Indication lamp

Abstract

To provide an indication lamp in which a screw does not protrude on the back surface of a housing, and which allows a light source module to be replaced easily.SOLUTION: An indication lamp 100 includes: a flat plate-like light source module 8; a housing 2 having a mounting surface 20a of the light source module 8; at least one fixing member 10 which crosses the light source module 8 and sandwiches the light source module 8 between itself and the mounting surface 20a and fixes it to the housing 2; and positioning means 6 for restricting the movement of the light source module 8 on the mounting surface 20a. The housing 2 includes: a mounting part 12 formed on one side of the positioned light source module 8, and configured for mounting the fixing member 10 so as to rotate around an axis extending in the direction crossing the direction crossing the light source module 8; and a part 14 to be engaged which is formed on the other side opposing to the mounting part 12, and with which tip parts 10a1, 10a2 of the fixing member 10 is engaged. The fixing member 10 is engaged with the part 14 to be engaged by the action of an elastic force, and fixes the light source module 8 to the housing 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indicator light, and more particularly to a mounting structure for a light source module of an indicator light that emits light toward one side. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a thin indicator lamp has been known that includes a light source module in which an LED light source is mounted on a substrate, the light source module is attached to the rear wall of a container-shaped housing that opens forward, and the opening of the lamp body is closed with an outer lens, so that light is emitted only from one side (Patent Document 1, etc.). Such indicator lamps are used by attaching them to walls, pillars, ceilings, etc.

[0003] As disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like, in conventional indicator lamps, the light source module is generally attached to the housing by screwing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-351427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the light source module is fixed with screws as in Patent Document 1, the tip of the screw protrudes from the rear of the housing, i.e., the back side of the rear wall. For this reason, in actual products, it is necessary to ingeniously recess the area near the screw mounting portion on the rear of the housing so that the screw does not protrude from the rear end of the outer periphery of the rear wall. Furthermore, when fixing with screws, there is a risk of losing the screw when replacing the light source module, which makes the work time-consuming. For this reason, there has been a demand for an indicator light in which the screw does not protrude from the rear of the housing and in which the light source module can be easily replaced.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an indicator light in which no screws protrude from the rear surface of the housing and in which the light source module can be easily replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an indicator light according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] 1. A housing comprising a flat light source module having at least one light source, a housing having a mounting surface for the light source module, at least one fixing member that crosses the light source module and fixes it to the housing by sandwiching it between the housing and the mounting surface, and a positioning means that restricts movement of the light source module within the mounting surface, wherein the housing has an attachment portion formed on one side of the light source module positioned on the mounting surface, for attaching the fixing member rotatably around an axis extending in a direction intersecting the direction crossing the light source module, and an engaged portion formed on the other side opposite the attachment portion, with which the tip of the fixing member engages, and the fixing member is configured to engage with the engaged portion by the action of elastic force to fix the light source module to the housing.

[0009] 2. Furthermore, in the configuration of 1 above, it is also preferable that the fixing member is a wire spring formed in a U-shape, and is attached to the mounting portion at the curved portion of the U-shape, with the two tip ends being free ends, and that two engaged portions corresponding to the two tip ends are formed as the engaged portions, and that the two tip ends are respectively biased against the two corresponding engaged portions, thereby causing an elastic force to act outward from the U-shape and engage.

[0010] 3. In the second aspect above, it is also preferable that the fixing member of the filigree spring has a rounded tip.

[0011] 4. In the above-mentioned aspects 1 or 2, it is also preferable that the fixing member be curved so as to move away from the mounting surface as it extends from the mounting portion toward the tip portion when the fixing member is disengaged from the two corresponding engaged portions.

