Folding fan

Abstract

To provide a folding fan having a light-emitting display function enabling meaningful display such as characters while retaining original elegance of the folding fan.SOLUTION: A folding fan 2 includes: a pair of main ribs 4 and 6; a plurality of middle ribs 8 disposed between the pair of main ribs 4 and 6; a rivet 10; and a bellows-shaped sheet body 12 foldably fixed to the pair of main ribs 4 and 6 and the plurality of middle ribs 8. The folding fan has: a plurality of OLEDs 16 arranged at intervals in a longitudinal direction of the middle ribs 8 in each folded part 12b of the sheet body 12 where the middle ribs 8 do not exist and connected by wiring in a passive matrix system; a button battery 18 for supplying power to the plurality of OLEDs 16; and a control unit 20 for controlling lighting of the plurality of OLEDs 16 based on display data. All related members such as the control unit 20 for controlling lighting are embedded within a thickness of the main rib 4. The pair of main ribs 4 and 6 and the middle ribs 8 are formed of titanium or a titanium alloy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding fan having a light-emitting display function in addition to the original folding fan function.

Background Art

[0002] A folding fan is originally a tool for taking coolness by fanning, but it can arbitrarily take the magnificence when unfolded and the compactness when folded, and is widely used as a prop in Japanese dance, rakugo, etc., and also as a ceremonial dress or decoration in daily life. Furthermore, it is also used as a cheering good at sports games and concert venues. However, in use at night or in a dim place, it is undeniable that the functionality other than the original fanning purpose decreases.

[0003] In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a folding fan in which a light-emitting diode is incorporated into a main rib formed of a light-transmissive material such as transparent plastic to impart light-emitting properties. A wide battery storage part is formed at the end part on the main side of the main rib. Patent Document 2 discloses a multifunctional folding fan in which a case is provided on the main side of the folding fan to house a light-emitting diode, and the light of the light-emitting diode is guided to an optical fiber embedded in the main rib or the middle rib to emit light. A battery case imitating a tassel decoration is suspended below the case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, while conventional folding fans can be used at night or in dimly lit places, they are designed simply to emit light and do not have a meaningful display function, such as speaking for the user's feelings. In this respect, they are no different from cheering goods such as light-up sticks used at indoor and outdoor concerts.

[0006] The folding fan has an ancient aspect, as seen in its use in Japanese dance, and therefore continues to give a sense of traditional charm to its users. However, the folding fans described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 place emphasis on their light-emitting function, for example by forming the ribs from transparent plastic and providing a battery storage section on the main side, and it cannot be denied that the original elegance of the folding fan is diminished in both appearance and style.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and its object is to provide a folding fan that retains the inherent elegance of the folding fan while being capable of displaying meaningful text and other information, thereby improving its multi-functionality and expanding its range of uses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the folding fan (2) of the present invention is a folding fan comprising a pair of ribs (4, 6), a plurality of ribs (8) arranged between the pair of ribs (4, 6), a pivot (10) penetrating each base end of the pair of ribs (4, 6) and the plurality of ribs (8), and a bellows-shaped sheet body (12) foldably attached to the pair of ribs (4, 6) and the plurality of ribs (8), and is characterized by having a plurality of planar light-emitting elements (16) arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the ribs (8) in each folding portion (12b) of the sheet body (12) where the ribs (8) are not present, a power source (18) that supplies power to the plurality of light-emitting elements (16), and a control unit (20) that controls the lighting of the plurality of light-emitting elements (16) based on display data.

[0009] The folding fan according to the present invention is capable of displaying meaningful information even in dark places, contributing to improved multi-functionality and an expanded range of uses.

[0010] Further, in the above-mentioned fan (2), at least a plurality of intermediate ribs (8) among the pair of main ribs (4, 6) and the plurality of intermediate ribs (8) may be formed of titanium or a titanium alloy. According to this, a high-class feeling can be produced and the strength and durability can be improved.

