possible to diffuse the light from the ED in the width direction and the length direction by the action of the lens, illuminate the entire surface of the lens substantially uniformly, and function as an elongated rectangular or linear light source. As a result, the number of LEDs to be used can be significantly reduced compared to the length of the display pattern, the cost can be reduced, and the power consumption can be reduced. Can be displayed for a long time.

In the second embodiment, the display pattern 82 is formed with fluorescent paint or fluorescent tape, and the display groove 81a is formed substantially in 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 on the surface of the display pattern 82 by this illumination light. Therefore, not only the lens surface of the display element unit 2 but also the entire surface including the surface of the display pattern 82 can be displayed, 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, the marker device 1A as a whole can form a desired display pattern and perform display, so that the display element unit is wasted during display. , That is, L
Since there is no ED, the number of LEDs can be reduced more than that of the first embodiment. Further, when this display assembly is replaced, each display assembly 8 can be attached to and detached from the front panel 72 in an independent state, so that the replacement work can be performed very easily.

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

FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modification of the second embodiment, and is a view corresponding to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 12 are designated by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, 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. In this example, no display panel showing the lane division of the road is provided. Further, here, the assembly panel 81 is provided at its four corners so as to be attachable to and detachable from the front panel 72 by the rotation plugs 83.

The retroreflective sheet 82A has a light-transmissive base film 101, as shown in the sectional structure of FIG.
A large number of minute glass beads 102 are arranged in a plane and fixed on the surface of the partition wall 101a, and a partition wall 101a is provided integrally with the base film 101 so that the planar shape thereof is, for example, a honeycomb shape. The over film 103 is attached. An aluminum film 104 is formed on the back surface of the base film 101 by vapor deposition or the like. Then, after forming this retroreflective sheet into a desired pattern such as an arrow or X, the back surface side of the aluminum film 104 is attached to the front surface of the assembly panel 81 with an adhesive 105.

In this retroreflective sheet, as shown in FIG.
The light applied to the front side over film 103 passes through the over film 104, and then the glass beads 102.
Is reflected by, and is 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,
As shown in FIG. 5, when configured as a display device,
Light can be reflected from the display pattern 82A with a high reflectance in the light irradiation direction. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the attention of the driver of the vehicle to 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 is formed into the surface pattern 82A as shown in FIG.
By providing the display element unit 2 in a state in which the display element unit 2 is slightly protruded, 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 is substantially reduced. It is also possible to increase the display function by increasing the number of display units. In particular, by disposing the display element unit 2 along the center line of the display pattern 82A, it is possible to widen the emission width in the width direction of the display element unit 2 and illuminate and display substantially the entire surface of the 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. Although illustration is omitted, if the lens or the surface cap of the display element unit is formed in the same color as the retroreflective sheet forming the display pattern, the display element unit and the display pattern are separated when the display device is viewed from a distance. It becomes possible to look integrated, and it is 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 adhered 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, the mounting screws are not exposed on the surface of the assembly panel, and the appearance is improved. Moreover, there is no need to use a relatively expensive countersunk screw, which is advantageous in terms of cost reduction.

By applying the technique of this modified embodiment to the first embodiment, a display device as shown in FIG. 16 can be constructed. In this case, if the "left" and "→" assembly panels can be replaced, "right →" can be displayed. In the figure, parts equivalent to those of the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the sign device is composed of the frame body and the sign panel. However, an aluminum plate is bent to form a thin shallow plate shape, and another aluminum plate is formed on the opening side. A similar thin box shape may be formed by fixing the plate by adhesion or screwing. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the weight of the marking device.

Although both the first embodiment and the second embodiment are examples in which the present invention is applied to road signs, they can be widely used as advertisement display devices and display devices for other purposes. .

[0049]

As described above, in the display device of the present invention, as a plurality of light sources arranged along the display pattern, LEs are provided in the unit case each having an elongated opening shape.
Since the display element unit having the lens D arranged and diffusing the light emitted from the LED at least in the length direction of the case is used, the display element unit has a relatively large area with a smaller number of LEDs. It is possible to emit light in this manner, which makes it possible to display a display pattern having a larger area than the number of LEDs, which can reduce the cost of the display device and reduce power consumption. .

Even when the light source is arranged along the common display pattern to change the display pattern and the light sources are selectively turned on, it is possible to use the display element pattern to make the LED as a whole. Can be reduced, and cost reduction and power consumption reduction can be realized.

Furthermore, by forming a display pattern on an assembly panel provided separately from the display pattern of the display device, and by detachably providing this assembly panel to the display panel, the display patterns can be exchanged and various Display pattern can be changed, and a small number of L
A display device whose display can be changed by the ED can be realized.

Further, by using the 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, the light from the display element unit is effectively reflected by the display pattern, and it is possible to perform display by effectively utilizing the entire surface of the display pattern. Become.

Furthermore, 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 it is possible to improve the appearance of the display device during the daytime.

In the display element unit of the present invention, a unit case is constituted by 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. A lens in which one or more LEDs are mounted on a printed circuit board that is internally supported in the other end of the unit case, and the light emitted from the LEDs is diffused in the one end of the unit case in the length and width directions of the unit case. The LED light is diffused in the length direction and the width direction by the lens, and it is possible to illuminate a large area with one LED, and the display pattern with a relatively large area can be realized with a small number of LEDs. A display device capable of displaying can be realized.

Further, the support flange provided on the unit case has one side portion formed to have a narrow width and the other side portion formed to have a wide tapered width, so that the adjacent display element units have a narrow width. It is possible to dispose a plurality of display element units on the display panel without causing interference.

[Brief description of 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 the 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 a display element unit.

6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA and BB of FIG.

7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line CC and line DD of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a state in which the display pattern is changed.

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

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

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 in which the display pattern of the second embodiment is changed.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a modified example of the second embodiment.

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

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a reflection state of light on 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]

 1, 1A Marking device 2 Display element unit 3 Screw 5 Circuit part 6 Battery box 8 (8a to 8f) Display assembly 12 Display panel 12a Display groove 21 Unit case 23 Printed board 25 Lens 81 Assembly panel 82, 82A Display panel 211 Support flange 251 Spreading part 252 Diffusing part

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A display device in which a plurality of light sources are arranged along a display pattern, and these light sources are turned on to perform display by light emission, each of the light sources being an LED (light emitting diode) in a unit case having an elongated opening shape. And a display device unit having a lens for diffusing light emitted from the LED in at least the length direction of the unit case. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a linear display groove is provided along the display pattern, and a plurality of display element units are arranged along the display groove and attached to a display panel. 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display pattern is formed on an assembly panel provided separately from the display pattern of the display device, and the assembly panel is detachably attached to the display panel. 4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display pattern is composed of a retroreflective sheet. 5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the display element units are arranged along the center line of the display pattern. 6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the surface color of the display element unit and the color of the display pattern are the same. 7. A unit case including 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, and an interior inside the other end of the unit case. One or more LEDs mounted on a supported printed circuit board, and a lens internally supported in one end of the unit case to diffuse the light emitted by the LEDs in the length direction and the width direction of the unit case. Display element unit provided. 8. The two LEDs are arranged in series along the length direction of the unit case, and the lens has a light spreading portion for spreading the light from each LED in the length direction, and from this light spreading portion. The display element unit according to claim 4, comprising a diffusion portion that diffuses the emitted light in the length direction and the width direction. 9. The display element unit according to claim 4, wherein the support flange provided on the unit case has one side portion formed to have a narrow width and the other side portion formed to have a wide tapered width.