[0012] 5. In the above aspects 1 to 4, it is also preferable that the attachment portion is provided below the light source module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide an indicator light in which no screws protrude from the rear surface of the housing and the light source module can be easily replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view of an indicator lamp according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the indicator lamp with the front cover removed. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the indicator lamp with the front cover removed, where FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the indicator lamp with the front cover removed, taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of the indicator lamp with the front cover and light source module removed. [Figure 7] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams illustrating a procedure for fixing the light source module in the indicator lamp. [Figure 8] 1A is a front view of a fixing member that constitutes an indicator lamp according to one modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the same. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the indicator lamp according to the modified example with the front cover removed, and corresponds to FIG. 3(A). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of an indicator lamp according to another modified example of the first embodiment, with the front cover removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view of an indicator lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention with a front cover removed. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of the indicator lamp with the front cover removed, where (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIA-XIIA in FIG. 11, (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIB-XIIB in FIG. 11, and (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIC-XIIC in FIG. [Figure 13] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams illustrating a procedure for fixing the light source module in the indicator lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

[0016] In addition, in the description of the embodiments and modifications, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0017] (First embodiment) Indicator Light Configuration First, the configuration of a signal light 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the signal light 100, Figure 2 is a front view of the signal light 100 with the front cover 4 removed, and Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the same, with Figure 3(A) being a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIA-IIIA in Figure 2, Figure 3(B) being a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in Figure 2, and Figure 4 being a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a rear view of the signal light 100, and Figure 6 is a front view of the signal light 100 with the front cover 4 and light source module 8 removed.

[0018] The indicator light 100 is an indicator light that is attached to the wall of a room or a corridor, or to the wall of a vehicle such as a bus or train. As shown in Fig. 1, the indicator light 100 is configured so that a light source module 8 is housed in a thin, box-shaped lamp chamber S formed by a housing 2 and a front cover 4, and emits light forward from one side.

[0019] The housing 2 is a white polycarbonate resin molded product, and is formed into a thin, rectangular container shape that opens forward when viewed from the front. The front cover 4 is a colorless, semi-transparent (milky white) polycarbonate resin molded product, and is formed into a lid shape that matches the front shape of the housing when viewed from the front. The materials of the housing 2 and the front cover are not limited to these, and it is sufficient that the housing 2 is made of an opaque material and the front cover 4 is made of a translucent material.

[0020] 2, a step 22 is formed around the entire periphery at the front end of the peripheral wall 21 of the front opening of the housing 2. A step (not shown) that fits closely with the step of the housing 2 is formed around the entire periphery at the rear end of the peripheral wall 41 of the rear opening of the front cover 4. By fitting the step of the peripheral wall 41 of the rear opening of the front cover 4 into the step 22 of the peripheral wall 21 of the front opening of the housing 2, the front cover 4 can be securely attached to the housing 2.

[0021] The display content 42 of the indicator light 100 is displayed on the surface of the front cover 4 by painting it with translucent paint. In the illustrated example, it simply displays ABC. The display content 42 can be designed as needed, such as letters or pictograms. For example, it may be an emergency exit, a room name, or a display indicating that the room is in use. Furthermore, the display content is not limited to painting, and may be displayed with a translucent sticker. Also, some parts may be opaque.

[0022] Two fixing parts 3 for attaching the indicator light 100 to an attachment location such as a wall are provided on the left and right upper parts of the housing 2. The indicator light 100 is attached to a predetermined attachment location by screwing into holes 3a provided in the fixing parts 3. The fixing parts 3 may be provided as appropriate depending on the attachment location.

[0023] 2, the light source module 8 is attached to the inner surface of the rear wall 20 of the housing 2 so that the light emitted from the light source 81 faces forward. That is, the wall surface opposite the opening of the housing 2 is the attachment surface 20a. The light source module 8 is formed in the shape of a flat plate having a horizontally elongated rectangular shape as a whole when viewed from the front, and three light sources 81 are attached at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] As shown in cross section in FIG. 3, the light source module 8 includes a rear case 82, a front case 83, and a substrate 84 on which a light source 81 is mounted.

[0025] The rear case 82 and the front case 83 are, for example, molded products made of white polycarbonate resin. The rear case 82 and the front case 83 have a shape that defines the overall shape of the light source module 8 when viewed from the front, and recesses 82a and 83a that align with the substrate 84 are formed on opposing surfaces. The substrate 84 has dimensions that are slightly smaller than the overall shape of the light source module 8. The rear case 82 and the front case 83 store the substrate 84 in the space defined by the recesses 82a and 83a.

