Light source unit for insect attraction

Abstract

To provide a light source unit for insect attraction that can more reliably attract crawling insects in order to solve such a problem that, in a case where flying insects or crawling insects enter a factory or the like, they must be quickly captured, although development of insect traps (light source units for insect attraction) targeting the flying insects has advanced since the flying insects have a higher rate of entry, development of insect traps (light source units for insect attraction) targeting the crawling insects has not progressed.SOLUTION: A light source unit for insect attraction for attracting crawling insects comprises: an LED that radiates light; an LED substrate on which the LED is mounted; a lower reflecting plate on which the LED substrate is mounted and which reflects light emitted from the LED; and a light guide plate which guides the light emitted from the LED. The light guide plate has a dome-shaped portion, and the LED is disposed inside the dome-shaped portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insect-attracting light source unit, and more particularly to an insect-attracting light source unit used in an insect trap for capturing walking insects.

Background Art

[0002] An insect-attracting light source unit attracts insects by light and is a component constituting an insect trap. Insects are attracted by the insect-attracting light source unit and captured by an adhesive sheet or the like provided in the insect trap. Note that light includes not only visible light rays that can be perceived by humans but also ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, and other electromagnetic waves, and is light in a broad sense that affects the sensory organs of organisms.

[0003] Insects may enter factories or the like, and in that case, they may be mixed as foreign substances in products. Therefore, factories and the like are designed to prevent the intrusion of insects, but insects may enter due to the entry and exit of people and objects, and it is impossible to completely eliminate the intrusion of insects. Therefore, an insect trap is installed to capture the insects that have entered.

[0004] When roughly classifying insects generated inside factories or the like and insects that enter from the outside, they can be divided into flying insects and walking insects. As for the insects that enter factories or the like, the proportion of flying insects is higher, so most insect traps are for capturing flying insects, and there is a situation where the development of insect traps for capturing walking insects has not advanced.

[0005] As an insect trap that attracts insects by light, for example, an insect trap that emits ultraviolet light from the front surface of a light guide plate by arranging an ultraviolet lamp facing the end surface of the light guide plate is known (Patent Document 1). The insect trap described in Patent Document 1 attracts insects by causing the light guide plate to emit surface light with an ultraviolet lamp. In addition, a reflective tape is attached to the edge portion to emit light on the surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-180220 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, since the insect trap of Patent Document 1 mainly aims to capture flying insects by causing a light guide plate to emit surface light, the insect attracting effect on walking insects is weak.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the problems in such conventional inventions, and an object of the present invention is to provide an insect attracting light source unit for more surely attracting walking insects. Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention comprises at least the following configuration or executes the following procedure.

[0010] The insect attracting light source unit of the present invention is an insect attracting light source unit for attracting walking insects, and includes an LED that irradiates light, an LED substrate on which the LED is mounted, a lower reflecting plate that mounts the LED substrate and reflects the light irradiated from the LED, and a light guide plate that guides the light irradiated from the LED, wherein the light guide plate has a hole portion, and the LED is disposed in the hole portion. With such a configuration, since light can be irradiated from the edge (edge portion) of the light guide plate, light can be irradiated in the side direction. Thereby, walking insects can be attracted more surely.

[0011] Preferably, an upper reflecting plate is disposed above the LED. With such a configuration, since the light irradiated from the LED in the upper direction can be guided to the light guide plate, it is strongly emitted from the edge portion, and walking insects can be attracted more surely.

[0012] Also preferably, the lower reflector is an aluminum plate. With such a configuration, since the light irradiated from the LED, particularly ultraviolet light, can be reflected, stronger light can be irradiated from the edge portion of the light guide plate. Further, since the lower reflector (aluminum plate) absorbs and dissipates the heat generated from the LED, failures due to heat can be reduced.

[0013] Also preferably, the light guide plate is characterized in that it is processed for surface light emission. With such a configuration, since the surface portion of the light guide plate emits light, not only walking insects but also flying insects can be easily attracted.

[0014] Also preferably, a black seal, black paint, or light shielding plate is arranged on the surface portion of the light guide plate so as to form a shadow portion. With such a configuration, since a shadow is formed on the surface portion of the light guide plate, insects that prefer the shadow portion can be more attracted.

[0015] Also preferably, a phosphor or fluorescent paint is arranged on the surface portion of the light guide plate. With such a configuration, light having a wavelength different from that of the light emitted from the LED can be added and irradiated, so that various insects can be more attracted. This is because when the light irradiated from the LED irradiates the phosphor or the like, light of various wavelengths is irradiated from the phosphor or the like.

[0016] The insect attracting light source unit of the present invention is an insect attracting light source unit for attracting walking insects, and includes an LED that irradiates light, an LED substrate on which the LED is mounted, a lower reflector that mounts the LED substrate and reflects the light irradiated from the LED, and a light guide plate that guides the light irradiated from the LED, wherein the light guide plate has a dome-shaped portion, and the LED is arranged in the dome-shaped portion. With such a configuration, since light can be irradiated from the edge (edge portion) of the light guide plate, light can be irradiated in the side direction. Thereby, insects can be more surely attracted. Further, light can be irradiated in a horizontal direction with respect to the floor surface, and light at a low position can be propagated far.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] As described above, according to the present invention, by irradiating light in a space at a height that is easy to enter the visual organs of walking insects, walking insects can be more surely attracted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely specific examples for carrying out the present invention, and do not limitatively interpret the present invention.

