Interior lighting for model railways

Abstract

We provide interior lighting for model railways that can be used with various types of model trains. [Solution] The interior lighting for model railways comprises a lighting unit and an adapter. The lighting unit has a circuit board, a light source, a power supply circuit, through-holes, and conductors. The light source is arranged longitudinally at predetermined intervals on one side of the circuit board. The power supply circuit has a rectifier and a constant voltage supply unit. The through-holes are formed on the circuit board within the range of the power supply circuit. The conductors are formed on one side of the circuit board outside the range of the power supply circuit, extending longitudinally, and supply a predetermined voltage supplied by the constant voltage supply unit. The adapter has screw holes for through-holes, fixing screws, and protrusions. The fixing screws are conductive and penetrate the through-holes, fixing the adapter by being inserted into the screw holes for through-holes. The protrusions are conductive and face a conductive plate placed on the floor of the model railway.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to indoor lighting for a railway model disposed indoors.

Background Art

[0002] A lighting component of Patent Document 1 and a railway model having the structure shown in FIG. 9 are known as the prior art. FIG. 9(A) is a view of the railway model 900 seen from the side, and FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C) are cross-sectional views of the railway model 900 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 9(A). The railway model 900 includes a floor portion 910, wheels 920, a car body 930, a light emitter 940, and a transparent substrate 950. The floor portion 910 has a conductive plate 911. The conductive plate 911 is generally made of copper. Two conductive plates 911 extend in the length direction of the floor portion 910. Electric power to the railway model 900 is supplied from a line through the wheels 920. The wheels 920 are formed of a conductive material, and although not shown, the wheels 920 and the conductive plate 911 are electrically connected. Therefore, when the railway model 900 traveling on a line according to a standard is placed on the line, electric power is supplied to the conductive plate 911. The difference between FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C) is the difference in the position and width of the conductive plate 911, which often depends on the manufacturer of the railway model.

[0003] The supplied electric power is generally a DC pulse, but may also be AC. The car body 930 is disposed on the floor portion 910. The car body 930 includes a door portion 931, a window portion 932, and the like. The light emitter 940 is disposed at the end on the roof side of the interior of the car body 930 and is connected to the conductive plate 911 by a conductor 942. The light emitter 940 emits light in the length direction of the car body 930. The transparent substrate 950 is disposed on the roof side of the interior of the car body 930 and has prisms 951 at a plurality of locations in the length direction of the car body 930. Since the light emitted by the light emitter 940 is diffused by reflection at the prisms 951 and the like, it appears as if there is an indoor light at the position of the prisms 951. The floor portion 910 may have columns 912 for supporting the transparent substrate 950. When there are no columns 912, the transparent substrate 950 is attached to the ceiling of the car body 930 with double-sided tape.

[0004] In the conventional technology shown in Figure 9, the interior lighting for model railways is composed of a light-emitting element 940 and a transparent substrate 950. Note that interior lighting for model railways is not always standard equipment on model railways and is often offered as an option. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-151176 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] For model trains 900 that run on tracks conforming to standards, the width of the wheels 920 is determined according to the track standards, and the width of the vehicle is approximately the same. However, in conventional technology, as shown in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), the position and width of the conductive plates 911 differ depending on the model train manufacturer. Also, the lengths of the floor 910 and body 930 differ depending on the type of model train 900, even from the same manufacturer. For example, if the model train 900 is a Shinkansen, the floor 910 and body 930 will be longer, while if it is a conventional train, the floor 910 and body 930 will be shorter.