[0026] A rim 83b that protrudes slightly forward is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the front surface of the front case 83. Fasteners 82b are formed on each of the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the rear case 82. In FIG. 2, the disengaged state of the fastener 82b provided on the top side is shown by a two-dot chain line. The fastener 82b is configured to be bendable in the direction indicated by arrow B from the open state indicated by the two-dot chain line. By engaging the tip of the fastener 82b with the rim 83b of the front case 83, the rear case 82 and the front case 83 are integrated with each other, with the recesses 82a and 83a facing inward. Three circular openings 83c that align with the light source 81 are formed in the front case 83.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the light source 81 includes a light-emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED) 85, an inner lens 86 that is circular in front view and has a spherical surface that protrudes forward, and is arranged in front of the LED 85, and an annular inner lens holding portion 87 that is arranged to surround the LED 85 and holds the inner lens 86, and is mounted on a substrate 84.

[0028] The inner lens 86 has a diameter such that the lens portion fits into the opening 83c of the front case 83. The LED 85, inner lens holder 87, and substrate 84 to which the inner lens 86 is attached are placed on the rear case 82 with the recess 82a facing upward, and the front case 83 is then closed and fastened with fasteners 82b, thereby assembling the light source module 8. As will be described later, the light source module 8 is attached to the housing 2 by sandwiching the light source module 8 between the fixing member 10 and the inner surface of the rear wall 20 of the housing 2, i.e., the mounting surface 20a. When the LED 85 is turned on, light is emitted forward through the inner lens 86, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0029] On the mounting surface 20a, ribs 6 are formed at the center of each of the top, left, and right sides, extending from the peripheral wall 21 of the housing 2 perpendicular to the peripheral wall 21. Ribs 6a are also provided on the mounting portion 12 of the fixing member 10, which will be described later. The ribs 6 and 6a work together to function as positioning means that restrict movement of the light source module 8 on the mounting surface 20a.

[0030] The means for positioning the light source module 8 is not limited to ribs. For example, a recess that matches the outer shape of the light source module 8 may be provided in the rear wall 20 of the housing 2, and the light source module 8 may be positioned by fitting into the recess.

[0031] Alternatively, at least one positioning protrusion may be formed on the mounting surface 20a, and a recess or hole corresponding to the positioning protrusion may be formed in the light source module 8, and the positioning may be achieved by fitting the positioning protrusion into the recess or hole. Other known positioning means may also be used.

[0032] Furthermore, a rectangular connector coupling portion 88 for connecting a power connector (not shown) is formed in the upper left-hand center of the circuit board 84. An opening 83d that is approximately aligned with the connector coupling portion 88 is formed in the front case 83 at a position corresponding to the connector coupling portion 88. This allows the connector coupling portion 88 to be exposed from the front surface of the front case 83 into the lamp chamber S.

[0033] A cable insertion hole 23 is formed in the upper part of the housing 2, at the joint between the rear wall 20 and the peripheral wall 21. This allows the wiring cable 7 of the power connector (not shown in FIG. 2) to be inserted into the cable insertion hole 23 to supply power to the light source module 8.

[0034] Detailed structure around the fixing parts Here, we will explain the detailed configuration of the fixing member 10 and the periphery of the fixing member 10. The fixing member 10 is a U-shaped filament spring with a length that crosses the light source module 8. As the material of the filament spring, known filament spring materials such as stainless steel such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless) and iron wire can be used.

[0035] 2, on the mounting surface 20a, a mounting portion 12 for mounting the fixing member 10 is formed as a standing wall extending inwardly of the lamp chamber S of the light source module and perpendicular to (intersecting with) the longitudinal direction of the light source module 8. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the dimension of the mounting portion 12 in the front-rear direction is set to be larger than the length of the light source module 8 in the front-rear direction mounted on the mounting surface 20a (i.e., the thickness of the light source module 8).

[0036] The mounting portion 12 is continuous at its lower end with the peripheral wall 21 of the housing 2. The front surface of the mounting portion 12 is an arcuate surface that convex toward the inside of the lamp chamber S. A rib 6a with a rectangular vertical cross section is formed integrally with the mounting portion 12 on the side of the mounting portion 12 facing the light source module 8. The rib 6a positions the light source module 8 in cooperation with the above-mentioned rib 6. It is not essential that the rib 6a be formed integrally with the mounting portion 12, but if the rib 6a and the mounting portion 12 are formed integrally, there is no need to provide a separate rib 6 on the bottom side of the housing 2, and therefore the structure of the housing 2 can be simplified.