[0011] Further, in the above-mentioned fan (2), the power source (18) and the control unit (20) may be arranged in an embedded state in the main ribs (4, 6). According to this, while maintaining the external elegance of the fan, the improvement of multi-functionality and the expansion of the application range can be achieved.

[0012] Further, in the above-mentioned fan (2), it may be configured to have communication means (22) for inputting and updating display data from the outside. According to this, a non-boring display can be performed.

[0013] Further, in the above-mentioned fan (2), the communication means (22) may be arranged in an embedded state in the main ribs (4, 6). According to this, while maintaining the external elegance of the fan, the improvement of multi-functionality and the expansion of the application range can be achieved.

[0014] Further, in the above-mentioned fan (2), the light-emitting element (16) may be an OLED. According to this, the bulkiness when the fan is folded can be avoided, and the appearance can be prevented from looking inferior.

[0015] In addition, in the above-mentioned fan (34), a plurality of second light-emitting elements (L1 to Ln) are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the non-power-source (18) and non-control-unit (20) parent rib (6) of the pair of parent ribs (4, 6), and arranged to emit light toward the outside of the parent rib (6). A second power source (38) for supplying power to the plurality of second light-emitting elements (L1 to Ln), an angle sensor (40), and a second control unit (42) for controlling the lighting of the plurality of second light-emitting elements (L1 to Ln) based on second display data and angle information from the angle sensor (40) may be provided. According to this, by shaking in the folded state, afterimage characters can be formed in the air, or it can be used as a guiding light, enabling an improvement in multifunctionality and a further expansion of the application range.

[0016] In addition, in the above-mentioned fan (34), the second power source (38), the second control unit (42), and the angle sensor (4) may be arranged in an embedded state in the parent rib (6). According to this, it is possible to improve multifunctionality and the application range further while maintaining the elegant appearance of the fan.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the fan of the present invention, while maintaining the original elegance of the fan, it is possible to display meanings such as characters even in a dark place, contributing to an improvement in multifunctionality and an expansion of the application range.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

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Figure 10

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 shows the unfolded state of the folding fan 2 having a light-emitting display function according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows the folded state. As shown in FIG. 1, the folding fan 2 includes a pair of main bones 4 and 6, a plurality of middle bones 8 formed thinner and narrower than the pair of main bones 4 and 6 and disposed between the pair of main bones 4 and 6, a pivot 10 that integrally penetrates each base end portion of the pair of main bones 4 and 6 and the plurality of middle bones 8 and is rotatable, and a bellows-like sheet body 12 that is foldably fixed to the pair of main bones 4 and 6 and the plurality of middle bones 8. A plurality of planar light-emitting elements 16 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction (radial direction) of the middle bones 8 on the back surface of each folding portion 12b where the middle bones 8 do not exist in the sheet body 12, a button battery 18 as a power source for supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting elements 16, a control unit 20 that controls the lighting of the plurality of light-emitting elements 16 based on display data, and a communication device 22 as a communication means for inputting and updating display data from the outside.

[0021] The pair of parent bones 4 and 6 and the plurality of intermediate bones 8 are formed of titanium or a titanium alloy. Although a folding fan is generally formed of bamboo, wood, etc., titanium is more malleable than bamboo or wood and does not break. Also, the luster and texture unique to metal can give a sense of luxury. Furthermore, it also has the advantage that the perceived temperature when fanning is lower than that of bamboo or wood.