[0020] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a plan view of an insect attracting light source unit 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each component of the insect attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the periphery of an LED of the insect attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The insect attracting light source unit 100 includes an LED 110 that irradiates light, an LED substrate 120 on which the LED 110 is mounted, a lower reflector 130 that mounts the LED substrate 120 and reflects the light irradiated from the LED 110, and a light guide plate 140 that guides the light irradiated from the LED 110. In addition, it includes an upper reflector 150 that reflects the light irradiated upward from the LED 110. The light guide plate 140 has a hole 141 near the center, and the LED 110 is disposed in the hole 141. The upper reflector 150 is disposed above the LED 110, reflects the light irradiated from the LED 110, and guides the light to the end face of the light guide plate 140 so that the light does not escape upward. The light irradiated from the LED 110 passes through the light guide plate 140 and is irradiated from the edge portion of the light guide plate 140. Since the light is irradiated from the edge portion, the light is irradiated horizontally over 360 degrees, which is easy for walking insects to recognize. Therefore, walking insects can be attracted more reliably. In addition, the insect attracting light source unit 100 also includes a power source 160 for causing the LED 110 to emit light.

[0021] LED110 uses a commercially available product. Note that the power supply 160 for LED110 can be of the type that directly connects a wire from an outlet, or it can be a rechargeable battery or the like. If it is of the type that directly connects a wire from an outlet, there is no need to charge. On the other hand, if a battery or the like is used, it is convenient to carry around, but it becomes necessary to charge it regularly. Therefore, it is advisable to use them appropriately according to the need.

[0022] The LED substrate 120 is a substrate for mounting the LED110 and is formed of a resin material. Note that it may be formed of a metal material instead of a resin material. When a metal material is used, it becomes easier to dissipate the heat generated from the LED110, so it is possible to prevent failures due to heat. Also, it is preferable to apply a coating that reflects ultraviolet rays.

[0023] The light guide plate 140 is for diffusing the light irradiated from the LED110 360 degrees in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the light guide plate 140 has holes 141, and the light irradiated from the LED110 disposed in the holes 141 enters the side wall surface of the holes 141, and the light is radiated from the edge portion of the light guide plate 140. Thereby, the light can be diffused 360 degrees in the horizontal direction so as to attract walking insects. When the LED110 is disposed in the holes 141, it is disposed so that the LED110 fits within the holes 141. By disposing it in this way, the light irradiated from the LED110 easily enters the light guide plate 140.

[0024] The light guide plate 140 may be processed so that light is irradiated from the surface of the light guide plate 140. Specifically, the surface of the light guide plate 140 may be scratched with a laser, grooved, or printed with a dot pattern. As a result, light is reflected at the processed areas and irradiated from the surface. Furthermore, if the surface is processed so that light is emitted from the surface, fluorescent paint may be applied to the surface of the light guide plate 140, or a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material may be disposed thereon. When light irradiated from the LED 110 is irradiated onto fluorescent paint or the like, a wavelength different from the wavelength irradiated from the LED 110 is emitted from the fluorescent paint or the like, which can better attract various (different species of) insects that detect different wavelengths.

[0025] Furthermore, since the light guide plate 140 is made of synthetic resin, measures must be taken to prevent deterioration due to ultraviolet rays and heat. By placing the LED 110 in the center of the hole 141, light is irradiated evenly around the circumference of the hole 141's edge, preventing the highly directional LED 110 from focusing, thereby delaying deterioration due to ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, by leaving a gap between the central LED 110 and the edge of the hole 141, heat conduction can be reduced, delaying thermal deterioration. Furthermore, by placing the LED 110 parallel to the ground (floor), it can be irradiated horizontally. This increases attraction because the light is irradiated at approximately the same height as the visual position of walking insects.

[0026] The upper reflector 150 is disposed above the LEDs 110 and is disposed so as to cover the holes 141 provided in the light guide plate 140. The upper reflector 150 reflects the light emitted from the LEDs 110 and guides the light toward the light guide plate 140. The upper reflector 150 is made of aluminum, which easily reflects the light from the LEDs 110.

[0027] The lower reflector 130, on which the LED substrate 120 is mounted, is made of aluminum. Since the lower reflector 130 is made of aluminum, it can absorb and dissipate heat emitted from the LEDs 110. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent breakdowns due to heat.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which light is irradiated in a 360-degree direction from the insect-attracting light source unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which light is irradiated in a 360-degree direction from the end portion of the light guide plate of the insect-attracting light source unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The light emitted from LED 110 is irradiated in a 360-degree direction. Further, since the light passes through the light guide plate 140 and is irradiated from the end portion of the light guide plate 140, walking insects can be more surely attracted.