[0037] The mounting portion 12 has a rectangular recess 12a in rear view that extends forward from the rear surface 20b of the rear wall 20 (FIG. 5). The recess 12a extends slightly forward beyond the thickness of the mounted light source module 8. The recess 12a also extends over the entire length of the mounting portion 12 in the left-right direction, and penetrates the mounting portion 12 in the left-right direction at the portion that protrudes forward from the mounting surface 20a.

[0038] The fixing member 10 is attached such that one of its tip ends 10a1, 10a2 is inserted into a recess 12a that penetrates the mounting portion 12, and the central portion 10b is inserted into the recess 12a. As a result, the fixing member 10 is held by the mounting portion 12 so as to be rotatable about an axis AA (FIGS. 2 and 3A) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the light source module 8, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the direction in which the fixing member 10 crosses the light source module 8. As a result, the fixing member 10 is held so as to be openable and closable relative to the light source module 8. Meanwhile, the tip ends 10a1, 10a2 are free ends when not engaged with the engaging portion 14, which will be described later. Therefore, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3A and the solid line in FIG. 6, when not engaged with the engaging portion 14, the fixing member 10 is held by the mounting portion 12 in a hanging down state, preventing it from falling off.

[0039] On the mounting surface 20a, on the upper side facing the mounting portion 12 via the light source module 8, there is formed an engaged portion 14 with which the tip portions 10a1, 10a2 of the fixing member 10 engage. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the engaged portion 14 is provided with a pair of left and right hooks 14a1, 14a2 that stand forward from the mounting surface 20a and are provided with openings facing inward and facing each other. In addition, in the rear wall 20 of the housing 2, there is formed between the hooks 14a1, 14a2 an opening 14b that is rectangular in rear view (FIG. 5) and whose dimension in the front-to-rear direction is equal to the dimension in the front-to-rear direction of the hooks 14a1, 14a2.

[0040] When the light source module 8 is attached, a pair of left and right tip portions 10a1, 10a2 of the fixing member 10 are engaged with a pair of left and right hooks 14a1, 14a2, respectively. As a result, the fixing member 10 moves vertically across the light source module 8 and sandwiches the light source module 8 between itself and the attachment surface 20a, thereby fixing the light source module 8 to the housing 2.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3 , the longitudinal positions of the axis AA and the hooks 14a1 and 14a2 are set so that the fixing member 10 abuts against the front surface of the light source module 8 when the light source module 8 is attached and secured by the fixing member. Furthermore, the length d1 from the mounting surface 20a to the center of the tip of the fixing member engaged with the hooks 14a1 and 14a2 is designed to be slightly shorter than the length d2 from the mounting surface 20a to the center of the central portion 10b of the fixing member 10 held by the mounting portion 12. As a result, a force pressing the light source module 8 backward acts on the fixing member 10, particularly at the upper portion near the engaged portion 14. This presses the light source module 8 against the mounting surface 20a in a positioned state, securing the light source module 8 to the housing 2. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5 , no screws protrude from the rear surface of the fixing member 10.

[0042] Light source module fixing procedure Next, a procedure for fixing the light source module 8 to the housing 2 using the fixing member 10 will be described. When the fixing member 10 is disengaged from the engaged portion 14, it is held so as to hang down from the mounting portion 12 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 6. When attaching the light source module 8, the worker positions the light source module 8 from the state shown in FIG. 6 and rotates the hanging fixing member 10 to the state shown in FIG. 7A. Next, the worker pinches the tip portions 10a1 and 10a2 with his / her fingers in the direction of arrow D and deforms them inward as shown in FIG. 7B. Then, the tip portions 10a1 and 10a2 are pushed backward from between the hooks 14a1 and 14a2, and then the tip portions 10a1 and 10a2 of the fixing member 10 are released. As a result, the restoring force of the fixing member 10 causes the tip portions 10a1 and 10a2 to engage with the hooks 14a1 and 14a2, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7C.