[0022] The sheet body 12 which is the fan surface (base paper) is formed of a light-transmissive paper-based material, and has a bellows structure in which the tapered portions of the intermediate bones 8 are fixed to the folding portions 12a and the light-emitting elements 16 are fixed to the folding portions 12b alternately repeat. One end portion (the right end portion in the figure) of the sheet body 12 has its surface fixed to the inner surface when the parent bone 4 is folded, and the other end portion (the left end portion in the figure) has its back surface fixed to the inner surface when the parent bone 6 is folded. As is clear from FIG. 2, the button battery 18, the control unit 20, and the communication device 22 are arranged in a buried state from the inner surface side within the thickness of the parent bone 4. The light-emitting element 16 in the present embodiment is composed of a thin-film OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) from the viewpoint of suppressing the bulkiness (thickness change) when the folding fan 2 is folded. OLED is also referred to as organic EL.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of light-emitting elements 16 are connected by a passive matrix wiring pattern printed with conductive ink (omitted in FIG. 1). The row lines (1···n) are driven by an X driver 24 connected to the - pole of the button battery 18, and the column lines (1···m) are driven by a Y driver 26 connected to the + pole of the button battery 18. Each intersection of the passive matrix wiring is insulated. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 20 includes a microcomputer 28, a memory 30 such as a flash memory in which display data is stored, an X driver 24, and a Y driver 26. The microcomputer 28 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, etc. The power is turned on and off by a switch (not shown) provided in a buried state on the outer surface side of the parent bone 4.

[0024] The CPU of the microcomputer 28 reads out the lighting control program stored in the ROM, reads the display data stored in the memory 30, and writes it into the RAM. Based on the written display data, the read program is executed to control the X driver 24 and the Y driver 26. The microcomputer 28 functions as an input means for inputting external display data via the communication device 22, an update means for updating the display data stored in the memory 30 with the externally input display data, and a control means for controlling the X driver 24 and the Y driver 26 based on the updated display data. The speed at which the CPU executes instructions is determined by a clock signal from a clock generation unit (not shown).

[0025] An example of controlling the lighting of an arbitrary light-emitting element 16 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when a signal for connecting line 3 of the Y driver 26 to the + electrode of the button battery 18 and a signal for connecting line 2 of the X driver 24 to the - electrode of the button battery 18 are output from the microcomputer 28, line 3 of the Y driver 26 becomes + and line 2 of the X driver 24 becomes -, and current flows as indicated by the arrow, causing the light-emitting element 16 located at the intersection of each indicator line to light up (shown in black). In this way, a plurality of light-emitting elements 16 are selectively or simultaneously controlled to light up based on the display data. FIG. 5 shows an example of displaying the character "Fight" of a cheering message. It is also possible to give an illumination function by intermittently lighting and flashing a plurality of light-emitting elements 16.

[0026] As described above, in the folding fan 2 according to the present embodiment, all of the control unit 20 and the like that control the lighting of the button battery 18 and the light-emitting element 16 are housed within the thickness of the main rib 4 and are not visible from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to display meaningful characters, patterns, etc. even in a dark place without impairing the original appearance and elegance of the folding fan. In addition, since a thin-film OLED is used as the light-emitting element 16, there is almost no bulk when folded. The opening on the inner surface side of the main rib 4 in which the control unit 20 and the like are embedded is blocked by fixing the end of the sheet body 12, preventing it from falling out.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, by inputting new display data from the smartphone 32 in short-range communication via the communication device 22 to update the display data stored in the memory 30 and controlling the X driver 24 and the Y driver 26 based on the updated display data, it is possible to avoid a single pattern of display and perform a non-fatiguing display. A switch provided on the parent bone 4 in the smartphone 32 may be replaced.

[0028] The surfaces of a pair of parent bones 4 and 6 and a plurality of middle bones 8 formed of titanium or a titanium alloy may be coated with, for example, a photocatalyst mainly composed of titania phosphate. In this way, antiviral, antibacterial, and deodorizing effects can be obtained over a long period, and the safety and security in an environment where infectious diseases such as the new coronavirus spread can be improved. Further, a film that suppresses the onset of metal allergy may be formed in at least the region of the pair of parent bones 4 and 6 and the plurality of middle bones 8 that comes into contact with the human body. For example, it is a film produced by a polymerization reaction from a silicon resin and / or a silicon oligomer and an alkoxysilane. In this way, even a person with a metal allergy can use it without worry.