[0007] Interior lighting for model railways is a product that is sometimes supplied by companies other than model railway manufacturers. Model railway manufacturers generally design and manufacture their own interior lighting for model railways. On the other hand, companies other than model railway manufacturers face the challenge of providing interior lighting for model railways that can be used with model railways from various manufacturers and of various lengths, even if the model railways run on tracks that conform to standards. The present invention aims to provide interior lighting for model railways that can be used with various model railways. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides interior lighting for model railways, comprising a lighting unit and an adapter, which are positioned on the roof side of the interior of the model railway. The lighting unit includes a circuit board, a light source, a power supply circuit, through-holes, and conductors. The light source is arranged longitudinally at predetermined intervals on one surface of the circuit board. The power supply circuit includes a rectifier and a constant voltage supply unit formed in a power supply circuit area, which is part of the circuit board. Two through-holes are formed in the circuit board within the power supply circuit area. Two conductors are formed on one surface of the circuit board outside the power supply circuit area, extending longitudinally, and supply a predetermined voltage supplied by the constant voltage supply unit. The adapter has through-hole screw holes, fixing screws, and protrusions. The two through-hole screw holes correspond to the through-holes. The fixing screws are conductive and secure the adapter by penetrating the through-holes and being inserted into the through-hole screw holes. The protrusions are conductive and face a conductive plate positioned on the floor of the model railway. The light source outside the power supply circuit area is positioned between the two conductors. The protrusions are electrically connected to the input of the rectifier. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention provides interior lighting for model railways, comprising a lighting unit and an adapter, which are positioned on the roof side of the interior of the model railway. The lighting unit can be standardized for model railways that run on tracks conforming to standards, and the position and size of the protrusions on the adapter can be adjusted to suit the conductive plate placed on the floor of the model railway. Therefore, the present invention provides interior lighting for model railways that can be used in a variety of model railways. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the structure of a model train. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the structure of the lighting unit. [Figure 3] A diagram showing a first structural example of interior lighting for model railways. [Figure 4] Enlarged view of the area around the adapter in the first structural example. [Figure 5] A diagram showing a second structural example of interior lighting for model railways. [Figure 6]Enlarged view of the area around the adapter in the second structural example. [Figure 7] Enlarged cross-sectional view of the adapter area in the second structural example. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the structure and applications of an auxiliary conductive plate. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the structure of a conventional model railway. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Components having the same function will be given the same number, and redundant explanations will be omitted. [Examples]

[0012] Figure 1 shows the structure of the model railway. Figure 1(A) is a side view of the model railway 800, and Figures 1(B) and 1(C) are cross-sectional views of the model railway 800 on line AA in Figure 1(A). The model railway 800 comprises a floor 910, wheels 920, a body 930, a lighting unit 100, adapters 201 and 202, and compression coil springs 401 and 402. The floor 910 has conductive plates 911. The conductive plates 911 are generally made of copper. Two conductive plates 911 extend in the longitudinal direction of the floor 910. Power to the model railway 800 is supplied from the track (not shown) via the wheels 920. The wheels 920 are made of a conductive material, and although not shown, the wheels 920 and the conductive plates 911 are electrically connected. Therefore, when the model railway 800, which runs on a track according to standards, is placed on the track, power is supplied to the conductive plates 911. The difference between Figure 1(B) and Figure 1(C) lies in the position and width of the conductive plate 911, which often depends on the model railway manufacturer.

[0013] The supplied power is generally a DC pulse, but it may also be AC. The vehicle body 930 is placed on the floor 910. The vehicle body 930 is equipped with door sections 931, window sections 932, etc. The lighting unit 100 is located on the roof side of the interior of the vehicle body 930. If the floor 910 has pillars 912, the lighting unit 100 can be supported by the pillars 912. If there are no pillars 912, the lighting unit 100 can be attached to the ceiling of the vehicle body 930 with double-sided tape. The lighting unit 100 is connected to the conductive plate 911 via adapters 201, 202 and compression coil springs 401, 402.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the lighting unit. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a first example of the structure of the interior lighting for model railways, and Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the area around the adapter in the case of the first example. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the structure of the interior lighting for model railways, Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the area around the adapter in the case of the second example, and Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the adapter in the case of the second example. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the structure and use of the auxiliary conductive plate. The interior lighting for model railways 11,12 comprises at least a lighting unit 100 and adapters 201,202 which are placed on the roof side of the interior of the model railway 800. The interior lighting for model railways 11,12 may also include compression coil springs 401,402. The interior lighting for model railways 11,12 may further include an auxiliary conductive plate 511.

[0015] Figure 2(A) is a plan view of the lighting unit 100 as seen from one side 101 of the circuit board 105, and Figure 2(B) is a side view of the lighting unit 100 as seen from the side. In Figure 2(B), one side 101 is the bottom side and the other side 102 is the top side. When the lighting unit 100 is placed on the roof side of the interior of the model railway 800, one side 101 will be the bottom side. The lighting unit 100 includes a circuit board 105, a light source 110, a power supply circuit 120, through-holes 130, and conductors 140.

[0016] The light source 110 is arranged in the length direction at a predetermined interval on one surface 101 of the substrate 105. Here, the "length direction" is the direction of the long side of the rectangular substrate 105 shown in Fig. 2(A), and is also the traveling direction of the railway model 800. The "width direction" is the direction of the short side of the rectangular substrate 105 shown in Fig. 2(A). There are a plurality of light sources 110, which are arranged at intervals where illumination of the railway model is desired. Therefore, it is a component whose arrangement is prioritized among the components of the lighting unit 100. An LED may be used as the light source 110, and a light source unit 115 is formed by a resistor 111 connected in series with the light source 110. By supplying a predetermined constant voltage to the light source unit 115, the light source 110 emits light. For example, the light source units 115 are arranged at intervals of 8 to 13 mm.