[0043] The length d3 between hooks 14a1 and 14a2 is set so that the length d4 between tip ends 10a1 and 10a2 of fixing member 10 in the engaged state is slightly shorter than the length d3 between tip ends 10a1 and 10a2 in the disengaged state. As a result, in the engaged state, tip ends 10a1 and 10a2 of fixing member 10 are biased by hooks 14a1 and 14a2, and a restoring force acts on hooks 14a1 and 14a2 in the direction of arrow E in Figure 7(C), i.e., the direction opposite to the disengagement direction, preventing disengagement.

[0044] Conversely, when removing the light source module 8 from the housing 2, the worker first presses the tip ends 10a1 and 10a2 of the fixing member 10 backward from the state shown in Figure 7(C), and then pinches the tip ends 10a1 and 10a2 with his fingers and deforms them inward as shown in Figure 7(B), and pulls them forward through the hooks 14a1 and 14a2 to release the tip ends 10a1 and 10a2 of the fixing member, thereby returning them to the state shown in Figure 7(A).

[0045] As described above, in the indicator lamp 100 according to this embodiment, the fixing member 10 sandwiches the light source module 8 positioned on the mounting surface 20a between the fixing member 10 and the mounting surface 20a, which crosses the light source module 8. This prevents the light source module 8 from falling off the mounting surface 20a, and fixes the light source module 8. The fixing member 10 is made of an elastic member called a wire spring, and is attached to one side of the light source module 8 on the mounting surface 20a so as to be rotatable around an axis AA extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction crossing the light source module. Tip ends 10a1 and 10a2 of the fixing member 10 are elastically engaged with an engaged portion 14 formed on the other side of the housing 2, facing an attachment portion 12 formed on one side of the housing 2 relative to the light source module. In other words, because the fixing member 10 is biased in the direction opposite to the direction of disengagement, the engagement is not easily released in the fixed state.

[0046] With the above configuration, the light source module 8 can be fixed to the housing without using screws in the indicator light 100. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6, no screws protrude from the back surface of the indicator light.

[0047] Furthermore, in the indicator lamp 100, the worker can install the light source module 8 by positioning the light source module 8, pinching the tip portions 10a1, 10a2 of the fixing member 10, and pushing it between the hooks 14a1, 14a2. The restoring force of the U-shaped filigree spring that is the fixing member 10 causes the tip portion of the fixing member (filigree spring) to engage with the engaged portion 14, which reduces the workload compared to conventional screw fastening. Therefore, the work of replacing the light source module 8 is easy.

[0048] Furthermore, since the fixing member 10 is held in the mounting portion 12 even when disengaged from the engaged portion 14, there is no risk of it falling off and getting lost when removed, as with screws, which also makes it easier to replace the light source module 8.

[0049] Furthermore, the engagement between the fixing member 10 and the engaged portion 14 is not easily released due to the action of elastic force, so the indicator light 100 can be applied not only to buildings, but also to automobiles, railways, aircraft, and other devices that are installed in places where vibrations are present.

[0050] In the indicator lamp 100, the direction in which the fixing member 10 extends across the light source module 8 is the up-down direction, and the mounting portion is provided on the lower side of the light source module 8. It is not essential that the mounting portion 12 is provided on the lower side of the light source module in this manner; it may be provided on the upper side, or the direction in which the fixing member 10 extends across the light source module 8 may be the left-right direction.

[0051] However, if the mounting portion 12 is provided on the lower side, when the fixing member 10 is released from engagement with the engaged portion 14, it rotates around the axis AA as shown in Fig. 3(A) and is held so as to hang down from the mounting portion 12. This is advantageous because the fixing member 10 does not interfere with the light source module 8 when the light source module 8 is replaced.

[0052] Furthermore, in the indicator light 100, the mounting portion 12 has a rectangular recess 12a extending from the rear surface of the rear wall 20 of the housing 2, as viewed from behind, and the engaged portion 14 has a rectangular opening 14b in rear view formed in the rear wall of the housing 2, the opening 14b having a front-to-rear dimension equal to the front-to-rear dimension of the hooks 14a1 and 14a2. These structures are necessary for the die-cutting process when manufacturing the housing 2 by injection molding, but are not necessarily required to achieve the effects of the present invention. For example, the recess 12a may simply be a hole penetrating the mounting portion 12 in the left-to-right direction, and the opening 14b may not be provided. However, providing the recess 12a and the opening 14b is advantageous because it allows the housing 2 to be manufactured using a standard injection molding die without requiring a complex die or post-molding processing.