[0029] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. The same parts or parts that can be regarded as the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of the configurations and functions already made will be omitted as appropriate.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the folding fan 34 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) as second light emitting elements that are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the parent bone 6 on the parent bone 6 where the button battery 18 and the control unit 20 are not arranged among the pair of parent bones 4 and 6 and that emit light toward the outside of the parent bone 6, a button battery 38 as a second power source that supplies power to the plurality of chip LEDs (L1 to Ln), an angle sensor 40, a second control unit 42 that controls lighting of the plurality of chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) based on second display data different from the display data of the first embodiment and angle information from the angle sensor 40, and a communication device 44 as communication means for inputting and updating the second display data from the outside. The second display data is stored in a memory 48.

[0031] The plurality of chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) are arranged in an embedded state from the outer surface side of the parent bone 6 into the thickness of the parent bone 6. The light emitting side (the outer surface side of the parent bone 6) of the chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) is covered with a translucent light transmissive film (not shown) so that the presence of the chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) cannot be clearly visually recognized from the outside. An angle sensor 40, a button battery 38, a second control unit 42, and a communication device 44 are arranged in an embedded state from the inner surface side of the parent bone 6 in a portion of the parent bone 6 below the sheet body 12, and the opening is blocked with a sheet (not shown) to prevent falling out.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, the second control unit 42 includes a microcomputer 46, a memory 48 such as a flash memory for storing second display data, and a lighting driver 50. The microcomputer 48 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, and the like. At the lower end of the parent bone 6, there are a start button 52 for setting the start angle (0°; reference position) of character display, a mode switch 54 for switching between power ON / OFF, character display mode, and full lighting mode, and a select switch 56 for selecting the type of display character or the emission color of full lighting. These are provided in an embedded state with a part protruding from the outer surface of the parent bone 6. These are connected to the microcomputer 48 via an interface. The electrical connection between the plurality of chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) and the second control unit 42 and the like is made by a wiring pattern printed on the inner surface of the parent bone 6 with conductive ink.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the storage state of character display data stored in the memory 48. Here, the case of displaying characters by swinging the folding fan 34 in a fan shape from 0 to 60° is exemplified. The address division of the memory 48 is such that, for example, the X-axis is at an angle from 0° to 60° every 2°, and the Y-axis is a coordinate division corresponding to the chip LEDs (L1 to Ln). The microcomputer 46 reads the data of Y1 to Yn of the Y coordinate based on the angle information from the angle sensor 40, and lights up the chip LEDs corresponding to, for example, the shaded portion in FIG. 8. These character display data can be connected to the smartphone 32 or personal computer shown in FIG. 7 and updated. In the above description, the case of lighting or not lighting as data has been described, but the memory address can be multiplexed, for example, it may be configured with lighting data 21-1 and display color data 21-2, 21-3, ···, 21-n.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of character display when the folding fan 34 is swung as described above. FIG. 9 is an example of displaying characters using the entire width of the screen, but the size of the characters can be made smaller and displayed in two rows, or a simple image can be displayed.

[0035] FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram when character display is performed using the fan 34. In FIG. 10, the display of the second control unit 42 and the like is omitted. First, turn on the power with the mode changeover switch 54. Then, hold the fan 34 at the reference position (the left end in the figure) of the preset character display angle (here, 60°), and press the start button 52 to set the basic angle (0°). The microcomputer 46 associates the angle information from the angle sensor 40 with the preset and stored waving angle (here, 60°). When the fan 34 is waved from the reference position (angle 0°) to the right in the figure as viewed by the viewer so that the characters are written from left to right, the chip LEDs corresponding to the display data of the angle of the X-axis and the Y coordinate emit light one after another, and an afterimage remains in the eye and characters are displayed in space. When the fan 34 is waved 60° to the right, all the display characters are displayed. In FIG. 10, for example, an example of displaying the characters "bye-bye" when saying goodbye to a friend is shown. Since only the data up to 60° is stored in the memory 48 even if the fan 34 is waved beyond the waving angle of 60°, the chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) beyond that do not emit light.