[0029] <Second Embodiment> Next, the insect-attracting light source unit 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those of the insect-attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, mainly, a configuration different from that of the insect-attracting light source unit 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an insect attracting light source unit 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross section of the insect attracting light source unit 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The insect attracting light source unit 200 includes an LED 110 that irradiates light, an LED substrate 120 on which the LED 110 is mounted, a lower reflector 130 that mounts the LED substrate 120 and reflects the light irradiated from the LED 110, and a light guide plate 140 that guides the light irradiated from the LED 110. The light guide plate 140 has a dome-shaped portion 142, and an upper reflector 150 is disposed near the apex thereof. The LED 110 is disposed within the dome-shaped portion 142. Further, since the light guide plate 140 has the dome-shaped portion 142, the light irradiated from the LED 110 travels along the shape of the dome-shaped portion 142. Thereby, light is irradiated from the edge portion of the light guide plate 140. The upper reflector 150 may be bent along the shape of the dome-shaped portion 142. In this case, the upper reflector 150 can be stably installed. Also, a plurality of upper reflectors 150 may be installed. Although not shown, the insect attracting light source unit 200 also includes a power source 160 for causing the LED 110 to emit light. The light that has passed through the ceiling portion of the dome-shaped portion 142 hits a reflector and propagates inwardly of the light guide plate 140. The light guide plate 140 is made of acrylic and has a higher refractive index than air. Therefore, the light reflects and propagates at the interface with air and is emitted from the end face of the light guide plate 140.

[0031] The dome-shaped portion 142 is hemispherical. Further, the dome-shaped portion 142 is integrally formed with the light guide plate 140, but is not limited thereto, and may be separately formed later.

[0032] <Third Embodiment> Next, an insect attracting light source unit 300 according to a third embodiment will be described. For the same configurations as those of the insect attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are given, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In the present embodiment, mainly, configurations different from those of the insect attracting light source unit 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the insect attracting light source unit 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The hole 141 of the insect attracting light source unit 300 is not penetrating the light guide plate 140, and the hole 141 is provided only halfway. The upper reflector 150 is fitted into the hole 141 portion, where it reflects the light from the LED 110 and is configured to irradiate light from the edge portion of the light guide plate 140.

[0034] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the insect attracting light source unit 400 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. For the same configurations as those of the insect attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals will be used and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, mainly, the configurations different from those of the insect attracting light source unit 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the insect attracting light source unit 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the insect attracting light source unit 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The insect attracting light source unit 400 includes three LEDs 110. The LEDs 110 are arranged at equal intervals. By arranging them in this way, light can be irradiated over a wide range, so that insects can be attracted more reliably. Note that two or three or more LEDs 110 may be arranged as appropriate.

[0036] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, the insect attracting light source unit 500 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. For the same configurations as those of the insect attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals will be used and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, mainly, the configurations different from those of the insect attracting light source unit 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an insect attracting light source unit 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a view showing a cross section of the insect attracting light source unit 500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. A shadow portion 143 is provided on the surface portion of the light guide plate 140 of the insect attracting light source unit 500. Since a groove or the like is provided on the surface portion of the light guide plate 140 of the insect attracting light source unit 500, when the LED 110 emits light, the light hits the portion such as the groove, and the surface portion of the light guide plate 140 emits light. Since a black seal or black paint is applied to the surface portion of the light guide plate 140, or a light shielding plate is arranged, a shadow portion 143 is generated when the surface portion emits light. Among insects, there are insects that prefer the shadow portion, so these insects can be attracted more reliably.

Industrial Applicability

[0038] The insect attracting light source unit according to the present invention can irradiate light 360 degrees in the horizontal direction, so that walking insects can be attracted more reliably. Therefore, if the insect attracting light source unit according to the present invention is incorporated into an insect trap, walking insects can be trapped more reliably. Therefore, it is particularly useful when used in a food factory or the like. Also, depending on the installation location and installation method, it can be a light source for attracting insects including flying insects as well as walking insects.

Explanation of Signs

[0039] 100 200 300 400 500 Insect attracting light source unit 110 LED 120 LED substrate 130 Lower reflector 140 Light guide plate 141 Hole portion 142 Dome-shaped portion 143 Shadow portion 150 Upper reflector 160 Power supply

Claims

1. An insect-attracting light source unit for attracting walking insects, comprising: an LED that emits light; an LED substrate on which the LED is mounted; a lower reflector that mounts the LED substrate and reflects the light emitted from the LED; a light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the LED, wherein the light guide plate has a dome-shaped portion, and the LED is disposed within the dome-shaped portion. The insect-attracting light source unit is characterized by this.

2. The insect-attracting light source unit according to claim 1, wherein an upper reflector is disposed above the LED.

3. The insect-attracting light source unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lower reflector is an aluminum plate.

4. The insect-attracting light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light guide plate is processed for surface emission.

5. The insect-attracting light source unit according to claim 4, wherein a black seal, black paint, or a light-shielding plate is disposed on the surface portion of the light guide plate so as to form a shaded portion.

6. The insect-attracting light source unit according to claim 4, wherein a phosphor or fluorescent paint is disposed on the surface portion of the light guide plate.

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