[0053] In the indicator lamp 100, the light source module 8 has three light sources 81, is rectangular in shape with the longitudinal direction extending left and right, and is fixed using two fixing members 10. However, this is merely an example, and does not limit the shape of the light source module 8, the number of light sources 81, or the number of fixing members 10. At least one light source 81 and at least two fixing members 10 are required.

[0054] Furthermore, in the indicator lamp 100, the fixing member 10 is configured to cross the light source module 8 in the short direction, but this is not limited thereto, and the fixing member 10 may be configured to cross the light source module 8 in the long direction. Furthermore, as described above, the configuration is not limited to forming the mounting portion 12 downward and the engaged portion 14 upward, but the mounting portion 12 may be formed upward and the engaged portion 14 downward. Furthermore, the mounting portion 12 may be formed on the left and the engaged portion 14 on the right, or vice versa.

[0055] Variation 1 Fig. 8(A) is a front view of a fixing member 10A of an indicator light 100A according to one modification of the first embodiment, and Fig. 8(B) is a side view of the fixing member 10A as viewed from the right. For ease of explanation, Fig. 8(B) shows the positions of the mounting surface 20a and the light source module 8 when attached to the housing 2 with dashed lines. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 3, showing the indicator light 100A with the front cover 4 removed.

[0056] The indicator light 100A has the same configuration as the indicator light 100, except that the fixing member 10 is a fixing member 10A.

[0057] The fixing member 10A is a wire spring like the fixing member 10, but as shown in Fig. 8(B), the left and right tip portions 10Aa1, 10Aa2 are rounded. This makes it easier to pinch the tip portions 10Aa1, 10Aa2 of the fixing member 10A when engaging them with the engaged portion 14, and also prevents the end faces of the wire spring from getting caught on fingers, etc.

[0058] Moreover, the fixing member 10A, except for a central portion 10Ab attached to the attachment portion 12, is curved so as to move away from the light source module 8 (that is, the attachment surface 20a) as it approaches the tip.

[0059] 9, when fixing member 10A is engaged with engaged portion 14, a force (arrow F) acts pressing light source module 8, which increases as it moves upward due to the difference in distance from engaged portion 14. On the other hand, as it is curved toward the tip, a force (arrow G) acts that tries to move away from light source module 8, so that a uniform force acts on light source module 8 in the vertical direction, pressing the light source module against mounting surface 20a, which is advantageous as there is no need to worry about the strength of the light source module.

[0060] In this way, in addition to the effects of the indicator lamp 100 according to the first embodiment described above, Modification 1 can provide further advantageous effects. Note that the deformation of rounding the tip ends 10Aa1, 10Aa2 of the fixing member 10A and the deformation of curving the fixing member 10A toward the tip end are independent deformations, and only one of them may be adopted. In this case, it is possible to provide effects corresponding to the respective deformation configurations.

[0061] Variation 2 10 is a front view of a housing 2B constituting an indicator light 100B according to another modification of the first embodiment, with the front cover 4 removed. The indicator light 100B has the same configuration as the indicator light 100 according to the first embodiment, except for the following points.

[0062] While the indicator light 100 includes two fixing members 10, which are filament springs formed in a U-shape, the indicator light 100B includes one fixing member 10B, which is a filament spring formed in a V-shape. Furthermore, while each fixing member 10 crosses the light source module 8 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light source module 8, the V-shaped portion of fixing member 10B crosses the light source module 8 diagonally (in the intersecting direction). This allows fixing member 10B to be held openably and closably relative to the light source module 8.

[0063] In addition, in the indicator light 100, the engaged portion 14 corresponding to one fixed member 10 has a pair of hooks 14a1 and 14a2 on the left and right, whereas in the indicator light 100B, engaged portions 14B1 and 14B2 are formed corresponding to the V-shaped tip portions 10Ba1 and 10Ba2 of one fixed member 10B, and engaged portions 14B1 and 14B2 each have one hook 14Ba1 and 14Ba2.