[0017] The power supply circuit 120 includes a rectifying unit 121 and a constant voltage supply unit 122. Also, a range including a part of the substrate 105 that forms the power supply circuit 120 will be referred to as the power supply circuit range 125. In the lighting unit 100, as described above, the position of the light source 110 is prioritized. Other components are arranged while prioritizing the light source 110. Also, when there is no pillar 912, the lighting unit 100 is attached to the ceiling of the vehicle body 930 with double-sided tape. Therefore, it is desirable that the other surface 102 of the substrate 105 has irregularities such that double-sided tape can be used.

[0018] Two through-holes 130 are formed in the substrate 105 within the power supply circuit range 125. There is a wiring connected to the input of the rectifying unit 121 near the through-hole 130. For example, a conductive range may be formed around the through-hole 130 on the other surface 102 and connected to the input of the rectifying unit 121 on the one surface 101 side. The rectifying unit 121 converts a DC pulse or AC supplied via the wheel 920 into DC. The constant voltage supply unit 122 is a circuit that supplies a predetermined constant voltage so that the light source 110 emits light. Both the rectifying unit 121 and the constant voltage supply unit 122 utilize existing technologies, and the configuration excluding the wiring may be arranged on one surface 101 of the substrate 105.

[0019] Two conductors 140 are formed on one side 101 of the substrate outside the power supply circuit range 125, extending in the longitudinal direction, and supply a predetermined voltage supplied by the constant voltage supply unit 122. The light source 110 outside the power supply circuit range 125 is positioned between the two conductors 140. The light source unit 115 is supplied with a predetermined voltage via the two conductors 140. Within the power supply circuit range 125, there is also a light source unit 115 in which the light source 110 and a resistor 111 are connected in series, and a predetermined voltage supplied by the constant voltage supply unit 122 is supplied to it. However, the arrangement and wiring of the resistor 111 may differ from those outside the power supply circuit range 125.

[0020] The circuit board 105 should be the length that corresponds to the longest model railway among various model railways. Outside the power supply circuit range 125, two conductors 140 are formed in the longitudinal direction, and the light source 110 is placed between them. Therefore, by cutting the circuit board between the light sources 110, the circuit board 105 can be shortened while maintaining the insulation between the two conductors 140. Thus, the user can adjust the length of the model railway interior lighting 11,12 to match the model railway 800 they wish to install it on. In addition, a groove 150 may be formed in the width direction of the circuit board 105 on the other surface 102 of the circuit board 105, between the light sources 110 outside the power supply circuit range 125. Since a groove 150 is formed in the width direction on the other surface 102, the circuit board 105 can be cut by bending it along the groove 150. In other words, the user can easily adjust the length of the circuit board 105 without using any tools. For example, a glass epoxy substrate with a thickness of 0.6 to 0.8 mm and a width of 9.5 mm can be used for the substrate 105, and a groove 150 can be formed so that it can be cut by bending. Note that the power supply circuit area 125 can be made sufficiently short compared to the length of the model train 800, so it is not necessary to cut the substrate 105 at the power supply circuit area 125.

[0021] The adapters 201 and 202 have through-hole screw holes 210, fixing screws 301 and 302, and projections 300. The two through-hole screw holes 210 correspond to the through-hole 130. The fixing screws 301 and 302 are conductive and penetrate the through-hole 130 and are inserted into the through-hole screw holes 210 to fix the adapters 201 and 202 to one side 101 of the substrate 105. The projections 300 are conductive and face the conductive plate 911 located on the floor 910 of the model railway 800. The projections 300 are electrically connected to the input of the rectifier unit 121 via the fixing screws 301 and 302. Since there is wiring connected to the input of the rectifier unit 121 near the through-hole 130, it is sufficient to connect the fixing screws 301 and 302 to that wiring.

[0022] Figure 3(A) is a view of the model railway interior lighting 11 (first structural example) from one side 101 of the substrate 105, Figure 3(B) is a view of the model railway interior lighting 11 from the side, and Figure 3(C) is a view of the model railway interior lighting 11 in relation to the floor 910 in the longitudinal direction. Figures 3(B) and (C) also show the compression coil spring 401. Figure 4(A) is an enlarged view of the area around the adapter of the model railway interior lighting 11, and Figure 4(B) is an enlarged view also showing the compression coil spring 401.