[0036] The fan 34 waved at an angle of 60° or more is then waved to the left, and the space characters are displayed in the reverse direction from the characters on the right side of the "bye-bye" characters in the direction from 60° to the initially set angle of 0°, and the reverse characters are not displayed. In this way, by using the fan 34 according to the present embodiment, if the angle is within or exceeds the set angle range, the light-emitting element emits light for each waving angle, so that even if the waving speed is not constant, the display characters do not shrink or stretch, and are normally and easily visible. If all the chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) are turned on and waved, for example, a caution display can be made to the following vehicles when a car breaks down on the road.

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, the specification, and the drawings. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the connection circuit of the light-emitting element 16 is a passive matrix method, but it may also be an active matrix method using thin film transistors (TFTs). The means for inputting display data from the outside is not limited to the smartphone 32, and a personal computer may also be used. The materials of the main ribs 4, 6, and the intermediate rib 8 are not limited to titanium or titanium alloy, and other metals that give a high-class feeling, bamboo, wood, or plastic may also be used. A plurality of light-emitting elements 16 may be mixed with those having different emission colors (R, G, B).

[0038] Also, in order to suppress the inferior appearance due to the visibility of the presence of the light-emitting element 16, the back surface side of the light-emitting element 16 may be covered with a sheet material or the like that is the same as or different from the sheet body 12. The light-emitting element 16 is not limited to an organic EL that can be bent and deformed, and may be a light-emitting element that cannot be bent and deformed as long as it is thin. Further, although the lighting control of the plurality of light-emitting elements 16 and the plurality of chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) is performed by separate control configurations, the control unit 20 may also serve as the lighting control for both. That is, all the power supplies, control units, etc. may be integrated into one of the main ribs 4.

[0039] Also, a bag-shaped tassel may be hung below the main part 10, and a power supply, a control unit, etc. may be integrally housed in the tassel. In this way, only switches can be provided on the main ribs 4, 6 to achieve a simple configuration, and a large-capacity power supply such as a lithium polymer battery that cannot be housed in the main ribs 4, 6, that is, a power supply that can increase the brightness of the light-emitting element 16 and the chip LEDs (L1 to Ln) can be housed in a state where it cannot be visually recognized from the outside.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0040] 2, 34 Fan 4, 6 A pair of main ribs 8 Intermediate rib 10 Main part 12 Sheet body 16 OLED (Light-emitting element) 18 button battery (power source) 20 control unit 22, 44 communication device (communication means) 30, 48 memory 38 button battery (second power source) 40 angle sensor 42 second control unit L1~Ln chip LED (second light-emitting element)

Claims

1. A pair of main ribs, A plurality of intermediate ribs disposed between the pair of main ribs, A shaft passing through each proximal end portion of the pair of main ribs and the plurality of intermediate ribs, A folding fan comprising the pair of main ribs and a bellows-shaped sheet body fixedly attached to the pair of main ribs and the plurality of intermediate ribs in a foldable manner, A plurality of planar light-emitting elements disposed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate ribs at each folding portion of the sheet body where the intermediate ribs do not exist, A power source for supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting elements, A control unit for controlling lighting of the plurality of light-emitting elements based on display data, A folding fan, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The folding fan according to claim 1, wherein at least the plurality of intermediate ribs among the pair of main ribs and the plurality of intermediate ribs are formed of titanium or a titanium alloy.

3. The folding fan according to claim 1, wherein the power source and the control unit are disposed in an embedded state in the main rib.

4. The folding fan according to claim 1, further comprising communication means for inputting and updating the display data from the outside.

5. The folding fan according to claim 4, wherein the communication means is disposed in an embedded state in the main rib.

6. The folding fan according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light-emitting element is an OLED.

7. A plurality of second light-emitting elements disposed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main rib on the main rib where the power source and the control unit are not disposed among the pair of main ribs and emitting light outwardly of the main rib, A second power source for supplying power to the plurality of second light-emitting elements, An angle sensor, A second control unit for controlling lighting of the plurality of second light-emitting elements based on second display data and angle information from the angle sensor, The folding fan according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the above.

8. The folding fan according to claim 7, wherein the second power source, the second control unit and the angle sensor are disposed in an embedded state in the main rib.

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