[0064] The engaged portions 14B1 and 14B2 have rectangular openings 14Bb1 and 14Bb2 in the rear wall of the housing 2B, respectively, that are aligned with the vertical dimensions of the hooks 14Ba1 and 14Ba2. The V-shaped tip portions 10Ba1 and 10Ba2 of the fixing member 10B are engaged with the hooks 14Ba1 and 14Ba2 by the action of elastic force, thereby sandwiching the light source module 8 between the fixing member 10B and the mounting surface 20Ba, and fixing the light source module 8.

[0065] In this way, in the indicator lamp 100B, the fixing member 10B is configured in a V-shape rather than a U-shape, and a corresponding engagement portion 14B is formed, so that the light source module 8 can be fixed with just one fixing member 10B.

[0066] (Second embodiment) An indicator light 200 according to the second embodiment is an indicator light having the same configuration as the indicator light 100, except for the configuration around a fixing member 210 that corresponds to the fixing member 10. While the fixing member 10 according to the first embodiment is made of a wire spring, the fixing member 210 according to this embodiment is made of a leaf spring.

[0067] Fig. 11 is a front view of the indicator lamp 200 with the front cover 4 removed. Figs. 12(A), 12(B), and 12(C) are cross-sectional views of the same, taken along lines XIIA-XIIA, XIIB-XIIB, and XIIC-XIIC in Fig. 11, respectively.

[0068] The fixing member 210 is made of a known leaf spring material such as stainless steel (SUS (Steel Use Stainless)). As shown in Figures 11 and 12(A), the fixing member 210 is roughly a narrow strip-shaped leaf spring bent like a hairpin, with a length that crosses the light source module 8, and one end is folded back once to about halfway along its entire length. The fixing member 210 has a tip end 210a that engages with an engaged portion 214 (described later), a curved portion 210b that curves like a hairpin and is attached to an attachment portion 212 (described later), and an intermediate end 210c that is located at a position approximately halfway along its entire length.

[0069] The dashed dotted line in FIG. 12(A) indicates the state in which the fixing member 210 is disengaged from the engaged portion 214.

[0070] Two fixing members 210 are provided so as to cross the light source module 8 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figures 11, 12(A), and 12(C), on the lower side of the positioned light source module 8, a mounting portion 212 for mounting the fixing members 210 is formed on the mounting surface 220a. The mounting portion 212 includes a pair of standing walls 212a that stand facing inward of the lamp chamber S of the light source module 8, and a shaft portion 212b that is provided between the pair of standing walls 212a, so as to face each other with the fixing member 210 in between.

[0071] The shaft 212b is made of metal and is inserted into a hole formed in one of the upright walls 212a. The distance of the shaft 212b from the mounting surface 220a is set so that the fixing member 210 abuts against the light source module 8 when the light source module 8 is positioned and the tip 210a of the fixing member 210 is engaged with the engaged portion. The curved portion 210b is set to a size with play so that there is space around the shaft 212b when attached to the shaft 212b. The intermediate end 210c of the fixing member 210 is slightly curved in the opposite direction to the portion extending from the curved portion 210b toward the tip 210a. The fixing member 210 can be attached to the mounting portion 212 by passing the shaft 212b between the intermediate end 210c and the portion extending from the curved portion 210b toward the tip 210a.

[0072] When no external force is applied, the portion of fixing member 210 extending from curved portion 210b toward tip end 210a and the portion between curved portion 210b and intermediate end 210c are closed by the action of elastic force. Therefore, when fixing member 210 is not engaged with engaged portion 214, as shown in Fig. 12(A), it is held by attachment portion 12 in a hanging down state and will not fall off.

[0073] An engaged portion 214 that engages with the tip portion 210a of the fixing member 210 is formed on the upper side of the mounting surface 220a, facing the mounting portion 212 via the light source module 8. As shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B), the engaged portion 214 is formed with a hook 214a that stands forward from the mounting surface 220a, and a rectangular opening 214b that has dimensions corresponding to those of the hook 214a when viewed from behind.