[0023] In the railway model interior lighting 11, a fixing screw 301 is inserted from the other side 102 of the circuit board 105 toward the adapter 201. The fixing screw 301 protrudes from the opposite side of the adapter 201 from the circuit board 105, forming a projection 300. In other words, the projection 300 is the tip and the threaded portion near the tip of the fixing screw 301. The compression coil spring 401 can be attached to the threaded portion near the tip of the fixing screw 301. With this type of attachment, even a user can easily attach it. Therefore, when transferring the product to a user, the compression coil spring 401 should not be attached. This also prevents the compression coil springs 401 from getting tangled with each other.

[0024] In the model railway interior lighting 11, the through-hole 130 faces the conductive plate 911 located on the floor 910 of the model railway 800. If the conductive plate 911 is located near the center of the floor 910, as shown in Figure 3(C), the configuration of the model railway interior lighting 11 is easily adopted. Since it is electrically connected to the input of the rectifier unit 121 via the fixing screw 301, it is desirable to place the through-hole 130 at the end of the power supply circuit range 125.

[0025] Figure 5(A) is a view of the model railway interior lighting 12 (second structural example) from one side 101 of the substrate 105, Figure 5(B) is a view of the model railway interior lighting 12 from the side, and Figure 5(C) is a view of the model railway interior lighting 12 in relation to the floor 910 in the longitudinal direction. Figures 5(B) and (C) also show the compression coil spring 402. Figure 6(A) is an enlarged view of the area around the adapter of the model railway interior lighting 12, and Figure 6(B) is an enlarged view also showing the compression coil spring 401. In the model railway interior lighting 12, the adapter 202 also has two conductive parts 250. The conductive parts 250 electrically connect the fixing screw 302 inserted into the through-hole screw hole 210 and the projection 300.

[0026] More specifically, for example, the adapter 202 for the interior lighting 12 for model railways also has two position adjustment screw holes 220, two conductive parts 250, and two adjustment screws 303. One set is formed by one through-hole screw hole 210, one position adjustment screw hole 220, and one conductive part 250. In other words, two sets of through-hole screw holes 210, position adjustment screw holes 220, and conductive parts 250 are formed. The conductive part 250 electrically connects the fixing screw 302 inserted into the through-hole screw hole 210 of the same set and the adjustment screw 303 inserted into the position adjustment screw hole 220. The adjustment screw 303 inserted into the position adjustment screw hole 220 from the circuit board 105 side protrudes from the opposite side of the adapter 202 from the circuit board 105, forming a projection 300. In other words, the projection 300 is the tip and the screw part near the tip of the adjustment screw 303. The compression coil spring 402 should be attached to the threaded portion near the tip of the adjustment screw 303. This type of attachment allows even a user to easily install it. Therefore, when transferring the equipment to a user, the compression coil spring 402 should not be attached. This also prevents the compression coil springs 402 from becoming entangled with each other.

[0027] The position adjustment screw holes 220 should preferably be formed so as to have a gap between them and the substrate 105 when the adapter 202 is fixed to the substrate 105, or in a position where there is no substrate 105. This is to prevent the heads of the adjustment screws 303 from deforming the substrate 105. The configuration of the railway model interior lighting 12 is suitable when the conductive plate 911 is located at the edge of the floor portion 910, as shown in Figure 5(C).

[0028] In the example of the adapter 202 shown in Figure 7, the conductive part 250 has a hole through which an adjustment screw 303 passes. When the adjustment screw 303 is installed, the conductive part 250 and the head of the adjustment screw 303 come into contact. The conductive part 250 does not have a hole at the location of the fixing screw 302. When the adapter 202 is fixed to the circuit board 105 with the fixing screw 302, the tip of the fixing screw 302 comes into contact with the conductive part 250. The height of the head of the adjustment screw 303 should be less than or equal to the gap between the circuit board 105 and the adapter 202.

[0029] The interior lighting for model railways 11 and 12 may also be equipped with an auxiliary conductive plate 511 as shown in Figure 8. In some cases, it may be difficult to bring the compression coil springs 401 and 402 into contact with the conductive plate 911 itself. In such cases, a part of the conductive plate 911 may be replaced with the auxiliary conductive plate 511. The auxiliary conductive plate 511 is positioned so as to partially overlap with the power supply conductive plate 911 located on the floor 910 of the model railway 800. Therefore, the auxiliary conductive plate 511 and the conductive plate 911 are electrically connected. The auxiliary conductive plate 511 also comes into contact with the compression coil springs 401 and 402. The auxiliary conductive plate 511 may be equipped with a stopper 512 to stabilize its position relative to the floor 910. The stopper 512 has the effect of preventing the auxiliary conductive plate 511 from entering the interior of the floor 910.