[0074] When the light source module 8 is attached, the tip 210a of the fixing member 210 is engaged with the hook 214a. The tip 210a of the fixing member 210 is thicker than the middle portion, preventing the fixing member 210 from dropping downward and being disengaged. As a result, the fixing member 210 crosses the light source module 8 in the vertical direction and sandwiches the light source module 8 between itself and the attachment surface 220a, thereby fixing the light source module 8 to the housing 202.

[0075] As in the first embodiment, the distance d6 from the mounting surface 220a to the tip 210a of the fixing member 210 engaged with the hook 214a is designed to be slightly shorter than the distance d5 from the mounting surface 220a to the fixing member 210 held by the mounting portion 12. This causes a force of the fixing member 210 to press the light source module 8 rearward. At the same time, this force also acts to engage the tip 210a with the hook 214a, preventing the tip 210a from falling off the hook 214a. In this way, in the indicator lamp 200 as well, the fixing member 210 crosses the light source module 8 and sandwiches it between the fixing member 210 and the mounting surface 220a, making it possible to fix the light source module 8 to the housing 202 without using screws.

[0076] Next, with reference to Fig. 13, a procedure for fixing the light source module 8 to the housing 202 with the fixing member 210 will be described. The worker positions the light source module 8 and rotates the fixing member 210 hanging down to the state shown in Fig. 13(A). At this time, the curved portion 210b has some play with respect to the shaft portion 212b, and the tip portion 210a can be moved in the direction of arrow H. Therefore, after moving it as shown in Fig. 13(B), the tip portion 210a is engaged with the hook 214a as shown in Fig. 13(C).

[0077] Conversely, when removing the light source module 8 from the housing 202, the worker first presses the tip 210a of the fixing member 210 backward from the state shown in Figure 13(C), and then moves the tip 210a in the direction of removing it from the hook 214a, as shown in Figure 13(B), to release the tip 210a of the fixing member 210 and return it to the state shown in Figure 13(A).

[0078] In this way, even if the fixing member 210 is made of a leaf spring, it is possible to fix the light source module 8 to the mounting surface 220a in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0079] It goes without saying that the modifications explained in relation to the first embodiment can be applied to this embodiment as long as they do not impair the function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 2,2B: Housing 3:Fixed part 6, 6a: Rib (positioning means) 8: Light source module 10, 10A, 10B, 210: Fixing member 10Aa1,10Aa2,10Ba1,10Ba2: Tip 10a1,10a2,210a:Tip 12,212: Mounting part 14,14B1,14B2,214: Engaged part 20Ba, 20a, 220a: Mounting surface 81 :Light source 100,100A,100B,200: Indicator light 202: Housing 210b: curved section

Claims

1. a flat light source module having at least one light source; a housing having a mounting surface for the light source module; at least one fixing member that traverses the light source module and fixes the light source module to the housing by sandwiching the light source module between the fixing member and the mounting surface; a positioning means for restricting movement of the light source module within the mounting surface, the housing has an attachment portion formed on one side of the light source module positioned on the attachment surface, for attaching the fixing member rotatably around an axis extending in a direction intersecting a direction across the light source module, and an engaged portion formed on the other side opposite the attachment portion, with which a tip end of the fixing member engages; The indicator lamp is characterized in that the fixing member is configured to engage with the engaged portion by the action of an elastic force, thereby fixing the light source module to the housing.

2. The fixing member is a wire spring formed in a U-shape, and is attached to the attachment portion at a curved portion of the U-shape, with two tip ends being free ends. The engaged portion includes two engaged portions corresponding to the two tip portions, 2. The indicator light according to claim 1, wherein the two tip portions are biased against the two corresponding engaged portions, so that an elastic force acts outwardly of the U-shape to engage the two tip portions.

3. 3. The indicator lamp according to claim 2, wherein the fixing member of the wire spring has a rounded tip.

4. The indicator light described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the fixing member of the wire spring is curved so as to move away from the mounting surface as it moves from the mounting portion toward the tip when the fixing member is disengaged from the corresponding two engaged portions.

5. 3. The indicator light according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion is provided below the light source module.

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