[0030] The railway model interior lighting 11 and 12 of the present invention comprises a lighting unit 100 and adapters 201 and 202, which are positioned on the roof side of the interior of the railway model 800. The lighting unit 100 can be standardized for railway models that run on tracks conforming to standards, and the position and size of the protrusions 300 on the adapters 201 and 202 can be adjusted to suit the conductive plate 911 positioned on the floor 910 of the railway model. Therefore, the lighting unit 100, which has high manufacturing costs, can be made cheaper through economies of scale, and differences between railway models can be adjusted with the adapters 201 and 202. Thus, the railway model interior lighting 11 and 12 of the present invention can provide railway model interior lighting that can be used with various railway models. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0031] 11,12 Interior lighting for model railways 100 lighting unit 105 Substrate 110 Light source 111 Resistor 115 Light source section 120 Power supply circuit 121 Rectifier section 122 Constant voltage supply unit 125 Power supply circuit range 130 through-holes, 140 conductors 150 groove 201,202 adapter 210 Screw holes for through-holes 220 Screw holes for position adjustment 250 Conductive part 300 Protrusion 301, 302 Fixing screws 303 Adjustment screw 401, 402 Compression coil spring 511 Auxiliary conductive plate 512 Stopper 800,900 Railway Model 910 Floor section 911 Conductive plate 912 pillars 920 wheels

Claims

1. It includes a lighting unit and adapter to be placed on the roof side of the interior of the model railway. The aforementioned lighting unit is circuit board and On one side of the substrate, light sources are arranged in the longitudinal direction at predetermined intervals, A power supply circuit having a rectifier section and a constant voltage supply section is formed in the power supply circuit area which is part of the aforementioned substrate, Two through-holes formed in the substrate within the power supply circuit range, On one side of the substrate outside the power supply circuit range, two conductors are formed extending in the longitudinal direction for supplying a predetermined voltage supplied by the constant voltage supply unit. It has, The aforementioned adapter is Two through-hole screw holes corresponding to the aforementioned through-hole, A fixing screw that is conductive, penetrates the through-hole, and is inserted into the screw hole for the through-hole to secure the adapter, Conductive protrusions facing a conductive plate placed on the floor of the aforementioned model railway. It has, The light source outside the power supply circuit range is positioned between the two conductors. The projection is electrically connected to the input of the rectifier. A railway model interior lighting fixture characterized by the following features.

2. The interior lighting for model railways according to claim 1, The through-hole is located at the edge of the power supply circuit range, The aforementioned fixing screw is inserted from the other side of the substrate toward the adapter, and the projection is formed when it protrudes from the opposite side of the adapter from the substrate. A railway model interior lighting fixture characterized by the following features.

3. The interior lighting for model railways according to claim 1, The adapter also has two conductive parts, The conductive portion electrically connects the fixing screw, which is inserted into the through-hole screw hole, with the projection. A railway model interior lighting fixture characterized by the following features.

4. The interior lighting for model railways according to claim 1, The adapter also has two position adjustment screw holes, two conductive parts, and two adjustment screws. Each of the through-hole screw holes, the position adjustment screw holes, and the conductive part forms a set. The conductive part electrically connects the fixing screw inserted into the through-hole screw hole and the adjustment screw inserted into the position adjustment screw hole of the same set. The position adjustment screw hole is formed such that there is a gap between it and the substrate when the adapter is fixed to the substrate, or it is formed in a position where there is no substrate. The adjustment screw, inserted into the position adjustment screw hole from the substrate side, protrudes from the opposite side of the adapter from the substrate, thereby forming the projection. A railway model interior lighting fixture characterized by the following features.

5. The interior lighting for model railways according to claim 1, Between the light sources outside the power supply circuit range, a groove is formed in the width direction of the substrate on the other side of the substrate opposite to the one side, and the substrate can be cut by bending along the groove. A railway model interior lighting fixture characterized by the following features.

6. An interior lighting fixture for model railways according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The system also includes a conductive compression coil spring attached to the aforementioned projection, The compression coil spring is electrically connected to a conductive plate for power supply located on the floor of the model railway. A railway model interior lighting fixture characterized by the following features.

7. The interior lighting for model railways according to claim 6, The model railway also includes an auxiliary conductive plate positioned so as to partially overlap with the conductive plate for power supply placed on the floor of the model railway. The auxiliary conductive plate is in contact with the compression coil spring. A railway model interior lighting fixture characterized by the following features.

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